Buckle Up

Ralph Lauren Fall 2011 Marcio Madeira/firstVIEW

I have posted before about how I've only recently ventured into the world of accessories -- I think it has to do with the old pregnancy/post-pregnancy body morphing, which has forced me to experiment more with new looks. And belts have been just the best discovery. Sounds a little ridiculous to say I've "discovered" belts but what I mean is, I've finally figured how to make this basic accessory work for me. They literally change up my looks (for the better, I think) in an instant.


I worked them during pregnancy a lot -- to show that I wasn't just a ball of baby (above the bump, just under the bust). And post-pregnancy, they've been a staple -- to show that I actually have a real waist again. So, I couldn't be more excited to see lots of belted looks on the recent runways.  More evidence that such a simple accessory can really make an outfit go from plain to polished. 


Love the velvet waist-cinchers -- over a dress, jacket and sweater -- at Carolina Herrera.

Marcio Madeira/firstVIEW

Marcio Madeira/firstVIEW

Alessandro Viero / GoRunway.com

Marcio Madeira/firstVIEW

Marcio Madeira/firstVIEW

Marcio Madeira/firstVIEW

Donna Karan showed a belt on nearly every look of her collection.

Marcio Madeira/firstVIEW

Marcio Madeira/firstVIEW

Tone on tone at Michael Kors. 

Marcio Madeira/firstVIEW

Marcio Madeira/firstVIEW

I buy a lot of belts from J.Crew -- I love the skinny patent and metallic versions in different shades. They are super easy to work with and very inexpensive. I wear them with tops (like my staple silk tanks or button-up shirts) under long cardigans or blazers. This past winter, I've also belted a lot of heavy cardies or wrap sweaters. And I love sparkly sashes for night and day (that includes ribbon necklaces - - see my post Simple Statements). The point is to refine your look while adding a bit of hourglass dimension to your shape.

J.Crew

J.Crew

J.Crew

Gap

Gap

Uptown Girl

Yannis Vlamos / GoRunway.com

 Aaah... wouldn't it be nice to be a fancy Uptown lady. That was what I was thinking as I sat and watched the Carolina Herrera Fall 2011 show live. It was all about refined elegance and uberluxe details -- think fox-trimmed sleeves, sable scarves, velvet belts, Manolos with pretty bows, and sparkles in surprising places. The way she mixed textures -- flannel with velvet and sequins and fur -- made each look even more sumptuous. There were more than a few outfits I would love to have -- and the life that goes with them! 


Read my post on the show on the Well Appointed House blog.

Love Lace

Photo: Marcus Tondo / GoRunway.com

As far as Fall 2011 fashion week goes, it looks like we are off to a good start. First Lady favorite Jason Wu (Michelle Obama wore the fledgling designer to her inauguration and many times since) showed a grown-up, sophisticated and very ladylike collection.  The reviews were raves for the most part...  The overwhelming theme was lace...on the sleeve of a coat or a sweatshirt, down the sides of a pencil skirt or a slim paint, for example.

hoto: Marcus Tondo / GoRunway.com

Photo: Marcus Tondo / GoRunway.com

Photo: Marcus Tondo / GoRunway.com

Photo: Marcus Tondo / GoRunway.com

Photo: Marcus Tondo / GoRunway.com

Photo: Marcus Tondo / GoRunway.com

To be honest, while lace trends come in and out pretty regularly, I think of the frilly fabric as a classic. I love a lace trimmed camisole peaking out under a sweater, or a lacy top underneath a suit jacket. While it is standard for evening, a little lace detail here and there looks great paired with jeans for day. Here are some lace picks that are in store now.

Alexander McQueen

D&G

D&G

J.Crew

J.Crew

Mason by Michelle Mason

Zara

Lace on the red carpet...

January Jones in Carolina Herrera

We shall see as the week progresses if this will become a full-fledged fashion moment. In the meantime, I am putting my lacy numbers back into rotation.

Botanical Chic @ The Well Appointed House

Carolina Herrera

Ice storm? Think colorful spring blooms. 


Read my post on Carolina Herrera's botanical-inspired collection and get in the mood for sunnier days.  


http://wellappointedhouse.blogspot.com/