Now that we are firmly within the Fall season and soon to be in Holiday times, it is important to think about accessories. With the tough economic times, we need to reinvent some of the wardrobe, and when black is so fashionable… accessories are the easiest way to take last years look and turn it to this years trend.

The accessories of choice this season are unquestionably jewelry. Most often a necklace and second place goes to the bracelet, most often a bangle. Earrings are taking a back seat to larger necklaces and pins takes their usual far behind favor to bracelets, although it is hard to lose if choose any of the options.

A pointer on how to achieve a memorable look will be one question, ”Is it too much ?” If you have to ask, start subtracting immediately. If you wear an important necklace, there is no need to wear “important” earrings and an arm load of bangles. Choose one and then reduce or eliminate the other components. My choice is to keep the necklace as it is the one “thing” that can transform a look from finished to fabulous with the “closing of a clasp.”

Keep in mind that there were accessories of all categories during the Fall and next Spring collections which included gloves and belts as well, neither of which is an accessory for everyone, so it is your choice to pull together your look. And please don’t forget LEOPARD, you even saw the first lady wear albeit for Halloween, but rest assured that was no cheapy set.

I spent a great deal of time researching “the accessory of choice” and here thanks to Shopbop, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales,  Miriam Haskell, Henri Bendel, Net a Porter, and D&G is what I found. Always keep in mind “it’s a look!”

Dear Oligo Editor,

Every time I try to layer my clothes I end up looking like a crack-head. I pair my hippie skirts with my work blazers or my plaid flannel under my polka-dot dress. I resemble Cheerios mixed with cream of mushroom soup—not cute. How can I pull off this layering trend without looking like a nut-job?—Cracked-Out in Colorado

Dear Cracked-Out,

Put down the pipe—and you’re footless lace tights—down, help is here!

The best thing about learning to layer is that you can click refresh on your wardrobe’s browser without spending any dough. Another fabulous benefit of becoming a layering-queen (or king) is that your clothes are no longer season specific. (Personally, I’m a layering empress!) First of all, you must understand that layering does not mean wearing two trends at the same time—that’s just unacceptable. When layering your clothes, stick to one trend, look, and concept. Also beware of a tendency to go overboard and end up looking over-clothed.

A great place to start is to take a long sleeve shirt and wear it under a tank top or t-shirt. Stick to the same color scheme, or wear complementary colors. Feel free to mix and match prints with solids. Then, throw a sweater or cardigan over your tops. Wrap a brightly colored scarf or shawl around your neck. Stick to some neutral bottoms like jeans or cords and you’re look is complete. Also, let your layers peek out a bit by pulling the long-sleeves of your shirt out under your cardigan.

I also love wearing collared or long sleeved shirts and blouses under dresses. They make a summer dress fall friendly. Create a layered look on the bottom half by wearing tights, leggings, or stockings in boots. It’s also fun to stick some skinny jeans in your boots for a euro-chic take on a layered look. Lastly, remember to never wear something baggy under something tight, a novice-layering faux pas.

Essential Items:

• Basic T-shirts and long sleeved shirts
• Blouses
• Solid color sweaters
• Cardigans
• Printed, colorful scarves
• Shawls
• Knee-length dresses
• Tights and stockings
• Knee-hitting socks
• Leggings
• Denim (jeans, skirts, shorts, jackets)
• Classic boots
• Casual flats

Once you open your mind to layering, you will open your wardrobe to infinite possibilities.

Photos courtesy of our Flickr Trendsters

With Fall’s arrival, life as we knew it has been fall-ing down. We’re unemployed, broke, without a 401K, and stuck trying to make our summer wardrobe Fall-friendly. Enough is enough! (I adamantly declare.) I’m going to wipe my fall-ing tears, not think about my fall-ing stocks, and hit the stores. I’m boycotting high-priced boutiques and costly designers. I’m only purchasing recession-friendly, yet extraordinary fall items. Take that one-two punch Uncle Sam, all the trendsters are going shopping!

Free People Patchwork Scarf

$29.95

Anya Hindmarch for Target Medium Satchel in Black, Chocolate, and Gold

$44.99

Gabrielle Rocha Graffiti-Z Wellies from Zappos.com

$45.00

Forever Twenty-One’s Rita Crochet Cardigan

$32.80

Gap Cascading Ruffle Polka Dot Shirt

$48.00

Nordstrom Placed Cable Cashmere Gloves

$48.00

Vertical Jagged Striped Tights

$15.00

New York & Company City Style Leopard Dress

$21.90

Urban Outfitters V Pointelle Beret

$24.00

Anthropologie Leafy Barrettes
$4.95

]]> http://www.oligoville.com/2008/10/23/fabulous-fall-finds-under-50-closet-remix/feed/ 0 http://www.oligoville.com/2008/10/06/out-with-the-dull-and-in-with-the-bright-this-fall/ http://www.oligoville.com/2008/10/06/out-with-the-dull-and-in-with-the-bright-this-fall/#comments Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:23:08 +0000 shylab http://www.oligoville.com/?p=697

I worship Top Shop. Its regal British appeal and fresh trendster flavor make it one of my absolute favorite places to shop. Unfortunately the only time I had a regular Top Shop in my hood was when I was living in Madrid, Spain. Luckily they ship to the United States and the Manhattan location is due to open in Spring 2009. This will surely up the ante on my addiction for anything Topshop, especially if they keep serving up beauties like this angelic and striking blue frill-front dress.

Fall usually brings out drabby browns and muted greys from the depths of our closets. That, my dear friends, is really not necessary. Spice up your autumn threads with a gorgeous blue that snaps, crackles, and pops. This dress is heavenly for cooler weather with some sexy boots and a wool cardigan. It can be dressed-up for a hot date, dressed conservative for the office, or dressed casual for brunch. I love, love, LOVE this garment but just wish that £ sign that will soon bear the $ sign.

Free People Rows of Cable Dress

I hate tube-top dresses and short shorts. That makes right now, the beginning of Fall, my favorite time of year. I also happen to adore anything by Free People. Their new Fall Rows of Cable Dress especially rocked my socks. It’s short yet knit, comfy yet sexy, and summer yet winter. It is perfect for layering and accessorizing. In red, black, and gray this dress easily evolves from frozen tofu enchiladas at the desk to gin gimlets at the bar.

At $128, you can’t go wrong. With two adorable pockets in the front and an open ribbon-tied back it’s irresistibly delicious. Since the name of the dress has the world cable (a lá cable car) in it and I’m from San Francisco, it’s a sign that we are meant to be.

What can I say. I’ve been a fan of the gladiator sandal all summer long. As the air gets crisper and leaf colors turn , I need to consider other more practical options. What can be more practical than an edgy, grommet and buckle encrusted pair of stilettos? So here you have my latest obsession. Perhaps it is a more sinister version of the gladiator but I am still in love.