Recently in Fall 2009 Category

Whyred Collin Check Shirt $117.00, Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Belleville' Check Shirt $177.00

Plaid and check patterned shirts are a staple in every man's wardrobe. This fall, these patterns are on men's trends list. They can be paired with denim jeans or pants. You can dress 'em up or wear for everyday casual looks. Of course, not all plaid and check shirts are necessarily trendy this fall. Stay away from plaid shirts that looks like Christmas gift wrapping paper or check shirts that resembles picnic table covers. If you're a guy who has one to none of this pattern shirts, like me, it wouldn't hurt to invest in one or two. Which I'm doing this weekend when I go shopping.
Marc by Marc Jacobs Multi-Plaid Shirt $178.00, Superdry Lumberjack Sportshirt $95.00

I was in awe when I saw Balenciaga's Fall RTW Collection. The collection is romantic, elegant, luxurious and very chic. Along with the fierce footwear Nicolas Ghesquière designed for Balenciaga,  draped skirts are key pieces in the collection. The skillful draping of silk to create the silhouettes is impeccable and precise.

There are a variety of draped skirts available for fall. From minimalist to avant garde. The key to making a draped skirt for you is the fit. Ideally, high-waist and above-the-knee length. Try not to overdo the draping, you might end up like you're wearing drapery.


Opt for plain black, gray, simple pattern fabrics paired with tall boots for day. Soft pastels, bold prints goes fabulously with ankle boots, booties worn with tights for night.

Brian Reyes Draped Skirt $625.00, INC Draped Skirt $49.99, Rachel Pally Skirt $165.00

Miss Dior Cherie 1.7 oz $72.00, Michael Kors 'Very Hollywood' 1.7 oz $65.00, Juicy Couture 'Couture Couture' 1.7 oz $85.00, Jo Malone Vanilla&Anise 3.4 0z $100.00, D&G 'L Imperatrice' 3.4 oz $65.00

After testing 20 women's fragrance, 9 fragrances stood out and made the list of my top picks for fall. I had some criteria that put all the fragrances to the test luxurious, wearable, sensual,  feminine and opulent. If I have to pick my faves, they are Marc Jacobs 'Lola', Michael Kors 'Very Hollywood' and D&G 'L Imperatrice', all three tickled my olfactory nerve and just can't stop smelling them. I have to commend Jessica Simpson's 'Fancy Love', it scored very well beating out some luxury designer fragrances. As always, whatever season it is, wear lighter scents during the day and bolder at night.

Don't cover those shoulders just yet ladies. This fall, one-shoulder and one-sleeve dresses are quite the trend. Chic, sexy yet elegant perfect for day or evening soirees. Here are some styling tips on one-shoulder and one-sleeve dresses:

• Material/Fabric - opt for stretch cotton, jersey or any comfortable fabrics for day and go with silks, fabrics with sheen for evening.
• Style - everyday wear should be casual save the ruffles, appliques, bows for evenings or special occasions. If you want to dress it up for day, simply accessorize with chic, tasteful, statement worthy jewelry. Clutches or any small-sized handbags are fabulous with this type of dresses.
  
• Shoes - knee-high boots and over the knee boots are great for day while ankle boots, pumps paired with tights or leggings works best for your evening looks.
  

So, how much should you spend on a dress that only has one-shoulder or one sleeve? Believe it or not while I was shopping around they cost more than dresses with sleeves. I say look at this trend as sort of 'investment' garments. A dress or two for special engagements, party dresses if I may. I think a dress under $200 is ideal any dress priced more than that is surely a splurge.

Shopping note: I came across become.com while online-shopping for this post. Become.com is a comparison-shopping site that made it easy for me to research this fabulous dresses. Do check it out!

KMart really hit the 'smart' style mark with these chic and very affordable head-to-toe looks for fall. Whether we are in a recession or not, we don't have to really spend that much to be trendy or stylish. It is all about self-expression through fashion. When I first saw these looks, I have to admit I was very impressed with KMart's Design Team. Their designs are what's in and very now! KMart's fall collection shows that the team really put a lot of thought and hard work into each piece.

This classic swing jacket and pencil skirt look (shown above) is definitely my favorite. Love the texture and color of the jacket and skirt. Pairing it with Mary Janes gives the look a youthful, polish, feminine and chic feel. The best part about this look is the price, under $100! Simply fabulous!

You can create a variety of looks combining pieces from KMart's Fall Collection from day wear to evening, the possibilities are endless. And as an added bonus, KMart will send you a $25 gift card by mail with every $50 purchase! A great promotion to help you save for your fall wardrobe. To learn more about this promotion visit condenast.com/kmart. KMart gets The Smart Stylist's approval for knowing how to look trendy and stylish the smart way!


Jaclyn Smith Tweed Jacket $34.99, Pencil Skirt $29.99, Attention Mary Jane $16.99

from left: Christian Siriano 'Sandstrap' Peep-Toe $34.99, Alice+Olivia 'Robertson' Jeweled Boot Christian Siriano 'Slither' Boot $49.99, Alice+Olivia 'Madison' Biker Boot $49.99

I've been a big fan of alice+olivia for Payless since day one. Stacy Bendet's designs for Payless are chic and quite stylish. Her newest creations for Payless are hot! I particularly love her 'Madison' Biker Boot (shown above), it is edgy and modern.

Payless Shoes is simply getting it fabulous right on which designer they partner with. The latest addition on their repertoire is Project Runway winner Christian Siriano. He is by far my favorite Project Runway winner. And staying true to his fierceness, Christian's shoes for Payless are just that and then some. So, if you're looking for affordable yet stylish shoes I suggest check out Payless Shoes. Payless is also having it's BOGO 1/2 Everything Sale, great time to stock up and save!

Just when I thought that there won't be any good sales this week, Banana Republic came through with an EXCLUSIVE promotion. For 4 days only, save $25 on purchases of $100 or more. So, you can buy one item or build up your purchase to $100 it will be eligible for the $25 discount.

This promotion is not advertised on their website and not available in-stores. Make sure to use code: FALL25 upon checkout. Sale ends Sunday, August 23rd. So, shop now!

Feather Cloche $52.00, Elizabeth and James Jacket $725.00, Pedro Garcia Pump $725.00

As I always say moderation is key. Add a dash of tasteful, chic and fashionable feather pieces to your look. Don't over do it. Think accessories like shoes, handbags and hats. Pedro Garcia has a pair of feather peep-toe pumps that I just love (shown above). When it comes to apparel, feather skirts and jackets with feather details are hot! On this note, sorry feather boas are not the way to go if you want to make a fashion statement. Unless, its Halloween.

Clockwise from top center: Men's Canvas Stitchout $58.00, Canvas Tiny Toms $34.00, Men's Madras Rope $58.00, Women's Dickens $54.00, Women's Pink Strauss $54.00

You probably have seen TOMS Shoes creator, Blake Mycoskie's AT&T Commercial. Every time I see that commercial I always get teary-eyed. I have to admit I'm a little bit of a mush when I see anyone helping children in need. Specially when it's through fashion. For every TOMS Shoes purchased a pair is given to a child in need. To date, TOMS has given thousands of shoes to children in South America, Asia and U.S.

Aside from TOMS charitable work, their shoes are comfortable and stylish. Their fall collection is now available, one of their most stylish collection I think. Offering stylish pattern fabrics, rope and stitching details. You can even buy a pair for kids, which are so cute and adorable.
When I'm wearing my TOMS, it is comforting and heart-warming to know that a child somewhere is safe from foot diseases and other discomforts not having the luxury of simply having any type of footwear. So, let's do our part and help TOMS Shoes save one child at a time. Save $5 on your first pair of TOMS Shoes with code: FIRSTTOMS.