Let’s ignore the fact that the hemline on this dress needs about 3 inches – and concentrate on the rich color story. As Thanksgiving is only a day away, a lot of us are starting to plan our feasting outfits. I plan on scouring my closet for anything cranberry or squash colored, inspired by who other than Gossip Girl. Seriously though, autumnal colors like berry, rust, and evergreen are perfect for not only this time of year, but as an excuse to exercise your closet for the family. I remember when I was at V, I went home for the holidays and my mom said “Jennifer, you look like you’re right out of a magazine” – my mom is a lovable crazy, and so I say - well mom, I do spend most of my time at a magazine. She still has no idea what I do. As family dynamics seem to get more crazy as you get older – here’s to filling up your glass of wine and looking good while doing it.
Delia*s beaded skirt $38.50
Newport News ombre shoe $39
Top Shop blouse $65
American Eagle scarf $19.50
Nine West patent satchel $69
I am in desperate need of a new bag. I used to do nothing but spend my cash on frivolous accessories, and I used to think it was a serious problem because I couldn’t buy anything I actually needed. I still try and change my bag once a week, but the scenery is old school. Now that I’m in a new environment - and H&M isn’t a guilty pleasure on the way home from everywhere I go - my checking account has been doing fabulously, but my insides that get really excited about accessories have been wilting. It’s like all I see on the girls here are Chinatown bags - played off as cute and trendy, because nobody knows that yeah - that quilted kiss lock bag with the chain strap, is Marc Jacobs most well known bag, and it’s all over the 5 boroughs like a virus. I could get a way with a faux Hermes here in a second, and maybe I should.
First thing’s first, I need patent. Patent has been a strong finish in my closet since my time at V, and I think of it as a really classic element. I remember every single bag we got in was patent, and of course in that office things move at the speed of light - so it was one big visual trip of high gloss Valentino & Vuitton. Patent just seems so delectible, so smooth. And I do mean smooth, I’m not into cracked patent, even if it’s Chanel - it’s just not as polished - the great thing about a patent bag is that it’s on trend (not trendy), sophisticated, and usually structured. You can be on the Upper East and fit like a glove, have it as a great work bag, or as a key piece to your weekend shopping stroll. Weekend shopping outfits in New York are what I like to call silent fashion face-offs. It’s almost as good as the other game I call out-shining the bride. Joking.
Anya Hindmarch for Target $49.99
Newport-News $29.00
Spiegel $49.00
Nine West $14.99
Who knew that Allentown, PA could produce something successful? Teasing - but there really is nothing in Allentown, so the fact that Amanda Seyfried hails from my home state of PA is really pretty fabulous/strange/impressive. She’s been popping up in a bit more roles since her appearance in Mean Girls (Big Love, Mama Mia) - so you can expect to see more red carpet shots of her in the future. In the meantime - I can officially say that emerald is THE color of the season, and she pulled it off effortlessly (with the help of Miu Miu and a stylist, wink).
Nordstrom $62.00
Forever 21 $24.80
Nine West $120
I bought this pair last week - from Payless for $19.99! They are super comfortable, I didn’t have to buy a half size smaller like I usually do in heels, and they’re a great transition away from my much loved Balenciaga-esque gladiators (that I wore out completely this summer). I love having something going on over the top of the foot – that creates a little interest and flavor - rather than just what a pump evokes. I also love being able to still wear peep toes here in TX – it’s like the southern version of fall’s oxford heel.
And - either one of these shoes is a sweet deal. The thing about payless, though – is that they don’t replenish fashion styles like this, so when you find something good I am convinced you should always buy 2 pairs (which would still be less than the competition). Nine West’s may be a bit more structurally sound, but their ecomm site isn’t always the best in terms of size inventory, so now that it’s on sale they may not be able to accommodate.
I once had a mild freak out when trying to order above said gladiators - the site had them as unavailable until next month, so I ran to the closest Nine West on Lex across from Bloomie’s - and lo and behold they just got a new shipment in. Thank God the brick & mortar stores are well-oiled-shoe-addict-machines!
Shop Nine West $59.99 (on sale from $80) & Payless $19.99
