SHIFTING TO FALL

Originally introduced in the 1920s, shift dresses regained popularity in the 1960s and continue to be a timeless fashion choice today. Their loose-fitting design drapes from the shoulders, shift dresses lack a defined waist, making them flattering for a variety of body shapes.

Known for their versatility, shift dresses are particularly favored during the summer months for their comfortable loose fit. However, they are worn year-round too! A great aspect of the shift dress is that it can be designed in a variety of fabrics and with the addition of accessories, you will have a fashionable and easy to wear outfit.

As we move into the Fall season, here are some shift dresses to think about for refreshing your wardrobe or choosing one for a particular event.

If you prefer not to choose your jewelry but still want to look elegant, an ideal choice is this exquisite Badgley Mischka Collection dress. Crafted in beautiful black velvet with jewel embellishments, it features a mock neck, invisible back zipper, and convenient on-seam pockets. This dress is available exclusively at Neiman Marcus. The price is $695. The link is here: https://tinyurl.com/22ysa6wt

The Badgley Mischka website had a short sleeve version of this dress in red crepe. It is gorgeous. The link is here. https://tinyurl.com/p5dn4j6t

The Japanese brand Sacai which makes clothes, shoes and accessories (and also designs menswear) was started in Tokyo by designer Chitose Abe in 1999. Sacai is known for combining contrasting textures such as mixing wovens with knits and also reshaping traditional silhouettes. This is the chalk pinstripe mixed media dress. It is an all wool textured dress with pinstripe details and flap pockets. Pull-over fit. The price is $1,030.00 and the link is here: https://tinyurl.com/344f6s7j

Emilio Pucci, Marquis of Barsento, founded the brand that bears his name in 1947. He became known as "the prince of prints" because he used geometric prints in a kaleidoscope of colors. His legacy lives on! This dress, called the Marmo cady shift dress is not all print and it is a perfect shift for those uneasy about wearing an all printed garment. The retailer, Mytheresa.com notes “Each piece is unique and prints may differ slightly from those shown.” The price is $1,485 and the link is here: https://tinyurl.com/ycy6fwud

Carolina Herrera's black ruffle cuff shift dress is a spot-on choice for day-to-evening wear. This knee-length shift with an invisible back zip is a blank slate to show off a statement piece of jewelry, such as a brooch, or a variety of pieces. Bergdorf Goodman currently offers this dress in a limited size range in cobalt and azalea, but the classic black version has most sizes available. The price is $1,290 and the link is here: https://tinyurl.com/2t2crdjv The Carolina Herrera website has a nice collection of jewelry pieces, ranging from demure to bold that would be a nice way to finish off this outfit. The link is here: https://tinyurl.com/yc4srp4x

Are you shifting to fall? Or are you exploring other options?

FALLING FOR SOCK BOOTIES

While early September weather often feels like summer, eliminating the immediate need for different shoes, the desire to embrace fall fashion and transition to booties, like the booties I've been eyeing, will likely kick in soon.

One of the styles I adore is the pointed-toe, low-heeled sock booties. Whether in suede or knitted fabric, these booties offer a combination of flexibility and snugness, making them suitable for various occasions from casual to more formal. Their sleek and contemporary appearance ensures comfort for all day, complementing different pants and skirts effortlessly. Take a look at the following selection of booties that are worth considering.

TOTEME, the Swedish brand founded in 2014 known for a minimalist, clean lines, neutral colors and modern aesthetic, creates clothing, bags, shoes, and accessories. This Italian made bootie is the The Suede Heeled Sock Boot black. It has a pointed toe and a heel that is about 2.25 inches. The price is $920 and the link is here: https://tinyurl.com/ym9ybp7d I also love TOTEME’s T-lock bags. The clean lines and understated elegance of both pieces, the bootie and the bag would create a beautifully cohesive look, showcasing TOTEME's signature modern aesthetic. Take a look at one of these T-lock bags: https://tinyurl.com/2p8kcmv4

Stuart Weitzman in business since 1986, offers a wide range of shoe styles, from lug sole moto boots to glamorous wedding shoes and everything in between. Iconic styles include the Nudist sandals, over the knee boots, and one of my favorite range of Stuart Weitzman styles, the 5050 boots.

The lovely bootie shown here is the Naomi 50 bootie. This stretch suede looks to hug perfectly and has a beautiful, sculpted heel just under two inches. When choosing this bootie, the only dilemma is deciding between the timeless black or one of the other eye-catching options like deep coffee shown here.

The price is $650 and the link to these booties in five colors at Nordstrom is here: https://tinyurl.com/yhmwckb4 Neiman Marcus sells this bootie in six colors. The two retailers sell the booties in some of the same colors, and there are a few colors unique to each retailer. Neiman Marcus sells them in the pretty colors fawn and rosewood. The link is here: https://tinyurl.com/a4m7krym

Jimmy Choo, known for its iconic shoes such as the stiletto heel Romy pump and their Diamond Light Maxi sneakers introduces interesting shoes each season. In their fall 2024 line up there is a sock bootie and it too is something to look at, but mght be better is wearing it! Named the Carolyn Ankle Boot 60, it is a latte & navy leather & knit ankle boot." It includes the stylish Mary Jane feature and has a pointed toe, adorned with a dot of gold and a heel of about 2.3 inches. This style is definitely a companion to a skirt or dress. Pants would hide the striking shoe elements! The price is $1,195 and the link is here: https://tinyurl.com/3dk8tnf2

The Row, an American luxury fashion, shoes and handbag brand founded in 2006 by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen is known for its minimalist aesthetic and high-quality materials. When thinking about quiet luxury this brand could be at the top of everyone’s list! One of the brand's coveted items is the Margaux bag. Since it was introduced, it has become available in several sizes, leathers, such as suede or leather and different colorways. They are in high demand and when checking The Row's website many of the styles keep showing "Sold Out".

I have never owned a pair of The Row’s shoes, but they look and feel luxurious and comfortable. The Liisa Kitten Bootie in Suede is stunning. With a side zipper and a heel about 1.4 inches, it is an ideal bootie! The price is $1,350 and the link is here: https://tinyurl.com/hmuvwpxs

I also came across another pair of The Row’s Liisa Pointed Toe Bootie on the Nordstrom website. The difference between the two is this pair has a higher heel; it is 3 ¼ inches. Both options are terrific! The price is $1,350 and the link is here: https://tinyurl.com/muc8jbbp

FALLING FOR BLOUSES

Blouses can serve various purposes in an outfit. They can range from a simple neutral color that acts as a base for a subtle outfit to a special top that becomes the centerpiece of the entire look. It's enjoyable to have choices and explore the variety of blouses in your wardrobe or consider purchasing new ones to add some wonderful surprises to your outfits.

Here are some options I recently came across, either in person or on websites, and I'm considering each one. Any (and all!) would be a fabulous boost to my wardrobe. Let's take a look.

This exquisite cotton poplin blouse adorned with crystal embellishments is a creation of Forte_Forte, a brand established in 2002 by siblings Giada and Paolo Fort and headquartered in Italy. With 10 boutiques worldwide, mostly in Europe and one in the Melrose Place area of Los Angeles, the brand offers a range of clothing, accessories, and shoes. This blouse, made of cotton poplin, looks comfortable and easy to wear. Its standout feature is the vibrant multicolored crystals. On the company’s website, it is styled with a striking coat reminiscent of leopard print, creating a perfect ensemble! The price is $650 and the link is here: https://tinyurl.com/2kzh4pf5

Sequined blouses have been associated with adding sparkle to formal outfits. However, they can be styled in a more casual way for everyday wear. It is fun to experiment and the blouse shown here looks like a winner! This Zadig & Voltaire Tawny sequined blouse, when worn with denim would a great daytime outfit. The color, listed as “encre”, meaning ink, that is between a black and a very dark blue exudes the right amount of richness. The price is $398 and the link is here: https://tinyurl.com/3zkfnkve

The combination of black and white is often seen as a timeless and classic style, serving as a versatile base for the overall outfit. Depending on the clothing piece, it can give an ensemble a classic or modern touch. This black and white striped 100% silk blouse by The Kooples has two great features including the covered button placket and the tie. Hiding the buttons makes for a clean look and the tie adds interest. The price is $415 and the link is here: https://tinyurl.com/278vj8wa

Theory is a brand I’ve worn for years. It is more than a reliable source for basic shades of minimalistic clothing. It gets things right! The dozen or so pairs of its "Treeca" pants, in good wool, good linen and admiral crepe shows my affinity and trust in the brand.

Theory’s tops are also on target and dependable, and I like wearing their silk blouses. Browsing various websites, I stumbled upon an item that resembled both a blouse and a jacket. The specific categorization of this garment seems to be open to interpretation! Bloomingdale’s refers to it as a Trench Long Sleeve Blouse, while Nordstrom labels it as a Double Breasted Trench Jacket. Regardless of the designation, it appears to be a versatile top suitable for everyday wear.It is made of 100% recycled polyester. The price is $295 and the link is here: https://tinyurl.com/2rkaftzy

Are you interested in any of these blouses? If not, what styles and colors do you favor?