Your UItimate Fall Closet

If I had all the money in the world, I would do 90% of my clothing and accessory shopping on Shopbop.com. With a highly developed fashion vision, Shopbop has an excellent mix of foundational designers and new, up-and-comers and carefully selects avant-garde pieces and amazing basics. Unfortunately this type of fashion sophistication comes at a price, which is one I can't afford. I often drool over their email blasts that utilize one-of-a-kind pieces to create one-of-a-kind ensembles that feel I have little ability to apply to my less than designer wardrobe. However, their latest email blast details out 14 pieces that every girl should have for the ultimate fall 2009 closet, providing a mirage of on-trend looks. While I doubt I will ever spend $200 on a plaid shirt, I can definitely look for these key pieces at the stores I can afford.


So what are the 14 things?

• Leather jacket
• Pocket tee
• Scarf
• Flat booties
• Slouchy skinny jeans
• Tote purse
• Jersey dress
• Chambray button-down
• Platform booties
• Flannel shirt
• Stripped tank
• Boyfriend jacket
• Harem pants
• Cashmere v-neck

A couple things I would add if I was a Shopbop stylist: faux fur vest, a leather, motorcycle vest, jeweled flats, and colored tights.

Visit Shopbop to see all the combinations you can create with a couple updates to your closet.

Scarving

For the past couple of seasons, scarves have been a must inclusion for any wardrobe no matter a person's fashion passion. Scarves have such a style altering power that take a plain look to Bohemian funky or effortless sophistication with a single wrap around the neck. Now that the weather is crisp and cooler, I could wear a scarf almost everyday purely for functional warmth. To ensure my repeat wearings don't make my style predictable, I experiment with how I utilize the scarf. Just in case you didn't know scarves could be so completely versatile, I offer you six ways to wear them (keeping you warm and chic).

Let it hang.

This works with a long rectangular scarf or a more substantial pashmina. The hang gives a sense of effortless sophistication.

Wrap, wrap and fluff, fluff.

This works the best with a rectangular scarf that is either very cozy or has a pattern. This look has the power to give any outfit some attitude.

Single, simple wrap for a cool polish.

Single, simple wrap with a tie in the front.

I think this works best with a patterned scarf because this technique makes the scarf a focal point.

Loop-de-loop.

I routinely get asked how I do this. Fold your scarf in half and thread the scarf's ends through the middle of the fold. I like to do this with a contrasting colored pashima to my blouse. What's great about this look is it easily transitions from a coat to no coat and still adds such a nice touch.

Handkerchief Style.

This is my current fave. Fold a square scarf in half diagnolly. Let the big point of the triangle hang from your neck as you criss cross the other corners behind you, bringing them back to the front to hang. This look has a very Indie essence to it.

Office Muses

I am lucky enough to work in an incredibly creative environment that embraces some serious fashion experimentation. Each day I am inspired by the selections my professional peers make. And while not all the girls and I have the same exact style, I love finding the details that I can reapply to my own wardrobe with a unique twist.

Simple colors and streamlined shapes result in a chic polish.

Black and brown can mix and accessories alone can elevate an understated look.

Bare legs with boots can be done tastefully with an edgy sophistication.