Laws of Couture

Wednesday, August 7

Cognac Leather

Michael Kors

I frequently get people seeking my styling advice, but every so often there are questions about where to find the season's hottest clothing and accessories trends. This Fall, I've received a lot of inquires regarding cognac leather. Cognac, also known as almond or warm caramel, refers not to a specific type of leather, but rather to a color. This light, reddish brown leather is the new calfskin of the season. A perfect earth-toned alternative to classic black, cognac leather pairs well with neutrals like white and cream and all shades of blue denim. Check out my favorite cognac leather picks of the season below.

Michael Kors

Gap

Haute Hippie

Calvin Klein

Michael Kors

Banana Republic

Tory Burch

Michael Kors

Tory Burch

Tuesday, August 6

Retro Cool: Fit and Flare Dresses

A retro silhouette finds new ways to flatter this season with fit and flare style dresses. Wear yours with a pair of tights and booties, or bare legged with peep toe pumps. Add some edge to these demure frocks with vests, boleros, moto jackets and cropped blazers. Shop these must have looks, which are all available at Saks.

Valentino

Theory

Akris Punto

Alexander McQueen

Diane von Furstenberg

Rag & Bone

Akris Punto

Diane von Furstenberg

Diane von Furtsenberg

Alexander McQueen

Zac Posen

Monday, August 5

Go Beyond Black and White and Fade Into Grey

Grey dominated the fashion world in Fall 2012, and it’s back for Fall 2013. It’s hard to believe that Fall is fast approaching and Summer will soon be history. Thankfully, grey is the perfect shade for trans-seasonal dressing. Highly versatile, grey is a classic, flattering color, noble for the office and elegant in the evening. For Fall 2013, top designers took the grey concept into a whole new direction transforming this once-considered dull pigment into bold contoured creations. Shades of warm charcoal, silver, slate, and light greys were brought out in the most unique combinations paired with plaid, burgundy, greens, yellows, and exotic printed fabrics. Grey never looked so good!

Pair grey with bright jewel tones for the most vivacious look, or play it safe with black and white. Lighter greys look best with a darker bottom and a clean top. Take a pair of dark denim skinny jeans, put it together with a light grey cardigan and a pair of grey suede booties with a stacked heel. This is a great outfit for casual days in the office or around town. Lighter greys, like silver, look great paired with a dark contrast like burgundy and hunter green. Darker, smokey greys pair well with beige and creamed colors, which give your ensemble a strong and crisp look. Whether you decide to go with a monochromatic look that incorporates different shades of grey, or choose a single item to show off your grey- a blazer, leather jacket, or pair of skinny jeans- you will be fashion forward for Fall.

Check out the looks below for some outfit inspiration.

Casual Weekend Look