The Lace Blazer

As the leaves begin to change color, the romantic aesthetic is seeping into fall fashion.  As a devoted romantic myself, it is refreshing to see a delicate femininity grace the runways and racks this fall.  The coquettish charm of laces, brocades, and taffetas is nostalgic of La Belle Epoque when ladies with lace parasols spent their days drinking tea and conducting clandestine affairs with their paramours in nineteenth century Paris.  I chose this white, lace blazer because it has a wonderfully soft lining and nice texture.  I paired it with a floral baby-doll dress and about 12 strands of pearls for that romantic emphasis.  

Blazer: Aqua, from Bloomingdales

Dress: Vintage, from Metropolis (a great East Village vintage store)

Shoes: Christian Louboutin

Bag: Gucci

Pearls: Assorted

-Coco Curvy

The Informal Fancy Frock

Whenever I fall in love with a fancy frock that is categorized as "evening wear" I always finds ways to wear it for casual occasions using a few tricks of transformation.  Always remember that rules, especially rules regarding fashion are only silly social constructions and ultimately, are meant to be broken.  I found this gorgeous lace, scalloped hem gown at Stella Dallas, one of my favorite vintage stores.  I had it hemmed to knee-length and I wear it for both formal events and casual encounters.    When converting this lace dress into a daytime look, I pair it with structured pieces that contrast with its delicate femininity.  My favorite "casualizing" accents are chunky, textured sweaters, sheer white shirts, blazers, dark tights, big structured bags, and boots.    

Dress: vintage, from Stella Dallas
Blouse: American Apparel
Purse: Vintage Ferragamo
Shoes: Gap 
Bangles: Assorted

The Nude Pump

Somewhere between the unappealing realms of boring beige and burnt orange lies a gem: nude!  Whether patent leather, suede, stiletto, or wedge a nude pump not only elongates the leg, but has a subtle sex appeal that is irresistible.  I always choose a shoe with a platform because it gives you that extra boost; the higher the heel, the higher your confidence (at least in the beginning of the night when you're not limping in pain).  Go nude, i promise you'll enjoy it.

Nude closed toe pump:Alejandro Ingelmo, from my favorite Dallas store 4510
Dress: American Apparel
Lace Tunic: Tracy Reese for Bergdorf Goodman
Sweater: vintage

The Bright Blazer

Throw a bright blazer over anything and it gives your entire ensemble some sass.  Contrary to tradition, blazers do not have to hide in the darkness of muted navies, grays, and blacks.  The greatest thing about a colorful piece like this is its versatility; you can go from work to dinner without having to change and it can be paired with virtually anything.  I prefer to wear a really colorful jacket over more subdued tones so it really pops.  This is definitely a must have.  

Blazer: vintage Yves Saint Laurent

Dress: All Saints

Bag: Alexander Wang Coco Bag

Studded shoes: Sam Edelman

The Jersey Dress

When choosing a jersey dress I find that a jersey/silk blend is the much more flattering than plain jersey, which generally has the tendency to look cheap.  This dress flows and cinches in all the right places instead of clinging to all the wrong ones.  The neutral colors and simple lines are refreshing and make it easy to achieve many different looks.  You can embellish this dress with lots of accessories or keep it simple.  My favorite part of this dress is that it exudes femininity without being boring.  Oh la la.

-Coco Curvy

Dress and belt: Chloe

Shoes: Robert Clergerie

Sunglasses: Stella McCartney

Hat: Target

The Peplum Dress

 The peplum dress is great because it creates an hour glass figure.  In a fitted and frilled dress, bright patterns are generally overwhelming.  I chose a textured, black cotton that is both chic and modern.  A plain black dress always deserves some flair so adding colorful accesories, such as this head band and statement necklace, is a good idea.

-Coco Curvy

Dress: Betsy Johnson
Shoes: Opening Ceremony

The "Grandpa" Sweater

This vintage Yves Saint Laurent oversized sweater is a great addition to any dress.  A funky, colorful sweater adds some edge to a sweet, girlish dress.

-Coco Curvy

Sweater: Vintage Yves Saint Laurent from Gabrielle Geppert, my favorite vintage store in Paris
Dress: Opening Ceremony
Hat: American Apparel
Shoes: Dolce and Gabbana
Sunglasses: Stella McCartney