Author: Allison Meyers

Last week I wrote about the many ways you can style a basic “Little Black Dress.”  After several requests for more LBD recommendations, I’ve put together a quick post with some of my current favorites. These dresses, in addition to the Everlane one featured last week, span a range of shapes, fabrics, formalities, price ranges and fit a variety of body types.

Obviously, the simpler the dress, the more versatile it is, the more ways you can wear it. I’ve included a few basics designs but limiting my choices to only these seemed a bit boring.  There are too many amazing LBDs out there to not include the ones that REALLY excite me.  (Click the thumbnail for larger views with details linked below.)

 

1. Adrianna Papell Mikado Midi Dress
2. Nookie Dolly Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress
3. Vince Open Shoulder Dress
4. Old Navy Sleeveless Sheath Dress
5. Nicole Miller Ruby Lace Dress 
6. Boden Kaia Ottoman Dress
7. BCBG Catier Faux Leather Trim Dress
8. BCBG Layla Asymmetric Leather Dress

When choosing fitted styles, never underestimate the power of undergarments (and I don’t just mean Spanx here ladies). The right shapewear (if that’s your thing) in addition to the right bra and panties can truly transform your body (and I can assure you that a future post will be entirely dedicated to this topic).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leave it up to Coco Chanel. In the 1920s, she took a look, traditionally linked to servants or people in mourning, and made it a fashion staple for decades to come. The LITTLE BLACK DRESS. We all have one that’s been hanging in our closets for years. The one that we turn to when we get a last-minute invitation. Or when the dress that arrived for the wedding just isn’t cutting it. Or the one we grab when we’ve gained a few extra winter pounds. The best part of all? That same dress can be styled SO many different ways.

This week, the Junior League of Albany launched their Little Black Dress Initiative.  The LBDI was first launched in 2014 by the Junior League of London during London Fashion Week. Members of our local League have committed to wearing the same black dress for five consecutive days to raise awareness of poverty levels in Albany and New York State.  Details about the program, local poverty levels, and how to donate can be found here.

In honor of our lovely ladies who are participating in this fashion-focused fundraiser, I thought I’d share five ways to style the same little black dress (link to the super versatile dress shown above).  Maybe you’ll be inspired to pull out your “go-to” LBD… and wear it very differently than before.

LADYLIKE LUXE

1.  ZARA Embroidered Collar Blazer
2. Chanel Classic Caviar Black Wallet from Lola Saratoga
3. Cole Haan “Tali” Ballet Bow Flat

 

GOLDEN GIRL

1. Ted Baker Glitter Bow Clutch
2. Schutz Cady-Lee Shoe in Metallic and Rose Gold
3. Givenchy Pearl and Crystal Chandelier Earrings

 

STREET STYLED

1.  H&M Moto Jacket
2. Eye Buy Direct Ivory Tortoise “Havana” Sunnies
3. Adidas Stan Smith Original in Colored Graffiti
4. Henri Bendel Jet-Setter Mini Convertible Backpack

CORPORATE CHIC

1. ZARA Long Blazer in Nude Pink
2. Everlane Day Market Tote in Pale Blush
3. Schutz Caiolea Pump in Nude Suede
4. Tory Burch Crystal Pearl Earrings in Ivory and Gold

SAFARI-READY

1. H&M Cotton Cargo Jacket 
2. Elise M. Woodland Stitched Leather and Elastic Belt
3. “Laurel” Peeptoe Bootie by Kristen Cavallari
4. Leather and Hemp Boho Bracelet by BohoHippieShop

 

Go ahead… try something you’ve never tried before.  I dare you.

Ally

 

It’s evident from many comments I’ve gotten this month that you’d love a little help building a solid wardrobe foundation.  Since I’ve started this blog, the question I get most frequently has been:

“Can I hire you to edit my closet and shop for some basics?” Continue reading “Winter Wardrobe Edit : Sixteen Essentials”

February brings many things… longer days, dreams of warmer places, and that dreaded Hallmark holiday.   Few people in my life have expressed their love for Valentine’s Day.  Maybe you use it as an excuse to get a sitter and enjoy dinner with your partner?  Or it’s yet another reason for a girls’ night out?  Or maybe you consider it just another day.  No matter how you celebrate this “holiday”, why not use it as an excuse to buy a little something pretty for yourself!?   Something pretty… and PINK.

Move over Molly Ringwald… and make room for some of my favorite pretty, pink things (links below photo).

1. BR Heritage Moto Jacket : A limited edition, and perfect transition piece.
2. Kate Spade Bow “Lottie” : So sweet!  Wear it cross-body or use the top handle.
3. Elie Tahari Feathered Top :  The gorgeous mesh design and feather trim is perfect for a special night out.
4. RayBan Pink/Gold Customizable Aviator  : Choose your shape, metal and lens color.  Even engrave a personal message inside!  How great is that?
5. New Balance 520 “70s”:  Old-school meets modern with a pink and gold twist, and the prettiest floral liner!
6. MAC “Patisserie” : This has been my “go-to” nude for years.  Just a hint of sheer color.
7. Sam Edelman “Hazel” Pump : J’ADORE this pale pink suede.

Anything inspire you?  You deserve it, Valentine.

XOXO, Ally

 

Continue reading “How To Wear White In Winter”

It’s only natural that I kick off my blog this winter writing about boots and coats.  I always tell people… if you have great boots and a coat, no one has to know if you look terrible underneath!  The winter coat is that one thing we wear EVERY day and night.  It doesn’t have to be boring!  Push aside that black puffer and check out three coat styles that I’m LOVING this season!

THE LADY COAT : The “Lady Coat” is a well-tailored a-line shape that hits at the knee, often with a rounded collar or with none at all.  (Think Kate Middleton.)  This leopard mohair version shown is from Boden.  (I’ll post a lot about Boden since it’s my GO-TO for ultra-feminine, detailed pieces at reasonable prices.)  The tasteful leopard print brings a little “edge” to the coat without sacrificing its “lady-like” look.

 

FAUX FUR : You’ll see a TON of faux fur coats this season, in a variety of colors, shapes and textures.  As fun as they are, many “furs” have the tendency to look cheap, either right off the rack or from the pilling that comes after just a few wears.  Fur collars or cuffs are a great way to take advantage of the look. This quilted faux leather jacket with furry collar by (Andrew) Marc New York is great for a night out and super-reasonably priced!

THE BELTED WRAP :  I love the simplicity of a wrap coat.  You’ll often see these with minimal detailing and a monochromatic belt.  I fell in love with this belted coat by Ted Baker.  I’m partial to the timeless camel color, while the stand-up collar and small gold details make it unique without taking away from its simple design.  I also like the structure of this one, versus the unstructured designs which are popular this season.

Although you can find some amazing deals this late in the coat season, inventory continues to dwindle.  If you love something, snatch it up!

Stay fresh.. and stay warm!

 

I never thought I’d say that there was something considered stylish in the 1980’s that is equally as stylish in 2018.  The duck boot is what comes to mind.  Not only is it a prep cult classic but I consider this boot an absolute essential in the cold, slushy mess that upstate New York brings in winter.  It’s also an investment that can comfortably be worn in three of our four seasons.  As a mother of young children who walk to school daily, I consider these the most utilized shoes in my wardrobe.

What used to be a basic design made famous by L.L.Bean has transformed into a boot with a variety of cold-weather liners, colors, designs and heights.  Here are a few of my favorites this season, with links below photos:

The first one is by Bass and Co. from their factory outlet.  I love this combination of hunter green base, herringbone liner and great price.  The second boot shown is by Kamik.  I’m sure it won’t be the last piece of fashion made famous by the “royal-to-be” Meghan Markle (as spotted on her way back from the yoga studio).  Kamik has several quilted designs as well as a variety of more heavy-duty snow boots.  The third boot shown here is by Sperry.  As they did with their classic top-sider, Sperry spruced things up by introducing some more fashion-forward designs, including this breton stripe, wool ombres and very cool artistic prints.  The last boot shown is my favorite LL. Bean classic duck boot, originally called the “Maine Hunting Shoe”. This one has a shearling lining and taller 10″ shaft, which I prefer.  Although I love the monochromatic brown, L.L.Bean offers the best variety of warmth levels and shaft heights in varying colors.  Considering their quality and lifetime warranty, you just can’t go wrong investing in the classic “Bean Boot”!

PS … a ragg wool sock peeking out the top with the “old school prep” method of tying is the perfect way to complete the look!

Happy duck hunting in Maine… or not!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continue reading “You’ve Gotta Start Somewhere.”