Color Me Autumn

The beauty of autumn is in its changing colors. As August dwindles into September, the air shifts, the smells ripen and the soft, hazy colors of summer transform themselves into robust, vibrant colors of a changing milieu. Dispositions alter and a sense of wholeness sets in. Our thoughts shift to comfort and ease, and our wardrobe begins to reflect these feelings. Below are a few examples of clothes that exemplify this pleasant passage.

Designer Look

Home Stretch Dress, $148, Anthropologie


Canter and Trot Boots, $248, Anthropologie


Gathered Blouse, $545, Proenza Schouler


Puffed-sleeve Sweater, $395, High-waist Skirt, $495, Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti


Bargain Look

Cap-sleeve Dress, $44.99, Chadwicks


Melinda Boot, $79.95, Bakers Footwear


Raglan Sleeve Blouse, $24.99, Isaac Mizrahi for Target


Banded Collar Button-down Shirt, $19.99, Isaac Mizrahi for Target


Stretch Sateen Straight Skirt, $19.99, Worthington

Totals:
Designer Look: $1831
Bargain Look: $189.91

Purse Persuasion

I HEART Purses, Bags, Handbags, whatever you'd like to call them. Next to shoes, they are the only accessory that is an actually extension of yourself. A purse is a life-line to your soul. Look inside -- more than likely everything you have in your purse can pretty much get you through your life. It is your personal survival kit and without it you'd probably feel naked & vulnerable. Lucky for us that their is a HUGE selection of these survival-kit-life-line-to-the-soul bags for us to choose from. Here are just a few that I think would be a great addition to your late spring/summer wardrobe.

Designer Bags
Add a punch of color to any look with this awesome red tote.

Fashion Flirts Tote, $1495, Dolce & Gabbana

White purses seem to be the "it" bag of the season. Of course I am partial to it because it's named after me!

Tracy Bag, $1755, Chloe

Cute clutch with some unexpected pizazz.

Wooden Frame Clutch, $325, Rafe


Bargain Bags

Sandia II, $49.95, Bakers Footwear


Chelsea N/S Tote, $228, B. Makowsky (a lot more than I would pay, but compared to the designer price, it is a steal!)


St. Barth silk eyelet clutch, $68, J.Crew

Bringing Sexy Back

Sexiness can be defined in many ways. I believe sexiness is an attitude; a way of being. Of course clothes and accessories can help, but I don't believe less is more when it comes to radiating sexiness. It's all about how you feel in your clothes and, in turn, how you project those feelings to the world. The outfit below is an example of one kind of sexiness. For some, this look may seem intimidating, but for me it exudes confidence and sophistication... and that, girls, IS sexy!

Designer Look

Double-Breasted Jacket, $1595; Stretch Poplin Shirt, $325; Skinny Pants, $650; Black Leather Belt, $395; Chain Sunglasses, $225; Wrap Pump, $355. All Michael Kors

Bargain Look

Classic Tailored Jacket, $34.99, La Redoute


Cotton Poplin Shirt, $9.99, La Redoute


Black Cigarette Pants, $39.99, La Redoute


Wide Band Belt, $5.80, Forever 21


Square Sunglasses, $19.99, Isaac Mizrahi for Target


Sandals, $29.99, Bakers

Totals
Designer Look: $3545
Bargain Look: $140.75