Fashion Blog

When I hear “blazer” my mind quickly thinks of pantsuits that you’d wear to the office.  But there are tons of cute women’s blazers that are worn as separates over dresses, tanks, t-shirts, and whatever else you fancy.  Blazers are cool because they can replace cardigan sweaters and heavy jackets giving you just the right amount of warmth and coverage when you need it.  Boyfriend blazers are really popular this season, but there are several other cuts and styles that would be great as well.

This Rubbish “Third Piece” Knit Jacket ($42) could be considered a very casual blazer.  Knit is soft and comfy, but the shape of this is still a bit structured and not sloppy like a sweatshirt.

This See by Chloe Stripe Wool Boyfriend Jacket ($650) is a really smart and trendy blazer for this season. It’s long in length, has shoulder pads, and is a cool pinstriped pattern. You could probably take this into next fall and winter too. The only downfall is the price tag.

I really like this next style which is another cut and color that you could wear all year long.  This Elizabeth and James ‘Panama’ Stretch Woven Jacket ($385) is a blend of cotton and linen designed to fit a bit smaller and cropped. It looks great! I love this color too.

See below for a few more of my picks:

I love the curvy collar and the stretch twill will allow extra comfort.

L.A.M.B. ‘Candy Stripe’ Stretch Twill Blazer: $265

Striped jackets are always unique and make a rebellious sort of statement.

Conspicuous Striped Jacket: $204

And of course I had to pick this Marc by Marc Jacobs ‘Crosstown’ Jacket ($398) because its so rock n’ roll to me.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more fashionable women’s blazers.

The film Coco Avant Chanel is scheduled to be released sometime this year according to IMDB.com.

Coco Chanel, the name, the myth, the legend: how much of her style do we take for granted today? For one, her boyish bob and empowering, classic, and chic style is a winning combo, just not a completely lasting one: here’s how you can flirt with Coco’s famous look, without having to become too invested. Most of them are basics, anyway, with a few key accessories.

1. The Button Down: I recommend shopping in the men’s section: they’re bigger cut around the shoulders creates more of the “slouchy” look that Chanel is known for…women’s button-downs cut too close to the chest. Check out Express for some nice men’s shirts.

2. The Slouchy Tie: Express Men’s section is a goldmine for Coco impersonators: they sell a fabulous satin tie.

3. The Classic Blazer: everyone should have a black button blazer in their closet. It’s very pre-professional, but it’s necessary.

4. And now, the exciting part: The accessories!!! The pearl necklace is a must:

If you’re up for taking a little fashion risk, feather hairpins are fun to experiment with:

And if you really want to make the transformation complete, invest in a 1920’s vintage flapper hat. They’re gorgeous, if a little musty.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s black blazers.
                                        Shop for more men’s satin ties.
                                        Shop for more pearl necklaces.
                                        Shop through all women’s hats.
                                        Shop for more button down men’s shirts.

Cover up those sunburnt shoulders and tone down the color palette…it’s time to get ready for the best time of the year for office fashion sensations: FALL!   What to do until the leaves start a-changin’, school bells start a-ringin’, and the season is really in full gear? We know you’re tired of those bright flower prints you’ve been wearing all summer long. So let’s get ready for fall with some transitional clothing! It sounds difficult, but really, transitioning from one fashion season to another just takes a few color and layer switches, and you’re good to go!

Top Transitional Clothing Pieces, from Summer to Fall:

The Sweater Coat.

Look for a sweater coat in a grey shade. It looks far more sophisticated than straight black, and allows for some summery-dress layering’s without feeling like you’re headed out on a night on the town, or back from a rude hangover. Also, look for lightweight cardigans, and none of those “only cover the shoulders and chest” ones. Other than (obviously) not being very warm or functional, “the shorties”, as I like to call them, look like they were stolen from a fifth grade tap recital.

                                                BDP GE Cardigan: $48.00 - urbanoutfitters.com

The Power Pants.

Never underestimate the power of well-fitting pants to make you look and feel great going in to a hard day of work. Treat yourself to a personally crafted fit at your local tailor, but for starters look no further than Express’s sleek designs.

                      Express Fit & Flare Pant: Modern Stretch: $59.50 (Buy 1, Get 50% off)

Halfway-There Jacket.

Before we jump full-steam into a cushy pile of colorful fall pea coats, let’s take a little pit stop at some of the more transitional-appropriate cover ups. Check out the wide variety of vests and short-sleeve blazers in style this season. What’s great about the vest population is that no design is exactly alike. Play around with the colors, belts, and tightness of the design.

                                                        Remy SS Blazer: $27.80, forever21.com

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s sweater coats.
                                        Shop for more women’s vests.
                                        Shop for more women’s pants.

So, I’ve always been a fan of Stella McCartney—she’s definitely mastered that effortless cool, which earned her the British Designer of the Year Award last year, and I love the way she’s always maintained that underground, slightly rock ‘n roll, hip girl look in each of her collections.

Stella celebrated her Resort 2009 collection this past June in a garden party sort of fashion, debuting in NYC’s Jefferson Market Garden in the West Village. The collection is yummy!

If your going to do the flower in your hair, always opt for fresh ones, pink carnations are not only cheap but a total retro throwback…love it!         

   Silence & Noise Ivory Silk Tux Tunic $68, urbanoutfitters.com

   Marc by Marc Jacobs Mini Pinstripe Shorts $93.90, saksfifthavenue.com

Adam single button wool blazer $186.99, bluefly.com

  BCBGirls ‘Cherie’ Bootie in Barley Water $84.90, Nordstrom.com

     Pink carnation: $1-2, Your local florist

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s tunics.
                                        Shop for more women’s blazers.
                                        Shop for more women’s boots.
                                        Shop for more women’s shorts.