1. It has to go with my boots/shoes
Even though you shed your coat once you come in from the cold, outside, your coat is part of your outfit — which is why it’s critical to pick wisely. I have a really diverse collection of shoes: everything from crazy high 5″ Balenciaga platforms, to sunshine-yellow ankle booties, to everyday flat boots, so I try to find a coat that will transition smoothly from high fashion to low-maintenance. I find that leather jackets, peacoats, and belted puffers make the switch most easily.

2. It has to have at least one look-at-me detail
A good coat can last forever so it only makes sense to invest in a new one if there’s something special about it. I look for details that upgrade the coat from cool to drool such as interesting buttons (vintage-looking, colored, toggles, interesting shapes = LOVE); fun prints & patterns (herringbone, houndstooth, striped, plaid, quilted, unusual = HAUTE); or sharp shapes (right now I’m really feeling funnel necks).

3. It has to be WARM
I am (almost) past the stage where I’ll freeze for fashion. I do not play around with NYC winters, so I go for coats that button/zip all the way up the neck (hence, my interest in the funnel neck coat). The coat should also be in a brrr-fighting fabric like wool, cashmere, down, shearling, or fully-lined leather.

What makes a coat worth your investment?

1) Leggings and/or opaque tights

“Winterize” your shorts, rompers, and minis by sliding a pair of opaque tights on under them. (I LOVE these rock candy-print tights by Look from London). If you’re like Michelle Obama and not big on pantyhose, go with leggings instead. Thanks to the plethora of options designers whipped up for the great ’80s comeback — exposed zip and “scrunch” details, and fun prints — leggings have emerged as one of fall’s “star” pieces. Invest in a few and rock them under minidresses, rompers and shorts, or wear them instead of jeans with a turtleneck layered under your fave boyfriend tee.

2) A bright scarf

This flame red Christopher Fischer scarf is totally on-trend as ’80s technicolors brighten up fall’s usually dark palette, plus, it’ll catch the color nicely in one of your print sundresses. Likewise, a printed scarf like this one by Kashmere will not only look great with a summer romper and wedge heels but it’s fully in sync with fall’s ragamuffin chic/prints-on-prints trend.

3) A turtleneck (preferably fitted and cashmere)

Think of a fitted knit turtleneck as your cool weather shell. Wear it under a slouchy tee, tank or vest as suggested above. Fearless fashionistas should try rocking one under a bright/print maxi dress.

4) A cardigan and a blazer

You heard it here first: Double-breasted cardigans and boyfriend blazers are the new jacket — at least in transition weather. Go with one that’s chic enough for evening events like this white 525 America cardigan (yes, you can[!] wear white after Labor Day… what’s fly is fly all year round), and get one that will go with your more casual outfits, like this boyfriend blazer by Alvin Valley.

1. A STURDY UMBRELLA

We’ve all been caught in a gale force storm with a $5 cheapie, and I doubt any of us would like to do it again. Invest in a sturdy (and cute) umbrella like this striped heart version by Felix Rey that will stand up to a storm and hold down your chic summer outfit.

2. A QUICK-DRYING OUTFIT

Get yourself a few adorable beach coverups – they’re made to get wet and dry quickly – and wear them as tunics or dresses on the rainiest days; no one will know the difference. (Just make sure to wear black or nude undies so you won’t be an inadvertent participant in a wet t-shirt/dress contest.)

(top: l to r Red Carter silk chiffon flutter coverup; Diane von Furstenberg linen-silk halter coverup; bottom: l to r Debbie Katz teal cotton gauze coverup; Debbie Katz pink crinkled coverup)

3. CUTE RAIN BOOTS

Last year around this time, I spotted one fashionista wearing rain flats and became obsessed with them — but it turns out, rain boots are the way to go in heavy downpour — even when it’s steaming outside. Especially when it’s steaming outside. Mainly because water gets into and creates puddles rain flats and wet grass/slick concrete and train platforms makes for muddy flip-flops and filthy feet. Trust me, wear rain boots outside — in a fun color like these purple Hunter rain boots or super-luxe style like these Dolce & Gabbana quilted nylon boots — and change into your gladiator sandals or wedges when you get to where you’re going.

4. A KILLER RAIN COAT

Go for a raincoat in an on-trend shape with a hood like this Andrew Marc cropped rain jacket.

How do you stay fly in the rain?

Our buyers have distinctly different styles, so seeing how they translated the “boyfriend” trend was illuminating. Kate (far left) is hipster chic, so she paired a boyfriend tee by Torn with a vest and wore it over leggings and flat gladiator sandals. Joanna (next to Kate) likes to mix and match classic pieces with statement accessories and killer outerwear (she’s the coats buyer, of course), so she rocked a cropped leather bomber with a bright purple tee by LnA in a nod to classic ’80s style. Sandy (standing next to Joanna) keeps it boho chic, so she chose a Wildfox Couture tee with a hippie-inspired graphic, while Jessica (far right), always luxe and on-trend, pulled a jacket-to-jeans boyfriend look together complete with aggressive cut-out platforms by Pour La Victoire.

The Style Note here is: Find the individual trend piece(s) that jive with your style, then mix and match them with what you’ve already got to update your look.d

1. THE STELLA McCARTNEY-INSPIRED BAG

Why she inspires us: She’s been committed to creating eco-friendly fashion way before it was in vogue (or Vogue magazine), plus she created a pretty fly (and affordable) line of bags for LeSportSac that women- and moms-on-the-go can neatly fit their busy lives into.

2. ANGELINA JOLIE-INSPIRED SHADES

Why she inspires us: Because she’s brought attention to the plight of disadvantaged women and children around the world – and knows how to rock the hell out of a pair of oversized sunglasses.

3. KELLY RIPA-INSPIRED PUMPS

Why she inspires us: She works a bazillion jobs – Regis & Kelly co-host (which requires her to be perky and gorgeous at the crack of dawn!), working actress, women’s rights advocate, Electrolux spokeswoman… – and manages to keep up with her children in the coolest heels.

4. THE PROJECT RUNWAY FINALIST, LAURA BENNET-INSPIRED LBD

Why she inspires us: Because she’s a mom of six – including 5 young boys – and she still manages to look effortlessly chic while pursuing her dream of designing timeless, well-made pieces for women.

5. THE MICHELLE OBAMA-INSPIRED BROOCH

Why she inspires us: Because she represents for working moms with comfortable and practical pieces like flats and cardigans, yet isn’t afraid to shine in bold graphics, bejeweled pieces and her signature brooches. Plus! She lets herself be photographed in her Jimmy Choos more than once!

But my question is, are you adopting this new trend? Are you trading in your fitted and embellished tops, curve-announcing dresses and sky-scraping stilettos for more comfy styles – or incorporating BOTH ideas into your closet? Do tell!

1. A FLIRTY, FLOWY DRESS

You can interpret this trend a few different ways, according to our dress buyer, Sandy. Long or short, one-shouldered or sleeveless, a bold floral print or solid bright color, the goal is to have a dress that can easily translate from day to night with some statement-making detail. If you’re big on weekend trips, go with a jersey dress that packs well.

2. A CLASSIC TRENCHCOAT WITH A TWIST

The trenchcoat is a timeless spring classic and a great way to buy into the season’s biggest trends. For example, instead of the traditional khaki, go for a bold-color or a double-breasted style, or a belt with a wide buckle or oversized buttons – some detail that updates the trench so it feels timely.

3. AN “AGGRESSIVE” ACCESSORY

Whether it’s a pair of shoes or a new bag, it’s all about the over-the-top statement piece. Shoes: sky-scraping platforms heavy on the straps, studs, cutouts, fringe or perforations. The bolder the better, which means flats – unless they’re gladiators or timeless Cole Haan – are out. Jewelry too. Chandelier earrings, stacks of bangles, Grecian cuffs and ethnic pieces are the bling for spring. For bags think bright-colored or exotic-skin leathers, hardware like studs and grommets, and less obvious shapes like the clutch. If you can’t afford a designer bag right now, hot indie labels like Rebecca Minkoff (a celebrity fave) and Treesje have amazing wallet-friendly pieces that are totally on-trend.

4. “BOYFRIEND” BASICS

We got a preview of this trend when Katie Holmes was spotted wearing a pair of pegged jeans around town last summer and now “boyfriend” jeans are back. Our denim buyer, Jessica says worn, torn and “distressed” wash jeans are an important trend this spring mainly because people want to look good without looking they tried to look good. Our tees and cardigans buyer, Kate concurs, “It’s very, ‘I just threw it on,’” as she explains why some of spring’s hottest tees are made from “slub” – a cotton fabric looks deliberately broken-in and the trend in cardigans is cozy, oversized comfort with luxe nautical details.

5. A “BOHO GLAM” SWIMSUIT

Think graphic tribal prints, hardware details, embroidery and embellishments, our swimwear buyer, Joanna advises. If you want more bang for your bathing suit, go with a one-piece that can transform into a super-glam top over a flirty skirt or jeans.

It looks easy enough to double wrap a strand of pearls around my wrists and layer on a bunch of necklaces and chains, but I fear that what looks very Les Fashionable on American Idol finalist (and Olsen twin doppelganger in this photo anyway), Ramiele Malubay, would look very Coco Chanel Halloween costume on me.

1. Wine glasses

They’re the perfect gift for just about anyone, whether they drink wine or not. Sparkling cider or white wine alike can be enjoyed in this set of stemless Chardonnay tumblers (just $15)!

2. A Cozy Winter Accessory

Berets are totally on trend this winter, so I don’t think anyone on your gift list would be mad to unwrap this 100% cashmere topper. It comes in black and chocolate brown as well. At $25, you might wanna treat yourself to one as well.

3. Something Chic for the Home

Candles are always a great idea – which is why most people have one or two collecting dust in their homes already. I recommend a candle holder instead. It doesn’t burn away, so it’s automatically a better investment. This crystal, square-cut Vera Wang holder is a steal at $15.

4. Small jewelry pieces

Baubles are a thoughtful gift for the fashionista in your life. Just be sure you know their taste well. Your boho friend, for example, would totally dig this wooden bangle by Kenneth Kay Lane – and you’ll dig that it’s $20 on Bluefly, not $50 which is what it retails for.

If your budget’s a lil’ higher than $25, there’s a plethora tres chic wallets & cosmetics clutches for under $50. Take a look, and happy shopping!

But I say it’s all about the “It” Accessory. With the economy going to pot, it’s all about using one or two amazing statement accessories to add new flavor to your favorite, broken-in pair of jeans or a “this old thing” dress.

Will you be buying a pair of “It Shoes” like the pair featured above for this season? Or are you with me on sticking with accessories?

http://blog.stylefeeder.com/?p=417 Thank you SO much for weighing in on my wedding wardrobe conundrum!! My cousin’s wedding was last week and I ended up going with something completely different from the Vera Wang gown and Betsey Johnson dress I was considering.

Pretty much my whole family decided to wear Ghanaian kente cloth – kinda like our family uniform for the day – and my sister (that’s her on the right in the blue kente) surprised me by having a one-shoulder kaba blouse and slinky maxi skirt sewn for me.

I loved the way it fit (the tight skirt gave me hips!) and I felt like flitting all over the dance floor thanks to the ruffled one shoulder strap. Here’s a full-length view (that’s me with my aunt…not the one who advised me to show off legs and shiny lips).

Ironically, my outfit ended up encapsulating the idea of both dresses I was considering. It was floor-length like the Vera Wang gown, but bright with a flirty flourish up top like the Betsey Johnson dress. Think I made the right decision?

The bridesmaid deal was awesome – all I had to do was show up and wear what the bride told me to. But as a guest, there are all these unspoken rules. Don’t wear white or anything that could compete with the bride’s gown. Don’t wear anything too flashy (i.e. slutty), but – in the words of an aunt at the wedding I just came from, “make sure your legs are showing and your lips are shining”… don’t ask. So, I’m asking for your advice. Think I should go for something like this lilac Vera Wang dress – strapless and ankle-length with a little fashionista flourish?

What about this flirty Betsey Johnson number? Too much?

Your thoughts, pleeeze!

Statement accessories:

Metallic flashes (that aren’t over-the-top) like this skirt by Abaete:

And all the pretty dresses!

The collection is very Christian – jackets, skinny pants, skirts, dresses, tee shirts, with strong ruffled details… so it’s no surprise Christian bought boyfriend, Brad Walsh the ruffle-panel Burberry top he wore to the Project Runway Season 5 Wrap Party.

Check out more pics from the party here.

Then, as if they’d never been here, they left for Fashion Week. The show at Bryant Park was incredible. Victoria Beckham sat front and center with Heidi, Michael and Nina wearing divalicious oversized shades while the finalists’ models stomped down the runway, and of course, by now you know Christian Siriano took the top prize. Tonight, the madness starts all over again! Check our Project Runway page every Thursday to shop the winning look, score Bluefly loot and much more… and of course, I’ll have fun fashion recaps for you right here.

[photo from Sex and the City: The Movie (courtesy of Melcher Media/Collins) by Craig Blinkenhorn © MMVIII New Line Productions, Inc.]

For a little personality, belt it the way Sarah Jessica Parker did in the Sex & the City Movie. And if you just can’t do bare arms in the office – or the air conditioner’s set to arctic – go for a cropped blazer vest and leave it open over a cute blouse. You can always rock it sans the blouse when you meet up with the girls for after work drinks – just please make sure you’re wearing clear deodorant.

This was my dilemma about two weeks ago when the sky suddenly flashed lightning and flushed the streets of NYC with inches of water. Thankfully, I had on flip-flops, but the next day, I saw a smartly dressed sister sporting a much chicer alternative – the rain flat. I’m sure she had to deal with the squishies (water must get in those shoes), but they’re rubber so, who cares?

Either way, it’s a sight better – and more comfortable – than Wellies in sweltering heat. Do yourself a favor and save the minidress and rain boots look for fall.

Now, I just need to find myself a pair! If you have a pair of rain flats you’re gaga over, please let me know where you found them!

Now that the heat – and humidity – are with us for the next three months, there’s nothing like a pretty silk scarf to cover the wild, swollen strands of summer. By day, you can rock it the way Gwyneth Paltrow’s character Marge did in The Talented Mr. Ripley – as a super-glam ponytail holder.

By night, create a chignon effect the way Tyra Banks did here (in a picture from the Italia spread) by smoothing it over your head and letting the scarf’s tails hang.
You can amp up the glam by knotting the scarf’s tails into a bun.

The coolest thing about the head scarf is it triples as a neck tie and shoulder throw – ‘cause in this economy it’s all about doubling your money. Speaking of, you can get the red Gucci scarf pictured above for 30% off on Bluefly.

I’ll be mentioning all that and then some as your very own FlySpy, helping you recreate looks spotted on celebs and the put-together ladies we run into on the street or the subway and envy just a bit. Check me here at The Tastemaker Diaries every Wednesday – and catch me (plus the rest of the Bluefly blog crew) daily on FlyPaper. Stay fly!