Cold Weather Accessories: Fashion meets Function

November 9, 2012 at 11:49 am , by Gabrielle Porcaro

We have already seen the temperature drop and some snow fall here in NYC (among other insane weather patterns happening recently). Now is the time to run out and grab any winter essentials you might need before it gets any colder. The most important thing for me is that these items are not only functional (ie. keep me from freezing to death) but also fashionable (I mean, it is my job). Here are my function meets fashion picks!

Coats: I have never owned a puffy coat which is weird seeing that I lived on the east coast my whole life. Whenever I tried to wear one I always felt like a Oompa Loompa. But I recently checked out this Uniqlo one and I love how it’s cut a bit thinner and not as bulky. Classic wool coats are always wonderful options too. Toggle coats like this one at Madewell seem to be popular this season. J. Crew, not surprisingly, has some fantastic options as well. I like this blush colored stadium coat.

Boots: Cute, cold weather boots are  hard to find. Especially if you want something warm, classic, and understated (not clunky or overly furry). I am eying these uniquely-cool looking Sorel boots. These will be perfect to get me around the city on wintery days yet won’t look like I am wearing straight-up snow boots all day. To me these are a perfect mix of fashion meets function. My coworker was rocking these Ugg boot yesterday which is another great boot option!

Accessories: When it comes to hats, scarves, and gloves I can’t have enough. My go-to resources for all these items is Echo. They’re affordable, available at departments stores and online, and have such a wide selection of classic and fun items. Gap always has a great selection as well. Techy gloves are a genius idea that we covered years ago but they’re still around and obviously popular so you can communicate and not get frostbite. Another big trend is fur. I say go for faux for ethical or financial reasons. I like these wraps from Restoration Hardware (random, I know, but how cute!) I’m also digging this faux-fur headband from American Eagle. Both will have you looking glamorous and warm.

And don’t forget to go through your old winter items and donate them to people in need!

 

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Fall Essentials: Classic Must-Have Pieces For Your Closet

October 23, 2012 at 4:15 pm , by Marissa Testa

Brr—it’s getting chilly out there, which means it’s definitely time to pack away all of your summer clothes and restock your closet with fall and winter pieces. If your selection is looking thin, we have a handy checklist of new classics that will jump-start your fall wardrobe! These necessities are sure to keep you looking trendy and chic all season long.

 

Whether you are dressing up or keeping it casual, suede booties will go with any outfit. Loft, $98.

Over-sized watches are a staple statement piece this season. Michael Kors, $250.

Score this pleated, mid-length skirt (cute with tights or without) at a discounted price at 6pm.com! Kensie, $88.

A bright colored bag with cute tassel detail is an updated classic that will last for years. Coach, $398.

 Chunky knit sweaters are super comfy and always cute—plus you can’t beat the price. H&M, $35.

Silk scarves are all over the runway this season and a perfect pop. Echo, $88.

This tweed jacket is a little edgier with stud embellishments on the shoulders. Tobi, $76.

 

Pairing this simple sheath dress with a skinny leather belt is a quick and easy look. Gap, $60.

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Get the Boot: Best Booties For Fall

October 18, 2012 at 3:43 pm , by Sue Erneta

Ok…when we say “get the boot”, we don’t really mean THE boot. Because the boot of the season year decade is the coveted Isabel Marant bootie that we shot on Lisa Lundy in our November feature, Real Women, Real Style.

Now, if you don’t have the $630 that it’ll cost to get those beauties, don’t fret. They’ve been hot for long enough to warrant lots of other “versions” so you’re in luck. Just look for something short with a wider moderate heel and a slightly western vibe.

Steve Madden’s Rifffle, available at Piperlime, is perfection in a short bootie for only $110.

From Nine West’s Vintage America Collection, look for Sosie. Comes in 4 colors and only $109. I’m partial to the grey.

For about $200, you’ll love Madewell’s Zipcode boot. It even comes in navy and red!

At J. Crew, her name is Angie. And bonus – she comes in sizes from 5 to 12!

Can you say $79.95? I thought so! Go for Gap’s Buckle Ankle Boots.

Another cheapie! I’m loving these pre-weathered booties from Rocket Dog, available at Macy’s for only $59.95.

Blue suede boots! From Aldo, discounted at 6pm.com.

Glitter coated at Victoria’s Secret for under $100.

Happy shopping!

Opening image photographed by Brooke Nipar. All other images courtesy of each website featured.

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Splurge vs. Steal: the Hottest Jean Trends for Fall!

October 4, 2012 at 9:00 am , by Gabrielle Porcaro

Some women don’t mind splurging on a good pair of jeans, especially if they are very flattering to your figure. Others refuse to pay more than $50 bucks. Whatever your school of thought, there is a lot happening with denim this fall. Check out the hottest trends and some affordable classics.

 

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In Bed with Sofia Vergara

September 27, 2012 at 1:02 pm , by Sue Erneta

Ladies’ Home Journal had the pleasure of meeting Sofia Vergara this morning at the Standard East Village where she presented her new home line for Kmart. The stunning actress (seriously, she really is that pretty in person!) sat on a bed covered in her affordable — and beautiful — bedding and spoke about the collection.  She seemed excited to offer such a well- priced line to her fans (this comforter, pillow sham, and bedskirt set is on sale for $59.99 right now) and she said that it was important to her to make sure the line was easy to care for as well.

We asked her which bedding collection Gloria (her character on ABC’s Modern Family) would choose and she said that the show’s set designers had actually just brought 2 collections to the set and they were going to be used in future episodes. So, which bedding should you watch for in the Delgado-Pritchett bedroom? The warm brown one she favored at today’s presentation and the rich plum group that we were also loving. When asked if they were “Jay-approved” she replied, “Oh. We don’t ask him!” in her very Gloria-esque way.

As for everything-else-Sofia-at-Kmart, we couldn’t get enough of how her skinny jeans looked on all the publicists at this morning’s event. Try the teal ones or basic black for a sexy Sofia look.

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Get Intimate: The Latest Updates in Bras, Shapewear, Tights and Undies!

September 20, 2012 at 2:15 pm , by Gabrielle Porcaro

As a fashion editor we often discuss topics that may seem taboo or even TMI to some. Asking someone their bra size or their favorite type of undies or shapewear is all in a day’s work. I like to be all caught up on what people are loving and what is new out there. Here is a roundup of some of some new intimate things hitting my radar.

Pretty things I am currently obsessed with: A friend recently introduced me to Fortnight and I was floored. I do sometimes get faint at a gorgeous bra (and a bit touchy-feely) but I was also shocked I hadn’t heard of it, since I am a self proclaimed bra expert. It’s not cheap (bottoms starting at $48 bras starting at $69) but I could tell that the quality is just as beautiful as the look of it. Worth a splurge!

Cheap & chic: Who doesn’t love a good deal, especially when the items are actually things you need in styles that are cool. Smart & Sexy truly lives to it’s name and you can get a bra and undies set for only $15.

Newest bra shopping Mecca: There are a ton great online retailers that sell bras but what makes True & Co. different is it starts by giving you a 2 minute “fit quiz” that will result in giving you options for the your prefect bra… no measuring tape required!

The gift that keeps on giving:  PantybyPost.com is like a really cool updated version of the jelly of the month. Order it for yourself or as a gift for a friend and enjoy a monthly lacy surprise in the mail.  (Gals, this is certainly something to share with your husbands and boyfriends.)

2 for 1 tights: Hanes Silk Reflections tights convert into leggings by simply folding up the foot. It’s pure genius!

Run resistant: Got L’eggs’? Well you should! L’eggs new Silken Mist hosiery will keep you run-free all season! Guaranteed to be the best $6 you spend.

The latest and greatest from everyone’s favorite, Spanx: Not only do they have a new extension brand, Assets Red Hot Label by Spanx sold at Kohl’s, they also have fabulous lace shapers that have mesh overlay. They’re not only pretty but they keep you just as sucked in as all other Spanxs. (and FYI, the high-rise thong is very popular with celebs!)

Also check out the blog I Love a Good is a round up of everything intimates!

 

*** Got fashion questions? please email them to me at gabrielle.porcaro@meredith.com … you might just end up in our next issue!

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Fall’s Coolest Trend: Oxblood, Bordeaux, or Burgundy

September 13, 2012 at 8:00 am , by Sue Erneta

If you’re looking for one item to update your wardrobe for fall, all you need is a little wine. The color, that is. The runways were covered with this rich moody hue and the newest way to wear it is piled on with a mix of tones — just like we showed you in our September fashion feature photographed on the gorgeous Stana Katic, above.

For some more ways to shop the trend, check out these links below.

I love this pleated tie waist dress from Banana Republic. It would be great with sandals now and layered up when it gets chillier.

This lace skirt from Talbots is so elegant.

And check out this oversized clutch from Coach. Leopard and burgundy in one bag? LOVE!

Sweet flats with a metal toe cap from Piperlime would go with everything.

Kenneth Cole has some great skinny jeans in the newest neutral.

And for some really cheap options, try the Limited which has a cool faux leather panel t-shirt for $42.90, a faux leather skirt for $69.90 (in mini or “long“) and this lace-back merino-blend cardigan for only $49.90!

Happy shopping!

Image of Stana Katic by Brooke Nipar. All others from brand websites.

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