Ice, Ice, Baby

An editrix loads up on accessories at the Milan S/S 2013 shows - photo via show & tell me

Originally posted in The LOOK

As Rachel Zoe says, "An outfit is nothing without accessories. I don't get dressed without them!"  Let's analyze that. So, if Rachel Zoe were to be believed, then if someone took all of her accessories away while she was sleeping (ie. a burglar or perhaps a wily raccoon) the next day would be a total write-off.  I mean, she would rather go naked, stay in bed all day, and call off every meeting if she didn't have the earrings, the shades, the sparkle to help her get on with her day.  Call them the finishing touches, the icing on the cake or the Michelle to your Obama, but no good outfit is ever really complete without rockin' accessories.  And though I will get dressed without them, I'd rather not.  I mean, seriously, where's the fun in that?

Now comes the tricky part.  How do you ice yourself without looking like a Vegas showgirl?  Simply follow these tips for accessory nirvana:

• MATCH YOUR MOOD: Instead of trying to match colours, choose pieces that reflect the mood or tone of your look.  So, try a chunky heel with an oversized bag, or a refined pair of python gloves with pointy-toed pumps.
• OPPOSITES ATTRACT: On the other hand, you can play with opposites to either tone down or edge up a look.  Want to take some of the too-too sweetness out of a floral dress?   Edge it up with a wide statement belt or studded pumps.
• MAKE A STATEMENT: Love your eyes?  Use earrings or a statement necklace to draw attention to your face (and conversely, away from hips, a tummy or any areas you want to minimize).  
• PICK & CHOOSE Did that necklace come with a cute pair of matching earrings?  The general rule is that if you've got a great statement necklace, keep your lobes bare.  Amazing chandelier earrings? Leave the necklace at home.  How about a busy neckline on a sweater or dress?  Try wearing a great stack of bracelets or oversized ring instead of a necklace or earrings.  So many women feel the need to wear a bracelet, necklace, earrings & a belt and the message gets completely lost in the process.   Choose 2 (max) and load up.
• BIGGER IS (usually) BETTER Go big or go home. Instead of a single bangle or bracelet, mix and match to your heart's content for major impact.  
• ADD SHINE  Metallics always add interest to your outfit and a little goes a long way.  If your outfit has yellow undertones, try gold jewels (real or costume..I won't judge) to enhance your look, even if you're not a 'gold person'.  You'll be amazed by how quickly you'll convert. With grey undertones, go for silver pieces to add shine. 

Check out some of my fav new fall accessories for work, after-dark and the weekend.  Speaking of which...Happy Friday!  Time to play! x

(Accessories from American Eagle, ALDO, Ardene, Le Château, Vivah) 

 

PS - Made for toiletries, but makes a great holder for your rings, bracelets & earrings.  Danielle Acrylic Organizer, $16.99, Sears

Found: Suede Shufflers

Cute.  Easy.  Love the Zip-Back.  'Nuff said? The Suede Scrunch Flat (in LaSalle Red, Split Pea, Mulberry and Elysian Blue) is available now at Gap for $39.95

It's Black, It's White

Diamond Shirt, $149.50, Club Monaco

Heritage Collection Ponte and Lace Top,  $59, Jacob

I love the sharp contrast of black and white but sometimes, you need a little somethin' somethin' lest you start to resemble the waitstaff.  Kidding..kind of...

Love the black lace detail in both of these tops, worn with a sleek pencil skirt or tailored trousers and ready to peek out prettily under your fall topper.  Try it with a nude lip or full-out vampy red.  My one essential suggestion?  Be sure to leave the necklace at home and let the lace speak for itself.  Love it.  Want it. 

True Shoe Love

Sparkly pumps peek out from under an Oscar de la Renta frock at his Fall '12 show - source: Pinterest

Good shoes are kind of like dogs. They're sweet and dependable, and no matter what kind of day you're having, they always make you feel better. They sit, heel (well, have heels), and love to cuddle up at your feet. As for long walks? They love them, naturally. Always eager to be the centre of attention, a good shoe will tolerate petting and friendly pats and the only treat they expect? The occasional polish. Last but certainly not least, it's imperative that you teach your children to be gentle with them and brush up on your powers of persuasion when it comes time to adopt.

Unlike pets, though, you can have as many shoes as your closet can handle, you can totally leave them alone overnight and you never, ever have to pick up after them, unless you decide to sprint in which case, a Magic Eraser will take care of those scuff marks.

Sigh...I sort of stop thinking clearly when I've spent several hours 'researching' shoes. The problem with this job? I get too attached and then want to bring each and every one of them home. Think my husband would mind?

Below is my fall shoe shortlist. Please forgive?  

                 Clockwise from Top Right: Mustard Booties, ALDO; Tone-on-Tone Ankle Boots, Brida; Leopard Print Bootie, Payless; Patent-Toe Shooties, ALDO; Green Ankle Boots, H&M; Lace-Up Suede Booties, Gap; Booties, Town Shoes 

Clockwise from Top Right: Studded Flats, ALDO; Suede Loafers, Gap; Embellished Flats, ALDO; Zebra-Striped Loafers, Town Shoes; Smoking Slippers, Town Shoes   

Clockwise from Top Right: Two-Toned Western Boots, H&M; Western Booties, Spring; Floral-Embroidered Boots, Spring; Suede Ankle Boots, Spring; Mia Girl Cowboy Boot, Journeys; Studded Pointy-Toed Pumps, ALDO 

Clockwise from Top Right: Wedge Sneakers, Town Shoes; Metallic Concealed Wedge Sneakers, Le Château; Cognac Leather Wedge Sneakers, Town Shoes; Python Lace-Ups, Town Shoes; Chuck Taylor Vintage Canvas Sneakers, Soft Moc 

 

Clockwise from Top Right: Riding Wellies, ALDO; Buckled Boots, Payless; Buckled Riding Boots, American Eagle; Rollover Boot, Roots; Two-Toned Boots, Town Shoes; Italian Riding Boot, Le Château; Frye for Coach Fur-Lined Boot, Coach

Clockwise from Top Right: Peep-Toe Platform, The Bay; Merlot Strappy Pumps, Town Shoes; Studded Pumps, ALDO; Python Pumps, Town Shoes; Studded Pumps, The Bay; Two-Toned Pumps, Town Shoes 

Totally Shady

Brilliant shades of blue, bordeaux and bright mustard from Nanette Lepore Fall 2012

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

It's funny but every fall I do the exact same thing. Sometime right around now, when the mornings are just starting to feel crisp and the leaves are gradually leaving the trees (is that why they call them leaves?), I find myself doing the fall change-up. I'll pack away all of my bright summer dresses, skirts & tees and shove them into an empty closet in our guest room. The more I pack, the darker my closet gets as yellow, pink and orange make way for loads of grey sweaters and black pants. Um, depressing much?

There's absolutely no reason (especially now!) to live in a black hole for 6 months of the year. I've slowly been building up my colour arsenal and this year, I'm happy to report that my fall/winter wardrobe is equally as exciting as my spring & summer stuff. I can't tell you how much more inspiring it is, especially on a cold, grey day, to have shades of rich yellow, bright reds and deep greens to get me going in the morning. This season, I'm obsessed with bordeaux and mustard and can't wait to work them into my look (see below for cool new ways to wear them).

Since I've been on a bright binge for a few years now, I'm actually equally stoked about the black on black trend for fall - great news for colour-phobes, and perfect for those days when you need a colour detox. The key to keeping it interesting? Try mixing and matching loads of textures - pair a great chunky knit with a pair of leather leggings, shiny patent black boots and a bright red lip. Or, pair your black with either deep navy or bright cobalt blue for a dose of Parisian chic.

Happy Friday!  Is it bad that all I want to do this weekend is shop? x

TRY: BLACK & BLUE

ATTITUDE Jay Manuel Peplum Top, $24.88, Sears 

TRY: MUSTARD & TAUPE

Floral Crepe Pencil Skirt - Petites, $64, Cleo

TRY: BLACK ON BLACK 

Mallia for Danier Wool & Cashmere Coat with Leather Piping, $749, Danier

TRY: BORDEAUX & PINK

Bar Stripe Cardigan, $15, Aeropostale