More Lovely Fall Finds

So here I am, sipping my strawberry guava drink (it’s delicious!) – I haven’t abandoned you! While I should have been updating you with new posts this week, I’ve been out and about, getting my haircut (and styled for free!), sipping Starbucks frappaccinos, eating a slice of strawberries & cream coffee cake… Anyway. I’ve got more fall finds for you that are more affordable than the one-thousand-something dollar designer bag, but still, nonetheless, require a decent amount of cash. Here are my favorites, all from Victoria’s Secret, available online & through their catalogue. I never was quite fond of VS’s actual clothing line; a lot of it was more lingerie-esque, but I am quite impressed with their Fall ’08 collection – it’s lovely, sophisticated, and wearable.

The Belted Trench: A definite classic piece to have in your closet – it’s a jacket that looks sophisticated and put-together even if you’re just running about making errands. The wool is light enough for early fall, yet still provides adequate warmth. I love the color – it goes with most bags and shoes, looks great with denim, and is perfect for the fall! The hip-length coat is suitable for most body types and heights – petite women can finally wear a trench that isn’t down to their knees and makes their legs look short! (A complaint from my mother.) This is definitely a classic; throw on a pair of oversized sunglasses and you will look fabulous!

I love this top. This loose jersey is comfortable and easy, fitting at the right places and flowy around the tummy (I am regretting that coffee cake). The pleats are beautifully pressed, draping very elegantly at the ends; its amazing how simple folds can dramatically change a top. The rosette details are gorgeous – its just enough at the neckline to add dimension to the straight lines of the pleats, while drawing all eyes to your face! I think I’m going to order this top – I love it! Make this a casual outfit or business one with your choice of pants: dark skinny jeans or fitted tailored black pants. Pair it with heels, add simple hoops, curl the hair (the model looks amazing) and you will look stunning!

I don’t love this outfit just because Chanel Iman is wearing it (she’s one of my fashion icons & favorite models of all time). This look is so chic! The orange reflects the fall palette for ’08 without looking drab – the color is fab! The elbow length bell sleeves are beautiful, balancing the tightly fitted bodice with added volume. The detailing along the neckline adds texture to merino wool, and the scoopneck reveals the collarbone modestly (no cleavage today!). Since this top is very fitted, opt for a pair of mid-rise, wide leg pants in charcoal. The pants will add balance, and will elongate the legs once paired with high heels. We might not all have legs like Chanel, but we can create the illusion of it!

The Silk Top: Chanel looks elegant, once again in another orange top. While the other top is more youthful, the shade of this burnt orange is more sophisticated. This pleated silk blouse has such a lovely silhouette; the bell sleeves are simply gorgeous, and the pleats along the neckline and shoulders add a subtle design. I would pair thin, silver hoops to counter the straight lines of the blouse, and once again, wear it with mid to high rise pants. Personally, I would just go for the regular, flared dress pant due to the looseness of the blouse and add heels. This is a perfect business look!

The Blazer: Many of fall’s runway looks channel collegiate and prep school looks, stripes, plaids, the whole lot – much inpsired by Gossip Girl. This striped blazer does this trend justice, looking very school girl-esque without the typical navy blue. The embroidered insignia on the breast pocket is like the real thing! If you like the classic blazer, Ralph Lauren (of course) has some great choices. I am currently coveting the navy blue fitted blazer with gold buttons – its perfect for fall! With these collegiate looking blazers, pair a white button-up shirt or just a simple tee underneath, skinny jeans (preferably dark wash), and a pair of high-rise boots in brown.

Hope you like these picks!

xoxo.