Perfectly Pleated

Maje Skirt and Top (similar here), Worth New York Belt, Chloe Shoes, Tom Ford Clutch, Celine Sunglasses, Calypso Hoops, Vintage Watch and Vintage YSL Cuff. 

 There is something perfectly feminine about a long pleated skirt. it is soft, flowy, sophisticated and ladylike. This one by Maje is all of that and more. Its fiery ombre colors give it an edge. It is no secret that I a a huge fan of the cold shoulder top. Donna Karan was one of the first designers to embrace the exposed shoulder claiming that it is the one part of the woman's body that never ages. I own several versions of this top, but this one with its clean lines is timeless. My tried and true Chloe wedge pumps have seen me through many a garden party and barbeque since they don't run the risk of sinking into the lawn. They are the perfect compliment to this outfit since they are simple yet elegant. Now is the time to try a pleated skirt since it is trending into Spring, and you can purchase this one on sale. Perfect pleats could be your next big win.  

Suede Patchwork

Skirt and tank by Worth New York, Bloomingdales Sweater, Louis Vuitton Heels, Chloe Handbag- available in stores at Scoop Brentwood. Ray Ban Sunglasses, Vintage Necklace and Cuff. 

  The first time I laid eyes on this skirt, by Worth New York, I was immediately attracted to it. The combination of its unique design and use of the gorgeous autumnal palette, make this skirt a winner. Given the fact that autumn in LA means the temperatures during the day, fall between 68-72, I figured I could get away with Worth’s matching tank and just throw a cardigan over my shoulders for a bit of warmth. Years ago, on a whim and SAKS triple point day, I purchased these LV shoes, and have worn them repeatedly ever since. They are extremely comfortable, and although I try to shy away from screaming logos, I thought that these were quiet enough to be seen but not heard. Suede is everywhere this fall and continues through the Spring and Summer of 2016. Start investing in yours now, when the sales begin! 

Culotte-A- Happening Now

Top, Belt and Culottes by Worth New York, Rupert Sanderson Wedge, on sale here, Myriam Schaefer Handbag, Oliver Peoples Sunglasses, John Hardy Bracelet and Hoops, also seen here. 

  If you wait long enough for the re-run of a TV show, you don’t have to worry about missing an episode. And so it goes for fashion as well. There are usually trends that return, maybe 4 decades later, and when they do, they do so with a vengeance. So it appears with culottes. When I was a teen in the seventies, I owned a couple of pairs of culottes, as did my mother. They were all the rage, but they came and went rather quickly. If you are thinking of diving into a pair, (and you probably should because they are huge for Fall), here are a few tips that you should follow.

  The wide, expansive leg of the pant tends to shorten the leg, so you really should wear a wedge, a mid height heeled boot, or a heel (even a kitten heel helps). Alternatively, there are those culottes that are not as voluminous, enabling you to pair with a more casual shoe, but never a sneaker unless you are hip and cool and in your 20’s. Remember, that a culotte will always feature your shoe, front and center. I am in love with these mirrored wedge sandals, also seen here.

  I have seen culottes with a feminine print that really resemble more of a skirt. In this case, you could possibly get away with a flat, unless of course, you are very tall, and can wear a flat with any style…I am extremely jealous and so are my toes!

  These cotton culottes, by Worth New York, is ultra comfortable and chic, especially in navy blue. The off the shoulder top, also by Worth, and which is also off the hook in popularity right now, is not always easy to wear, especially if you are big busted. Try a comfortable strapless bra, that stays put and you should be fine. I love my unpadded one by Wacoal. It is lacy but very comfortable, and I never have to yank it up as I do most of my padded ones.  If you want to go for a padded one, I recommend the L’aventure by Marie Jo. (Stay tuned for an entire post about lingerie…it is time, girls!).

Hooray For The Red White and Blue!

CAbi Twirl Dress, Worth New York Belt, Myriam Schafer Handbag, Rupert Sanderson Sandals, on sale here, John Hardy Earrings and Bracelets, Cartier Watch, Oliver Peoples Sunglasses, Mac Ruby Woo Lip Color, Essie Really Red Nail Polish. 

Next week is Fourth of July weekend, and this Canadian/American girl LOVES this holiday! Whether I am attending or hosting a pool party, BBQ, or picnic, I always dress for the occasion.  Thematic dressing always narrows down the choices; and red, white and blue, allows for some creativity. This year, the winner is this navy and white “Twirl Dress” by CAbi. It is both lightweight and easy to wear. I added this amazing cotton and metal rope belt by Worth New York--a match made in heaven.

Adding red as an accessory is a good way to go so that you don’t overdo it. In the case of this outfit, I used my red handbag, bracelet, nail polish and lip color.

As with black and white, navy and white always lend themselves to a pop of red.

I think Uncle Sam just gave me the thumbs up!

Digging The Trenches

Moschino Dress, Worth New York Trench, Christian Dior Pumps, also seen here, Nancy Gonzalez Handbag, YSL Vintage Cuff, Nordstrom Necklace, Christian Dior Tribale Earrings (similar for less here), Celine Sunglasses.

  I love a trench coat. It is a classic look that adds instant polish to any outfit. Throw it on over a pair of jeans and a blouse and you go from plain casual to casual chic. What I never thought to try, until now  however, was a trench over a trench!

  This fabulous dress by Moschino is a great find. A white sleeveless trench is modern, clean and classic; it is something that is a little unexpected from Moschino, whose whimsical looks are anything but classic. Adding a hot pink shoe and bag gives it the punch that is so reminiscent of said design house. I heightened the look by throwing on this cluster of pearls chocker, and voila, the dress went from simple to fabulous.

  I wondered how the dress would look with a trench coat on top. Dubious though I was, I took this great striped trench by Worth New York, slipped it on-- and lo and behold, it fit the bill perfectly. Never assume that two things of the same family are too redundant to work in harmony. Here is a perfect example of how they can make beautiful music together. 

Worth Wearing Red

Scarf, Sweater, Pants, Clutch all Worth NY Spring 2015 Collection. Necklace and earring John Hardy, Oliver People's Shades, Sergio Rossi Heels.

I don’t usually dress head to toe in one specific designer, but I was in a “je ne sais quoi” mood and feeling a little “Française.” The red white and blue of this outfit by Worth New York seemed to fit the bill perfectly. It is also apt since this is the American Heart Association’s ”Go Red For Women,” which highlights the very pervasive health issue of women and heart disease.  

The red sweater and the black cotton pants had me at "bonjour," but this gorgeous scarf tied, (pun very much intended!), the ensemble together. The adorable little zippered clutch is as easy to handle as it is to look at.

When an outfit such as this works so well, there isn’t much else to say except…"c’est magnifique!"

Mix and Match

Worth New York Skirt, Vince Ribbed Sweater and Vest, Gucci Scarf, Wolford Tights, Jimmy Choo Boots, Lanvin Bag, Hamilton Watch, Oliver Peoples Shades. 

Although I have an aversion to the green olive, I love the color olive green. I think it was engrained in me at an early age.  My mother suffused our house in the color. Our front door was painted olive green; in fact that was how we identified the house “it’s the house with the “olive” green door.” I was immediately attracted to this olive green quilted skirt by Worth New York. Not only is it adorable, because of the quilting, and the front zipper, but it is oh so comfortable. Since I love the color so much, I just happened to have an olive green leather vest by Vince. Adding black to the olive green is always a rich pairing and accenting it with gold accessories gives it polish and finesse, like this chunky gold chained black bag by Lanvin that I scored when it went on sale at Savannah. This is a great travel bag, because it packs flat and is chic. I added this colorful scarf by Gucci to bring the outfit to life.