I'm Here for the Party

The holidays are a wonderful excuse to buy new clothes, and while my calendar is sadly lacking in festive events, I can't resist planning party wear. When I saw the enchanting lady strapless dress in gray from Ruche, I was immediately smitten with the floral detailing at the waist. The ruffles in the sand knee high boots paired with Urban Outfitters sheer with bows tight or ditsy floral tight would take the look from classy to sassy. Finish with a Kate Spade clutch, such as the peacock lane kenessa, and sparkly cocktail ring, like the ice queen frosted ring. Grab some eggnog, and let the party begin!

enchanting lady strapless dress in gray

ruffles in the sand knee high boots

What are your holiday plans?

Wishing You a Sweater Season

Let's Do Fondue Poncho

For me, Thanksgiving is the official start of the Christmas season. Sure, the stores have been decorated with tinsel and trees and the radio has been playing "White Christmas" for the past month, but I need Thanksgiving to really get into the holiday spirit. Snow, also, helps, but this year the white flakes have been strangely absent this fall. Now that the days are cold and dreary, I am feeling the urge to bundle up in cozy layers. While I'm loving these knits from ModCloth, I have my heart set on this Cooperative Polar Bear Sweater from Urban Outfitters.

Alpine Classic Cardigan

Have a happy Thanksgiving!

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

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.

The Eye of the Beholder

ModCloth Gelato Glasses

Wearing glasses can be a pain, but things are about to change. Over the last couple of years, glasses have been appearing on hipster faces and are becoming a key fashion accessory whether you need them to see or not. (Visit Pandora for inspiration!) Both Urban Outfitters and Forever 21 offer cute affordable styles for instant geek chic without the eye exam. If you don't mind splurging, Prism is the place to go to for handmade, unisex glasses that come in a very cool case. Should you be in the market for prescription glasses, check out Warby Parker which is not only affordable but, also, gives away a pair of glasses for every pair they sell. For those passionate about glasses, Eye Heart Glasses is an amazing blog about all sorts of eyewear. Don't know how to find the right pair? DailyCandy shows you how.

Need makeup ideas? MichellePhan shows you how to do chic makeup for glasses:

Rompers

I never expected rompers to last more than a couple of seasons, but they seem to be sticking around. Maybe it is the ease of a complete outfit ready to be thrown on or the allure of clothes worn in youth, but rompers seem to be increasing in popularity as every mass marketer rushes to produce several styles. I have not tried out this trend yet due to my fear of looking 12 years old or being mistaken for a streetwalker or worse, both. However, Urban Outfitters offers a bunch of rompers in varying styles and colors that make me want to try this trend out. I'm envisioning a sweater, opaque tights and ballet flats for a comfy back to school look. What do you think?

Urban Renewal Silky Print Jumper

Silence & Noise Ruffle Front Jumper

Rapscallion by Samantha Pleet Jumper

Kimchi Blue Polka Dot Ruffle Jumper

Kimchi Blue Strapless Tie Front Jumper

Get the Look of Etro

For Fall 2009, Veronica Etro showcased looks inspired by the Byzantium and Ottoman Empires. I call it 1940's tribal wear for the woman on the go.

Style.com

To get this look, layer a a cardigan over a blouse and cinch in the waist with a belt. Pull on a strait or A-line skirt and a cute pair of booties or peep-toe shoes and finish the look with a wool jacket. This look is easy to pull together and the layering makes it perfect for the changing of the seasons.

J. Crew Double-Cloth Carlin Coat

Forever 21 Wild Paisley Chiffon Top

Delia's Arielle Girlfriend Cardigan

Silence & Noise Banded Skirt

Deena & Ozzy Stud Braided Belt

Steve Madden Caser Purple Suede