Yesterday I came across a list from Allure Magazine of 12 or so fashion "must-haves" that everyone apparently needs for winter.  Number 1 on their list? 
This hat.

That's right, folks.  Someone at Allure thinks that if you don't have a giant fur trapper hat this winter you just won't be fit to be seen in public.  I can think of a few people who would need a hat like this.  Professional ice fishers.  Arctic expeditionists.  Ice road truckers.  (If they frequently get flats or the heater in the cab breaks.)  Anyone hunting in the Siberian wilderness. For the rest of us I'm just going to go ahead and call this overkill.

Other than this hat, I really haven't seen any frozen tundra/Davy Crockett influences on fashion this winter.  The 1940's however, are a different story.  A lovely, classy, adorable story.  Grab yourself one of these and live happily, timelessly, stylishly forever.

  I don't often find things I like at Dillards, but this one is adorable and only $35!

A cloche hat is universally flattering.  It can be edgy or cute, sleek or wildly adorned.  I found fabulous options ranging from $15 at Avon to $300 plus at specialty boutiques.  Simply google "cloche hat" and let the fun begin!

This one is delicious...

Red is fantastic...

A little pricey but I found another adorable red cloche for $21 at Kohl's.

Slip one of these on and you'll defy any drabness this winter. 
You'll be ravishing and radiant.  And not the least bit furry.

I've said before that fall is a great time to find modest items that work for spring and I was recently asked for a few examples.  So here are just a very few examples of what you can find.  And remember, these clothes appeal to our frugal sides as well since you can wear them any season!

Sheath dresses - with sleeves!!

Sheath dresses are universally flattering.  But shop for one in spring or summer and nearly all the styles have straps instead of sleeves. 

• Wear it now: with boots, fun patterned tights, sweaters, even a thin long-sleeved turtleneck underneath.
• Wear it later: without the hosiery and layers, add cute jewelry and a bright bag.
  

White shirts - that you can't see through!!

A white button-down shirt that fits you great is a wardrobe essential.  Spring and summer options tend to be very thin "summer weight" cotton.  Shop for one now and you'll score thicker material.

• Wear it now: with anything!  Use it to showcase a great scarf or sweater.
  
• Wear it later: with anything!  It's the perfect counterpoint to summer skirts and bright accessories.
  

Lightweight tops - with sleeves!!

Fall isn't all about heavier fabrics and thicker knits.  You can find lightweight items and more styles with sleeves.

• Wear it now: as a nice thin layer to thicker sweaters and coats.
• Wear it later: as the perfect, floaty spring and summer top.
  

Dresses - with longer hemlines!!

Fall is the perfect time to find dresses that hit at the knee.  This is a great wrap dress in a color that works with boots in fall and sandals in summer.  Personally, I would shorten those sleeves to elbow length.  Easy to do and more appropriate for all seasons.

• Wear it now: with boots, a cute hat and scarf.
• Wear it later: with statement making sandals and a ponytail.
  

Another good dress option.  All it needs is a camisole!

And one more for good measure.  Especially nice for showing off (or creating!) a small waist. 

Again, just add a camisole.  I'd also shorten the sleeves to just above the elbow.

Welcome to the second installment of the Fall Style Series. To check out the Fall trends we translated in Series 1 click here.  (jackets and boots and neon, oh my!)  Today we have more great things for you to consider working into your wardrobe.  And more things to avoid like the Swine Flu!

Metallic for day!
Absolutely!  This is a great way to defrump a modest wardrobe but can easily wander into costume territory if not done right.  So make sure you do it right.  Here are a couple good options for you.

Option 1 - Tone-on-Tone.  I love this silver metallic dress with the gray coat.  If this were all black it would be perfect for a fancy night out but the light colors are appropriate for day.

Option 2 - Paired with casual.  A sparkly skirt like this one with a basic white tee is just the ticket to get you through a long Wednesday.  If the metallic is on top, try trousers or jeans on the bottom.  A little sparkle with a menswear tweed looks fabulous!

Teeter-totter the metallic item with neutral, muted pieces to do the look right.

•   Looking to invest?  Buy the best quality you can afford.  A poorly constructed metallic garment will show it's flaws loudly and won't last long.
  

Ruffles!
Contrary to the opinion of one of this season's Project Runway designers, I like ruffles.  They're feminine and sweet and can enhance or conceal depending on the design.

•   Have something?  Ruffled items pair equally well with menswear inspired trousers and a sexy pencil skirt.
• Looking to invest? Avoid ruffles on chunky knits.  It'll add way too much bulk.
  

Chartreuse or Sunny Yellow!
So often fall gets bogged down in the burgundies, forest greens, grays, and blacks but pulling out a nice sunny color will brighten those shorter days.  AND, lighter cuts like this dress work year round!

• Already have this color?  Make it work in winter months with opaque tights or knee high boots and accessories in neutral colors that don't compete for attention.
• Looking to invest?  Think sunny lime and avoid neon.
  

 

Layering gray and black!
This seems like a no-brainer since layering to keep warm in fall and winter happens anyway but I wanted to include it because the look that's cropping up is specifically monochromatic chic.

• Already have something?  Make sure to incorporate both black and grays.  We're going for a balanced look, not head to toe in one color.  I think this also looks fabulous with various shades of white/cream and tan/brown. Keep the ensemble sleek and watch the makeup!  Against this pallet, your normal “berry kiss” lipstick could look clown-like.
• Looking to invest?  You probably don't need much.  Shop your closet and you'll probably find all the pieces you need.  If not, get the best quality you can afford.  These colors never go out of style.
  

Slit-, Slashed-, or Cut out Shoulders
I apologize for the harsh picture.  It was the best I could find showing this trend and how we're talking only exposed shoulders.  The top still needs to have actual sleeves.  I include this trend only because I saw it layered over a brightly colored piece making it appropriate for modest dressers.

•  Have one?  Do NOT layer it over a flesh-colored item.  You want deliberate contrast.
  
• Looking to invest?  Don't bother.  It's a problematic trend and assuredly a tiny flash in the pan.  If you really love the look it would be very easy to DIY with one of your existing tops you don't mind altering.

Leggings
It's so rare to see leggings done right.  Every year I find myself questioning what I think about them.  They're much more feminine than sweatpants for around the house but once you go out?? This year, like almost every fall, they're popping up under mini-skirts and long tunic tops.  You truly have to have a trim figure to pull off leggings in any sort of flattering way.  They show every lump and bump.  No, they are not slimming and for many people the fact that leggings are skin-tight goes against their definition of modesty.

•  Have some?  Layer them under your shorter, summery skirts and dresses that you want to keep wearing.  If you have the figure, you can show more legging compared to top, but keep the crotch and buns covered, otherwise we'll have to start calling you Lindsey Lohan (the reigning queen of leggings).  And that's not a fashion compliment.
• Looking to invest?  You don't need to spend big bucks on a pair of leggings.  Just make sure they fit snugly and don't sag.  Oy, that's brings a scary picture to mind!
  

Cocoon coat
Oh what a shapeless mess.  As with any item of clothing, from size 8 to 18, concealing your shape under a bulky mass is NOT flattering.   Even where outerwear is concerned.  Bulky shapes like this don't mean more warmth.  It's all just a little too "Snuggie walking down the street."

• Have one?  Donate it or relegate it to your emergency kit.  Maybe the material will be good to deconstruct for a DIY project.
• Looking to invest?  Don't.  If you're in need of a new coat look for a nicely tailored wool topper you'll look good wearing for years upon years to come.
  

Ultra-broad Shoulders
This wasn't a good look in the 80's and it will never be a good look. What do we call this?  Glitzy Linebacker?  What woman worth her femininity wants to look like a linebacker? This look goes beyond simply shoulder-pads to massive poufy shoulders. 

• Have something?  Yes, strongly tailored shoulders slim hips, but this isn't it. Put it in the dress-up box for when your daughters need to channel the 80's. 
• Looking to invest?  Avoid anything Dynasty-esque.  Look for TAILORED shoulders.  Tailored just enough so they’re not slouchy.
  

Welcome to the first of our Fall/Winter Style Series! Since we figure the cycling of trends is here to stay (as discussed here) we might as well cover what's current, how to make it work and what to run from screaming! First...

The Lovelies -

Motorcycle Jacket!  Leather jackets never really go out of style and the main point of this trend is that it's fitted and hip length.  A nice simple blazer-style leather jacket fitting that description will work great.  Do not pair with heavy leather boots.  The jacket should be the only biker item in the ensemble.

• Have one?  Pair it with your ultra feminine pieces to tone down the more sugary sweetness of spring & summer and carry those items through fall & winter.
• Looking to invest?  The biker jacket is miles more versatile then a long Matrix-style coat.  Look for a close-fitting jacket without too many bells and whistles; i.e. avoid multiple heavy zippers and tons of superfluous seaming. 
  

Bright Coats!  Fall and winter coats are NOT something most people want to replace often.  That's why we buy black, brown or tan.  Neutral colors that will stand the test of time.  But a bright coat will do the same - as long as it's cut in a very classic style.  A brightly colored trench brings much needed vibrancy to fall and winter clothes and carries effortlessly through to spring. 

• Have one?  Don't be afraid to pull it out and wear it as long as the weather will allow.  Pair it with neutral scarves, gloves and hats so as not to compete with the coat.
  
• Looking to invest?  Keep the style classic.  Don't be afraid of pattern.  I have a bright pink trench with tiny white polka-dots that garners tons of compliments year after year. Consider a water resistant trench instead of wool.  It will be easier to keep the lighter color clean.
  

Long Gloves!  Around my neck of the woods cooler temps can come early but nothing so frigid as to warrant carrying a coat around all day.  A definite do is pairing long gloves and scarves with short-sleeved items.  It's elegant and unexpected and they're easy to carry with you. 

• Have some? Pair with simple, more sophisticated tops, avoiding graphic tees and active wear.  
• Looking to invest?  Leather gloves wear for decades.  Look for gloves and scarves in complementary tones but not necessarily matchy-matchy.  (click here for info on coordinating vs matching)
  

Fun winter accessories!  Have a black coat?  Add color around your face with a bright scarf and hat.  Dark coats beg for fun colors and patterns.

• Have some?  Keep a lint roller in your car.  That lighter, brighter lint will show up fast on a dark coat.
• Looking to invest?  Dots, stripes, plaids, and animal prints are timeless.  Choose the best material you can afford (ideally cashmere) so they will resist pilling and look great for years to come.
  

Tough call, these over-the-knee-boots.  Personally, I think they look cool but you have to get skinny jeans that tuck into them easily.  And I'm not a fan of skinny jeans.  Thick leggings might also work, but that's a big might, and only with a longer tunic top.  Tricky... very tricky.

• Have some? Nobody with any taste is wearing them with mini skirts and dresses (too tarty!).  Keep everything above the boots short and nicely covered up, like a cute short trench coat.
• Looking to invest?  Only if you're in love with the style and are certain you'll wear it more than one year.  These boots don't come cheap (and if they do - double check the construction!)  Look for a simple cut that will more easily stand the test of time.
  

Neon.  I'm an 80's child.  We did neon like never before and I agree with the sartorial mantra that if you were around the first time the trend hit, you can't wear it the same way the second time. Do a quick search for neon clothing and accessories  and many tacky results will suddenly glare from your screen.

• Have something?  Make it an accent to neutrals.  The brights will look great with whites, tans, and denim.  Pull out those long lost bangles and pop 'em on your wrists.  Or let the neon grace the tip of a shoe or the straps on a sandal. 
  
• Looking to invest?  Don't.  It's practically a guarantee you won't pull out that neon dress next year.  Instead, dip a toe in the trend, literally.  Neon nailpolish is a cheap way to have fun.  Me?  I'll be enjoying my bright orange toenail polish.  Later, when you don't want a full set of neon feet, it can become polka-dot or flower accents for a fun summer look.
  

Harem Pants. DO NOT bother with the "boxy pant"/harem pant/baggy pant trend.  It's unflattering on everyone and will be gone in the blink of an eye.  Even if I have to gather every pair and bonfire them myself.  Who wants their hips to look huge, their legs to look short, and their crotch to hang down to their knees?  Run away from this one.  Far away.

• Have some?  Turn them into cleaning rags.  Show the kids how cloth burns slower than paper, and how to dispose of the ashes.
  

Boyfriend Blazer/Boxy Blazer.  Ladies, anything that hides your shape is a don't!  This trend will make you look like... wait for it... A BOX!  Not good.  Check out this picture vs the one below it.  Even on this tiny little model - she looks shapeless and heavier than she is.

• Have one?  Get thee to a tailor! (as discussed here)  It can most likely be taken up and in at all the right places to get you a flattering piece.  If not, stick it in the dress up box for your kids to be "daddy" and future hobo costumes.
• Looking to invest?  Spend your pennies more wisely on a blazer like the one below.  You'll breathe sighs of relief for years to come. 
  

Ahhhh.  Much better.  Nice shape.  Timeless, slimming, flattering.

Hope this has helped excite you for the coming months!  I love jacket season.  Not so much "I-have-to-shovel-my-way-out-the-front-door" season, but jacket season is great. 
Stay tuned for Fall Style Series 2! 

You must admit, if we were to walk the street like this (and this was from a fairly recent collection) the first public assumption would be that we were headed to a sci-fi convention.

I don't mind cycling trends.  Ones I like always come around again. (Harem pants are not one of them!  Oy!  How did those ever resurface?)  And the near infinite variety of clothing lets us express our individuality as well as our common ground.  And you guessed it, in the upcoming posts we will be discussing the fall trends.  Which ones work, which ones to ignore or even run from.  If, like me, the fall weather hasn't hit your area yet it's only a matter of weeks.  And every new season is a reason to assess your style and tweak where necessary, even if you don't buy a single new item.

What did I find?
Ann Taylor:  8 out of 71 dresses would be appropriate
Ann Taylor Loft:  4 of 50
J. Crew: 3 of 89
(and that was excluding the wedding dress options, which, by the way were 0 of 32)
Banana Republic: 8 of 41
Gap: 0 of 30 (that’s right – zero!)
Anthropologie: 0 of 107
Brooks Brothers: 5 of 15
White House/Black Market: 0 of 50
Nordstrom had far too many dresses to count but a cursory search of the first few pages yielded many excellent options!  I even searched Victoria’s Secret.  26 of 255 would be appropriate.

Many of these stores are standard shopping suggestions from Image Interpreters.  Goes to show the season’s aren’t all created equal!  It certainly won’t be an easy search, but appropriate, summer weight dresses are out there.  My personal favorite is the lightweight jersey wrap dress.  Seasonless, with the addition of hosiery and boots, and one of the most flattering and smart wardrobe investments any woman can make.

But what if you already have strappy or strapless items in your closet that you really want to keep wearing?  The key is striking a more deliberate contrast! 

I’m a big fan of the new fitted undershirts that have hit the market in recent years.  They lend a very helpful hand to anyone wanting to maintain modesty and avoid frumpy.  But the look can be taken too far.  (Am I bursting bubbles here?)  I don’t believe they were ever meant to allow us to wear ANY dress or top out there.  (Any undertee maker who says otherwise is just trying to sell more!)  Are they perfect under slightly sheer tops and dresses?  Absolutely! The best for covering gaping under-arm holes? You bet!  Excellent for filling in low necklines and covering "flesh belts"?  Sure thing! Good looking under tank or halter style tops? Um... negatory. 
 
So how does this translate? 

• Try a longer sleeve T instead of the cap sleeve option.
  
• Try more than 2 layers.  The other day I saw this combo: cap-sleeve underT, sheer, fitted, short-sleeve shirt (worn quite open to reveal the color contrasting underT), very low scoop neck, floaty, tunic-length ruffle tank (spaghetti straps, not thick) on top.  All with jeans and sandals.  It was more funky than my personal style but I loved that it was clever and creative!
  
• Work your button-downs instead! A light weight button-down shirt is much more unexpected under strappy or strapless items.  It says, "I meant to put together this brilliant combo."  Instead of, "Please look at the halter dress and ignore the flesh-colored undershirt glaring out from under it."  Check out some of the outfit options below.
  
• As for those strappy maxi dresses?  Take a cue from decades ago and employ a version of the shirt-as-jacket option.  Slip a light button-down shirt OVER your dress, roll up the sleeves if they're long, do up just a few buttons at your breastbone (unless more are needed for cleavage coverage) and then knot the shirt just under your rib cage.  Adorable, sexy and innocent all at the same time!  It'll create very slimming lines as well, with the knot high at the narrowest part of your torso.