leather & peplum go together...

while i already love the peplum look...i am lusting after a leather peplum top...talk about adding a little feminine to provocative...all in one look...with a top like this...you don't need much else...so let the curvaceous top do the talking...while pairing it with a simple pencil skirt...or slim pants...add a killer pair of heels...and you are set!

if sleeveless is not your thing...i have seen this look with a very thin tee underneath...still very sexy looking...and covered...just enough...

martini leather peplum top
amanda uprichard
neiman marcus

'tatyana' leather peplum skirt
trina turk
nordstrom

put together: in a mash-up sort of way...

as i had mentioned last month...one of the big fall trends is a "texture mash-up"...basically a blend of textures and patterns in one single outfit...here is a wonderful example of just that...the caption reads:

"fall is all about mixing textures and patterns in a single outfit - plaids, stripes, tweeds, you name it.  you won't look like you dressed in the dark if you find one similar tone, like the orange in the pants and scarf, to tie it together"

looks so put together for a nice fall day...what do you think?  is it something you would try?

scanned by moi...
unsure of which magazine i pulled from...

fancy pants...

think iridescent...think silk...think shiny...think fancy...what once was considered a possible item to wear for evening...is now part of day wear...making a casual look...oh so special...

think you can't pull it off?  the nice thing is that the patterns come bold...such as these fabulous 7 for all mankind jeans...while i realize this look is not for everyone...you have to admit...it is pretty fabulous...no?

7 for all mankind jeans 'the skinny' foil print jeans 
nordstrom

if you like the idea of wearing some fancy pants...but the pic above scares you...go for something a little tamer...like the jade jacquard capri's...

collection cafe capri in jade jacquard
j crew

as with any trend or style...there are ways of incorporating a little or a lot of it into your outfit...and in that...if it is something you like...and want to try...go for it!

men's corner: a gentleman's boot...

fall is all about boots...at least for us women...but men...this is an accessory that should be added to your shoe collection as well...and currently...there are some fabulous styles to choose from...like the one below by cole haan...or click here to see all the styles available with cole haan...

they can jazz up any pair of jeans or corduroy pants...or wear them with a suit...and your suit isn't as stuffy...adding a nice contemporary feel to your look...

air harrison laced boot
cole haan

fall/winter 2012 trend: coats...

when it comes to the coats of this upcoming season...think big...think voluminous...think architecture...

but as in any trend...the advice i give my clients and friends...is that it needs to be a trend that works for you...your body...and your life style...the worst thing anyone can do...is to wear a piece of something or other...that the magazines dictate as the "in" thing...and in or not...if it is wrong for you...what good is it?

i loved seeing this spread in the october issue of vogue...the coats were photographed by craig mcdean...i mean...it looks like art...doesn't it?  and although i can appreciate the trend...and how lovely it is...this lovely trend will not work for some women...like me...for sure!

i have hips...and drawing this much attention to them...is not something i plan to do...but again...i can appreciate them...in pictures...in stores...and on others...just not me...

and as with any trend...if you look hard enough...you should be able to find something that is suitable for you...and only you...these next two...i am loving...although i have a huge coat collection currently residing in my closet...i never say no to a new coat...if it speaks to me...right?

are you planning on investing in a new coat this year?  obviously depending on where you live...the heavier the better...in california...that is a bit hard to justify...if you are looking...think of expanding from what you already have...a classic camel color is always classy...but think of adding some color...perhaps a fur collar...

if you are thinking you need to stick to your current coats...try adding a belt to an existing coat...to show a new look...change out the buttons...instant update...mix in different scarves...gloves...little changes can make an otherwise old coat...look new again...

(all photos scanned by moi)

men's corner: go out blazing...

as in...topping off that fabulous pair of jeans...khaki's or dress slacks with a nice blazer...it is truly an instant way of making yourself look "put together"...let's face it...anyone can put on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt...but how seriously will people take you?  whether we like it or not...first impressions are made...and if something simple...like putting on a nice casual blazer...makes all the difference...why not?

one of the nice things that nordstrom.com is doing now...having the whole look on one link...if you like it...you shop the look...nice for those of you that don't think you can do it on your own...but better yet...get a trusted friend to help you out (someone whose style you admire) or a wardrobe consultant...who will be able to look through your closet...and most likely put together some fabulous looks...with what you already own...

here are some of my favorites...to get you inspired...the next time you are in line at starbucks...or boarding a plane...looking sharp...who knows who will be approaching you...it could be your next big client...or a new job opportunity...or a new life-long friend... 

love this first look...casual & sharp...all at the same time...

dockers wool blazer
nordstrom.com

  a little more dressy...hat not a requirement...but fun...

wallin & bros. sportscoat
nordstrom.com

  and of course...nothing wrong with adding some color...

ted baker london
nordstrom.com

tips for transitioning into fall...

one of the areas where i get the most questions from friends and clients...what to wear during those transitional days...when we are clearly into fall...but the weather still feels like summer...or perhaps it is not as warm as summer...but definitely not cold enough to be pulling out the thick sweaters...

here are a few tips that might help you as you transition out your summer wear for fall...one of the first areas i always say to look at...is the current wardrobe...while all of your summer wear may not be able to transition...some of it may still work with just a few tweaks...

start off by looking at your summer printed dresses and skirts...think about swapping out your sandals...and add a hefty bootie to the ensemble...add a darker color cardigan...or scarf...and you have updated your summer dress to fall...another great tip...think of adding a long sleeve thin layering tee underneath the dress...this will even work with some of your strapless dresses...

speaking of booties...time to swap out all your summer lightweight & strappy sandals...a look can be updated to fall...just by your shoes...think of heavier footwear...a peep toe shoe...perhaps a nice pair of oxfords or brogues...or even a smoking slip...all nice addition's to your fall wardrobe...

colored denim is still high on the list for fall...think of deeper, richer hues...and leave your pale numbers for next year...walking shorts and capri's are still wearable...but watch out for color...go for darker hues...perhaps a nice blue, hunter green or burgundy...

accessories...a biggie...add in some beautiful scarves...adding in just the right touch of colors...while keeping your neck warm from the brisk fall air...take a look at your handbags as well...look for darker hues...doesn't necessarily need to be black or brown...but a stronger color then what summer/spring usually represents...

black & white is still a great "go-to" combination...yes...white is acceptable after labor day...just keep in mind what fabric content your whites are...linens should be stored away...

stock up on cotton & silk cardigans...a great way to layer an outfit...and keep you warm enough...or cool enough...whatever the weather dictates...

and don't forget about your lip and nail color...fall is about darker hues...

take inspiration from beautiful fall leaves...great colors to work with...and your transition into fall should be a piece of cake...

do you have some tips that you use for transitioning into fall?  please share...and inspire others...

collection cashmere crewneck cardigan
j crew

fall 2012 trend: texture mash-up

one of the trends for this fall...

mixture of textures...

ingredients needed:  a mixture of...

knits, leather, silk, lace & tweed...

especially when wearing one color...

like black...

so go ahead...mix that tweed with leather...

add in a sexy silk blouse...

what textures are you most looking

forward to mixing?  

share your winning combination...

texture mash-up by fabufinds featuring a black jacket

men's corner: cuffing it...

to cuff or not to cuff...that is the question...and it seems like a nice cuff in your pant is back in full swing for this fall season...personally, i have always loved a cuffed pant...seems so stylish...and somehow it truly anchors the pant leg...

jim moore of gq states:  "tell your tailor to give you an inch and a half of cuff...and get him to hem your pants a good half inch above your shoes to show some sock...if he says the average customer likes no cuff and a big break...look him in the eye and say, 'i'm not the average customer...'"

there are so many things i love about that statement...first...show some sock...yes!  and make them a wow sock...not plain solid colors...and then the response to the tailor...there is just something special about the non-average man...

photo source

updating the trench coat...

depending on where you live...you may be experiencing beautiful summer autumn weather...or already feeling a bit of the chill of fall...and whether you are a sun goddess or love the cold weather...it is coming...and in those times where it is chilly...but not quite cold enough for a winter coat...what to wear?

the classic trench coat...such a wardrobe staple...but why settle for a basic black, brown or blue?  add a nice color to brighten up a grey dreary day...there are some wonderful colors to choose from...like this oxblood...which is a BIG color for fall...

feeling more adventurous?  how about an animal print trench?  or any kind of print...adding lots of interest to your outfit...

ellen tracy water repellant trench coat
nordstrom

step into fall 2012...

are you looking to update your step for fall?

hardware & embelishments adorn your
favorite styles...

pointy toes are back!

color...texture...hardware...

find it in your brogues...flats...pumps...and booties...

step into fall... by fabufinds featuring jeffrey campbell flats

men's corner: oxblood for men...

yesterday...i posted about the big color for fall..."oxblood"...and of course i showed different ways of incorporating it into your wardrobe...this is a great color for fall...and men...you can ease into it as well...here are some lovely examples...

cole haan 'air morris' casual wingtip
nordstrom

and if you are not a wingtip type of guy...how about trading out wearing regular jeans or khaki's for some gorgeous "colored" cords...such as these...

vintage cord in slim-straight fit
j crew

  add a bit of oxblood in the way of a nice textured belt...

allen edmonds 'manistee" brogue leather belt
nordstrom

  a gorgeous tie...would spice up your worn once or twice shirts...

burberry london woven silk tie
nordstrom

what a great color for a sweater...pick your poison...cashmere...wool...

elbow-patch crewneck sweater
banana republic

and of course...don't forget the socks...oxblood seen in paisley...polka dot and stripes!

"oxblood" the big color for fall 2012...

feast your eyes on the big color for fall...

                    "oxblood"

a beautiful deep red with hints of brown...

whether you choose a handbag...brogues...
jewelry or a piece of clothing...

this color is definitely a fall staple...

"oxblood" the big color for fall 2012... by fabufinds featuring cap toe shoes

jewel tones...

when it comes to jewel tones...
start with your favorite colors...

sapphire blue...
emerald green...
ruby red...

then...the skies the limit...

whether you choose to go
for one all over piece...

like a fabulous sheath dress...

or bits of color...
here and there...

a blouse...a pair of jeans...
some jewels...

or a stand-out bag...

these luscious rich tones...
mix well with other neutrals...

think black, camel or grey...

perfect for fall...no?

jewel tones by fabufinds featuring a short sleeve dress