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.

Still need inspiration? See some of my favorite pieces and lookbook.

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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.

Still need inspiration? See some of my favorite pieces and lookbook.

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Photos from Blue Fly, Shop Style

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

Still need inspiration? See some of my favorite pieces and lookbook.

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Photos from ShopStyle

My Favorites Lines Series: Loeffler Randall

Loeffler Randall is a line created by Jessie Randall when she faced a problem that many of us can empathize with: she couldn't find the perfect shoe. Jessie was searching for a well-made, feminine, yet understated shoe, and just couldn't find the perfect pair.

Loeffler Randall Oxford Dress, $139.99 from Blue Fly

So, in 2005, Jessie launched Loeffler Randall as a shoe line. Just two years later, in 2007, she received the prestigious CFDA award for accessories (fellow winners include Devi Kroel, Eugenia Kim, Kate Spade just to name a few). With success of the shoe line, Jessie ventured into clothing, launching the Loeffler Randall clothing line in fall 2007.

Loeffler Randal Military Jacket, $525 from Piperlime

I love Loeffler Randall, not only for the shoes, but the clothes are so simple and easy to wear, yet chic at the same time. When you wear a piece of Loeffler Randall, you will feel feminine, stylish, polished and put together. The clothes are sexy without showing too much, which makes them great for so many occasions: work, dates, shopping, hanging out, nights, weekends, vacations.

Loeffler Randall Faran Flat, $325 from Barney's

The tailoring makes each piece fit perfectly and you will be delighted with the detailing: pleats, draping, beading and more.

Loeffler Randall Mallory, $895 from Zappos Couture

You can shop for Loeffler Randal through their website, Blue Fly, ShopBop, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Bloomindale's and many more upscale retailers.

Loeffler Randall Strappy Sandal, $162.50 from Footcandy.com

Still need inspiration? See some of my favorite pieces and lookbook.

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Photos from Blue Fly, Shop Style

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.

Still need inspiration? See some of my favorite pieces and lookbook.

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Photos from Blue Fly, ShopStyle

Missing You!

The Stylista has been unfashionably under the weather. Look for her return on Monday!

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!

Use coupon code SHOPSTYLE40 for $40 off your first purchase of $200+ at Blue Fly.

Still need inspiration? See some of my favorite pieces and lookbook.

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Photos from Shop Style