Summer-to-Fall Fashion: Short Shorts

Just because autumn is approaching doesn't mean you have to put away the cotton shorts, rompers and cut-offs you've been rocking all summer. Tossing on a pair of shorts is just as easy as slipping into a skirt; and to make this trend work for fall, it's all about layering and a good pair of tights.

For a wearable, textured look that adds interest to your ensemble, grab a chunky knit. A sweater instantly turns a summertime staple (like these shorts) into a comfortable, classic look for fall. If you're going for a more sophisticated look, reach for a tailored blazer instead.

Finally, don't forget the easiest way to keep your gams from catching a chill: opaque black tights, every girl's seasonal essential.

What other ways are you going wear this trend to show style naysayers that shorts are a do, regardless of the season?

Let's go shopping! Sweater / Shorts / Wooden Necklace / Similar Wedges 

Thanks for checking out this week's outfit series! Will you be rocking any of these trends this season? Which summer-to-fall look is your favorite? Happy Friday!
 The Cotton Frock / Color-Blocking / White Jeans / The Maxi Dress

Summer-to-Fall Fashion: The Maxi Dress

Luckily for the maxi-lovers among us, floor-length frocks are here to stay. Here are some suggestions to take yours out of its warm-weather element and transform it into a versatile, go-to frock for fall.

Don an earthy-colored jacket, cardi or my personal favorite as of late, a bunched-at-the-waist blouse. The key here is to keep your top layer short-and-sweet over your long dress, especially if you're on the shorter side (like me). 

For other ways to add interest to your ensemble, throw on a waist belt, add some chunky jewelry, and slip your arm through a statement bag on your way out the door. Voila, city chic!

Let's go shopping! Maxi Dress: Ya! (on sale via Rue La La) / Shoes: Coach (similar, only $12!)

Shirt: Forzieri / Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs

 

Summer-to-Fall Fashion: White Jeans

As the temperature chills and the leaves change color, that question nags as you stare blankly into your closet: Should we stray from wearing the whites in our wardrobes after Labor Day?

This topic of discussion isn't even up for debate anymore. (YES!) The question now is, how should you style it?

Don't let this outdated rule cause you a closet crisis. Wearing white is perfectly appropriate for fall, but its purpose is to pop and accentuate your outfit, rather than run the show.

For an instantly wearable way to "winterize" your whites, just pair your denim with dark colors and jewel tones. Charcoal boots and a cozy cardi? Check. Army green pumps and a matching blazer? Check.

The next time you hear someone whine "you're not supposed to wear white after Labor Day," enlighten them with a few tricks on how you pull it off, you style maven, you. 

Quick Tip! Nine times out of ten, you'll find white denim on clearance this time of year - online and in-stores. I got these Seven's at Nordstrom for half-off!

Let's go shopping!  Anthro Blouse (similar style here) / Seven for all Mankind Jeans / Thrifted Belt / My go-to Kate Spade Bag (similar) / H&M Ring (similar onyx + teal here) / Michael Kors Watch /Steve Madden Wedges (on sale!) / Wrap Bracelet / H&M Heart Bracelet (cuter version here)

Summer-to-Fall Fashion: Color-Blocking

Like we saw yesterday, closed-toed booties can take any dress-based ensemble from seeming girly to looking trendy, which is exactly the lift that this lilac-ruffled frock needed for fall.


For a unique, dressier option, trade that go-to blazer for a tied-at-the-waist blouse. Layering darker accents will help to assert the fall properties of your outfit.

Let's go shopping! Dress: Forever 21 (similar) / Shirt: Banana Republic (it's non-iron! Life-changing.) / Booties:  H&M (similar, new must-have pair here ) / Bag: Kate Spade / Watch: Michael Kors

Summer-to-Fall Fashion: The Cotton Frock

You may not realize it, but there are ways to transition into a fall-friendly wardrobe using pieces you already have and love. This week, we'll cover off on five of those, including cotton dresses, maxi skirts, color-blocking, short-shorts and white denim.

My goal for this weekly outfit series is to show you that you don't need to break the bank to weatherize your wardrobe.  Though certain items don't translate to fall-friendly (like barely-there tanks and flip flops), there are several ways to give life to your summer favorites, especially through layers!

This simple sundress has been my MVP multiple times a week so far this fall (that's Most Versatile Piece).

Army-colored jackets and neutral-toned accessories are an easy way to make your frocks look more refined and appropriate for chillier temps. Toss on closed-toed boots or oxfords to give your ensemble an edge once it's time to put away the summer sandals.

My favorite, no-fail trend for fall is probably yours, too: booties! 

I've been wearing these comfy Blowfish wedges all over Chicago this season. 

Shop the look! Boots: c/o Blowfish / Dress: H&M ($12 in-store; lusting after this similar style, Lush) / Jacket: Thrifted (similar, Madewell) / Belt: Thrifted (similar, Rogers Whitely) / Sunglasses: Chanel

PS: Gossip Girl returns to TV tonight! I can't wait to see what Season 5 has in store for our favorite Upper East Siders. All eyes on Blair Waldorf! xoxo

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Rodarte: Fashion Show or Art Gallery?

You can always expect a spectacular showing from the Rodarte girls, Laura and Kate Mulleavy, and this season's looks were no exception.

The sisters' drew inspiration for their s/s 2012 collection (not so subtly) from paintings by Van Gogh and movies by Disney - Beauty and the Beast and Snow White, in particular.

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Overall, I like Rodarte's fairy princess-like pieces and deep purple-and-blue hues, but I'm disappointed that many of the dresses used prints and patterns that seemed to be straight from Van Gogh himself. What do you think?

Tank: Alice + Olivia (on sale!) / Cuffed jeans: Current/Elliot (Now 65% off!)
Platform pumps: Matiko / Cocktail rings, Max & Chole: Top, Middle, Bottom / Bag:  Fab (on sale!) 

Monique Lhuillier's Couture Compromise

For her s/s 2012 collection, designer Monique Lhuillier called upon her couture repertoire to produce a line of desirable dresses and fitted separates.

Although classic 50’s silhouettes were underlying most of the mix, Monique managed to keep her collection contemporary with sharp color-blocking, flattering sweetheart necklines, second-skin-like shift dresses, and lightweight separates.

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What I love most about Lhullier’s line this season is its casual intent. For a designer rooted in such prominent bridal roots, these pieces are surprisingly down-to-earth.

If they were to walk straight off the runway (and if clothes could walk), they'd have some serious potential to look better on real women than on rail-thin runway models, don't you think?

Cardigan: Topshop / Tank: J.Crew / Pink Tank: Sam & Lavi / Skinnies: J Brand

Shoes: Rag & Bone (similar, Giuseppe Zanotti) / Faux Ponyskin Clutch: Topshop

Happy Friday, loves! See you tomorrow, we'll be featuring the royalty-worthy looks from RODARTE!

Rag & Bone: Sun-Kissed & Chic

After watching the seemingly sun-drenched Rag & Bone models saunter down the runway at Fashion Week, I was ready to dip my head in peroxide, move to SoCal, and stock my closet with tangerine and citrus hues.

Okay, not really; but there are some seriously strong surfer references in this season's collection. Nonetheless, the line sustains a cool, downtown vibe, largely a result of the brand's signature tailoring. My favorite looks are the tunics and ponchos layered over fitted trousers, and crocheted tanks paired with silk pants.

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By now, it’s apparent that the sportswear-inspired trend is one of the most dominant to emerge from Fashion Week this year. I'm excited about these effortlessly relaxed styles, and I’m digging the chic approach that co-designers Marcus Wainwright and David Neville took here. What do you think?

Jacket: Rag & Bone / Tank: DVF / Necklace: Amrita Singh (Rue La La has them on sale a lot)

Skinnies: Ksubi  / Shoes: Steve Madden (lots of color choices) / Sunglasses: Lacoste 

Bangle: Max & Chloe / Clutch: Trouve (similar) / Polish: Butter

***

Lastly, have you heard about Shop It To Me's designer giveaway? If you're not familiar, SITM is a free service that keeps you informed on your favorite brands, and when they go on sale in your size. I get personalized sale alerts on Tory Burch, Shoes.com and Nordstrom, among others.

It's easy to enter: Sign up and select the designer dud you want to win. (I picked the Louboutins!) For every friend that signs up, you get an additional entry. Good luck!

Narciso Rodriguez: Rich in Geometry

There's a lot to love about Narciso Rodriguez's controversial spring collection, but what won me over was the sportswear-inspired graphic prints and asymmetrical hems that swirled as his models walked.

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Admittedly, I'm no expert (obvi; I'm a market researcher from nine-to-five), but I didn't quite feel that every single element of his collection belonged together.

Nonetheless, Narcisco is one of my favorite fashion risk-takers, so I appreciated his seasonal cotton shirt-dresses, aqua-and-silver silhouettes, airy geometric prints, and heavier earth tones of clever layering ... just on a more individual scale.

1 Jacket (a more affordable style here) / 2 Top / 3 Shoes
4 Skinnies (I have 'em, they're uh-mazing) / 5 Bangles / 6 Belt / 7 Bag

Light-as-a-Feather Fashion at Phillip Lim

Another favorite from New York this year is 3.1 Phillip Lim, whose seasonal inspiration of "free form" was evident in his usage of weightless materials and geometric cuts for his spring 2012 collection.

Lim's light-as-a-feather motif manifested in floaty, asymmetric folds, spaghetti-strap dresses and boyish separates, all encompassing a delicious color palette of pistachio, peach and ink-splatter hues.

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What I love most about his collection this season is the underlying ease that makes it so effortlessly sexy and ideal for layering. Phillip Lim is the new black!

1 Tank / 2 Top / 3 Bag / 4 Shoes (and here in mustard) / 5 Pants / 6 Flats

Fashion Week may be over, but we still have so much to uncover. Who are your Fashion Week favorites? c+c's Runway Round-up will continue through this week; hope you'll stay tuned! x

My Digital Debut at New York Fashion Week

Hi, loves! Hope you had a wonderful weekend.

Remember that Diet Coke contest we discussed two weeks ago? Well, you may or may not know, but my look was selected as a feature in the brand's New Looks for Fall fashion show!

I promised you (via Twitter) that I'd share the photo once it was received, so here it is: My digital debut at New York Fashion Week!

*I switched my outfit submission at the last second, since you gave me so much positive feedback about this particular look. 

So, thank you! I am and always will be very so appreciative of your comments and feedback!

It makes me so happy that such affordable, accessible style was broadcast on a six-story digital billboard to thousands of people tourists in Times Square - and during Fashion Week, no less!

Thank you to contest curators Bryan Boy (whose look was also featured) and Susie Bubble, who selected my ensemble to include in Diet Coke's fashion show feature. Here's more on their favorite fashions for fall:

A(nother) Lesson in Minimalism from Marc Jacobs

Happy Friday! It was a utilitarian-inspired array of simple-and-sporty on the runway at Marc by Marc Jacobs this year, featuring expertly-tailored separates, vivid hues and activewear-inspired elements.

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The minimalist trends is one of my faves. What's not to love about easy dressing? Here, a suggestion on how to make Marc's forward-thinking fashions and fuss-free silhouettes work with your wardrobe.

1. Blouse, J.Crew 2. Dress, Topshop 3. Shoes, Aldo (50% off!) 4. Bag, Cambridge Satchel Company 5. Blouse, MinkPink (also here in white with more size selections)

Thank you for those who participated in c+c's first giveaway this week; I sincerely appreciate your blog love + support! Stay tune for the announcement of our winner. Happy Friday! -H

Prabal's Pieces: Fashioning the Future

 Don't forget to enter our giveaway! Deadline is tonight (9.15.11) at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Prabal Gurung's spring 2012 collection is one of my favorites from Fashion Week this year. Can you believe this is only his sixth collection?

Accordingly, Prabal sourced inspiration from photographs by a Japanese artist titled “Sensual Flowers” to create these vivid patterns and intricate prints. I cannot wait to see more from him!

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Although I'd consider many of Prabal's pieces to be worthy of the splurge, here are some ideas to adopt his designer genius:

1. Jacket, Wren Aya / 2. Shorts, Alice + Olivia / 3. Shoes, Jeffrey Campbell via Modcloth/ 4. Bangles, Kate Spade /  5. Wrap bracelet, JC Penney (on sale!) / 6. Earring studs, JC Penney (on sale!) 

Rebecca Taylor's Runway Sparkle

Three words were seen on the runway at Rebecca Taylor this year during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week: So much sparkle!

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Here's how to make this trend work for your wallet, courtesy of YesStyle and Topshop:

1. Blouse, Preen (as seen on Project Runway's Nina Garcia!) / 2. Skirt, Topshop / 3. Top, Othermix via YesStyle

(Ends Tomorrow: Don't forget to enter our giveaway!)

Peter Som's Pretty Florals

(Thanks for stopping by today! Don't forget to enter our giveaway!)

This year, designer Peter Som's spring 2012 RTW (ready-to-wear) collection was a kaleidoscope of bold colors, playful patterns and graphic prints.

The line, fit for a contemporary woman, suggests "what might happen if Kate Middleton, Michelle Obama and Rachel Bilson" were fused into one polished, fun-loving lady with an edge. How can you not love these looks?

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While a designer definitely runs the risk of a floral collection being too girly, Som successfully infused a touch of '60s inspiration with a modern twist to make his collection cooler without eliminating any of the femininity. Here's how to bring Peter Som's pretty florals off the runway to wear them your way:

Runway the Real Way: Peter Som S/S 2012 by coralsandcognacs featuring wedge shoes

Summer top
$30 - modcloth.com

Ankle length skirt
romwe.com

Forever21 wedge shoes
$27 - forever21.com

Celebs, Shoes & Champagne: A Photo Recap of FNO Chicago

At this year's Fashion's Night Out in Chicago, the most coveted accessory was an umbrella. Nonetheless, the city's style scenesters united to navigate the well-dressed waters of Chicago's FNOutings.

From Michigan Avenue to Oak Street and beyond, this year was bigger and better than ever before. In a nutshell, my celebration entailed shoelebrities, shopping and champagne!

SAKS:

Yes, that's the famed Brian Atwood, but can we talk about those flesh-toned Prada boots?!

From the B Brian Atwood collection. That pair on top is my favorite! So much sparkle.

10022-SHOE by Brian Atwood

Textured Louboutins 

  

TOPSHOP:

Frame-worthy, no? My roomie took this awesome photo

 

Did you celebrate Fashion's Night Out in your town? 

Oh, and don't forget to enter c+c's first-ever giveaway to win a $200 professional flat iron! All you have to do is like us on Facebook. Happy Monday!