Pretty and Poor

Falling Into Place!

This morning I woke up to the sound of wind howling violently outside and a thermometer that read 40-some degrees. “Oh, hello fall,” I thought sarcastically. “How nice of you to arrive so promptly after Labor Day.”

Apparently, fall doesn’t get the whole fashionably late rule. Maybe if fall remembered that, I would have been able to start my day a little more fashionably. A quick glance at my closet revealed that I was in no way ready for any degree of arctic blast. It’s time to find my sweaters, break out my jackets and scour through my scarves. We may have a couple warm days left here and there, but this morning served as a rude reminder that those days are numbered.

As I transition to fall and winter, there are a few things I need to accomplish. Here’s my fall checklist! Let this serve as inspiration to you as you transition to fall.

My Fall Checklist

____ Make boots a big part of my life (and not break the bank). I need a super-dressy black pair, a casual black pair and brown pair. I’m still trying to figure out how to make this one happen. I’ll get back to you when I find the perfect solution.

____ Add one key leather piece to my wardrobe. I’m thinking it’s a nice, tailored leather skirt.

____ Find my scarves (my Burberry one is still my favorite, after all these years). Scarves are key to fall transitions because they can help keep you warm without adding bulky, unnecessary layers.

____Pick up a couple pairs of tights! I can wear many of my practical, daily dresses right through winter with the right tights. And I love wearing Betsey Johnson’s tights for a comfy, stylish fit.

____ Clogs! I love clogs (little known fact about me). But don’t confuse me for one of those hippy types. The clogs I like are high style (not Birkenstocks). This year I’d like a pair with a high heel and a little platform, preferably in brown or tan suede.

____ Go mad for hats. I live in a cold place where hats are just as necessity as they are fashion statement. My plan? Stock up on fashionable hats to jazz up my look and keep my top toasty.

____ Stock up on lotions and sunless tanning creams. It’s not my goal to look like a ripe orange all winter long, but it lifts my spirits to carry a little color over to the long winter months. For an all seasons glow, try Beautisol (one of my favorite beauty products).

It may seem like a lot, but when the winter lasts until May the PPW of all the above items turns out to be delightfully low. And that’s enough to make me go a little squirrelly.

Fall, From The Runway

Runways are great. They’re full of drama, fantasy and frivolous fun. But runways can be difficult to interpret for the average girl. Out of all those styles and fabulous designs parading down the runway, how do you know which ones will work for you? Which styles are on target and current? Which styles can you wear without being laughed at?

After talking about fall colors and fabrics, it’s time to talk about finding those colors and fabrics in looks on the runway—looks that you could create from things in your own closet (or a piece or two you could invest in for fall). It’s now time to talk about how the bits and pieces come together to create your fall looks. Here’s what I love from the runway, and how you can make it happen for fall 2010.

Layers of Black

When we talked about colors, I mentioned that black is back in a very big way. The runways from fall 2010 didn’t hesitate to let that theme shine through. These two looks represent ways you can pile on black for a chic, sophisticated look.

This first look, from Versace, is modern and almost a little “matrix.” This is very current because it combines layers of black in different fabrics—most notably leather! For a hot look that turns heads and shows your style prowess, throw tasteful, intelligently-placed black leather into the mix.

The second look from Chanel says girly, fun and almost whimsical. Here, Chanel has created a modern-day ice queen by layering blacks and dark grays of various textures. The boots (once again on trend of fall) coupled with the luxe-looking fabrics make this a look you could easily pull off for fall with pieces from your own closet. And a great statement necklace never hurt, either!

Military Miss

Military is a haute look this fall. But that doesn’t mean you should leave the house coated in khaki green with a few strategically placed straps and buckles. Making the military look work subtly takes some skill.

This look, form Dries Van Norton, is the epitome of military chic. One military-inspired skirt anchors the entire outfit and is complemented with a luxe fur vest and elegant platform heels. Below I’ve featured a variation on the look, also from Dries Van Norton. Their execution of this trend for fall 2010 was nothing short of military magic.

When wearing military, a good rule to remember is to keep the military at a minimum. Pick one key piece with military influences (like this skirt, featured in both pictures in different colors) and pair it with more feminine threads. The juxtaposition will keep people intrigued and keep you feeling like you’re not wearing a costume.

A Red Revival

I’m starting realize that red is color that just doesn’t get enough credit—especially when it comes to clothing. I think many people shy away from red because of its bold implications. I say, “Who cares?” Wear your red and wear it proud. After all red’s going to be loud this season—it will tell everyone you meet that you’re a true style maven.

Chanel does red right with this sweater dress trimmed in fur. Fur, another big trend this fall, pairs perfectly with this look to create a regal, stately look. Add red to your wardrobe this fall to warm up any room.

Shades Of The Season

Layering subtle shades in the same color family will be a big deal this season. Pick one color family—be in brown, black, red, tan or green—and layer on threads of similar hues for a hip, urban and updated look.

Burberry knows how to do this right. They’ve taken the very hip military-inspired green and paired that with other shades right in the same family. From the skirt to the adorable boots, this look is a real winner.

So there you have it! Some interpretations of fall trends straight from the runway; simple, not-too-crazy looks you can recreate to show everyone your grasp of fall fashion. Tell me what you're excited for this fall in the comments section.

A Diamond In The Grass

I rarely blog about sports…for good reason. But I just heard the most heart-wrenching story about the Miami Dolphins. No, seriously. Apparently at practice yesterday, Miami Dolphins defensive end Kendall Langford lost his $50,000 diamond earring while running around the field.

Oops.

As girls, we’ve all been there: losing one of our favorite little baubles. I lost a nice diamond earring (albeit, not a $50,0000 one) while tubing on a lake in Canada. Someday, a lucky fisherman will find that sucker, take it home and make his old lady real happy.

If I’m ever in the shower and realize that I’ve forgotten to take my earrings out, I calmly stop lathering my hair and step out of the shower to lay my earrings in a happy (safe) place. Losing something down the drain would be the worst!

So the truth is, I feel for Mr. Langford. Mostly because $50,000 is a pretty nice size diamond. But perhaps this unfortunate incident will teach him a valuable lesson that many of us ladies already know: don’t ever take advantage of your diamonds.

And let’s be honest, it’s WAY more difficult to lose a whole bucket of them.

Share your story! Have you lost a piece of jewelry and felt sick about losing it? Share your story in the comments section. The best story will get a free diamond valued at $50,000—just kidding.

For the full story, click here.

If Lady Gaga Ruled the World...

I understand that most of the world is currently obsessed with Lady Gaga. I get it. That doesn’t mean that I’m any different. I saw her show on Monday night in St. Paul and it was nothing short of faboo! The outfits, the theatrics, the jazzy pop music with an almost-sinister twist—Lady Gaga’s show was just too much fun for words. The entire evening was enchanted, intriguing and made me wonder, “What would happen if Lady Gaga was president?”

:: A leotard with ripped fishnets would be the national uniform of choice. On special occasions, we could spice things up with wands and festive hats.

:: The wig industry would grow to over one million times its current size.

:: “Alejandro” would become the most popular baby name. (Move over, Emily! So passé.)

:: The constitution would read, “We the Little Monsters of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Dance Party…”

Ahhh….a girl can dream (with all the glitter, hairspray and fake eyelashes she’s got). And while it might seem so fantastical to imagine Gaga as president for a minute or two, she’s well placed exactly where she is right now—as the best entertainer of the decade.

Here's a photo I took of Gaga as she sat at the piano and sang. Her slower songs at the piano, while very different than the upbeat craziness of the rest of the show, was one of my favorite parts.

Hats (and wigs) off to Gaga for a great show in Minnesota!

Lady In Red!

My outfit this Thursday made me really happy! I woke up, stood at my closet and asked myself, "What would Samantha from Sex and the City wear?"

In case you don't know, Samantha from Sex and the City is one of my style icons. We share a love for clean lines, bold colors and all things modern. And that's how I threw this outfit together. I focused on bold colors, clean lines and modern details.

I'm wearing a red top from Bailey 44 that has a very hip, modern wrap to it. It wraps over one shoulder and has a small strap across the other. I've paired that with a white pencil skirt and topped the whole thing off with a black, studded patent-leather belt. And my own personal element of crazy was the shoes: snow-leopard print pumps.

What do you think?

(Oh, and in case you can't tell, I thoroughly enjoy overly posing for pictures. The term "hamming it up" comes to mind.)

The FABrics of Fall 2010: Luxe It Up

Yesterday, we talked about the colors of fall 2010. Today, it’s all about the FABrics. Notice the emphasis on the FAB. That’s because the fabrics showing up for fall will be nothing short of fabulous. There are really a lot of textiles to choose from, and since layering will be big, you’re in luck! Pile these fabric favorites on in luxe layers of love.

Viva la Velvet: There’s a wrong way to do velvet (an oh-so wrong way). But if you stick to plush, supple velvets in the colors we talked about yesterday (rich tans, deep greens, ruby reds or blacks), you’ll look like you walked right off a runway this fall. If you can’t get that awful vision of a full-length velvet dress from 1992 out of your head, try harder. This season’s velvets are anything but tacky. They’re made to look sophisticated, elegant and like old money.

This regal Prada handbag has a charm all it's own. It's simple, elegant and carries all the punch of Prada in that "old money" way.

Leather: I’m always a huge fan of leather. The right leather piece (like a jacket or blazer), when incorporated into your wardrobe, can speak volumes about your style quotient. This season, stick to leathers in the colors we touched on yesterday. Take a look at yesterday’s post. That red, leather jacket was a hip and happening piece that could stick around for years. And the best news? It’s hot right now. This fall, find the leather that works for you. It might be a leather jacket or blazer. You might even branch out (if you can handle it) and find the perfect leather skirt (there were several on the runway this year) or skinny pants.

Fur: I love fur. Real fur. I know, I know. I’m basically a murderer who has no love and compassion for the creatures we share our Earth with. But I think fur is great. And so does the rest of the fashion world this season. Now, I’m not saying you need to leave the house in a full-length mink coat (please don’t). Fur will be fab this season sprinkled into your outfit. Perhaps you invest in a sweater or jacket with a nice fox fur collar? Or grab a handbag with fur detailing for the winter? Or, everyone’s favorite furry execution: boots with the fur. You know, to go with those Apple Bottom Jeans (no, please don’t, Nelly isn’t really a fashion designer).

This dress has a personality all it's own. Made by Gucci, it combines a rich, tan leather will just the right amount of fur near the collar. It's fierce and definitely not for the fashionably faint of heart.

Wool, Cashmere and More: Besides the more exotic fabrics I’ve mentioned above, this fall is all about the classics done right. Invest in jackets or coats made from a high-quality wool that curves in all the right places. Pile on loose cashmere layers to give the look of unrivaled luxury. And if you’re really feeling adventurous? Try something with texture and warmth, like mohair.

A sweater just like this one pairs great with skirts, leather, denim and more. It's a basic piece that can be layered and love all winter long.

I’m not saying you should throw cotton and denim to the wind—you should continue to wear your favorite fabrics. These are the simply the hot fabrics of the moment. So if you’re looking to turn heads this fall, turn yourself on to luxe fabrics like velvet, leather, fur, cashmere and fine wools.

Interested in any of the above looks? Check out Neiman Marcus for more.

The Colors of Fall: Rich, Luxurious Neutrals.

Fall’s color palette is nothing bright, sunny and new. But the new take on neutrals is something to get excited about! Here’s what you should know.

(Check this awesome graphic I made for you visual learners. Read more about each color trend below.)

Black is back. If you’re someone with layers of black in your closet, rejoice. Black (especially in layers) is back this fall. If you’re lost for a style look, it’s never been more okay to pile on this slimming, urban color. To show that you’ve got a real hold on style, throw black textures or patterns into your outfit.

Time to Tan: Rich hues of warm beiges and tans go a long way to achieving an in-style look this fall. Leather looks in glowing tan colors (with gold undertones) will be a showstopper this autumn, as will accompanying shades of brown and bronze.

Going For Green: When in doubt, opt for green this season. Green will be all over the place—from military inspired jackets to slouchy bags—and will make a style statement as the military trend (more on this later) continues to gain momentum. Pick rich, dirty greens to fit in seamlessly. Opt for non-bright hues of green to be really glam.

Rad in Red: The jaw dropping color of the season will be red. Rich, ravishing reds. If you’re looking for a great dress or a fabulous coat in a creative color, try red. Mix red with the neutrals of the season for an understated look. Red will be rockin’ this fall!

Sure, there are other colors in the fall 2010 spectrum. But these colors will be easy to attain, and somewhat simple to incorporate into any wardrobe. Plus, showing mastery of these four color trends will help you prove your knowledge of fall fashion.

Stay tuned for more great fall 2010 fashion tips this week!

My Take On the Trends: Fall 2010

Interpreting trends is always tricky. Sure, everyone comes out with their list of what will be hot for the upcoming season. But that doesn’t always translate to real looks the everyday woman can insert into her wardrobe seamlessly. That’s where I come in. This fall, my goal is to help you understand how you can translate the trends and make them work for you. You’ll be a vision of fall 2010 in no time.

This week I’ll be blogging about everything fall so you can get a head start on perfecting your seasonal wardrobe. I’ll be starting with the basics (colors) and finishing with more specific trends. My hope is that you get some great ideas for transitioning to fall in style.