FASHION LIKES THE NUTCRACKER

The lights. The costumes. The music. The magic. The Season would not be the same without Sugarplums dancing in our heads to the ever popular Nutcracker tunes. This week, we focus on the iconic Nutcracker ballet seen continuously on stage every year throughout the world since 1892. Though not all of us can be as graceful as a ballerina, this week we focus on fashion inspired by this beautiful holiday classic. Whether you go see “The Nutcracker” ballet at the theater or only dance to the music in your head, you’ll feel a part of this holiday tradition with our top picks based on the iconic characters from the story.

“THE NUTCRACKER PRINCE”

Fight off the winter chill and emulate the ballet’s hero in a chic military-style jacket, snug leggings, and knee high boots. From DSquared2 to Rag and Bone, military jackets are one of this Season’s trendiest coats of choice. We like Hale Bob’s taupe beaded stretch Ponte jacket paired with grey ultra suede leggings and suede knee high boots from Sole Society. Switch up your look by changing the color of your pants each day from red suede, to winter ivory, to chocolate brown. If you prefer dresses over pants, you’ll look smashing in Hale Bob’s black long sleeve silk jersey wrap dress accessorized with chic slouchy ankle booties from Vince Camuto or classic shiny black knee highs from Franco Sarto. You are sure to win this holiday Season in a outfit inspired by the iconic star of “The Nutcracker” ballet.

“CLARA”

Like Clara, the heroine of the story, you will shine like a star in a luscious blush pink maxi dress this Season. Rather than go with traditional red and white, wow your “audience” in style with one of this year’s most popular colors. We love Liberty Garden’s pale pink embroidered cami crinkle maxi dress paired with matching delicate heels from Betsey Johnson and a “Nutcracker” themed handbag. Top with a warm grey cashmere sweater from Tibi, perfect for the chilly theater or a cold winter night. For true “ballet” fashion, go with ballerina flats from Steve Madden and a cozy ballerina wrap sweater from Diane von Furstenberg, perfect for any holiday occasion.

“THE BALLERINA DOLL”

Entertain your guests this year with an outfit inspired by the “Party children’s” favorite gift from Uncle Drosselmeyer. Look for colorful geometric patterns on blouses, skirts, and dresses to dazzle in style at your next holiday party or event. We like Hale Bob’s black and blue printed crepe de chine shift dress paired with warm black tights and black booties from Topshop. On dressier occasions, whip your hair into a topknot, swipe on a splash of cherry red lip tint and top with Eileen Fisher’s cozy velvet stole, embellished heels from Badgley Mischka, and a sparkling silver clutch from Rebecca Minkoff. Forgo the dress and try  Vince Camuto’s soft pastel colored geometric print sweater paired with your favorite jeans on casual winter days. However you choose to style, try the “ballerina doll’s” geometric patterns this Season.

“SPANISH DANCE”

Spice up your holiday style this in a fiery red look inspired by “The Nutcracker’s” Spanish hot chocolate. From dresses, to blouses, to pants, to shoes, brighten up your wardrobe this year with one of the Season’s favorite color schemes. We like Hale Bob’s long sleeve red lace dress with peplum topped with black patent leather pumps from Charles David, a velvet black clutch from Claire V, and accessorized with a handmade red rose hairpiece. We also like Hale Bob’s elegant red stretch silk  Charmeuse gown perfect for a night at the ballet, or go with Michael Kors’ red fringed cowl neck sweater paired with your favorite jeans for easy, everyday style. However you choose to style, add a pop of “Spanish” red to your wardrobe this winter.

“CHINESE DANCE”

Bring a touch of the Orient to your holidays with an outfit inspired by “The Nutcracker’s” Chinese Tea. Start with Hale Bob’s cute cropped floral pants in pink or mint paired with Liberty Garden’s pink “tattered” long sleeve shirt or go with a trendy mixed pattern style in A.P.C.’s striped tee and Ralph Lauren’s bright burnt orange overcoat as featured above. For your next holiday party event, we like Dosa’s “Chinese”inspired tunic dress paired with Chinese Laundry’s “ballerina” embellished flats and pearl clutch from Badgley Mischka. Brew a hot green tea and spread holiday cheer this Season in your “Oriental” style fashion.

“ARABIAN PRINCESS”

Like “The Nutcracker’s” Arabian Princess, bring an air of mystery and romance to your holiday Season this year. Start with Hale Bob’s wide leg crepe de chine pants in blue or grey and top with a blue beaded silk blouse with dolman sleeves. On casual days, go with Liberty Garden’s grey quilted jogger pants paired with the black long sleeve shirt with mesh inserts and embellished pointy toes flats from Kristin Cavallari. Sparkle in gold, Arabia’s favorite metal, at your next holiday party in Hale Bob’s gold sequined sleeveless dress accessorized with ankle strap heels from Betsey Johnson, gold box clutch from Moschino, and a spritz of spice from Marc Jacobs’ Decadence fragrance.

“WALTZ OF THE FLOWERS”

As mentioned in last week’s “Holiday Party Trends,” floral is trending for Winter 2015 and what better way to usher in a hint of warm Spring air than with a lovely floral pattern dress a la “Waltz of the Flowers.” We like Hale Bob’s coral knit maxi length dress paired with black open toed pumps from Kate Spade and a matching black leather jacket to protect against Winter’s chilly weather. Or keep to the Season’s warmer colors in Hale Bob’s purple rushed floral wrap dress accessorized with black suede booties from Tory Burch and an embellished floral stone cascade necklace from BCBGMAXAZRIA. Get ahead on the Spring trend and surprise with floral at your next holiday gathering or event. You’ll be “waltzing” down the streets in style.

Whether you favor Clara’s pink dress, or The Prince’s military jacket, or Spanish’s fiery red, or the Flower’s floral pattern, you can bring a touch of “The Nutcracker” to your winter wardrobe this Season. If you get a chance, attend your local ballet school’s annual production this year and donate to the live arts. You don’t have to be a dancer to be a part of the loveliness of the art form. Channel your inner ballerina dreams this Season, choose your favorite inspiring character, and twirl in style at your next holiday gathering.

 

 

 

FASHION’S NEW BUSINESS SUIT

 

I have never been a big fan of women’s business wear, but this Season’s designers are making me want to shop all the latest trends for women’s wear in the office. With the Fall season TV premieres in full swing, female actresses are featured in strong leading roles with wardrobes to match. Gone are the sharp shoulder pads, stuffy tweeds, and unflattering hemlines, designers this Fall are updating women’s wear in the office to reflect the way women’s leadership is changing. Thanks to role models like Michelle Obama, women today no longer have to hide their femininity or womanly figure to be considered seriously. Film makers are reflecting this mindset by writing scripts giving actresses strong leading roles which play up their smart, commanding side while also featuring their more personal, feminine side at the same time. Designers like Prada, Caroline Herrera, and Ann Taylor are reinventing the “power suit” by introducing sheer fabrics, ruffles, and neutral pastels as a way to bring a feminine touch to women’s business dress. The great thing about these new, fresh “power suits” is that they appeal to all women, not just businesswomen, and can easily transition to cocktail hour or an evening out. I will definitely be adding some of these new items to my closet this Fall. Check out my favorites below:

 Julianna Margulies, “The Good Wife”

No one wears a “power suit” better than Julianna Margulies’ Alicia Floorick on the popular show “The Good Wife.” Costume designer Daniel Lawson now has his own fashion line 35DL with clothing you can buy inspired by Julianna’s character on the show. His advice for an updated business look: “It’s most important not to over accessorize. A sleek outfit with one significant piece of jewelry becomes a more focused look.” Check out his clothing line at www.35dl.net and pick out a chic new business suit for a meeting out. Try an Ann Taylor cropped grey jacket with contrasting lapels for an updated  look.

Or go with my favorite a black updated Muglar jacket from 35dl paired with a black Hale Bob fitted skirt and accessorize with gold bangles from Forever 21. Daniel Lawson also advises dressing in monochromic colors head-to-toe for the strongest image.

 Julia Louis-Dreyfus, VEEP

Quirky, zany Julia Louis-Dreyfus brings a fun, comedic inside to the White House with her character Selina Meyer as Vice President in “VEEP,” and her wardrobe reflects her “you don’t always have  to follow the rules” attitude.  Julia brings the mystery and mystic of politics and the White House down to the common person’s level through her impeccable comedic timing and down-home manner that audiences everywhere can relate to. Her wardrobe on the show reflects her character’s personality perfectly while staying with mostly business dresses and skirts, but with a fitted form and bright colors for Fall 2014. No need to wear only dark colors. Try bright colors like red, yellow or emerald, trending on the Runway, for an updated look this Fall.

I love these red hot slacks from BCBG paired with a flowing Vince Camuto neutral blouse and Charlotte Russe nude pumps with mesh lining for all-day comfort and style. Accessorize with chic gold chandelier earrings and sweep your hair into a chic ballerina bun for an updated business look.

Or, reverse the color scheme, and go with a hot red Hale Bob button down blouse paired with Donna Karan neutral colored slacks. Either way you choose, throw some color into your Fall business wardrobe this Fall.

Robin Wright, “House of Cards”

Robin Wright exerts her power and prowess as Carrie Underwood on “House of Cards,” going to “battle” everyday for her politically minded husband  Frank Underwood, played by Kevin Spacey. She stays cool, calm, and collected throughout, though, with her fashion taste leaning more towards darker navy and black, and form-fitting dresses and skirts, without revealing too much. I love the femininity and grace Robin Wright brings to the character, but with strength and backbone, reminiscent of Grace Kelly. Slick back you hair, and dress for power and grace like Carrie Underwood with a Ralph Lauren fitted navy dress paired with solid black pumps and handbag.

Or pair a solid black pencil skirt with a sheer silk chiffon button down from Hale Bob, just a touch of femininity without revealing too much at the office.

Kerry Washington, “Scandal”

ABC’s newest hit “Scandal,’ renewed for a 4th Season, stars Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope, former White House Director of Communications and now head of her own crisis management firm. Her character and sense of style have become so widely popular that this Fall “The Limited” stores debuted the “Scandal Collection” featuring designs worn by the character. The things I love most about this line are the soft neutral colors, trendy designs, and youthful yet strong statement pieces brought into the workplace setting.

Get Olivia’s similar look with Hale Bob wide leg satin lace pants and soft satin pink camisole. Pair with a cropped ivory Hale Bob jacket and chic nude heels and you are ready to conquer any conflict in style. Be sure to tune into ABC every Thursday for the next “scandalous” fashion.

Claire Danes, “Homeland”

A “hands-on” woman of the office, Claire Danes’ Carrie Mathison of “Homeland” rocks the casual office look, as well as the business suit. For “casual Fridays,” pair office appropriate Hudson signature bootcut jeans with a Hale Bob chic sleeveless silk blue top and NEW Steve Madden Lidiaa chunky heels for on the go days.

For chillier days, pair your “casual Friday” outfit with a statement wrap like Hale Bob’s new hot red fur vest paired with chic Nine West black booties and Prada cat-eye sunglasses.

Whether or not you are are a business woman, you’ll love the styles this Season that fashion designers are creating for the working woman. Chic, classy, strong, and feminine all at the same time, this Season’s new business suit is a style trend not to miss. Great for work, play, or the cocktail hour, women’s business dress has never looked so fresh and stylish. Usually I would never be interested in “office wear,” but with these styles that designers are creating this Season, I can’t wait to grab a pair of silky wide leg pants, a lacy cami, or pencil skirt to add to my Fall Wardrobe. So grab some popcorn, settle into the latest episode of “Scandal,” “The Good Wife,” “Homeland,” “House of Cards,” or “VEEP” and be inspired by these strong character roles with style to match.

ACCESSORIZE YOUR FALL WARDROBE

Welcome to the first week of Fall! As the season changes and the weather becomes a little cooler, it’s time to start trading in your chic strappy sandals and beach totes for Fall Fashion accessories. Everyday we focus on what we will wear, however we oftentimes overlook accessorizing our wardrobe with just the right elements to make even a sweater and skinny jeans pop with style. It doesn’t have to be complicated, even the smallest accessory can change an entire outfit for an updated look for Fall 2014. Even better, if you are on a budget this Fall, adding a few trending Fall accessories to your current wardrobe is a great way to update your style without spending too much money. We’ve made it even easier for you by picking out our favorite Fall Fashion accessories trending this Fall. Peruse our finds below, and pick out your favorite Fall accessory to try out this Season. Happy Shopping!

FRINGE

Yee-haw! Country and Western touches are all the rage this Season, from handbags to jackets to skirts to jewelry. For a subtle western touch this Season, we are loving this neutral colored fringed oversized tote from Tory Burch or chic fringe earrings from H & M. Embrace the trend in full force with Free People’s fringe suede jacket or  fringe dress which can be paired over sleek silky pants like Chrissy Teigen at an MYNY event in NYC, or go with fringe western styled boots from Nordstrom for a rollicking good time. If you are feeling really daring this Fall, go for a Fringe hairstyle, a blunt choppy cut like Rose Byrne or fringe bangs like Jessica Chastain.

KNEE HIGH BOOTS

With the sixties in full swing this Season, it is a perfect time to try out the knee high boot trend. This Fall, the flat heel knee hit boot paired with a short dress, mini-skirt, or skinny jeans will keep you feeling fresh, and chic all season long. We are loving these Tory Burch suede button back flat heel knee high boots paired with a chic Betsey Johnson plaid sweater mini-dress and a patterned Hale Bob scarf. Or try snug fitted  heeled knee high boots paired with Hudson skinny jeans and a cozy ribbed funnel neck sweater from Topshop for a casual look. Either way this Season’s knee high boots are a Fall accessory that will  have you feeling groovy all Season long.

 MATCHING COLORS

As we mentioned in our “Fall Fashion” blog in August, designers this season are going for a matching, monochromatic color scheme for Fall fashion and accessories. This season, you don’t have to question what color shoes or handbag to choose, just match with the same color scheme as your chosen outfit for an up-to-date look. Trending colors for Fall are hot red, bright yellow, gray on gray, bright orange, and neutral as well as soft beiges and pinks. Wearing a monochromatic look is not for the bashful, so go big and go bold this Fall for a hot evening out by paring an Anne Klein fit and flare dress with matching Valentino red boots and handbag from Ralph Lauren. For casual, try, hot red Citizens of Humanity skinny jeans, and a red chunky wool sweater. As fashion designer Harry Winston says, “People will always stare. Make it worth their while.”

EVERYTHING FUR

Fur. Fur. Fur. Though it isn’t a groundbreaking fashion statement to wear fur in Fall and Winter, this season, look for fur on the most unusual accessories, from heels, to boots, to handbags, to jewelry, to collars. Forgo the usual fur coat, and update your Fall wardrobe with a chic fur vest. Pair the look with Hudson skinny black jeans, a contrasting Rag & Bone striped top, embellished bangles from Forever 21, and chic Guess heeled booties trimmed with fur for a perfect Fall look. Our top picks for fur vests are Topshop’s grey faux fur vest, Zara’s fur waistcoat with belt, and Anthropologie’s fur shawl vest. We’re loving the fur trend so much, we had to snatch the NEW DKNY faux fur handbag we found at Macy’s.

ANIMAL PRINT

Roar! Beginning in the Spring of 2014 and continuing into the Fall season, animal print is definitely here to stay. For Fall, pair animal print accessories with basic wardrobe essentials to enhance the look. For a chic office style that can easily segue into cocktail hour, pair your favorite black midi skirt and crisp white button down with gold bangles and leopard print clutch and heels by Jennifer Lopez. You can also add little animal print touches with The Limited’s animal print belt paired with jeans, a leopard print watch by Betsey Johnson, or even an animal print wallet from Nine West for a quick trip to the market.

THE FLOPPY HAT

Gone is the stocking cap and the fedora. Say hello to this Season’s oversized floppy hat. Trending throughout the Summer season as a chic beach and festival-goer accessory, the floppy hat segues easily into Fall by pairing with your oversized sunglasses, AC Collection wide leg jeans, and comfy chunky sweater. Not just for casual, wear your floppy hat to work in style paired with a maxi skirt and sweater, accessorized with gold bangles. For a dinner out, pair your hat with a chic black belted dress and stockings. Our favorite floppy hat picks are Nordstrom’s two-toned floppy hat, Topshop’s burgundy felt floppy hat, and Urban Outfitters’ studded floppy hat. For a completely different look, don’t just wait for a bad hair day. Accessorize with a floppy hat to spice up your wardrobe this Fall.

BLANKET LENGTH PATTERNED SCARVES

The scarf is the new necklace this Fall season. The wonderful thing about scarves is that they are oftentimes less expensive than coats and jackets, allowing you to select several different fabric options for cooler or warmer days as the weather fluctuates. You also have the luxury of draping a scarf over your coat for extremely cold days, staying warm but fashionable at the same time. For warmer weather, drape a silky scarf over your favorite chunky sweater and grey AC Collection skinny jeans. Our favorites are Hale Bob’s neutral pattern scarf, Hale Bob’s bright purple scarf, and Etro’s muti-media print scarf with trendy fringe accents. Pair with Chinese Laundry’s knee high boots, combining two trendy Fall Fashion accessories into one. For colder winter weather, wrap a chunky wool scarf around your neckline and let it drape over your warm Kate Spade peacoat jacket, jeans, and boots. Our favorite wool cozy scarves this Season are Burberry’s Wool berry-colored scarf, Free People’s Boucle long scarf, or go longer with a soft, drapey shawl. Of all the wonderful accessory options this Fall, we choose the blanket length scarf as our first accessory buy of the Season.

From belts to jewelry to scarves to shoes, accessorizing this Fall can be fun and doesn’t have to break the bank. Even if you don’t have much time to shop or much money to spend, pursue your favorite online store and add a chic fur vest for after-hours dinner, or a leopard patterned clutch, or a long scarf to keep you warm in the chillier Fall weather. The choice is yours- fringe accent, knee length boots, monochromatic ensemble, fur vest, leopard print, or waist length scarf. Which accessory will YOU choose this Fall?

ROCKIN THE DENIM TREND FOR FALL

 

THE BOYFRIEND JEAN

As we transition into Fall when the temperatures fluctuate between cool and warm, it’s time to start shopping for JEANS, Fall’s wardrobe staple. With your favorite pair of JEANS, you are sure to stay stylish and chic all season long. Our top pick for this Fall season’s denim trend is the Boyfriend jean. For a fresh and trendy look, roll the cuffs on your Boyfriend jeans and pair with a basic white T and Hale Bob wrap sweater. Finish off the look with classic nude heels from LuLu’s for an updated style. Grab a pumpkin spice latte, cozy into your couch, and start shopping a selection of Boyfriend jeans, our top denim pick of the season, at our quick and easy online store.

THE CROPPED SKINNY JEAN

The cropped jean is the perfect way to transition as the weather changes. The shorter style allows a range of style possibilities by pairing with a graphic print T for warmer days or a button down top and sweater for cooler weather. This Fall season look for the cropped jean with rolled cuffs and pair with chic floral wedges from Shoe Republic L.A. for an updated look for 2014. Shop our Citizens Of Humanity cropped skinny denim jean trend at our Posh at Play online store.

THE FIT & FLARE JEAN

In a slightly 70’s throwback, the flare jean is a denim must for Fall Fashion 2014. Instead of throwing on the basic straight leg jean, get groovy this season and grab a pair of flare jeans for those busy days out. For the most flattering silhouette, look for a flare denim jean with mid-rise waistline and a tight fit through the hip and thigh, opening into a slight flare at the cuff. Pair your flare jeans with a Hale Bob knit turtleneck, sweater, button down blouse, or anything that can be tucked in or with a shorter hemline, all found at our online store. For the finishing touch, throw on an Anne Klein chunky wedge bootie or low heeled sandal for a chic Fall season.

THE EMBELLISHED JEAN

Jeans don’t have to be boring this Fall 2014! Trending this season are denim jeans with a little embellishment, whether it is patchwork on boyfriend jeans, gold and silver zippers on skinny jeans, or sequined detailing on bootcut jeans. Try pairing your embellished jeans a with solid color top. and for chillier evenings, a short Motorcycle jacket from Hale Bob. Accessorize with bangles and multi-layered necklaces. Shop our chic embellished hot red J Brand denim jeans today.

THE RETURN OF THE SKIRT

If you add any new denim item this Fall Season, let it be the denim jean skirt. A throwback to the 90’s, the denim jean skirt is back in full force this season from mini, to midi, to knee length. Update the denim jean skirt this year by pairing it with a crop sweater and Michael Kors booties, or wear for business with a fitted trench coat and heels. Dressed up or casual, the denim jean skirt is a fashion forward trend this season that you won’t want to miss. Shop our denim jean AC Collection skirt in black or blue and start off the season in style.

THE BABY BOOTCUT JEAN

While the “bootcut” jean is a style since past, designers this year are updating the look with the “baby bootcut jean,” a skinny, fitted denim jean with a slight flare at the cuff to pair with you favorite booties for Fall. To prevent looking too “frumpy” in your baby bootcut jeans, look for a a skinny fit through the hip and thigh, and make sure the length of the leg hits right at your shoes, not shorter. Pair your trendy baby bootcut denim jeans with a simple tank, Hale Bob cropped fitted cardigan, and Juicy Couture chic heels or Madden Girl heeled boots from DSW for an updated Fall 2014 look. Steer away from oversized coats or baggy sweaters, and show off your chic silhouette. If you are leery of trying the skinny jean, the baby bootcut jean is the perfect jean for you.

THE MID RISE SKINNY JEAN

The Skinny denim jean is here to stay! Updated for Fall 2014, designers this year re-fashioned the skinny jean with a mid rise waistline to create a longer, leaner leg line. The perfect jean if you’ve always wished for longer “model” legs, and if you are already blessed with a long leg line, your gams will look longer than ever in the mid rise skinny denim jean. Join celebs like Kate Bosworth and Miranda Kerr who have recently been spotted sporting the  mid rise skinny denim this Season. For a Fall lunch out, pair your mid rise jean with a silk ivory charmeuse Hale Bob top and leopard ballerina flats from Lucky Brand . Or for casual days, pair with a cozy French Terry cropped hoodie from Juicy Couture’s NEW line at Kohls and Juicy Couture platform wedges. Shop our collection of  mid rise skinny jean selections in a range of colors from Hudson Jeans.

THE ROCKER JEAN

Combining three trending silhouettes for Fall 2014- flare, skinny, and mid rise, the Rocker is your answer to this Season’s hottest denim trend. The Rocker jean distinguishes itself from the fit and flare jean with a slightly less flare at the cuff, slightly tighter fit through the hip and thigh, and  distressing throughout the knees and thighs for a casual but chic style. Rock out with a casual white Hale Bob cami and L.A.M.B ‘Thacker’ wedge boots , or sweep your hair in a ballerina bun, and carry the look to work by pairing with a sheer blouse, an Anne Klein fitted blazer and Kristin Cavallari heels from Chinese Laundry. For a completely different look, roll cuffs for a cropped style, trending for Fall Fashion 2014. Shop the perfect fit Rocker jeans from Joe’s Jeans.

 So what are you waiting for? Get to shopping this Season’s hottest trends in denim jeans. These are our top picks for this Fall 2014 and into Spring 2015 denim trends we’re seeing on the runways from New York City, to London, to Milan. From The Boyfriend, to The Cropped, to The Rocker, to The Mid Rise, you are sure to find a denim jean to fit your style this season. For your convenience, follow the links and get to shopping our favorite selections at our online store, keeping you updated with all of the latest trends for an affordable price. Check back often for discounts and new items as well. Spring into Fall fashion with a new updated denim jean silhouette this Season!