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. 

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

Jean-ious

Since when did $300 become the new standard for designer denim? Sure, we can all justify an investment given how much we wear our fave jeans but for most of us, bills tend to come before boyfriends (jeans, I mean...) The good news? From bright skinnies to waxed jeggings there are piles of cute, affordable pairs to choose from this season. We’ve rounded up your best fall denim bets at iVillage.ca this week, with ample breathing room for your budget. Jean-ious!