Fashion Blog

Max Azria, the designer behind BCBG, has been doing his own singular creations for a while now. Although much simpler and basic, much of Azria’s eponymous designs are reminiscent of the BCBG “look” that you will find on the racks on runways.  I like both but if I was forced to choose would probably opt for Azria and his designs.  The style in which he designs is just a bit more straightforward and grown up, feminine but not overly girly.  Below are my three favorite looks from his Resort 2009 Collection…

In this collection, Azria was inspired by the needs of one of his design staffers who had recently gotten married and was preparing for her honeymoon on a remote island which was only allowing her to take a single suitcase that weighed 20 pounds.  So Azria followed with featherlight silk and and separates in muted solids and in this grayish watercolor print. There were long dresses with floor dusting hemlines as well as plunging necklines. These items all seemed perfect for any honeymoon…gauze dresses

Monrow Stencil Knit Racerback Dress $187

This dress would fold up nicely in any suitcase without probably getting to wrinkled…

Sam Edelman Greco Sandal: $89.95

I love the mustard yellow leather on these gladiator sandals, these would work well with the dress.

Delicately layered necklaces like this Lauren by Ralph Lauren Double Strand Petal Necklace ($44) always compliment long dresses.

Image Source: Style.com

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more racerback dresses and long dresses.
Discounts on women’s sandals and layered necklaces.

As one of the other fabulous Smarter Fashion bloggers has already alerted you (check out Shoulder Pads are Back from the 80’s), the 80’s revival is back in full force, with the return of leggings, neon colors and the Ray-Ban Wayfarer. But readers, it’s shoulder pads that really seem to have fashion tongues a-waggin’ on this blog and others.  Fashion pundits like Vogue’s Sarah Mower have noted the huge influence of the work of Balmain designer Christophe Decarnin.  So, let’s look at the trend from this angle.

This picture from the Balmain runway (fall 2009, Style.com) shows the elegant side and, let’s face it, the staying power of the new shoulder.  I actually see less of the 80’s linebacker influence in this relatively dainty and somewhat oddly shaped shoulder; I get more of a 30’s feeling here mixed with a touch of Tom Ford for YSL.  Because this shoulder is a bit more refined while still throwing off that power silhouette, it will be more wearable on more figures.  Remember the story about Joan Crawford wearing a strong shoulder to make her hips look narrower?  Still works.

Pictured below is my recommendation for a slightly more wearable version. Yes, it’s lacking the power of the couture version and is more a puff than a pad, but this really sharp little jacket from Ralph Lauren’s Rugby line can be yours for a tasty $199.99. The Balmain version will run you a tad more. Come on kids, power (shoulder) to the people!

Emma Sillk Jacket:  $295 Now: $199.99

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s jackets.
Discounts on Ralph Lauren clothing.

 A good quality fall/winter coat will last you many seasons. These are my top five favorte coats & jackets that are on sale right now for under $250 (most for under $200) at Bloomingdales.com:

Sutton Studio Exclusive Doubleface Wool/Cashmere Tie Jacket: $237.99 (Was: $298.00)

Lauren Ralph Lauren Nautical Faille Trickton Double Breasted Coat: $175 (Was: $250)

            Kooba Motorcycle Jacket: $197.99 on sale

DKNY Coats Patch Pocket Peacoat: $113.99 (Was: $139.99)

DKNYC Cropped A-Line Jacket: $138.99 (Was: $199.00)

*Use coupon code SHIPOCT at check out and get free shipping on orders of $200 or more at Bloomingdales.com.

Find more at Smarter.com:  Shop for women’s tie jackets.
                                                  Buy women’s pea coats.
                                                  Discounts on women’s jackets.

Check out this versatile dress for fall for under $100!  It is a simple scoopneck dress that can be worn with dress heels and a scarf (like pictured - I would use an warm autumn color), with boots and a bold jewelry…there are so many options!

Lauren Ralph Lauren Darlene Crepe Scoopneck Dress: $75 (Was: $105)

Shop for more Ralph Lauren dresses.
Shop through all dresses.