Update Your Wardrobe

Fave bloggers Katherine Power and Hillary Kerr of Who What Wear posted an inspiring video blog Monday regarding what key pieces will help update a current wardrobe for this season. Bloomingdales sponsored the video, which showcased a fabulous leopard coat by Aqua, and knee high boots.

Using Katherine and Hillary's suggestions, I thought I would add a few more items to the list. An earlier blog of mine details all of the top trends for fall, but it is not always reasonable to stock your wardrobe with ALL of the trends of the season. There are a few fool proof items that you can buy each Fall which will help bring your current wardrobe up to speed.

A New Coat

T Tahari * Silence and Noise * French Connection

Invest each season in a new coat that can be worn for a multitude of occasions. The above options are all unique choices that incorporate a trend of the season. Option 1 is a classic shape with a ruffle collar that adds interest. Option 2 is a more daring choice, which incorporates the fur trend of the season. Option 3 is a bold color that is sure to turn heads.

A Pair of Fall Footwear

Steve Madden * Max Studio * Dolce and Gabbana

As mentioned in a previous post, boots are THE footwear of choice this fall. Pick your favorite style and make them your main investment for the season. Choose a pair that stands out in some way, be it detailing, shape, color or fabrics. Make your boots the focal point of your outfit.

A New Pair of Pants

Victoria's Secret * Banana Republic * Bop

Each season pant trends change - maybe it is the fit (hello skinny jeans!), or maybe it is the fabric. Any of the above pants incorporates a key trend of the season. Topping my list is a pair of perfectly fitted leather pants. If leather isn't for you, try uber-luxurious fabric - velvet. Another favorite pant for fall is the harem pant - although don't expect to see me sporting them around town.

A New Bag

Windsor * Prada * Forever21

An easy update, a new bag can add a little flare to your wardrobe. This season make it speak with a sequin bag, which is a great way to incorporate the sequin trend into your existing wardrobe.

Tantalizing Trend #6: Strong Shoulders

Powerful, sharp and strong - these are all adjectives used to describe shoulders on the Fall 2009 runways. Bringing the 80's back, shoulders make a bold statement with jackets, shirts and dresses alike.

Once again, fall favorite Balmain wowed on-lookers with a slew of jackets and dresses with strong shoulders. However, this trend made it's way into collections both on and off the runway, making it a guilty splurge, or an affordable find, depending on one's discretion.

Spring 2010 shows also brought traces of shoulder pads, making this trend more than just a one season wonder.

Row 1: Rick Owens, Robert Rodriguez
Row 2: Top Shop, Victoria's Secret
Row 3: Silence and Noise, Max Studio, Victoria's Secret
Row 4: Sport Max, Diane Von Furstenberg

For the more fashion conservative - work this trend into your wardrobe through a jacket or dress with otherwise classic lines.

The fashionista's out there have endless possibilities with this trend. Try recreating it on your own with a loose tee or turtleneck that you add shoulder pads to.

Tantalizing Trend #5: One-Shoulder

A favorite for fall, asymmetrical necklines and one-shoulder apparel should be on your must-have list. This is a trend that comes and goes every few years, making it one worth the splurge. Once this trend gets the cold shoulder, store it in the back of your closet for a few seasons until it is once again en vogue.

Shoulders are often referred to as an erogenous zone on women, and this season there is no sexier way to bare your shoulders than to leave one completely uncovered. A one-shoulder tee adds instant style and sex appeal, even when thrown on for a casual outing with jeans. For cocktail hour, take the look to a new level with a one-shoulder, long sleeve dress.

To accessorize, leave the necklace at home, and rock a glam pair of earrings, with a few dainty bangles. For day or for night, a clutch is a better choice than a shoulder bag, keeping the shoulder line simple.

Row 1: DVF dress, Black Halo top, Elizabeth and James top
Row 2: BCBG dress, Arden B romper, Robert Rodriguez dress
Row 3: French Connection dress, Robert Rodriguez blouse

Tantalizing Trend #3: Boots

The hint of crispness in the air, the gradual turning of leaves, football games. . . .all of this can only mean one thing: boot season! Although I am sad to see summer go, there is something nostalgic about pulling on that first pair of fall boots. 

A staple for fall, boots have never seen so many variations before. From sandal boots to thigh high boots, they come in all sizes, shapes, colors and embellishments. Ditch your shoes this season for a pair of boots, which this season, go with any ensemble. 

1. Balmain   2. Colin Stuart  3. Brian Atwood   4. Emanuel Ungaro   5. French Connection   6. Free People   7. Frye   8. Anthropologie   9. Rene Caovilla

Boot Dictionary

With so many choices this season, how do you keep them strait? This Boot Dictionary and Guide will help you decide which pair is best for you!

Shootie: New for 2009, the shootie is a cross between a shoe and a boot. Spice up an outfit that you would typically wear a pump or sandal with. 

Bootie: Brought onto the fashion scene fall of 2007, the bootie is very similar to an ankle boot, but doesn't cover the ankle. Wear these with dresses to give a pretty frock a fashionable edge. 

Ankle Boot: A boot that covers only the ankle, new styles have embelishments such as ruffles and flowers. Pair with rolled up boyfriend jeans for casual chic ease. 

Slouch Boot: The slouch boot can be any height, and is made of a soft suede or leather, allowing it to casually slouch around the leg. Dress down an outfit, and make it look effortless with this choice. 

Riding Boot: Just as the name suggests, the riding boot is made (or at least resembles) for riding horses. This equestrian inspired boot is a perfect solution for a weekend shopping trip, or casual night out. 

Over-the-Knee/Thigh Boot: My favorite boot for fall, the over-the-knee (OTK)/thigh boot comes in a few variations. The boots can either be fitted, or loose around the leg. The OTK variation covers the leg up to just above the knee. 

The thigh high version comes all the way up to the thigh. Wear these with dresses, or over jeans. When selecting a thigh boot use discretion, and lean towards a suede, round toe boot in a neutral color to avoid looking like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. For a more conservative look, pair thigh boots with a pencil skirt or knee-length dress. 

Fold-over boot: The fold-over boot folds typically at the top near the knee. Newer versions such as the Balmain boot pictured above fold completely in half . 

Convertible Boot: Recessionista's watch out! Convertible boots give you two boots in one, some fold over while some can slouch down. Others, like my favorite by Colin Stuart, unzip at the ankle to make two totally separate boots. 

Tantalizing Trend #2: Leather

Channel your inner biker babe this fall by sneaking a few pieces of leather into your wardrobe. Leather pants, jackets, and even dresses, are popping up in a variety of stores. For those animal lovers, there is even a variety of very well executed faux leather - not to be confused with the not so fondly named, pleather. Express clothing has aptly named their line of faux leather: (minus the) leather.

Whatever your preference is, there is something available for everyone's taste. For the less adventurous, work a leather pencil skirt, worn leather jacket, or knit and leather sweater into your wardrobe.

Take leather to the next level by donning a metallic leather mini, or a leather jacket complete with studs, zippers and chains. Experiment with mixing different textures and elements to create a truly interesting ensemble that is sure to turn a few heads.

Top Row: byCORP mini skirt, Victoria Secret pants
Middle Row: Guess Jacket, Rojas Skirt, Hue Legging
Bottom Row: Rag & Bone Dress, DVF Knit Jacket

Tantalizing Trend #1: SEQUINS!

Oh how I adore sequins! For Fall, luster, shine and glitz are on the menu, and sequins are the main course. Dazzling the runways, sequins show up on everything from shoes to coats and everything in-between.

Clockwise from top left: Topshop Skirt, Marc Jacobs Purse, Dolce and Gabbana Pump, Marciano Skirt, Trina Turk Cardigan, Paul and Joe Dress, Alice and Olivia Legging, Foley and Corinna Blouse

If you fit into the more conservative sector, a sequin embellished cardigan or sparsely sequined top may be the best fit for you. Accessories also offer up and quick, easy a less over-the-top way to work this trend into an everyday wardrobe.

For those with a little more gusto, slip into a full sequin dress for evening, or even a sequin skirt for day. Dress it down with a casual tee or chunky knit sweater for a simple, thrown together kind of look.

Now, the all out fashionista will find even more excitement in sequins this season. I for one am dieing to snatch up a pair of black sequin leggings! The options are endless with the bountiful sequin options, and I am quite afraid that by the end of this season, my closet may begin to look a bit like a costume room for cirque-du-soleil: but I have to admit that I am okay with that.

A general rule with this sparkling trend is to approach with care. If unsure how to wear it right, stick with black or metallic sequins, and not brightly colored rainbow ones. This will keep your look chic and sophisticated, instead of product of the 80's. Finally, remember to experiment with adding a variety of textures such as velvet, leather and wool to your ensemble.

Sequins, Leather and Boots, Oh My!

For the first time in quite a while, I am completely in love with the seasons trends. Heavily inspired by the 80's, Fall/Winter 09 trends are all about textures and detailing.

Shaping up to be one of the most exciting seasons in fashion in a long time, this season has a wide variety of trends making their way to the runway. From skinny pants, to trouser style, to 40's inspired, to 80's harlequin pants - there is something for everyone this season. It is all about playing with fashion, mixing prints, patterns and textures, and making a bold statement with clothing.

Below are some of the top trends for Fall, which I will expand upon as the season continues to progress. As with any trend, mix these in with the current classic pieces in your wardrobe to keep your ensemble from looking like a costume.

1. Sequins! A fantastic way to add some glitz and glamour to any wardrobe, expect to see sequins everywhere for Fall.

2. Leather - After spending much of last Fall searching for the perfect pair of leather pants, I am so glad to see that leather is at the fore-front of fashion this season.

3. Boots - Ankle boots, knee boots, and my favorite, thigh-high boots are the shoe of choice this season.

4. Boyfriend Wear - Last Fall we saw the boyfriend cardigan, Spring brought the boyfriend blazer, and now we include the boyfriend jean to round out the list of fashionable boyfriend wear.

5. One Shoulder - Exposed shoulders were all over the runway, and they are a great way to add some sex appeal to an understated outfit.

6. Strong Shoulders - Blazers, shirts and dresses are showing more than your average shoulder pads, a fall back to the 80's, shoulders are getting wider this season.

7. Ruffles - Back for another season, ruffles are making their way into bags, shoes and coats for Fall.

8. Jumpsuits - A controversial trend, I'll let you in on some chic jumpsuits that you're sure to fall in love with.

9. Detailed Tights - Textures, embellishment and colors give tights a make-over this season, and add instant pizazz to the plainest of outfits.

10. Velvet - An ultra luxurious fabric, velvet adds another texture to the list this Fall.

11. Fur - Fur vests, jackets and detailing were all over Fall runways. Protect the animals and opt for faux fur instead of the real deal.

12. Statement Coats - Coats aren't just for keeping warm - use them to make a statement with shapes and detailing.