Pre-fall 2014 collections have been rolling out over the last few weeks, and as always, they're filling that space of being the perfect in-between collections. Whether pulling in the last of summer like Michael Kors or embracing the approaching cold like Jenni Kayne, there's a lot of good to go around. I'm excited to see some of these things hit the sidewalks at the end of next summer, but I'm even more excited for some of them to hit red carpets in the coming weeks. Here are some of my all around faves from the season (click the photo for review and collection).
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3.1 Phillip Lim
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Dsquared
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Diane von Furstenberg
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Markus Lupfer
And an extra mention for best accessory: Alexander Wang's to-die-for over-the-knee boots.
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Front and back angles for your viewing pleasure.
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All images via Style.com.
 
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VFiles t-shirt, Forever 21 skirt, J.Crew tights, Aldo shoes
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Forever 21 necklace, old initial ring, Forever 21 stud and large stone ring
When I went to interview to work for a stylist, it was the ultimate outfit making challenge for me. After all, if I couldn't dress myself to their standards, why would they trust me to be able to dress someone else in the future? But I still needed to look cool and not overly professional. My mind went straight to this outfit. I love this t-shirt because it dresses down and up equally well. I love the slight irony of a shirt that says "New York City" when I live here, but it wears really well and is really comfy. I love to dress it up, and it's easy with its neutral coloring. I paired it with this brocade-ish skirt with black opaque tights and really tall wedges for a little casual on the top and fancy on the bottom. The statement jewelry balances the look so you can forget that this could be a wear around the house t-shirt in this particular outfit.
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Images via: Instagram.com/ShopRyanPorter
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what it is: Ryan Porter jewelry
why I love it: A few months ago, my friend Maura gotthis bracelet at work. I loved the message and the idea of the childhood nostalgia-type jewelry that translated to a cool, one of a kind wear all the time bracelet. I always liked it, but never thought about where it came from after she told me she got it from work. Well, it broke after months of constant wearing and she loved it so much (understandably) that she's in the market for a new one. Luckily, I was around the other night when she started considering what the new one would say in earnest, because that's when I was introduced fully to the Ryan Porter brand. With endless options for messages, beads, chains/cords and charms, there are literally thousands of possibilities for any type of jewelry you're looking to buy. They're so well priced that the temptation to get a whole arm party full is actually attainable, and getting them for all your BFFs can actually happen (and may, in my case). They're just perfect to add a little tasteful youthfulness to any day and outfit. They can stand alone in the accessory game, but they also play well with others. Whether you're looking for a pop of color or more of a blend with the rest of your jewelry, they have options to fit every jewelry style. And it doesn't matter if you're looking to send a message to strangers, up your initial jewelry game or need some daily wisdom, you can say anything with these pieces. The only reason I haven't gotten one yet is because I'm deciding what I want it to say. Then "add to cart" will be happening immediately.
where to get it: ShopRyanPorter.com, prices vary (but are soooo reasonable)
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Images via: MicaelaErlanger.com
I got a job!
Well, sort of. I'm going to be interning under Micaela Erlanger, a celebrity stylist who works with Lupita Nyong'o, Michelle Dockery and Michelle Williams among others. I'm very excited to be working with someone who repeatedly sends style successes down the red carpet. With awards season quickly approaching, the hours are sure to be crazy, so posting will be less consistent, but I will do my best to update here as much as I can. And keep an eye out for what is sure to be an awards season full of some exciting red carpet looks from Micaela. 
 
We've reached the end of the first week of December, which means the year is almost coming to a close, we're in the midst of the holidays and it's almost time to settle in for the rest of the winter, as in, the not as fun part that comes after the new year. My birthday might be over, but as always, the beginning of a month always reminds me of things I find missing in my closet. Especially now that cold weather has started to hit.
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tuxedo vest
These come in all color combinations, lengths and textures, and I've wanted one for a while. They're so great to wear over nice pants or dresses, and equally as good to wear over jeans. I like how Olivia has adorned hers with a brooch here. I love an item with options.
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Images via: (top) instyle.com (bottom) jcrew.com
metallic phone case
I'm due for a new phone case, and this one caught my attention when it was on black Friday sale. Unfortunately, I missed the sale, but I've still got my mind on this shiny, chrome-y, glamorous case to dress up my phone.
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knit turban
I have earmuffs that I love, but they're not so easy to fit into small bags, and sometimes they hurt after a while. I don't love hats much if I want to throw my hair up in the middle of the day, so a knit ear warmer turban is still stylish and does the job while still wearing a ponytail. Or not.
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Images via: (top) anthropologie.com (bottom) stylecaster.com
sequin pants
I had some sequin pants that I got for five dollars at a beauty sale years ago. Then I gave them away because they seemed "ridiculous" and I never wore them. Well I'm regretting that now because I think these are a fun way to dress up an outfit with some personality. Jenna Lyons does it well here wearing hers with toned down pieces, but especially around these times some fancy shoes and a fancy top work, too.
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Image via: APortablePackage.blogspot.com
Even though I have approximately 0 holiday parties to attend this month, I like the idea of getting dressed up for weeks of fancy events. I usually don't associate tea length dresses with the holiday season, but this dress makes me reconsider. Green is certainly a holiday color, but this dress is being worn in the warmth so it's more versatile than just three weeks in December. The blogger behind A Portable Package interestingly paired the green with a black leather belt and blue bag with nude shoes. This could seem like quite a lot, but it works. Solid leathers with the all over sparkle don't fight with the look, and they're simple silhouettes and accessories so the dress remains the star of the outfit. It's definitely different, it definitely turns heads and it's definitely good to keep in mind for future consideration.
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I know that I'm way late to this game, but multiple factors have contributed to my growing obsession (many steps past love) for Kate Moss. As a fashion follower, she was always in the mix as a big player in my consciousness, but I never really investigated further. After becoming obsessed with everything about her wedding and subsequently reading articles and interviews, I was already part way down the slippery slope to fangirlville. As she continues to get better with age, my obsession grows (I mean, come ON). 

I was excited to hear that she was posing for Playboy because, like Marilyn Monroe, the original centerfold, Kate is classy and professional who makes smart decisions about when to take her clothes off for the camera and who to take them off for. There was no bottle blonde weird half shirts and porny poses in this shoot. It was pure classy, arty perfection. Not like it was going to be anything else. I wanted to repost for reference. All photos (there are more! and she is more naked in them!) from WhoWhatWear.com via Playboy
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Image via: WhoWhatWear.com
Plaid is having a much deserved moment right now, and with pattern mixing having a similar moment, the possibilities for wearing the winter pattern are almost endless. This girl takes an almost head to toe approach with coordinating the colors and size of the plaid just so, and finishing off the look with solid black accents. It's dark with some color, perfect for winter, and definitely warrants a second look. Next time you think a pattern mix is too close that it clashes, think of this girl and reconsider.
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Images via: (top) insidefmm.com, (left) fuddonline.com, (right) Lanvin via style.com
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Whether it's to make a statement about the fashion industry, demand and consumption, irony or some other reason, designers love to make creative jabs at unexciting everyday items. Designers also knows that the handbag is a mainstay of the female accessory repertoire and that the "it" bag has been a thing for as long as mass clothing production and distribution has been around. So they have a little fun with it.

Disposable bags are those items that serve a purpose and then you throw them away or reuse them, but they're decidedly unglamorous. I love how designers put a (pricey) spin on those things we usually don't give a second thought to. Whether it's leatherized plastic shopping bags, paper lunch bags or actual trash bags, everything is fair game. It might seem ridiculous that people actually spend hundreds of dollars on these, but I love a good play on the everyday as well as a bit of sartorial irony. The concept of a knockoff of these examples of bottom-up fashion is also pretty hilarious, but if I come across cheaper versions, I can't say I will pass them up.
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Image vie: GalMeetsGlam.com
Holiday season is all about dressing up for this party and that dinner and family time, etc. etc. etc. But dressing up doesn't mean readjusting the band of your tights all night and awkward sequin chafing. Julia of Gal Meets Glam dresses up these pajama inspired pants well, and really works a monochrome look successfully. Most people go to greens, reds, blacks and metallics for the holidays, but navy is a great winter color to consider, especially when you break it up with some shine, like she does with the sequin clutch. The blues don't exactly match, but it's fine because with the pattern of the pants breaking it up, it doesn't clash. The shirt is flowy but not baggy, so it looks good tucked in to the also loose but not baggy pants. Heeled sandals offer some formality and femininity to the look. Between LBDs at holiday parties and sequined getups on NYE, consider some PJ inspiration on a more low key night out or family gathering. 
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