Belted Looks for Fall

As previously discussed, the statement necklace was definitely the most ubiquitous trend of fall fashion week spanning one end of the designer spectrum to the other. Another trend that was nearly as pervasive was the belted ensemble. Personally, I love this look in all its incarnations. There are the obvious benefits (finally, a waist!), but it can also add a touch of elegance or a touch of edge, depending on your mood, to any old outfit.

For example, Diane von Furstenberg (above photo) used her belts to accentuate her ultra-girly looks and feminine frocks. While, Brian Reyes (below photos) stuck to his uptown-luxe roots and pulled off a preppier look.

And, my favorite by far, was at BCBG Max Azria (below photos) - every look that came down the runway was cinched with a rugged brown leather belt which added a bit of an edge to a his super-toned down palette.

This look isn't hard to pull off - just take any old stand-by, cinch it with a belt and create a new look for fall. Lots of mid-level retailers have zeroed in on this trend, as well, so expect to find any variety that suits you out there.

Banana Republic Leather Clasp Belt $59

I couldn't resist all the great belts from Urban Outfitters! Shown here: Labyrinth Leather Belt ($48), Croco Waist Belt ($28), Skinny Studded Belt ($24).

Of course, a couple of cute ones from Target: Yellow Skinny Patent Belt ($9.99), Silver 3-Stone Belt Buckle ($12.99).

A few more for good measure, from Spiegel: Leather Belt ($19.99), Versatile Patent Belt ($49), Stretch Croco Belt ($19.99).

Sweater Dresses - An Ode to Banana Republic

Unless you've been living under a magazine-deprived rock, you've probably noticed the major push Banana Republic has put behind their 30 year anniversary celebration. I, myself, have a special place in my heart for BR- it was the first "grown up" place I was able to shop where I didn't feel like a kid. I got my first suit there and it's where a sales associate many years ago opened my eyes to the possibility (and necessity) of a good alteration....The best part is that it's always been consistent - in a pinch you can always find something at "The Banana" (thank you, Jack McFarland!) and it won't be so overly expensive as to result in serious buyers' remorse.

All nostalgia aside, my current obsession with finding the perfect sweater dress for fall took me to the Banana Republic site where I found not one, not two, but FOUR really cute versions. See? This is what I love about The Banana.....

Striped Sweater Dress - $98.00
I love this dress, but I'm under no illusions that I can pull off all these horizontal stripes, but I really hope someone reading will buy this dress!



Shawl-collar belted sweater dress - $130
This is probably my favorite because the layering possibilities are endless! Love the cap sleeves and shawl collar - definitely looks more expensive than $130. Also, comes in black and teal but I'm sold on the grey.



Button Dress Sweater - $120
This is a little too 70's housewife for me, but apparently all things mod are back for fall. I do like the little details though - the buttons, the shoulder epaulets, etc...



Long-Sleeve Belted Sweater Dress - $120
Also a very good option...Classic crew neck and long sleeves make this just a really solid go-to option on days when you can't pull it together. You can't tell in this picture, but the color is a nice dark purple - something different and fun.

The Big Clutch

I've had a long standing obsession with clutches despite the fact that they just continue to stack up in my closet, never getting their "big night out on the town" that I always envision when I buy them. A beautiful clutch makes me feel like a sophisticated woman with places to go and things to do. Who doesn't want to feel like that?

So, I'm excited to see all the fall ads featuring really big, really beautiful clutches...especially the above Salavatore Ferragamo white python clutch version. Yes, I could be just like Claudia Schiffer with that clutch!


Back to reality....

Banana Republic Oversize croc-embossed clutch - $130

Urban Outfitters Pleated Bow Clutch - $48

Express Ruched Ombre Clutch - $34.50

Newport-News Oversized Bow Clutch - $25

Nine West Faraway Patent Clutch - $19.99

Top Shop Leather Oversize Clutch - £30.00

Statement Necklaces

Like I said in my previous post, I'm happy that the statement necklace played such a big role in the Fall shows - seems like nearly every big designer took a stab at this trend - and this is definitely something I'll use to breathe new life in my old winter stand-bys. I love the sort of unexpected-ness of it over work wear and simple tops. And, how you want to do it is entirely up to you as designers showed a WIDE range of interpretations...from the totally architectural...(Clockwise 3.1 Phillip Lim, Lanvin, Marc Jacobs and Vera Wang)

...to the bright and whimsical....(Clockwise Marni, Vera Wang, Marni and Gucci)

...to the dark and brooding ...(Clockwise Prada, Zac Posen, Louis Vuitton and Burberry Prorsum)

...and finally to the brilliantly baubled!! (Clockwise Balenciaga, Gucci, Balenciaga and Oscar de la Renta).

And, of course, any type that suits you best can be found for a steal. Here's a few ways to put some drama in your life this winter...

Urban Outfitters Beaded Pyramid Necklace ($28)

Francesca's Collections Triple Strand Tiger's Eye Necklace ($36)

Express Layered Pearl & Chain Necklace with Brooch ($29.50)

Banana Republic Multi-Gem Bib Necklace ($79)

Nine West Deco Delights Mobile Necklace (SALE $19.99)

asos French Connection Tassel Torque Necklace (£28)

Banana Republic 3-Strand Necklace ($59)

Ann Taylor Black Faceted Necklace ($58)