the classics with a twist...

when i think of the classics...one that comes to mind is the lovely jackie o...jacqueline kennedy onassis...was always picture perfect in her classic looks...she looked chic...and more importantly...effortlessly chic...some may find the classics "boring"...but when you add a twist to your classics...they will be anything but boring...

so when we think classics...what comes to mind?  cardigans...sheath dresses...trench coats...turtlenecks...fitted tweed pants...these classic shapes have been around for a long long time...but there are ways of adding a new detail that can up the anty on these classics...

take the sheath dress...in this pic...you can see that a different belt is added to each dress...such an easy way to add dome new detail to a sheath dress...but don't go for basic black...how about a fun gold belt?  or any metallic...a bit more adventurous?  add a vibrant colored belt...the options are limitless...and so will your sheath dress then take on several new personalities...nothing better then wearing a plain ole sheath dress...and it looks like a new one everytime you put it on...just by changing up your belt...

accessories are another way to add a twist to your plain old sheath dress...whether you add a nice statement necklace...or add a range of different lengths of necklaces...you can change it up so many different ways...and once again...the dress looks different every time...

talk about cost per wear!  and if you are shopping for a sheath dress...go for some color...while the piece will be classic in its look...the color will be fresh...vibrant and new...and then...even with color...you can still play around with the belts and/or accessories...

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if you are shopping for a new trench coat...how about skipping on the khaki standard...and go for a rich color...want to take it up a few more notches?  how about a trench in a black patent leather?? how edgy will that trench coat be?

when looking at cardigans...or twin sets...again...look for the unexpected details...and if you are working with items already in your closet...repeat repeat repeat...add a new belt...add a scarf...add new accessories...

classic with a twist...coming right up!

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

transitional pieces...

well...here we are...the official last day of summer...and although many consider end of summer at the start of the new school year and/or labor day...all of us need to start thinking about the transition to fall...

i went back and looked at my post from last year...transitioning into fall...this for some is a hard transition to make...the weather still screams summer...at least in my area it is still fairly warm...just this last weekend we had high 90's...and yes...as a part of me really wants to hold on to warm weather...the fall fashion beckons me...

but that transitional time...when it may start getting crisp...not cold enough for the coats...or the bulky sweaters...what do you do?

there are some key pieces that will help in transitioning into the slightly colder climates...so what should a closet have?

the key to this period is in layering...what is great about layering...is that you are able to put on or take off pieces as the weather warrants...so while you may still be able to wear those summer maxi dresses...why not start layering them with a scarf...a cardigan...even a nice blazer...

booties are great for transitioning your wardrobe as well...the sandals will slowly start coming out less and less...but you can still pair alot of your summer wear with a change of the shoes...while it is still warm...booties and bare legs will take you through most days...and as it gets colder...start bringing in some fun tights to keep those legs warm...

and then you want to start thinking about color...some say to start wearing darker colors...while i don't feel everything should be dark...because it is cold outside...you do want to start steering away from the pastels...and look at darker versions of your lighter colors...

j crew navy blue blazer
currently in fabulous finds consignment boutique

men's corner: a cardigan and the suit...

a client recently asked me what "more" he could do with his cardigans...i asked him if he wore them with his suits...and then...there was a long long pause...i knew the answer...and then he said..."well...i guess i never thought i could do that..."

oh...but you can...

my tips would be...when wearing a cardigan under a suit...or any cashmere sweater for that matter...it should be fairly thin...and not bulky...AND this is a great way to infuse a little color...like maybe a nice olive green? doesn't that sound nice?

depending on the jacket...you could even make it a bit sportier...if you are wearing a sports jacket...why not try wearing a nice thin hoodie for a more casual look...but by all means...wear the cardigans with your suit jackets...

especially in the colder climates...why not stay as warm as possible and still look quite dapper? and yes..i realize my picture below does not show a suit jacket with cardigan..but i just couldn't find the perfect picture...so you will have to use your imagination just a wee bit...

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