Vests are everywhere right now. Similar to the long cardigan trend there are a million different styles and a million different ways to wear them. Where to begin…

The sweater vest. We’re not talking about a mothball tainted sweater vest you might find in grandpa’s wardrobe, but rather a sleeker and sexier, yet casual cut. These vests have embellishments and themes that vary across the board. If your vest is noticeably textured, balance out the look with some simple jeans or dark pants. Toss on a fun tee shirt under the vest, but make sure it’s not too detailed if the sweater vest has embellishments. Throw on some sexy heels for a night out, or opt for ballerina flats if you’re running errands. While this look might be too hot for daytime these next few weeks, it is absolutely perfect for nightfall, not to mention the onset and duration of Autumn!

sweater vests in this observation:

The Funky Vest. Yes, you can actually wear these if you wear them right. We don’t want to look like we just came home from marching band practice, correct? So if you can help it, avoid the huge hat with chin strap and plume. But in all seriousness, when you go for this vest, you must stay simple with every other aspect of the outfit. Basic boot cuts, a black pant, or bland colored skinny jean will do the trick (avoid fancy pockets or seam work). As with the rest of the outfit, the shirt under the vest should be simple, simple, simple. Want to take the hipster route? Toss on a long, but fitted tee shirt and some leggings. Simple stud earrings is as far as the jewelry should go.

over the top items in this observation:

The cropped vest. NOTE: I would suggest always wearing an under layer. Unless of course you want to wear it with Jean’s least favorite wedge sneaker and call it a day! Since most of these short looks have plummeting v-necks, you can play with a ruffled or texture embellished shirt as an under layer. The short vest is one of the styles that has the amazing ability to be totally dressed up or down, and for that reason alone we love it. In order to dress it down, toss aside the ruffled tee shirt and replace it with a simple top. You can also play with a dress as an under layer - try to find one that shoots straight down and does not gather at the waist in order to avoid awkward and conflicting lines.

cropped items in this observation:

The Simple Vest. These vests are just simply…vests. There is no hoo-rah about them - no crazy shortness, buttons, patches, stripes, fur or peep holes. Yes, some of them have a bit of gather or are made with unique fabric or material, but they are all pretty classic in cut, length and overall ‘vest-ness’. These can be worn with anything underneath including a simple dress (which looks so great) to practically any pant. You might even opt out of a top under layer, (bow chikka wow wow), that’s if the neck line is appropriate. Again, toss on some sassy heels and you’re good to go! If the vest is super simple, pump it up by layering two completely different necklaces. Errands? Dress it down with a basic tee shirt, skinnies and your favorite Converse.

classic items in this observation:

To top it all off, the vest trend gets a big gold star for being totally transitional!

1. The Slouchy Boot
This sexy style boot looks great going into fall. Tuck in a pair of jeans, and throw on a long cardigan and you’re understated gorgeous.

2. Patent Leather
No need to put away your patent leather from spring, unless it’s in a spring color. Designers are shining up wool and cashmere with a pop of patent for fall.

3. Leather Bomber Jacket
The leather bomber jacket is also going strong into the fall. It will look great with a pair of jeans, a tee, wrapped with a scarf.

4. Ruffles
Ruffles remain! A ruffle top will look great under your leather bomber, or a long cardigan. Pair it with skinny jeans, some slouchy boots, and you’re on it!

5. Skinny Jeans
At times we all wish the skinny jean would go away, but you’ll be glad they’re around when it’s time to tuck them into your tall boots. So, don’t burn them yet!

6. The Clutch
Clutch it, because it’s clearly a trend that’s going to stick.

7. A Long Cardigan
It’s an easy style that’s low key and can work over anything. We’re seeing it well into fall. It looks great over jeans, or belted over a dress.

Four years ago, my sunday night with the girls came screeching to a halt. What was I going to do now? It was like I had been brutally frozen out of the cool click, and all I was left with was a group of mobsters. My Sunday night went from Barney’s to the Bada-Bing, and while I liked my mobsters they didn’t compare to my girls. Finally, the girls are back! I can’t wait to see what they’ve been up to and, more importantly, what they’re wearing. I think every girl who watched the show loved to see how the outfits were put together. It wasn’t always the most wearable clothing, but it was edgy and had a fresh way of presenting self-expression. So, you’re going to the movie with a group of friends. What on earth are you going to wear? Go for a top in a luscious fabric that feels good against your skin, paired with some super skinny jeans. Skinny jeans will help showcase your shoes. When it comes to the shoes… go for it! It’s all about the shoes tonight! We’ve selected a pair of Dior shoes that Carrie is wearing in the movie (only in a pewter), but there are a million copies out there. The bottom line is, make a statement with your shoes and bag on this particular night. The orange bag we’ve selected is another piece from Carrie’s movie wardrobe. It’s very accessible, and will last well beyond your night at the movies. I hope the movie transports you to a fabulous moment in New York City, and you leave with a smile on your face. Have fun, and a lot of laughs. Oh yeah… and look fabulous!

fabulous items in this observation:

1. Bold color - meant to be mixed with all kinds of colors, and can be worn with everything.

Carnaby Carryall @ J.Crew
Cashmere two-button cardigan tee @ J.Crew

2. Skinny belt - cinching your waist is an easy way to update.

Leatherock skinny double-wrap belt @ Nordstrom
Cynthia Rowley patent leather belt @ Nordstrom

3. Patent leather - shine on! It can be black, neutral, or bold.

Kooba ‘Jacinda’ patent bag @ Plaza Too
apt. 9 chain flip-flops @ Kohls

4. Dip-dye - An updated version of Tie-Dye. It’s done in soft colors this season, which looks good on all.

Secrets of Charm daria shirt @ Shopbop
Adam Lippes degrade halter wrap top @ Shopadam

5. Wide leg denim - a great way to update. It’s clean, classic, and fresh.

J Brand cass jean @ Shopbop
Goldsign ‘Treo’ high-waisted wide leg stretch jeans @ Nordstrom

6. Metallic - should be worn like a neutral, and goes with everything.

Zoey metallic clutch @ Plaza Too
Adam Lippes linen trench @ Shopadam
Liv metallic ballet flats @ J.Crew

7. Full skirt - easy to wear with a fitted top or tee.

Plenty by Tracy Reese printed skirt @ Nordstrom
Ruffle skirt @ Gap

8. Bracelets - lots and lots of bracelets. Bangles are fun for this season.

Asos chunky wood bangle w/ metal detail @ Asos
Elsa Peretti bangle @ Tiffany

9. Tribal prints - young, fun, urban, and edgy.

zebra smocked top @ Active Endeavors
tribal print sundress @ Topshop

J Brand Cass jeans @ Bloomingdales

J Brand lightweight Monroe jean @ Nordstrom

Seven boot cut jeans (Nakita wash) @ Nordstrom

Notify Anemone Perlato straight leg jean @ shopbop

J Brand Mary Richards high rise straight leg jean @ shopbop

Hudson skinny jeans @ shopbop

Denim has reached unbelievable heights in the last ten years. Currently it is one of the most versatile fabrics in the fashion world. Denim goes with everything. You can dress it down with a simple white tee, or go as far as to dress it up with a Chanel jacket. There are no limits. Designers have gone wild creating different cuts, colors, and textures. There is an excellent range of styles available to women. Now, everyone can find a pair that fits well. We’ve pulled some of our favorite styles to show you. First there is the boot cut, which is probably the most universally flattering style. It’s a well proportioned cut that works on most body types. Next, the straight leg. This style has a straight line from the hip down. It’s a narrow cut, and may prove to be too slender for some women. Then there is the wide leg. This jean fits lean through the thigh, and flares below the knee. It’s cut makes the leg appear longer and slimmer. Another style is the skinny jean. The fit is tight to the leg. It’s probably one of the more difficult styles to wear; it’s very unforgiving. Another style that has recently resurfaced is the high-waisted jean. It sits high on the waist, and accentuates a woman’s body beautifully. As you can see, there are plenty of styles to choose from. There are also a lot of washes and colors to choose from. First, every girl should have a pair of dark denim. They are easier to dress up, and look clean, classic, and smart. There is also the slightly worn wash. This works really well for everyday and casual events. Lighter denim washes have appeared for Spring. We’re leery of the very light wash denim; it’s not nearly as forgiving as the dark denim. If you want to grab on to the trend, you may need to go up a size. The sizing is the same for white denim, you may want to go up a size. We love white denim for summer, it’s crisp and clean. Hopefully this helps you in your search for the perfect pair of jeans. Remember, you should buy what you feel most comfortable and confident in. That will shine through, and you will radiate.