Fall Uniform

Some people are "jeans-and-T-shirt-kind-of-girl"s. I don't even know what that phrase means. My casual look is always a dress and flats, whether it's sandals, ballet flats or boots. To me, a dress is even easier than jeans and a T-shirt, because you throw it on and you're done. Plus, jeans are my mortal enemy, basically. 

But fall is coming, and fall is my own personal New Year's - it's when I make my resolutions and start over, because I've been a hopeless slave to fashion and its seasons since I was six. And this year, I think my look needs a little change. Not drastic but refreshing: what if I (gasp), went from dresses to sweater-and-skirt combinations? Specifically, graphic sweaters, leather skirts and embellished loafers? Those are my three favorite things this fall, and there are so many to choose from. I don't like to repeat outfits too much, but I feel like this look sums up my fall uniform:

This Markus Lupfer sweater (available at Revolve Clothing) is one of my favorite renditions of this season's pop-art mini trend.

This Patteron J. Kincaid pleated leather skirt (available at Neiman Marcus) is just the length and silhouette I want for some slouchy sweaters - I'd choose a longer A-line style for more close-cut knits. But for my everyday casual look, a loose sweater and this sweet style are all I need.

These Miu Miu loafers are my everything. (Available at Net-A-Porter.) Baroque, opulent, statement-making yet flat so I can wear them everyday.

So, what will your fall uniform be? I'm literally dying to know, so please share. This could be the fall you refresh your look, too, and it's a good excuse for extra shopping. I highly recommend it.

Handbags and Hugs,

Astor

Acne Neon Biker Jacket: The Jacket to End All Jackets

This neon Acne biker jacket (here: http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/313593) makes me feel things I've never felt before. I want to marry it and spend the rest of my life trying to make it as happy as it makes me, even though I know I could never come close. 

I would wear it over...

Silky blouses like this Equipment one at Moda Operandi.

Textured chunky sweaters like this fringed knit from 3.1 Phillip Lim at Otte.

Cool printed tees like this Zoe Karssen tank at Asos.

Evening gowns like this Mary Katrantzou extravaganza at StyleBop.

And pajamas like this set at Topshop. Because if you thought I wasn't wearing it to bed, you would be incorrect.

Handbags and Hugs,

Astor

The Best. Skirt. Ever.

Glorious Carven skirt, non-kindegarten-style-collaged pictures here: http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/321036

Handbags and Hugs,

Astor

Picks from the Barney's Warehouse Online Sale

Happy First Day of the Barney's Warehouse Sale ONLINE! Finally, you can shop this incredibly anticipated discount extravaganza without getting elbowed in the face, having to step over weak shoppers, stripping in aisles, waiting on lines and having the bag check people give you a scare when it takes them 15 minutes to locate your bag (because it's one of 75 black PS1's that have been checked). Personally, I consider these things rites of passage, all part of the sport that is sale shopping, and I wear my bruises as badges of honor. But if you're of the calmer sort and will be shopping online, here are some heart attack-worthy picks:

I've been dying over this dress - the clean silhouette and the cool graphic print - and now it's only $229. That's 60% off of its $575 price.

The Altuzarra tropical bird print HAUNTS MY DREAMS and at $309 from $1,225, this is the most affordable a dose of this dazzling pattern will ever be. Too. Good. To. Be. True.

Every wardrobe needs one of Carven's razor sharp-tailored bubble skirts, and now you can have this sweetly colored one for only $139 from $310.

Boy. by Band of Outsider's crisp, clean tailoring with leather trims? Yup, it's a vision. And it's an amazing deal, too: $179 from $725. Like, are you kidding me?

Printed jeans? Good. Isabel Marant printed jeans? Gooder. And the $269 price from the original $675? Goodest. 

THIS. THIS. THIS. $359 from $1,150.

Sleek. Artful. Colorful. These Fendi sandals are just $259 from $615.

I don't just love Miu Miu shoes, my life revolves around them. My moon is in the house of Miu Miu, or something. So it makes me very happy when you can a gorgeous pair like this for $269 from $675.

Let me enlighten you in case you've been an enjoying your home under a rock for a while: high-heeled loafers are imperative. And these Acne babies are $289 from $730.

Chloé wedges are essential, and these are now just $379 from $915.

Speaking of essential, and of Chloé, actually, this bag is so classic and luxe. And worth the investment at $899 from $2,695.

Speaking as someone who bought this amazing statement cuff from Pamela Love at full price, take advantage of the $99 from $250 slash.

Verdict: Bags and jewelry are slightly disappointing - well, still great, but the selection leaves something to be desired. But stick to shoes and clothing and you will NOT walk away from your computer feeling the ache of abandonment and emptiness that can only be cured by more desperate shopping sprees. Oh, it's not normal to feel that way when you don't buy something? Look, at you, benefiting from my sale advice and then JUDGING me.

Happy shopping!

Handbags and Hugs, 

Astor