1. BLAZING AHEAD
I’m a blazer lover. I think it’s my obsession with prep schools and Oxford Blues (the movie). This fall I feel like the blazer is taking on a longform life by way of the long knit open blazer, or the sweater blazer. One idea is to loop a velvet ribbon through one of the buttonholes, to add a bit of on-trend texture. That’s about all the velvet I’m willing to withstand. Velvet is ugly. It just is, sorry.
2. OWN THE MONOCHROME
You know I’m a lover of a monochromatic look, especially creams in the winter. But in the fall, I lean toward blushing pink or a vampy merlot. Yes, there’s something about a soft pink in fall that just works. Same with a soft gray monochromatic look. Basically, you can’t go wrong when you go monochrome, right down to the tip of your shoe. Visually, you’re elongated when your color story is singular.

Obsessed with these pants, that length and flare, can you say, “Legs for days?”
I’m a lover of stripes, always have been. Horizontal stripes might not have been my body’s best friend, but my love for them has never waned. And tartan, I would marry. Gingham, check. Together, they’re heaven-sent. I love this outfit of stripes and gingham. Pardon the wonky photo taken in a very unclean mirror. Also, I know they’re just jeans, but I think they make you look better than you actually are–whatever that means. You just feel tucked in and sculpted in them.
Striped Cardigan
Green Gingham Top
Grey Jeans
The outfit below would’ve been better without the black tank underneath. But it’s that kind of weather in New York right now, where it’s 75 degrees outside in October, but inside you’re blasted with air conditioning. So, I had the sweater at the ready. My nails were Chinchilly Grey to match.
3. VETO THE VELVET, UNLESS…
If it looks like a crushed velvet, it looks dirty. A smooth thick velvet works, so long as it’s smooth to the touch. A velvet bow strung through the hair, yes. Velvet in a small way works. But a velvet top or dress is overkill… unless there’s a balancing touch, like billowing lace sleeves, as seen in this top. I saw a woman in a velvet top with lace sleeves, and I cursed that I hadn’t stopped to ask her where she bought it. So I went home and searched, finally finding it here. I love the romance in this top. Clothes that deserve their own memoir, yes.
4. LOAF IT UP
I’m all about the loafers. This will never change. I won’t do a velvet loafer, mind you. A metallic loafer is fun, if it’s done the right way. As evidenced below by Amal Clooney.
5. STATEMENT SLEEVE
I love a statement sleeve item because it can go HI or LOW. You can pair it with a cropped flare distressed jean, a skinny cargo pant, a pencil skirt, or work pants. Personally, I love (and own) the extra long flare sleeve that ties at the wrist.
