TOPMAN LTD Blazer

I took a quick shot of my TOPMAN LTD double tape blazer. It is very lightweight and unstructured, sort of a cardigan/blazer hybrid. I'm wearing it with an American Apparel Black cotton v-neck t-shirt, Uniqlo Black skinny jeans and Paul Smith Black brogues.

Fall 2009 Shopping | Part One: Plaid

With a heavy thud, each September issue has been landing on my doorstep reminding me that fall fashion is only one calendar page away. I've been pouring over the ads and editorials, dog-earing pages, scribbling notes in a journal and carefully considering pieces to add to my seasonal shopping list.

I'm eager to embrace plaid this autumn. As a Wisconsinite, my view of plaid has been slightly marred by years of growing up around those who consider plaid flannel shirts an everyday uniform - and a pressed cotton version as formal wear. In spite of that, here's what I'm looking to for inspiration:

(pictured clockwise, starting with upper left)

Topshop, Tartan Box Cross Body Bag, $44
Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, Multi New Propaganda Plaid Jacket, $793.65
Yesac, Unisex Tartan Plaid Fedora Hat, $22.99
Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, Multi Bale Sunday Dress, $646.80
Gender Bias, Puff Sleeve Ruffle Front Plaid Shirt, $288
Barneys New York, Plaid Shawl, $129
McQ, Tartan Ruffle Front Skirt, $295

And, of course, a copy Tartan: Romancing the Plaid for my coffee table.

Elizabeth and James One Shoulder Tee - *Updated 9/15/09*

See bottom of post for update.

This long sleeved one shoulder tee by Elizabeth and James retails for $115 at Shopbop.


If you want a similar top that fits in your budget, Topshop has a version that retails for $36. If you'd like to purchase, click on the photo below!


*Update - 9/15/09* - Shop Mamie also has a similar option for $44 available only in grey. If you'd like to purchase, please click here to do so (and don't forget to check out their other items - they have a lot of great stuff!).

Celeb Style Steal: Carrie Underwood in Topshop

Carrie Underwood wore this Topshop belt over her winter coat while performing on Good Morning America (photo/find credit: People).


Love it? You can get her geometric belt for $60 by clicking on the photo below.

Celeb Style Steal: Emma Watson in TopShop

Actress Emma Watson (Harry Potter) wore this TopShop shirred waist tunic while out in London a few weeks ago. (Photo credit)


If you like her dress and want to buy one for yourself, you can click on the photo below to purchase it for $28. (Unfortunately this dress is only available in white at the moment.)

Celeb Style Steal: Gwen Stefani in TopShop

Gwen Stefani wore this striped leggings on August 30th while heading to a baby shower. (Photo credit)


If you like these leggings and want a pair for yourself, they retail for $40 at TopShop and you can click on the photo below to purchase.

ADAM by Adam Lippes Romper - *Updated 8/31/09*

See bottom of post for update.

This bright pink romper by ADAM seems to be completely sold out online but originally retailed for $345 at Barneys. (Photo credit: Style.com)

If you love the look of the silky romper above but it's not quite in your budget (even if you can find it in stock), Lulu's has a similar one (in limited sizes) on their site. It retails for $34 and you can click here to purchase.

If you're still lusting after the bright pink color of the ADAM version, reader Kelly just pointed out that Topshop has a great lookalike for $100. Click on the photo below to purchase.


*Update - 8/19/09* - Bebe also has a great look for less of this romper, although only available in black. It retails for $98 and you can click on the photo below to purchase.


*Update - 8/31/09* - Just another quick update! Lulu's has a pink version similar to the Adam romper in stock now! It retails for $35 and you can click here to purchase.

Balmain Exaggerated Shoulder Lace Top

This lace top by Balmain originally retailed for $2320 at Net-A-Porter, now on sale for $1299.20 (available only in purple). Singer Rihanna wore this top in white, as pictured below.



Asos has a great alternative to the Balmain version that is a little more affordable at $51.49 and also comes in black and purple. Click here to purchase.


Topshop also has a version of this top that retails for $60 and you can click on the photo below to purchase (only available in black).

Alice + Olivia Sequined Leggings

Alice + Olivia's sequined leggings aren't for the faint of heart and neither is the price ($298).


If you want to try out these dazzling leggings but don't have that much cash lying around, Topshop has an alternative that you can purchase for $80 by clicking on the photo below.

Giuseppe Zanotti Over The Knee Flat Boot

Giuseppe Zanotti's flat over the knee boots in black suede retail for $975 at Bloomingdales.


Not in the budget? Topshop also has a version in black suede that retails for $180 (saving you quite a bit of $$). Click on the photo below to purchase.

Christian Louboutin Over The Knee Suede Boot

Christian Louboutin's grey suede over the knee boot retail for $1995 at Neiman Marcus.


These TopShop boots don't come in grey and the heel is slightly thinner, but they are still a nice option if you don't have $2000 to spend on this trend. They retail for $210 and you can click on the photo below to purchase.


If $210 is still more than you want to spend, I also found this option by Impo from DSW. They are currently on sale for $69.95 (available in black or taupe) and you can click on the photo below to purchase.

Yarnz Fingerless Long Gloves

These cashmere fingerless gloves by Yarnz retail for $66 at Shopbop.


If you're looking for a similar pair of gloves that won't cost quite so much, Topshop has a pair (although they aren't cashmere) that retails for $24. Click on the photo below if you'd like to purchase.

Fall 2009 Shopping | Part Five: Luxe Lingerie

Once the thermostat begins inching its way down, I have an insatiable urge to envelope myself in lush fabrics - and I'm not just referring to cozy wool and thick cotton. I'm also left yearning to overhaul my underwear drawer with romantic lace and supple satin.

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)

Mimi Holliday by Damaris, Belle Amour Satin Bra, $60
La Perla, Lace Silk Chemise, $395
Nine West, Mixed Pattern Open Work Stocking, $12
Topshop, Silky and Lace Thong, $10
Topshop, Longline Satin Bra, $40
Stella McCartney, Kate Beaming Silk Shorts, $60
Wendy Glez, Lace Racerback Cropped Camisole, $48
Stella McCartney, Lauren Whistling Thong, $75
Topshop, Riviera Triangle Bra, $32
Myla, Suki Hipster Briefs, $63