November Days

Fall Dreaming by Icedivastar featuring fossil bags

How silently they tumble down

And come to rest upon the ground

To lay a carpet, rich and rare,

Beneath the trees without a care,

Content to sleep, their work well done,

Colors gleaming in the sun.

At other times, they wildly fly

Until they nearly reach the sky.

Twisting, turning through the air

Till all the trees stand stark and bare.

Exhausted, drop to earth below

To wait, like children, for the snow.

- Elsie N. Brady, Leaves

Halloween Video Roundup

Halloween is just a few weeks away, and already my head is full of ideas of what I want to be. I feel like last year was all about Lady Gaga, but this year is about rockin' Katy Perry and her fabulous blue wigs. I'm, also, loving turning an extra-large t-shirt into a cute tube dress - versatile for so many different looks. Here is a roundup of amazingly easy costume ideas and fabulous makeup looks.

Katy Perry California Gurls Music Video Inspired Make-up Tutorial: Foxylocksextensions

Snooki Halloween Tutorial! Makeup, Hair, Costume, and Rhinestone Sunglasses!: juicystar07

Lady Gaga Telephone Makeup Tutorial: MasqueradeMakeup

Natalie Portman Black Swan Theatrical Makeup: KlairedelysArt

Alice in Wonderland Costume: GiannyL

How-To: Tinkerbell Costume From a T-Shirt: GiannyL

Greek Goddess Halloween Costume : SecretLifeofABionerd

Poison Ivy Costume - Secretlifofabionerd

Who do you want to dress as for Halloween?

Fall Uniform

Fall Uniform by Icedivastar featuring a smocked tunic

I'm not sure how it happened, but sometime during the last couple of years I developed a fall uniform. Truth be told I am content to dress like this all year round, but people look at one funny when it is 90 degrees and you are wearing a sweater. My fall uniform consists of jeggings or leggings, the stylish cousins of sweatpants, worn with tunic tops and boyfriend cardigans. Slouchy beanies and berets are excellent for days when I don't care to do my hair, which is most days, and a large bag is perfect for toting around my life. Right now I can't get enough of double-finger rings and am a sucker for quirky stud earrings. While I'm petite, I prefer to wear flats but admit I have a soft spot for leg-lengthening over-the-knee boots. After slipping on black, over-sized shades, I am ready to head out the door.

Fall Preview

With September only days away, I'm digging through boxes trying to find my autumn weather clothes. While my credit card is whispering excuses for why I need a whole new wardrobe, I'd be happy to splurge on these five key pieces.

1. The Bomber Jacket

Topshop Sheepskin Flying Jacket

2. Velvet

ModCloth Velvet Wonderground Dress

3. Satchel Bags

ASOS Leather Slot Through Two Tone Satchel

4. Double-Finger Rings

Urban Outfitters Birds On A Branch Ring

5. Ankle Boots

Delia's Rocket Dog Satire Western Ankle Boot

I Heart Betsey Johnson

I heart Betsey Johnson! Found this video on YouTube and am so excited for her fall collection...

Don't forget to enter the Goody Simple Styles Giveaway! Contest open world wide.

Herve Leger - Fall Winter 2010/2011

Fall Inspiration: Peter Som

All photos style.com

The other day I received a great comment from Tessa, who was wondering what my opinion on trends are. She asked, "Do you tend to follow what the magazines & runways show? What does 'getting designer looks for less' mean to you- the opportunity to replicate, or interpret?"

For me, trends are a starting point not a hard rule. If bright orange is "in" but I hate wearing bright orange, I'm going to skip that trend, but I might wear other bright colors. Trends should work for you and not make you feel uncomfortable. While I look to magazines and runway shows for inspiration, I rarely have the desire to completely replicate a look. For instance, I am in love with Peter Som's fall collection, but I would focus on finding similar accessories instead of copying one of his eclectic looks head to toe. I like runway inspired accessories because they quickly update outfits I already own and are relatively inexpensive.

To get Peter Som's look for less, start with a quirky cloche. Urban Outfitter's Wooden Ships Scalloped Edge Knit Cloche is one of my favorites. Since layering is key, top a floral blouse off with J. Crew's Cashmere V-neck cardigan and an Urban Renewal Western Leather Belt. Dr. Martens 1914 Rocker is perfect for toughening up this girly look, and ebay's wide selection of faux fur coats is the perfect place to nab a show-stopping coat on the cheap. If you're feeling daring, get the dark runway lip with Smashbox's Photo Finish Lipstick in Enchanting topped with their Lip Enhancing Gloss in Sultry.

Now Trending: Fall

Fall 2010 by Icedivastar featuring Miss Selfridge dresses

I can't believe it's time to get ready for fall again. Even though I am not looking forward to autumn's gray skies, I am excited about some of the trends that I am seeing for this season. Texture is key whether you splurge on a shearling bomber jacket, velvet accessories, or a creamy lipstick. While the economy is still teetering on the brink, fall's runways were dripping in luxury. Stay tuned for ways to get designer looks for less.

What trends are you looking forward to this fall?

Rodarte and Mardi Gras

I know it is Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, but really, it is much too depressing to think about fall clothes when I am desperate for spring to arrive. However, nitro:licious posted a list of designers live streaming their Fall 2010 shows, which is a great resource for those unable to make it to New York and is too tempting for me to pass up even though it's about fall clothes. I just finished watching one of my favorite designers, Rodarte, which had a homey/romantic vibe and lots of beautiful white dresses. I enjoyed watching the show, but the problem with live streaming is that the video frequently freezes and the sound cuts out - very annoying but better than missing the show completely. I think it is wonderful how the fashion industry is embracing technology and bringing high fashion to the masses.

Since it is Mardi Gras, I thought I would put together a little Fat Tuesday look complete with Paczi and King Cake. Enjoy!

Mardi Gras 2010 by Icedivastar featuring Christian Louboutin shoes

Don't forget to enter the eUndies.com Giveaway!