New Finds!

I know I have been MIA much of this week, but it is only because I have been scouring the world (wide web) for new stuff for YOU.

Some cool sites to check out:

STYLEHIVE

stylehive.com

This style site is all about new stuff and a community of fashion-forward people.

My Style Diary
mystylediary.stylehive.com
Post and view pics of people around the world, get tips, see new trends and style experiements in action.

Soma Intimates

http://www.soma.com/store/home.jsp

Check out the Vanishing Edge panties and other good stuff. I have ordered several pairs and will review them for you in great detail soon.

Melanie Auld Designs

melanieaulddesigns.com

Some of the coolest new and very wearable jewelry I've seen in a while, and pretty decent prices. Delicate necklaces, charming earrings, stackable rings.

Duo Boots

http://www.duoboots.com/

Bootastic. Amazing boots that come in a huge range of sizes and calf widths. Prices aren't cheap, but they aren't super scary either, especially for a beautiful- and beautifully fitting- pair of leather boots.

Silhouettes

http://www.silhouettes.com/

Plus size clothing and boots that are stylish and well-priced.

Barefoot Tess

http://www.barefoottess.com/

Womens' shoes and boots in size 11 and up. Amazing range of designers available.

My photographer is sleeping in, so now we know what happens when I try to take a picture of myself...

Outfit details: Tee, Banana; Pants, Banana; Shoes, Bamboo (they are yellow, in case the blurry image above doesn't convey that); necklace, H&M

Why it works: The colors' tones make it work- since the navy, green, and yellow are of a similar tone, they compliment each other instead of looking messy. This is the way I know how to make several colors work together: make one of them a neutral. The necklace dresses up what is otherwise just a tee.

What it needs: I'm on the hunt for the perfect structured jacket...

Dress it up: Switch out tee for a blouse.

Dress it down: Exchange jeans for the slacks and you have a great weekend look.

Purple lurve...

Outfit details: Top, Paris; Skirt, Ann Taylor; Shoes, Vince Camutto

Why it works: Color on color is a streamlined look for work. It reeks of sophisitication when it is done properly, but can be overkill in the wrong shades. With the cream detailing and shoes, the purple gets broken up enough to be nice, not overwhelming.

What it needs: Jewelry- bracelet, earrings, or ring.

Dress it up: Tuck in the blouse, pointy-toed shoe in more subdued color.

Dress it down: Off-white tee, flats instead of heels.

Purple is IN people- try it!

10 Booties Under $100

At the request of a colleague, I present to you 10 great bootie options, each under $100. All of these shoes can be found on Zappos, so they are easy to find and order.

Bandolino "Instant"

Classic and sleek, these ankle boots are perfect for work and weekend. They come in dark brown and black.

Gabriella Rocha "Carlie"

Another sleek pair with a little more curves, these come in leather and suede.

Tribeca "Better Knot"

These are versatile and really cute; I'd wear these with everything from jeans to skirt and tights. They also come in black and chocolate.

J. Renee "Caden"

A downtown look, perfect with pants. In black and brown.

rsvp "Macey"

Feels uptown to me, especially in this fabulous burgandy patent with suede. Also available in black, brown, and grey.

Jessica Simpson "Fox"

Just plain hot. You could get away with these are work with a simple all-black or grey outfit.
Gabriella Rocha "Anni"

Put a little funk in your heart, people. Black with purple patent is just awesome.

NaNa "Helga"

A little sweet, a little modern, these are just fun. They come in grey, black, and brown.

Not Rated "Social Science"

Aren't these sweet? They also come in two other fab color combos- two tone brown and navy with purple.
Annie "Hannah"

These are a perfect everyday pair in microseude and at their price ($58), you can get one in every color.

What do you think, ladies? Any takers for any of these?

A Man Moment

Top Ten Reasons Why All Professional Men Should Own a Suit:

10. Seriously, if you can look this good, why wouldn't you?

9. You never know when you are going to have an interview.

8. Bosses/supervisors/managers like a man who cleans up well, trust me.

7. You can show your signficant other that you CAN TOO look nice if you want.

6. Court appearances. Yes, both professional and personal ones.

5. Suits can be found ON SALE, people.

4. Just the word Armani makes most women happy.

3. Weddings and funerals.

2. They are immensely flattering when they are properly tailored.

1. You know the song about the Sharp Dressed Man? It's true.

P.S. Thank you to my model, Sean, who can pull off Armani like nobody's business.

Banana-na-na

Sometimes a place a ubiquitous as Banana Republic can come through with pieces for the perfect sexy secretary look.

Outfit details: Tee, Banana. Cardigan, Banana. Skirt, Banana. Shoes, Franco Sarto. Necklace, H&M.

Why it works: The red gets toned down with the off-white cardie. Also, who doesn't adore a skirt with pockets?!

Dress it up: Replace cardigan with a structured jacket, and voila!

Dress it down: Take off the cardigan, untuck the tee, switch out groovy plaid & leather pumps for flats.

What it needs: It's all good today, people. It's all good.

Nordie's Ten Things

Seriously, we keep getting bombarded by so many sources telling us what to get for fall, how is a sophisticated professional such as yourself supposed to know what to buy?

Here's what I think about Nordstrom's Ten Things to Evolve Your Style Right Now (that's a direct quote):

1. The Standout Coat
Fall is the time to buy a great coat if you don't already have one. The best coats are versatile and comfortable. And by versatile, I mean not a weird print or fluorescent orange. When you find one you like, make sure it fits over a tee and your favorite sweater.

2. The Feminine Blouse
I'd say go for it if you are into it, but don't get the $319 one Nordstrom is trying to sell you. Get something super affordable so you can get rid of it when this trend inevitably- and quickly- goes the way of the dinosaur. Also remember that too feminine in the office can come across as immature or even flighty when not done properly. Pair your frilly concoction with serious trousers or a sharp skirt.

3. The Pencil Skirt
Since this is something most women already own, I don't see this entry as a great marketing decision, Nordstrom. I love a pencil skirt, I just don't see how this is some sort of style evolution.

4. The Trouser
This seems obvious, given that temperatures will be dropping and bottomless isn't a professional look at most legal places of business. What you are being told, basically, is that the dress no longer reigns supreme and pants are back.

5. The Statement Necklace
I'm totally on board with this. Get a chunky necklace, get a cuff. Just remember that if you look overwhelmed by your accessories, you have made a poor choice.

6. The Sheath
Buy with caution. If a sheath dress doesn't fit PERFECTLY, it looks cheap, even if you bought the $595 Tory Burch number at Nordstrom. Any pulling looks tacky, people.

7. The Short Jacket
Love it. If you didn't buy one during the last 3 seasons you were instructed on this little item, do yourself a favor and get one already. Modern and typically flattering.

8. The Soft Satchel
Don't get hung up on words like "soft" and "satchel." You are being told that a fairly large, fairly expensive handbag made of nice leather would be a good purchase. What a shocker.

9. A Pop of Plaid
Aside from the kitschy as hell title of this entry, I don't have a problem with a little plaid. Just make sure it reads professional and not school girl. A muted color palette will go a long way toward that end.

10. The Bootie
I have booties on my own list for several reasons: they are cute with jeans, slacks, and tights with dresses or skirts; they are a great alternative to the pumps and other heels I've been wearing this season; and they scream fall. Love them.