Fall Trends: Military Style

With Labor Day just around the corner, it’s not too early to start thinking about fall fashion and deciding which trends are worthy of space in your closet.

This week I’m focusing on something that’s been trending for a couple of seasons now and is all over fall collections: Military Style.  Key elements of this look are:

  • sharp tailoring with emphasized pockets and buttons
  • buckles, straps, and other regimental details
  • austere color palettes
  • braid or leather embellishments
  • double-breasted looks

The trick to wearing this look is to keep it clean and refined. Be careful about piling it on in a costumey way; you don’t want anyone to think you’re part of an invading army (or the “specialty” club scene for that matter).  A couple of military-influenced items paired with tailored basics will create a look that’s fashion-forward, stylish, and sexy.

Check out a few pieces I like and– thanks to Polyvore –some quick ideas about how to wear them.

Military 1

1.  Romeo & Juliet Couture Ivory Military Jacket at Bluefly.com ($136 marked to $82)

2.  Gold Vermeil Fleur-de-lis Earrings at Overstock.com ($17.99)

3.  Boutique 9 Women’s Mila Dress Boot at Endless.com ($229.95 marked to $172.46)

(Shown with McQ Mid-Rise Slim Leg Jeans in Black, Marc by Marc Jacobs TT Faridah Hobo in Cobalt, Mykita Black Plastic Aviator Sunglasses, and Private Blend Lip Color by Bergdorf Goodman.)

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Military 2

1.  Belted Military Shirt Dress at Express.com ($59.90)

2.  Layered Military Charm Necklace at Express.com ($49.90)

(Shown with J Jeans by Jasper Conran Gemma Tote Bag and Kate Spade Karolina Pumps.)

Since Military Style is so big for fall, I’ll focus on two specific aspects of this look later in the week.  It’s a great trend– get it right and you’ll have no trouble commanding attention!

Shopping the Summer Sales: Anthropologie

I’m browsing the summer sales in search of great pieces– the kind that will transition into fall.  With big discounts available at even pricey retailers, it’s possible to shop some splurge-y stores without blowing your budget.   

Of course, we all know that shopping sales can be an exercise in patience.  It’s often difficult to find the items you want in the size you need; they’re on sale for a reason.  But if you’re up for the challenge, the savings make the extra effort worthwhile! 

First up: Anthropologie.  Love the clothes.  The prices?  Not so much.  But thanks to neutral color palettes and interesting shapes, many of the pieces are perfect year-round.   Here’s my picks from the sale merchandise along with a bit of quick Polyvore wardrobing:

Deepest Fathoms Dress  ($188 to $69.95), shown with leggings, bolero, tote, and booties.  Love this cute silhouette, which could easily be worn as a tunic.  I’m all for belting if you’re into that.  Bonus: blue is going to be a hot, hot hue again this fall. 

Untitled

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Cold Rush Cardigan ($98 to $49.95), Epehemera Forever Scarf ($38 to $19.95), and Tiny Bounty Hoops ($28 to $9.95), shown with black top, skinny jeans, and equestrian boots.  The reviews on the cardigan are slightly mixed, but I always love this shape.  That along with the chic color make me willing to try it.  And for less than $10, the hoops are a great everyday option.  My favorite piece of all?  The fabulous chartreuse scarf, which screams fall versatility.   

Anthropologie Cardigan, Scarf, and Earrings

 

 Visit Anthropologie.com to scout some savings of your own!

Affordable Jewelry & Earrings from Fashionsforless.net

If you can’t afford to get a bunch of new clothes for summer, no worries! You can create a whole new look to your wardrobe by spicing it up with some affordable accessories like jewelry!

Fashionsforless.net was kind enough to send me some things from their store to review and I have to say, I’m pretty impressed! I don’t know how they are able to offer such nice items at such amazingly low prices. They are better than Wal Mart!

I’m absolutely loving these…

Boho Charm Dangle Hoop Earrings – $5.99

They are super cute, really interesting and despite all those dangling charms, they are surprisingly light weight too. They would look great with summer dresses, shorts and tanks and even your bathing suit. And can you believe the price? Only $5.99!

I’m also loving this pair…

Antique Silver Wing Earrings – $4.99

Super trendy and perfect for all seasons. They are light weight and priced at only $4.99. You just can’t find earrings that cheap any place else! You’d probably pay $20-$30 for something similar in Kohls or Macys.

Check out their selection of Earrings and let me know which ones you like best!

Don’t forget to use coupon code 20PERCENT to get 20% off your order! Plus you can get free shipping on all orders with no minimum purchase required, and they are also giving away free wallets with every online purchase while supplies last.

Kenneth Jay Lane Pave Diamond Earring Giveaway *CLOSED*

Congratulations to Kristin H. for winning the gorgeous earrings!!

Comment #379 chosen by Random.org

Thank you to everyone who entered and a big thanks to QVC for providing the prize for this giveaway!


Silver screen style! Manhattan’s four most fashionable women are back and bolder than ever in what promises to be one the biggest — and sexiest — sequels of the summer! Sex And The City 2 hit theaters yesterday and is getting rave reviews from all!

To celebrate, QVC has teamed up with legendary jewelry designer Kenneth Jay Lane, whose pieces were showcased in the first New York City-inspired movie, to unveil his new “city chic” collection. These stunning pieces, which are scheduled to debut Sunday, May 30 at 2AM, 7PM, and 11PM (ET), embody the sophistication and modern design of quintessential urban style. From fun cocktail rings to dazzling cuffs, each piece in the collection expresses an uncompromising style and elegance.

Click here to view the new Kenneth Jay Lane City Chic Collection!

In celebration of his new collection and SATC2, we’ve teamed up with QVC to offer you the chance to win a pair of his gorgeous Chelsea Pave Diamond Earrings worth $101!!



TO ENTER:

Click here to browse the new City Chic Collection and then Leave a comment on this post and tell me what your favorite piece is!!!

Extra Optional Entries: (Leave 1 comment for each extra entry.)

    1 Entry: Follow @thehousewife on Twitter (include your Twitter name in comment!)
    1 Entry: Follow @qvc on Twitter (include your Twitter name in comment!)
    1 Entry: (per day) Tweet about this contest. Leave 1 comment for each tweet with the link to tweet. (copy & paste the following:)

      I entered for a chance to win a pair of earrings worth $101 from the new Kenneth Jay Lane City Chic collection http://bit.ly/ Please RT!

    1 Entry: Become a fan of The Fashionable Housewife on Facebook
    1 Entry: Become a fan of QVC on Facebook
    5 Entries Enter one of our other Giveaways (5 entries for each giveaway)
    10 Entries: Blog about this contest and link back to this post and http://bit.ly/KJLQVC

(Note: You must leave 1 comment per entry. Extra entries will not be counted unless you leave a comment for each one.)

Sweepstakes Rules

QVC Kenneth Jay Lane City Chic Collection SWEEPSTAKES
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Must be legal U.S. resident, 18 years or older to enter. Sweepstakes to commence on May 29th and end on June 6th 2010 at 11:59:59 p.m. ET. The Fashionable Housewife will determine (1) one Winner by a random drawing from all eligible entries to receive two pieces from the Kenneth Jay Lane City Chic collection (one pair of KJL Chelsea Pave Lace Earrings). Limit one prize per household. Odds of winning are dependent on the total number of eligible entries. Approx retail value of prize $101.00. Winner will be notified by email. Offer valid while supplies last. Giveaway sponsored by The Fashionable House; Prize provided by QVC, Inc, and Kenneth Jay Lane.

Must-Have: XO Earrings from Twisted Silver

Take a few steps forward from the traditional hoop, stylize it and you have the new XO earrings from Twisted Silver. Basic and edgy for day or night, they are a must-have pair for all you Twisted fans.


Click To Enlarge

Around the same size and weight as the Peace & Love earrings, these dangling circles are my new favorite go-to pair for daily wear. I always get compliments on my Twisted Silver jewelry pieces and I know you will to. You just can’t find unique, eclectic jewelry like this anywhere else.

And if you like these, be sure to check out the XO Brass Opera Necklace, XO Brass bracelet and the XO Brass Choker.

The earrings will be available February 9 in brass or copper – $40

Shop Twisted-Silver.com >>

Hanukkah Giveaway – Twisted Silver

Congratulations to Tabitha M!

Comment #148 chosen by Random.org

Thank you to all you lovely ladies that entered and a big thanks to our buddies over at Twisted Silver who sponsored this fabulous giveaway on The Fashionable Housewife!


Hanukkah

Today is the start of our Hanukkah Week of Winter Giveaways! Yes, that’s right, we’re giving away MORE STUFF!! Hey, it’s the season of giving and everyone loves presents. We want to add to your growing holiday spirit by giving you some of the most fabulous things we can get our hands on!

So you can look forward to 8 more days of fabulous giveaways so you can celebrate the Festival of Lights in style!

We’re kicking off our Hanukkah Giveaways with
Twisted Silver!

Capture the feel of a vintage winter holiday with the Glacier earrings from Twisted Silver.

Featuring brilliant Swarovski crystals and Victorian inspired antiqued silver patterns, these gorgeous earrings are small, delicate and totally elegant. The perfect accent for holiday festivities yet easily at home with casual denim year round!

Glacier earrings

Aren’t they absolutely gorgeous?! I wish you could see them in person… They are the perfect balance of femininity and antiqued silver. I really can’t even think of an outfit that these earrings wouldn’t go with.

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Silver Glacier Earrings with Gorgeous Holiday Dresses

Capture the feel of a vintage winter holiday with the Glacier earrings from Twisted Silver.

Featuring brilliant Swarovski crystals and Victorian inspired antiqued silver patterns, these gorgeous earrings are small, delicate and totally elegant. The perfect accent for holiday festivities yet easily at home with casual denim year round!

These would look fabulous with any number of holiday dresses this season!