Preppy Looks For Fall

With short skirts, boyfriend blazers and button downs still dominating the racks, one can’t help but put a preppy spin on everyday outfits. This look works on so many because it’s clean, understated, and always classic. From obvious to edgy, here are three looks to channel your inner prep.

top-Banana Republic; skirt-Old Navy; boots-LOFT; blazer-Theory; earrings-pearlearrings.com

Nothing’s preppier than a big ole pair of pearls. They dress up any outfit. (even gym clothes-trust me) Another go-to for the inner prepster is the riding boot-and OTK (over the knee) is by far the chicest way to go this Fall. Worn with a crisp white shirt and a schoolgirl length skirt, it gives off a Gossip Girl vibe. Blazers are classic and can be worn in a variety of ways. Styling tip: roll the sleeves of this theory blazer to expose a cute striped lining a la Lauren Conrad.

chain hoops-Blu Bijoux; scarf-MMJ; dress-Rugby(does it get any preppier than RL?); boots-LOFT

This look is a little more understated, but still has many of the preppy elements. The equestrian-inspired boots define the look, and the chain earrings are a sophisticated throwback. The subtle suede elbow patch details on the dress are also a nod to that bourgeois lifestyle. Throw on a plaid scarf, and you’ve got the perfect outfit to watch that polo match (or SEC football game!).

sweater-J Crew; chambray shirt-Gap; legging jean-Gap; oxfords-Steve Madden; ring-Emily Rose

This look borders between prepster and hipster, making it the easiest to wear of all three looks. The men’s chambray button down is a great foundation. Pair it with a cable knit crew neck-a preppy must! Skinny jeans and leather oxfords round off the look and a piece of monogrammed jewelry is the icing on the cake.

There’s even a brand new book from the author of The Original Preppy Handbook if you need further inspiration!

So go find your WASP alias (mine is Thayer Shofield Newcomb the Fifth, aka “Bunny”), channel her,  grab a martini and find yourself a boat to spend the day on.

The Fashionable Girl’s Guide To Fall Sweaters

Fall is officially here and so are the sweaters! Whether you’re looking for lightweight, something colorful, a chunky knit or a cardigan, the options are endless. With all of the options out there, it can be a daunting task to find one that’s perfect for you. Being the lucky little shopper that you are, I’ve done all the hunting for you! Below you’ll find a guide to some of the best/easiest/most fun/coziest options out there.

1.       A girly take on the fair isle sweater; it looks great back to cognac boots or over charcoal leggings. Pins and Needles, $48.00

2.       The ex-boyfriend cardi looks like a parting gift straight from his closet; wear it casual chic over tanks and button downs.  Madewell, $68.00

3.       The cardi wrap is a travel essential-it provides both fashion and function…and of course, comfort! Victoria’s Secret, $39.00

4.       This combo style creates a laid back look without having to layer. Doesn’t get easier that that. Converse One Star, $29.99

5.       The shawl neck brings some interest to a plain sweater; keep it simple or throw a fun color on under for unexpected pop. J Crew, $248

6.       Slouchy and relaxed is a modern take on a striped sweater. Pair back to skinny cargos for the perfect balance. MINKPINK, $70.00

7.       A fun print has never been so sophisticated. This cardi is great for work or play. See by Chloe’, $350.00

8.       Basic doesn’t mean boring. A cardi finishes off a casual look and turns an outfit from playful to polished. Gap, $44.99

9.       A hooded open cardi makes for the perfect lightweight “coat” for warm weather climates. Theory, $375

10.   A nod to the biker look, but softer. Layer over a timple tee. Old Navy, $34.50

11.   Cable knit is a throwback to the heyday of preppy style-don’t forget those pearl earrings! Christopher Fischer, $625

12.   There is nothing more perfect than a long fair isle sweater coat after a long day on the slopes. Design History, $185.00

13.  A colorful sweater does the trick for those of us not ready for the dark colors of Fall. Forever 21, $29.80

14. This conversation starter lets you show some personality and add a little fun to your look. Forever 21, $19.80

15.   A double breasted cardi in classic navy works for both work and play. Gap, $44.99

Hopefully, these styles have you covered (really bad sweater joke) no matter what your taste. Which one is your fave?

5 Messenger Bags For Fall

I’m not sure why Fall is the perfect season for a messenger bag…perhaps it’s because this style is bold enough stand out from an outfit that’s packed with layers and accessories? Or because we need somewhere to stow our gloves, hats, chap stick, and tissues? Or maybe just because I said so? Whatever the reason, a fab cross body is a must-have. Luckily, you can find them at every price point and in a style to fit just about every look, purpose, and attitude. See below for some standout styles.

1. The working girl uses this as her work bag. She hustles through the big city from appointment to appointment, with all of her work necessities neatly tucked inside.  The bold size and sleek details mirror a briefcase, so she still fits in at the boardroom meetings. Yet, with a quick tuck of the strap she can head right off to drinks with the girls.  Miu Miu, $1650 at Net-a-Porter

2. The girl-on-the-go needs a simple, sleek style that can resist wear and tear. She’s going to class, meeting friends at the mall, attending outdoor concerts and spending time at outdoor cafes with her pup. The leopard nylon is right on trend for Fall and it’s super easy to clean and care for. The price point is just right for the girl who’s just starting out on her own. Longchamp, $240 at Bloomingdales

3. The indie chick is no-fuss but full of style. So is her bag-she uses her messenger as a catch all: for accessories, torn magazine pages she uses for outfit inspiration, a small stash of makeup, and her camera. This bag has to be big, tough, and neutral enough to handle her day to day outfits and adventures as they change. The gray color seamlessly blends with any look she comes up with, while quilted detail and grommets add a little edge so it can keep up with her fierce style.  Sara Berman, $275 at the Outnet.com

4. The savvy shopper found this budget friendly beauty. This bag is $90 at original retail and currently on sale, so she has plenty of cash left over to buy some over-the-knee boots! Its size makes it perfect for a long outing, whether it’s shopping or a daytime date. The strap is also convertible so she can carry it as a satchel. This style is simple in its design, but the starkness of the stone color will pop against a Fall wardrobe. Styling tip-remove the metal logo hanging from the strap for a simple chic look that doesn’t scream to everyone where you found your bag. Style & Co., $51.99 at Macy’s

5. The nonstop girl loves her small yet completely accommodating messenger by Marc. It holds all of her necessities like cards, cash, lip gloss and her iPhone with plenty of room for things she picks up along the way: matches from her favorite night spot, her cheat sheet of stores to hit while in SoHo, and perhaps a cocktail napkin or two with a gentleman’s phone number. This bag says that she is stylish but sensible enough not to haul a giant “it” bag everywhere she goes. This style seamlessly accompanies her as she crosses the Brooklyn Bridge, goes to a dive bar to hear live music, or quietly meanders the endless corridors at the Met. Sleek, simple, stylish stowage-she couldn’t ask for anything more. Except maybe a cute MMJ coin purse? Marc by Marc Jacobs $248 at Bergdorf Goodman

Tinker Bell and The Great Fairy Rescue {Giveaway CLOSED}

My daughter is a huge Tinker Bell fan.  As a matter of fact, she is planning to be Tinker Bell this year for Halloween because “mommy, Tinker Bell have wings!”  I can’t argue with that, really.  So, when Walt Disney Home Entertainment offered to send us a copy of Tinker Bell’s latest adventure – Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue – we jumped at the chance.

In Tinker Bell and The Great Fairy Rescue, Tinker Bell meets her first human friend, 9 year old Lizzie. Lizzie is just certain that Fairies exist, and upon meeting Tinker Bell, she enlists her for help in creating her very own scientific field journal – all about Fairies. Check out the clip below to see more!
This is the third film in the Tinker Bell franchise, and while we love all three, both the munchkin and I agree that it is by far our favorite. Tinker Bell and The Great Fairy Rescue really captures the heart and soul of little girls (and perhaps a few adults, too!) While this movie is a direct-to-DVD release, I really feel that it has all of the makings of a full-on theatrical release – it is simply spectacular!

To celebrate the September 21st release of Tinker Bell and The Great Fairy Rescue, we have two Fairy Finding Field Kits to give away to two very lucky readers! Each prize pack includes:

1 – Pixie Hollow Fairy Field Journal
1 – Tinker Bell Reusable Shopping Bag
1 – Tinker Bell Water Bottle
1 – Pixie Hollow Starter Flower Garden

Audrey is simply in love with her kit.  We are bringing our new Tinker Bell water bottle to Walt Disney World with us next week, and she has been busy drawing fairies in her Field Journal!  (All prizing is courtesy of Walt Disney Home Entertainment and PixieHollow.com.)

To be entered to win a Fairy Finding Field Kit, simply ask your child, niece, nephew, or grandchild what they would do if they ever met a fairy, and leave their response in the comments below!  That’s it!  For additional entries, tweet out this contest using the button at the top of the page, subscribe to my You Tube Channel, or subscribe to Chic Shopper Chick by entering your email address in the box at the top right hand side of the page.  This contest will run through September 29th, 2010 at 11:59 pm CST.

Good luck, and may your entry be sprinkled with a bit of Pixie Dust!

Tory Burch Spring 2011: Runway Rundown

Unless  you’ve been living under a Fashion Week rock, you are totally aware that the 70’s are back. In a major way. Nowhere else was it so apparent (or as playful and fun!) as at Tory Burch. True to her boho/retro M.O., the Spring collection was full of bold colors, longer hemlines, flared pants and bold stripes. The color palette also remained familiar with rich yellow, navy, and Burch’s signature orange.

Standout looks were: a striped suit comprised of a long blazer and skinny, cropped pants; the combination of a Baja hoodie and gold flared trousers; and a delicate tea-length silk dress with coral beading at the neckline that hearkened back to Burch designs of season’s past. The 70’s vibe was present all the way down to the accessories. Models wore ankle strap platforms, clogs and espadrilles, while carrying accessories in bold colors as well as some throwback styles in wicker.

Burch took a new approach with her presentation this year. She first showcased a runway show with an limited group of press and then the models lined up for a stationary presentation that allowed press and buyers to get up close and personal with the product. Whether traipsing down the catwalk or standing still, these looks were totally Tory and totally chic.

Vassilios Kostetsos Spring 2011: Runway Rundown

Fall hasn’t even started, and Greek designer Vassilios Kostetsos already has me excited for spring with his Spring/Summer 2011 “Aella” Collection, inspired by “Vazes & Amazones”, or greek ceramic vases, and the ancient amazon culture. I left the show in absolute awe – never before had I seen clothes so imbued with magic.  Originality, creativity, and absolute majesty are only three of the millions of positive words I could use to describe the line. I fell in love.

Breaking away from the light pink and tan colors he used last spring, Kostetsos made gold and blue the dominating colors of the collection, giving it an air of ancient royalty fit for the goddess Athena herself.

Many of the pieces were neutral colored dresses that danced along the model and were adorned with Greek images, such as vases and Greek women.

Scales also accentuated the collection, giving the pieces life and movement while adding  amazon flare to pieces that were otherwise rather simple. Swimwear, dresses, and jackets can all be found intensely decorated. The jacket below also displays elongated shoulder pads, which were also a key part of his collection.

Kostetsos graces America’s fashion with the inspiration of his home, Athens. Each piece displays the blood of his ancestors, while likewise intertwining modern fashions fit for the streets as well.

Elie Tahari Spring 2011: Runway Rundown

Things I didn’t expect to see from an Elie Tahari collection: a limited palette of black, khaki, and most notably, gold; models stalking the runway in little more than bloomers; short shorts, sexy sequined dresses, silky mini skirts. And I LOVED it! It’s things like these that make a designer great — anticipating what the customer will want before even she knows!

Watching the first few looks, I couldn’t help but scream “I love gooolllldd!” à la Austin’s Powers’ Goldfinger (in my head, of course. maybe…). The shorts, the skirt, the dress — all toned down with sheer golds and muted khakis — I felt that all of these looks easily translated to real life from runway.

One of the main items that grounded what could have been an incredibly flashy and out-of-character show was the jacket. There was the cute, youthful anorak style with the voluminous neckline; a clean-cut version with simple cargo pockets; a new evolution on the military blazer; and a classic longer version, with contrast white piping at the collar and lapel. Looks like this wardrobe staple is here to stay through Spring!

While I wonder what the “traditional” Elie customer will react to the collection, I think that this new approach to the line will definitely catch the eye of a younger, sexier consumer. Part of being an established designer in the Contemporary market is the constant evolution of your line, that is perfecting your craft while wowing new customers — and Elie has done it once again.

Custo Barcelona Spring 2011: Runway Rundown

Custo Barcelona’s Spring/Summer 2011 collection made it’s debut on September 12, and I was thrilled to be sitting in the crowd, watching the line float and flounce it’s way down the runway.  This collection could best be described as the Little Mermaid goes chic. Neons, fluorescents, and plenty of geometrics combined to make a fabulous line. Each piece was made to command attention by combining fiction and reality, with inspiration drawn from the movement of a Calder mobile and the functionality of “everyday clothes.” Pieces were created with geometric shapes, feathers and fringe. Subtle colors, such as nude and aquamarine, were re-combined with fluorescents in fuchsia, green, and yellow. In other words, it was all about contrast.

For Custo Dalamau, the designer behind the Custo Barcelona line, there is obviously no such thing as a solid color. But who needs solids when you can strut fabulously in mixed prints? Whoever says that you can’t mix your polka dots and stripes has obviously not seen what Dalamau is capable of. Patterns were ingeniously assembled into one coherent piece that is surely built to turn heads.

In a hat tip to the seventies, feathers and fringe also dominated the runway, giving each piece movement and boldness (as if the colors and patterns weren’t already attention-grabbing in and of themselves). Feathers were found on tops, bottoms, shoulders – you name it. Likewise, fringe was everywhere – including swimwear.

Dalamau managed to combine geometric shapes with the antithesis of flowing feathers and fringe, creating an avant-garde collection fit for anyone desiring to command attention. He received a thunderous applause from the queen of fabulosity herself, Miss Kimora Lee, alongside a few other celebrities who graced the front row.

Do you think the line is a hit, or a miss?

Diane von Furstenberg Spring 2011: Runway Rundown

Diane’s Spring collection? Greek goddess meets Crayola, and it couldn’t have been more on the mark. The Mediterranean vibe was conveyed best by the Greek key trims on many looks, along with a number of geometric patterns on both tops and dresses. And nothing says “goddess” like soft, flowy, feminine draping. As a designer who has become a legend for creating sexy silhouettes that showcase a woman’s femininity without being over-the-top girly, DvF did not disappoint. True to the line’s aesthetic, color was ever-present: bright hues like cobalt, yellow, rich tans and coral punctuated many of the looks. In many instances, they were pulled together in surprisingly patternless ensembles and complemented with pops of sky blue and a rich plum. This departure from the look of her usual collections, blanketed with pattern was a welcome change.

Another notable deviation from her tried-and-true formula was the presence of a wide variety of pants in varying proportions, styles and colors. The silhouettes, from skinny crops to harems to walking shorts were done in fabrications that ranged from super sexy to work appropriate. High-waisted shorts in a quirky brown filigree print stood out among the sea of solid bottoms. She sent them down with a top and jacket in contrasting patterns, but I simply envisioned them with one of the gorgeous solid silk blouses that crept up in almost every look.

Can we attribute the fresh deviations among the classic DvF looks to her new design partnership with Yvan Mispelaere? Perhaps. In this case, I think that two heads are better than one, and apparently so does Diane. You go, girl.

Cynthia Rowley Spring 2011: Runway Rundown

Circles, circles, everywhere.  Cynthia Rowley’s Spring 2011 very prominently featured the simple shape, with laser cut circles in pencil skirts, sheath dresses, and even in one beautiful ruffled skirt.  The pieces looked as if Rowley had taken a giant hole punch to the pieces to shake things up a bit.  Where there weren’t holes, there were large embellished circles artfully placed on anything from slim pants to a shift top.

Rowley presented a palette of muted blues and other pastels, but playfully spiced things up with a few pops of heavily saturated mustard and coral.  One of my favorite looks from the show was a belted mustard top paired with shorts that looked as if they had been embellished with giant pieces of dot candy (below, right).

It seems that this season white is the new black, and most of my favorite looks from Rowley this season were indeed in white.  A wispy white dress with a sheer black jacket stole the remainder of the show.

The entire show had a very 70′s mod feel to it, with overly boxy shift dresses and slim fitting pants.  The sheer paneling and overlay had the effect of making some of the more feminine pieces a bit more edgy, instead of making them seem more feminine.

What do you think of Cynthia Rowley’s Spring 2011 Collection?  Do you think that the collection has commercial legs?

Christian Siriano Spring 2011: Runway Rundown

Christian Siriano rose to fame on Project Runway, but nowadays that’s quite easy to forget because it seems the designer has made his own name.  In his 5th season showcasing in the tents at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, the ruffle-loving designer made quite a splash with buyers, fans, and celebs alike.

The show started with lots of white, accessorized with Siriano’s own line of shoes from Payless.  The looks were strong, very conscious of the female form, and quite often very romantic (I love the tulip hemline in the middle look, above.)  The collection was inspired by Africa, India, and China which was evident in the towering wooden cutout heels (and one rather suspicious brocade suit in a safari print).

I wasn’t feeling the leather looks, though the dress above isn’t as painful as I suppose it could be.  The shorts on the right however are definitely a miss.  The prints that Siriano paired with these looks however, was exquisite.

Siriano really shines when it comes to his breathtaking and unwaveringly feminine gowns.  I can only imagine that when the gown on the left hit the runway, there was lots of all-around sighing and about a bazillion flashbulbs going off.  I love that he paired a metallic faux-croc skin print with a soft, billowy cascade of ruffles.  If I were a Disney Princess, that’s the dress I’d request.  Also of mention, the fabulous print mentioned above fashioned into a full-on gown.  Hello, awards season!

Of course, I couldn’t leave out a photo of the showpiece in all of it’s overwhelming ruffled glory.  Way too much in my book, and destined to never be worn beyond the runway, but certainly dramatic and oddly satisfying.

So what do you think?  Siriano – over the top or can’t live without?  For me, I think it’s a little of both.

BCBG Max Azria Spring 2011: Runway Rundown

Leggy ladies take heart, Max Azria is all about showing off your glamorous gams this spring.  The Spring 2011 collection for BCBG Max Azria hit the tents of Damrosch Park at Lincoln Center Friday morning, and short, shorter, and shortest seemed to be the trend.  The collection was a hit of dresses – with the exception of 3 pieces (two jumpsuits and a romper), dresses were the only thing Azria sent down the runway.

Some of the super short dresses were extended a bit with a gossamer fabric layered underneath – a trick that fashion photographer Anna Sabino taught me about a year ago by layering longer, sheer dresses underneath shorter dresses.  The sheer fabrics weren’t reserved for under the dresses – several of the pieces featured an overlay which I felt like gave the pieces an ultra-feminine appeal.

White, grey, and black were the prevailing color trends, with pops of mustard, coral, and rose making brief appearances.  Overall I thought the collection was a standout – light and airy, featuring lots of beautiful asymmetrical lines.

So what do you think of the collection?  Would you wear any of the pieces?

Get Your Game Face On! {Geaux Saints!}

In the South we have a few things that we live by: manners, sweet tea, good food, and football.

Yes, football.

It doesn’t matter if it’s high school football, college football, or NFL football – game day is a big deal around here.  And, if game day happens to be a day of Saints football?  Then it’s game on.

My daughter and I are huge football fans.  Yes, she’s 3.5, but she’s loved it since she was a baby.  Take a look at the video that I embedded below of her in her pack-n-play when she was only 2 years old – begging for “football”.  Football was one of the first 50 words in her vocabulary – seriously.

Game day is a big day in our house – we dub them “football Sunday” – which is thrown slightly off kilter when they fall on a Thursday or Saturday.  I typically cook a yummy meal and we invite friends or family over to share it with us, and to have a football party.

Of course, I have to wear my jersey.  As a matter of fact, I wear my jersey on game day to support the (Superbowl Champions in 2010!) New Orleans Saints – no matter where I am.  Proof?  Here I am in my jersey at Walt Disney World back in February.

Isn’t that “incredible”? (Yes, I crack myself up!)

I guess you could call me the “family quarterback” – the food, fun, and fashion are up to me – the football is up to our favorite team.   We love to come up with fun menus and decorations – I love to get Audrey Grace involved with me by coloring Fleur de Lis’!

Are you the quarterback for all of the football fun at your house?  Do you have any fun traditions or ideas to share?

Disclosure: I am a participant in the Walmart Moms program. Walmart has provided me with compensation and a gift card in return for this post. Participation in this program is voluntary. All opinions are my own.

For more information, check out my disclosure policy.

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