Fall Fashion 2012: Steph's Wish List

It has been a privilege to host the Fall Fashion series over the past few weeks. My Style Panelists (the wickedly awesome Jo-Lynne, Kelly, Melissa, Julie, Hillary, Nancy and the Jennifer and Terra from Reel Attire) have schooled me.

Like. Schooled me. 

I'm ready to purge my closet, and finally let go (ie: donate) of all the outdated, ill-fitting and ill-fated clothes that I've been clinging to for all these years.

I've worked hard the last few months and saved up a little bit o' money to splurge on myself. Now, this is difficult for me. I hate spending money (remember my gift card hoarding debacle?) and it makes me feel bad because I immediately wonder, "What could I have better spent that money on?" But I think you can keep your spending frugal while coming away with some chic purchases.

At least, that's my goal.

Hubby has graciously promised to watch the girls on an agreed-upon date and allow me Steph Day. On Steph Day, I have the opportunity to go out for, like, an entire day by myself (or, let's be honest, with my girlfriends) without kids to shop, eat and be merry.  

I am SO looking forward to this day.

Because, friends?

We need "ME" time every once in a while.

Yes, you'll feel bad. You'll miss your kids. You'll wonder what work you are forgetting. You'll worry about the cleaning and errands that could be done.

But having time, even if just a few hours, where you can regroup, have fun and breathe?

It's healing.

To your soul.

So hear me when I say: TREAT YO' SELF.


Now, since I can't cart my Style Panel along with me (although I will most likely be sending pitiful help me tweets throughout the day), I can use their wisdom to create a list of some Must Haves for my closet.


So, without further ado:

Steph's Wish List: Fall Fashion PANTS by donnareedsteph featuring zipper jeans

Steph's Wish List: Fall Fashion TOPS by donnareedsteph featuring a peasant blouse

Steph's Wish List: Fall Fashion DRESSES & SKIRTS by donnareedsteph featuring long skirts

Steph's Wish List: Fall Fashion SHOES by donnareedsteph featuring high heel pumps

Steph's Wish List: Fall Fashion ACCESSORIES by donnareedsteph featuring chain jewelry

So how did I do?


Friends, take a day. Heck, take a few hours. And enjoy the freedom of relaxing, pampering and having a little fun.


Also?


Don't let this happen to you.

Now I want to hear from YOU!  What's on YOUR Fall Fashion Wish List?  Leave a comment - I'd love inspiration!


Who's coming shopping with me?



PS - For your viewing pleasure: Treat Yo Self







(This post is linked up with Fashion Friday sponsored by a plethora of chic bloggers including a few of my Style Panelists: Musings of a Housewife, Centsible Life, Juliverse and Girlymama).

Fall Fashion 2012: Accessories

    

I love this week's topic, because it's one that I semi-comprehend.

ACCESSORIZE!

It's that simple: take something from eh to WOW with one or two choice pieces. For anyone who is looking to rework their wardrobe because they can't spend the money on new clothes, scaling back and buying a few accessories can really amp up the ol' closet.

And you all have met my closet. If you need some refreshers, you can read about pants, tops and shoes. In those Fall Fashion posts, you'll see the eh, the bad and the ugly of my wardrobe.

But we're going to work on it.

Accessories have come a long way in the past 20 years.   I think back fondly to my 3rd grade class picture. I made an attempt to unearth it, which was unsuccessful. But when I do, you can rest assured I will share. You see, that year, I was the epitome of early 90's accessorizing: a blue felt vest over a yellow turtleneck with a chunky headband pulling back my hair. 

Did I mention that the neck of said turtleneck was bedazzled with alternating silver and gold studs? 

THAT I BEDAZZLED MYSELF?

It is one of my prouder fashion moments.

I'm not sure if the Bedazzler will make it past my Style Panelists, who have a strict yet chic standard. I'm super excited for what they have to say this week, because I'd like to think I'm in on some of these trends (scarves are my BFF's, people).  

Get ready, because accessories this Fall are all about BOLD. 

BOLD STATEMENTS, people.

Read on.

"Accessories are a GREAT way to wake up your wardrobe.  I think scarves will be big again this fall.  You can transform a white-t with a bright scarf.  Wake up a black tee with a pop of color or bold print scarf.  Belts, necklaces . . .they all work. . .just remember you are not a chandelier. . .add bling with a light hand."


"Yes! You can refresh your wardrobe with new accessories like scarves, statement jewelry, and more. I personally love the bold statement necklaces that have become a fixture in every store. The best advice I have is to pick one bold piece and keep everything else simple. Like a great dress doesn’t require much in the way of accessories, but dressing up jeans and a basic tee with a fun cardigan, scarf, and great earrings can take your outfit from boring and basic to amazing."




"Statement jewelry is still a big trend, and every girl needs a few fashion scarves in her winter wardrobe. A scarf can dress up any old tee-shirt and jeans and make you look stylish and on trend. Don’t be afraid to layer a scarf over a necklace either!"




"Accessories are always a great way to experiment with trends, add a little color to an outfit or update a classic look. Must have accessories for fall: a bib necklace or two, wide belts, a chunky boyfriend watch, and a lightweight long scarf or pashmina preferably with fringe. Accessories should accent an outfit, not steal the show, so only wear one or two statement accessories at a time. This is where Chanel’s saying, Take off the last thing you put on, applies. For example if you’re wearing a scarf you don’t need big earrings or a necklace at all, a watch will suffice. Both gold and silver are in, so go with whatever suits your skin tone or current outfit. Some mixing of metals is ok, experiment with this trend using a 3 or 4 mix and match bracelets and a watch. You can do a watch on the left and the bracelets on the right.  If you like big earrings I say go for it! Just don’t wear a lot of other jewelry. It’s all about smart choices! There are many ways to wear a scarf, a very thorough tutorial for a long pashmina style scarf can be found here."



"This Fall, in the accessories world, size DOES matter.  Big, chunky jewelry is a big trend at the moment.  Costume jewelry is a great way to breath new life into your closet.  Pair your new on-trend pieces with the classics in your closet and no one will know the kids have kept you from mall dressing rooms for awhile.  This season’s choice of metal is Argentum, better known as silver.  Silver is classically popular and continues to be this Fall with beautiful, large pieces making an appearance.  Go bold and choose combination necklaces featuring stones and silver.  We are noticing oversized totes everywhere as well, perfect for stuffing with all of your essentials.  Another important look this Fall is anything that frames your face.  This could be lace detailing at the top of your blouse, faux animal print scarves or large necklaces.  Just remember to go small with earrings when framing your face with a stand out scarf or necklace.  The overall theme seems to be to go big!  Large bags, rich embellishments and anything to frame your beautiful face!"




"I'm OBSESSED with accessories. My go to accessories....

Statement necklaces are the perfect way to add character to your wardrobe. I have at least 6!  Think about it: a black cardigan, white tank and jeans. Blah. But, add a bright orange chunky necklace... and WOW! 

Scarves - same thing as a statement necklace. Adds a bit of pop to an otherwise boring outfit. And scarves are so cheap - hit up Old Navy, Target, Forever 21 and browse those clearance racks. 

And the hottest trend this fall? Menswear watches. A big gold bracelet watch (Well, get a women's menswear-inspired watch, so you don't like like an 80s rapper) is on every stylish wrist. Not even joking! Michael Kors has great ones that you should start hinting at for a Christmas now!"

~~~~~

Go make a statement!

Have your Style Say: What do you think of the advice?
What accessories do you need to add to your "Must Have"?
What trends are you inspired to try?


Share a comment!


Check back next week when we get glam with ACCESSORIES! To catch up on the past Fall Fashion 2012 posts, you can read them here.

Fall Fashion 2012: Tops

I've taken copious notes on last week's Pants post, and excited to do a combination of reworking what I have and making some frugal but savvy purchases in the near future.

Now that I have my bottom covered (pun intended), the next step is getting the low-down on shirts to wear this Fall.  I find it's easier to hide bad pants than bad tops. As long as the cut is reasonably contemporary, pants don't make the first statement; what you are wearing on top does. And this is an area I struggle with. You see, I have a large wardrobe of shirts. 

Unfortunately only a small percentage of them are wearable.

Some I've had for an obscene amount of time and they are worn or no longer fit well. Some are professional clothes that were "in" about 5 years ago when I was a, well, professional. Some are just plain boring. Yet I can't let them go! Here is a small looksie into the bad juju I have going on in my clothing repertoire:

Nice but outdated button-down shirts.

I have far too many solid-color and patterned
long AND short sleeved crew-neck shirts. 

Dear Turtlenecks: I love you. But my Style Panelists say
we have to break up. Call me maybe? LYLAS, Steph

Readers, meet my closet. Closet, meet my awesome readers.

Clothes clothes everywhere, but much in need of donation.

I have more sweaters than a sweater store. True story.

As you can imagine, I am anxious to learn from what the Style Panelists have to say this week regarding Tops. I had to do some googling with a few of the terms they used, but I feel like their advice gives me a solid start to evaluating my closet and making a shopping list.  Nancy (who has much to say on the topic of tops, as you will see below) has generously offered to come over, go through my current wardrobe and help me donate what no longer suits my needs (read: she smacked me over the head, shook me by the shoulders and exclaimed "LET ME TEAR APART THIS CLOSET FOR ALL THAT IS SACRED AND HOLY, WOMAN!").  

There will be much posting and videos involved, so stay tuned :)

Also, welcome to our newest Style Panelists, Terra and Jennifer from Reel Attire!

Do you have your notebooks and writing implements ready class? The teachers are in!

"Crisp white blouses are in with a little flair. You’ll also see a lot of patterned blouses. Most are fairly fit and will tuck in. Will long/tunic-style shirts still be fashionable?  The cut is changing -- there’s more definition and fit in it--making it more like a dress or a tighter sweater. Also, with the peplum coming back, you’ll see the peplum look (like this with a cinched waist ) but I can’t say that this is the best way to achieve the look. What bottoms to pair with this season's shirts? Skinnies pants, pencil skirts. Layered jackets are very in. White House Black Market has some great examples in their new line. Just make sure that you don’t go too bulky underneath as it overwhelms."

"Tops – this is seriously the clothing item I struggle with the most.  I am not a flat-chested girl, and finding something that fits, looks right proportionately, and doesn’t cost too much is hard work! I stick to basics – t shirts and t-shirt styled shirts in long and short sleeves.  I have 2 tunics that I loved in spring with some white jeggings. Since I stick to t shirts, I really go for jackets and cardis and hate when it gets so cold I have to wear a coat – LOL.  A great scarf it also a wonderful way to dress up a plain top. "

"Peplums! They don’t look good on everyone, but are very ‘in’ right now. I’m seeing more belted tunics which is a great look for fall. I personally prefer washable fabrics. Dry cleaning is just not in my budget."

"Layers are the name of the game! Chunky sweaters and tunics are still on trend, but the one must-have wardrobe staple for fall 2012 is the poncho. You can find ponchos in all styles and price points, and they’re a great way to update your favorite jeans."

"A lot of the trends this Fall have to deal with feminine approaches to male classics.  Blazers will be big especially ones with little girly touches like pleating in the back or patterned lining that will be exposed when the sleeves are rolled up. Finding the right blazer for your body type can be challenging.  We would say that taller, broad shouldered women should probably avoid blazers with shoulder pads.  Larger chested women should opt for an open style blazer and if you are wanting to accent or create a waistline you should choose a one button blazer. We will probably see less tunic-length tops, but the tunic-length will continue to be a trend with sweaters.  We like pairing these longer sweaters with skinny pants or jeans and a great pair of boots.  In terms of great patterns for the Fall, we love black and white patterns, including herringbone, bohemian prints, including paisley and other patterns you would typically find on a men’s tie, and red and black tartan, similar to the patterns found in men’s hunting and fishing attire."

"Oh tops...this is admittedly an area of growth even for me. I love dresses because I can avoid this whole conversation we’re about to have about tops, but more on that in Week 5. My best advice on tops for fall is that you need options with sleeves. Too often I see women wearing summer/spring tanks into the fall and trying to make them work with scarves or cardigans. Sleeves just above the elbow are great, as are ¾ length sleeves. Bold prints are in this fall - think big graphics, oversize geometric paisley, or large artistic flowers, not prairie florals or itty bitty prints like years ago. If you’re curvy like me, prints can be tough, I know. You may be inclined to stick with solids, but if you see a big print you like at a good price, GO FOR IT! This is a trend and you may as well integrate it in while it lasts, at the right price that is. Oddly enough even if you’re busty a big print is actually a “do” as it makes you look smaller. Tiny prints draw the eye in too much and will make you look broader. If you read our discussion last week about jeans, you’ll remember jewel tones are in - this goes double for tops! Additionally neutrals are always classic for fall and neutral tops will help you build and max your wardrobe. Everyone needs a basic tops in black, brown, tan, and gray and two blazers in two neutrals of your choice will also serve you well.

This season you’ll be seeing fun details like sequined or beaded shoulders, ruffles across the neckline and sometimes across the bodice, and yes you’ll be seeing longer length shirts/tunics to cover your bottom slightly when you wear skinny jeans again this season. Belts are also back for more, don’t be afraid to belt a tunic or obi-top to give yourself some shape. Somewhere around October you will start to be cold if you live in PA like me and you may be tempted to pull out your old turtlenecks (gasp!) but don’t. Please don’t. High necked, tight turtlenecks are OUT unless you’re skiing. If you like a close to the neck style look for a cowl neck. They will keep you just as warm, but you won’t look like you’re stuck in the 90s.

My rule with pairing tops and bottoms is all about balance. If you are wearing a skinny jean or straight leg style add some volume on top with a ruffled top or tunic that goes away from your body. If you’re sporting a wide leg trouser or jean however, stick with a fitted top. For fabrics, stick with things you can clean at home. Dry cleaning is expensive and tops tend to get things spilled on them more than other clothing items, and you don’t want to go broke. Layering is always a fall classic, just do so in moderation i.e. tank or shirt with a loose knit wrap or cardi OR a mid sleeve top with a scarf you keep on all day. You don’t need a tank, cardi, and scarf - unless you’re heat is broken that is."

~~~~~

I am so glad to hear that layering is in. Despite some unfortunate items in my closet, I do have a nice stack of basic shirts and a growing collection of cardigans.  I want to add some tunics and belts into the mix, but I'm not sure I am ready for the peplum! But before I go...

Can we have a moment of silence for my turtlenecks?

::silence::

::tear::

Have your Style Say: 

What do you think of the advice? 

What items can you "shop your closet" and rework for this season? What trends are you inspired to try?

Share a comment!

Check back next week when we gab about SHOES. Rejoice! Rejoice!