Posts Tagged: Fall

Working mom weekend chic outfit: Layers for an inside and outside day

By IN Work It Wednesdays

This working mom weekend chic outfit combines advice on winterizing and the Rule of 3

On a relatively mild November weekend, we decided to take advantage of a Saturday with sunshine and without obligations and headed up to Baltimore to visit Port Discovery, a hands-on kids’ museum in a cool old building downtown. Afterwards we planned to stroll around the Inner Harbor.

Wear It Wednesdays: Working mom outfit photosSo I needed an outfit that would be comfortable enough to move around in while also being adaptable to inside and outside temperatures.

Step one: Follow my own advice about winterizing and the rule of 3 for outfit creation.

Result: Turtleneck + T-shirt + jacket paired with heavyweight cotton khaki pants from H&M. Each of the 3 top pieces is knit, the queen of comfort fabrics. And the pants are essentially jeans, even pseudo cargo ones at that.

So if you think about it, I’m just wearing a dressed-up version of T-shirt and jeans. Without the necklace, it’s an even more casual look.

(Confession: After I shot this photo, I thought better of it and traded the boots for Pumas. Sometimes functionality has to trump fashion!)

This kind of layered outfit be great to wear for Thanksgiving, too. Maybe I’ll recycle it tomorrow!

Jacket: Express (similar, $36, Caslon).
Turtleneck: Lands End Canvas (similar, $39.50, J Crew).
T-shirt: Gap (similar, $37, The Limited).
Pants: H&M (similar, $80, Topshop).
Boots: Aerosoles, Gather Round ($80-120, Amazon Fashion).
Working Mom Outfit Level: 2/Weekend Chic

[Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links.]

Want to learn more about how to build outfits–and how to find the garments for them that flatter your body and personal style? I’m creating a new series of lessons that will teach you just that–and more. Sign up for my email list to get a special insiders’ offer when it’s ready for you.

IFB Links a La Mode: Reflecting on Fall

By IN Style

Independent Fashion Bloggers Links a La Mode weekly style advice links roundup: Reflecting on Fall

[NOTE: I'm thrilled once again to be included in this week's links roundup from IFB, the Independent Fashion Bloggers.]

Edited by: Emily of Sugar & Spice

The cold weather seems to have well and truly graced our shores this week and as we all scramble to put together something that resembles style whilst also keeping us warm — we are all trying to remember what trends we should be rocking this season, after months in our summer wardrobes. Well, allow this week’s posts to inspire, educate and warm you.

LINKS À LA MODE: THE IFB WEEKLY ROUND UP: SEPTEMBER 27TH

SPONSOR:

Shopbop Discount Sale : Marais USA, Shona Joy, Heimstone, Zac Posen, Peter Som, LK Bennett, Iosselliani, Wrap Scarves, Puffy Coats & Jackets

Must-wear trends for Fall 2012 you can buy now

By IN Advice

Must-Wear Fall Trends 2012

I always hate to say goodbye to summer, even one as hot as this one has been. But one consolation this time of year is getting to shop for new fall trends to incorporate into my wardrobe.

How-To Tuesdays: Style advice and answers for working momsOf the many trends that hit the runways for Fall 2012, these are the ones that are must-wears:

  • Patterns. From polka dots to florals, tribal to embroidery, there were lots of patterns on the runway. The good news is, that means you can pick the kind you like best. Not a floral fan? Try lace or polka dots. Not a fan of patterns at all? Read on.
  • Ladylike pieces. Some of the outfits from designers like Oscar de la Renta and Marc Jacobs looked like they were taken straight from the closets of the grandest of Fifth Avenue dames: shawls, longer hemlines, high collars, serious tweeds. After a skin-baring summer, it can be refreshing to cover up in style. Just be careful not to combine too many of these together lest you veer from demure to dowdy.
  • White. Black is always the go-to color for wardrobe versatility, but this season white gets its turn as a go-with-everything shade. The super trendy will be in white from head to toe (and their dry cleaners are currently rubbing their hands together in gleeful anticipation), but the rest of us can get in on the trend with far less. Did you wear white linen this summer? Hang onto it and take it into fall. Or pair a white shirt with a white cardigan or jacket.
  • Outdoorsy menswear. Don’t like the ladylike trend? Go the other way with plaids, thick cable-knit sweaters, shearling jackets and tweed. Think a weekend at the cabin. (Maybe don’t wear these in combination, though; you want to look fashionable, not Elmer Fudd.)
  • Black leather. Speaking of opposites, white doesn’t get to outshine black completely. Several designers, from Michael Kors to DKNY and Calvin Klein, showed outfits that either emphasized or were made completely of black leather. The trend here is more Matrix than motorcycle gang. And if you’re opposed to wearing animal skins, there should be plenty of faux (and vastly more wallet-friendly) options available.

Chances are, you have pieces in your wardrobe already that fit many of these trends, so start your shopping in your own closet.

If you want to add anything new, think about which trends will work best with what you already own. That way your Fall 2012 piece will last you through Fall 2013 and beyond.

What to buy


 

[Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links.]

Share the love

Thanks for reading. Did you like this post? Please leave a comment or share it with someone else; just use the handy sharing widget below.

(Want to get more shopping tips and fun insider stuff? Join The Style List. It’s like a secret club in your email inbox! And when you join, you’ll get my free email series, 7 Days to Better Shopping. It’s my gift to you!)

Friend Friday: The quintessential fall outfit

By IN Fashion Beauty Friend Fridays, Style

Favorite items for Fall

 

This week for Friend Friday, we’re mixing it up a bit and doing a visual post, hosted by Iris of 260 Days No Repeats. Today’s theme is The Quintessential Fall Outfit containing the items we consider our perfect fall look.

For me, “quintessential” fall evokes warmth and comfort, and things organic, made of natural fibers and materials.

Fall is when I break out my wardrobe of sweaters, and what’s more quintessential than a chunky cardigan? Or up the trendiness factor with this season’s everywhere garment, the poncho.

This year I’m liking a boyfriend jean cuffed just a bit–enough to clear the top of leather boots, like desert shoes, or maybe even an oxford style shoe. Of the 4 styles highlighted here (including the shoes on the model), I have the Ecco wedges and I love them. They’re a little bit chunky and a whole lot comfortable.

To carry the leather into the rest of the outfit, belt the cardigan with something equally weighty. Alternately, tuck in your shirt and belt the jeans with the cardigan or poncho over top.

That’s my take on Quintessential Fall–what’s yours?

[This post is part of Modly Chic’s Fashion Beauty Friend Fridays.]

All Saints wool cardigan
$195 - allsaints.com

H & M cardigan
$30 - hm.com

Dorothy Perkins knit top
15 - dorothyperkins.com

ECCO Jaffna Boot
$170 - zappos.com

ECCO Kiev Tie
$140 - zappos.com

Betsey Johnson belt
$38 - betseyjohnson.com

TopShop tan leather belt
$32 - topshop.com

Boyfriend jean from J. Jill
$89 - jjill.com

 

[Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links.]

 

Share the love

Thanks for reading. Did you like this post? Please leave a comment or share it with someone else; just use the handy sharing widget below.

(Want to get more shopping tips and fun insider stuff? Join The Style List. It’s like a secret club in your email inbox! And when you join, you’ll get my free email series, 7 Days to Better Shopping. It’s my gift to you!)

Friend Fridays: How I’m wearing my favorite fall trends for 2011

By IN Fashion Beauty Friend Fridays

INC International Concepts at ShopStyle

This week for Friend Friday we’re talking fall trends 2011: Name your five favorite fall trends and how you plan to wear them this season.

Although I like to stay current, I don’t usually go out of my way to work a bevy of trends into my wardrobe. Instead, I try to play up pieces I already have that work within a trend, and look for an additional piece or two of the latest and greatest.

So these are the trends that I’m most likely to wear this season.

My favorite fall trends for 2011

1. Choker necklaces and cuff bracelets. I’m always looking for ways to update my jewelry wardrobe, and I like the fierce modern edge of these metallic choker necklaces and cuffs. I don’t have any now, so I’ll look for inexpensive versions at stores like H&M and Target.

2. ‘70s inspired day dresses. I already have a good selection of skirts in my closet. By adding a shirt or two with looser, flowing sleeves, this is a look I can make work for me. And if I find a pussy bow blouse, I can use it twice as much by also incorporating it into a “Mad Men”-esque ‘60s ensemble.

3. ‘60s/mod. Speaking of which … I’ve always loved the look of the mid-’60s. With so much black already in my closet, it shouldn’t be too hard to work in some whites and brights for a mod feel.

4. Bright pants. Did I say brights? Once upon a time I had a pair of lime green cigarette pants. If I still had them, they’d fit right in this season. Instead, I’ll have to find a new pair. Maybe I’ll get some in the color of my final Fall 2011 trend …

5. Red. For almost 10 years, I had red hair and as a consequence I steered clear of wearing it as well. Now that I’m back to my roots, so to speak, I’ve been working more red into my wardrobe. Luckily that makes me on trend!

As you can see, many of these trends will complement one another, making them much more versatile.

That’s the key to wearing any trend: look for items that work well on you and with what you already own. Your trendy item can then become part of your core wardrobe and be wearable long after the trends have changed.

Your Turn

  • What are you looking forward to wearing this Fall?

[This post is part of Modly Chic’s Fashion Beauty Friend Fridays.]

Share the love

Thanks for reading. Did you like this post? Please leave a comment or share it with someone else; just use the handy sharing widget below.

(Want to get more shopping tips and fun insider stuff? Join The Style List. It’s like a secret club in your email inbox! And when you join, you’ll get my free email series, 7 Days to Better Shopping. It’s my gift to you!)

9 great ways to make the transition from summer to fall

By IN Advice

undefined

Sheer long-sleeve tops are a great way to transition your summer wardrobe to fall

Although summer doesn’t officially end until Sept. 22, the start of the new school year and the approach of Labor Day means it’s time to think about the transition to fall.

For this topic, I decided to do something a little different–I solicited input from the smart, savvy ladies of the Fashion Beauty Friend Friday Google Group.

So here are their suggestions for moving from long, warm days to shorter, cooler ones.

9 ways to transition your wardrobe from summer to fall

  1. Cardigans, scarves and a great trench coat. (Sherry, Girls Day Out)
  2. During the summer months I rock my booties with bare legs, but when fall arrives I pair the booties with a pair of colorful tights to accentuate the look. (Gina, Mommy Posh)
  3. Take the opportunity to do a mini-closet reorganization. Keep the summer shorts but pair them with leggings and tights with creative designs. (Cheryl, Oh to be a Muse)
  4. I’ve been wearing long sleeve sheer tops. They are great for those days that start out colder and end up warmer, or vise versa. (Megan, Buffalo Hearts)
  5. There isn’t too much of a transition period here in South Florida so the way I transition is with color.  I always love my bright tropical colors but I start incorporating classic fall colors like greys, dark purples, and burgundies. (MJ, Fierce Beauty and Fashion)
  6. Lots of layers, textured tights, tiding boots, and knee high socks! (Miss Rockwell, Thrifty & Shameless)
  7. Organize accessories (like scarves, tights, hats, etc.) and outerwear (sweaters, blazers, coats, etc.) by season; I have a basket of light summer scarves, one of heavier pashminas and shawls, and then another one with the big, thick wool stuff and I just swap them out for each other when the seasons change. (Martina Lynne, The Life Academic)
  8. I go back to wearing more pants, more scarves and layering. I tend to wear most of my clothes year round anyway, but the darker colors start to come out when it cools down–that, and comfy cozy sweaters. (Samantha, My Growing Obsessions)
  9. One of my favorite transitional pieces has to be thin cotton turtlenecks.  I have several colors, but of course black is the classic.  Throw this on under sleeveless or short-sleeve dresses or tops and you are golden, or at least warmer than you were! (Kara, Unusual Form)

Thanks for your input ladies! All of these suggestions are great. (And if you haven’t read their blogs before, I invite you to check them out.)

  • What are your tips for transitional dressing?
  • Are you looking forward to fall, or are you in denial about the end of summer?

Want to get more shopping tips and fun insider stuff? Join The Style List. It’s like a secret club in your email inbox! And when you join, you’ll get my free email series, 7 Days to Better Shopping. It’s my gift to you!