J Crew Does It Again.

I am currently assisting all of my personal clients with the transition into their fall wardrobe, so my mind right now is not on this gorgeous sunny day. Yesterday I was focused on boots, but today I am focused on coats. Of the J Crew variety, that is.  

Every fall J Crew does some of the best classic outerwear on the market. It always has a stylish twist that is appropriate for all ages. Good bones as I like to call it. You can't go wrong with a classic style when it comes to something like a fall coat because unless you have the money to buy a new one each year, you want to make sure the one you buy today will look good next year and perhaps the following one. Here are three coats I would like to applaud them on and recommend this year.


Do you have your trench yet? This is a classic that every woman should own. It is perfect for a fashionable rainy day and will definitely help ease your summer wardrobe into the fall season. J Crew does it with a reasonable price tag ($400), as compared to the almighty Burberry outerwear. I love the super feminine silhouette of this version and it has a detachable tulle underskirt for a little added style. The trench is timeless. Get the J Crew Encore Coat on their website or here.

Who doesn't love a navy blue classic? You can wear this coat with every color you can think of.  The amazing hood, cropped batwing sleeves, and zipper on this wool capelette make this anything but your boring navy blue topper. It is perfect for weekends and running errands. Throw it on over your favorite pair of jeans, leggings, and/or chunky sweater and you looked pulled together in a glorious unfussy way. And I love the oversized pockets! You can find this J Crew Capelette on their website or here.

Lastly, a classic peacoat in an on-trend color. Other than burgundy red, this golden mustard was the other color all over the fall fashion runways. This peacoat is full of thoughtful details like the pretty collar, seams on the sleeves, and dark round buttons. It is impeccably tailored at the waist and can be worn buttoned or unbuttoned. It would look gorgeous with an emerald scarf or one with a fuchsia and ivory print. What will you wear yours with? Buy it at J Crew or here.

When you purchase a classic piece, remember to always make it your own. With a fall coat, take the time to choose the right scarf, gloves, hat, and boots to go with it. 

Treat everyday like you are on the runway.

My Uniform.

As a stylist, you would think that I spend all day creating new outfits for myself. Daydreaming in my closet and conjuring up the next incredibly creative look that I will put on. Yes, when there is time, I love to shop my own closet. But the truth is, lately time has been a precious, and rare, commodity. Between my personal clients, planning my wedding, and working on commercial shoots, there is little time for outfit planning these days.


For many people, a uniform is the outfit they reach for on a daily basis. Often times, this narrow view of one's own closet becomes a fashion rut that they need help coming out of. I have Everyday Runway clients that have worn the same outfit for years! In my opinion, a uniform should be that item (or outfit) you reach for when you need effortless style in a hurry. Tried and true, you feel amazing in it, and you never have to think about whether you are dressed appropriately for the occasion. The closest thing I have to a uniform is my go-to silk blouse. Yes, I have it in several different colors and prints, but it is the common in my formula for easy style when I don't have a lot of time.


Why you need an Equipment silk blouse:


1. In the right color, it's a classic.
A beautiful silk blouse always makes my list of the top 10 items every woman should have in her wardrobe. Wear it alone or as a fabulous layering piece. This blouse is appropriate for all ages and body types. And with proper care, you will wear it for years.


2. It's comfortable.
In the fashion world, that is a big deal. I can move in it. And the feeling of silk on my skin never gets old.


3. Your boyfriend/fiance/husband will thank you.
I get the undone sexy look of my fiances' masculine work shirts while wearing my own clothes. (And his stay unwrinkled.)


4. The possible outfit combinations are endless!


Let me show you.


Refined. - This blouse is perfect for the office and is age appropriate for more mature women when paired with a beautiful wide leg trouser. Olivia Palermo has polished style down to a science.

Playful. - For the younger audience, dress it down. Put this blouse with a pair of great shorts and don't be afraid to load on the accessories for a more complete and age appropriate look.

Easygoing style. - This blouse is just right with a casual cargo pant or your favorite pair of jeans. Add a nice bag, good belt, hot shoes, lipstick, and... viola! You have your outfit. Wear it anywhere.

Date night. - Gorgeous with a harem pant, mini skirt, dressed up shorts, or pencil skirt. Dress it up with heels, jewelry, and a pretty clutch. Check out Lauren Conrad's youthful take on this look in black silk shorts.

Bold and Sexy. - Give the sheer versions a try. My absolute favorite look when I go out is a silky camisole or gorgeous lacy bra (Agent Provocateur and Le Mystere make lingerie too beautiful to always be covered up) underneath one of these shirts with a skirt or pant. It's feminine, glamourous, sexy, and unexpected at the same time.

You have now seen this Equipment silk blouse worn with wide leg pants, shorts, jeans, khakis, colored jeans, cargo pants, skirts, and leather pants. Everyone has at least three of these bottoms in their wardrobe.

Wear the Equipment silk blouse with high waisted pants or jeans and tuck in the shirt to accentuate your waist. Wear the blouse untucked with a skinny leg pant to camouflage wider hips or a small belly. Be sure to size up if you have a larger bust to avoid any pull between the buttons. The way you tuck in the shirt is also a method for making great new looks. Consider giving it a lose flirty knot in the front for another feminine twist.


Not convinced yet? Here are some more celebrities who love this blouse as much as I do.

Are you still here? You should be off surfing the web to purchase this shirt! Equipment silk blouse is available here, here, and here. Prices range from $208 to $220 depending on the color, print, and cut. A little steep, but so worth it. 


What is your uniform?


Treat everyday like you are on the runway.

A Tote For Everything.

I like to be prepared. When I am on a job or running errands with friends, I am always the first person people come to when they realize they need something. Why? I've got it all. Aspirin? Check. Hand-sanitizer? Check. Quarters for the meter? Hair Elastic? Post-it notes? Extra pen? Tissues? Allergy meds? Double stick tape? All of the above, check. I like to think of it as my personal survival kit. I might not make it out in the wilderness, but you can bet I will have what might be needed out in the fashion field.

Unfortunately, all of my preparedness can mean a VERY heavy handbag. That's why this summer I separated my necessities and my extras into two different bags. My small Marc by Marc Jacobs Natasha messenger bag, and this:

{Fendi, Striped Shopping Tote, $765.}

The new bag working as my survival kit. 6 Reasons I love my new shopping tote: 


1) It's black AND brown which means it looks great with every outfit. 


2) The totally on-trend color block makes me swoon. 


3) That gorgeous pop of royal blue is seasonless! 


4) The traditional pattern and silhouette means I will use this bag for a long time. 


5) It's Fendi! Classic designs with an edge mean that I will always support this Italian fashion house. 

6) IT FITS EVERYTHING. 

My normal survival kit plus Ipad, folders, extra sweater, and scarf (I don't leave home without layers in this season of air conditioners) all fit into this lovely tote. And that makes my Friday.

Do you have a favorite carryall? Here are some other great options.


1) This is a great one for the summer and could also make a trip to the beach. The sunny marigold color will cheer you up on an overcast day.

{Tory Burch Ella Tote, $195.}

2) I would use this year round. I wish I had found a bold patterned bag like this back in college! It's much more fun than my boring Longchamp bag was.

{Marni, Glossed-canvas Tote, $295.}

3) I love the sweet nautical stripes with the tough black leather details on this one. It would look great with an all black outfit, skinny jeans, or a sundress. And it's on sale!

{Rebecca Minkoff, Dear Tote, $197.50.}

4) Another seasonless tote in two wear-with-anything colors. The faux python is perfect for fall.

{Zambos & Siega, Brooke Tote, $121.}

{Zambos & Siega, Brooke Tote, $121.} 

5) An option for the brand obsessed shopper.

{Fendi, Zuca Tote, $665.}

What do you tote all your gear around in? And am I the only one carrying around a survival kit?! 

Treat everyday like you are on the runway.