This ensemble was inspired by your appreciation of equestrian looks. My goal is to create outfit options that are less authentically equestrian so that you don’t feel like you’re waiting for your horse when you wear them. So I’ve added urban details to make the combinations feel like you could wear them on a regular day, just like another casual outfit. 

The equestrian integrity is for the most part created by combining a tailored tweed or wool blazer with sleek bottoms and boots. It’s that easy. From left to right, here are three variations on the theme.  

Column of Colour & Moto Boots

Create a column of colour by pairing sleek black Ponte pants or jeans with a black tee or sweater. Choose a sweater or tee with a neckline of your choice (it does not need to be a turtleneck). Wear the top untucked or tucked with a black belt. Top with a tailored wool or tweed blazer. Finish off the look with tough black moto boots instead of tall black riding boots for a more urban vibe. Add a haute cap for a little jockey-esque fun, and select a bag that tickles your fancy. 

Glitzy with Tweed & Jodhpur Boots

Metallic disco jeans paired with countryside tweed creates urban flair and is a fun juxtaposition. Layer a basic sweater or tee under the equestrian jacket. Leave the top tucked or untucked. Add a belt that matches the colour of the boots for extra outfit cohesion if you’re going to partially tuck the front of the layering piece. Finish off the look with short jodhpur boots, or a similar style that is simple and sleek. A clutch adds a further non-equestrian touch. 

Jeans, Texture & Riding Boots 

Combine a pair of blue skinnies with a tailored plaid blazer, and layer a sweater underneath that works with the colours of the plaid. Tuck the skinnies into tall riding boots, which do not need to be black. Finish off the outfit with urban accessories like a woollen beanie, fingerless gloves and shopping tote for a textural touch. Add jewellery, watch and eyewear as desired. 

Feel free to mix and match the footwear I selected for each outfit, and use any colour palette. I deliberately left out white jeans as a bottoms option because they are the most equestrian, but by all means throw them in. A blouse can work instead of knitwear if you tend to run warm. Here’s a great rendition of #3 on Pinterest. 

I recently wore a version of the glitzy rendition with one of my Smythe equestrian jackets, black turtleneck, gold jeans and cognac booties. So far, it’s one of my favourite outfits for this Fall. I will be repeating it a few times over. 

Now that the days are getting shorter, it’s time to start thinking about how to remain visible while working out after dark. Refinery29 discusses a number of Night Running Safety Gear Tips and Tricks. Lululemon’s reflective line is also designed to keep you visible during workouts.

In other Lululemon news: their male customer base is slowly growing, and this Fall the brand will open its first men’s store in New York City.

Racked does a roundup of Ten Exercise Jackets Perfect for a Fall Jog.

Under Armour’s Spring 2015 line will include items made from Under Armour Sun Block material, “a Skin Cancer Foundation-accredited fabrication that comes in both UPF 30 and 50s.”

Fab Links from Our Members

The Wall Street Journal agrees with Angie that white is great for Fall and Winter. Joy enjoyed the photos of their picks… lovely statement pieces.

Faribault Woolen Mill has been producing woolen goods in southern Minnesota since 1865. The plant closed in 2009 but reopened under new owners in 2011. Laurinda informs us that this year they launched a collaboration with Target to sell made-in-the-US woolen goods.

HiggsMistress reports that in this Ebola suit design challenge, wedding dress designer Jill Andrews says there are similarities between a wedding gown and personal protection devices.

As a big fan of both his music and his style, milehighstyle (Linda) found herself smiling at this slideshow of Prince’s fashion through the years.

Sally mentions that Static Guard works well, so give it a bash if your skirts and dresses are clinging on to your tights. Angie adds that she assumes it will work well for static knitwear too. 

Angie also wanted to share this gorgeous photo. She says: “One of the best casual street style pics for Fall I’ve seen all year. White jeans, stone booties, olive parka, and a very stylish poodle who matches a silver bag. This is style.”

La Belle Demimondaine wasn’t really interested in the Alexander Wang for H&M Collection… until she saw this post. That scuba-style sweater has her attention, although she’s not sure about the “WANG” printed all over the sides.

Laura (rhubarbgirl) enjoyed this article on The Bizarre History of Women’s Clothing Sizes.

Macy’s at Herald Square in Manhattan is undergoing a 400 million dollar renovation, and at its centre is an enormous shoe department — complete with digitally-equipped “runners.” You can also read the original article announcing the opening of this store in 1902. Suz loves the detail that if the floor planks were placed end-to-end they would go from New York to Detroit and 75 miles beyond.

If you’re a stay-at-home-mom, or if you work from home most of the week it can be challenging to create casual outfits with sufficient pizzazz to suit your style persona. It’s much easier to amp up an outfit with a pair of shoes, a coat or jacket, or a scarf, handbag, hat and chunky jewellery when you head out the door. But you don’t need these items indoors, so you need to find other ways to make a stylish statement.

The trick is to create outfit drama and stay comfortable at the same time. Here are six things I suggest to my clients in this situation.

1. Dramatic Hair: Make your hair a more dominant feature of your style. Add rainbow streaks. Go asymmetric. Highlights. Lowlights. Create spikes. Create more curl. Braid it. Straighten it. It needn’t be high maintenance, and it has a big impact.
2. Dramatic Eyewear: Be bold with your specs if you wear them most of the day. Make them the focal point of your outfit, and don’t play it safe with classic styles. A fun pair of fashion forward or retro specs will make an outfit of simple wardrobe essentials look special.   
3. Lighten Up: Wearing wardrobe items in shades of white, tan and oatmeal can be as dramatic as black, ink blue and dark grey. Lightening up a colour palette feels particularly fresh for Autumn and Winter when our tendency is to wear dark clothing to match the cold grey weather outside. 
4. Statement Knitwear & Tops: First, make a statement with colour, pattern and shine. Do not underestimate the dramatic effect of a vibrant colour, a bold pattern, or daytime sparkle in a simple silhouette. Second, look for tops and knitwear with interesting silhouettes and design details if solid neutrals are more your thing. Think beyond basic. 
5. Dramatic Pants: Again, think colour, pattern and shine. Essential blue or black jeans are not your only option. Plaid pants, jacquards, metallics, waxed and coloured denim are great alternatives. Wear upscale track pants and leather leggings. I have a pair of bright yellow tartan pants and gold jeans that I wear year round — both out and at home. They provide ample drama on days when I’m working at home and feeling bored with regular jeans. 
6. Lippie & Finger Nail Polish: Wear make-up, even if it’s just a bit of mascara, eyebrow pencil and lippie. A little extra facial polish goes a long way to making you feel more pulled together and looking a little brighter. And if you like, have fun with nail art. There are ways to prevent the colour from chipping if that’s your concern.

Of course, none of this is free, so you need to give yourself permission to invest in pieces that you will wear at home. But this is your life, and you have just as much of a right to feel pulled together and fabulous when you stay at home as someone who gets dressed up for a business casual office each day.

Plus, dressing well might help you to be more effective. We all accept that the way we dress affects the way other people perceive us. But studies have shown that the way we dress also affects our own performance. This is part of a growing field of psychology called embodied cognition. Simply put, if we dress the part, we play the part better.

Lots of US retailers are on sale at the moment to make room for upcoming holiday and resort wear collections. Nordstrom is no exception and today is the official start of the Clearance Sale (previously referred to as the Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale). 

Feel free to ask questions about the merchandise in the comments section because I’ve seen most of these items in person. Remember to look through all colour options.

My descriptions are below, but if you would prefer a layout that combines my descriptions with item pictures, then click on these collections to see them in the Finds area:

Top Picks for the Nordstrom Clearance Sale: Clothing

55 items

Top Picks: Nordstrom Clearance Sale Footwear & Accessories

17 items

Clothing

• Fleurette Stand Collar Wool & Alpaca Blend Car Coat (Plus Size): A non-black coat in a flattering shape that's slightly roomy to accommodate chunkier knitwear. The hood is a practical feature that lies quite flat.
• Vince Camuto Ruched Stretch Knit Midi Skirt (Plus Size): I have many happy clients in this versatile tubular midi skirt. Comfortable and easy to launder.
• Halogen Pleat Midi Skirt (Regular & Petite): A silhouette that is as modern as it is classic. Wear it with a soft welted sweater, heels and hose for the holidays.
• Eileen Fisher Cotton Knit Drawstring Pants: A comfy pair of upscale trackpants. Add a little luxe to the sporty piece for maximum fashion fabness.
• 7 For All Mankind 'Higher Gloss Gummy' Skinny Jeans (Brown Sugar): A pair of shiny jeans comes in VERY handy for dressier occasions and amping things up when you work from home. Pair with a slouchy sweater and Bob's your uncle.
• Rag & Bone/JEAN 'Pajama' Zip Detail Leather Pants: Slouchy leather pants are still going strong. Wear them with peep-toe booties and a roomy, partially tucked top.
• Rag & Bone/JEAN 'Pajama Jean' Print Sweatpants (Rainier): Sweatpants that look like jeans but feel like pajamas DO exist because here they are. A super cute piece that will make others do a double take.
• Pendleton Double Breasted Wool Blend Peacoat: An impeccably made Modern Classic.
• Kensie Plaid Walking Coat: A long riding coat is elegant and refined. Pair with waxed denim skinnies and a layering top.
• Eileen Fisher Asymmetrical Yak & Merino Twist Poncho (Online Only): A somewhat structured poncho that works quite well on petites because it's less overwhelming thanks to an asymmetrical hem.
• Jessica Simpson Down & Feather Fill Coat (Plus Size): A slimming puffer coat in an unexpected shade of bronze.
• Eileen Fisher Alpaca Blend Double Face Coat (Regular & Petite): A cocoon style lightweight coat in rich toffee.
• Ellen Tracy Single Breasted Wool Blend Walking Coat (Plus Size): Structured and flattering. The single-breasted opening is practical, and the collar folds down into a V-neck that works well on a larger bust.
• Burberry Brit 'Bramington' Cotton Blend Trench Coat: A classic that will stand the test of time.
• T Tahari 'Elizabeth' Long Ruched Down Coat: A long puffer in a shade of taupe is unique. Well made and tailored with a detachable hood.
• Michael Zip Front Bouclé Wool Blend Coat: A lightweight barn coat that works over oversized knitwear.
• Michael Packable Short Ruched Down Jacket (Regular & Petite): A short packable puffer in a jewel tone. I have many happy clients in this piece because it's extremely practical in our climate.
• Alexander Wang Chunky Knit Sweater: Fashionably oversized and bulky. Looks best with relaxed bottoms. Best on long arms and a broad shoulder line.
• 3.1 Phillip Lim Poodle Graphic Oversized Tee: Fun for those who have poodles. The pattern is subtle and graphic.
• Autumn Cashmere High/Low Cashmere Sweater: Very slouchy and comfy. Works well on broad shouldered apple shaped body types.
• Risto 'Bark' Appliqué Top: Fashionable but quite stiff. The sheen is amazing and is a fun addition to a holiday capsule. Wear over black cigarette pants.
• DEX Drop Stitch High/Low Sweater with Camisole: This piece looks best layered over a shirt or tee because of its holey integrity.
• Enza Costa Print Cashmere Top: A marbled delight.
• Vince Ribbed Wool & Cashmere Cowl Neck Tunic: Tunics look great over leather leggings, and this one is suited to a milder climate. Feel free to layer under the piece for extra insulation.
• Vince Abstract Wool & Cashmere Boatneck Sweater: A stunning boat neck pullover in a fluid fit. The slits on the neck make it work for both a longer and shorter neck.
• L'AGENCE Oversize Sweater: Fashionably slouchy, soft and cozy.
• Autumn Cashmere Draped Front Zip Sweater: An extra drapey piece that looks as good unzipped.
• Caslon Stripe Split Back High/Low Sweater (Regular & Petite): A simple striped sweater with back action.
• Michael Turtleneck Poncho Sweater: A poncho sweater is one way to wear the silhouette with a little more structure.
• Tory Burch 'Etty' Wool & Silk Turtleneck: A whimsical modern classic.
• Vince Pointelle Trim Crewneck Sweater: It's slightly more purple than pink in person. Very soft and vibrant for Winter.
• Michael Contrast Panel Boyfriend Jeans (Medium Vintage): Tuxedo striped boyfriend jeans provide variation to the silhouette.
• Paige Denim 'Verdugo' Coated Ultra Skinny Jeans (Blue Galaxy): Bright blue metallic jeans add sparkle to your denim capsule. An easy match with black top and footwear. Might need to size up.
• Hudson Jeans 'Chelsea' Colorblock Super Skinny Jeans (Retreat): Interesting colour blocked ankle pants. Pair with black booties and size up.
• NYDJ 'Tanya' Cuff Slim Boyfriend Jeans (Clarkston) (Plus Size): Slim-fit boyfriend jeans are a trendy addition to a jeans capsule. Read the rave reviews.
• 'Broome Street' Cheetah Print Jeans (Black): A subtle pattern for those who prefer not to wear bold jeans. Wear them with an ink or black support act, and you're done.
• Paige Denim 'Jimmy Jimmy' Patch Detail Skinny Boyfriend Jeans (Camden): Patched jeans are quirky and fun. Be a devil and pair them with a plaid shirt.
• True Religion Brand Jeans 'Audrey' Relaxed Skinny Jeans (Modest Self): Relaxed skinnies fit like slim-fit boyfriend jeans. These are a rare find sans rips and tears.
• Current/Elliott 'The Traveler' Boyfriend Jeans (Black Destroy): If you like ripped denim, black boyfriend jeans are a more hard-edged option.
• Ming Wang Three Quarter Sleeve Knit Dress: The pattern placement both on the front and back is lovely. As fun to wear over skinny jeans.
• Vince Camuto Long Sleeve Jacquard Sheath Dress (Regular & Petite): Fabulous on those with narrower hips and thighs. The thick fabric is extra camouflaging and soft. Fresh in this shade of cinnamon.
• Bobeau Sheer Lace Sweatshirt: Fun over a pencil skirt for the holidays. Sheer, pretty and fashionable.
• AG 'The Nikki' Relaxed Skinny Jeans (9 Year Evolve): AG makes excellent skinnies because they aren't overly tight. Try these so that you can breath while wearing them.
• Adrianna Papell Ruched Lace Sheath Dress (Regular & Petite): A non-black frock with sleeves to pull out for a dressy occasion is very handy. Does not cling, but showcases your curves.
• Eileen Fisher Scoop Neck Silk Tunic: A comfy tunic to wear over jeggings in a mild climate. Nice on an apple shape.
• NYDJ 'Samantha' Colored Slim Stretch Jeans (Regular & Petite): My clients rave about these skinnies because they fit well, launder well, and prevent muffin top. They fit a pear shape AS well as an inverted triangle and apple shape, which is remarkable.
• Michael Wool Blend Peacoat: A snowy white peacoat with gold trim is a fun piece. Impractical, but very pretty.
• Betsey Johnson Mixed Media Tweed Peacoat (Online Only): A colour blocked mixed media peacoat that has a lot more design detail than the classic style.
• Joie 'Nilsa' Sweater: Soft, drapey, oversized and makes a statement. Gorgeous in the cranberry.
• DKNY Faux Fur Trim Down & Feather Coat (Regular & Petite): A casual parka in Winter white makes a lovely change from the black one you wear all Winter.
• Classiques Entier 'Jesi' Colorblock Flannel Jacket: A mixed media blazer for business casual that's beautifully made. It looks quite severe, but that's fabulous if hard edge is your thing.
• Classiques Entier 'Provence' Windowpane Plaid Wrap Jacket: The photo does not do this glorious kimono jacket justice. It's beautifully elegant on the body, and perfect over a black column of colour. Popping this over a black sheath dress is a super idea.
• Diane von Furstenberg 'Jocelyn' Print Stretch Silk Shift Dress: Fab on an inverted triangle or apple shape with broader shoulders. Not the best shape on a curvy hourglass or pear shape.
• Joie 'Tambrel' Asymmetrical Sweater Tunic: Soft, vibrant and quite the statement. It's very roomy so consider yourself warned. Fun over slim-fit bottoms. Best on a broader shoulder line.
• James Perse Hooded Fleece Blazer: A tailored fleece jacket with a hood for Team Casual. Cozy and easy to launder.

Footwear and Accessories

• Tory Burch 'Chrystie' Quilted Moto Boot (Women): A mid-calf moto bootie with lug sole and ornate quilting. Impeccable quality and quite girly.
• Vince Camuto 'Riley' Leather Tote: Lighten up for Winter with a casual sand coloured shoulder bag.
• Pour La Victoire 'Servant' Tote: A fashionable tote for work.
• Michael 'Medium Sutton' Saffiano Leather Tote: A dressy taupe tote that amps up an all black or grey ensemble.
• Vince Camuto 'Sloan' Satchel: A bag in a warm shade of tan is lovely to carry year round. This one seems smaller than it looks and is casually unstructured. It's on my radar because I rather fancy it myself.
• Børn Crown by Børn 'Roxie' Boot (Nordstrom Exclusive) (Women): A very comfy riding boot for taller gals with larger calves. Will not work on petites. Read the rave reviews.
• Charles David 'Rena' Chelsea Boot (Women): Wear dark red like a neutral with other neutrals. Tailored, refined and versatile.
• SoftWalk 'Dakota' Boot: An extremely comfy bootie in a soft shade of stone. The angled opening is flattering on the leg line. The lug sole gives the bootie a more casual appearance.
• Delman 'Shea' Ankle Boot (Women): Simple, chic, casual and comfortable.
• Shellys London 'Comparni' Leather Bootie (Women): A little late '80s magic in French blue.
• VC Signature 'Reinah' Bootie: Forest green patent is very unique. Pointy and fashionable.
• Attilio Giusti Leombruni 'Beetle' Bootie (Women): An ombré Beatle bootie that has my attention. Super comfy and well made.
• Charles By Charles David 'Lact' Bootie (Women): A little boho cognac for those who prefer a higher heel. Tailored and casually dressy.
• Wolverine 'Arc' Ankle Bootie: Yummy colour, and especially fun to wear in Spring. Beware of the extra wide ankle opening.
• Via Spiga 'Birna' Short Boot (Women): An extra comfy cut-out bootie that is suited to a slim ankle.
• Topshop 'Access Panel' Chelsea Boot (Women): Colour blocked snakeskin is interesting and this one uniquely combines brown with black. Not that comfy, but fine if you don't have fussy feet.
• Circus By Sam Edelman 'Hamilton' Bootie (Women): A shade of taupe that's both warm and cool. I didn't find the bootie comfortable, but I'm in the minority. Affordable price.

There’s lots more to shop in underwear, activewear, sleepwear, hosiery, socks and accessories if those items tickle your fancy. I’m shopping the sales with a client today, but I’ll be back later to answer questions.