KNIT KNACK: 3 Sweet Sweater Looks

Photo via H&M.

Originally posted in The CLOSET

If you're like me, you want to avoid that box of winter stuff for as long as possible. I'm totally with you. I mean, it feels waaay too early for mitts and toques at this point, no? And it just feels like you're giving up when you finally have to admit that the cold weather is here to stay. 

So, let's start slow, shall we? Step 1: The sweater. There's nothing cuter, comfier or cozier than a great knit when the wind's blowing outside and you're hunkered up indoors. Here's which knits are causing a fuss this fall:

THE CABLE KNIT: This fall, the cable knit sweater is back with texture to spare. With a chunky knit like this, you'll want to keep the rest of your look sleek and sexy so try pairing it up with waxed black skinnies, cool skater shoes and a great oversized watch or handful of rings to add some edge to this classic piece.

THE LONG CARDI: The long cardi is one trend that we can all get behind. I mean, a sweater that covers your bum, and then some? Sign me up. This season, you'll see loads of long cardis in stores ranging from thigh-sweeping to below-the-knee. Add a tank or tee, jeans and a great pair of ankle boots to score that perfect casual-cool vibe. A floppy felt fedora and a fine gold necklace will put the finishing touches on your look.

THE VARSITY SWEATER: Whether you're a student or not, the varsity sweater will score you top style marks this fall. Choose an oversized varsity to pair up with tailored black trousers, sporty sunglasses, a sleek backpack and super sexy heels for a grown-up take on this schoolgirl staple.

Read on to see 3 sweet sweater looks to try out this fall...

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RLR SHOPS: My Shopbop Top Ten

SHOPBOP asked me to pick out my Top 10 wants from their October collection and share them with you. As the weather cools off, I find myself gravitating towards black, grey and camel done up in rich wools, felts and leathers.

My apologies in advance for the 10 not-so-guilt-free temptations ahead. Luckily, gifting season isn't too far away...

xx

Rag & Bone Dunaway Hat, $250, Shopbop

Botkier Python Embossed Soho Tote, $338, Shopbop

Giles Brother Skinny Railroad Spike Cuff, $63, Shopbop

Matt Bernson Tundra Shearling Lined Booties, $437, Shopbop

Helmut Lang Sonar Wool Cardigan, $448, Shopbop

3.1 Philip Lim Pashli Medium Satchel, $1015, Shopbop

Rebecca Minkoff Julian Backpack, $335, Shopbop

Monrow Faux Leather Pants, $199, Shopbop

Loeffler Randall Junior Work Tote, $448, Shopbop

Matt Bernson Darby Oxfords, $283, Shopbop

While you're at it, CK Underwear is currently 25% off from today until Oct 13th, so now's a great time to stock up. Promo details here.

Disclaimer: Real Life Runway occasionally receives vendor/brand sponsorships for mentioning their products and services. 

THINK PINK: #BattlePink for Rethink Breast Cancer is On and We Need Your Votes!

When I was asked to take part in this year’s fashion battle in support of Rethink Breast Cancer, I was tickled pink.  I adore my job and I love helping women with their fashion choices, but using my fashion blog for something really important? Now, that’s a fashion challenge I’ll gladly take on.

Rethink Breast Cancer has enlisted the help of a small group of on-air personalities, stylists and bloggers, (including The Food Dudes, MTV Host Aliya-Jasmine Sovani, designer Janette Ewen and yours truly) to duke it out in this year’s #BattlePink, where we’ve been challenged to get creative with October’s limited-edition PINK products from brands like Aerie, OPI, Swarovski and Civello Salon.

My mission? Style up the Swarovski Slake Bracelet. Pink and glittery? That all you got? Since daughters, moms and grandmothers alike are all affected by breast cancer, I asked my 6 year-old to give me a hand. Our pic shows how we all support each other in this battle, whether you’ve been affected by breast cancer or not. Plus, if I’m honest, I’m hoping the cuteness will win us some extra votes ;)

You can vote for us or for anyone else. Seriously! The best  part? No matter who you vote for,  each vote counts to help raise money for Rethink Breast Cancer. So good, right? Plus, simply by voting, you’ll be entered to win a super luxe gift basket containing PINK products valued at $500.

Show your support and cast your #BattlePink votes HERE, and be sure to spread the word. Thanks for your time and for your support, beauties! Together we can help beat this thing!

Oh, and just in case you've never seen this clever vid from Rethink, watch 'Your Man Reminder' here: 

Drop It Like It's Chaud

Aigle's Fall/Winter 2014 Collection. Photo via Aigle.

Not to hate on Hunter wellies - I mean, if anyone understands wet weather, it's the Brits. But after lusting after them for 4 years, I finally invested in a pair of Aigle rainboots, and they're the best I've ever owned. Here's why I'm so smitten: the rubber is super pliable which makes them  the comfiest wellies you'll ever wear, the cut is thoughtful which helps make your legs look slimmer than typical clunky rainboots, and the design details, like the brand's signature leather tassels, are impeccable. Plus they're handmade in France so they must be good. OMG, I am turning into my mother.

Anyway, I'm in love. And I can't wait for it to rain today. Sorry, but if you buy a pair, you'll totally understand. The boots come in tall but unless you plan on wearing them throughout the winter, I'd suggest the hassle-free shorties. Not cheap but remember: rainboots last forever.

Get your Aigle on now at Town Shoes, Gravitypope or Raindrops TO. 

Happy Friday, y'all!

 

CHECKMATE: How to Pull Off Plaid

A street style plaid pic from Paris Fashion Week. Photo via Harper's Bazaar.

Originally posted in The LOOK

Though plaid has proven its staying power throughout the ages, it's a print that waffles between incredibly cool and tragically nerdy. While plaid is the Royals, Kurt Cobain and Gwen Stefani, it's also lumberjacks, farmers and really bad golf pants. Plaid has clearly ingratiated itself with the cool kids again this fall, since everyone (l mean EVERYone) is parading around in plaid shirts right now. From buttoned right up to worn open over a graphic tee, (aka. the hipster blazer) plaid shirts are the layer of choice for this in-between fall weather, while plaid pants, skirts and leggings are perfect for those willing to take some fashion risks. And, of course, it's easy to get behind all of the pretty plaid accessories, from classic tartan scarves to studded plaid crossbody bags. 

So, how do you pull off plaid this season? Luckily, it doesn't take a lot of fashion know-how to make it work...

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