Brocade for Fall...

Brocade is a trend that has come and gone over the years, and this fall it's back again with a vengeance!  It used to be known as something your grandmother would wear, or a fabric only good for drapes, but not anymore!  Now it's become more fashionable than ever as showcased on the recent runways and by celebrities like Lily Collins, who combined two trends in one by opting for a metallic brocade dress.

If your style is more rock chic like Kristen Stewart, try replacing your leather jacket with a brocade blazer to update your style. I loved the way Emma Stone recently wore it - brocade can be a difficult fabric to pull off in the daytime, so she opted for a lighter shade to avoid overwhelming her look.  Dakota Fanning added a pair of ankle boots with her brocade dress for an instant style update, and Alexa Chung makes a brocade dress suitable for the office by pairing it with a tailored shirt.

So if you feel like this is a trend you'd like to try this season, don't be afraid to experiment with this opulent fabric that can really add something special to your outfit.  Start small if you're unsure, and work your way up to going full-on brocade beautiful!!

Take a look at these pics to see different ways this trend can be done....

Plaid...how to wear it!

When we think of plaid we think of Scotland, kilts and bagpipes, right? However, plaid can be very stylish when it is worn in the appropriate way.  Plaid does not have to be the ultimate symbol of the Scots; it can be funky and even, dare I say it, sexy!  Best of all, plaid is perfect for any shape or size.  It's so versatile, there's just no reason not to wear plaid!  And this year, yet again, it's being seen everywhere!

Plaid can look chic any way you want to wear it.  When shopping for a plaid shirt, think about what look you want to convey.  Do you want a more clean and tailored look?  If this is the case, a form fitted blouse paired with nice tailored pants will keep your look more sophisticated.  For a more casual look, instead of a short fitted plaid shirt, go with the oversized, longer button up versions.

Plaid shirts come in a variety of colors and different fabrics, and even the print can vary from smaller "squares" to ones that are more spread apart.  The look can get a little overwhelming if the colors are too bright.  If you want to play it down, opt for a plaid shirt in subtle muted or neutral colors, like browns, tans, creams, blues and grays.

But let's face it, there's a lot more you can wear than just shirts in plaid!  I've seen plaid in dresses, skirts, vests, & pants as well as many accessories.  As many of you know, I'm not a huge fan of playing it safe when it comes to being creative with mixing textures, colors and prints.  So why play it safe with plaid?  Done right you can wear different types of plaid in one outfit - but - it has to be done right otherwise you'll look a hot mess!  Think carefully about how you're going to mix plaid on plaid.  Will it be different colors of plaid or different sizes in pattern?  Take a look at some of these great, and sometimes ecclectic looks and get inspired to try the plaid look now!

Silver is my color pick this month...

You know one of my favorite things to talk about is color...I love what color can do for an outfit, whether it be the focal point or an accent color.  I love bright bursts of color as well as the more subtle muted tones, and today I want to talk about the color silver.  It's very popular this season and is very versatile.

You will shine in this versatile metallic, which offers a festive counterpoint to winter's darker hues!

Why I love it - gorgeous and gleaming, silver is a quick way to heighten any ensemble!

How to wear it - a mercury column is perfect for parties.  Keep it sophisticated with minimal jewelry (no giant silver hoops), and a neutral bag.  For day, add a dash of sparkle.  A glimmering shell or shoe is work-ready when mixed with businesslike knit or tweed separates.

Silver plays well with gunmetal, winter white, cobalt, or acid green.  Try adding a blue purse - this color accents the metallic's cool undertones.

Remember to adjust your makeup!  Try a bright splash of color on your lip with a raspberry-plum shade.