Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

So I'm piggybacking off of Wednesday's column a bit to show you just how easy it is to steal star style at a fraction of the cost.  In fact you probably already have these pieces floating around in your closet!
Let's break it down...

The Cure: Emulate Emma

Emma has taken the layering approach to pull this outfit off, so let's start with a foundation of dark rinse skinny jeans and a simple gray tank.  On top of that, since it's fall, lets add a plaid button down shirt.  Thanks to her accessories Emma hardly looks like a mountain man, so pick up those Sam Edelman ankle boots because anything else may push the look in that direction.  She then adds a neutral satchel and black wool coat to finish and polish the outfit.  It's simple and chic, and laid back all in one!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Emma Stone has been found on a number of "best dressed" lists and not to anyone's surprise. From  her laid back/put together day to day style, to stunning on the red carpet, she knows what works for her.  Here she's rocking a great pair of ankle boots with skinny jeans and layers a black trench over a plaid button down over a grey top, it's easy, effortless, and totally Emma.

Photo Courtesy of People.com

Wanna steal her style? While it's possible Emma's ankle boots might bust your budget, Sam Edelman's  "Petty" won't break the bank! This putty suede colored ankle boot, with side zip closure, can easily make an outfit sleek or sexy and take you from day to night.  For only $130, they are the expert way to emulate star style!

Sam Edelman

Pretty in Pink

Pink isn't just for spring anymore, according to InStyle, "this flattering tint lends an airiness to fall's heavy, structured fabrics."

Pair with metallics or neutrals for a light look, consider contrasting with dark blues for juxtaposition  or teal for a pop of color. Stick to flowy fabrics to continue that light airy feel. To keep from looking too sugary sweet select refined pieces and edgy accessories

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

The time has come to start boxing up your cute summer clothes for the season, sigh.  Are you having just as hard a time with it as I am?!? Well maybe, just maybe we don't have to pack everything away just yet.

The Cure: Maxed out Maxi

The great thing about maxi dresses is that they're long, potentially extending their lifespan, layering isn't just for t-shirts and sweaters after all.  So long as your dresses are neutrals, or colors that transition well to fall you're good to go.  Find a great, cropped leather jacket, motorcycle or other style to layer over your maxi. Loose the sandals and opt of a heeled ankle boot.  The boots and jacket add edge that contrasts well with a flowing maxi, giving you a feminine but feisty on trend look.

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

No fall shoe collection would be complete without a classic pair of mary-janes and there is no other perfect pair than the Campari from Manolo Blahnik! The pointy-toed pump with tonal grossgrain trim is the perfection of perfect for fall footwear, it's only flaw the $645 price.  Ok so maybe not so perfect.

Manolo Blahnik

However, if you love the silhouette of this shoe and want to kick it up a notch in the style department you might consider the Case Leopard print Mary Janes from Pour la Victoire.  The leopard print calf hair is trimmed with contrasting leather while the shoe exudes the superior styling with the same pointy-toed, slim silhouette.  They're a steal at only $250, you could buy two pairs for the price of one Manolo!

Pour la Victoire

Charity Event

Do Your Fashion Duty

What do uniforms, utility, and unwavering stamina have in common? A fall comeback! Hilfiger, Burberry, and Ferragamo have all embraced a nod to utilitarian style.  According to InStyle,

"The hallmarks of sharp tailoring, a dash of androgyny, and the buttoned-up air of danger result in a formidable balance of eyes-right polish and unspoken tease that's hard to conquer. "

It's important to note that in pulling off this trend balance is beneficial.  With such strict lines and conforming silhouettes a feminine frill will soften the look.  

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

So you have all of your basics for this fall but you know there is something missing, something that will add that perfect little pop, something a little bit daring!  Now is the time to introduce a new trend sweeping the streets.

The Cure: Daring Denim

Last spring we saw a flourish of floral denim take off, but now that it's fall, floral seems out of place.  Not to worry, there are plenty of pairs of patterned denim to choose from.  Take this look for example, simple white tank, cropped gray jacket, and blue leopard skinny denim, the perfect pop! If blue leopard is a bit much for you there are lots of options out there for you. Find what works for your wardrobe!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Hello Moto, yes a slight motorcycle edge contrasted with a full, feminine skirt is a look that is still on trend these days.  So what is a better way to add that edge than with a pair of Maison Martin Margiela Line 22 Distressed Motorcycle boots? The distressed suede gives them that "already broken in" look, while the classic harness in silver-tone rings and studs adds that little touch of "kick-ass" edge everyone looks for.  What everyone doesn't look for is the $855 price tag.

Of course if you're willing to spend a little more than normal and invest in a classic edgy boot I would recommend the Frye Harness ankle boot.  This built-to-last classic is made with sturdy leather and comes complete with a fixed harness accent.  This is a choice that won't steer you wrong, and at just $220 it's a bargain compared to it's competitor!

Bejeweled Blitz

Even the most modest fashionista's love a little sparkle now and then. Glints from gems certainly have a way of bringing out a special glow.  Designers like Louis Vuitton, Lanvin, and Dior have caught on to the power the sprinkle of glitz and glam can have and incorporated strategically placed shimmer and shine into their fall collections. What makes this look so great? According to InStyle,

"Marked more by resplendence than flash (sequins play only a minor role), these pieces make over-the-top brilliance come alive. It's an elegant, intentionally baroque look. "

Can it be pulled off during the day or is this a trend tailored to evening wear? It can be done both ways, but looks best with the bejeweled piece as a standout and the rest of the look restrained.  No need for accessories as the clothes sparkle on their own.  My advice, the more adorned the look, the later in the evening it should be worn.

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

So you want to make a statement, but you typically stick to blending in.  I'm going to suggest something that may put you outside your comfort zone, but go big or go home!

The Cure: Walk on the Wild Side!

Pinterest inspired me this week with the leopard print trench! I know it's a bold move, but don't forget that animal print is really a neutral! Use this one piece to heighten any basic style, for this look the trench is paired with boyfriend jeans, and a chambray button down layered under a black v-neck sweater.  I've decided to add a pop of color with these Korkease pumps, but you can stick with a neutral if you feel more comfortable.  Dare to be daring and turn some heads this season!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

With boot season just within our grasp now is the time to make sure you have the must haves for the season.  One boot you should not live without is the simple, classic, ankle boot.  Christian Louboutin's Rock and Gold suede ankle boot could be the be it and end all of ankle boots.  With rounded toe, side zip, and covered block heel this boot will go with just about everything in your wardrobe, of course the $1095 price might not work so well with your budget.

Christian Louboutin

Of course we always have a more affordable, quality option.  Banish the idea of Louboutin from your mind and start thinking about the Selina from Sam Edelman.  This rounded toe, suede boot with side zip and covered block heel are sure to fulfill your need for a classic ankle boot and will keep your right on budget at only $130.

Sam Edelman

Accentuating Assets

Evening and cocktail wear is turning corners this season with curve conscious  seams and silhouettes.  Why is this style a fall fave? According to InStyle,

"It's the only fall trend that indulges in sexiness. These dresses also flatter and slim most figures—even when they fit close to the body—because of the well-placed seams and graphic lines. "

Find dresses with inserts and cuts that trace that ideal hourglass shape of the body and let the dress do the work for you.  When wearing a piece with such precision and structure avoid going overboard with color and stick to the basics.

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

Menswear influences are taking center stage again this year in shoe trends.  You love the oxford look but would prefer it with some height.  See if these work for you, Bottega Veneta's Platform Oxford Pump. This lace up oxford pump gives menswear a feminine edge with a pointed toe and paneled details on the sides. This shoe will also give you a run for your money at $890.

Bottega Veneta

If that is, of course, way more than you want to spend consider the "Farris" from Miz Mooz.  This lace up, platform oxford, comes complete with a delicate perforated design on the toe and hidden platform.  It's perfect to pair with anything from pants, to skirts with tights.  The best part is, it's only $143.

Miz Mooz

Street Smarts

A sporty, modern, edge has been utilized by designers from Lacoste, Reed Krakoff, Proenza Shouler, and Alexander Wang this season, but what is it about this very stylized look that makes it lovable?  According to InStyle,

"It is a sleek look in technologically innovative materials and has a sophistication that's derived from athletic gear, sci-fi and spring's minimalist bend. "

Hmmm, sounds like it could be a little "out there" in terms of ready to wear, but you can incorporate this into what you already own.  Find one modernist piece that you can't live without and pair it with basics you already own.  Stick with clean lines and simple silhouettes and you'll be sporting this trend with ease.

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

It's back to school time, do you know what you're wearing the first day? You've had the last few weeks to start shopping and organizing your new fall duds, but which will make the best first impression? You want a look that says "I'm fun and flirty, but with a little bit of fortitude", here's how to get that look!

The Cure: Coquettishly Cutting-edge

Simple and sweet with a pinch of spunk will help you pull off the perfect first impression.  Start with a full, bouncy mini skirt, pattern or texture will increase interest. Pair with a neutral blouse that has a little something extra, in this case a contrasting peter pan collar adds a touch of coyness.  Finish the look with an edgy pair of ankle boots to counter the girly with grit and you have a brilliantly balanced back to school get-up!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Strut your stuff this season in colored croc, one of fall's hottest shoe trends! These Christian Louboutin Croc Simple pumps are the epitome of style and sophistication with a thick 4 inch heel, round toe, and purple crocodile leather. They retail for $4645.  YIKES! That will certainly take a crocodile sized bite out of your budget.

On a more affordable level are the Corso Como Metro Chunky heel.  With printed snakeskin leather, and colorful, contrasting, chunky wooden heel, these shoes take reptile to a whole new level, and you don't have to be in a different tax bracket to afford them.  At just $134 you can rock your reptile and set yourself apart from the pack.

Black and Gold

Gold is back again this fall and this time it has teamed up with black to make a stunning statement in fall fashion.  According to InStyle,

"Achieving high-def depth with brocade, foil, leaf, sequins and embossed surfaces, black-and-gold alchemizes Renaissance, hippie, Asian, and modernist influences in spectacular ways."

In order to pull off this look, let gold take center stage, but maintain exclusivity with the color black as its only partner. No need to accessorize this look as the gold shines enough on its own and try to stick with just one standout piece that can take you all the way through the holidays!

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

Lately I've been pondering what things should and should not be worn outside of home and the first thing that comes to mind are sweats.  Gone are the days where I felt it was ok to roll out of bed, throw on a pair of sweatpants, and make my way to class.  While they are still perfect for a trip to the gym or curling up with a pint of Ben and Jerry's post break up, they do not have any redeeming stylish qualities...or do they?

The Cure: Styling Sweats

Designers and stylists are utilizing this knit to construct silhouettes that flatter, like this adorable dress! Perfect for running around town for quick errands or a comfy, casual, cool look, this is a piece that you can use all fall long!  Keep your legs bare and pair with a cute pair of patterned flats with the temperatures are still mild, but then layer over leggings and add your favorite boots as the temperatures get cooler.  With this sweet little number you'll never look like you just rolled out of bed!