Skinny Jeans Alternative: Trouser Jeans

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You know fall is upon us when all of the fashion magazines feature articles on finding the best fitting jeans. I have to be honest...there are days when I just can't hang with the skinny jean trend touted by so many of those articles. That's where my trusty trouser jeans come into play. The key to wearing them stylishly is proportion. With a wider, easier leg on the bottom, stay more fitted and tailored on the top.  Plus, a perfectly tailored trouser jean just plays well with a crisp shirt and blazer.  Okay, I'll admit the last picture is more of a bell bottom jean than a trouser jean...but the picture just goes to show you that you can break the rules sometimes.  A looser top can be okay too...provided it isn't too blousy and shows off your shape (i.e., your waist), otherwise you run the risk of looking dowdy.  I just love it when jeans are comfortable and stylish...which is exactly what jeans are meant to be . . . 

Fantasy Friday: Bottega Veneta Purple

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Occasionally you see that perfect dress that speaks to you, and you know you would wear it forever and ever. The first dress above is just such a dress...I love the pale purple with the unexpected pops of red, orange and yellow.  Now, this is a dress that I would wear year around...(you might recognize this dress from Bottega Veneta's fall 2012 ad campaign).  Now, being a fan of that perfect shade of pale purple (not lavender, mind you, which looks a bit too easter-eggy), this dress reminded me of another one that I also admired in the fall 2009 ad campaign.  And sure enough, the shades seem identical (the second dress above).  So fun to see how the same shade re-emerges in difference incarnations. Now, finally, if you aren't a pale purple person, I love the royal purple outfit (third picture above) paired with a blazer and accented with a jewel-toned turquoise.  Bottega seems to keep getting purple right.  Now, the real question is, would it be horribly sinful to wear the first dress above with a classic Chanel bag, rather than the Bottega bag its pictured with?

Louis Vuitton Dresses: Fantasy Translated to Reality

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Dress: Banana Republic Rosette Lace Sheath Dress

The dresses above are those fabulous Louis Vuitton frocks that appeared on the scene in the spring of 2012, and that have graced the backs of numerous celebs. I loved them so much, of course I completely wanted one. BUT...(the big BUT) . . . I found them impractical. I just couldn't think of many occasions that I would have to wear one . . . so how, then, to capture the details into a dress that I might actually wear?  Enter Banana Republic's Rosette Lace Sheath Dress. The shape translates well for work or evening cocktails, the color is unique and intriguing, and the lace details invoke the inspiration of Louis Vuitton.  At a fraction of the price. And there you go...fantasy translated to reality.