the warm and fuzzies

faux fur is here to stay, much to the smug satisfaction of those folks over at peta (not that i'm complaining, just caught off guard by this new common ground). since writing my entry about express, i've had fur on the mind and i can't seem to escape it, what a terrible dilemma. from old navy to anthropologie to marc jacobs, the trend is available at all price points. while the faux fur vest is without a doubt this fall's boho chic darling, its tendency towards boxiness doesn't necessarily flatter every figure or body type. but fear not, for those in need of an alternative faux fix there are other silhouettes to consider: the faux fur jacket itself as well as coats/sweaters with glamourous fur details. go faux. please scroll down now and forget i said that.

- m

JACKETS/SWEATERS

BB Dakota

Rezrekshn

Anthropologie

VESTS

Boston Proper

Jessica Simpson

Alice + Olivia

Rebecca Taylor

COATS

Topshop

(sorry to be sneaky but this is from last season - so no link.

if someone finds it, please let me know. i NEED to own this.)

Alice + Olivia

Free People

Rachel Zoe

Mood Monitor

When it comes to getting dressed in the morning, I am a firm believer that there should only be one real factor; your current mood.

The beautiful thing about fashion is the way it enables you to be anyone or anything you want; it would be silly not to take full advantage. Look at your closet as an endless possibility and suddenly it will be. Jeans and tops should be much more than inanimate objects; they should be a gateway into a whole new you.

That being said, it would be silly to deny the greatness of a few fashion staples. There are some things that belong in every girl's closet, no excuse. A long cardigan in a solid color may seem boring when you're checking out, but trust me, that super bedazzled dress only seems useful in fluorescent lighting.

All too often I have been out shopping, made what I considered an epic purchase, and then worn it a grand total of once before shoving it to the back of the closet. The key to creative dressing is not owning a million statement pieces, but knowing how to mix up all the basics in an interesting way. Belt a long cardigan with a super short dress and then leave it open with jeans; suddenly it becomes one of the easiest things in your closet to wear.

When shopping, it is important to think about how often you are going to use something. If the answer is more of a hesitation, don't buy. Unless, of course, it's completely impossible to resist.

xo,

Elise