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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Back to School Shopping for Grownups

August 28, 2012 at 3:54 pm , by Gabrielle Porcaro

I haven’t technically had a first day of school in 10 years but that doesn’t stop me from going back to school shopping. I like to come back from Labor Day with some fresh new clothes, which in elementary school was maybe a new white t-shirt, black leggings and maybe a new multiples outfit, if I was lucky. But it’s important even for adults to start a new season off right. Here’s my grownup shopping list for “back to school” season.

Uniform:  It’s always good to have some great go-to pieces that create a stylish look. For me, I always fall back on skinny jeans and a blazer. This year, I’m going to continue my collegiate look but update the black blazer I’ve had for 9 years with a new navy one. Grabbing a dress or two is never a bad idea too, because they work for September when it’s still warm out and with tights all fall long. Think about getting some trendy pieces to mix in with your basics (check out our September fashion story for some ideas).

Staples:  Don’t forget the little things you use every day. You know, pencils, pens and erasers… or in our case: bras, undies, tights and socks. Now’s the time to stock up for the season.

Book Bag: As someone who does not usually rock a backpack except for a sweet photo op (yes I know my back would prefer it), I’m big fan of a classic brown leather bag. But these colorful bags are fun too and make me want to happily skip to class.

Shoes: Although strappy pumps and studded slippers are on my list, it’s this season’s sensible yet cool flat ankle boots that have me doodling hearts and stars.

Accessories: Spiked edgy jewelry, colorful and crystal mixed pieces and anything art deco-esque will keep you at the cool table at lunch.

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