A Fantastic Combination
Fall is the season of layering. Sweaters with camis. Cardigan and shell sets. But why layer like everyone else is layering? Allow me to present to a slightly more unconventional brand of layering:
This look is comprised of two pieces. The bottom layer is a silk ruffle top and the top layer is an adorable wrap front sweater.
The great thing about this ensemble is that the ruffled detail on the top eliminates the need for a necklace- it serves as built in jewelry! Both pieces would also be great on their own, or with other layers. For example, you could pair the silk ruffle top with a simple cardigan (which you probably already have in your closet anyway). Or you could pair the wrap sweater with a coordinating turtleneck for cooler days. They can also be dressed up or down, with jeans or dressier pants. So really, you are getting multiple looks with the addition of just two new pieces. And who doesn’t love that?
Silk ruffle top at Old Navy, $26.50. Available in sizes XS-XXL.
Wrap sweater at Old Navy, $34.50. Available in sizes XS-XXL.
Style Friday - How to wear navy for evening
Nine West 'Begin'
The LBD is the default for after-five entertaining, and it’s a good one, classic and sleek and easy-to-wear, but sometimes, a girl just wants something with a little more color for her nights out. Navy blue is less harsh and more flattering than black, particularly for those of us who are Over Forty. But what kind of shoes go with a navy cocktail dress?
Navy is the perfect foil for a great patterned shoe, either an animal print, like the Nine West pumps shown here, or a floral print (I’m currently in love with J. Crew’s floral peep-toe pumps). Go bright or bold — animal prints and florals and dramatic color are perfect with navy. Pop your navy dress with bright yellow or pink or green shoes — the sky is pretty much the limit.
Steer clear of basic black or brown pumps, though — take advantage of the simplicity of a navy dress for evening with dramatic shoes.
Nine West Begin pumps, $99.00 at Piperlime.
Fall manicure gets you ready for cooler days
OPI's Lincoln Park After Dark
I don’t know about the rest of you, but I was ready to say goodbye to summer — I’m tired of the pool and ready to have nice nails again (not possible, really, when they are constantly slathered in sunscreen). So today I packed the kids off to school and had a mani/pedi.
I opted for classic red toes and pink fingers, but as soon as the weather turns cool, I’ll be switching over to something more fall-like: rich, dramatic, saturated colors, like plum and navy.
My go-to for fall is OPI’s Lincoln Park After Dark, which is a deep deep eggplant that ALMOST looks black on your nails. But it’s not, and because it has that plummy undertone, it won’t leave you looking dead, just hip.
Dramatic color too much to imagine for day? How about opting for a purple or navy pedicure instead? Perfect with a pair of dramatic peep toe pumps.
OPI nail laquers are available in drugstores for about $6.00.
Style Friday - What to wear with a navy dress
DV by Dolce Vita Karma boots
Pamela emailed me recently to say that she bought this dress, at J. Crew (still available! and on sale!) in navy blue, and now she’s wondering what shoes to wear with it. “For spring/summer I have some great camel-colored sandals and patterned ballet flats that the dress will looks great with. But what to do about fall and winter, which is right around the corner? We live in the Midwest, so I will most likely need to wear high boots at least sometimes with it. Would chocolate brown high heeled boots work? If so, what kind/color hosiery would I wear with it?”
Chocolate brown boots would be PERFECT with this dress, as would a lighter brown, like the camel boots pictured here. Boots — both flat and high heeled — are huge this fall, and the combination of a great boot with a simple jersey dress is chic and practical all at once.
Pair brown boots with brown tights for the longest leg line; choose tights that are the same shade as the boots to really extend the leg. Opt for a textured tight for a little pattern. And for warmer fall days, wear the boots without any hosiery — why not?
DV by Dolce Vita Karma boots in nut; $175.00 at Piperlime.
Next Friday: shoes and hose for the navy cocktail dress.
Knock it off - you’ll be glad you did
Old Navy quilted faux leather satchel
Lusting after a really beautiful high-end handbag? But not willing to choose between paying the rent and stashing your stuff in style? I have a solution.
For fall 2008, big patent handbags are hip and cool, but the big price tag on some can be overwhelming. J. Crew has a beautiful patent leather hobo for $298.00 — OR you can grab the Old Navy knock off for $34.50.
Sure, it’s not real leather, and it’s probably not as meticulously crafted as the J. Crew version, but if you’re looking for this season’s It Bag, this isn’t a bad way to get it.
Old Navy quilted faux leather satchel, $34.50. Available in five colors. Big enough to haul all your stuff; affordable to allow you to buy more stuff. Perfect.
Style Friday - How to wear a scarf
Raj Imports 'Om' Gauze Scarf
Kristen has a question about scarves: “I have a very pretty scarf that is black with a pattern of large white dots on it. I would like to wear it but don’t know how. The only time I have worn it is as a belt. I see women wearing scarves around their necks and they look chic. How does one tie a scarf around her neck and not look like an old lady or a door-to-door cosmetic sales lady?”
Kristen has a couple of options, neither of which will make her look like an Avon Lady. Since her scarf is large enough to wear as a belt, she can try looping it around her neck and letting the ends hang, like the model here is doing. This is a casual, simple style that’s more bohemian rocker girl than flight attendant. The trick here is to keep the rest of the outfit simple — jeans and a tee or sweater, for example. This also works well under a jacket or trench coat.
Kristen can also loop the scarf a couple of times around her neck and tie it, rather than letting it hang; the key to not looking old or frumpy is to not be too too precise in the wrapping and tying. Don’t fold or wrap the scarf too carefully — it’s okay if the pattern looks a little messy. Wrap it enough times that the ends are very short when you tie them — skip the big fluffy bow. And again, pair with other simple pieces. Kristen wants the scarf to look a little edgy rather than a lot precious.
Raj Imports ‘Om’ gauze scarf, $49.00 at Nordstrom.
Have a question for Style Friday? Email me at fridaystyle.susan@gmail.com!
Style Friday - What you need to know to look your best
I’m on vacation this week; my husband and I are in Beijing, at the Olympics, as guests of Johnson & Johnson. We are incredibly excited and deeply indebted to J&J for making this possible.
Everyone pick up some Johnson’s baby shampoo today and share the love.
When I come back from China (and recover from the jet lag because holy time difference, Batman!) I’ll be introducing a new feature at Fashion Find: Style Friday. Each Friday, instead of featuring a product, I’ll be proffering a simple tip — for dressing your specific body type or scoring a deal on something cool or making the most of what you have.
Have a question for Style Friday? Send me an email at fridaystyle.susan@gmail.com. I’m here to help with whatever dilemma you have.
And also to remind you that Johnson’s Baby Shampoo is the PERFECT soap for all your cashmere pieces. There’s a tip for you! You’re welcome.
Tips for shopping the mid-season sales
Hello, it’s finally summer! Time for barbecues and long days at the pool and cocktails on the porch. Which means that your favorite retailers have to clear the floor for the fall looks. You know, because you don’t need a swimsuit in July, you need a winter coat!
It’s a stupid system, I know, but it can work to your advantage. Mid-season sales are a great time to shop for two categories of things: basics and trends. Sale prices give you a chance to stock up on basics (shorts and tees and tanks and swimwear) that you know you will need this summer AND next. Sales also let you test trends without breaking the bank.
But keep in mind: no matter WHAT you buy, don’t be seduced by the sale price. You’re not SAVING any money, you’re only SPENDING less, and it is only money well spent if you WEAR what you buy. Ask yourself this: would I have paid full-price for this? If the answer is no, then step away from the sale rack; you’re better off spending more and getting something you will really wear.
Gap suede thong sandals, currently $17.99. These qualify as a basic.