It's often the simplest things that are the most beautiful:  a perfect LBD, a crisp white shirt, a male model.  I loved this look from Michael Kors for its stunning simplicity and though basic, it reminded me that bells and whistles sometimes end up just making a lot of noise.  All you really need is a camel coat or blazer (the must-have colour of the season...more on that later), tailored black pants, a good white shirt, and an edited selection of expensive-looking accessories to make you look instantly to the manor born.  The best part?  You don't have to spend thousands to look like you raided Gwyneth's closet.  Real Life Runway Tip:  If you want to look like a member of the country club rather than the waitstaff, be sure to accessorize with gold and black accents.  This lovely two-tone belt from Mango and Michael Kors shoes (on sale of course), will have you gracing the society pages of Town & Country in no time.  How's that for keeping up with the Waldorfs? 

Found: The Perfect Shoulder Bag

When it comes to accessories, I'm a big believer in doing the unexpected.  You can really do wonders for your personal style if you just put on your earmuffs when your inner voice is shouting, "Get the black one!!!  It matches everything!"  I honestly don't see the point in dressing if you're not willing to have a little fun every once in awhile.  This sublime shoulder bag from Zara will appease your practical side with its long shoulder strap and classic shape while simultaneously allowing you to break free from the pack with its rich, red hue.  With camels and greys dominating fall's colour palette, red adds the perfect pop to your portrait.  And, at only $69.90, you can be a little bold without feeling the least bit guilty.  Check out www.zara.com for a little handbag heaven on this rainy fall day.  A bien-tote!  Hee.

The Great Cover-Up

Jaeger London, Michael Kors, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Fall 2010 - photos courtesy style.com

Superheroes have one less thing to worry about this fall;  with the cape becoming the topper of choice for the fashionable set, going incognito just got a lot easier.  Trendy powerhouses like Alexander Wang and Julien Macdonald decided to forego sleeves in favour of a more billowy, voluminous silhouette on top, allowing it-girls everywhere to breeze through the streets like caped crusaders.  The modern cape is less flower child and more Wonder Woman:  bold, dramatic and utterly fearless.  Real Life Runway Tip:  Capes look best when paired with slim-fitting bottoms, be it pencil skirt or slim pants.  Finish off the look with a loose-fitting silky blouse or form-fitting turtleneck and of course, a pair of killer boots - all the better to kick butt with, my dears. 

Want to be shrouded in mystery this fall?  Check out these beauties:

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My recent fantasies have been of the lame and tame variety:  sleeping in on weekends, eating as many Dairy Milk bars as I want without gaining an ounce and perfect, bouncy hair when I roll out of bed.  I used to be much cooler.  I used to fantastize about being a rockstar, complete with groupies, paparazzi-infested waters around my private yacht and all-nighters poppin' Cristal.  For reals.  Isabel Marant has inspired me to at least dress the part of the über-cool rocker babe by pairing a striped sweater with cropped skinnies, pointy pumps and silver accents.  It's the perfect go-to outfit for the morning after trashing your hotel suite...or rolling out of bed after your toddler's kept you up all night, with those five extra pounds hanging on for dear life and a wicked case of bed-head.  Real Life Runway Tip:  This look will go for miles in your wardrobe since each piece is a stand-alone star.  The rugby-striped sweater is weekend-ready when paired with leggings and flat boots and if you can't wait for this one from Aritzia (it's not in stores until November), I saw a super similar version at Jacob this week.   The key to making this outfit really sing is all about the sparkle.  Dangly earrings, a cool silver belt and a little shine on your wrist will take you from back-up singer to solo artist without missing a drumbeat.   

Found: The Best Dog Costumes Ever

 

I used to be the kind of girl who laughed at people that dressed up their dogs.  I mean, honestly, aren't they cute enough already?  Isn't it a little embarassing for a dog to go Gaga?  Then, we got Fonzie and as soon as Hallowe'en rolled around, there he was, reluctantly sporting his ladybug hat.  I'm a sucker for costumes and though I don't endorse dressing up your pooch the other 364 days of the year, Hallowe'en is a clear exception to the rule.  I don't plan on turning Real Life Runway into a style guide for your furry friends but had to post these hilarious costumes from Old Navy.  At $19.50, they're a perfectly justifiable buy, especially since dogs stay the same size from year to year (yo-yo dieters excepted).  We'll be taking Fonz trick-or-treating with us this year and since my newborn isn't eating solids yet and chocolate is toxic for dogs, this is going to be one seriously happy Hallowe'en for yours truly.   

The posts have been few and far between lately but thanks for your patience and keep checking back this week for loads of fall fashion.  Happy official first day of fall!