hot around the collar

The racks at a Lucky cover photo shoot are always rife with fun styling ideas, and at the last one, there were loads of embellished collared blouses layered underneath basic crewneck sweaters. I loved how the collars worked to transform the knits into veritable statement pieces (Caroline Issa proves this in the pic above), and, of course, the mixing and matching possibilities were endless. Come sweater weather, you'll see me incorporating these combos into my workaday life. If you are also so inclined, here are some collared blouses you can play with from Topshop, Miss Selfridge (similar to Issa's blouse above), Club Monaco, and Maison Scotch.

Photo: Stockholm Street Style

blue velvet

$110, jcrew.com*

So in walks my very good friend the other day and she's wearing these blue velvet jeans that just made me want to reach out and touch her. I could not ask her where she got her jeans fast enough. She proudly replied: "J. Crew." What makes them so compelling is that they look like jeans but they're made of baby-soft velvet, so they have this stealth luxe vibe to them. They're also not overly thick--who wants those unwanted inches?--but they are comfortably stretchy and machine washable, plus hugely versatile. My friend worked them pretty much like this...

1. MiH voile blouse, $195, netaporter.com 
2. Math tweed jacket, $770, my-wardrobe.com 
3. Mod Cloth suede-front bag, $69, modcloth.com 
4. Madewell ankle boots, $208, madewell.com 
5. J. Crew velvet jeans*, $110, jcrew.com

*Just FYI:  J. Crew is having a great sale through Sunday: 25% off + free shipping on orders $150+ with the code STYLE25

on the loose

The spring catwalks from Diane Von Furstenberg to Marni to 10 Crosby Derek Lam are ushering in a new, languid silhouette: the loose trouser. The fringe benefits: slimming lines and longer legs. Um, yes, please! Here are some flowy finds from Mango, Alice & Olivia, and Chloe.

Photo: Elle

beadamania

$150, missselfridge.com

I'm heading to London soon and looking forward to shopping like a mad woman at some of my High Street faves--COS, Topshop, Warehouse, and Miss Selfridge, and I am thinking about picking up this beaded jacket while I'm there. Fortunately, it's available online as well (with free shipping through October 2*). If all goes according to plan, then, cheerio, I'll be dining at The Wolseley wearing this stunner with...

1. Splendid jersey t-shirt, $64, netaporter.com 
2. Miss Selfridge beaded jacket, $150, missselfridge.com*
3. Accessorize Chinese embroidered clutch, $74, accessorize.com 
4. Christian Louboutin patent leather heels, $625, bergdorfgoodman.com 
5. Reiss perforated leather pants, $475, reissonline.com

*Use promo code PARTY26 at checkout to get free shipping

tee time

Time to bust out those cool graphic t-shirts and give them some play with dressier pieces. For example, these stand-by's are the perfect low-key foil to vivid printed pants. I'm liking these tees by Karl, Zoe Karssen, Gucci and Chaser.


Photo: Grazia.it

silver lining

$107, warehouse.andotherbrands.com

I have a thing for silver pants right now. (So does Acne and Diane Von Furstenberg.) Okay, so they're not the most practical but they are arguably the glintiest and glammest, and I love the idea of wearing them in a casual way, too. I'd wear these metallic beaded pair with...

1. Dagmar sweater, $300, netaporter.com 
2. Coralia Leets druzy earrings, $193, charmandchain.com 
3. Loeffler Randall bag, $595, piperlime.com 
4. Boutique 9 pumps, $120, shopbop.com 
5. Warehouse beaded pants, $107, warehouse.andotherbrands.com

mirrored sunnies

For fashionistas from Milan to New York, the eyewear du jour is mirrored and statement-y. Do you think it has something to do with all the flash-popping photographers constantly jostling around them? Highly unlikely. After all, these eye-catching frames look decidedly cool and cutting-edge futuristic. You can reflect on these photo-ready sunnies from Ray Ban, Urban Outfitters, Prada, Oakley, and Nasty Gal.

Photos: 1. Vogue, 2. Tommy Ton, 3. Tommy Ton, 4. Tommy Ton

the cover up

$175, netaporter.com

I am at my least stylish from 8 to 9AM, when I am suited up in workout gear, frazzled from the bed-to-breakfast table-to-out-the-door routine, bent on making the school run fast so I can squeeze in a sweat session. Unlike most Angelenos, I do not exercise in head-to-toe Lululemon: an old t-shirt and some black leggings is my uniform. I try to camouflage this rather unsightly outfit with a big wrap-like cardigan or my green army jacket. But now I am thinking this cozy poncho-like cardigan is the ticket. I love the toggles and the chic cape-like fit. Not only will it act as a genius cover up but it will also be perfect on chilly fall days, with my regular (i.e. more stylish) clothes, when I am running around doing a million things. On those days, I'd wear it with...

1. J. Crew striped t-shirt, $34, jcrew.com 
2. Michael Michael Kors poncho cardigan, $175, netaporter.com 
3. Forever 21 zipper-trimmed bag, $44, forever21.com 
4. Cynthia Vincent boots, $375, piperlime.com 
5. Mango leather leggings, $189, mango.com

the ankle-strap heel

The ankle strap heel is emerging as Spring 2013's must-have shoe, as it's showing up on a wide range of runways from J. Crew to Marni--and on fashion bellwethers, like French Vogue editor Geraldine Saglio (above), who sported gorgeously feminine Valentino ankle-strappers during New York Fashion Week. Here are other possibilities to ponder from Pour La Victoire, Alexander Wang, and Zara. 

zig zag clutch

$128, anthropologie.com

A little bag that's seriously high impact--just the way I like it. What's more, it will bestow some exotic-tribal-Missoni-ish fabulousness upon any tonal outfit. I'd wear it with...

1. DKNY stretch silk dress, $355, netaporter.com 
2. Dorothy Perkin faux fur vest, $95, dorothyperkins.com 
3. Anthropologie woven clutch, $128, anthropologie.com 
4. J. Crew ankle boots, $278, jcrew.com

the writing is on the... sweater

The newest statement sweaters are getting very literal, such as J. Crew's version for Spring 2013, above. And some of them are already broadcasting loud and clear on the streets (see pics below). You can make an articulate point with any of these stylish options from Miss Selfridge, Marcus Lupfer, and 3.1 Phillip Lim.

Photos: Tommy Ton

in the trenches

$240, theoutnet.com

Now that you know I have a soft spot for coats, you should not be surprised that I'm eyeing this trench, on sale at The Outnet. The faux leather sleeves are on the money, especially with the military green khaki. I'd wear it with...

1. Joseph cable and cashmere blend sweater, $575, netaporter.com 
2. Assad Mounser gold-plated beaded collar, $388, charmandchain.com 
3. Helene Berman trench coat, $240, theoutnet.com 
4. Gucci bag, $1095, netaporter.com 
5. 3.1 Phillip Lim cut-out booties, $550, shopbop.com 
6. Topshop boucle tapered pants, $100, topshop.com

suitably dressed

Wearing a suit these days is no longer synonymous with buttoned-up corporate dressing. Fashion editor Caroline Issa, photographed a few days ago during London Fashion Week, demonstrates that a sleek, streamlined suit can be the epitome of high-fashion chic. With her red ankle boots and sporty satchel, she looks modern, polished, feminine--and yet totally at ease. The beauty of wearing a suit is that it's simple dressing, with sophisticated head-to-toe results, and you can mix and match the suit separates, too. Here are some power suits worth working: Stella McCartney's tuxedo-inspired jacket and pants; Warehouse's crepe boyfriend blazer and piped-edge cropped trousers; Nonoo's jacket and cropped trousers; and Topshop's lace print suit.

 

Photo: New York Magazine

floral brocade pants

$90, topshop.com

I am obsessed with Proenza Schouler's chinoiserie-filled fall collection--the most iconic piece being this dress, which, of course, sold out the minute it went online. But these shimmery brocade pants from Topshop manage to encapsulate Proenza's elusive Far East-inspired coolness. I'd wear them with...

1. J. Crew color block sweater, $89, jcrew.com 
2. Topshop shearling and leather coat, $790, topshop.com 
3. Asos beaded bag, $77, asos.com 
4. Alexander Wang sandals, $495, netaporter.com 
5. Topshop brocade pants, $90, topshop.com

boot camp

There are certain items that most fashion editors will agree on are essential to your wardrobe, and boots are one of them. The range of styles this fall are pretty staggering, including stalwarts from seasons past, such as equestrian, biker, knee-high, ankle- and low-cut booties (a.k.a., shooties), along with new, fresh silhouettes: peep-toes, cap-toes, lace-up, flat ankle boots, studded western boots, and over the knee glamazons.  Despite their differences, all are everyday winter wearable--and getting increasingly more play year round. Since boots last for several seasons, you can invest in a primo pair--or not. I tend to do a bit of both and have a few at my disposal. Tall boots are great with lighter dresses and skirts when it's cold. Fit is important, so get a pair that's snug around your leg--there shouldn't be more than a half inch gap between your leg and your boot. With ankle boots, it's a different story: many of the them are designed to give you breathing room, so it's a matter of what feels and looks good. I like to wear ankle boots with just about everything, including pencil skirts, cropped jeans and skinnies (or leggings), and shorts (with tights in the winter). I did a comprehensive search for all my fall favorites and categorized them below.

Ankle boots (with a heel):  Should you want to make a colorful statement, take inspiration from Gwyneth and the Parisian fashion show goer, above, with red pair, like these ones from Rag & Bone. I love these Madewell boots, because they're feminine, polished and everyday practical. Same goes for these by Tory Burch. You still can't go wrong with Isabel Marant's Dicker boots--classics in my book. (Urban Outfitters makes a $49 version.) If you need a dressy pair that's suitable for work and evening--more pump-like, if you will--try these from Rosegold, which feature a sleek snakeskin panel, or these edgy-cool pair from 3.1 Phillip Lim.

Knee-high boots: Givenchy's spats boot (pictured above) is the season's cult (and almost-sold-out-everywhere) boot. Zara makes a version. I'm partial to timeless styles, ones that will work year after year, like these from Jimmy Choo, or this pair from Steve Madden, with a wraparound ankle band, or these from Chloe. For a flat-heel, I'd go with these from Rachel Roy.

Flat ankle boots, fall's trendiest new style, exude a rocker/tomboy/mod vibe. I love them paired with flowy dresses and skirts, or with cropped form-fitting pants or jeans. The pair above are from Jett. I recently bought these by Sam Edelman and value how versatile and easy they are. This buckle-trimmed one from Dolce Vita is also incredibly wearable and so right this very minute.

Peep-toe: These boots are year-round suitable (in the winter you can pair them with socks or opaque tights), plus sexy and feminine. I'm coveting these from Nine West and Fendi, equally.

Lace-up: This pair from Burberry has a Victorian-cool spirit, similar to the pair French Vogue editor Emmanuelle Alt is wearing in the picture, above, while this very affordable style by Michael Antonio is simple, straightforward, yet still on trend.

Over the knee: Daring and bold, these boots look best with short shirts, or over tight, tight jeans. Try these by Jean-Michel Cazabat or Alexander Wang.

Shootie: These low-cut boots are almost shoe-like, hence the name. I love this style, because they go with everything and will work season after season. This investment pair by Miu Miu is a forever shoe. L.K. Bennett's cap toe version also offers major mileage. Ditto this casual burgundy hued tassel-trimmed Cole Haan.

Photo: 1. Phil Oh, 2. Phil Oh, 3. Tommy Ton, 4. Sincerely Jules, 5. Phil Oh, 6. Phil Oh, 7. Phil Oh, 8. Vanessa Jackman

the transition jacket

$128, madewell.com

I love the idea of wearing a sweater as a jacket--and this is the time of year to do it (or at least we're getting close to it)! Madewell's nubby knit has all the trappings of outerwear--it's cozy, zips up and has front pockets--but it's light enough to be indoor friendly. Plus, the vibrant stripes give it all the coolness of a statement sweater. I'd wear it all the time with...

1. A.P.C. heart print cotton jersey blouse, $180, netaporter.com 
2. Madewell cardigan, $128, madewell.com 
3. Clare Vivier messenger bag, $363, shopbop.com 
4. Rachel Comey ankle boots, $403, lagarconne.com 
5. Current/Elliot metallic cropped jeans, $245, netaporter.com

style diary

For those of you interested in checking out what I wore last week during New York Fashion Week, check out my style diary on Elizabeth Street. The candid snap, above, was taken outside Lincoln Center, as I made my way into the Diane Von Furstenberg show. 

Photo: Apieceoftoastblog.com

warm and fuzzy

$129, macys.com

The faux fur sleeves on this motorcycle jacket make it a compelling (and cozy!) candidate for the cold season. I'd wear it with...

1. Thakoon Addition printed chiffon dress, $790, netaporter.com 
2. Nicole Richie for Impulse jacket, $129, macys.com 
3. Zara elastic belt, $19, zara.com 
4. Topshop lipstick in dark plum, $15, topshop.com 
5. Marc by Marc Jacobs bag, $598, shopbop.com 
6. Steve Madden ankle boots, $149, stevemadden.com

the neck scarf

Celine designer Phoebe Philo recently declared to Elle Magazine, "The neck scarf is officially back." Of course, she's entirely responsible for the comeback, as she featured various bold versions in her Fall 2012 collection. So it's no surprise they're showing up on the most fashionable figures during London fashion week (see above). Here are some eye-catching options to try from Herself (striped just like Celine's version),  J. Crew, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Sonia Rykiel, River Island, and Tory Burch. 

Photo: Vogue

glam tee

$103, asos.com

This top is right up my alley. It is elegant and vintage-y, and has a one-of-a-kind look. I'd wear it with...

1. Asos beaded top, $103, asos.com 
2. Adia Kibur beaded cluster earrings, $60, shopbop.com 
3. Barneys New York ponyhair clutch, $590, barneys.com 
4. Alexander Wang pumps, $485, shopbop.com 
5. Elizabeth & James brocade pants, $395, netaporter.com

short story

As I reported earlier in the week, shorts were one of the biggest NYFW trends on and off the runway. Considering the bazillion degree heat wave in LA (and yes, it's still Indian summer in New York!), I'm planning on busting out my finest over the next few days and perhaps looking to add to my stock, as they'll still be going strong next spring, particularly ones that are bermuda-style long.  Here are some standouts from Forever 21 (they're suede!), Juicy Couture (in punchy red, like above), David Lerner (in leather), Splendid and J. Crew (both forward-thinking bermudas).

Photo: Harper's Bazaar

nice point

$78, accessorize.com

Years ago I had an older Spanish friend who would visit regularly and stay with me in my New York apartment. She was the epitome of European sophistication, always impeccably dressed. She'd come bearing generous gifts, one of which was a needlepoint clutch. It was the most elegant thing ever, mostly because it was so... her. I stuffed it with my daily essentials and wore it into the ground, and then the zipper broke, and that was that. This beaded floral clutch reminds me of my long lost needlepoint bag--but, I have to say, it might even be a little more glam and, with needlepoint an official trend right now, totally of the moment. I'd wear it with... 

1. Warehouse lace sweater, $68, warehouse.andotherbrands.com 
2. Lulu Frost earrings, $96, shopbop.com 
3. Accessorize beaded clutch, $78, accessorize.com 
4. Nine West booties, $179, ninewest.com 
5. Oasis leather skirt, $170, oasis.andotherbrands.com

the hero skirt

Serious statement skirts took center stage outside Lincoln Center, and it's easy to see why: they simplify "getting dressed." A good one carries an outfit, which is to say, you won't need much else. Here are some options I'm coveting from Kenzo, Versus and J. Crew--along with more inspirational skirt-centric pics from NYFW below. 

Photos: 1. Grazia.it, 2. Phil Oh, 3. Harper's Bazaar, 4. Tommy Ton, 5. Phil Oh, 6. Phil Oh, 7. Fashionologie