The White Album

With my new grown-up job, where everyone wears grown-up, professional clothes, I sometimes feel like I am swimming in a sea of white collared shirts.

I, myself, have never quite mastered the white collared shirt. For one, I think they are boring. And for two, I can never make them look quite right. (Which I blame on them being boring.)

But today I came across this picture of Brana Wolf, Editor-at-Large at Harper's Bazaar, and Nina Garcia, fashion director of Marie Claire, both wearing white collared shirts and I thought to myself, "If it's hip enough for them, I must be able to make it work for me."





The subtle details on Brana's shirt-- the ruffle at the bottom hem and the high, triangle-topped pocket on the left breast-- take it past basic, and allow the shirt to stand on it's own.

And I love how Nina has taken a more casual approach to the usually stuffy white button-up, with the sleeves rolled up and the top buttons undone. Oo-la-la! I also like how she has paired the formal item with hip cargo pants.

I am also seeing white collared shirts under trendy flyaway cardigans and cozy wraps and feeling pretty good about that. With the weather turning colder, a white button-up can layer under all kinds of things, taking the place of neutral tanks and camis that might not make the cut for winter. Pair a white collared shirt with a comfy tie-waist sweater and a pair of distressed jeans and I'd say you've got it made. And you'll be right on trend.

What say ye?
Any favorite tips for rocking the white collar?

Rewind Summer, Fast-Forward Fall

It is about that time of year when you start to pack up your light, summery fare with a tear in your eye, and brace yourself for a long, cold Fall and Winter without some of your favorite things. (Need a tissue?)

But, wait!

Wipe those eyes!

There is still mileage and fashion fun to be had throughout the Fall (and maybe even Winter, too) with some of your favorite Summer staples. Here are four Summer pieces to keep in your closet even as the weather turns cooler.

1. A sundress (or two)
Sundresses are perfect to layer over jeans, or heavy leggings, or layer under a scarf and cool leather jacket. It will be a breath of summer air, even when the warmer months are all but forgotten.




2. Your favorite pair of shorts
Believe it or not (and you just might not), shorts are seasonless! All you need is a pair of tights (anything from black to patterned to neon will do), and a feminine Fall blouse and you are ready to go! Consider a pair of booties to really round out the look for colder weather.




3. Strappy sandals
A chunkier, platform sandal can easily make the transition with some knee- or thigh-high, thick socks. Feel free to go with warmer colors, like purple or cranberry, but stick to a neutral-colored shoe to anchor the look.




4. Light shifts
Just like the sundress, you might think your other lightweight summer dresses are doomed to be seasoned out, but such is not the case! Invest in some leggings and long-sleeved T-shirts and casual jackets and suddenly, you are not dealing with a summer dress anymore! Fall-themed statement jewerly can help finish off the look.




And here is a bonus for the men in your lives. (Or the men reading this blog. Hey, guys!)

5. Boat shoes
Get a boat shoe in a darker color, or more Fall-esque fabric, like suede and your favorite Summer casual will live through the Fall and Winter as well.




Looking forward to the Fall a little more now?
What Summer piece can't you wait to take into the new season?

Don't Sweater It

Have I already mentioned how much I love Fall? Because I sure do.

And here is one of my favorite things about Fall: Sweaters!

Boy oh boy, do I love sweaters. There is something cozy and nostalgic and all-around comforting about a good sweater. I can't get enough.

This Fall, I am particularly loving long, chunkier sweaters that almost border on a coat. Do you know the sweater of which I speak?

Some of them have collars, some of them button, some of them tie around the waist. I've seen them with short sleeves, long sleeves, and no sleeves, like a vest. I've seen them over a ruffled dress shirt and dress pants, and layered over a well-worn flannel and broken in jeans. The versatility astounds!

I popped into Ann Taylor Loft yesterday and they were everywhere.

This button-down, collared number is great over a nice shirt and a skirt, as you see it here. In this outfit, I see the sweater as sort of a twist on the traditional business suit jacket. But, I can also see this sweater over a patterned, long-sleeved shirt for a weekend, or even a graphic tee for some extra coverage during the in-between weather.




I also really loved this tie-waisted cardigan. The simple neckline could easily be paired with a collar or some ruffles, and this sweater has the same day to evening to weekend potential. I imagine you could take the tie off if you wanted something more open and draped, or you could add a pop of color or pattern by cinching the sweater with one of your favorite belts instead.




And this little number takes sweater vests right out of dorky and right into adorable. I think this is another one you could close with a belt or even some thick, boldly colored ribbon, and the layering options are just as varied. I am envisioning a band T-shirt and a studded belt with your favorite jeans for a little rocker chic, over a long tunic and leggings for an easy weekend ensemble (as you see here), or with a slim top and trousers for the office.




As it happens, Ann Taylor Loft is having a "buy one sweater, get the second sweater half off" sale on the Web site, so now might not be a bad time to stalk up. Or, if you're looking for some slightly cheaper alternatives, and are blessed to live near an H&M, I have seen some similarly darling options there. (If you are not blessed to live near an H&M, first, my condolences. Second, I can sometimes be convinced to do favors by baked goods and/or DVDs of "The West Wing.")

How about you? Are you sweat(er)ing it?
Tell is about your favorite sweater trend for Fall!

Following Fall

Labor Day is behind us, school has started, and there is a definite nip in the morning air, so I think it is safe to say Fall is creeping in.

I happen to love Fall (it is the season of my birth, among many other admirable attributes), so I am always happy to see it come to town. But even those of you who mourn the departure of Summer will rejoice in these new Fall trends, courtesy of People Magazine. (From whence all good things come.)

Black Leather

Try it in pants, minis, jackets or leggings. Or, for all-out sex appeal, try a second skin leather dress like Angelina Jolie.

Check out Forever 21 for cutting edge leather styles on a budget.

Red Alert

Make a statement in the bold hue from head to toe, or add a pop to more neutral Fall colors with a red bag or shoes.



Sheath Dresses

Defined by a slim, figure-hugging silhoutte and a well-defined waistline, sheath dresses are flattering on more body types than just Renee Zelwegger's. (Thank goodness.) Subtle prints and tailored details can help flatter most any figure.



Bright Bags

Jewel-toned totes are another perfect way to liven up any Fall outfit. (Not sure what to say about SJP's glasses, though...)



Leopard Print

This has been one of my personal favorites for a while, and leopard print is getting a new twist this season with classy, more subdued options like this snowy gray tone.

Don't worry. It's not hard to get into the leopard print trend yourself.

Neon Pink and Black

A flouncy blouse paired with a pencil skirt is a great way to get in on this trend. Color block dresses will do the trick, too.



Ruffled Ruffles

This is another Fall trend I am loving, loving, loving. Ruffles can add a feminine touch to everything from a leather jacket to a slim cardigan, to a collared blouse to a hoodie to sandals and booties.



Bold Gold

Statement necklaces have been hot for a while now, and the trend has been getting even bigger (literally) with massive bib necklaces hitting the scene in the last few months. Add a little gold to either of those trends and you'll be right on message.



And you don't have to spend a fortune, either.

Sparkling Shoes

Another pick me up on somber Autumn days? Shoes with some sparkle! Try pumps with a shimmer or flats with some sequins and tell me you don't feel better already.



Embellished T-shirts

Skip the jewelry shopping all together and go for a shirt with some built-in bling. A shirt and necklace in one? Yes, please!



Dressy Leggings

What was once only an accessory has become a full-blown wardrobe item of its own. Play dress up in leggings embellished rhinestones, lace or sequins.



Vintage-Style Jewelry

The real thing can sometimes be hard to find, but jewelry with ribbon or crystal details gives the vintage vibe just as well, and it won't break the bank.



With all that good fashion ahead, I bet we're all fans of Fall now.

Which Fall trend can't you wait to try out?

Fly Girl

{BCBG Max Azaria cardigan from Macys.com}

For the past few months I have been obsessing over flyaway cardigans. I love them. I can't really say why, exactly. Maybe it's the creative, hipper twist on an old favorite. Maybe it's that they are so flattering on everyone. Maybe it's because flyaway cardigans are "trendy," to be sure, but I don't think they'll ever actually be out of style. Or maybe it's because Little J. was wearing a totally stylin' striped flyaway cardigan with an edgy rock T-shirt a few episodes ago on "Gossip Girl" and I wanted to look just like that. All the time. Urban. Effortless. Totally cool.

So, I finally went and got a few flyaway cardigans of my own. (One awesome thing ab0ut a down economy is that I don't feel guilty about shopping anymore. It's my patriotic duty!) I think the thing I really do love most about this particular wardrobe item is the versatility. Throw it over a tank or a T-shirt and jeans for flawless weekend casual, pair it with a pencil skirt and a wide belt for office chic, or put it over a summer dress to get some mileage out of off-season clothes. The options are really endless.

And the styles are, too. Check out Express.com for some bold stripes, or here for a slightly softer flyaway cardigan design, or here for a heavier, more textured sweater.

Then tell us, have you caught the flyaway fever?

And what is your favorite way to wear your new wardrobe staple?

The Short and Shorts of It

Putting away summer clothes can always be a little traumatic, and it is always right about now, in the dead of winter, when I am piled high with sweaters and leg warmers and coats and hats, that I start dreaming about the easy-breezy style of shorts, a T-shirt and a comfy pair of sandals. Wishful thinking, right?

Maybe not.

Trendsetting stars have been seen pairing the short shorts of summer with tights and other winter accessories to keep them going throughout the winter. Behold!

{image from People.com}

Not an idea that would have come readily to my mind, but it might be growing on me.

And what do you think? 

Would you wear this trend?

Also, don't forget! Voting for your favorite bridesmaid dress ends tonight! Hop to it already!

Night to Day

One of my favorite things about the winter season is fancy, frilly party dresses. I love them. All that shiny satin, sparkling sequins and beads, ruffles and pleats and all around goodness. I can't get enough. But, I am always reluctant to spend a lot of money on a party dress because I wear it to a party and then what?

Well, I finally have the answer! Then I turn that party dress into an everyday dress, like this:

I think this outfit is brilliant. (Why didn't I think of it?) By pairing a fancier dress with colorful, casual shoes, and a quilted jacket that could be worn just as easily with jeans, our friend here turns the party into the everyday practical.

Some other ways to achieve the same result could include pairing colorful patterned tights and flat boots with a slinky satin dress, or throwing a cardigan and ballet flats on with a longer, slim and sweeping gown. Try leaving the front of a button-up dress open and wearing a collared shirt under it, or wearing a shorter, cocktail-style dress over pants or leggings. The options are endless! And you'll get more mileage out of your pretty party dresses than ever before.

For more style inspiration like this, check out The Sartorialist.

And tell us, how would you transform your favorite party dress into everyday wear?