Go Commando

Yesterday, I bought this belt.  Black leather-panelled leggings, cream chunky knit and flat boots in desperate need of a military twist.  I tied it on, allowing the camo and hit of neon to partially hide out under my sweater. Then I made a pit-stop at Starbucks.  Baristo peppered me with questions about my order (breakfast wrap with that? a pumpkin scone perhaps?) and then engaged me in a little friendly fire while staring not-so-subtly at my waist. Yup, full-on frontal assault. 'Where did you get that belt?' he finally demanded.  'Gap.' I replied with a curt nod. I rolled out, did a few army crawls through the parking lot and made it safely to my vehicle.  Headed out at 1600 hours.  Destination? Daycare. Had to do some serious progeny recon.  Worked my way through the toddler mêlée until I reached my target. Son and I marched purposefully towards the parking lot.  He glanced up and then, in a small voice shouted, "Cool belt, mom." Mission accomplished.

Pick up your Printed Calf Hair Belt ($34.95) (like now, soldiers) at Gap.   Warning: it's well-camouflaged, naturally, but worth the search. 

Knotty by Nature

It's all about the statement sweater at the Spring '13 shows - photo by Phil Oh, Vogue

Nothing cuts the fall chill quite like a great sweater. The current crop of knits proves that sweater have come a long way, with richer-than-ever colours, modern digital details and playful prints, meaning fun and function can beautifully coexist in one cozy package.  We’ve rounded up 10 of fall’s prettiest sweaters at iVillage.ca this week, with splurge vs. save options for each, so you’ll be properly snuggly all season long.  Happy October! x 

Wooly Bullyyyy. Wooly Bully.

Wooly Bully.  Wooly Bully. Wooly Bully. Watch me now...derrr derrr, der der der dum...

Try to get that song, and this coat out of your head.  It's from Cleo.  No, I know you've never shopped there before.  Neither have I to be perfectly Frank.  Hi, I'm Frank.  But I love this boiled wool oh-zo-European-looking coat.  Perfect for the drop-off or the grocery-shop and everyone will ask where you got it.  Only you (and I) will know that it's not designer. Shhh...it'll be our little secret.

The Boiled Wool Colour Blocked Coat ($132.50) is available now at Cleo

Wooly Bully. 

Fall in Love

Dolce & Gabbana Menswear Fall '12 Ad Campaign - courtesy Dolce & Gabbana

I'm a sucker for a good love story.  Whether it's Romeo & Juliet, William & Kate,  or Emily & Jef, I just love a perfect pairing.  Still, a love story isn't exclusive to people.  In fact, I've already fallen in love several times this fall - with the perfect bag, a pair of pants and countless times in the shoe department.  You see, we're in an open relationship, my wardrobe and I.  We've agreed that as long as they make me look good, I will take good care of them and love them all until they're old.  Win-win.

Have you met your perfect match this fall?  These three runway-inspired looks set my heart aflutter and now I'm playing matchmaker for you.  I hope it's love at first sight for you, too.  Sigh...

 

Burberry Prorsum Autumn '12 Ad Campaign 

Perfect Pairing: Charcoal and Mustard Yellow (with pops of blue)

Love Profile:  Tall, dark Brit seeks fun-loving companion.  An eclectic risk-taker with a penchant for layering.  Loves to cuddle up on a cold night. 

Perfect Date: Danier, American Eagle, Ricki's, Sears, then ALDO.

Natalia Vodianova for Guerlain Fall '12

Perfect Pairing: Black & Red (with tan & gold accents)

Love Profile: Classic beauty seeks worldly partner. Loves market-strolling, long lunches and weekend trips to Paris.

Perfect Date: A shopping trip at Le Château, Garage, ALDO, Bootlegger and Danier.  

Prabal Gurung Fall 2012 - style.com 

Perfect Pairing: Black & Blue (either bright cobalt or navy)with a dash of leopard

Love Profile:  Edgy Sophisticate seeks Commitment-Phobic Daredevil.  Loves the unexpected, especially in the form of a leopard bag or a blue suede shootie.  Looking for a good time.

Perfect Date:  Stops at Le Château, Bootlegger and ALDO at Intercity Shopping Centre, of course.  The sale racks had better watch out.

Layer Up, Buttercup

When temperatures drop, as they’re bound to do (sorry!), it’s time to layer up for a look that’s both practical and pretty. The good news? You can pile on the pieces (or peel them off) depending on the ever-shifting forecast.   Check out my 3 easy ways to load on the layers for fall at iVillage.ca this week, from the new way to suit up for work, to casual weekend layers, to the Rooney Mara way to wear your LBD after dark.