October 2006

Mmm…velvet…Few fabrics are more sumptuous than velvet. Being both luxurious and affordable, it’s a great choice for coats. And, contrary to common thought, it isn’t just for night and it doesn’t just come in black. Here are three of my favorite velvet coats of the season.

Boden

You’ll be anything but a wallflower in this wallpaper inspired coat. Pair it with a black suit for business or wear it over jeans to stand out at night.

Soft Surroundings

This begs for big chandelier earrings and haughty eyebrows. Wear it with flats and pretend you’re a maharani. Or wear it with high heeled boots for Madison Avenue style.

Newport News

If Cruella DeVil set the color scheme and the Queen of Hearts called the design details, this is what their coat would be. I’m sure there’s a bit of their attitude in the pockets, should you need it.

It’s the season for magpies with all of the shimmer and glimmer in fashion this fall. Don’t worry- we’re not revisiting 80s lamé. The metallics of the new millennium are fabulous. However, as always, the devil is in the details. You want your personality to shine, not your clothes. Look for pieces with a subtle sheen and mix them with matte fabrics. Here are three ways to have a gleam in your eyes and in your wardrobe.

Wear a lustrous skirt with a crisp white blouse for modern elegance. Add a leather jacket for a modern edge.

Pair a sparkly sweater with black pants for evening glamour. Wear it with your favorite jeans and colorful beaded necklaces for daytime panache.

Add a little opulence to bill paying with a silver checkbook holder. Metallic wallets make everything seem richer, including your bank account.