The 10 things I want most for Fall!

Before you head out to do your shopping for Fall, make a list of what you REALLY want. This way you have a mission once you hit the store, and won't be so easily distracted by the millions of options! I try to only stick to my list when shopping so I don't go overboard. My rule for items not on my list: I must wander past them at least 3 times and swoon before I can make the purchase! If you come back to it three times in the store, you will always come back to it in your closet at home...and that makes a purchase worth it!

Here is what I want NOW!

1. A peplum skirt: This feminine take on the pencil skirt makes dressing for the office more fun!

2. Floral Pencil Skirt: in any color or fabric, this multitasker will look great with a plain collared shirt or fab with a colored cardigan belted over it! Wear it now with sandals and later with tall boots or closed toed pumps!

3. A short sleeved suit with puff sleeves: Instead of the traditional long sleeved wool suit for fall change it up and wear long sleeved tie silk blouses of any color or pattern under a short sleeved feminine version of the wool suit. I love it in navy...very preppy.

4. Camel colored Ankle Boots....ok so I already have a couple pair of the essential booties that are so in right now...but for Fall you can't beat a carmel colored version under tweed or jeans! I can't explain the draw to this color...maybe I love it because it reminds me of a freshly sharpened pencil...and fall just screams School Supplies!

5. A grey leather jacket: any version that is tailored properly will do, stay away from boxy shapes. This one is particularly desirable for the adorable bow tie

6. A purple bandage skirt: I love the bandage look that everyone in Hollywood is wearing right now thanks to Herve Lager. I think a skirt version is much more mid-west appropriate then the full length bandage dress. Here is the purple BCBG version I want, dressed up for the office! It would be killer with a tank and piles of silver chains for going out!

7. Glamorous 50s inspired dresses like those Michelle Pfeiffer's character wore in Hairspray.

Sans the hair, I think the look her character wore was stunning for an evening out! The back of this dress has a flowing cape attached that is so marvelous!

8. A statement necklace to make t-shirts works of art! Believe it or not these are from Forever 21, go on their website you can get great jewelry for cheap without having to go into the crowed store.

9. A silk bubble sleeved shirt in a sandy silvery champagne, to wear under vests or a suit!

10. A great vest! I like them in all fabrics but this Ralph Lauren leather version is so perfect for fall. It's almost like outerwear when paired with a scarf!

Summer brunching

What do you wear to brunch these days? It used to be that brunch with your girlfriends called for a day dress just one step below office attire, but my generation has changed all that. Now we brunch in our weekend wear! Today I went to a delightful brunch at the Good Earth, where I was very glad I wore my grey jeans because the Minnesota breeze was out and about on the patio where I was lunching.

My rule of thumb is , whenever you are going to meet others for a meal, dress for your guest! I want to look nice and presentable to tell my friend I think they are worth dressing up for, but not too formal so as to make them feel out of place. I think this outfit with my flouncy blouse and drop earring told my my brunch date...I think your special and I wanted to look nice for you, but I also know your no stuffy shirt who wears gloves to tea!

PS..these are the killer boots I picked up after brunch while I was mall walking off a few calories! Don't you love their business in the front, party in the back versatility?? Love, S

look books...a why to guide

Every season I like to shop my own closet and pull together a few "go to" outfits for those days when I wake up feeling uninspired or too tired to be inventive. Here are a few from my Fall into Spring look book. I like to pair a few shoe options and sometimes even a pant/skirt option for weather reasons. This look book has been a life saver on days I wake up too late to spend any time dreaming up a smashing ensemble...but I show up to work looking thoughtfully put together!