Handbag of the Day: Clutch with Strap

This Leather Clutch with Removable Strap is $178 and comes in chocolate and olive. This bag would be fun with or without the strap- just look at the diamond and stud details! I like it for a casual or dressy evening outfit, and it's big enough for everything you'd need for a night out.

Handbag of the Day: Leather Hobo

I really like this Tilled Expanse Hobo. It's $159 and the color reminds me of corn fields in the fall. The patchwork detail gives the bag some interest and the handle drop looks long enough to go over a winter jacket. Could be a good way to add color to your wardrobe this season...

Fall Slacks

Time to start thinking about fall, people! I'm a big fan of pants when the weather gets cold. I love the boots + tights combo with a dress, but I feel warmest in pants. When it turns cold/rainy/snowy/sleet-y, you just want to feel snuggly.

But you are not to LOOK snuggly at the office! Instead, you can wear some fab trousers/pants/slacks...

It's a good idea to have a number of pairs in a variety of neutral colors and subtle patterns. I recommend having at least one pair of each of the basic dark neutrals (black, charcoal, navy, and chocolate) and at least one lighter pair for warmer, sunnier days (khaki, light gray, light blue, etc.)

I am huge fan of these British Tweed Widelegs:

Just add heels and a sweater.

These Smart Uptown Trousers are also great for work:

Could wear with flats or heeled boots and a fun top.

I am not a fan of cropped pants for work, even the tailored ones. But if you don't work at a conservative office, you might be able to wear some Ankle Skimmers with ballet flats:

Shorter women (under 5'6"ish), beware! These cut off your leg line and will make you look shorter.

Tailored Sailor Trousers are always a classic and perfect for work:

Best with a heavier heel or boots and slimmer top.

Notice there isn't a single pair of capris, other significantly cropped pants, or their ilk anywhere to be found in this post. This is because I think it's time for everyone to start weening themselves off this ridiculous- and pervasive- pant length that doesn't do anyone any favors.

Handbag of the Day:

One of my fab friends just got this Hobo International flap tab wallet. It's only $58 and is not only cute, but extremely useful. She loves it, and I love that it replaces her on-its-last-legs-throw-it-away-already wallet that is now in a better place (read: all handbags go to heaven).

Anyhoo, this color is called yam, but is really a warm orange that looks amazing with her new blue handbag. The wallet also comes in black, mogano (looks deep brown to me), and wine.

They're Baaaaack...

Purple and gray, THE key colors last fall and winter are BACK this season. So, if you didn't jump on the gray bandwagon last time around, now is your chance. And purple lovers everywhere can rest easy that their beloved color of royalty is still in full force.

Gray is a neutral that works with literally everything. And as a softer version of black, isn't as harsh as black can be.

Purple is fab in many different shades, from raspberry and lavender to deep plum and eggplant.

This has already been taken into account in my capsule wardrobe planning. Has it been taken account into yours?

Capsule Wardrobe Part 2 is on its way...

The "New" Jeans

You are being told, at every turn, that the new jeans are so hot right now, you'd be a fool not to try some. While I think sticking to your trusty dark rinse straight legs/boot cuts/trouser jeans is a fabulous way to go, I also don't think it will kill you to try a couple of new styles every so often. Here are my thoughts on going off your own beaten path when it comes to jeans styles:

1. Distressed Denim
This is not new, as anyone who lived through, or has seen pictures of, the 80s can attest.

As a general rule, I do not purchase anything that looks like it has been worn before me/mauled by animals. That said, a small amount of distressing, far, far away from the crotch area, could be a fun way to mix it up once in a while. I'm not talking the I-Just-Got-Attacked-By-Jack-The-Ripper rips, but a little worn in on a couple of spots? Doesn't worry me.

2. The Boyfriend Jean
Also not new, since women everywhere have long known the value of a comfy pair of worn in jeans lifted straight from their boyfriend/husband/gay bf's closet. The fashion industry has merely co-opted this for purposes of telling you what you already know and cashing in on it.

This is a style I have gone back and forth on. On one hand, they are SO DAMN COMFORTABLE. On the other, you run of risk of looking sloppy, over-sized, and masculine yourself. And then there's the little issue of paying money for what you could arguably just steal/borrow.

I succumbed this week and bought a pair of boyfriend jeans that look much more like a relaxed feminine fit that a sloppy masculine one. As always, fit is key. Meaning, if you look odd/huge/dumpy/male, they aren't the right jeans for you. But if they fit slimmer in the waist and legs than this teeny picture above might have you believe, you can throw them on with ballet flats or fun heels, and look pretty cute.

Bottom line: if they don't look like you ACTUALLY took them from your boyfriend, these could work for you.

3. Skinny Jeans
Not only are these not new, they have sneaked their way into the regular jeans rotation. They aren't a fad anymore, they are a true jeans staple. This means two things: 1) if you don't like them, get over it, and 2) there are more styles and cuts out there than ever, so you might want to consider trying them, if you don't already wear them.

I am not going to lie to you, they will be tapered. They will be pretty tight. And they might make you wish for sweatpants at first. But I think there are a lot of people, with many different body types, who look great in these. Even if you aren't model thin, you might at least try on a couple of pairs. You just never know.

4. Bleached
This is such an old fad that keeps coming back so often, I am beyond bored with it. I don't think bleaching does anyone any favors. But if it is your thing, make sure the jeans at fit really well, so the bleaching can't make things TOO hideous.

5. Denim Leggings
These are:
A) not pants, they are leggings, so cover your ass and don't forget to WEAR ACTUAL PANTS; and
B) totally unnecessary.

Let me know if you think I missed one. I am happy to dissect/hate on/gush over it with you.

Handbag of the Day: Leather Pouchette

I am not normally a fan of tiny purses. They typically look totally out of proportion on an adult.

I think I am going to bend my rule for this little number. It's the Marc by Marc Jacobs Petal to the Metal Pouchette. It's $198, but this tiny bag is freaking adorable. The bird hardware is right up my bird-loving alley. (Just so we're clear, I am obsessed with bird accessories, not real birds.) The long strap means it can be worn as a cross body, and the size looks perfect for some cash, an ID, keys, and a cell phone. Just big enough to use when running around on the weekends!