For some reason, this guide is always the hardest one for me…possibly because part of me thinks this whole blog is one giant style gift guide (isn’t it?). But still, I know we all have that trend-obsessed slave to fashion on our list who feels impossible to please. Take my word for it: your work’s officially done. Any one of these gifts is 100% SMC-guaranteed to put a geeky holiday grin on even the pickiest fashionista’s face.
{Editor’s Note: Top five things I never thought I’d say, but I really want that quilted vest. Like, bad. And those fox earrings. Nice picks, Kate!}
Kate M.W. ~ One of two things ends up happening when I’m thinking about accessories: either I’m naturally inspired by a piece or it falls neatly into one of the various categories that perfectly rounds out my collection, thereby making it a necessity. One of those basic necessities (…yes, I’ve used the correct term) is an understated multicoloured bracelet. A little casual, a little dressy, a little rustic, and a dash of polish. Because it goes with nearly everything, it makes the perfect addition for outfits ranging from work to play and everything in between. An ideal candidate for the job? The Market Bracelet from Jenny Bird. Deep blues, rustic reds, and basic black off-set by gold – this is the grown-up version of that beaded bracelet you inevitably both made and sported as a kid.
I think we all shop at certain stores during certain life phases. Forever 21 or Express when you’re still buying into every trend that passes by. The Limited when you grow out of those a bit. Banana Republic when you get your first “real job.”
So, when I stopped going to an office every day, I kind of forgot about Banana Republic. I didn’t have a bad experience, or think they were awful, I just…forgot. Now that I was no longer absolutely desperate for an army of dress trousers and shells to wear underneath suits – and, if I’m honest, now that I know how to step up my game a little in the world of professional attire – the Banana dropped off my radar.
But last week, I went poking around hunting for something for a friend, and came across more than a few pieces that made me think “Hey, I totally need that!”. Closely followed by “Wait. That’s only how much??”. Clearly, BR deserves a second look.
Kate M.W. ~ Despite my best efforts to maintain a healthy injection of colour, occasionally I quietly nestle back into neutrals, particularly when it’s overcast outside. This week I was inspired by the grey sky outside my window and this oversized clutch from Rachel Roy. Given its size and the presence of multi-function pockets, it’s the clutch’s answer to the small cross body bag. The mix of the midnight dusky blue, two-toned grey, and the subtle stripe of dull mint green is quiet enough not be overbearing but just graphic enough to not get lost in an outfit, setting the parameters as simple, easy, and refined.
Kate M.W. ~ In an effort to combat the dusky grey chill of fall, I like to make sure that there’s a solid measure of colour in my wardrobe. I’m not advocating for the classic “pop” of colour, but instead a whole ensemble that tries to incorporate it wherever possible. Starting with a multi-tonal embroidered scarf that brings in muted tones from blue to purple, with strains of olive greens and mustard yellows, and set off by poppy reds and oranges, can lead to a world of endless possibility.
Kovdor Embroidered Scarf, Anthropologie, $68
When balancing in a complete outfit of colour, I tend to pick neutral patterns and fabrics. Take a look at a colour wheel and pick tones from opposite sides, or even go back to the scarf and see what colours that sit side-by-side amongst its embroidery really catch your eye. Because it’s fall, I think of my foundations in three pieces: a jacket, a top, and pants. Two out of the three should be colour, and the third a neutral. In this case, a mustard and white striped linen t-shirt brings contrast to deep eggplant toned cords while a classic denim jacket functions as a neutral.
Nolita Jacket, J.Crew, $98 / Straight Leg Cords in Midnight Purple, Talbots, $90 / Linen Jersey Stripe Tee, Eileen Fisher, $69
In putting together the rest of the details, I returned to the scarf to pick out the remainder of the accent colours. While I’ve recently been pondering dusky ankle boots, dark coloured cords can hold up to burnt sienna ankle boots, and the orange colour pairs well with the deep tan accents on a teal bag. To pick up on the whimsy of the embroidery on the scarf, I’d go for a necklace full of quirky charms with offbeat sayings and pictures. A neutral statement ring and a little dash of muted sparkle on the ears rounds out the rest of the jewelry. Keep your makeup simple, a flush of tawny rose colour on the cheeks and a sheer wash of a plummy grape-toned lipstick.
Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed, Tarte, $25 / Lipstick in Damage, NARS, $24 / Necklace charms in Queen of Art, You are Here, and Dot Initial, Pick-Up Sticks, $15-18 / Belted Strap Classic Ellie in Emerald, Gryson, $595 / Smoky Topaz Studs, Bounkit, $75 / Athena Ring, Giles & Brother, $70 / Cassidy Bootie, Cole Haan, $268
With an array of tones and endless opportunities to let your imagination and appetite for colour run wild, take advantage. A scarf such as this really does embody what it means to let your outfit and style speak a bit louder…as always, it’s all in the details.
Kate M.W. ~ Around this time of year, I start demanding something a little different from my handbags. Sure, my day-to-day work-appropriate classics still reign Monday to Friday, but I’m now looking for something that longs for casual kick-around weekends and that can stand up to the structured jackets and tendency towards layers that my wardrobe takes on. I look for duffel or hobo bags whose focus isn’t necessarily structure, and whose colour isn’t limited to black. When I came across the Sea Duffel from AANDD I immediately stopped: deep wine colour, playful rope accents, and just enough shape to keep from looking disheveled.
Sea Duffel, AANDD, $484
Inspired by the rope detailing, I immediately thought of stripes (blame the nautical connection) but opted for a sweater that could easily be a foundation for many an outfit. Though there’s a natural tendency to use dark wash denim, your favourite medium or light-wash jeans still work at this time of year and contrast nicely with the depth of the navy in the sweater and the colour of the bag. And of course, since I’m known for arguing that a good jacket is a fall fundamental, I’d look for an option that provides ample contrast: an olive green with a particularly structured nature. That, and this particular one from Emerson Fry was just too good to resist (apologies for retail indulgences!).
Etienne Bar Stripe Crew Sweater, Cardigan, $195 / Matchstick Jeans, J.Crew, $148 / Army Coat, Emerson Fry, $485
In an effort to make sure that the details of the outfit aren’t too distracting, I’d stick with one category and go from there. Since the sweater already has stripes, I’d skip a necklace and go straight for a wristful of bracelets and simple pearl studs in my ears. Mimic the olive tone of the coat with this woven chain option, a cool pearl-capped bangle, and an oversized tortoise shell link to bring in the colour of the handbag. Speaking of that colour, dare to let it nearly match when you’re choosing your footwear, in this case a pair of classic boots. Either let your jeans hang down over the tops, or unzip them slightly at the back and let your jeans rumple down into the top of the boot. On a brisk but bright day, bring in your favourite navy-based scarf and classic shades.
Monogram Plush Wrap, Banana Republic, $75 / North Country Boots, Anthropologie, $258 / Highstreet Sunglasses, Ray-Ban, $145 / Pearl-Cap Bangle, Majorica, $85 / Oversized Pearl Studs, Juliet & Company, $21 / Woven Charm Bracelet, Brooks Brothers, $68 / Tortoise Link Bracelet, Loren Hope, $40
Inspired by a bag like this, it’s easy to make sure that adjectives like playful and fun don’t get lost amongst the layers of autumn, since by now we all know that they’re easy to play up, if you keep it all in the details.
Kate M.W. ~ As a persistent fan of the statement necklace, but also as one who may often find it hard to stray from traditional favourites, I’m always on the lookout for options that balance the two. This multi-strand pewter pearl necklace from Hazel & Marie is an excellent way to capitalize on the classic chicness of pearls, and yet truly embrace the ever-so-popular statement necklace. One part unique with the colour of the pearls (something to play well with fall and winter tones), one part classic (as pearls always are), and of course one part bold.
Signature Twist Pearls in Pewter, Hazel & Marie, $175
A default combination for this necklace would be skinny black pants, an oversized white button-down with a great skinny belt, and your hair thrown up in a nonchalant bun. That being said, the twist on a classic tone of the necklace has inspired something a little different. Though the necklace could be quite dressy, I’m inclined to go with trendy metallic thread jeans (copper and pewter are always an intriguing mix), and a casual grey borderline slouchy sweater with a wider neckline. The idea is to balance bold trendy bottoms with a laid-back top that juxtaposes the necklace.
Grey Dolman Cashmere Sweater, Only Mine, $128 / “The Skinny” in Liquid Metallic Copper, 7 for All Mankind
With two relatively bold pieces already in the styling, it wouldn’t be asking too much to make sure that the rest of the details essentially sign up for a non-compete clause. Conclusion? Serious basics. My daytime staples would be a functional full-sized black tote, easy black ballet flats, and my favourite neutral sunglasses. Feel free to swap in basic black heels and a simple clutch for the evening. Either way I’d keep jewelry category streamlined to a cocktail ring and an oversized chronometer, and perhaps adding pewter pearl or subtle copper studs. Polished fall waves work around the clock, and coppery “greige” eyeshadows really set the outfits colour palette.
Metal Trio Earring Set, Kenneth Jay Lane, $95 / Greige Palette, Dior, $59 / Chelsea Pump, Cole Haan, $298 / Foldover Clutch, Mango, $100 / Tricolor Chronograph, Michael Kors, $250 / Francisca Sunglasses Oliver Peoples, $325 / Legacy Tanner Tote, Coach, $498 / Black Patent Pirouette, London Sole, $165
When working with bold statement pieces and yet still holding tight to your favourite staples, treading the line between comfortable and polished is easy if you keep your style all in the details.
Kate M.W. ~ While last week was all about industrial chic, this week is about a way to tackle autumn in a ladylike way. Loafers are a dime a dozen in the fall, but there’s something about a bright patent purple paired with tassels that gives a lovely feminine touch to the trend. Purple is an excellent alternative to the deep wine reds that we’ve been seeing everywhere, and yet doesn’t compete with a classic fall palette.
Cassy Patent Leather Tassel Loafer, Kate Spade, $225
Because this is about playing up the ladylike nature of the loafers, I’d begin the foundations with a dress. Olive green pairs nicely with the amethyst tone, and the black pattern ensures that the colour isn’t too saturated. Adding a grey wool blazer keeps things from being too predictable, and I couldn’t resist this version that boasts purple piping and a collar to match. The foundations don’t stop here though. Given the length of the dress and the fact that it is quite definitively autumn, black tights (or if you’re a little adventurous, black thigh-high socks) are necessary to keep this properly pulled together and appropriate.
Contrast Trim Blazer, Juicy Couture, $248 / Sartorial Splendor Cutout Dress, Ruche, $49 /
Opaque Matte Tights, Commando, $34 / Thigh-Highs, J.Crew, $19
The cutout neckline on the dress and purple collar of the blazer play into the decision of how the bring together the rest of the outfit. Skip the necklace and opt for amethyst studs, letting the colour play out against a beaded bracelet of the same hue and staying subtle with a black band watch. For fear of things becoming too boring, add a little whimsy with this gold elephant bangle, and a personal touch with a monogrammed ring. If you’re so inclined, play up the whimsical nature by opting for a book clutch (Gatsby’s a classic, and the yellow plays off the gold adding an unexpected contrasting pop of colour), or go for understated function with a basic black tote. Finally, because fall tends to get brisk, logic recommends a scarf and I’d recommend black.
The Great Gatsby Book Clutch, Kate Spade, $325 / Amethys Button Earrings, Brooks Brothers, $118 / Amethyst Boheme Bracelet Anzie, $175 / Reese Elephant Bangle, Jennifer Zeuner, $187 / Metro Watch, Kate Spade, $195 / Black Silk-Cashmere Wrap, J.Crew, $75 / Swirly 3 Initial Monogram Ring, Jennifer Zeuner, $198 / Grove Court Lainey Handbag, Kate Spade, $428
Flirty and fun don’t have to be adjectives reserved for spring and summer. Finding a way to bring a touch of whimsy and ladylike elegance into your fall ensembles is all in the details.