October 2007

It’s the end of October and blazing hot in California, so what better time to think about winter coats? Really- we owe it to ourselves to be well dressed in our fantasies of ski lodges and hot toddies. Forget about khaki trenches and black raincoats. Don’t play it safe with your coat- take a risk and make a statement this season.

J Crew

Don’t worry about your new coat matching everything in your closet. When it’s cold enough to don, it’ll be buttoned up so no one will see the rest of your outfit while you’re wearing it. Pick a color you love and live it up.

Banana Republic

If you’re sticking to a traditional color, seek out a distinctive texture, like satin or velvet. A classic cut suddenly becomes a head turner in a non-traditional fabric. It’s not often you can luxury and function, so go for it!

Diane von Furstenberg

With plaids, polka dots, wallpaper prints, geometric designs and exquisite embroidery detailing showing up on coats this fall, why not make the leap and pick a patterned coat!

At this point, you’ve probably seen all the press about sequins, feathers and satin being big, big, big this season. And you’ve probably thought, “If only I was a Rockette/Vegas showgirl/caberet singer…then I could wear that to work.” The good news is, you don’t have to quit your day job to work these trends into your regular wardrobe. The key is using them as accent pieces with what you already own and wear. Think of them like glitter- a little goes a long way and too much will haunt you for years.

INC

A sequin trimmed tank can be worn with jeans on Saturday night, and under a suit during the week. Look for tone-on-tone (black sequins on a black top, silver on grey, etc.) to keep it work appropriate.

Kate Spade

I know it’s hard to think of satin and not imagine high school proms and bridesmaid dresses. Which is precisely why you aren’t wearing a satin dress to the office. But, satin heels- in a heart beat! Swap out your black leather or suede with a pair of conservative satin heels.

Fred Flare

Jewelry is the easiest way to incorporate feathers into your wardrobe. Peacock feather earrings are large and light so they won’t stretch your lobes. Street vendors are an excellent bet for finding cool ones on the cheap.