The Leather Skirt Goes Demure

Leather jackets and coats are accepted without question. But, leather pants and skirts are usually put in the "too sexy" or even worse "slutty" categories.

Leather Calf Length Skirt, $250 from TopShop

However, this fall/winter, the leather skirt is going less club and more work appropriate.

Antik Batik Leather Pencil Skirt, $445 from Style Bop

The number one thing you should look for when buying a leather skirt is length. Anything above the knee is out!. The second most important aspect is cut, i.e. how tight is the skirt? A pencil skirt is permissible if it isn't too tight. Though, an a-line skirt would be keeping it safe.

Leather Ponte Pencill Skirt, $254.99 from Anne Klein

Other than length and cut of the skirt, the leather itself is also important. Faux leather looks cheap, therefore, you will look cheap- sorry! If you want to wear this look, you need to spend the extra money to make sure the skirt is classy and ladylike.

Leather Pencil Skirt, $123.99 from Talbots

Pair your leather skirt with a blouse or sweater. If you go with a short sleeved or sleeveless top, make sure that too much skin isn't exposed. Skip halter, backless and low cut tops.

Be daring and give a leather skirt a try. You will probably find yourself feeling sexy and powerful!

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Quilted Jackets

Quilted jackets are popular for this fall/winter. Of course you don't want to look like a marshmallow or holiday float, so how do you find the quilted jacket that is right for you?

Jane Post Fur Timmed Quilted Coat, $318.75 from Saks Fifth Ave.

First, remember you are not looking for a puffer jacket, necessarily. The quilting is the main detail, not the puff, so down shouldn't be too fluffy.

Silolona Fur Collar Zigzag Jacket, $443 from Neiman Marcus

Look for jackets that are slim cut and fit close to the body. Also, the longer the jacket, the larger you will appear. Go for quilted jackets that hit at the waist or hips. Longer, knee or calf length jackets seem to swallow people (like Norma Kamali's signature sleeping bag coat).

DKNY Quilted Leather Jacket, $239 from Blue Fly

Belting tops and dresses is so popular because the belt gives you definition at the slimmest part of your body. The same goes for jackets and outerwear.

Betsey Johnson Quilted Hooded Jacket, $108.99 from Blue Fly

Dark colors like black, gray and slate are versatile, classic and slimming. While white jackets look great, they show dirt and stains quickly and can give you that undesirable marshmallow effect. If you want a lighter colored jacket, stick with camel or tan.

Phi Quilted Silk Jacket, $442.50 from The OutNet

Even when it is cold and rainy outside, you will still look fashionable in a quilted jacket!

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Life IS Fair...Fair Isle, That Is.

This fall/winter you don't need to hit the slopes to sport the Fair Isle pattern, which is actually a knitting method. Marc Jacobs, Max Mara, Proenza Schouler and Rag & Bone all showed this pattern in their collections.

Proenza Schouler Fall/Winter 2010

It seems like this would be an easy trend to wear. But, beware, it is not as easy as ordering a sweater online or walking into a store and grabbing one. These sweaters can easily go from chic to the "ugly sweater" category quickly.

Cooperative Fair Isle Sweater, $69 from Urban Outfitters

Too much pattern, too many colors and oversized, bulky sweaters are decidedly unflattering. Sure, you want the pattern to be noticeable, but covering your whole top in a large pattern doesn't work well on many people. The pattern should be around the neck, or if you are slim, in the middle. A few bands of the Fair Isle pattern are ok, just don't get lost in it.

Fair Isle Sweater, $198 from Rugby

Too many colors will compete with the already bold pattern. Stick with a piece with two to three main colors, with an accent color. If you have to question whether it is too much, it probably is.

Paul Smith Fair Isle Scarf, $181.50 from MyWardrobe.com

Bulky and oversized sweaters in the Fair Isle pattern will age you. Can't you see your grandmother in a bulky Fair Isle sweater serving turkey and gravy? Look for sweater or cardigans that are slim cut.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Fair Isle Legwarmers, $128 from ShopBop

If you want to wear this pattern, but are nervous about wearing a whole top, try accessories. There are scarves and hats you can choose from to get your Faire Isle fix; you can even go bolder with the color and print since the pieces are smaller. So, there is no excuse to wear this trend at least once this fall/winter!

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Men's Cardigans

I know what you're thinking: Isn't this what Mr. Rogers wore? It is, but the new cardigans are not something Mr. Rogers would pick up while shopping.

Harrison Cable Knit Cardigan, $149.99 from Blue Fly

Cardigans are a great alternative to sweaters. This winter give your standard sweaters a break and take your look to the next level with a cardigan. You will have the same overall look with a cardigan, but you will appear more stylish, trendy and put together.

Charcoal Cardigan, $70 from TopMan

When wearing a cardigan to work, wear a dress shirt underneath- tie optional. On a casual Friday, feel free to roll up your sleeves over the cardigan's sleeves and push them up just below the elbow. You can also leave the cardigan unbuttoned for casual work days.

Dip Dye Cardigan, $89.50 from Banana Republic

You can wear your cardigan to hang out with friends, watch football, grocery shopping, taking the dog out or any other weekend activity. Slouchy jeans, casual sneakers, a simple t-shirt (solid or graphic) with a cardigan, buttoned or not, makes for an easy, comfortable outfit.

Double Breasted Cardigan, $68.96 from Asos

Just think: you are watching tv, wearing jeans and a t-shirt, a girl calls to hang out, all you need to do is throw on a cardigan. Not only is that a simple way to dress up an outfit, but she'll also think you are stylish.

Replay Hand Made Cardigan, $215.50 from Asos

When shopping for cardigans, look for styles that fit close to the body; you don't want it to be tight, but you also don't want it look look too big or boxy. Added detailing like contrast piping, color blocking, zippers and the like makes cardigans modern. Keep these things in mind and you won't end up looking like grandpa.

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Photos from Blue Fly, ShopStyle

Get a Crush on Velvet

Velvet is one of the hottest fabrics this fall/winter, but what exactly is velvet? And, how do you keep it from looking tacky and cheap?

LaRok Second Date Jacket, $115 from Blue Fly

Velvet is a style of woven fabric, not the actual content of fabric. For example, chiffon can be made from silk, cotton or a variety of synthetic fibers. In the case of velvet, the fibers densely woven together, tufted, then cut, which gives velvet its "feel." Velvet can be made out of silk, cotton, wool and synthetics such as viscose, nylon and acetate. Velvet, along with cashmere, was developed in Kashmir for nobility and royalty.

BCBG Velvet Paneled Dress, $125 from Blue Fly

Now that you know that velvet can be made of different fibers, it is easy to see that velvet made from silk is going to be the most luxe and polished looking. Stay away from velvet made with synthetic fibers to avoid that cheap look we all dread. If you do go with a piece made from synthetic fibers, look for a dense pile and tight weave.

Valentino RED Velvet Bow Top, $225 from StyleBop

To keep from looking like a Renaissance Festival maiden, look for contemporary clothing made of velvet or with velvet detailing. Also, accessorize with belts, jewelry, bags and shoes that are modern. Poofy sleeves, beading, and scoop and sweetheart necklines veer into the costume realm, and old accessories can compound this problem.

Juicy Couture Devore Velvet Dress, $350 from Net-a-Porter

Velvet can be an intimidating and difficult to wear fabric, but just remember to keep it modern, luxe and minimal.

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Mid Height Boots

We already covered booties (remember? here!), so now it's time to look at mid-height boots.

Tahari Foster Boot, $139.95 from DSW

Mid-height boots are so versatile; you will wonder what you ever did without them. These boots can be worn with skinny pants or denim, jeggings or leggings, dresses and skirts. The same boots you wear to hang out with friends (say, paired with distressed skinny jeans and an oversized sweater) and be worn with a knee length dress or skirt to work. Be sure your dress or skirt is at least knee length- boots can make shorter skirts and dresses look more party ready than office wear.

Seychelles Riding Boot, $139 from Neiman Marcus Last Call

If you want your boots to go from work to play, make sure your boots aren't too casual. Casual and nighttime boots have buckles, studs, laces, spikes and other detailing that make them less appropriate for the office. Sleek, simple boots, with a not-too-tall heel are perfect for the workplace.

Plenty by Tracy Reese Banjo Boot, $149.99 from Endless

Skinny jeans and pants are essential when wearing boots. You want your pants to tuck into your boots without bulky bulges that even straight leg pants can create. If you have the perfect pant on, slipping on your boots without the pants riding up or creating bulges, should be a simple task. If you are really having problems in this area, you might want to try jeggings or jeans with stirrup bottoms.

Dirk Boot, $119.99 from Anne Klein

If you are worried your calves are too large for mid-length boots, you just aren't looking at the right pair. Boots with side zippers will make putting on/taking off boots much easier. There are also boots that are stretchy from the ankle up, and boots that have a sliver of stretch material in the back between the leather.

Franco Sarto Guilty Stretch Boot, $99 from Nordstrom

Mid-length boots create a sleek, long leg line that flatters most people. If you have been hesitant about wearing mid-length boots, or worried they won't suit your body type, give them another try. Boots are versatile, fun to wear, warm, sexy and more comfortable than most heels- so don't miss out!

Poetic Licence Toughen Up Boot, $149 from Lori's Shoes

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Furry Vests

Fur, or faux fur, vests are hot this fall/winter. Embrace the Abominable Snowman look, love the Chewy homage, because these vests area must have for trendsetters everywhere.

Romeo & Juliet Faux Fur Vest, $141 from Blue Fly

There are several great things about fur vests. One, they are less expensive than a fur jacket or coat. Get the luxury of fur at a great price! Another great point about fur vests is that even if you live in a mild climate, you can enjoy wearing fur with this trend. Also, fur vests work well with Boho looks, as well as feminine, preppy and work looks.

Adrienne Landau Rabbit Vest, $180 from Neiman Marcus Last Call

You can find vests with short or long fur, as well as a variety of colors from winter white to mottled brown, black and dyed furs.

LaROK Rabbit Vest, $378 from Nordstrom

A perfect casual look would be distressed denim, knee high boots, a simple white or black long sleeved t-shirt, a scarf in a color or neutral, topped off with a fur vest and large bag. This outfit can be worn to go shopping, hanging out with friends, an afternoon date, a football game- just about anything.

Belted Faux Fur Vest, $48.30 from Arden B

To dress up a fur vest, try wearing your standard little black dress, black patterned tights (see my post here about them), black (or leopard or colored) heels with a fur vest- and lots of sparkley jewelry!

Ecote Faux Fur Vest, $98 from Urban Outfitters

For work, wear camel colored trousers, dark brown heels or boots, a cowl neck cream colored top a fur vest and minimal gold jewelry. Chic, comfortable and work ready.

Fur the Thrill of It Vest, $64.99 from ModCloth

This fall/winter fur and animal prints are very popular, so take a chance with these wild trends.

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You're a Gem

At the couture shows this fall, Christian Dior stood out with bright jewel tones. Not only did these colors stand out, but so did the styling- pairing the colors together. These saturated hues make a statement!

Dior Fall 2010 Couture

Don't let the bright colors and the pairing of bright colors together scare you. Yes, beige, tan, camel and caramel are in this fall/winter; that just means you need to add some color to your wardrobe!

BCBG Ultraviolet Sweater Dress, $108 from Blue Fly

If you are hesitant about wearing jewel tones, start with your favorite color (I hope no one says their favorite color is black, tan, khaki, white, etc). Wear this favorite color boldly- as a top, jacket or pants. Now, pick your second favorite color, and wear it as an accent in jewelry and a bag.

Ecote Sparrow Belt, $24 from Urban Outfitters

As you get more comfortable playing with color, try different brights, textures and silhouettes.

Tarnish Turnlock Flap Satchel, $148 from Nordstrom

This is a trend you can wear day or night, work or for fun. You just need to keep your work and day pieces conservative; you don't need embellishments or anything over the top since the color is doing the work.

From Italy With Love Grandpa Cardigan, $98 from Blue Fly

I think you'll find putting together jewel toned outfits is easier than you imagine. All you really need to do is pick out two bright colors and wear one all over and the other sparingly. Simple, non?

Marc by Marc Jacobs Flat, $99 from Foot Notes Online

Challenge yourself in the coming week to wear a bright outfit you might not normally wear. Post it and show others how it's done!

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Embellished & Detailed Leggings

Leggings are still as popular as ever, but they are getting a slight makeover. Plain leggings are still great for casual wear with a shirt dress or tunic, but embellishments and details take leggings to the next level for night.

Grey Antics Shirred Legging, $78 from Urban Outfitters

Wear "fancy" leggings with skirts, dresses or tunics and pair them with heels, platform sandals, or boots. Details like ruching and embellishments like zippers make leggings more appropriate for night wear- same goes for jeggings. These special extras make leggings more pants-like, so don't have sticker shock when shopping.

Grey Antics Side Winder Leggings, $77 from Revolve Clothing

Leggings are so comfortable and easy to wear, dressing up for a night out doesn't mean stuffing yourself into a tiny dress and towering heels. Leggings, a belted silk tunic, knee high boots and a cropped leather jacket is perfect for fall/winter.

Guess Backstage Leggings, $79 from Bloomingdale's

Don't be afraid to rock leggings- people of all ages can wear them, just be careful what you buy. Styles with a lot of studs, colorful zippers and floral patterns are for the younger crowd. Pick leggings that have that extra special detail, but aren't over the top. You can always ease your way into legging wearing by wearing simple ones with a shirt dress, belt, and flat boots to run errands.

David Lerner Shiny Leggings, $78 from CUSP

Give embellished and detailed leggings a try this fall/winter. You'll love them!

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Photos from ShopStyle

A Penny for Your Loafers

Oxford-style shoes are in this season (see my post on them here), but so are penny loafers. You know, those preppy shoes that you probably wore in elementary school and maybe even put a penny in the slot in front.

Prada Loafer, $316 from Blue Fly

Well, they're back and you can forget about the dorky shoes of yore- there are some chic options for your preppy feet.

YSL Penny Loafer, $369.99 from Blue Fly

Wear your loafers to work with trousers or casually with jeans. Your feet are sure to welcome these comfortable shoes this fall. They are easy to wear and make any casual outfit more interesting than slipping on the standard ballet flat. Skinny, straight, slouchy, cropped or any other jean work well with this shoe style.

Marc Joseph Union Loafer, $125 from The Shoe Box

If you dare, wear loafers with knee high or ankle socks and a knee length skirt. Top off the look with a boyfriend blazer and you're ready to go!

Bass Bookfield Loafer, $69 from Zappos

Not only are loafers great for work or play, but they are also the perfect travel shoe. You can walk quickly through airports, take them off easily for security, slip them on and off on the plane and be ready for whatever activity comes your way at your destination- even if that includes walking several blocks to the subway with your suitcase!

Bertie Suzi Loafer, $143.23 from Asos

Even after all of this, you are still wary of the loafer, you can try a heeled loafer for a preppy, yet sophisticated look. Wear these with standard work wear, including dresses and skirts.

Dune Tickle Loafer, $126.38 from Asos

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Photos from ShopStyle, Blue Fly