Link Love: Fall 2015 Accessories

Planning to stock up on accessories to add the perfect finishing touch to your Fall outfits? StyleCaster did a roundup of 50 luxe-looking Fall accessories under $50.

The skinny scarf has been making a comeback. If you want to try the look, Alyson Walsh has selected some good options. Or browse this slide show if you need ideas on how to tie this type of scarf.

Need ideas on how to work jewellery into your look, then this overview of how style bloggers are wearing their favourite pieces will come in handy.

Fab Links from Our Members

JAileen enjoyed this slide show of Michelle Obama’s outfits for state dinners, for which she chooses designers whose backgrounds and cultures reflect the countries being honoured.

Beth Ann found it fascinating that they actually licensed this fit model to create more than a thousand mannequins that are being used to tailor clothing around the world.

Angie refers us to Sally’s post in which she provides tips on how to care for and feed curly hair, and is of course speaking from experience. Her short curly asymmetrical ‘do looks lush and healthy. 

Marlene thought that Fitcode, a new beta online jeans selector, looked interesting.

She also wanted to share this post on The 5 Types of Fashion Seasonal Weather Warriors.

Robin feels this article is masquerading as helpful by warning of the dangers of increased balding from tight styling, but is at the same time sending the message that guys just shouldn’t wear their hair long or try up-dos. 

Celia was intrigued to read about the moment in time when women had almost absolute control over fashion.

Ananthimathur enjoyed browsing the Céline ready-to-wear collection for Fall/Winter 2015.

Carole found Joshua Becker’s Practical Guide to Owning Fewer Clothes a very interesting reminder of her goals to reduce the size of her closet.

 

Seventies Retro and a Yorkie Brooch

Earlier this year I set out my style goals and mentioned that I’m giving the punk and tomboy aspects of my look a rest and amping up the ladylike and soft. I’m particularly drawn to Retro Futurism because fashion from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s is close to my heart. This ’70s inspired outfit came together as a result of this evolution in my style and a very special brooch.

I needed to replace my dressy black trousers and had planned to go better-end with this wardrobe item once again. But I fell in love with the flared sailor pants from Express as soon as I saw them. I liked the way their substantial fabric draped and felt. Apart from a one inch hem on the length, they fit perfectly straight off the rack. I do prefer flared hems extra long so that they skim the surface of the ground. The visual effect is luxurious and elegant to my eye.

'70s Retro Oblique

'70s Retro Side

'70s Retro Close

The gold buttons on the front flap of the trousers are dressy, playful, and what give them a nautical vibe. I won’t wear these trousers all that often, so hemming them for heels that are too high for daily wear is fine. They’re special occasion trousers with a Retro flavour that transcends the trends, so quality permitting I’ll have them for a while. 

'70s Retro Bag Close

'70s Retro Bag Full

These trousers were begging to be paired with a soft tucked top to showcase the front button detailing and offset the rigidity of the fabric. Feeling the ‘70s vibe, I bought a billowy cream neck-tie blouse on our trip to Hong Kong back in February. I’ve been wearing the blouse with flared jeans, but it works just as well with flared trousers. I love shopping my closet to complete an outfit. 

'70s Retro Blouse

'70s Retro Blouse

I hadn’t planned on pinning a brooch on this blouse until a vintage Yorkshire terrier came my way. The planets aligned and I was excited to sport the classic look. The gold at the base of my neck picks up the gold in the buttons of the trousers and jacket, the bag and the watch. The black garnets on the brooch match the black of the trousers. I couldn’t have found a more perfect brooch. 

'70s Retro Brooch

'70s Retro Blouse

The outfit has sufficient interest without a topper, but we need one at this time of year in Seattle. I chose last season’s equestrian jacket with back peplum detailing because the tailored fit, short length and cognac elbow patches have a ‘70s flavour. I finished off the look with black pointy toe booties to extend the leg line even further. A trendy gold clutch, green specs and a current short hairstyle add some Modern back into the outfit.

This retro combination is very classic, and I was a little worried that it would look a little stuffy and overly precious. But I don’t feel those things when I’m wearing it. Instead, I like the way the flares, flounces, tailoring and a playful accessory refresh my style. I’m having a lot of fun with retro looks this year.

'70s Retro Mio Posto

Roundups

Simpler Items

This week's list of top picks list is about basic pieces.

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Assorted Items

Items for Summer, both in and out of air conditioning.

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Casual Summer Vibes

This week's top picks are good for a casual Summer vibe.

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Summery Earth Tones

These items are for those who like to wear casual earth tones in warm and hot weather.

Read More

Hints of Spring

Some tried-and-tested winning items to refresh your style for Spring.

Read More

Dressier Items

An assortment of dressier top picks might be just what the doctor ordered.

Read More

Roundup: Playful Fall Pieces

Shopping for Fall has been very interesting. Most of my clients are after pieces that are different from what we’ve seen in stores over the last three years — silhouettes with a playful touch and unique styling details. Here are some of the pieces that have been winners. Be sure to browse through all the colour options. 

  • Topshop 'Powerful' Patchwork Ankle Boot (Women): A moderately comfortable high shaft bootie if you can manage the heel height. Might run a little small. Fun '70s patchwork detailing and great with dresses or cropped pants.
  • Zara Jacquard Top: A super cute textured knitted top with a fabulous curved high-low hemline and flouncy tulip sleeves. Runs very small. EXCELLENT on petites with a larger bust and short waist. Good paired with skirts too. Does not cling. Comes in three colours.
  • ASTR Tie Neck Button Front Blouse: A neck-tie blouse in a moody floral. Its hemline is shaped so that you can wear it out without feeling blocky. Runs big. Great price.
  • Topshop 'Mistic' Ankle Boot (Women): Comfortable booties thanks to very soft leather. Wide toe box and fit is good for higher volume feet and bunions. The photo does not do the gorgeous heel justice. It's burnt orange and marbled, and more dramatic in person. Great on narrow ankles too.
  • Zara Long Asymmetric Shirt: A fun cocoon shirt that works well on petites. Boxy, but sufficiently structured due to short front hem and tapered hip fit. Runs large.
  • HD In Paris Dotted Lace Top: Graphic Lace Fabness. Love the back detailing.
  • Tylho Lakin Tunic: A peplum blouse with a twirly back. Soft, pretty and on trend. Available in petites and regular sizes.
  • Moth Rona Turtleneck: This looks like a simple charcoal turtleneck, but the back sings playfully with a pleated pattern. Swingy and fun to wear.
  • Troubador Felted Floral Pullover: The flocked abstract design on this pullover is genius. If wool could look like watercolour - this would be it.
  • Moth Oblique Pullover: Diagonal striped cognac, teal and blush screams Retro Fabness. Neckline is good for a short neck or larger bust. Drapey, fluid and comfortable.
  • Vince Camuto Tie Neck Ruffle Hem Blouse: I love this blouse over a pair of black bootcut trousers for business casual. Great over skinnies and straight legs too. No need to add pizzazz with a jacket. The dropped peplum is unique and interesting. They've cleverly curved the hemline for structure. Runs big.
  • Kristen Blake Wool & Alpaca Blend Notch Collar Coat: The best throw-over-and-go coat of the season - the photo does not do it justice. Well made and great texture. Modern Retro at its best. Its cocoon shape allows you to wear it over all sorts of chunky layers, but it has just enough shape. I love the back pleat detailing. Works on an assortment of body type and all heights.
  • White House Black Market Striped Split-Back Top: Fitted Striped Flounce. Fun back detailing. Better in person.
  • Ted Baker London 'Traze' Floral Print Cotton Sweater: A fitted Winter floral pullover in a soft lightweight wool. Graphically romantic. Great with black or white bottoms.
  • Tory Burch Bias Cut Stripe A-Line Midi Skirt: A comfortable knitted skirt which drapes with the best of them. Good on both a straight and curvy hip. Straighter hips might need to size down.
  • Halogen Double Breasted Raglan Sleeve Jacket (Regular & Petite): Retro Fabness. A trapeze shape jacket looks ultra fresh. Can be worn indoors. Nice unbuttoned too. Also available in a cream and black check. Might run a little big.
  • Banana Republic Fringe Pullover: A fringed pullover can be worn in a crisp and graphic way, just like in the photo. Good on a small bust and narrow shoulder line.
  • Banana Republic Fringe Sweater Jacket: A fringed and hooded cardigan for Team Casual. It's a dramatic piece that can look overwhelming so consider yourself warmed. Great on taller gals.
  • BERNARDO FOOTWEAR 'Lacey' Short Waterproof Rain Boot (Women): A remarkably comfortable and lightweight rain bootie that's good for high volume feet. Good for rain but not for snow. The tie is decorative. Size up if you are in between sizes. Comes in three colours.
  • Karen Kane Long Sleeve Handkerchief Hem Top: A fitted handkerchief hem tunic for Team Curvy. Substantial fabric and great drape. Nice V-neck too.
  • CeCe By Cynthia Steffe CeCe by Cynthia Steffe 'Aleah' Tie Neck Crêpe de Chine Shirtdress: A romantic, soft, bowed trapeze dress for petites and Team Legs. It's short. Looked fabulous on one of my petite clients with sheer hose and high shaft booties or Mary Janes. Can work as a tunic too.
  • Foxes Infinity Scarf: A scarf with foxes. Charming.
  • Halogen Tie Neck Shift Dress (Regular & Petite): A flirty dress with both a '60s and '70s vibe. I love the dropped waist and gentle front inverted pleat. Great drape. Works surprisingly well on both curvy and straighter body types if you're prepared to surrender the waist.

Visit the collection page to see the items alongside my descriptions.

Zara
Jacquard Top
View Info
Top Pick
9
Zara
Long Asymmetric Shirt
View Info
Top Pick
5

Outstanding Outfit Bloggers

Gamine in Dallas and Nashville

Nashville and Dallas-based Cathy Williamson (55) writes about fashion, lifestyle and surviving triple negative breast cancer over at the Middle Page. Cathy likes simple silhouettes, white bottoms, and has a knack for finding tops and jewellery with interesting details. Her boyish and ultra slim figure really suit her Gamine Deluxe style. She does elegant and feminine casual chic well, and our blogger’s gorgeous hair and winning smile amp up the style quotient of her outfits.

“I think my style has stayed pretty much the same as it has for the last five years, in that I am a pretty casual girl. I love nothing more than wearing my jeans and a tee. If I need to dress it up a bit more, I will wear denim with a great top or with a fun jacket and heels. So in that way, it’s stayed the same. The way it has changed, is that I am more aware of things I can’t or shouldn’t wear. I don’t wear really short skirts or dresses without a tight. I also won’t wear shorts out (unless I am at the beach). My style would be described as Casual with an Edge.”

Cathy Williamson - 1

Cathy has tucked a fitted lace top into white skinny jeans to create a long lean line. She breaks up the column of colour with a collarless blazer that nips in at the waist for extra structure. Her skin peeking through the lace adds subtle allure, while the blush looks pretty with the crisp white and our blogger’s gorgeous strawberry blonde hair. Cognac triple strap sandals with gold pyramid studs add soft edge. The deep purple drusy quartz necklace intensifies the colour of the blush topper. Great touch!

Cathy Williamson - 2

Cathy Williamson - 2

Our blogger dresses up a pair of destroyed dark wash skinny jeans with lots of feminine sparkle. The blush bejewelled top is a statement piece that works beautifully with Cathy’s skintone. The cosy cheetah print teddy swing coat creates a delicious retro vibe. Sass deluxe. Shiny bronze block-heeled pumps with square toe add glitz and bookend the topper. Soft pink lippie complements the blush top, while a delicate tiara adds girly charm. On trend pearl double ball stud earrings finish off this retro look.

Cathy Williamson - 3

Cathy Williamson - 3

The untucked shirt tails and buttoned-up collar on this two-in-one sweater are a fun way to add boyish charm to an elegant skirt look. The relaxed fit sweater is just tailored enough to work with the knee-length faux leather flouncy skirt. The pleats together with the black and white marled top provide tons of visual interest, while the black patent pumps add shine. Cathy has a great knack for finding interesting accessories. Here, the lava rock tassel necklace and black clutch with “embroidered” inlay create even more textural interest. Soft pink lipstick and our blogger’s polished chin-length ‘do are the polished finishing touches.

Cathy Williamson - 4

‘70s Fabness with the J Brand Love Story flared jeans. Sporting beautiful blues from head to toe creates a visually cohesive look. The dramatically flared jeans, at perfect pant length, create a dressy boho vibe that is further emphasized by the geometric print top. Semi-tucking the soft blouse creates a long leg line. Cap sleeves and the open neckline make it a breezy option for warm temps. As always, Cathy’s accessories game is on point. The cobalt blue crossbody bucket bag, quirky pom pom necklace and big sunnies finish off this casual Summer look to perfection.

When asked which Fall/Winter 2015 trends she is looking forward to the most, Cathy said:

“The two trends I am looking forward to the most, are flare jeans and chunky heels. I plan on wearing flare jeans with boots or wedges and with some folkloric and feminine tops. I’m so excited for chunky heels. I love a stiletto, but feel a lot more stable with a thicker heel (especially after a glass of wine!). I will wear those with skinny jeans, skirts or dresses.”

Cathy Williamson - 5

Sporty Luxe meets Soft Edge. The silk and leather make for great textural interest and give this outfit a luxurious feel. The high-necked sleeveless top is fitted on the shoulders and gently flares out over the pant waistband for a flattering silhouette. The leather paired with the cargo pockets on the fluid fit silky track pants create soft edge, which is further emphasized by the eye-catching black chain link pendant. A black pebbled clutch and pointy toe leopard print pumps add more pattern and texture. Cathy’s shorter hair fits the gamine vibe brilliantly.

Cathy Williamson - 6

This denim on denim look is trademark Cathy for sure. She’s paired a light-wash chambray shirt with darker deconstructed frayed hem skinny jeans. The short-sleeved shirt has a trapeze shape that billows in the breeze. The skinnies add structure. The ankle length showcases our blogger’s minimalist flat sandals that suit the nonchalant vibe of this look. The leopard print straps add subtle pattern to the mix. Cathy’s cobalt bucket bag and beautiful ‘do look fab with the denim blues. Aviator sunnies, a thin watch and gold bracelet are the accessories of choice.

Let us know what you think of Cathy’s Gamine Deluxe style. Then hop on over to the Middle Page to check out the rest of her fab outfits, or find out what inspires her on Pinterest.