One of the...

best big trends of this fall and winter has been patterned tights. These can run the gamut from plaid (not recommended) to lace. While the more boldly patterned tights have their place (the ladies of Gossip Girl look fabulous in their plaid tights, for example) the more wearable option are the black patterned tights. The pattern is formed with darker areas or lines contrasting with sheer areas, usually in a geometric pattern of some kind. My friend Kel wore a pair recently that was just so fab I had to share:

Great, right? They’re like the quintessential pair of patterned tights.

Except here’s the kicker: that is not actually a pair of patterned tights. After a fruitless search for the ideal tights, Kel decided to layer a pair of fishnets over a pair of semi-sheer black tights. I can only categorize this solution as brilliant. Fishnets are surprisingly easy to find, and most ladies probably have a pair of black hose hiding in the back of a drawer. It’s a great way to try patterned tights without having to search for the perfect pair.

Ace and I...

were recently discussing the glories of an oft forgotten item that can easily become a staple of your winter closet: cords. Corduroy pants are a simple alternative to denim, as they are comfortable, warm, and pair easily with the rest of your winter wardrobe. Somehow managing to look dressier than jeans without being fussy, cords are a great way to stay comfortable and warm while running errands, without fear of being embarrassed if you happen to run into any long-lost friends or acquaintances.

Corduroy pants look excellent worn with a sweater; it’s cozy without being dowdy. The chunkier the knit of the sweater, the more casual the look. Pair a neutral pair with a colored sweater. Jewel tones look fabulous with cream or grey cords. If you’d like to try colored cords, go with darker, richer hues. A deep plum would be a fabulous choice, and would look wonderful with a cream or camel top. As an alternative to sweaters, a blouse or nicer top paired with a menswear inspired vest would look fashionable without being trendy or too “on.” This would be a great look for a casual get together with friends.

As for shoes, sleek leather boots (flat or with a chunky heel) or unembellished flats are your best bet.

It was recently...

announced that Jean Paul Gaultier will be gracing Target with a diffusion collection. I found this news very exciting, but upon further reflection, realized that I had felt the same about every other Target designer collaboration. And guess how many items I have from these collections? None. Why is that? Why, when I have been known to count down the days to the launch of the collection, do I not own a single piece from any of the many collections? I think the problem lies in my expectations for the line. I see the “real” collection, and then when the diffusion line reaches Target, it’s not so much diffused as diluted. What I expect from these collections is the same silhouette and “look” of the designer’s line, but in less expensive fabrics and finishes. This, alas, is not so. H&M, however, churns out beautiful capsule collections. Why does H&M hit it so on the nose, and Target falls so far short? First of all, H&M has a slightly higher price point, so the materials can be a little “better” than those used at Target. Second, H&M, unlike Target, does not do one diffusion line after another. They take their time collaborating with designers, and then they let the whole concept rest before premiering another. Targ on the other hand rests for maybe three weeks before releasing another collection.

That being said, I will more than likely (eagerly) check out the Jean Paul Gaultier. Who knows, maybe I can get a cone bra of my very own.

When I was..

about seven, I begged TS for a pair of purple clogs by Hannah Anderson. They were fabulous, and I rocked them until my feet grew too big (insert Sasquatch joke here). Around this time last year, I desperately yearned for a new pair. It seems the dear Karl Lagerfeld heard my cries, because he sent his models in Paris clomping down the runway in high-heeled clogs for Chanel’s spring 2010 show. Now, to me clogs are just about the closest thing to a physical embodiment of autumn as you can get. However, the fact that Karl sees them as a spring shoe means two things. First, they span the seasons. They can be worn in fall, winter, and spring. Purchase a pair now and you are guaranteed seven to eight months of fashionable wear. Second, I’ll be purchasing a pair promptly.

Craving your own pair? I recommend a color that will work with both your fall and spring wardrobes. Cognac, caramel, and other shades of brown would be a good neutral choice. A reddish-chestnut would also work well. I’ll be going with a milk-chocolate pair, to wear with jeans and sweaters in the fall and winter, and tights and my white dress in the spring.

I am currently...

obsessing a little over charm bracelets. Those old-school keepsakes of all major (and sometimes minor) events, accomplishments, and milestones in ones life act as a sort of traveling scrapbook. What better way to commemorate ones major life-moments? Hunting down the perfect charm to celebrate your triumphs adds to the excitement. I especially love charm-bracelets that are loaded down with charms, with every link holding multiple charms Hearing the jingling of charms knocking together as you go through your day serves as a reminder of the blessings in your life.

The charm bracelet may seem to be a statement piece, one that cannot be worn with other jewelry, however it is actually quite versatile. It can act as your standout piece when paired with a simple pair of studs, or it can work in conjunction with a medallion-type necklace for a big night out. For day, try simple diamond or pearl studs, or thin hoops. A uniform necklace (one that does not have a solitary embellishment but a repeating pattern) will look best. At night you can pile on bigger and bolder pieces to match the spirit of the charm bracelet.

Remember when...

you were a little girl, and your mom finally let you paint your nails yourself? If you were like me, this was one of the best privileges ever and you wanted to demonstrate how sophisticated you were. Which of course meant painting each of your nails a different color.

My new fave way to paint my nails is an adaptation of these multi-hued days. Instead of using ten different colors, I’m using two; I’m selecting one finger* and painting it a color that coordinates with the one on the rest of my fingers.  For example, currently the index finger on both hands is painted orange, while the rest of my nails are a bright raspberry.

Adorbs, right? 

If you want to try this style, make sure to use two colors form (roughly) the same color family. The thing that makes this look so great is that it is almost un-noticeable. It looks best when it doesn’t scream at you. Along the same lines, pick a contrast-finger that is not obvious. My suggestion: don’t do your middle finger or thumb. Choose your ring, pinky, or index fingers.

If you are feeling a little timid about this style, try a slightly more subtle take by picking shades of the same color that are just different enough to be surely discernable. Another option is to paint your nails all the same color, and then using a glittery topcoat on just your contrast finger. This is one case when sparkle will be the more subtle choice.

*Paint the contrast color on the same finger on each hand (i.e. both pinky fingers). 

Sparkle Week, Day 4…

It’s the day when the lingering effects of the previous weekend turn into longing for the next. Thursday is the day I’m most likely to sport a ponytail and the day I inevitably wake up late with little time to throw together an outfit.

So, how do you dress up a ponytail, so it appears intentional and not as if you hit snooze three times? There is always the (semi-obvious) option of the headband, but we tried that yesterday. Another option is using a special hair-band. Whether embellished with jewels, feathers, or beads, that extra little something turns the ponytail into an actual hairstyle and a statement.

Don’t have an embellished hair-band? Try wrapping a long necklace around the base of the ponytail, covering the hair-band (those clear rubber/plastic ones will stay hidden best). You might need to use bobby pins to secure the necklace, or to pin in excess length.