FALL STREET FASHION…ON THE LOOSE IN NEW YORK CITY

This week one of our fashion bloggers is set loose on the streets of New York City to discover and report the latest trends in Fall fashion street wear. What is the common girl on the street wearing to business, lunch, and evening? And how do New Yorkers incorporate fashion into their busy, non stop lifestyles? Let’s discover what’s trending and find out ways you can implement into your Seasonal wardrobe and your lifestyle needs this year.

PRACTICAL COATS WITHOUT THE YAWN 

In preparation for the trip, I ended up packing only one bomber leather jacket. However, I should have followed the chic coat option all of New York is wearing this Season. In the city that never sleeps, women know that an all purpose, durable coat is the way to go for Fall. Lighter than fur or wool, the camel trench coat is one of this Season’s favorite jacket options, suitable paired over your work suit and later with a chic midi dress and over the knee suede boots.

Be FURocious 

Being from L.A., I had wondered if “fur” is a taboo touchy clothing piece for Fall so ended up leaving my faux fur vest and real fur jacket at home. That’s not the case here in NYC. Cozy fur vests and coats are all the rage paired over anything from business suits to a day out in Central Park, faux of course for the protection of animals.

And Don’t Forget The Brights

You hear the myth that all New Yorkers only wear black and dark colors, so as to not stand out too much as a tourist, I opted to pack and wear neutral colors only. Boy was I wrong. New York women know how to stand in color, but with a more sophisticated approach. They pair one brightly lit statement piece and accessorize with solid colors and minimal jewelry. Try your black slacks with a bright outer piece to stand out like an “Oh So Chic” New Yorker.

ALL WHITE IS STILL OK 

Throw out the “no white” after Labor Day rule, and make your own rules like the New York women do. I tend to always push my white and ivory clothes to the back of the closet for Fall and Winter, but the New York women know that rules were made to be broken. They steer clear of silk and chiffon pieces, in favor of heavier fabrics like wool. I am actually on the look out for a white leather jacket for Fall here in the Fashion District.

Seen outside Carnegie Hall, I liked how she dressed up for the night in a tailored dress and crisp heels for a busy night out on the town.

Some Of Our Favorite White Pieces 
Ivory Tailored Bolero Jacket
Catrinah Lace Dress
Laszio Sequin Cocktail Dress
Silk Charmeuse Dress
Joe Ultra Suede Leggings
Bruna Embossed Faux Fur Jacket

SILKY SLIP DRESS

I’ve always been a bit leery of wearing a barely there silk slip dress during the Fall. But New Yorkers are pairing the slinky silhouette this Season with hardier fare, from tees underneath, to moto jackets, to long trenches. Combine with your favorite ankle boots for downtown shopping style and switch to strappy heels as you head to a Broadway show. Check out this flowy one I found at Bloomingdale’s in the heart of the city.

Need a little romance in your afternoon? Try a glitter knit slip dress paired with a chunky oversized cardigan for a chic and comfortable New York errand running girl. No time for a trip home? Pull slinky heels from your tote and meet friends at Hudson Clearwater hidden restaurant.

Check out the Brooklyn Museum  in a sophisticated black & white slip dress and leather jacket then dine at Saul for a NY evening to remember.

ANKLE LOVING BOOTS 

And speaking of ankle boots, they are my “go to” shoes roaming the streets of NYC. As I expected, the streets are covered with every single boot style imaginable, from combat, to suede, to rocker style, to patent leather. My ankle boots were perfect to pair with my leggings all day and with my jumpsuit at night for the ballet. If you only get one shoe this Fall, get the versatile ankle boot.

Rocker Style Ankle Boots

Office Slash Evening Ankle Boots

Utilitarian Chic Ankle Boots

LONG VESTS AND SKINNIES MESH

What a great styling option, suitable for women from young to old. Skinnies are easy to pack and slim the leg on everyone. I brought a variety of these adaptable pants to switch out with different shirt options. How does New York style their skinnies? With an oversized chunky sweater and ankle boots or heels for a night on the town. I just had to head to Macy’s on 34th to grab me a pair of NYC’s favorite.

The vest and skinny work easily for the office or a chill fall NY day. Pair your black lace skinnies with a long sleeve knit top and oversized vest for office days or shimmy into your favorite jeans and satin top and stroll Manhattan for a totally you afternoon.

LAYERED LIKE A LOCAL

Since I only took 1 carryon, I had to think about layers while in NYC. How do they keep so warm, especially on brisk windy Fall days? I spotted jeans paired with a plaid long sleeve, infinity scarf, and a chic wool blazer; an A line skirt with long sleeve sweater tucked in; and I myself wore leggings, tight sweater, and warm vest that kept me comfy all night long.

On the go? Shimmy into a pair of leggings, pullover an oversized sweater and slip into to some concrete loving kicks for a busy New York Minute.

No matter how you choose to layer, the ONE item all New Yorkers never go without is a long warm scarf. From Central Park to Broadway to Greenwich, these girls know how to style a scarf. Layer a long draping sweater over a knit top and infinity scarf with your favorite jeans tucked into some serious leather combat boots for a NY City walk about.

So whether you’re in The City to see the sites, taste to food, listen to the music or everything in between. Be sure to dress like a local, but always remember to
Be YOU, Be Fashionable, and ALWAYS Be Feminine.

8 FASHION PIECES YOU SHOULD BUY IN SEPTEMBER

New season, new you! Much like the first day of the year, back-to-school season is about starting over, wiping your slate clean, relishing beginnings, and all that. That means either reinvention with a complete wardrobe overhaul or, your same look, but enhanced with key purchases. Whether you are actively pursuing “a look” like an ’80s mom aesthetic with a blazer and burgundy midi boots or are splurging on a one hero investment, like a sleek double-breasted coat in preparation for winter or a newly discovered carryall that will last a lifetime, scroll through to find out what you should buy this month, because we definitely are.

(1) MENSWEAR BUTTON DOWN BLAZER

Why not “borrow from the boys” with a menswear button down blazer? Whether you choose to steal your partner’s jacket, or find a more tailored style to fit your silhouette, this is an easy way to spruce up your Fall wardrobe with the things you already have in your closet.

Don’t just reserve the menswear jacket for daytime. You can also pair your coat with your favorite dress and sheer tights to keep you warm against Fall’s chilly nights.

Check out our favorite “menswear” style jackets here:
“East Meets West” Taupe Beaded Ponte Jacket
“Bolero” Black Jacket

(2) THE HOBO BAG

We found the perfect Fall carryall- a hobo bag is roomy enough to hold an iPad, but not too big that it overwhelms. Mix a deep brown shade with your favorite flare jeans for a subtle style or go with a bright pop of color added to your normal fashion routine. And to top it off, we love that you can buy different types of straps (woven, chain, etc) to match whatever mood you’re in.

Our favorite flare jeans to match the hobo bag with:
1921’s “Distressed” Denim Jeans
AC Collection’s Medium Wash Flare Jeans
Hudson’s “Ferris Flap” Pocket Flap Jeans

(3) STATEMENT SWEATERS

All the faded jeans, slouchy overalls, and leggings in your wardrobe simply cannot survive Fall without the help of a cozy long-sleeve knit sweater in a statement color or print. Whether you prefer a chevron, animal, or sequin print, make a statement without saying a word this Season.

Check out our favorite “statement sweater” options you can try:
“Design to Mesmerize” Pink Chevron Sweater
“Sequin” Black Pullover Sweater
“Lucie” Grey Elephant Sweater

(4) STATEMENT RINGS

And speaking of making a statement, why not try this Season’s favorite jewelry trend. Trade out your delicate, threadbare-thin bands and go for bold, beautiful gemstone disc rings. They look like candy, and you can wear one or many all at the same time. Even if you don’t change anything in your wardrobe this year, a big, glittering piece of jewelry will draw attention and make you stand out.

Shop our favorite finds here:
“Aegean” Round Stone Ring
“Ever Tiger Eye” Disk Ring
“Compass” Silver Ring

(5) CLASSIC DOUBLE BREASTED COAT

In anticipation of Fall, invest in a durable double-breasted coat. It is the perfect transitional piece and versatile enough to be dressed up or down. Pair with your favorite evening attire for a night on the town, and throw over your favorite button down and jeans for errands during the day.

Our favorite pairings with your double breasted coat:
“Amelie” Black Suede Sheath Dress
Hudson’s “Collin Skinny” Jeans
“Jepson” Black Faux Leather Leggings

You can also wear your coat as a dress, pairing with a turtleneck and tights when the weather is chilly, or go solo with just the coat and a chic pair of nude heels for a streamline effect. However you choose to style, be sure to include this classic into your wardrobe this Season.

(6) HIGH WAISTED PANTS

They hide love handles, belly bulges, and front flab. They keep shirts properly tucked in. Best of all, they don’t give you a muffin top or show a plumber’s crack. No wonder that the high-waisted style is on the rise. Take a cue from celeb Selena Gomez and go “business” glam with a chic pair of sleek black high waisted wide leg slacks combined with a matching blouse tucked at the waist for a streamlined, slimming silhouette.

On casual days, grab a pair of high waisted denim jeans and pair with your favorite comfy tank and ankle boots for a no nonsense style.

Segue into the evening hours by pairing your high waisted pants, whether jeans or slacks, with an eye catching sequined top for nighttime glam.

Click here to see our favorite high waisted options you can wear this Fall:
AC Collection’s Black Wide Leg Pant
AC Collection’s Black High Waisted Skinny Jeans
AC Collection’s Dark Wash High Waisted Skinny Jeans

(7) LEOPARD PRINT

 The power of the spots is immediate: They can make the laziest outfit seem intentional. Leopard print has been around for decades, from Josephine Baker and Jean Harlow in the 30’s to Eartha Kitt and Bettie Page in the ’50s, and in the ’60s, it was Mrs. Robinson in “The Graduate” and Edie Sedgwick in Andy Warhol’s Factory. Keep running through time and you’ll see Elizabeth Taylor and Catherine Deneuve in the print. These days, it’s favored by Kate Moss, Anna Wintour, and Michelle Obama. Notice a trend here? These are all strong women with strong points of view.

It’s no surprise that at a time when the world at large is questioning what it means to be a strong woman, leopard print has popped up as a runway trend at shows from Prada to Givenchy. Looking at Hillary Clinton in her thigh-grazing coats and wide-leg pants is making us think about what it means to power dress in 2016.  Just as female leopards are the hunters of their prides, so do females in leopard print tend to be of the “Girl Boss” variety.

Take a look at our favorite “leopard print” styles you can get today:
“Nico” Mid Rise Super Skinny Jeans
“Martina”Green Printed Tank Top
“Bright Young Things” Bodycon Dress

Why not let your hands do the talking in a chic “leopard print” nail fashion. Check out our favorite tutorial below on how you can achieve the look at home.

Leopard Print Nail Art

(8) STUNNING MIDI BOOTS

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And finally, you can’t go wrong with a chic midi boot for Fall. The trick to styling? Find your sweet spot: For those with a bulkier calf, aim for a boot that ends just under the widest part of the muscle. For those with slim limbs, a heel always helps.

Still clinging to your minis? Tights will even the whole thing out in a pinch for a classy streamlined effect.

Shop our favorite Fall mini skirt styles today:
“Berlin” A Line White Knit Skirt
“Asiah” Beige Patchwork Suede Skirt
“Valda” Black Mixed Media Ultra Suede Skirt

Midi boots also pair perfectly with this Season’s midi skirt, giving just a hint of alluring leg action, in the way a flash of wrist or ankle might have caused shockwaves for a Victorian era audience.

Our favorite midi skirts:
“Kenley” Black Floral Lace Midi Skirt
“Corra” A Line Midi Skirt
“Timeless Lace” Grey Floral Midi Skirt

And don’t forget your favorite pair of comfy cropped and skinny jeans or pants. The midi boot blends perfectly with the shortened leg combined with a chunky sweater or oversized coat for perfect Fall style.

Our favorite cropped leg pants to choose from this Fall:
Joe’s Rolled Classic Cropped Jeans
Hudson’s Cropped Distressed Boyfriend Jeans
“Rylie” Black Satin Cropped Pant

Which Fall Fashion item will you include into your wardrobe collection this year? Make a point to add at least one NEW piece to usher in and celebrate the Autumn Season. Whether you choose Leopard Print, a Hobo Bag, or Midi Boots, you are sure to shine in style this Season.

And remember we here at Posh at Play want to remind you to
Be YOU, Be Fabulous, and always Be Feminine.