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Your Fall Shopping List–All The Basics You Need For A Stylish Season

08.30.2019 by Catherine Jane //

Don’t wait until the weather gets cold to do your Fall shopping.

According to the Farmer’s Almanac this winter is going to be “freezing, frigid, and frosty”. In fact it is going to be so cold that they have christened it the Polar Coaster which already has me looking for my long-lost flannel sheets.

Don’t wait until the first blast of cold air to get your Fall wardrobe in order. Now is the time to send your coats to the cleaners and your boots to your local shoe repair shop for a tune-up.

If you don’t currently have your cold weather wardrobe ready for the months ahead this would be a good time to begin shopping. Your must haves for every Fall season are a few good sweaters, a heavy coat, a pair of boots and a scarf. And unless you live in an area which boasts a moderate climate these items should be functional in colder weather. They should also be pieces that will stand the test of time. Here is a look at a few possibilities that will keep you warm and looking chic through the chillier months of Fall.

Sweaters

More than any other single item I find myself gravitating toward a plush and oversized sweater for this time of year. Since this type of sweater is usually more expensive I stick with neutral colors. Here are some of my favorites this season.

Klark T-Neck by Rag & Bone
available in charcoal $450

Another great style to invest in this Fall is a hoodie. It’s that extra piece of clothing that will add a layer of warmth when the weather gets chilly.

Wool & Cashmere Thermal Hoodie by Vince
available in 2 colors $445

If you are looking for a classic cashmere sweater available in exquisite colors then look no further than this crewneck.

The Cashmere Crew by Everlane
available in 20 colors $100

Coats

Since I live on the West Coast I cannot justify investing in a coldgear coat. What I would invest in is a coats that can be easily layered for a colder climate. However, I must confess that during the polar vortex of 2017 I could have used a long down coat, heavy gloves, and hat with earmuffs–it was that cold!

This wool blend coat will not protect you during the next polar vortex but it is suitable for Fall and even Spring. The reversible style gives you more bang for your buck and the neutral colors of cream and tan will easily pair with your wardrobe.

Rach Coat by Rag & Bone
available in tan $795

If you are in the market for a novelty coat have a look at this one in faux leather.

If something a little more tailored with a quilted pattern is more your style then this coat with a double-zippered front and pocket warmers will be your go-to this Fall.

Shoes

Boots have been a wardrobe staple for all seasons but not for me. I still can’t wrap my head around wearing them when the weather is warm. But since this blog is featuring cool weather style then I am all in when it comes to boots.

If you are looking for function and stye these boots are waterproof.

Marilisa Snake Print Bootie by Aquatalia $575

One of the best trends in fashion to behold is the comfort shoe trend. Its genesis spawned from years of wearing incredibly painful, albeit sexy looking shoes. I, for one, am a big fan. However, what followed was the ugly shoe trend of which I am not a fan. There is no need to follow in the footsteps (no pun intended) of influencers who promote shoes which are comfortable but painful to look at when there are shoes which are both comfortable and good-lookin’.

I recently purchased a pair of these flats by Rothy’s. This is what you need to know–they are made from recycled plastic, they are insanely comfortable, and incredibly affordable!

Wishing everyone a wonderful Fall!

Eat well, laugh a lot, and be chic!

The Problem With Sizing And How To Get Yours Right

08.23.2019 by Catherine Jane //

Have you noticed that sizing is inconsistent? Not only is there no standardization of sizes between one designer to the next but there can also be no consistency of size even within a particular brand. Couple that with the “plus size” labeling of anything larger than a 12 and we are looking at a perfect storm for hysteria when it comes to shopping.

But sizing wasn’t always as crazy as it is today. Standardized sizing has been around since the 40s. And in1958 the National Bureau of Standards re-examined the sizes of women. From this study they developed a newer standardized size chart using the measurements of women in the Air Force.

This study was flawed as this group did not represent the average measurements of women. Service women tended to be more physically fit than the average woman. But it was a step in the right direction as it attempted to create some sort of consistency in sizes throughout the industry.

Have a look at this size chart from the 50s. It is worth noting that size 0, 00, and 000 did not exist even though the average woman was smaller and shorter than the average woman is today. It’s also worth noting that the smallest size on this particular chart is a size 10.

Fast forward to the 70s when some genius figured out that if the size label reflected a smaller number then more items would be sold. This was the beginning of “vanity sizing”. Today a size 14 from 1968 can be anywhere from a size 4 to a size 8 today.

To make matters even more fraught, the marketing minds of Madison Avenue delivered the final offense by defining standards of beauty not only by age but by size. Anyone above a 12 (whatever that size is today) is labeled “plus size” which adds yet another layer to the body shaming of women.

Sizing is very confusing—no wonder shopping has become so painful.

Here are a few tips to defuse the agony of shopping by getting your size right.

-Find a good tailor. It is rare when a garment fits perfectly on you right off the rack.

-Know your bust, waist and hip measurements. You will need to invest in a tape measure. It will be the best investment you make when it comes to shopping.

-Before you purchase anything online have a look at the size chart. Never purchase anything based on what size you think you are.

-As I mentioned It is very difficult to get pants to fit perfectly right off the rack. Choose a pair that closely fits your largest area. Then take your pant to a tailor and have the pant taken in where it is too large.

-And most importantly never buy the size you think you are, buy the size that fits!!

All The Reasons You Love Fall And A Few More You’ve Never Thought Of

08.16.2019 by Catherine Jane //

We all hate to see the long vacation-filled days of Summer end unless, of course, you are not a fan of hot and humid weather. In this case you were over Summer during the first stretch of unbearable heat. Whether or not you hate to see Summer go we can all agree that Fall is our favorite season.

And what is not to love about Fall? The weather is warm during the day and crisp at night, the colors are divine, apple season is in full swing, and all of your favorite Fall clothing is ready to be worn again!

You can put away your tank tops, bathing suits, and sandals. This is the season to live in the comfort of cashmere sweaters and wrap yourself in luxurious coats. In addition you can say bye-bye to callused feet because you will be wearing socks with your shoes instead of walking around with nothing more then a thin piece of leather protecting your feet from the hard and hot concrete of city streets.

But there are a lot more reasons Fall is a standout season.

~Traveling is easier and less expensive. Anyone who flies during the Summer months can tell you it can be painful. Flights are more expensive and even more packed than usual from June though August. During the months of September, October, and November (with the exception of Thanksgiving) flying is less stressful as flight loads are reduced and cancellations due to bad weather are not as frequent as in Winter.

~It’s not just apple season, it’s pumpkin season, pomegranate season, fig season, and pear season. Let the pie baking commence!

~Your skin feels better. Extreme weather can affect your skin adversely—too hot and you feel greasy but hot weather can also lead to skin issues like blemishes and rosacea, too cold and your skin dries up like a piece of beef jerky.

~We sleep better in cooler weather. According to sleep scientists the optimal temperature for sleeping is anywhere between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. When it gets cold it’s easy enough to add a big cozy comforter but keeping cool in the heat is often futile unless you’re lucky enough to have AC.

~Halloween might not be everyone’s favorite holiday but it’s mine! It’s no surprise that Christmas ranks as the most popular holiday but personally I prefer the holiday where we engage our imaginations by wearing whatever the hell we want. The more outrageous our outfit the better—no negative judgments, simply a lot of fun.

Eat well, laugh a lot, and be chic!