Never Too Early

My fall shopping list has begun!  An overall theme seemed to emerge during New York’s Fashion Week, and it was wholeheartedly appreciated by someone (me) who wants to be fashionable, yet is sometimes perplexed by what is worn on the runways.  This season did not have that problem what so ever!  Femininity is still going strong, and I adore this trend – skinny belts and sheath dresses (Victoria Beckham).  Grays, browns, with shades of pinks, reds and oranges showed off their allure, and, I was uber-thrilled by this one, scarves!  Ginormous scarves appear to be something to look for in the fall.  I couldn’t be happier.
So, prompted by a suggestion from Harper’s Bazaar, I decided to make a visual wish list of what my fall closet might look like (that is if I had a magic genie in a bottle, but I looked and she’s not in there gosh darn it!). Regardless, I’ve included my favorites from this past Fashion Week. 

Out of curiosity, what were some of the trends that piqued your interest and how are you most likely to incorporate them into your wardrobe?  Hope you are just about to embark on a fantastic weekend romp, whatever it may be, and if it’s shopping maybe this will rev your engine up even more!  Cheers!

Love the layering Tory Burch has done and especially like the capped sleeved coat.  Always keep in mind, sequins are not just for an evening out ladies!

A consistent trend in Diane von Furstenberg’s Fall 2010 line were skirts or cocktail length dresses worn with a sweater-like cardigan or jacket.  I love this idea to dress down a rather fancy dress or to add texture.

 
Michael Kors’ mix of neutrals, gray, brown and khaki, work well together and, as always, the belt pulls it all into something fabulous and draws your eye in to a beautiful narrow waist.

I had to include one more of Michael Kors’ collection.  This simple black dress, the V-neck and again, loving the belt!  Classy monochromatic outfit that screams simplicity, yet drama at the same time.

Elie Tahari is one of the many designers I, admittedly, just found out about, but at least I did because I thoroughly saw myself feeling comfortable, yet put together in many of his designs.  The sweater cardigan layered underneath the coat, all wrapped up in a belt is stunning. And the camisole peeking out from underneath, that is definitely something I would feel comfortable wearing.

ADAM by Adam Lippes displayed he could design with an upper class flair.  There were a handful of items I liked in his collection and one among them was this sweater dress cinched in with a simple large black belt.

Victoria Beckham, I believed, stunned quite a few with her collection.  All I can say is that femininity seemed to be the utmost priority when these designs were crafted.  The dresses were fitted, yet not too revealing, reminding us all of what makes a woman’s figure sexy.

Jason Wu’s collection was absolutely fabulous, but I couldn’t help but show one of the many photos of the oversized scarves that seemed to be just about everywhere.  I, personally, am a huge fan as everyone already knows.

I am in need of more winter coats, and the neckline of Elie Tahari’s black wool piece immediately caught my attention. Beautiful.

Now, I must update my wardrobe for evenings out, and while simple, Lela Rose’s cocktail dress in navy would fit right in with my tastes.

For a splash of color Tory Burch incorporates sequins again while also adding the ever popular accessory – the belt.  Creative and something I need to try. 

And I couldn’t end without including another item from Jason Wu’s 2010 Ready-to-Wear collection.  A woman’s shoulders, after all, are always sexy, so why not show them off this a halter dress that will be the talk of the evening for all the right reasons.

All images courtesy of Style.com

Books, Books, Everywhere!

“I must have books everywhere. They’re the soul of a room—they reveal the taste, the interests, and the secrets of whoever lives there.”

—Fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, April 02

So what are your books saying about you as they lay on the coffee table, or are stacked on your shelves? Would it give an accurate depiction of the person who resides in your home?  If you’re like me, it would reveal a forever evolving rotation of interests. I’ve noticed in the past few years, I’ve included more non-fiction books than ever before, but I clearly have a predilection for fashion, home decor and classic novels.  Europe also tends to be a common theme in my collection of comfy summertime fictional books, so I’d have to say I have a desire to travel as well.  

Out of curiosity, do you agree with the whispered message your books are sharing with visitors as they come into your home? And if so, what is the message?

Here’s to a great week and hopefully many hours of found time to catch up on your pleasure reading.

Images: 1st – Flickr, 2nd - The Independent

A Little Bit of Romance

I received in the mail a couple of days ago my February edition of Town and Country magazine. This is one of the few magazines I wish I had been subscribing to for much longer than I already have. The articles are well written, engaging and substantive, each month focuses on a certain theme which allows each month to be uniquely its own (Home, Travel, Philanthropy, Fashion and my favorite, Wonder Women), and it is full of luxurious photographs, suggestions, resorts and restaurants to visit. In other words, the absence of fluff is very much appreciated.

February's issue is one I've always enjoyed. For the past few years its focus has been on women who are impressive in their own particular arena. Last year one of the women included Diane Von Furstenburg, who is an original in her own right (although I am slightly bias - her wrap dresses are the most dependable style of dress for any occasion I will ever need to go to) and this year it includes the cover girl Cindy Crawford as well as Alexandra Penney (a victim of Bernie Madoff and author of the new book The Bag Lady Papers), and a handful of other impressive women.

One article in particular though, really grabbed my attention with one line specific line, " . . . although I've emerged from adolescence as a suitably wary woman with far more emotional experience than anyone requires, the irresistible lure of that giggly childhood buzz has never gone away." Written by Lynn Sherr, her article is titled, "Looking For Romance" and within the article she writes about what women really want when it comes to romance. In a touching tale, she shares the story of her own romance with her husband to whom she lost to cancer after only seventeen years of marriage. Despite what may seem a dreary read, it is reassuring and uplifting that regardless of one's age, if we allow ourselves to feel that "tingle" for someone special, we open ourselves up to the opportunities of love.

I hope you too have someone that causes "that tingly thing" to happen, and if you haven't, I have a feeling they're on their way if only you would open your heart.

Jack Vetriano's "The Singing Butler"