Transitioning

No, this isn't some weird metaphor about life and fashion (although I could go there if you want). This is strictly about how the heck to dress and shop when it's 80 degrees outside and the only thing at Saks are tights and sweaters. It's officially fall--but if you live around LA, you can't tell by the weather. So how do you go from summer cute, to fall chic without sweating to death in your new cashmere turtleneck? I'm here to help : )

Thank the Lord for layers because they're both this season's hottest look as well as a practical way to transition your lighter-weight summer pieces into cool fall looks.

Summer Staple #1: The Sundress

I love the sundress--cool and comfortable in the summer. Always sexy, practical and befitting. And, with some smart layering can also be one of your transition staples this fall. Take a look at this adorable yellow number--great for a walk on the beach in July:

Or a date in November : ) I added a fine knit 3 Dot turtleneck in brown along with a cute pair of stack heel boots and a Juicy bowler and suddenly you're ready for a crisp fall day instead of a forth of July BBQ.


Staple #2: Shorts

During the hot months of summer, this classic is almost always paired with a loose t-shirt or tank and a pair of your favorite flip flops:

But for a sexy fall kick--try black boots and tights...sounds scarier than it is. Looks hot and a little edgy:

Note: keep the boot height at mid-calf or lower with this look. Knee boots will just conjure up thoughts of Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman...pre-Richard Gere rescue.

Summer Staple #3: Flirty Camisoles

The whimsical soft-as-cotton, barely there camisole is one of my favorite summer pieces. Makes me feel effortless and feminine...

And, if you layer over an adorable Henley with a subtle pattern...you get bo-ho chic.

On this one--note that what really makes this look work is the juxtaposition of the pieces, both in shape AND color. Its refreshing to see a piece as soft as the cami paired with something as strong as the Henley--the contrasting colors reinforce the theme.

Summer Staple #4: The Bikini

Just kidding! Checking to see if you were paying attention ; ) Please DO NOT wear your bikini in November as a piece of clothing...ever.

Summer Staple #5: The Crisp Button Down

I don't know about you--but I live in my button down shirts. Work to weekend, dress pants to mini shorts...they go with everything. I especially love the j.crew. version:

On a completely separate note, I am dying over the fact that they paired with that FANTASTIC animal print belt...so cute! Anyway--back to my point. Although cute--this look can be a bit tough to pull off as the temperatures drop. Enter, the layered long sleeve t-shirt...OVER the button-down not under!

Well, hopefully these tips were useful..what summer item will you be rocking this fall?

Obama-Biden 08!!

acceptingwhoiamnot

accepting...my addiction to Target

I feel like I need to take a moment and wax poetic on my love for Target. At no other establishment can you stock your fridge, decorate your home, dress yourself from head to toe and pick up deodorant all in one trip other than the great Target. I am either blessed, or cursed to work around the corner from a Target. I go for lunch, I stop by after work--I am ashamed to admit that I once actually ran into Target before work to pick up an accessory for that day's outfit!! You see why I say I am addicted?

So my latest trip to Target was nothing short of miraculous. In assessing my wardrobe for fall I observed that I was lacking a simple staple that seems to be popping up quite a bit: the black blazer. Not your typical work jacket complete with shoulder pads and double buttons--this one is laid back, loose and hits at the hip:

Ashley Olsen

Gwyneth Paltrow

Lindsay Lohan

Rachel Bilson

Reese Witherspoon

As you can see, it is ridiculously versatile and can be paired with everything from an evening dress to jeans--one of those pieces that pays for itself based on how much you'll wear it.

So, being the Target obsessed shopper that I am--I headed into Target hoping to find something to suite my needs. I could not have predicted what happened next.

Upon setting foot in the store, the clouds parted and angels started singing as there before me hung the PERFECT black blazer for a whopping $22.99!!!! Get a load of this baby:

Target Boyfriend Blazer

Now, you have to forgive Target for the horrible picture--while they are a retail giant they haven't exactly mastered the art of fashion photography...yet ; ) But please just trust me when I say that this is a fantastic piece! Its lined in adorable embroidered cream-color cotton so you can roll the sleeves up to reveal. Fits loose and hangs at hip--just love it. And for under $30!! Snagged it before heading to the shoe department where I picked these up:

Target Vergie Bootie

Once again Target comes through with an on-point trend for less--$30! I think you'd agree that they're a great alternative to this Gucci pair which cost exponentially more:

Yes they're more fabulous--I know...but have you looked at your portfolio lately? Take my advice, go for the Target version...

So...I thought I was done after the booties and blazer. But THEN I saw these adorable burn-out dresses and I couldn't resist!

On sale for $17.99 a piece and will look great paired with black tights and those booties I scooped up OR black tights and these fantastic Banana Republic riding boots I scored as a gift last Christmas:

I scanned then new GO International line by Jonathan Saunders and I wasn't impressed...looked like a dummed down version of the real thing. The last thing you want to look like when that's exactly what you're doing. The high points were this sweater dress: And this belted shirt:

Both cute--not must-have's...I'll wait, if they end up on the clearance rack I'll grab them.

In the end, I left the store with some great fall pieces plus a roll of paper towels for around $100 and felt great. Lesson learned: Most addictions are bad, but my Target addiction is good for my closet and my wallet : )

The only advice I would give before heading in to load up on cheap trends is:

1. Scan your closet for what you need: Trust me, I have personal experience on this one. Do not walk into Target and aimlessly wonder through the clothing section without an idea of what you need--you'll wind up walking out with a truckload of things you don't.

2. Take a look at your most recent Lucky or Bazaar: Knowing what's online at Shopbop.com or on the rack at Revolve will help sharpen your eye for those more price-conscious knockoffs at Target. Not to mention, these mags often call out cool finds at stores like Target and H&M so you know exactly what to look for when you go in.

3. Bring a friend. They'll tell you the dress is hidious...even if it does only cost $9.99 ; )

So, happy shopping, good luck and go buy that blazer!

See Yah,

acceptingwhoiamnot

acceptingwhoiamnot answers your questions....

So let's face it--the real reason most people start blogging is because they think they have something important to say. I have to admit that I fall into that category, however--I also think that you (my wonderful readers) have some great questions and insights that will help turn this place into a real resource for women. I am pleased to announce that I have received my first reader inquiry!


AP Wrote:
Hey! Great fall must-have list! I have a question: I'm seeing knit sweater dresses everywhere this fall. I haven't tried one on but I can't imagine they'd be flattering; it's seems like they'd highlight every bump. What would you wear with one? Could you wear tights? Also, what kind of shoes look best? Sorry, a lot of questions I know!

So, one of the main reasons that I love getting your questions (other than the fact that it confirms that someone is reading this) is because it pushes me to write about things that I would not have otherwise thought about. Like sweater dresses!

AP:

First of all thanks for your question. Now, I have to admit that I have not seen a lot of this trend for fall 08. However, after doing some digging--I did see it pop up in fall of 06 and it wasn't a half-bad trend:

I am a firm believer in fashion recycling--aka not purchasing an entire new wardrobe from season to season. However--if you are going to make a piece from a previous season work for the present, you need to find ways to accent it with of-the-moment details that keep you looking pulled together and current. Let's do a quick refresher on this seasons top trends:

- Anything black

- Super funky shoes (Alexander McQueen)

- Carefree, laid-back dressing (Kate Moss)

- Hot, tight latex leggings (Mary Kate)

- Layering
- Tights (Chanel...yes I am drooling)

Ok--so...if you are planning on pulling that over sized sweater dress out of the back of your closet this season, here are some tips.

1. Keep it short, loose and in a dark color. Nothing will say "Hello 1999" more than this version of the look:

Think--I just woke up and threw on my boyfriend's over sized sweater. That means pull over, OR cardigan:

Mike&Chris

2. Incorporate leggings or tights. Wear the sweater dress as a tunic and take the opportunity to try out those latex leggings I've been raving about--or just a cotton pair if you're not feeling so daring ; ) A dark pair of opaque tights can also look great-- a la Kate Moss:

3. Up the sex appeal and throw on a pair of this season's hot gladiator heels and watch em' stair ; )

Kate Bosworth (Also note her leggings)

4. Bring on the layers! Throw a long-sleeve shirt under your sweater dress or add a scarf for some depth:

So, AP--I hope this helps. I would love to see a pic of your final ensemble once you pull it all together.

To the rest of you, feel free to post your comments or questions--I love finding answers to your toughest fashion quandaries : )

Have a great weekend,

acceptingwhoiamnot