Fall Fashion from A to M by Zee

I am a list maker. I don't care how many cool organizational tools my new BlackBerry has, there's nothing quite as satisfying to me as crossing items off a checklist. So, when I saw Elle Magazine's Creative Director Joe Zee's list of fall trends (Titled From A to Zee. How original.) I immediately got out pen and paper to write down the trends and all the items I "need" to add to my wardrobe in order to be fashionable this fall.

As I was writing, the thought occurred to me that you guys might like to know what Zee considers hot this season, as well as where to find key pieces for $100 or less. I'll tackle A-M tonight and N-Z tomorrow. Here goes:

Aviator- I've been on the lookout for a (faux) leather jacket, but until this weekend I haven't been able to find one that didn't look like plastic or didn't cost me my right arm. For those of you who live in San Luis Obispo, check out the jackets at Lucky LuLu's Boutique. Unfortunately they don't have a website, but they're under $70 and worth a look if you're local. For those of you who don't live in SLO but do have a Nordstrom close by (favorite department store ever, by the way) check out this classic aviator jacket for $58 or the even more adorable ruffled version for $68.

Buckles- Personally, I hate all the items that Zee chose to showcase for this trend. (Don't judge Burberry or Tory Burch by either of those offerings.) As I was searching for a pair of Restricted boots with buckles that I did like, I stumbled upon this pair from Sears for only $68. I have a similar pair, and I love them! Shorts, skirts, jeans--they go with everything!

Cocktail Dresses- Oh how I love a good excuse to dress up!!! Husband and I are going to Vegas during the first weekend in November, and I'm searching for a hot little number to wear out on the town. I'm a huge fan of basic black but I have to say, this Barbie pink number has ME all hot and bothered! (Before you fall in love, like me, I should tell you that it's $105. Look if you dare.)

Draping- If you've packed on a few pounds (like me) recently, you'll appreciate the value of a good drape cardigan or top. They hide a multitude of sins, believe me! Banana Republic has the corner on the market when it comes to classy draping. This one currently retails for $90, but give it a week or two--it'll be on sale. In fact, you should never buy anything at full price from BR, Gap or Ann Taylor/AT Loft. Trust me. Thats a rule you should live by.

Electric Color- I've gotta say, bright colors are one growing on me. Especially when they're splashed in an otherwise monotone ensemble. The red necklace from H&M that Zee features in the Elle article is a great example. And speaking of H&M, did you know that Jimmy Choo is doing a new line of shoes for the store? And speaking of shoes, these teal knot front suede pumps from GoJane.com are not only electric but a steal for only $17.90...I'm adding them to my list for sure!

Full Bows- This is a trend I can't fully endorse. I think it's cute on other people; but you put a bow on me, and I look like I'm five years younger than I really am. A great alternative to bows (on tops) is ruffles. Once again, Banana Republic is my go-to store for all things ruffly.

Gilded- Or, in layman's terms, gold. Whether you wear it as an accessory or an embellishment, it's a timeless trend that just won't go away. I'm really into chunky gold accessories myself, like these Gold Dipped Leaf Earrings from Lillian Ray. (Sidenote: Lillian Ray takes custom orders, so if you see something gold--or not--that you like, feel free to request a custom item.)

Houndstooth- Something about this trends screams Cruella Deville from 101 Dalmations, but I love it! This cropped jacket from JCPenney offers a more muted version of what can be a loud fashion statement.

Indigo- Blue--or some shade thereof--looks good on just about anyone, and the good news is you can find articles of clothing in a blue hue just about anywhere. If you're looking to be bold in your use of the color, why not try blue mascara or eyeliner. Benefit Cosmetics BadGal Lash Mascara in Blue makes eyes of any color pop.

Joan Jett- Never have, never will be a fan of the rocker chic look. Nuf said.

Kisses- I think Zee was grasping at straws on this one. Come on! Kisses-- as in LIPS-- on clothing, purses and shoes?? Have we suddenly warped back to the 8th grade? I think I just saw Hello Kitty!

Luxe Hippy- According to Zee, the Luxe Hippy look is defined by "modern pieces adorned with lacing, tassels and organic elements." I'm not sure if this is exactly what he had in mind, but I have noticed that ponchos are making a comback this season, and I kinda like it. Yeah... that probably doesn't count. You're on your own with this one.

Menswear- Well, at least we're ending on a good note. Menswear has been big for a few seasons now, and as long as you wear it right, it adds a clean, crisp look to any outfit. Forever 21 has a boyfriend blazer I've had my eye on for quite some time. Don't be put off by how it looks in the picture online. I've seen it in the store and on a friend or two, and it looks great!

Well, there you go. Fall fashion from A to M by Zee. Tune in tomorrow for trends N-Z. Now, I've gotta go...crossing off "write blog entry" from my to-do list as we speak.

Until Tomorrow,
Jennifer Lynn

*Photo courtesy of Elle.

A Lump of Kohls

The last time I visited a Kohls, was about two years ago when I was still living in North Carolina. I remember being disappointed in the selection and thinking that the quality of their clothing was pretty poor. Since that last trip, the store has added clothing lines from Vera Wang, Lauren Conrad and Elle Magazine. Therefore, I walked into the newly opened Kohls in my area this past weekend with high hopes of finding fashion-for-less.

Unfortunately, my shopping trip left me with a less-than-favorable impression of the retailer, once again. Much like I remembered, the racks were filled with cotton-rayon-nylon blends that you just know will shrink or become pilled after one wash. The oversized sweaters (which the store had an abundance of) looked cheap as did pretty much everything in the Junior's department--and seriously, who calls it a Junior's department anymore? I feel immature just saying that I shop in that section! (FYI- The picture at the top was the "hottest" find in the Junior's section. Did you know there's such a thing as ruched python leggings??)

Even the "designer" labels were disappointing. Vera Wang's Simply Vera line was simply awful; and both Lauren Conrad's and Elle's clothing lines were unoriginal at best--something I'd expect from LC, but not from one of the largest fashion magazines in the world.

I did manage to find a few items in the shoe department worth sharing with you guys (posted below), but even they aren't worth paying full price for. Personally, I doubt I'll be making a return trip any time soon.

Until Tomorrow,
Jennifer Lynn

Shoes worth noting:
1. Dana Buchman Purple Alexandria Pumps
2. Simply Vera Margarit Platforms
3. Elle Gisela Dress Heels

Cheapchicas.com

I wasn't sure if I should post this...in a way, this woman is my competition. However, I have an obligation to you, my faithful readers, to share the fabulous things I find--particularly when they are fashion related and under $100!!!!

Fashion blogger Lilliana Vasquez describes herself as someone who "loves designer denim, lusts after “it” bags and can’t live without James Perse, but the difference is I find other ways of getting it (or very close versions of it) without spending my entire paycheck."

Now that's my kind of girl!!!! Check the site out for yourself, but check back tomorrow for my review of Kohls fall fashion repertoire...or lack thereof. I guarantee that I'm still the cheaper chica! =)

Until Tomorrow,
Jennifer Lynn

It's Not About the Label

If you go on to the website for The September Issue, the subtitle for the pictures in the photo gallery reads: "Fashion is a religion. This is the Bible." Inappropriate religious reference aside, the description may not be that far off. Vogue has been defining American women's views on fashion for decades and Anna Wintour has been at the magazine's helm since 1988.

Many speculate that Meryl Streep's character in The Devil Wears Prada is based on Wintour. The book's author, Lauren Weisberger is a former Vogue employee. The September Issue, a documentary about Wintour, her staff and the making of the magazine's record-breaking September 2007 issue, does nothing to dispell that rumor. Shades of Streep's character are recognizable throughout the documentary, and you almost forget that Wintour is playing no one other than herself. She is indeed cold, stoic, abrasive and hard-nosed--qualities that her critics undoubtedly find repulsive but that I found engaging.

But enough about Wintour...let's talk about the clothes and their designers. Or wait, let's not. If there's one takeaway from this film, it's that it's not about the label. The store managers and employees at the shops in New York and Los Angeles would have you believe that fashion is about the name on the tag of your dress and how much you paid for it. After listening to the conversations between Wintour and her employees, particularly creative director Grace Coddington, you realize that an outfit is one part who designed it and three parts the story you tell while you're wearing the clothes.

Take a look at this year's September issue of Vogue. The 40's themed spreads and feature articles on people like Jenny Sanford and Marissa Mayer prove my point. Every piece of clothing and every person who puts it on has a story to tell. Wintour and her employees are simply better at storytelling than the rest of us.

The September Issue begins with Wintour looking deadpan into the camera, saying "there's something about fashion that makes people very nervous." For years, I have agreed with that statement, feeling inferior to those who paid more for than me for their purse. This morning, I woke up and paired a pencil skirt and satin top from Banana Republic with shoes from Payless and a Tory Burch scarf knowing that the outfit itself was secondary to the memories I'd make while wearing it. In the last eight hours of wearing one or more elements of the aforementioned outfit, I've taught elementary school kids about God's promises, cuddled on the couch with Husband and made new friends at a backyard barbeque; and I'm now more convinced than ever that if Anna Wintour defines fashion, there's something en vogue about all of us.

Fabulous Finds

I was planning to make this post much earlier today, but thought twice after reading an article on how to buy luxe clothing and accessories on the cheap in which the author reminded readers that "a lady never reveals what she's paid for something." I mulled over this statement while eating an ice cream sundae. Then, I looked down at my bowl of fatty, sugary goodness and realized that if I'm eating ice cream with hot fudge, caramel and peanut butter M&Ms on it, I'm probably not the type of person InStyle Magazine would classify as a lady anyhow.

Therefore, I am proudly sharing the three adorable articles of clothing that I found at Walmart and Kmart this weekend with you, my faithful readers. (Sidenote: As of today, I have my first official follower! Trying to quell my excitement!!)

Here you go:
Find # 1- Open Front Knit Vest with Ruffle Trim (Kmart, $24.99)
Find #2- Jersey Drape Cardigan (Walmart, $11.00) - This link shows the cardigan in black, but there were a plethora of colors available at my local Wally World. I bought the orange one--very fall!
Find #3- George Ruffle Blouse (Walmart, $12.00)- Unfortunately, I can't find the exact link to this item, but I found a very similar match at Macys. There were tons of colors and patterns available in this one as well.

For those of you watching your wallet, I suggest picking up these pieces ASAP. For those of you who think I'm being unladylike, check out KORS Michael Kors ingenius four-in-one zipper boots (Bloomingdale's $595). Hopefully that redeems me in some of your eyes!

Until tomorrow,
Jennifer Lynn

Personal Stylist for $25 or Less

My college roommates always laugh at the fact that after graduation I spent three years working as a fashion editor for a monthly magazine. If my readers knew what my roommates knew--that during my college years my biggest fashion dilemma was which color cardigan I should wear with my kacki pants and clogs--they would have turned their noses up at me as quickly as they could turn the page.

I'm sure that true fashion editors just intrinsically know what's stylish, but not me. I continually had to do research to figure out what the latest trends were that month. But, as my father says: "It doesn't matter how you get the answers, just so you get them." (He apparently used this statement as an excuse to cheat on tests in high school.) So, I thought I'd share some of my tips and tricks from three years of fashion research:

Tip #1: Not all trends are meant to be worn. In other words, what looks good on a toothpick sized model who's undergone hours of professional primping before walking down a runway or being photographed, does not always look good on the rest of us "sometimes I sleep in too late before work and don't bother to put makeup on" women. There's no harm in trying something on, but if you have any doubts, consult that one friend that you trust to tell you the truth no matter what, before purchasing.

Tip #2- Don't spend a fortune on styles that may fade with the season. You know the type. This year it's anything inspired by the 80's. I don't care if the other Jenn (Aniston) wears leg warmers to the Oscars, I am NOT resurrecting my pair. However, if you do have the urge for a hot pink leotard, I suggest going to Forever 21, H&M or Urban Outfitters.

Tip #3- Spend $25 a year and have Lucky and Elle sent to your home. (In layman's terms, that's called magazine subscriptions.) Unless you can't afford it. In which case, you can find the cliff's notes from every month's issue online. Actually, these days both magazines are giving bonus content online, but as someone who stares at a computer screen all day, I prefer to look at the hard copy. Elle will give you an idea of what's hot on the runway, and Lucky will show you how to wear it to work or on the town.

Tip #4- Never spend more than you can afford. I know that this isn't really fashion advice, but take it from someone who knows firsthand, wearing a Zac Posen dress with a Bottega Veneta bag is never as much fun if you've just maxed out your credit card. If you don't have the money in your bank account, don't bother to purchase it. I guarantee that whatever it is you want will look just as fabulous after you've saved the money to buy it. And if you're worried that it won't, it's probably not something you should be spending that kind of money on in the first place.

Until tomorrow,
Jennifer Lynn