Fashion Blog

It’s been a while since I did a top 5, but by popular demand I’ve got one for you today. The subject: handbags. It’s the end of the season, and stores are dying to get rid of last season’s must-haves. Why not help them out? You can find some of the chicest bags around in the sale section of almost every store right now.

Here are my faves:

La Gioe di Toscana “Sophia” Satchel, $299 (old price=$500)

I find this bag absolutely delicious! Imagine what you can do with it–it has brown and black in it! It’s also very structured with eye-popping details.

Nordstrom Animal Print Portfolio Clutch, $46.90 (old price= $158)

Generally speaking, animal prints are best in small doses. And isn’t this zebra print clutch the cutest small dose? An evening bag like this is a great way to add personality to a little black dress, and a just-wild-enough way to punch up an ensemble with color.

JCrew Panama Bag in Suede, $49 (old price= $98)

The color combination is what makes this classic bag so eye-catching and sumptuous. This is the perfect way to liven up a monochromatic outfit or perk up a dark ensemble. It also looks like it would work for day or night.

Michael by Michael Kors Chestertown Satchel, $149 (old price= $298)

Simple and chic. This is a great bag that’ll always be in season. The details are fantastic, and it falls into that special not-to-big-not-too-small category. I have a black patent leather bag, and it’s definitely earned it’s keep.

Urban Outfitters Leather Patchwork Slouch Bag, $54.99 (old price=$78)

Patchwork! It’s time to bring this style back. I think if I had this, it would become my permanent day bag–it’s so cool, calm and collected.

The term “comfort clothing” usually brings to mind oversized pieces and unflattering silhouettes, with visions of big, shapeless t-shirts and floppy velour sweatsuits.  But, this season, there’s a new way to be comfy… and chic.  One of my favorite fall/winter trends is the sweater jacket, which offers all the perks of a sweater (the cozy knit hug affect) and all the benefits of a blazer (the tailored, put together affect).

A sweater jacket works the same way a blazer does, so pair one with everything from jeans to dress pants and skirts.  They also add a little something to slim-fitting dresses.

J Crew Merino Alice Sweater, $158

Free People Colonel Sweater Coat, $98

Worthington Sweater Jacket, $49.99

Free People Russian Trapeze Jacket, $148

Graham & Spencer Cashmere Jacket, $429

 Click here to see more sweater jackets.

These Canyon Suede Booties are irresistible. I love the wooden heel effect and the detailed stitching. And they’re the perfect height–you can pull them up or fold them over. If you have muscular or prominent calves, this bootie length is made especially for you because it cuts off at the most flattering point (trust me, I have personal experience with the cause). I love boots like this with jeans tucked in or with tights and a flowy skirt.

$49.99 at Urban Outfitters (old price= $68)

Click here for more Urban Outfitters shoe deals.

Adding a double breasted coat to your wardrobe is a savvy fashion move since the style brings a touch of polish to most ensembles. I’m especially fond of the shorter varieties with feminine detailing (like the Juicy Couture 3/4 Puffed Sleeve Jacket, $158 above), which take jeans and skirts to a whole new, more put together, level. Also cute is the pairing of a double breasted jacket with tweed or wool shorts or mini skirt with tights and flats. Layer with tees and up the chic factor.

Armani Exchange Crop Double Breasted Jacket, $89.99 (was $120)

Bloomingdales Peacoat Sweater, $64.99

Soia & Kyo Candy Plaid Coat, $315

Urban Outfitters Alpha Cropped Peacoat, $150

Double Breasted Jackets Tip: Always choose your best fit. If there is any pulling across the chest, go up a size because if its too tight, the look is no good.

Suddenly we’re back in the Jazz Age. Sequins and metallics are everywhere, I saw Ashlee Simpson wearing a bowler hat the other day (not that I look to her for fashion cues, I’m just saying), menswear is all the rage, and just last week on Fashion Wire Daily there was an article about jazz shoes of all things. I think it’s an extension of the ballet trend that designers like Michael Kors were pushing on the runway earlier this year. I have to admit, I’m pretty fond of the Fosse, so this trend I embrace with open arms and smiles. It’s just fun.

So, get out your jazz hands, we’re going for razzle dazzle:

Lynn Ritchie Striped Tunic, $75.99 (was $109), Made by Elves Wingtip, $68

Me Too Neon Jazz Shoe, $69.95, Isabella Adams Crystal Clutch, $259

American Apparel Leotard, $28, Nadri Tiered Chandelier, $138

Forever 21 Plaid Jumpsuit, $22.80, Ash ‘Opium’ Pump, $138.95

Ah, the classic and totally affordable Keds Champion Oxford ($26.45), with its simple, clean style. In canvas or leather, in any color, this shoe never seems to go away. I, for one, sported them religiously as a die-hard Debbie Gibson fan in the late 80s, pairing them with cut off jean shorts ą la Baby in Dirty Dancing, wearing them with or without shoe laces and sometimes with white fold over socks. I was a pre-teen, and that’s how I was living.

It’s all her fault:

And now, they’re back again. It’s true. I saw evidence of this emerging trend just this weekend, when I noticed sprinklings of the sneaker here and there, in red and pink and even sequins:

Urban Outfitters ‘Sparky City Sequin’ $28

Hmmm…well, personally, these aren’t for me, but I like the comfort vibe they’re  giving off, and I wholeheartedly support the wearing of these as an alternative to punishing heels. I could see them becoming a trend among the younger Teen Vogue set, maybe paired with bright tights? They’re a fun look for the youth.

Grasshoppers, $26.45

These Grasshoppers are more my style. What I love about them is that they look very modern, but also super-vintage–they make me want to play tennis with Jay Gatsby and Daisy in a drop-waist dress. The sole has a bit of height, too, which is always a welcome shoe feature for me. And the stripes and green accents give the shoe dignified style, don’t you think?

Keds Champion in pink, $14.99

This is the perfect option for those who shy away from white shoes but want the classic Keds. This fall is all about the splash of punchy color, and I’d say pink qualifies as “punchy.” These would look cute with wide-leg pants. I imagine lots of ladies will be wearing these with tights when the weather starts to chill.

See other variations of the Keds Champion here.

Not everyone is comfortable baring it all in the summer–some of us like to keep certain parts undercover. Upper arms are an area many women are self-conscious of, and it can be tough to stay cool, seasonal and stylish when the weather is warm and sleeveless tops are not an option. With that in mind, I went on a search for blouses and tees that camouflage this “area of sensitivity” while still maintaining that summery charm we’re all so fond of.

Sometimes just a little coverage goes a long way–flutter, cap, and wide sleeves might be just what you’re looking for.

To The Max Shirred Yoke Shirt, $68

American Apparel Baby Rib Cut-Out T, $14

Urban Outfitter Deep V Cinch Tee, $19.99

Charlotte Ronson Short Sleeve Blouse, $99 (was $198)

Butterfly Dropout My Rose Flutter Sleeve, $116