Mood Changers

Lately (if you haven't noticed), my blogging has gone pretty much down the tubes. From feeling a bit overwhelmed with my work to my sluggish transition into fall, the blog has certainly suffered. And although I have been fervently aware of my need for a reboot, my soul has just not been in on it. Well, that was until I decided to not prolong a pick-me-up any longer, so I turned to some cool-weather loves: sweaters and boots.

I will tell you that the brisk air has never felt so good, and when I stopped into Saks on Monday, I was on the lookout for not just your plain old sweater, but something absolutely, sinfully and irresistibly fabulous.



Hello, lover! For whatever reason, Theory has a way of picking my mood right up, especially when it comes to a piece that is as unique and luxurious as the Floraine Striped Knit Cardigan. Color-blocked and funnel-necked, this cashmere-blend is just what I need to bring otherwise plain ensembles together. I picture it layered over my favorite skinny jeggings, a long tee and flats or boots.



Speaking of boots, for a couple of seasons, I have been on the hunt for the quintessential flat, knee-high boot. Although I have purchased one or two over the years, they have never been quite right.

So, on a whim, I stopped into Steve Madden this week (luckily during their buy one, get the second pair 1/2 off). Within a matter of minutes, I spotted, tried on and bought the ultra-cool, suede Montrell boots in black. Not only are they exquisitely comfortable, but they are high-fashion boots that can be worn just below the knee (when cuffed), or pulled on right over the knee for one of this season's hottest trends.

Oh, and the other pair I purchased? Well, wouldn't you know I found the perfect pewter platform to compliment my cocktail frocks. Life is so good.

La La Lust!

I'm into metallic in a big way and this ultra-fabulous Silk Lame Top is simply sinful. The ruffles, the silhouette, the pewter-gold deliciousness, oh my! It is the perfect accompaniment to my new zip jeggings along with a patent clutch and booties. Oh, to be young, fabulous and able to fork over $585 for a simple little thing. Mr. Jenden, you have certainly done it again!

Knuckle Knockout

Big, bulky and burly rings are my go-to accessory time and again. With minimal effort, you get a knockout look with just one, spectacular piece.

I usually rock my bold and beautiful rings alongside evening ensembles, which makes the Victoria ring nothing less than perfection. From the dark and gloomy charcoal gray cabochon center stone surrounded by a circle of gray-hued rhinestones, to the chunky gold band that screams regal royalty, cocktail hour will never look better.

I'll be pairing my latest J.Crew piece with a foundation of fall's finest palate: black. For nothing makes a husky statement piece shine more than a demure background that's primed for this kind of beauty.

Holiday Florals

I will be the first to admit that I am not the most religious Jew out there. Yes, there is a mezuzah on my door, I adore Gefilte fish and I actually did go to a Jewish (Conservative) summer camp for 10+ years. But, the only time I step foot into my synagogue is on the High Holidays, which are right around the corner.

Some will say that these two days – the most important and holiest in the Jewish calendar – are a full-fledged fashion show at a time when fashion should be the furthest from our minds. But in reality, it's nearly impossible to not notice the bevy of red-heeled Louboutins, the Valentino tweed suits and the glitter and glamour of diamonds galore. So shoot me if I do in fact get caught up with all the Haute Couture in the air.

Last year I donned dark, fall-tone hues of blacks and grays. Patent leather accessories and opaque black tights finished off both my looks (don't fret, those accessories will work with almost anything). But, there were times when I felt I conveyed a tone of somberness that I would now like to avoid. So in a few weeks, I will be turning to bright and airy florals to carry me from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur.

When I'm looking for a frock that's full of depth yet still holds a touch of whimsy, I land at Anthropologie. At first sight, my eyes locked on this fabulous Gardner's Choice Dress chock full of peonies, zinnias and more. And if you're thinking that pink and purple flowers are wrong for fall, think again. Set against a dramatic black background, the contrast of spring-like florals set against the jet landscape is a winning cool-weather combo. My ubiquitous black opaque tights and patent leather t-straps will continue do the trick this year, but will be offset by a bright yellow clutch and string (or a few) of pearls. Rabbi, here I come.

Love Or Loathe?

Leggings are a necessity in my closet. Though I have strayed from basic black cotton into the shiny territory, my collection is tame at best. Sure, BCBG's liquid gold stunners will add quite a bit of pop (and more), but are they too over the top? Tell me, do you love or loathe?

Weekending

I am a lover of fall. From the slight chill in the air and jewel-toned leaves, to cozy comfort dishes and apple cider donuts; aside from summer, it is my favorite time of year.

Weekends are also a big part of why I adore this season so. There's nothing I enjoy doing more than strolling through the city with my honey, hand-in-hand. We shop, devour delicious lunches, greet friends on the street and so forth. But for every weekend, there must be a perfect outfit that will take me from the park during the day to an early movie at night.

During warm months, I don pieces that are bright and reminiscent of lazy days in St. Barth and warm, breezy nights in Capri. I bask in jeweled sandals, colorful dresses and flowing tops. But when the leaves turn, so does my color palate. Black and brown as well as black and navy are two favorite combos I return to time and again.



Splendid tees and tops that feel like butter next to your skin. But, don't think that they're anything ordinary. This semi-sheer
Very Light Jersey Tunic is the epitome of a what a transitional garment should be. Long sleeved and tunic-styled, but as light as can be.



For bottoms, I tend to go skinny in style. Whether it be a pair of leggings, denim, or something fabulous that comprises them all in one. Juicy Couture has made me a devout fan of their Denim Zip Leggings. Just the right amount of stretch combined with a slim silhouette and detail that is to die for, I will be happy as a camper to strut around in these.



Flats are essential for fall. Don't get me wrong, I live for my boots, but when the temps are still a bit timid, a great ballet such as this Block Patent Kitty will take you far and go with just about anything.

And now, there's nothing more a gal needs other than a great scarf, a Leather Bomber and her favorite bag.

Oh, So Soft

I am craving cozy cardigans as much as my daily iced coffee these days. Yes, it's still steamy outside, but I am revving up for fall in a serious way.

My latest find is from ethereal favorite brand, Calypso. Over the years, I have purchased a bevy of pieces from this seriously chic boutique, with Julia being one of my faves. I have worn it to bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, lunch dates, and even to interviews. It's without a doubt, one of the most perfect frocks ever to be designed.

But, heading into the upcoming chilly weather, I will be layering the Neria Sweater over my sequined tanks and slub tees; part boyfriend style, part feminine, and 100% cashmere. I'll be ordering it in marine, but the plum is divine and the ciel is quite dreamy. There's simply no better way to usher in nights by the fireplace, weekends prancing around the city or Sunday brunch.