True Romance

Add a touch of ladylike charm with lace, ruffles and bows. 

I'm typically not attracted to lace clothing, but I wanted to challenge myself to come up with a look that incorporated the tricky fabric. Last Christmas my mom gave me a lace dress that belonged to my great great aunt in the '20s. I cherish the dress (its slightly yellowed color, its distinctly sweet, musky smell) but had never actually worn it. Apparently I didn't inherit my small stature from the original owner of the dress, but with some strategic gathering and tucking, I got it to fit. Though it's not really my style, I like how black lace or white lace worn with black has a dramatic, gothic feel.

A look with layers upon layers of ruffles is fun, girly and decadent, calling to mind cupcakes with pink frosting, strands of pearls, teacups, poodles and all things sweet and nice. Pair with more structured pieces to balance the look.

Make a statement with an oversize bow around your neck or waist. As with ruffles, go for excess. The bigger the better. I love the vintage secretary feel of this look.

On the Runway: Prada Fall 2008 RTW. Image source: Style.com.

On the Runway: Alexander McQueen Fall 2008 RTW. Image source: Style.com.

On the Runway: Francesco Scognamiglio Fall 2008 RTW. Image source: Style.com.

Check It Out

On Wednesday I was featured on the Glamour.com daily style blog Slaves to Fashion.

Click here to see the story.

Baby, It's Cold Outside

As the winter chill sets in, cozy is key.

Grandpa cardigans are a season staple, and I lost mine earlier this fall. While searching for a new one, the sweater I had in mind kept getting bigger and bigger. I think the cozy red sweater I found over the weekend is a worthy replacement. I like it both with and without a belt. The belt adds some semblance of shape. Without the belt, it’s just wholeheartedly big and baggy.

I haven’t been too keen on the fur trend so far this season. The vests are a bit much for me, but I really like the furry caps I’ve been seeing lately.

As far as scarves go this winter, the bigger the better. I'm on the hunt for a scarf at least twice the size of anything I currently own. For now, I'll have to make do.

On the Runway: Diane Von Furstenberg Fall 2008 RTW. Image source: Style.com.

On the Runway: Badgley Mischka Fall 2008 RTW. Image source: Style.com.

On the Runway: Lacoste Fall 2008 RTW. Image source: Style.com.

My Three Favorite Shoe Trends

1. The Fringed Boot 

Don't be afraid to flaunt some fringe. Pair moc-style boots with a look that isn't too bohemian. Rather than a flowy dress, go for structure or edgy minimalism.

On the Runway: Gucci Fall 2008 RTW. Image source: Style.com.

2. The Gladiator 

The trend that refuses to go away. Wear them now with tights and keep on sporting them through spring. Because they have an edgy feel, I like to pair mine with softer fabrics and floral prints.

On the Runway: Versace Fall 2008 RTW. Image Source: Style.com.

3. The Hybrid Boot

 Not quite a shoe, not quite a boot. Hybrid styles make it easy to feel sleek even when it's cold.

The oxford bootie falls into the hybrid camp and incorporates menswear inspiration.

On the Runway: Louise Goldin Fall 2008 RTW. Image source: Style.com.

Gray Days

The skies are turning cloudy, and so is my neutral of choice.

Lacking the austerity of black and the warmth of brown, gray is the perfect neutral as we move toward winter. I'm the kind of person who always carries the same bag, and I have a feeling this new gray tote will be by my side through spring and perhaps beyond. It features slouchy suede offset by structured faux leather accents and a detachable messenger strap if you're biking or just on the go. (Payless.com $24.99)

My gorgeous sister recently acquired this gray double-breasted leather jacket. Both biker chick tough and luxuriously chic, it's definitely a piece I'll covet all season long.

Add interest to a monochromatic look by playing with texture. This look features a sweater tank worn over a billowy cotton dress paired with suede ankle boots. It was unseasonably warm today, but for cooler temps I would add a jacket and tights.

On the Runway: Michael Kors Fall 2008 RTW. Image source: Style.com.

On the Runway: 3.1 Phillip Lim Fall 2008 RTW. Image source: Style.com.