Archive for September, 2011

WARDROBE ESSENTIAL

bigstock_Fall_Fashion_2330533

Fall is definitely here! So let’s check out your closet and see if you have the elements necessary to rework your wardrobe.

My Wardrobe Essentials for this season are:

1-DENIM in a darker wash and in a style that best suits you. The dark wash denim gives you    more versatility as it is easier to dress up or down.

2-A WHITE BUTTON UP BLOUSE.  The blouse is a wardrobe essential. A fitted, crisp, white blouse will be your go-to item to wear with a pencil skirt under a cardigan or jacket, with a jumper, with jeans or an evening skirt. I always prefer “wrinkle-free”. Brooks Brothers is a great fit.

3-COLOR – We are in a new era of color, with an array of bright hue’s for Spring and Summer, the trend continues for this season with color blocking.  Invest in a smashing pop of color to transform your wardrobe.

4-SOMETHING FURRY – Whether you prefer a coat, vest or cape, fake or real, Fur will give you instant chic and elegance. You can pair your vest with jeans, a longer skirt or even a suit. Experience with different options according to your style and personality.

5-TRENCH COAT – Short or long depending on your lifestyle and wardrobe. This will be the best item you will ever purchase. It is a classic look that you will have for many years. I would suggest you buy a trench coat with a removable lining that you can wear yearlong and the best you can afford. It suits all styles whether you are classic or funky.

6-A GREAT JACKET – Whether you prefer cropped or long, you need a go-to jacket to transform your outfits. Leather, blazer, wool, suit or Chanel-like jacket, choose something with the most versatility.

7-SWEATERS – Brrrrrrrrrrrrr This season the sweaters are not only for warmth and coziness, they are glamorous and chic. You can pair them with shorts,  trousers or silk skirts.

8-BOOTS – This is a great addition to change your wardrobe. Find a style of boot that suits your lifestyle and comfort and easy to pair with most of your wardrobe as it is an investment.

9-LEGGINGS – You will wear your leggings with skirts, dresses or tunics. Remember leggings are not pants so make sure whatever you are wearing with your leggings is long enough. Beware of embellished or printed patterns as these tend to make your legs look larger.

10-A DAY DRESS – Select a dress that you can wear from day to night in a subtle tone for easy transformation. Stay tuned for a future blog on “The Many ways to transform a basic dress”.

jean Nordstrom white blouse fur trench
jacket limited sweater boot dress

So it’s time to take  inventory of your closet and select outfits for your FALL WARDROBE.  I would be happy to hear about the options you have come up with! Contact me at “Ask Anna”

TRANSITION YOUR SUMMER WARDROBE INTO FALL

[ File # csp5892489, License # 1089671 ] Licensed through http://www.canstockphoto.com in accordance with the End User License Agreement (http://www.canstockphoto.com/legal.php) (c) Can Stock Photo Inc. / feedough

I have always loved the Fall weather with chilly mornings and warm breezy afternoons.  Although  the luminosity and atmosphere changes, we can still wear some of our summer pieces in the fall. We just need to add a bit of warmth.

A lot of fabrics can be worn year long, as well as lace, sheer, silk and cotton. So when purchasing something new, keep this in mind and consider how and when you will wear it. Can you wear this item all year? Can you mix and match this piece in your core wardrobe? To make the most of your summer wardrobe in the fall:

LAYER

It’s all about layering. You can find long sleeve T shirts and tanks at Target for $10.00 in all colors. If you have a sequin tank, pair it with a solid and contrasting color tank underneath to tone it down or wear it with a cardigan or jacket.

USE TEXTURE AND PRINTS

Mix textures for interest. Mix a lighter fabric with a heavier texture. For example a tweed skirt with a silk blouse. When mixing prints and texture, keep in mind your proportions and the color scheme involved.

Add an animal print to your wardrobe. Animal print is here to stay. A leopard print is amazing with red or purple which are big trends this fall and winter.When the weather changes and it gets colder, go for solids. Grey is softer than black and is a big trend this year.

COLOR

The Spring colors were very bright. This fall, we have beautiful hues of green, red, purple, orange and pinks. Color blocking is a must. Play around and mix your summer colors with the fall neutrals and create your unique style. Keep it down to two to three colors at one time.

SCARF

A scarf is a great accessory to complement your outfit. When wearing a scarf, avoid necklaces and chunky earrings, go for statement rings and bangles.

WHITE DENIM

As long as the weather is still warm, you can still wear your white denim jeans. Pair them with a thin sweater and leather jacket or long cardigan and a scarf. As soon as it gets chilly, put them away for next Spring.

TUNICS

The tunics you wore this summer will look great this fall layered with a long sleeve tee, leggings or jeans and a jacket of your choice. If you wear the tunic with leggings, make sure it is mid-thigh length.

THE MAXI DRESS

You will see many maxi dresses this fall. If you are comfortable with a maxi dress, pair it with a cowl neck sweater in a similar shade, a thin belt and heels or boots.

THE SHORT SUMMER DRESS

You love your summer dress in cotton or microfiber and do not want to put it away, then pair it with tights or leggings and boots. Layer it with a cropped or boyfriend jacket

SOME THINGS TO PUT AWAY

- Linen and seersucker

-Very summery patterns such as bright florals or marine patterns

- Mini shorts and flip flops (yes flip flops!)

- White or pastel color dresses and capris

- Your summer sandals

- Halter top  and strapless dresses

I hope this will help you transition easily into fall, making the most of your wardrobe and budget. For any questions you may have, ask Anna!