What's new Wednesday: Boots

We have had a very busy week, including an awesome photo shoot for the new Style by Risso website with friend and super talented photographer Tia Margaux. With the autumn months clearly on the way, it's time to talk about boots. There are some terrific styles for fall, from wedge to spiky heel, the assortment appeals to every taste and budget. Enjoy!

Shearling lace-up

Sperry Top Sider, $160

Ted Baker, $329

Max Studio, $179

Wedge

Call it Spring, $99.99

Mark & James by Badgley Mischka, $475

Franco Sarto, $189

Buckle - flat

DV Dolce Vita, $165

Payless, $59.99

Steve Madden, $160

Timberland, $300

Buckle - heel

Sam Edelman, $225

Elizabeth and James, $595

H&M, $55

Talbots, $239

What's new Wednesday: Capes

Fall starts today and there is a crisp chill in the air. So, what will keep you warm in the months ahead? A cape, of course! This very chic and au courant style is a perfect update to any wardrobe. There are a myriad of shapes, colors and patterns from which to choose: long, cropped, minimalist, cozy, black, shades of tan, plaid and tweed. Take your pick!

A note on fit: If you are short, like me, look for a tailored cape that is shorter in length. As much as I would LOVE to pull off the L'Agence cape below, there is far too much fabric, even with hemming. Enjoy!

1. Stella McCartney, $1,685

2. L'Agence, $425

3. Lanvin, $3,435
4. Ermanno Scervino, $2,455
5. Milly, $594
6. Burberry, $650


under $200
1. J Crew, $198
2. H&M, £100
3. BB Dakota, $130
4. KUT from the Kloth, $108

Meet the Press

I was recently interviewed by my darling friend, Carrie, for an article she was writing for the Chicago Tribune. She wanted to know what men and women should buy for their first job/interview. Affordability was key, as well as essential staples. I was thrilled to be asked and my readers can find the article here. Thank you, Carrie!

Along with this exciting moment, Style by Risso's website transformation is almost complete. My dear friend and brilliant photographer, Tia, will be taking new shots for the site. I can't wait to show everyone! In the meantime, check her out at Tia Margaux Photography. I can't say enough about her keen eye and stellar use of color.

Here is a look that can take you from a day at work to a dinner with friends. Enjoy and happy long weekend!

One dress, two ways

What's new Wednesday - Plaid

Add plaid to your checklist for fall. Skirts, bags, shoes, dresses, jackets. It's time to get your plaid on. Enjoy!

Mad for plaid

What's new Wednesday: Leather and Lace

Tap into your inner dominatrix this fall and flaunt some leather and lace. If you are a little wary then limit the lace to just hints on a garment and the leather to just a skirt or bag. Enjoy!

Leather and Lace

In the details

Fall is all on the details. Lace, jewels, stitching, frills and (faux) fur. Take some extra time this season to discover the beautiful intricacies. A few of my favorites are below, enjoy!

3.1 Phillip Lim and Alexander McQueen

Dolce & Gabbana and Carolina Herrera

Burberry and Balenciaga

Chanel and Erdem

(all photos from style.com)

Planner

I am a planner. My friends and family are never surprised when they receive itineraries for a weekend away, maps for a night out, idea sheets for an event I am planning, it really never stops. Organizing, planning, preparing, it's just something I do. So, when it comes to planning my day to day life I have always used a good old fashioned book planner. Attempts have been made at using the calendar app on my iPhone, but it just doesn't feel right. Yes, you could call me old school but there is something quite satisfying about a hand written schedule.

I don't gravitate towards one brand, but I do need a daily layout (with hours listed, even better). Here are a few I am eyeing for 2012, oh and the adorable handbags that would tote it around, ok and heels to finish it off. What can I say, I am a planner. Enjoy!

Planner by Frolic in Tulle

What's new Wednesday: Back to school

I am not going back to school but I fondly remember back to school shopping. We always stopped at Gap, The Limited, Nordstrom, and Macy's. Loading our arms with pants, skirts, tops, jackets, at one point boxer shorts (it was the early 90's people) and shoes. We would bring home our haul and dive into it piece by piece to choose the best outfit for the first day of school. The first day was the best. Feeling nervous and excited, the day had to start out right with the perfect ensemble. So, if I was going shopping for back to school, as an adult, this is what I would purchase. Enjoy!

Back to School for adults

Fall: Pumps that sparkle

Add some serious shimmer to your fall ensembles with these lit up pumps. If Dorothy had these heels she would make it home but Auntie Em and Uncle Henry would be living in a newly decorated penthouse looking over Central Park complete with walk-in closet, pool and cabana boys waiting for her when she arrived. Enjoy!

Arfango and Gucci

Miu Miu and Jerome C. Rousseau

Diego Dolcini and Christian Louboutin

Roger Vivier and Casadei

Fall: Opposites

I can't wait any longer to chat about Fall 2011, even if it is 90 degrees outside. My magazine and catalog tear-outs are building up in a pile on my desk, waiting patiently to be pinned to the ever expanding inspiration board. So, let the excitement of wool coats, new tights, darling hats and long sleeves begin!

Do you remember "Opposites Game?" We used to play it as children. Anything someone says, we would say the opposite. It was terribly annoying but filled us with endless giggles. Well, as adults we can play opposites again, but with our clothes. Fall is filled with silhouettes and styles that are the antithesis of each other. You can mix and match these trends, just make sure that your proportions are correct. Flaunt a modern grunge coat with a soft as silk gown or try colorful tights with that structured minimalist dress. Grown up games are so gratifying, and much less annoying. Enjoy!

Red Carpet Wonders

The Oscars are Sunday, February 27th, and excitement is churning inside me. Who will wear what? Will Ryan  continue to make the red carpet awkward? Frolic in Tulle will be live blogging, so join us for the evening!

Below are some favorite gowns from New York Fall 2011 that could be in the running for red carpet worthiness. Who can you see wearing these? Leave comments and Enjoy!

The Altazurra as a middy is daring, all the sequins ups the glamour but who is daring enough to wear it?

Oscar de la Renta, always prevalent, loving the high neck

Marchesa, another crowd-pleaser, this is like Swan Lake in a dress.

Monique Lhuillier off the shoulder, really you can' go wrong.

The wet look of this stunning Carolina Herrera is super sexy.

Again, Marchesa, could you not see this on best dressed?

Again, Monique Lhuillier, this is so pretty and young.

The Tibi may be too casual but I love the length and with the right jewelry could be a knockout.

The pattern on the Luca Luca is like an over grown branch and I really like it. Nix the collar maybe?

Fall 2011 - New York

Some of my notes from the New York Fall 2011 shows...
Shimmer and Matte
draped and gathered (waist detail)
leather trim
lace
fur fur fur
"ladies who lunch"
monochromatic
plaid
drop waist, '20's
no collars
chokers

colors:
mossy/hunter/cedar green
reds, fuschia and corals
shades of blue, plum
shades of grey

Some wonderful favorites to absorb and reflect on in the months ahead.

Prabal Gurung, Christian Siriano, Marc Jacobs and Theyskens' Theory

Jenni Kayne, Michael Kors, Jenny Packham and Vera Wang

Diane von Furstenberg, Jenni Kayne, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Jill Stuart