But Suzabelle, Suzanne Jaberg’s Seattle-based line, instantly corrects all that is wrong in a world where far too many otherwise gifted designers overdose on trends. There’s a very good reason why Jaberg earned the title “the Seattle coat queen” a few years back: her military-style lightweight wool jacket in creme and windsor coat in brown/tan plaid are as timeless as a pea coat, but the interesting details — a fold-over collar here, brass dome buttons there — give them that extra special flair.

Windsor Overcoat

Lark Jacket

Greenstreet Coat

Suzabelle is for women who want to look good in black and white photos; women who appreciate the classic days of cinema, when all an ingenue needed was a fitted houndstooth dress and killer heels.

Hitchcock Dress in grey plaid

Veronica Day Dress

And a preview of its fabulous spring collection proves the ladylike label will NOT be promoting bare tummies.

Cecily Day Dress

Rita Hayworth would certainly approve.

Images: Suzabelle

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Suzabelle’s modern belle

The Hair

I don’t mind splurging on that Burrbery headband that will last forever, or that snazzy glittery headband that you’re going to wear to every single gala for the next five years.  Headwear is a definite save. You can get headbands, which seem to be the “it” thing this season (and will continue to be as long as Gossip Girl continues to be popular), anywhere from Wal-Mart to J Crew. Save your money and purchase something bigger.  Save-1 Splurge-0

Net-A-Porter

Jewelry

I am always for big jewelry.  If you love trends, you have probably already jumped on the “chunky” jewelry” bandwagon.  Just like headbands, you can get great small accessories at any small shop. But, jewelry is such an essential. I would advocate having a great luxury standby piece. This could be anything from the Bijoux Heart Whiplash Ring to something glitzy and glamorous from Yael Designs to a classic strand of pearls.  Splurge on this one.  Save 1- Splurge-1.

Net-A-Porter

Scarves/Wraps

This is a toss-up. This is all a matter of opinion. For some people the scarf/wrap option is a must have and it must be made of a great material. It must feel great against your skin and it must look “luxurious.” For others the scarf/wrap is a very small accessory that is worn once in a blue moon. It is just a trend that will pass, and thus can be bought cheaply and thrown around.  For me, because I do live somewhere relatively warm, it’s the latter. However, if you live somewhere cold, then it’s a splurge. And apparently snood is the word this season. I’s still a toss-up though. Save -2 Splurge -2. To the left Missoni Knit Wrap Snood- $205

Pants

The Fall season is one of the best times to purchase work clothes and jeans.  Everyone is ready to cover up their nicely tanned legs and arms. Why? Because the designers say so!  Anyway.  Point being, pants are a universal part of the wardrobe. If you’ve ever watched an episode of What Not to Wear you know that Stacey and Clinton struggle with the fit of pants with lots of their shoppers. So, spending more than $30 on a pair of jeans of dress pants may just help you find that perfect fit.

I am a guilty party. I was one of the first people in line at Old Navy last year when they had $10 jeans. I bought three pairs of sweetheart jeans, but that was $30 that I could have put towards better longer lasting and better fitting jeans. Jeans like J Brand Pencil jeans. When you move up to luxury denim, the material gets softer, more durable, and it doesn’t stretch as quickly. That also means you won’t have to buy three pairs to last you one year! Thank you, J Brand!

Great dress pants are also a must have in every woman’s wardrobe. Whether you work at a casual work environment or a business environment, having that one pair of great black pants is almost like having that pair of Louboutin shoes. You just have to have them. Try out these J Crew Favorite Fit  Stretch Wool pants for sure. They’re real winners.

The pants category is easy. It’s a splurge. Save -2 Splurge-3.

ShopBop

Shoes

Like I mentioned before, shoes can be tough. Sometimes you can save, but sometimes you have to splurge. In the summer you can save by picking up cheap sandals, but then there are other times in the Summer where picking up some great bright heels are just a must.  The Fall is no different.

A few years ago, while still in college, I bought a pair of moccasins for about $20. They were my winter shoes. I loved them. They were my security blanket. But, last winter, around February they just bit the dust. It may have been raining, or it may have just been cold, I don’t quite remember. Point being, it was time.  It was time to get a pair of good, luxurious, oh my goodness feeling winter shoes. Those shoes were my Roam Moccasins from Uggs. They haven’t come out of the box yet (I don’t want to ruin the new shoe smell!) but they’re mine.  But, these are my everyday winter shoes.  And they were so worth the $80 I spent during the Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale.

On the other hand, I have not splurged on boots. Winter boots have not caught up with my luxury fashion taste. I covet them, and I may say that I want these Christian Louboutin Velours Scrunch Boots, but I won’t actually buy them! However, I can understand why someone would want these shoes and why splurging on them is a must. Much like the wrap, the boot is a necessity and an every year purchase. To the Right- Juicy Couture Ruffle Zipper Ankle Boots-$395

Shoes are a splurge. Hands down. Save -2 Splurge -4.

It looks like the splurge has won out. Even with a tie on the Scarf/Wrap category, splurging in the fall is alight to do. I am giving all the fashionistas out there permission to spend, spend, spend this season. It may be one of the ways to get us out of this recession!

And I’m also giving you permission to spend on a coat, that’s a given..because it’s cold! burr!

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Spend or Splurge Fall 2009

Image: Net-A-Porter

Missoni Rib-Knit Wool-Blend Snood $205

What is a snood? Traditionally, dating back to the 1860’s, a snood was a hairpiece that wrapped around the top of the head and under the hair to the nape of the neck.  This circular wrap contained a netted or cloth sack that held the hair.  The shape of the piece was similar to the nets that are worn in the food service industry for sanitary purposes.  Today the modern snood is a tube-shaped thick piece, oftentimes made of wool, that is worn scrunched up around the neck like a gator or pulled over the head like a hood.

Image: flickr - michal hadassah

I have seen snoods worn by models on the runway, but this is the first time that I think the style will make it to the general public.  Net-A-Porter currently has a collection of gorgeous wool and cashmere snoods by Burberry and Missoni.  If these two trend-setting fashion houses are designing snood styles for Fall 2009, then I predict that many other designers will soon follow.

Image: Net-A-Porter

Burberry Giant Check Snood $295

I love the snood because of its versatility and style.  It looks fabulous and elegant as a bunched up looped scarf or a loose-hanging hood.  When worn as a hood it provides warmth for the neck, ears and top of the head and protection from rain or snow.  I get really excited about new fashion terminology so the snood is definitely going to my obsession this Fall and Winter!

Image: Net-A-Porter

Burberry Wool and Cashmere Blend Snood $225

I have only been able to find luxury designer snoods, but I will be posting all season about different variations as they pop up from other designers.  I also think I might take a stab at knitting one for myself…

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Snood Is The Must-Have Accessory for Fall

I haven’t thought of grey in forever, but the second I saw the misty, moody, far-more-flattering-than-black hue dominate the fall/winter 09 runway, I fell in love. Heather or granite; charcoal or slate — there’s a grey out there to suit every skin tone.

Here are my picks for some of the prettiest makeup shades and brands to add a provocative, but softly sultry look to complement all of those vampy outfits you’ll be inspired to sport this fall.

Motives Kohl Eyeliner in Steel is a lighter shade of grey…

Motives Kohl Eyeliner in Steel

Yves Saint Laurent always features the most vibrant and clear shades. Their fall eyeshadows feature four matte, satiny and iridescent shades with a highlighter — all of which follow themes such as “Sahara,” “Indian Pink,” “Riviera,” and my grey pick, “Ombres 5 Lumiéres.” What’s prettier than silvery-grey, charcoal, baby pink and amethyst?

Yves Saint Laurent Ombres 5 Lumiéres

A bit of blue, a touch of grey, shake em up and you’ve got another Yves Saint Laurent masterpiece: 39, Stormy Grey.

Yves Saint Laurent 39, Stormy Grey

Got green peepers? Grab grey mascara. It will make them pop.

Korres Deep Colour Mascara in Gray Green

Images: Motives, Saks, YSL and Sephora

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Grey makeup bouquet

Net-A-Porter

Aren’t boots made to keep you warm? Not to cool you off a la sandals or even some heels? The side zip fastening with open back with buckle fastening straps just confuse me, but to be honest I take fashion for what it is. I’m not like Malvin from Project Runway who needs to explore fashion and who needs to “understand fashion.” To be fair, his aesthetic did get him eliminated. If it’s pretty and feels good I’ll wear it. But, this does not look good. It just looks weird.

I could get it if you wear some awesome leggings and want to show off the leggings, but other then that I think I’ll pass. If you’re more of a Malvin, though, then you can get these at Net-A-Porter for $995.

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Halston Cluny Cutout Boots

ShopBop

We went in to several stores and after purchasing some much needed basics, walked through Neiman Marcus and dreamt of the clothes that would probably never make up our low paying, but highlight rewarding non-profit career women closets.

One of those items was this Wildflower Dress from Neiman Marcus. The floral print is funky but professional, chic but classic and oh so luxurious. It has short fluttery sleeves that only add to the ruffle detail (which is already all the rage).

This is $245. But, wait a second! If you’re an 8 or 10 you can pick it up for $193 at ShopBop.

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Rebecca Taylor Floral Tunic

• rocker – The 80’s rocker looks that are influencing the clothes this season will also transform into accessories.  There will be black leather, metal studs, and sharp faceted beads.  If you wear a hard rocker hairpiece, make sure to wear softer romantic materials to balance the look.

Image: Jennifer Behr

• oversized bows – The dark colors and rich fabrics on the bows look great with a mini dress or polished look.  The look is sweet and romantic, but not schoolgirl.  It would be fun to pair some of Fall’s menswear-inspired looks with a contrasting feminine bow!

Image: Bloomingdales

• sequins & sparkle – A little bit of sparkle goes a long way, so look for a minimal use of rhinestones and sequins on skinny headbands and hair clips.  Small sequins accessories can work during daytime in the Fall with a simple understated outfit.

Image: Anthropologie

• floral – The oversized blooms were everywhere this summer, but look for a cool weather version for Fall.  Stay away from summer brights, and instead look for soft florals in dark colors and fabrics.

Image: Nordstrom

• beads – There is lot of variety in the beaded appliques and headbands that can add a lot of color and intrigue to an outfit.  Look for vintage and ethnic pieces.  You could make a great headband with a strip of elastic and a found vintage beaded piece.

Image: Urban Outfitters

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Top Hair Accessories Trends For Fall

Okay, so maybe I won’t be able to buy any of these lovelies right off the bat, but designer knock-offs of exactly this stuff are coming soon to a discount retailer near you. The collection is comprised of nine shoes, nine bags, and a whole slew of jewelry. It is subdivided into themes: diamonds, moschettone, and labyrinth, which just about run the gamut of what is considered fashion forward right now.

The diamonds line sparkles with giant crystals and pin thin stiletto heels. The moschettone line is generally black, leather, and pretty s&m looking, with a hint of practicality (usable buckles) thrown in. And the labyrinth line is replete with lushly patterned leather and velvet. All of these designs, however on the pulse of fashion they are, bear the mark of Kane’s unique and bizarre vision, a hyper-feminine aesthetic that is structured and more than a little bit dangerous. 

Learn more about Christopher Kane in this great profile from The Independent.

See more of Christopher Kane’s line for Versus on WWD 

Photo Credits: Photography by Pierre Debusschere, Styling by Katie Shillingford via StyleBubble

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Design Profile: Christopher Kane for Versus

(Images: Saks Fifth Avenue)

Kooba Alex Hobo ($595) – This is a wonderful bag to use for every day. The glazed leather is quite delish in this Tan shade and gold tone studs give it just a bit of an edgy vibe.

Burberry Convertible Leather Satchel ($995) – I’m a big fan of versatile bags. This one can be carried by hand, on your arm or messenger style with the detachable strap. The colour, trench (nude), of the glossy leather is fantastic and very unique.

Prada Soft Calfskin Drawstring Tote ($1195) – This soft and relaxed leather tote is a bag you can throw your whole life into. The drawstring style is fun and the colour is fab.

Christian Louboutin Cecilia Medium Hobo ($1595) – Here’s a hobo that has those special details one should look for in an investment worthy bag. The cool angled geometric hardware on the handles are what makes this bag stand apart.

Botkier Venice Hobo ($595) – This bag will give you that cool punk rock vibe with the zippers and fun tassels but the tan colour is what tames the trendy style.

Chloe Paratay Medium Tote ($1895) – The colour on this satchel tote is fantastic. It’s called ‘brick’ and it’s like a burnt orange almost rusty shade that is quintessentially fall.  The colour will work very well as a neutral and as a fun pop of colour with monochromatic outfits.

The Go Neutral trend is perfect for those of you who don’t want to carry around a bag that is flashy, too overly designed and too trendy. If your personal style is more subdued and classic these new bags, now available at Saks Fifth Avenue, will be right up your alley.

The neutral palette means you can wear these bags with just about any outfit from your typical, every day jeans and a tee to a suit for work and even a cute dress for evenings. Also, just because these are neutrals doesn’t mean they’re boring. The chic styles, classic shapes and little details are what make these bags special.

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Fall 2009 Handbag Trends Part 5

• decorated cloche – The cloche made a huge comeback last fall, so definitely expect to see this style out in full force.  The plain black cloche has already been done, so this fall there will be lots of creative embellished options with lots of colors, materials, and decorations like feathers, flowers, and chains.

Image: Nordstrom

• tam – This Scottish-inspired beret style hat has a fun European feel.  The solid black or creme will be most popular, but there are also some clever styles with fun details.

Image: Urban Outfitters

• bowler – This Charlie Chaplin hat pairs perfectly with Fall’s menswear-inspired styles.  The black wool is a classic, but look for more modern feminine interpretations.

Image: Goorin Bros.

• slouchy beret – A thin beret in a soft loose crochet or knit is perfect for Fall.  There are lots of different colors and unique stitch patterns for a casual look.  The floppy fit allows you to style it in your own way, but my favorite is the asymmetrical droop to one side.

Image: Anthropologie

• wool floppy – If you loved the huge floppy straw hats that were popular this summer, then you can adapt that style to Fall with a wool floppy hat.  The sun can still be bright and damaging in the winter, so use a wide-brimmed wool hat to protect your skin and look glamorous.

Image: American Apparel

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Top 5 Women’s Hat Trends For Fall