Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

Everyone talks about the importance of "dressing for success", but from what I can gather it means a simply professional, buttoned up look while at the office.  I'm all for presenting yourself appropriately in the workplace, but isn't it possible to dress for success and style?

The Cure: Successfully Stylish

A simple, professional look may start off with a well tailored pair of black plants and a white button down oxford, but leaving it at that is just so boring.  Consider layering a turtleneck under your oxford as the temperatures cool down, or layering on top with a faux-fur trimmed vest, or both, keeping in a neutral palette.  Give your outfit some style and set yourself apart with an animal print loafer and a shock of color with a red handbag (red is a power color of course).  You still present a professional look but have personalized it.  This outfit not only says professional, but also that you're well put together!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Thinking about rocking this season's gold trend from head to toe? If so you need a killer pair of shoes, something different, something out of the box.  Rochas has a gorge slip-on driving loafer with a rounded toe and metallic sheen.  This shoe will set you apart from the crowd, it will also set off your budget at $450.

Rochas

Of course there is always the Calabash loafer from Fossil that is both dapper and dazzling at the same time.  Same rounded toe, slip-on style, but with sparkle instead of sheen and a $98 sticker. Go for the gold in a pair that makes both you and your wallet happy!

Fossil

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Animal print is ever present in today's fashion world and my favorite way to incorporate it is with a leopard print shoe! I just about died when I found the Manolo Blahnik "Shariffiac"!  The leopard print, pony hair, tapered toe loafer is perfect for jeans, skirts, trousers, you name it! Sadly the price is not so perfect at $745.

Manolo Blahnik

Which is why I just about died again when I found the Sam Edelman "Alvin".  What are the odds of finding another leopard print, tapered toe loafer? And what are the odds that they are only $148?  Obviously good odds at Poppy and Stella! Welcome these into your wardrobe today!

Sam Edelman

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Menswear influences have not only touched clothing, but shoes as well this season as the driving loafer is on the up and up.  Soft leather or suede with a mocassin stitched round toe create a cool, casual, and comfortable vibe for your feet. This rediscovered classic has numerous designers backing it from Manolo Blahnik to Prada, to Bottega Venetta, to Brunello Cucinelli, but big names means big prices, you could be looking anywhere from $450 to $830.

Brunello, Manolo, Prada, Bottega

I do have one more big name that just might surprise and excite you.  Frye has their own version of the driving loafer and it is the epitome of cool, casual, and comfortable!  The Reagan Campus Driver is made with a buttery soft leather and is a timeless must have.  Fear not, you can drive away with a pair of these for only $148!!! Just remember to buckle up!

Frye, $148

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

If you're anything like me than you're already thinking about transitioning your wardrobe to shorter sleeves, shorter dresses, and well just about anything shorter in length.  It might not be warm enough to loose all that length but that doesn't mean you should skimp on style.  Loosing a little goes a long way, so how do you transition and stay on trend?

The Cure: The Short and Long of it...

A short-sleeved striped maxi dress is a great way to loose a little length and still dress for the weather.  A light weight jacket provides a layer of warmth if needed.  Add a statement pendant to add interest and a great casual leather loafer to nod to nautical stylings.

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

Tie neck blouses, flared denim, and 70's esque style is quite a sought after style this season, but it's important to make sure you are current. So how do you incorporate the chic, carefree vibe without taking yourself back in time?

The Cure: Trendy to Timeless

I may or may not mention the importance of keeping things modern, but period inspired looks can go just as quickly as they come. Keeping things somewhat modern helps your style outlive the trend timeline.  A pair of dark denim flares will forever be in style as well as flattering for any shape.  As far as the blouse goes, by picking the right kind of pattern and color you can transition this top between work and play, getting more life out of it.  The shapes of these items are seventies inspired but with the right pattern and colors they become timeless.  Your accessories will help you take the look further in whichever direction you choose without having to be a major investment.  The heeled loafer is hot this season, but go a bit more basic and again extend the life of your look.  Jewelry can always be fun and funky!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Animal print is here to stay and one of my favorite ways of adding pop to an outfit is with an animal print flat.  This leopard print penny loafer from Prada is just the right amount of animal accent for any type of ensemble.  It's classically chic with it's simple design and bold print. The only thing not so attractive is the $790 price tag, in fact it doesn't even appeal to those with the necessary means.

Prada, $790

Kelsi Dagger has a fabulous alternative with their Frances flat, so fabulous that it's been seen on Nicky Hilton and Miley Cyrus.  This is a shoe that's asked about!

 Again, with the classic loafer design and bold print you can do wrong with the shoe.  At just $105 you better hurry up and get yours before they're all gone!

Kelsi Dagger, $105

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

Do you have those back to school blues yet? Trying to figure out how to make a good impression your first day back? Looking smart and sassy this fall is definitely the way to go.  

The Cure: Blaze it up!

Start of with a basic trouser jean and pair it with a printed, flowy tie front blouse.  Cover up with a solid blazer.  Accessorize with a gold belt and a chunky bracelet.  Top it off with one of the season's hottest trends, the heeled loafer.  Smart, sexy, and ready to sail through the semester.

Disclaimer...while this look says "I've got it all together" it does not guarantee passing grades...studying required.

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Well Prada never ceases to let me down.  I would proudly don this classic leopard loafer that recognizes the retro with its tonal penny keeper across the vamp.  It's the perfect pop of animal print for the ankle skinnys and silk blouse I picked up to jump start my fall wardrobe.  Alas at $790 my budget would more than likely explode.

Prada, $790

Good thing Libby Edelman has a comparable version.  Swap the penny keeper for a pair of tassels and the $790 price tag for a much more reasonable $75 one and my outfit plans are still on track for making a statement!

Libby Edelman, $75