Category Archives: Fall 2012

Ring in the New Year in Style

Posted on December 14, 2012 by Sharon| Comments Off

When it comes to celebrating the New Year, there is nothing like sparkle, and a lot of it. Whether you are wearing a top and a pair of jeans or a cocktail dress, the more you shimmer and shine on the last night of the year, the better. Actually, I think it has got to be one of the few times you cannot overdo the glitz! My favorite combination for New Year’s Eve is black and silver. For me, it’s reminiscent of old school glamour and men in tuxedos and top hats. What a fun way to ring in the new year!

LOOK ONE: NIGHT TIME SPARKLE

Night Time Sparkle by the-classic-woman

Nothing says the “Little Black Dress” has to be predictable. Add a pop of color by adding a pair of earrings and a purse in an eye-catching color. Just remember where you want your focus to be. For example, with this sparkly dress, the accessories have a bit of sparkle, but do not take away from the dress.

BCBGMAXAZRIA Ayla Paillette Dress

Gianni Bini Tiara T-Strap Sandals

Betsey Johnson Fabulous Fuchsia Crystal Earrings

Nina Lucia Clutch

LOOK TWO: EMERALD NIGHTS

Emerald Nights by the-classic-woman

Why not be among the first to wear the new “it” color Emerald Green. Definitely a dress that can be worn again this spring/summer! To add some sparkle to it for the big night, why not add a bit of jewelry and some show-stopping heels? Try to avoid being too “matchy-matchy” and choose jewelry that is similar in design or tone, but does not exactly match. The little differences will add interest to your outfit.

Michael Kors One-Shoulder Dress

Swarovski “Gillian” Crystal Earrings

Swarovski “Rumor” Bracelet

Coloriffics “Danube” Silver Sandals

Kate Landry Social Stud Cluster Clutch

LOOK THREE: PUTTIN’ ON THE RITZ

Puttin’ On the Ritz by the-classic-woman

The marriage of the Tuxedo Look and Velvet creates a magical party look. The jeans and the jacket can also be worn with other separates, stretching those clothing budget dollars.

Ralph Lauren Black Velvet Tuxedo Jacket

Ralph Lauren Slimming Velvet Straight Jeans

Peter Nygard Sequin-Front Scoop Neck Tank

Ivanka Trump Idalia Black Suede Pumps

Swarovski Crystal Solitaire Earrings

Swarovski Simplicity Ring

My Flat in London Large Gem Wallet

LOOK FOUR: CASUAL CHIC

Casual Chic by the-classic-woman

Grab your favorite pair of jeans, add a pretty top, some sparkly jewelry and a sexy pair of sandals and, voila, you’re ready to party the night away!

Not Your Daughters Jeans Sheri Skinny

DKNYC L/S Peter Pan Collar Tunic

Jack by BB Dakota Josee Top Black

Guess Pallavi Glitter Sandals

Betsey Johnson Iconic Jet Filigree Frontal Necklace

Betsey Johnson Iconic Jet Bow Drop Earrings

BCBGMAXAZRIA Blake Snake Print Clutch

Posted in Fall 2012, Fashion, Holidays

Tagged clothes that sparkle, New Year's Eve clothing ideas, party clothes

The Smoking Slipper

Posted on November 16, 2012 by Sharon| Comments Off

Move over ballet flats and make room for smoking slippers! I have to admit when I first started reading about them I did not understand all the hoop-la about smoking slippers. Sure they come in fun fabrics and look comfy, but replace my ballet flats? I highly doubt it. So I paid my local department store a visit and decided to further investigate this phenomena myself. Like a detective hot on the trail, I surveyed the shoe displays and found each and every smoking slipper. Before I knew it, the sales associate was bringing me a pair in my size and ….. it was all over except for the paying part. I never thought I would leave the comfort of the familiar for the uncertainty of an affair with an unknown, but the smoking slipper totally lured me away from my ballet flats with their higher cuts and massive array of fabrics. They are the perfect fall/winter shoe. I know fully well that when warm weather returns, I too shall return to my ballet flats. Until then, however, I will be the lady with the really “in” smoking slippers feeling just a little bit naughty and ever so happy about it

SMOKING SLIPPERS FOR UNDER $100

MELISSA Virtue Smoking Slippers

KENNETH COLE Reaction How Low

MELISSA Leopard Print Smoking Slippers

RALPH LAUREN Velvet Loafers

STEVE MADDEN Conncord Smoking Slipper

FRANCO SARTO Tweed Flats

BETSEY JOHNSON Bambbi Flats

KELSI DAGGER Francie Smoking Flats

CARLOS SANTANA Langston Smoking Flats

CL by LAUNDRY SHOES Game Face Tuxedo Flats

MARK + JAMES by BADGLEY MISCHKA Smoking Flats

WHICH IS YOUR FAVORITE? CAN YOU GUESS WHICH PAIR WENT HOME WITH ME?

Posted in Fall 2012, Fashion

Tagged fashion 2012, flats for women, shoes 2012, shoes for fall and winter, smoking flats, smoking slippers, tuxedo flats

The Smoking (Hot) Jacket

Posted on November 15, 2012 by Sharon| Comments Off

A man in a smoking jacket epitomizes the sophisticated allure of old money and sex appeal. While not many looks can overshadow that silhouette, there is one: a woman wearing that same smoking jacket. What is it that makes a woman slipping on her man’s shirt or jacket so sexy? I do not pretend to understand the psychology of it all, but apparently Yves Saint Laurent had a grasp of its appeal years ago. In 1966 Saint Laurent dared to do the unthinkable. He introduced to the world Le Smoking Collection — tuxedos for women — and, quite honestly, most of the world was not ready for the look. The menswear-inspired style unleashed criticisms from fashion critics citing that the look was “outdated” and that Saint Laurent was trying too hard to relate to the youth of the day. However, celebrities like Liza Minnelli, Lauren Bacall and Bianca Jagger immediately claimed the look for their own and showed the world what Saint Laurent knew — a woman looks extremely sexy when dressed in a tux. Once the look caught on, it never went away.

Blazer

Smoking Blazer

Smoking Blazer (narrow label)

Satin-Trimmed Tuxedo Jacket

BR Monogram Tuxedo Jacket

Palms Tuxedo Blazer

Rex Tuxedo Blazer

Tailored Techno Tuxedo Blazer

Ralph Lauren Smoking Jacket

Posted in Fall 2012, Fashion

Tagged smoking jackets, smoking jackets for women, tuxedo blazers, tuxedo jackets, tuxedo look for women

Classic Finds: Snow Boots

Posted on November 5, 2012 by Sharon| Comments Off

It occurred to me the other day as I walked with my dog through the fallen leaves that I need new boots this winter. Although I had promised myself a pair of those cute, sparkly Uggs this year, I know, deep down inside, they are not the boots I need. The fact is my Husky adores the winter weather and thinks that we should spend as much time as possible walking (although he would prefer running) through the snow. For me, this year I need snow boots that can keep my feet warm and dry.

COLUMBIA Ice Maiden Lace Boot

This waterproof boot has a leather and textile upper with faux fur at the collar. The quilting and lace-ups give it character and its insulation has a rating to -40F. It is available in three colors: Stone, Blue Coral, and Black NOTE: a slip-on version is also available

SOREL “Joan of Arctic”

These snow boots are not only cute, but are temperature rated to -25F. They also feature seam-sealed waterproof construction which helps keep your feet dry. With its faux fur cuff, the full-grain leather and suede boot comes in six colors.

UGG Adirondeck Boot II

Although these are not the sparkly UGGs I have been dreaming about, I love the color and the fun and sporty styling. Unfortunately, I could not find a temperature rating for this boot; however, it is part of UGG’s Cold Weather Tech Collection and contains all the technology for keeping your feet warm and dry. The insole is removable and washable and, as with all UGG boots, has that fabulous genuine sheepskin lining that is so comfortable. The upper cuff can be worn up or down depending on your mood (and the weather) and the secure lacing system gives you a customizable, perfect fit every time. Plus there are an additional seven colors from which to choose.

KAMIK Georgetown

This taller snow boot features a quilted nylon and suede leather upper and has a temperature rating of -25 F. With a rustproof lacing system, DiDefense waterproof bootie construction and a fleece snow collar, the Georgetown not only looks great, but will keep your feet warm and dry during the winter months.

SOREL Cate the Great Deco Boot

This elegantly tall waterproof boot provides extra protection in cold conditions with a temperature rating of -25F. The removable recycled felt inner boot, faux fur snow cuff and rubber shell ensure that feet stay warm, dry and comfortable when the winter weather comes on strong.

Which one do you like best?

Posted in Fall 2012

Tagged boots that keep your feet warm and dry, Columbia, Kamik, snow boots, Sorell, Ugg

My New Discovery: Eileen Fisher, Inc.

Posted on November 2, 2012 by Sharon| 2 Comments

Recently, my daughter worked as a dresser for a fashion show featuring clothing by Eileen Fisher. While we were talking about the show, she told me about the clothes — how they were made, the contemporary styling, the great looks — she suggested, “Why don’t you write about it in your blog? Her clothes have classic lines and would be great for working professionals as well as women wanting to dress in contemporary styles without dressing like teenagers.” At her urging, I began researching Eileen Fisher, the woman and the company, and, I must say, I came away from my computer quite impressed.

Eileen Fisher, an interior and graphic designer, had a problem. She was frustrated because she could not find the kind of clothes she wanted to buy. She decided to do something about it. As she says on her website,

” In my mind I kept seeing these simple shapes for clothes. I knew they had to be beautiful colors, great fabrics and have certain shapes and proportions that worked together. This was my “aha” moment: a system of dressing that I’d been looking for ever since I abandoned my Catholic school uniform back in Des Plaines, Illinois.”

Although not a sewer, she knew how convey her designs to a seamstress. With $350.00 in the bank and four designs, she started her company in 1984. Today Eileen Fisher, Inc. employs 900 people and has 58 retail stores in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

However, Eileen Fisher, Inc., is about more than fashion. It is a company that cares about sustainability, human rights, and the environment. In addition, it is a company built on the principle of giving women the tools to feel good about themselves. Now, that’s a principle I can get behind.

EILEEN FISHER, INC