FALL/WINTER WISH LIST

If I were shopping*, this is what I'd buy for fall & winter. In no particular order . . .

*Yes, I'm on a fast from clothes in hopes of getting my finances in order. See here for details.

Gray knit blazer. Professional and casual, and there's a cute one at Target for $24.99 ($5 coupon in October's O Magazine!) Normally I would justify this purchase. $20 for an on-trend blazer? Great deal! But, a pact is a pact and I can’t make exceptions or else me and my Mastercard will be right back where we started.

Amazingly versatile 4-way sweater – the sleeves and bottom snap off and on, so you can go from short-sleeved tunic to long-sleeved crop in no time! Gryphon New York at Nordstrom, $345. 

Just snap off those sleeves!

Dare I say harem pants? Yes, I realize this trend came onto the fashion scene last year and I was skeptical, but my penchant for comfortable fashion has made them grow on me. If I were shopping for fall, I'd scoop up a pair in a neutral camel or black.

American Apparel

I'd really, really love a dark blue denim wash button down for work. I would pair it with white jeans and other neutral dress pants. Left open, it makes a great layer over tanks (and harem pants!)


Cozy is the name of my game once the weather changes and I would invest in a chunky-knit sweater, in navy or a rich cream. Or both. I might also get a super luxe cashmere cardigan, like the gorgeous mustard DVF cardigan I passed up at an outlet mall in June. So sad! I'm still thinking about it! I’ll be going to Chicago, Vancouver, and Park City this season, so sweaters are in order. Savvy at Nordstrom and Barney’s Co-op currently carry the best selection, including this fun Marc by Marc Jacobs cardigan. 

Comfy cozy!

So hot!

I need something fabulous to wear to holiday parties.  I’m feeling sassy, so maybe something with loads of chiffon - like a glam maxi-dress in the blended tones than were sent down the runways at fashion week.

Bell bottoms-the 70's are back! I just love 70's era fashion. Earlier this summer, I purchased a pair of BCBG bell bottomed cords in gray. Those will placate my yearning for the 7 For All Mankind Rachel Bellbottom from Piperlime, but oh, how I do want those jeans. They are so cool and can be paired with a diverse array of tops. I really want to pair them with the above mentioned cozy sweater and some platforms for a complete 70’s look.

And maybe it's just because the girls in the ads look so free spirited and happy, but I'm all about those Levi's Curve ID jeans. Who doesn't love a pair of jeans that fit like a glove?

Jessica Simpson's “Kiss Me” jeggings. How cute are these?! Click here to view the collection.

A fitted black turtleneck. How I don't have one of these, I don't know. But, I'd really like to layer all my flouncy summer dresses with a black turtleneck and black tights when the temperature drops.

What I'm not into? Those furry vests. Yuck. Regardless of whether they are faux or not (and I'd never ever wear real fur!) I just think they are creepy looking. Like you just got back from hunting and "look Ma, check out my kill!"

I'm also not so into this plaid trend. Please see above for details on my aversion to "hunter wear."

This is my wish list for fall into winter. What are you adding to your wardrobe this fall? Let me know so I can shop vicariously through you!

GROUND RULES & THE FASHION EVENT THAT FOLLOWS THEM

So far, so good! I have successfully gone 3 weeks without buying a stitch of clothing. Yes, there have been temptations. In fact, there was one major (major!) temptation; the Spring/Summer Sale event* at designer Eva Franco’s studio in downtown LA this past weekend. Eva Franco is one of my favorite designers for her fabrics, style and fit. Her clothes are amazing for all occasions and I knew a sale at her studio (where she has EVERYTHING) would be too risky for my experiment. Sorry Eva!

*side note: Soignee Personal Shopping will be hosting a Fall Sale Event at Eva Franco and you’re all invited! www.evafranco.com

I’ve established some ground rules for myself for these next 5 ¾ months . . .

Obviously I can’t go on for 6 whole months with absolutely no new wardrobe updates. So, I’m not buying any clothes – no event dresses, no new sweaters come winter, no new jeans, etc. However, I am not denying myself shoes and accessories. Come on, I have to! Not buying clothes for 6 months is huge for me. Because I am very much into style, I still want to be able to update my wardrobe, so I'm allowing myself to purchase shoes and accessories. I might die without these.

And, on Monday, July 19^th, there is an event that is tailor-made for me! Think Thru Fashion’s Accessory Swap promises to be an amazing fashion experience. I won’t be able to stock up in the Michael Stars pop-up shop, but I will hopefully swap out some of my accessories for some new & fabulous ones. www.thinkthrufashion.com 

Now, what accessories should I bring to give away? I’m thinking that I’ll bring some sunglasses that didn’t turn out to fit my face as well as I thought. Also, I do have this really cool black necklace made of large baubles. It’s rad, but I’m willing to part with it. I won’t be able to part with any of my scarves, so I’m thinking a couple pairs of sunglasses and the black bauble necklace.

I’ll be covering the TTFashion Swap for Soignee-LA, so stay tuned for a full report!