What's in Store

“Coolness and absence of heat and haste indicate fine qualities”
Ralph Waldo Emmerson, 1803 - 1882

It’s early fall and blazing hot in California, so what better time to think about winter coats? Really- we owe it to ourselves to be well dressed in our fantasies of ski lodges and hot toddies. Forget about khaki trenches and black raincoats. Don’t play it safe with your coat- take a risk and make a statement this season.

Color

Don’t worry about your new coat matching everything in your closet. When it’s cold enough to don, it’ll be buttoned up so no one will see the rest of your outfit while you’re wearing it. Pick a color you love and live it up.

Fabric

If you’re sticking to a traditional color, seek out a distinctive texture, like satin or velvet. A classic cut suddenly becomes a head turner in a non-traditional fabric. It’s not often you can luxury and function, so go for it!

Prints

With plaids, polka dots, wallpaper prints, geometric designs and exquisite embroidery detailing showing up on coats this fall, why not make the leap and pick a patterned coat!

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“The impulse and will to carry through an unorthodox style are no casual matter.”
Kennedy Fraser, b. 1946

At this point, you’ve probably seen all the press about sequins, feathers and satin being big, big, big this season. And you’ve probably thought, “If only I was a Rockette/Vegas showgirl/caberet singer…then I could wear that to work.” The good news is, you don’t have to quit your day job to work these trends into your regular wardrobe. The key is using them as accent pieces with what you already own and wear. Think of them like glitter- a little goes a long way and too much will haunt you for years.

Sequins

A sequin trimmed tank can be worn with jeans on Saturday night, and under a suit during the week. Look for tone-on-tone (black sequins on a black top, silver on grey, etc.) to keep it work appropriate.

Satin

I know it’s hard to think of satin and not imagine high school proms and bridesmaid dresses. Which is precisely why you aren’t wearing a satin dress to the office. But, satin heels- in a heart beat! Swap out your black leather or suede with a pair of conservative satin heels.

Feathers

Jewelry is the easiest way to incorporate feathers into your wardrobe. Peacock feather earrings are large and light so they won’t stretch your lobes. Street vendors are an excellent bet for finding cool ones on the cheap.

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“Without black velvet breeches, what is man?”
James Bramston, 1694 - 1744

There is a bit of a debate as to whether or not pants can be considered a trend in fashion. Were they around last season? Yes. The season before that? Yeppers. In fact, women have been wearing pants since the 1870s. During WWII women started wearing pants regularly for work and by the 1950s pants were a wardrobe staple. Moral of the brief history? Pants are here to stay, and trend or not, it’s worth investing in a fanny-tastic pair or two. Here’s how to wear the styles of the season.

Wide

Wide leg pants require more substantial shoes. A shoe with a square or almond toe and a thicker heel will balance the leg. Avoid looking shapeless and frumpy by keeping your tops fitted, your jackets cropped and if you wear an overcoat make sure it has a defined waist.

Slim

Unless you’re a Balenciaga diehard or a Tokyo rock star (or both!), forget about wearing chunky heels with slim pants. Instead, choose a classic pump to maintain the streamline silhouette. Play around with volume on top with capelets and trapeze jackets or go très moderne with something tailored.

Men’s

Think of the men in you life. How many of them wear heels with their pants? Few to none is my bet. So if you’re stealing their pants, style wise, take that to heart and wear flats. Ballet flats will keep the look feminine.

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“If your sister is in a tearing hurry to go out and cannot catch your eye, she’s wearing your best sweater.”
Pam Brown, b. 1948

Labor Day is my favorite holiday. It’s the gateway to fall fashion and perfectly timed. Just when you’re starting to tire of your spring wardrobe, it’s time to focus on new pieces. At the top of the new clothes list are the modern takes on traditional sweaters. These edgy options are perfect for lazing around over the long weekend.

Tie One On

Pick up a new wrap cardigan or breath new life into an old one by adding contrasting ties.

Turning Japanese

Add a dose of drama to your casual wardrobe with a kimono sleeved sweater.

Necking

An oversized collar brings a cable knit sweater up to speed and in style this season.

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“Not on one strand are all life’s jewels strung.”
William Morris, 1834 - 1896

We’ve all heard repeatedly how less is more. We’ve seen all the design tributes to minimalism and appreciated the starkness of modern design. And if we’re drinking martinis, I’m all for moderation. But let’s be honest- sometimes more is more. Here a few things that always make me think, “If one is good, a dozen is fantastic.”

Roping

One strand is prim, preppy and can be a bit stuffy. Ropes of pearls are urban (think Like a Virgin era Madonna) and decadent (think Coco Chanel). Try mixing your grandmother’s strand with a costume opera length necklace.

Jingling

A lone bangle looks lonely, but a stack of bangles looks like a party. They shimmy, they jingle, they will make you smile. Check out Indian bazaars and Mediterranean markets for inexpensive options.

Chaining

A single chain necklace is New Jersey. Multiple chains are Parisian. Avoid looking like Mr. T by keeping the rest of your jewelry simple and understated.

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“I’ve been on so many blind dates, I should get a free dog.”
Wendy Liebman, b. 1961

My dear friend Jenn is currently swimming in men. Dating could be a full time job for her. Except, she already has a full time job. Which raises the question of what to wear so that you can go from business to pleasure without a complete costume change.

Doing Lunch
Lunch dates tend to run late, which means you’re either racing back to the office or stealing a cab from a tourist. You need something that allows you to look graceful while sprinting a block. A lightweight A-line skirt offers the mobility you need, but is also feminine and office appropriate.

Midweek Drinks
It’s best to not look like the “many” when you’re looking for the “one.” So leave your black suit at the cleaners when meeting up for cocktails. A non-suit suit is perfect for midweek drinks. A bold, but tailored jacket paired with dress pants keeps the look professional and distinctive.

Friday Dinner
If you’re going to get stuck late at the office, it will be when you have a Friday night date. Plan ahead of time and pair a classic dress with a blazer for work. Then, ditch the jacket and add a bright pashmina for dinner. Complete the day-to-night look with a day heel in a color that compliments your wrap.

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“Don’t agonize. Organize!”
Florynce Kennedy, 1916 - 2000

It’s the little things that get you. Your jackets are hung, your shoes are racked, your sweaters are neatly folded and stacked. But your scarves? Your dainties and delicates? Your tights? They’re another story. They generally don’t hang or fold well, and as such, run amok really fast. Here are three ways to corral those wily items.

Boxed

Tired of coming up with boy shorts when you’re searching for a thong? Create order in your drawers with cubby holes. You can buy ready made drawer organizers or design your own system using fun boxes.

Tie Rack

Long ago, some unsung hero of closet organization invented the tie rack. But it’s certainly not limited to ties. Use one for hanging scarves, necklaces or slippery camisoles that slide off standard hangers.

Shoe Bag

Tuck your scarves, camisoles, dainties and tights, etc. into an over-the-door shoe rack for instant organization. Clear pockets makes it easier to see what you’ve got…and when you need to do laundry.

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“Style is a simple way of saying complicated things.”
Jean Cocteau, 1889 - 1963

Camped Out

Happy 4th of July! I hope you’re out barbequing, watching a parade and waiting for fireworks. These low-key, day-long festivities are always tricky fashion-wise. On the one hand, it’s a casual event. On the other hand, it’s a party and you want to dress up.

My advice? Take a cue from summer camps of long ago and grab a camp shirt. The classic American style button down with short sleeves plays equally well with pants or skirts and can be as dressy as you’d like. And no, you don’t have to camp to wear it. Here are three options and three different styles.

Pam

My friend Pam thinks ‘roughing it’ is drinking non-vintage champagne. She also has pretty streamlined, Lauren Bacall-esque sense of style. Silk twill with ½ sleeves is refined enough for her tastes, but not too stuffy for afternoon beers. She’ll wear it with dark chinos and ballet flats.

Ann

For my sister, Ann, camping is when you don’t wear jewelry. She is also addicted to accessories and has a strong sense of adventure. French cuffs mean she’ll never be camping and the short sleeves leave her ready for anything. She’ll pair it with an a-line skirt, hoop earrings and a slew of bracelets.

Kathryn

My sweetheart is very outdoorsy and, by default, so am I. (Ahh…the things we do for love.) But, I’m also slightly sun-phobic and dislike looking rumpled. A quick drying, anti-wrinkle shirt with UPF 30 will keep me looking as très chic at le campsite as possible. I’ll wear it over the weekend with worn in jeans and Tevas.

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“Summer time and the dressing is easy…”
George Gershwin, 1898 - 1937

Sunday morning at the dog park? Midweek business lunch? Friday night opera tickets? It’s never been so easy to be perfectly dressed. All you need to look put together right now is a handful of sundresses and a couple pairs of sandals.

Sun

An excellent choice for walking the dog, wine tasting or farmer’s market. Flippies or low heeled slides finish it off.

Sheath

A black and white sheath is refreshingly professional. Play with color or keep it graphic with black and white.

Wrap

Perfect for wedding receptions and dining al fresco in Monaco. (You never know when you might meet a wealthy somebody with EU citizenship…) All you need is a pashmina and glitzy sandals.

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In the United States, 20 people a day die from skin cancer.
American Cancer Society’s 2007 Facts & Figures

Shaded

Ahh…the first full week of June, the gate way of summer. It’s the season of poolside vacations, weekend barbeques, backyard badminton and all sorts of other sunny activities. Instead of retiring indoors when you tire of the sun, don a cover up. To keep the look fashionable instead of frumpy, seek out one with a dash of glamour. When you’re shopping, ask yourself “Will this look good with large sunglasses and a fruity drink with an umbrella in it?” If the answer is yes, by all means buy it.

Pull Over

Legend has it that Jackie O was once turned away from the Four Seasons because their dress code didn’t allow women to wear trousers in the dining room. She removed her pants in the ladies room and then she and her companions enjoyed a lovely lunch- with Mrs. Onassis wearing just her tunic. You can skirt a policy or take a break from the sun in a lightweight, embellished tunic.

Tied On

Wear it as a skirt, a dress or a shawl. Ball it up if you need a pillow or use it as a blanket and have a picnic. You could probably do all sorts of first aid things with it if necessary, but that’s beyond my expertise. What I do know is that there are few fashion items more versatile than a pareo and the brighter the better when you’re choosing a pattern.

Brimming

Peeling sunburns get gunky under moisturizers and make up. Plus the possibility of wrinkles, sun spots and skin cancer. Better to avoid it all together with a sensational hat. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a minimum of a 3 inch brim. Use the width of your shoulders as your maximum brim guide.

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