season to season: the pleated skirt

Transitioning from summer to fall? Live in a place where it's 80 degrees one day and 55 the next? (yes). Let's see how you can take this uber-pleated grey skirt with you from season to season...

FALL:

A loose ladylike blouse is perfect tucked into this skirt for the upcoming fall days and nights. It won't be warm enough to have bare arms, but it won't be cold enough for a coat either (we hope).

sheer 3/4-sleeved blouse from The Kooples in Paris, oxford wedges by Cynthia Vincent, bag by Stella McCartney, bracelet from F21, mixed metal knotted chain necklace from Free People.  

WINTER:

Chunky, cropped fair isle print angora sweaters perfectly compliment this a-line skirt. With a textured scarf around the neck, you won't be too cold. I always balance out a girly skirt with my Fiorentini and Baker's. Tights optional (unless you live in the midwest)! 

grayling sweater by Rag & Bone, raw-edged scarf by Rag & Bone, Fiorentini and Baker Eli boots, Yves Saint Laurent Easy Y Tote, and mixed metal chain bracelet by Giles & Brother. 

SPRING:

In the early spring it's usually too cold to go without an extra layer, but warm enough that you don't need a parka and gloves, so a leather jacket is necessary. Black leotards are not limited to ballerinas, and are an easy compliment to skirts and high-waisted pants. Without snow on the ground, leather ballet flats are a go, and with a layered mixed-metal necklace and a bucket bag, this look can be taken from day to night without any extra effort. 

leather jacket by Improvd, black leotard from American Apparel, ballet flats by Chanel, Alexander Wang Diego Bucket Bag, layered chain necklace from Intermix.

SUMMER:

Yay, its summer! No bulky layers allowed! The skirt still works because it is not made of wool.  A strappy camisole tucked into the skirt is fine and well, but a lovely silk blazer (conveniently deprived of sleeves) is a great additional piece without any weight or extra warmth.  A great statement belt always spikes up an outfit (especially jeans with a basic tee) and is always worth it.  Top it off with a sunhat to protect your face and accessorize with a lightweight bag and wooden clogs.

sleeveless silk blazer by Joie, camisole from F21, Gucci belt, wooden clogs from Paris, Rebecca Minkoff Perforated 3-Zip Rocker Bag, F21 sunhat.


I left the best part to the end: the skirt is ultra-inexpensive and from F21! Really research your pleated skirts before investing in one: sometimes you can find a cheap alternative that doesn't look the part. Regardless, you'll get enough wear out of this piece to make anything worth it. Here are some alternatives via shopbop.

entirely worth it: the burberry trench coat

So you're in the market for something that defies trendiness, but is still on trend. Something that is both functional and fashionable, timeless and chic. Then there is no better investment than the Burberry trench coat!   

quick history lesson: most famous for this coat, Burberry's founder Thomas Burberry was 21 when he first discovered the British fashion house. A long, long time ago, long before Emma Watson modeled for the brand (1880), he incorporated the "gabardine" into his company, which was a waterproof, breathable but hardwearing fabric. About 30 years later, Mr. Burberry was asked to make the officer's coat to fit the "lifestyle" of modern warfare by the War Office, and this was when the trench coat was born.  After the war, the trench became stylish for civilians. The Burberry check print that can be spotted from a mile away was made in the 1920s and used as the lining for the coats. 

Okay, so I won't quiz you on that later, but this means that this coat has been around for enough years for you to know that it will always be in style. It's wonderful for spring and fall, when the weather is damp and cooler. The coat keeps you warm and dry but also looking fantastic. It goes with absolutely everything and can be worn anywhere you'd like, including the movies and a dinner date. The shape of the coat is flattering on anything, even a rock. I haven't tested that out, but I'm sure of it. The detail in the collar, it's belt and shiny buttons gives it that extra something without going over the top.   

Check out this Burberry social network, the art of the trench, that connects their trench coat lovers! It includes wearers of all ages, styles, and shapes! 

Givenchy Jelly Sandals for unfavorable and favorable weather, Rebecca Minkoff perforated leather zip rocker bag, and umbrella from who knows where. 

day to night: the leopard shirt

Recently I wrote on three ways to wear the leopard shirt (my favorite from Equipment) but I wanted to show how to wear it dressed up.  I love doing a top knot for a more elegant look because it is so easy, yet looks so chic and put-together.  As far as the main course, the outfit, I take the blouse from shorts to my favorite Pleasure Doing Business black bandage skirt.  I tuck in the blouse for a more sophisticated look and slip on my favorite Yves Saint Laurent gold Arty Dots ring to pair with the blonde and black tones of the blouse, as well a long complimentary gold coin pendant necklace that was my grandmother's and a shorter knotted mixed metal necklace from Free People.  It originally had plastic danglies hanging from every knot, but I cut them off with pliers so the necklace didn't look what it cost.  I swap sandals for a great pair of cutout leather heels from F21 (I know, what appears to be an expensive heel is not always the case!) I make sure the heels I wear when dressing up always have a platform so I'm not wearing a great outfit but ruining it by struggling to walk.  

I always don a smaller, more classic handbag at night, like my Yves Saint Laurent easy Y tote.  I die for this bag - they always say "men are like handbags," some come and go while others forever have your heart, and this is my everything handbag.  I will always love it because it can be worn with everything at any occasion and its perfect size and top handle frame will never go out of style (or my closet). 

As far as makeup from day to night, the look should always be subtle but different than a daytime look in the eye.  I always wear eyeshadow, mascara, and a deep pink lipstain during the day, but at night I go from a navy liner and blue eyeshadow to a deep chocolate liner (Chanel) and brown, camel, and taupe shadows (palette from Giorgio Armani) to create a smokier look.  I always go over the liner with the same color power to make the look more natural and less precise. At night I layer my mascara (Nars) twice over, apply a lovely pink blush (Revlon) and switch the pink lipstain to a classic red (ultimate wine by Revlon, always: it costs the same as a happy meal, only it doesn't make you feel sick, lasts for months and stays on for the entire evening).  As you may tell, I mix highs and lows with my makeup collection as well. I've found some of my $6 products to work better than the $45 ones, and that is truly one of the best results from experimenting with cosmetics. 

seasonal: aztec print shorts

Aztec prints are everywhere this season, and I'm definitely a fan.  I do think you have to choose wisely with these prints, since it's such a seasonal look.  It's so easy to find a pair of aztec shorts or an aztec blazer without depleting your bank account.  To be on trend but not trendy, in the words of Rachel Zoe, is what you want to achieve.  I found that medium in these Aztec tap shorts that I snatched from F21: flowy and short, they're higher-waisted and unbelievably comfortable.  The combination of black and camel is so classic and is wonderful with a black blazer and sky-high wedges or perfectly casual with a basic tank and flip flops.  I pair the bottoms with my favorite tees by Alexander Wang, which are worth every penny.  They are so comfortable and luxe, and can be worn up and down.  Unlike other sheer, sensitive, and expensive designer tees, these wash well and never fade, pill, or surprise you with unexpected miniature holes. 

I pair the black and camel shorts with gold hardware: the awesome spiked bracelet is from F21 and the best five dollars I've ever spent, not to mention it probably doubles as a weapon... 

The simple gold symmetrical ring (F21 as well) is a perfect compliment to the busy bracelet, and the Cynthia Vincent wedges are covered in gold hardware to tie it all together.  My all time favorite purse, the Easy Y Tote by Yves Saint Laurent, balances out the edginess with its simple ladylike top-handle structure. Nothing like mixing highs-and-lows! 

Bracelet and ring for the price of a venti latte, and they're good for more than a one time use!

newfound deal: the bowtie blouse

I love the new bowtie blouse trend - so menswear, schoolgirl, and ladylike simultaneously. While some of these blouses run at $200 a pop, I found the charming black and sheer white contrasting blouse for $15 at F21. The perfect pre-fall outfit to me is as follows: this blouse, a great pair of basic black tailored shorts (mine are black denim from J Brand), oxford wedges and scrunched charcoal socks.  Topped of with great chunky armwear and my favorite Alexander Wang (Diego bucket bag with black hardware) and you're ready to go back to school or just back to fall. 

runway: AW RTW balenciaga

       

Autumn is approaching: the season where, if weather permits, clothing is the most fun.  The time of year when we don't have to wear five feet worth of puffy down and waterproof boots just to get into the car, and when hat hair results from floppy rag and bone wool fedoras instead of knit hats and earmuffs. With blazers, jackets, skirts, shorts, dresses, boots, and other fall staples, the possibilities are endless.  I love these look from Balenciaga's 2011 AW runway show: the black skirt with leather detailing paired a chunky tweed knit and topped with leather cutout booties and (not so simple) clutch.  The contrasting fabrics in these look were done magnificently, especially with the oversized tweed blazer with the black leather collar and matching pant.  The pops of fall-worthy colors in the maroon heels and royal blue clutch defy end-of-summer, and the flowing stark white silk top keep the look crisp.  Makes me hope for a longer fall and a delayed winter.

three(+) ways to wear it: the maxi skirt

The maxi skirt is just as easy to throw on as the maxi dress but with a few more options.  I love this one from BB Dakota because the high slit shows just the right amount of skin, the jersey material with an elastic waist keeps it easy and casual with the option of wearing it as high or low as you like, and the deep charcoal is neutral.  Here are a few of the many options for layering a maxi skirt. 

The simplest way to wear the maxi is with a tank.  I prefer them draped over or tied in a knot (above) rather than tucked in since this completes the thrown on look.  

Sunglasses: Chloe

For a more dressed up look, or to wear the skirt from day to night I adore the maxi with a black leather jacket (Improvd) thrown over the tank.

When it's chillier out, and you're wearing the skirt casually, a simple sweatshirt like this one looks so easy and comfortable. 

And for a slightly dressier look without having to wear a jacket, put on a silky button up, roll up the sleeves, and tie up the ends and you're ready to go. 

When fall hits, the maxi skirt doesn't have to be shoved into the back of the closet. Pair it with a slouchy sweater and a belt and swap the sandals for booties. 

happy 4th

hope you like my self-made miniature flag tarts

in my bag

A few goods that are always found in my Stella McCartney: ear buds, keys, Chloe shades, iphone, Giorgio Armani sheer lipstick in 35, spearmint gum, Tom Ford Neroli Portofino lotion, Gucci wallet, Nars lipgloss in hot pink (angelika) and red (misbehave), Nars multiple in angelika, trusty wooden comb from our hotel in Paris, handy leather mirror, Yves Saint Laurent touche eclat in 1, and cherry chapstick. 

I have a very loyal relationship with pink and red lipsticks and gloss, and I never know which shade of either I'm going to be in the mood to don, so one of each is always found in the pocket of my bag.  In the summer I adore sheer lipstick like this Armani one.  A Nars multiple is almost always more effective to keep in a bag rather than a cabinet.  It's best to throw on when you're out, because it can be quickly swiped on the eyes, cheeks, lips, or wherever else you please on the body, whenever need be.  Touche Eclat has always been one of the must haves of makeup, and the godly pen is also great to dab on in the middle of the day.  Tom Ford's Neroli Portofino is such a beautiful scent and even more wonderful as a hand lotion.  It was meant to embody the breeze, clear water, and flowers of the Italian Riviera, which is the ultimate scent for summer.  I always prefer a wallet that is big enough to be carried on its own on the days I don't feel like lugging around a purse.  The size, texture, and added charm (literally) of the Gucci wallet makes that easy to accomplish.  Most importantly, everyone should always channel Katy Perry with cherry chapstick!

Tis the season

For bandeau bikinis, high waisted short shorts, florals, coconut oil, hot pink lipstick and coordinated nails, sunnies, sangria, and ample reading material.