Coats we are crushing on this winter

The one good thing about the cooler weather is the wardrobe change.  I was reading an article in Harper's Bazaar about the best coats of the season and thought it was a perfect opportunity to shop the looks and get some ideas.  Here are the seven coat types that are "in" right now:

1. Classic Double Breasted

This Rag & Bone coat has a funky military edge to it.

2. Chic Camel

Opening Ceremony gives the classic camel coat an updated edge.  I love this girl's entire outfit!

3. Gray

I was not at all inspired by gray until I saw this sweet ruffled coat at Express. 



4. Winter White

Winter white is so classic.  This coat by Preston & York is no exception.

5. Toggle Ties

I am seriously crushing on this coat by Mackage.  If only I could win the lottery I would totally buy it.

6. Prints

I saw this coat by Knitted Dove and had a Mondo flashback from Project Runway.  Mondo, you were robbed!
7. Fur Finishes

Fur isn't really my thing.  But faux fur I can totally get behind.  This coat by Kai-Aakmann totally fits the bill with that fabulous fur collar.

Walk Now for Autism Speaks

Looking for something to do this weekend?  Head downtown October 30th and join me in participating in the annual Walk Now for Autism Speaks.  It's a 5K to raise awareness and research money for Autism research. 

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a range of complex neurodevelopment disorders, characterized by social impairments, communication difficulties, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior.  A report by the CDC concluded that 1 in every 110 births in the United States are diagnosed with ASD.  There is no clear understanding as to what causes Autism, nor is there a cure, so it is imperative we all join together and raise funds so further research can be done.

Check out their website and register to walk, sponsor a walker, or do a little shopping for a cause.  Really, is there any better type of shopping?  It's a win-win for everyone.

I love this little bracelet, and for only two dollars I can pick one up for all my friends.

A portion of the proceeds of each item sold benefits the Autism Speaks mission.

See you on Saturday!

Gap Coupon

I was flipping through the latest issue of Lucky Magazine today and saw that through October 21-31 if you mention "Lucky 25" at checkout you can take 25% your entire order - in store only.

So of course I went right to their website to check out what's new!  I am a huge fan of Gap for wardrobe basics like jeans and t-shirts.  They aren't really fashion forward but their clothes are comfortable, the fit is great, and the prices are moderate.  Gap's been trying to change their image and have really stepped up their game.  Here are some of my picks:

This tweed mini is so sweet and right on point for this fall.  I'd pair it with a chunky turtleneck and boots.

I can see myself wearing this four pocket cardigan on weekends, curled up nice and cozy by the fire with a steaming cup of cocoa.

I love this cowl neck t-shirt.  The fit is nice and relaxed, I love the slouchy neck and three quarter length sleeves.  I would live in this t-shirt.  And for less than $20 I could buy one for every day of the week!

DSW makes me smile

Have you ever been to a DSW store?  It is like an acre of shoes in every style and color.  There are a couple of them in the Baltimore area. I hit the one in Columbia the most because of proximity to my house but the one in Towson is TWO STORIES OF SHOES!  Makes me smile just to walk in.

I ordered a couple of pairs of boots the other day to get myself ready for the fall wardrobe change and when my package showed up even the box made me smile!  Check it out:


Highly-addictive contents inside



Truer words have never been written.  I love the two boots I got.  One is a pair of black ankle boots.  I buy a new pair almost every year since I practically live in them during the winter.  Pairing them with jeans automatically dresses the outfit up a bit.  I'm thinking this pair will look really cute with my new sweater dress and some patterned tights.

Jones New York Zipster Bootie



I also got these knee high riding boots (but in black).  I love knee high boots with jeans, and have a couple of boots with heals, but thought that this pair would be good when I have to do a lot of walking or just want to give my feet a rest!  This pair is amazingly comfortable.  It's almost as nice as walking around in sneakers (which I would never do!) 

b.o.c. by Born Martina Boot

Let me know what you think in the comments!

Stacy London is adorable

I checked out the Westfield Style Tour at Annapolis Mall yesterday which featured the fabulous Stacey London.  I love her dress!  Her shoes were fantastic too but I couldn't get a clear shot.  There was a little fashion show and then Stacy took the stage and had a little Q&A.  Here's an overview:

1. Men should never wear skinny jeans.  (Thank God someone finally said something!  I hate skinny jeans on men.  Unless you are a rock star, find a boot cut.)
2. UGG's are nasty.  (I agree with this also but also shamefully admit to owning a pair.  Hey, it gets cold in Maryland!)
3. Break up a monochromatic look with different fabric textures or details like a ruffle.
4. There is no excuse to wear exercise shoes unless you are EXERCISING!  (What a novel idea!  Stacy actually called out a lady for committing this faux pas, stating that with flats and wedges there is no reason you need to wear sneakers to go out and be comfortable.)
5. Create a waist with a fitted jacket or belt.   
6. FIT FIT FIT (If you've ever watched "What Not to Wear" you'll know that they always drive home this point.)
7. Also, one lady asked about mini skirts over 35.  Stacy pointed to her own skirt and said that it is so trendy right now to have shorter skirts that she is even having a hard time finding skirts/dresses that hit to the knee.  So as long as they are appropriate, go for it.  (This makes me so happy, I'm not 35 yet, but it's creeping up on me and I surely do like short skirts.)

What I really loved was how positive Stacy was about embracing your body no matter what your shape.  One woman asked a question on how to cover up when you have "junk in your trunk" and Stacy talked about how she didn't really like that phrase as it sounded so negative.  She stated that in order to dress our best we need to take a good look at your naked body in the mirror and see what you like about yourself and then dress to play those aspects up.  What a nice change from the diet/exercise/plastic surgery stuff we normally see.

Afterwards, since I was already in the mall, I thought I would do a little shopping.  I picked up this super cute gray sweater dress at The Limited.  I've been seeing these all over the place lately and can't wait to wear this out!

Stacy London Appearing at Westfield Style Tour Oct 16-17 2010

Charm City Readers, I am in LOVE with TLC's "What Not to Wear".  I've watched the show since it first came out, before Clinton was even on the show, when it was Stacy with some weird long haired man that only wore sweaters with a big cross on the front.  Odd that he didn't work out. 

So imagine my thrill when I saw that Stacy would be in the area this weekend!  She'll be appearing at 2pm Sunday at the Westfield Annapolis Mall.  But don't just go for Stacy - the whole Style Tour has plenty to see as well.  There will be free professional makeup consultations, beauty makeovers, fashion shows, and of course plenty of shopping. 

For those of you wondering when the new season of "What Not to Wear" will start, I am happy to say it will kick off October 29, 2010 at 9pm ET and will feature Mindy Cohn, best known from her role in "Facts of Life"

I'd like to end this post with a quote I read in an interview with Ms. London:

The higher the heal, the closer to God.

Amen.

Project Runway - Last Challenge Episode

Spoiler alert!  If you haven't seen this weeks show read no further! 

Did anyone think while watching the show that Gretchen was going to have a nervous breakdown?  The way she was talking to the camera, and talking to herself, I was waiting for her to start eating her hair.  Then she went and admitted having issues on the runway, it was all very sad.  As was her outfit:

Barbara Nitke, Lifetime Television

The skirt was sad, the blouse was sad, even the leather was sad. 

And was anyone else surprised that the judges thought Michael C.'s was the best outfit?  Don't get me wrong - it was a beautiful dress.  I would certainly wear it, but I just thought it was a little too easy.  I was expecting people to pull out all the stops for this last challenge.  Of course, April did something out of the Matrix, Mondo was Mondo, and Andy's was pretty hot, especially the back.  But overall, I was very disappointed. 

Also, has anyone else thought that this is an especially weepy group of people?  It's all I can do to keep Other in the room with me to watch Project Runway, so when people start crying he just leaves the room.  I don't think he's seen a full episode this season, with all the crying and carrying on.

Second Annual Baltimore Art Festival

This past weekend I went down to the inner harbor with my Significant Other (Other) to check out the Second Annual Baltimore Art Festival.  http://www.artfestival.com/Festivals/Inner_Harbor_Art_Festival_Baltimore_Maryland.ASPX

The festival went ran Saturday and Sunday, and we ended up going Sunday much to the protest of my Other since it was football day and he had to monitor his fantasy football team.  Sigh.  But I promised to have him back before halftime of the Ravens game, (of which we we won, go Ravens!!), and so he grudgingly came along.
 

The festival was on the small side but full of some great stuff.  Some beautiful, some crazy, all fun.  There was an area full of these quirky little sculptures, and I think they might have had removable heads.  Almost makes me wish I had a yard!

Check out the site for this pop artist, his booth was jam packed with people.  The characters are so endearing and the colors really pop.  http://www.edkingpopart.com/