September is officially here and the temperatures are already starting to fluctuate. Today in New York we will only be in the 70s which means that summer is almost officially over. With summer coming to a close fairly quickly many of us will soon start to transition our wardrobes with our favorite fall pieces. Well you do not have to put away your summer dresses, tops, and shorts away just yet! Here is a list of 7 essential items you need for a smooth transition into fall fashion.

1. Cardigan– cardigans are essential for this transitional period. You can continue to wear your favorite tanks and tees by pairing it with a fall cardigan. I say fall cardigan because you want to choose a sweater that has some weight to it as oppose to a spring cardi. Go for rich fall colors like mustard, burgundy, eggplant, and forest green. Oh and don’t forget your prints! A dark floral print sweater will work great in the fall. You can go with the traditional style cardigan or try a boyfriend, chunky knit, or asymmetrical cardi.

2. Tights– if this were a few years ago I would not be typing the following words “pair your favorite shorts with tights.” It wasn’t until about 3 years ago that I started wearing shorts in the fall. Don’t ask why it took so long lol. I like to pair my favorite shorts whether they are denim or some other material with opaque tights to get more use out of them in the fall. I pair the look with some riding boots or slouchy ankle boots. This look is so chic. Pair the tights with your favorite summer dresses as well. So you do not have to pack up your favorite florals just yet!

3. Blazer– I don’t think much needs to be said about the importance of a blazer. Pair it with a dress or your favorite jeans. The look is sophisticated and chic. The blazer will show that you mean business and you have style.

4. Boots, Boots, Boots (ankle, slouchy, riding) save the over-the-knee boots for later in Fall. You want to rock your ankle, slouchy, or riding boots now. These types of boots look great with almost anything. Whether you want to pair the boots with cropped pants, skinny jeans, shorts, mini, midi,or maxi dresses and skirts there is a style to fit a variety of looks

5. Denim Jacket– I love denim jackets. They are classic pieces. It is also a great layering piece. So put on your favorite tank and cardigan, then throw on a denim jacket for an updated look. You will be warmer and look cooler because everyone looks cool in a denim jacket (well almost everyone)

6. Scarves-this is the perfect accessory for this period. Scarves come in varieties of colors, materials, and patterns. It can change the dynamic of any outfit. So if you want to warmth or just an update in style pair a scarf with your favorite cardigan or denim jacket.

7. Leather Jacket- last but not least! I think this is one of the most important transitional pieces. I love my little leather bomber that I bought last year. It is perfect for this period as well. I love tanks because they are super comfortable and when there is a drastic drop in temps, I just pair a cardigan and scarf with my tank and throw on my leather jacket. It is a key layering piece. You can get a variety of looks with a leather jacket as well. Pair it with your favorite maxi dress, floral print dress, or strapless dress. You will have instant rocker glam that many will notice. Pair your leather with a basic t-shirt, skinny jeans and riding boots- throw on a scarf to add some flare and you are ready to hit the streets! Faux leather is ok too! Just make sure you check the quality!

The great thing about this list is that your wardrobe is probably filled with these pieces, so you do not have to worry about spending extra cash unless you want to add a few more to your wardrobe arsenal. Happy layering and happy transitioning your summer style in to fall!

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Just like every year the summer ends and the beauty of Fall rolls in. I unlike many others welcome the change in seasons since it signals a change in wardrobe. I mean T-Shirts and camo short s can only be worn so many times.  Time to shelve those tanks and get your hands on these Fall must haves. Trust me the fun doesnt have to stop because the degrees dip below 70.

Chunky Cardigan

The cardigan is a typical knit for men to wear, it never goes out of style. However, the chunky ribbed knit cardigan adds more shape and body, especially if you have a slim figure. I love how its styled with a white shirt and the bow tie really makes the whole look very appealing. Wearing a cotton shirt with a cardigan, looks sleek and attractive.

Bold Colors

Dont let the weather dictate your mood. Do away with the dreary greys and blacks and add some excitement to your style. This can be accomplished in a couple of ways. Take that grey/black sweater/pants combo and throw underneath a canary or burgundy stretch poplin shirt. Chinos come in many a color or dress up your accessories like ties or scarves with a standout shade.

The Chino

Obviously a staple for any man. This pant nowadays is the ultimate casual/business, night/day wardrobe piece. Companies like Banana Republic or my sleeper site Bonobos not only will keep you in the loop but also make it very affordable. From the wash to cut to the colors you cant go wrong.

Gingham

Move away from the plaid. It was a great run for the last 2 years but it might be overdone. Patterns like stripes & checks will never die but Gingham is vastly under utilize. It gives the appearance of wealth while remaining very affordable. Oh and its not even a pattern as more of a material. Gingham is a medium-weight balanced plain-woven fabric made from dyed cotton or cotton-blend yarn. Checked gingham became more common over time, though striped gingham was still available in the late Victorian period. If you love checks and stripes look into this style.

Sport Coat

A cool blazer is definitely a must-have item, and the styles available really give blazers a life of their own. You can find some with patch pockets and/or elbow patches, others with big lapels and double-sided vents, but they are all a revival of retro looks. And don’t forget moleskin and corduroy options which can be a less formal look than tweed. Or choose a nice wool or wool and cashmere combination with three or two buttons. Don’t get to wild with color though. Can easily be paired with jeans or dress pants.

 

Peplum’s have been a huge trend this year and we’ve talked about it on the blog as well as shown some outfit ideas featuring peplum’s but today I wanted to talk about Curvy Girls and “The Peplum”.

I’ve heard a lot of people say that peplum’s are NOT for the curvier lady – basically their reasoning was because the peplum expands outwards this would accentuate the curves (hips, booty and even the stomach) and cause a curvier lady to look bigger.   It’s really the opposite.  Thanks to that little ruffled, extension of the peplum we are actually able to hide the stomach, accentuate our waist, balance out our bottom half (if we are blessed with a little too much hips and booty) or give us the illusion of having hips (if God skipped us on the hips and booty doses).  In my opinion the peplum actually looks best on females with a bigger bottom half.

The peplum is really a garment that looks flattering on all females. It gives us all that feminine shape and hour glass body that most women try and achieve.

The key to wearing the peplum is being perfectly tailored.  You always want to pair your peplum with something fitted.  For instance, if you wear a peplum top opt for a bodycon/fitted pencil skirt or fitted pants (I think skinny jeans/pants look best).  You really never want to pair your peplum with loose pants or an a-line skirt – the peplum already flares out so having 2 garments that are not form fitting will not be flattering.

Of course not all garments are suited for the curvier lady however this is one that is defiantly is and you should hop on board the peplum train ASAP!

Right now ASOS (of course) has my favorite peplum’s.  They have a wide range of peplum dresses, skirts, and even jackets and of course you can find shoes, pants and accessories to pair with them on the site as well.  🙂

Check out a few outfit ideas:

Peplum Jacket:

Peplum Jacket: For Curvy Girls
Peplum Top:
Peplum: For The Curvy Girl

 

Peplum Dress:

 

Peplum: For Curvy Girls

 

The peplum trend will be continued through the Fall so go ahead and add some  to your wardrobe… you know you want to!

Will you be giving the peplum a try?

 

First glance you see the accents. Leather, buttons, elbows. Stand outs have to be the coats from Pea to Military inspired. Matter of fact the whole scene was cadet based. Civilians don’t fret, motorcycle jackets came in lush bonded leathers and shearlings. Suiting seemed a little different. Quilted leather sleeves and braided trim which created divisions across the waist. Accessories pop as well with quilted leather gloves and functional bags. At ease and take a look.

Phots via Style.com. Photos by Alessandro Viero

During Berlin Fashion Week from January 18th to 20th, adidas Originals showcased its stylish new Fall/Winter 2012 collection at the Bread & Butter Trade Show.

Presenting the premium sector of the brand, adidas gave a first outlook on the upcoming highlights such as Originals Denim, the Blue collection and the design collaborations with Jeremy Scott, David Beckham and Ransom

The styles remain classic adidas but with additions & the eccentric collabs they remain now.