Denim, Denim, Denim

"I have often said that I wish I had invented blue jeans: the most spectacular, the most practical, the most relaxed and nonchalant. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity - all I hope for in my clothes."
-- Yves Saint-Laurent


Denim never goes out of style, it simply changes form from season to season. Denim shorts have always been a summer staple for women, but you don't have to store them away just because Fall is approaching. To carry them into next season, pair them with a pretty lace top, a black boyfriend jacket, and some black pumps.


Denim shirts were everywhere last winter but I'm not ready to part with mine. All summer i wore my Current/Elliot version with white shorts and sandals, but for Fall, I'll swap with black skinny jeans. Add a bright colored skinny belt for a pop of color. Another denim favorite comes in dress form.


This summer I have seen some adorable denim dresses on NYC's finest. The other day I saw a girl with a cute light denim sun dress, black mini loafers and an oversized Kooba bag. She looked awesome as she was running to catch her subway! To make this work for Fall, throw on a Grandpa cardigan, and some boots. Be careful though: Dark denim dresses are usually tacky so opt for a lighter wash.



When it comes to jeans, high waisted wide legs are back for Fall. They are amazing if you have short legs! They literally add a few MILES. Wear them with a tucked in blouse and wedges for an 80's-chic look. Another style that I recommend, and this is based on my own personal style, is a pair of cropped skinny jeans. I bought a pair 3 years ago and am still wearing them. They are a dark rinse, and are amazing for work with flats, or at night with heels. I get so many compliments on these jeans and rarely see anyone else wearing them. They happen to be on my little legs right now, climbing over hump day in a pair of Jeffrey Campbell cut-out booties, and a Yumi Kim top. I am officially ready for Wednesday!

Having good denim pieces is important because they can be worn year round, and they rarely go out of style... And if they do, save them, because the style will be back in a few seasons.

Nothing to wear

"Women usually love what they buy, yet hate two-thirds of what is in their closets." 
   -Mignon McLaughlin

It's Monday morning. You are 15 minutes late for work (10 minutes earlier than usual), and the four outfits you've already tried on did not make the cut. What now?? Call out sick! Wait, no, that's a bad idea. Go back to your closet. As long as you have a few KEY pieces, you will ALWAYS be able to make up a quick-n-easy chic outfit. I have 4 go-to looks that I keep on reserve and re-use season after season, even year after year. These looks do not go out of style. You may have to refresh your pieces once in a while, but having these outfits in your head will save you every time. Keep in mind, these looks can be altered depending on variables such as casual or business office setting, day or evening, and whether your aiming for a conservative or sexy outcome. Here it is:

The first look is inspired by my favorite gal, Ms. Coco Chanel, in honor of her birthday last week. You know I was celebrating with double CC decorated cupcakes. She was the first women to make black and white ensembles chic. If you don't already have a black and white striped top, go purchase one. I have a tank, t-shirt, and long sleeved version. Pair this with either black pants, a black skirt or tailored shorts. I usually add a gold belt, and gold jewelry to dress it up. So simple, yet utterly chic. Very sailor-esque. You will NEVER fail with this look.

The next go-to outfit is a printed dress. I keep a bunch of them in my closet. Familiarize yourself with Yumi Kim. She makes amazing silk dresses like the one on the right, and the prints are exclusively developed by Yumi herself. Come Fall you can pair these dresses with a little black jacket, or sweater, and when winter hits, just add a pair of black tights and boots. This look will never go out of style!

Another go to ensemble that I love is a pair of printed shorts or skirt , with a light weight button up collared shirt. This look is great for work, or going out. For a night out I would go with a short fitted skirt, and a sheer button up. J. Crew makes a great one. Silk floral shorts are also very in right now. The ones in this picture are Alice & Olivia. Tuck in your collared shirt and roll up the sleeves for a more casual-chic look. I LOVE menswear button up shirts. I keep them in black and white and pair them with so many different bottoms. This is a piece to invest in.

When all else fails, go to the little black dress. I know, I know, big DUH! The key is to have a few different styles and knowing how to make it look new. A big chunky necklace creates a completely new outfit. Pairing the LBD with different jackets creates multiple outfits out of one dress! My ULTIMATE go-to outfit for a night out in the Big Apple is a fitted black tank dress (David Lerner has great ones!) topped with a printed chiffon top. I have ones that wrap, ones that button, and ones that are vests. This is an always flattering style and will never get old!

So, the next time you have this dilemma... which I'm sure will be approximately the same time tomorrow morning, use these basic outfit ideas to put something together. Also, when your going shopping keep this in mind: Always buy pieces that are versatile and will work in different ways with many different outfits, unless money AIN'T an object...then buy it ALL!!!

"Nothing has been invented yet that will do a better job than high heels at making a good pair of legs look great, or great ones look fabulous." - Stuart Weitzman

 ......But sometimes you gotta wear flats!


NOBODY loves wearing crazy high heels as much as I do... except maybe Lady Gaga, but sometimes it's just pragmatic to wear a pair of flats. Working and living in NYC, you are constantly on your feet, going from your apartment, to the office, to dinner and everywhere in between. Doing this in 5 inchers is just not going to happen-- everyday. I am NOT a supporter of ballet flats. I think they are way too prissy and well, flat. I think they make my already short legs look even shorter, yes it's possible! Finding a stylish pair of flats that will work with your fashion forward ensemble is hard, and I have heard this complaint from so many of my gals. Low and behold, I have done the research for all you "practical" on-the-go women who need comfort once in a while... And maybe, like myself, just don't want your feet to fall off before you turn 30! So.... Here it is! The TOP 4 flats I have found for Fall- one of which is already in my closet.

Chelsea Room

I bought these black pointy-toe flats from a boutique shoe store on 7th Ave. They are made by Chelsea Crew. They make amazing shoes and saved my day as I was on the hunt for a pair of flats that I didn't think were... GROSS! I fell in love! These little shoes are so sophisticated! They look great with skinny jeans, and dresses as well. Whether you work in finance, or fashion... these shoes are appropriate. And, if you happen to be one of those people who dares to go out at night in flats, these are perfect for that as well. I'm NOT one of those people.







Sam Edelman


A big trend I'm seeing for this fall is loafers, and I absolutely love it! You have to find the right pair, but they are absolutely adorable and incredibly chic. These Sam Edelman ones are my personal faves. They come in a few different colors and they are great for shopping, work, or dinner. I would totally pair these with a pair of dark skinny jeans, a printed tank, and a blazer. These would also KILL with a pair of tailored shorts, and a flowy top. Get yourself a pair!









Jeffrey Campbell




These Jeffrey Campbell leopard loafers are just plain cute. YES, the leopard is dragging me in this season! Something about these little shoes has me in love. Black skinny pants and a black top? DONE.










Jeffrey Campbell


And lastly... these little Jeffrey Campbell treasures. I found these and thought they were the perfect transition shoe. These would go perf with a little dress and sweater, day or night. Plus, Jeffrey can do no wrong in my eyes. These little flats are so fresh and new and totally unique. It's time to get rid of the Oxfords. I don't care if they're still selling in stores. Let's shake it up and try something new this fall!



The thing I love mostly about all these shoes, is they do give you a baby heel, so you don't feel soooo flat. Us shorties will take any lift we can get! And these are all under $100! Cause let's be honest... who actually wants to spend money on FLATS?!

          

A Little Gem

"It is easily overlooked that what is now called vintage was once brand new."


If you're anything like me and my friends, your constantly looking for new websites to shop while you're at work. I am eternally devoted to all things Chanel. I spend my internet free time searching for vintage bags that are guaranteed authentic. This year there has been an epidemic in knock off Chanels popping up on the internet and I HATE it. Through my online explorings I have found my new FAVORITE website... Addicts, enter with caution...www.Luxedesignerhandbags.com. Voila! This is a reputable, distinguished website selling 100% authentic bags from my beloved Chanel, and some other desired names such as Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Chloe, and Yves Saint Laurent at deeply discounted prices. The catch? They are all used. Some are in better condition than others, and priced accordingly. If you get an "ick" feeling about second hand stuff, this is not the website for you. BUT, before you discount it completely, there are some amazing, RARE vintage purses on here! I just recently purchased this little baby Chanel from the site and couldnt be happier.

It arrived in almost perfect condition, and after my own scrupulous inspection, determined I had gotten a beautiful authentic Chanel from the 1970's. I must say, we all love our Classic quilted 2.55 flap bags (I just purchased my second a month ago), but there is something special in owning something far less seen, and just as chic. I have also turned my little sister into a luxeDH junkie! She bought her first Louis off the site, the retired Cabas Mezzo style, and a week after it arrived she ordered her second, both at half the original price! She finally understands my sick obsession that developed when I was just 13... After my best friend at the time got her first designer bag, a Kate Spade tote. I was hooked. So, if you are a bag whore as well, love vintage, and love getting a great deal, this is the site for you! Check it out! I bet you purchased your first bag before you finished reading. Happy Shopping!

“Fashion is made to become unfashionable.”

Summer is over. 3 mere weeks left before we are scouring our closets for unworn summer pieces to craft together into suitable outfits, packing our duffels and heading out to the Hamptons for labor day weekend. What are you wearing???

I have already received my pre-Fall Harper's Bazaar and Vogue and it looks like it's going to be an AMAZING season. Sexy lace pieces by Stella McCartney, and bold red jackets and dresses by Chanel, Michael Kors, and Louis Vuitton. LEOPARD is BACK. I personally am never ever a fan of leopard, unless it's super high end and done the right way, and of course-- unaffordable, but I am currently LOVING these booties from Guiseppe Zanotti. I think they are a Fall must-have with black tights and a black dress!



Feathers are DONE. Get them out of your hair, take them out of your ears and put them away for a few seasons. That's one trend I just did not really understand.... along with this "Shatter" nail polish... (sorry to my lovely friends who have partaken in this movement). I was reading in my recent Glamour mag that it is now OKAY to mix colors on your hands and toes. I have to say, I disagree. Just looks sloppy...

As you start your Fall -back to school/back to work/ back to Fall shopping, just keep a few things in mind: Blazer's are still in, but don't pair it with EVERY outfit, colors are LOUD and vibrant this season... don't be shy!, and FUR, FUR, FUR, but please wait until it's chilly out or you just look like a fool.

 
This is what we have to look forward to! ... That is, if you can survive the undertaking of creating your LDW ensemle!


<3 Elle