Polkas Worth Dotting

Worth New York Blouse and Trousers, Gianvito Rossi Heels, Myriam Schaefer Bag, also seen here, and with navy here and here.

Worth New York Blouse and Trousers, Gianvito Rossi Heels, Myriam Schaefer Bag, also seen here, and with navy here and here.

Problem: It’s the end of September and it’s as hot as Hades outside.  You want to look chic and cool, but not summery.

Solution: Opt for a lightweight white blouse and a dark trouser that will carry you over from summer into fall. 

   This particular blouse from Worth New York is semi sheer but the French knots add texture and style. It is light enough that I don’t feel too warm outside and the neckline is feminine and sexy so you don't feel like you're wearing a man's white shirt. 

     The polka dots on the trousers, also by Worth, are fun. The stretch of the fabric make this a travel staple since they will emerge from your suitcase crease free!

     Red is a color that I like to add to a black and white outfit no matter the season. I have a few pairs of red shoes but these by Gianvito Rossi, also seen here, and here, are my favorites. It elevates the look. If you want to play it safe, you can always stick to a black pump or flat.

Flowers Worth Wearing

Worth New York Top and Skirt, Miu Miu Denim Clutch, Stella McCartney Sandals, Oliver Peoples Sunglasses, Jewelry Bar Earrings and Bracelet.

Worth New York Top and Skirt, Miu Miu Denim Clutch, Stella McCartney Sandals, Oliver Peoples Sunglasses, Jewelry Bar Earrings and Bracelet.

 It is no secret that I love flowers. A quick glance at my Instagram feed will confirm that. So it comes as no surprise that I gravitate towards floral prints in hues that are interesting and appealing. Leave it to Worth New York to come up with this cotton/rayon skirt that doesn’t crease or wrinkle which is of great importance to me, especially since I travel a lot. I loved this cotton knit tank so much that I bought it in white as well as this navy. I have worn it constantly. I love the peek-a-boo bold flowers. They lend just the right amount of sexiness without being overtly see through. This ensemble is traveling with me to New York next week; however, I will definitely opt out of my beloved and now vintage Stella McCartney strappies and replace them with a 2 inch heel sandal…comfort above all when you are pounding the pavement and it is summer in the city…New York, that is. 

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Jumpsuit Joy: Revisiting an Old Friend

Derek Lam Jacket, Sandro Jumpsuit, Worth New York Belt, Gianvito Rossi Sandals (also available at Savannah Santa Monica), Chanel Clutch. 

Derek Lam Jacket, Sandro Jumpsuit, Worth New York Belt, Gianvito Rossi Sandals (also available at Savannah Santa Monica), Chanel Clutch. 

  I love a good jumpsuit. It takes me back to the 80’s, when I owned many jumpsuits, as my photo albums will attest.  Lucky for me, thirty years later, the jumpsuit continues to trend for spring and summer. This one, by Sandro, is comfortable and chic with the silver details at the shoulder. I added the silver belt to give my waist some definition. On the day that we shot, there was a nip in the air and I was grateful to have this tried and true little jacket by Derek Lam. I must admit that when I bought it years ago, I was really on the fence about it. Happily, I have worn it time and time again with both dresses as well as jeans. Don't limit yourself by wearing only dressy with dressy; instead, pair dressy with casual and you will have much more fashion fun!

  I believe that the platform shoe, which originated in the 70’s, carried over to the early 80’s; therefore, to complete my ode to this decade, I chose these chic and comfortable navy suede platform sandals, by Gianvito Rossi. Now I really “Rock the Casbah!”*

 

*Rock The Casbah was a hit song in the early 80’s by the English band The Clash…..remember? If not, click here for a trip down memory lane.

City Slicker

Worth New York Coat, Aqua Turtleneck, Rag and Bone Jeans, Jimmy Choo Over-the-Knee Boots, similar on sale here, Stephanie Kantis Necklaces, Gucci Belt, Valentino Handbag, Celine Shades.

Worth New York Coat, Aqua Turtleneck, Rag and Bone Jeans, Jimmy Choo Over-the-Knee Boots, similar on sale here, Stephanie Kantis Necklaces, Gucci Belt, Valentino Handbag, Celine Shades.

 This shiny coat by Worth New York was designed as the centerpiece for this outfit. I knew that I wanted to wear jeans and my over the knee boots. I added a little bling in the form of the necklaces, Gucci belt and Valentino purse, to enhance the effect of the coat. I always front tuck a long sweater or shirt to show off the buckle of the belt I am wearing. It is a bit tricky because it has to look effortless and may take a bit of practice to get just the right amount of tuck without causing the fabric to pull in the back.

 The Los Angeles weather has taken a wintry turn and I, for one, am kicking up my fashion heels. It is a rare winter here in Southern California that we actually get to wear cold weather clothes, especially outerwear. On the day that we shot this outfit, the temperatures dipped and the winds turned blustery. I shoot several outfits on one shoot, so I was grateful to end the day with this outfit that kept me warm from head to toe. 

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Sugar Coated

Cabi Coat, True Royal Pants, Worth New York Tank and Belt, Jimmy Choo Pumps, Chanel Clutch, Christian Dior Shades, Cox and Power Ring, Robin Terman Choker and Earrings. 

Cabi Coat, True Royal Pants, Worth New York Tank and Belt, Jimmy Choo Pumps, Chanel Clutch, Christian Dior Shades, Cox and Power Ring, Robin Terman Choker and Earrings. 

  This coat by Cabi is a sweet deal. At $169.00, it is worth every penny. First off, is it easy to wear either dressed up with a pair of tailored pants, or casually with a pair of jeans. A dressy coat over a pair of pants does double duty as a pantsuit, but with even more versatility. In my opinion, it is a far better investment than a blazer.

In addition, you can wear it over a skirt or dress for a more polished look. Either way, you cannot lose. These days, when the temperatures have been mild on both coasts, it is a balmy 64 degrees in NYC today, you can wear this coat now and then again in the spring. Here in southern California, you can layer a sweater underneath for added warmth.

  I want to reiterate that navy and black pair beautifully. I have many friends who ask me what they can wear with navy, and when I tell them, “black,” they look at me quizzically. Black and navy go together like salt and pepper. They don’t appear to be likely partners, but they compliment each other in just the right way. This coat would look great over a pair of black pants, skirt or dress.

  A dressy coat over a pair of pants does double duty as a pantsuit, but with even more versatility. In my opinion, it is a far better investment than a blazer.

Fancy Pants

Worth New York Tunic and Belt, True Royal Pants (Savannah Santa Monica), Sandro Heels, Calypso St. Barth Hoop Earrings, Balenciaga Handbag (similar for less here), Celine Sunglasses, Vintage Bracelet (Savannah Santa Monica). 

Worth New York Tunic and Belt, True Royal Pants (Savannah Santa Monica), Sandro Heels, Calypso St. Barth Hoop Earrings, Balenciaga Handbag (similar for less here), Celine Sunglasses, Vintage Bracelet (Savannah Santa Monica). 

  Whenever I receive an invitation that calls for dressy or festive attire, I immediately go to my cocktail dress collection and choose one that says “party.” However, I am out to break that habit and venture into wearing fancy pants, dressy pantsuits or even a tuxedo with a fabulous blouse or top underneath. 

   This outfit is a mash up of different designers, working in perfect harmony. These lace pants by True Royal had me at hello. I loved everything about them right down to the scalloped bottom. The same goes for this chic knit tunic by Worth New York. The slit is too high to be worn alone, but topped over fancy pants or even denim, the versatility of this piece is endless. I added this chain belt for a little edgy definition at the waist and love the way it drops over the abdomen. Adding these suede and lace pumps by Sandro, completes the look. With an outfit as busy as this one, jewelry should be kept to minimum, but still make a statement. These large but thin hoop earrings by Calypso St. Barth are my new go to and my beloved vintage YSL cuff is simultaneously a simple and bold statement piece.

  Let’s talk about the benefits of a small but expandable purse that can take you from day to night with a removable shoulder strap. This is a must have for every woman. I love this one by Balenciaga, but there are many lower priced versions for you to consider and I have provided a couple of them here in this post.

  So, Miss Fancy Pants, next time your invitation calls for “festive attire,” think outside the cocktail dress box and create an outfit from pieces you already have in your closet!

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A Classic Twist

Worth New York Dress, Jimmy Choo Pumps, Calfun (Buenos Aires) Handbag, Zina Necklace, Chloe Ring (available at Scoop NYC), Hamilton Watch, Vintage YSL Cuff, Celine Sunglasses. 

Worth New York Dress, Jimmy Choo Pumps, Calfun (Buenos Aires) Handbag, Zina Necklace, Chloe Ring (available at Scoop NYC), Hamilton Watch, Vintage YSL Cuff, Celine Sunglasses

What is it about a man’s shirt? Why is this masculine item so suddenly sexy and feminine? Without going into a host of symbolic and esoteric explanations, suffice to say that this woman loves the look of this dress,  which is a definite take on a man’s tailored dress shirt. The whimsy that lies in the design of this dress, by none other than Worth New York, is the center twist. It is as if you are twisting the oversize of it in a feminine way to create shape at the waist. It is lightweight, while offering just the right amount of coverage and perfect to wear right now. In the winter, I will add boots and a heavier jacket to ensure that this remains a true fall/winter wardrobe staple in my closet.  Thank you Worth, you have done it again!

  Now let’s talk about my handbag. It was one of the purchases I made in Buenos Aires this past summer. In case you didn’t know, Argentina is known for its leather goods, and they are about 1/3 of the price that their competitors are in Europe and North America. The combination of great quality is outstanding price, makes for perfect shopping weather conditions! 

The Suitability Of Pants

Sandro Pant Suit (Jacket, Pants), Worth New York Blouse, Christian Dior Heels, similar here, Nancy Gonzalez Handbag, similar here, Oliver Peoples Sunglasses, Calypso St. Barth Bracelets. 

Sandro Pant Suit (Jacket, Pants), Worth New York Blouse, Christian Dior Heels, similar here, Nancy Gonzalez Handbag, similar here, Oliver Peoples Sunglasses, Calypso St. Barth Bracelets. 

I am not usually a fan of pant suits, I have really never found many that I feel are feminine and flattering….until I happened to find this one by Sandro. The high rise and slim fit of the pant is feminine and surprisingly comfortable. The fabric is pliable and the satin stripe at the waistband and along the sides elongates the leg and adds just the right amount of pizzazz.  The jacket is boxy, but balances the sexiness of the pants in just the right way. I decided to pop some hot pink into the navy to really jazz it up and make it interesting. This Worth New York top from last Spring accomplishes the task perfectly, as do these pink shoes, handbag and lipstick.

 I have worn this outfit to dinners and daytime meetings. Each time I wear it, I feel dressed appropriately but still "me." The whole idea is to dress up the suit so that it reflects your style and personality, and this one suits me to a tee. 

Hardy Worth The Effort

Blouse, Pants, Belt and Clutch all by Worth New York. Earrings, Necklace, and Bracelets by John Hardy. Oliver Peoples shades and Bottega Venetta Sandals. 

Blouse, Pants, Belt and Clutch all by Worth New York. Earrings, Necklace, and Bracelets by John Hardy. Oliver Peoples shades and Bottega Venetta Sandals. 

This is a play on the expression, “hardly worth the effort,” but it turns the expression on its head with a positive message. This outfit, outside of the shoes,  is comprised of two design houses, Worth New York and John Hardy. I am a fan of both, and was pleased that they complimented each other in this way.

Navy and white is so easy to wear and adding a pop of red, whether it be on the lips, shoes or bracelet is always a winning decision. Here, I decided to do all three!

Worth has always been my go to for chic and classic clothes. The blouse and pants are as comfortable with the just the right amount of dressiness. I added the belt for some definition. This is a great lunch or dinner outfit for a warm spring or summer day.

Classic meets modern when you add John Hardy to Worth. I have always been attracted to John Hardy’s jewelry because it is edgy and cool. He uses the themes of dragonheads and bamboo with mixed metals. I embrace it all and wear them together. The added bonus is that his jewelry is sold at most fine department stress….which means if you are a points and gift card person, you can purchase these as gifts for yourself or others.

 

Lots-A-Dots

I am a sucker for polka dots…always have been and I expect that I always will be. I put this little ensemble together because it is bright, cheerful and easy to wear. All of the clothes are by none other than Worth New York. What can I say? Their clothes and designs speak for themselves; stylish, flattering and well made. I paired this adorable polka dot skirt, which I shortened into a mini, with this oh-so-easy to wear sleeveless knit top. My red suede flats seem to give it the perfect ease for a daytime run-around look, and my tried and true red handbag by Myriam Schaefer seemed to complete the look with a chic and edgy bend.

Top and Skirt Worth New York, Prada Flats, Sarah Pacini Bracelet, Myriam Schaefer Handbag, Chanel Shades.

Top and Skirt Worth New York, Prada Flats, Sarah Pacini Bracelet, Myriam Schaefer Handbag, Chanel Shades.

Adding heels, switching out the bag for a clutch, a swipe of red lipstick, and this cotton jacket (from their Spring 2014 collection), transitions the outfit from day to night. Wearer beware…adding heels to a mini skirt, shortens it considerably, so either commit or quit!

Top, Skirt, Jacket and Clutch Worth New York. Sergio Rossi Pumps (also seen here). Sarah Pacini Necklace, MAC Ruby Woo Lipliner and Lipstick. 

Top, Skirt, Jacket and Clutch Worth New York. Sergio Rossi Pumps (also seen here). Sarah Pacini Necklace, MAC Ruby Woo Lipliner and Lipstick. 

As you can see, I am committing to Worth…we are enjoying a major love affair!!