We're solidly into the month of October now. Yummy.
The weather has been tolerable - actually, it's been LOVELY - for more than a solid week. I even went to a little fall fashion fete this week at Calypso, hosted by fabulous Dallas wardrobe stylist and personal shopper, Nancy Klompus. She is muy talented, and always so much fun to spend time with. Her talks on trends for the coming season inspire even a girl like me (still figuring out her personal style at 39) to try something new and classy while embracing my 'inner edge.'
I will openly admit that before I attended my first Nancy Klompus event at Calypso last spring, I had always been a bit intimidated by this gorgeous Preston Center boutique.
After all, I didn't grow up shopping in schmancy boutiques. Rather, my brother and I happily poured over the Sears and J.C. Penney's catalogs in making our Christmas lists as children. My dream as an elementary school student was a green satin Kermit the Frog jacket. I wanted it. I wanted it BAD.
Peeking through the windows of Calypso from the outside, it looks expensive, and like a place to use your 'inside voice.'
I was, therefore, elated to discover you can buy a scarf there for as little as $45 (I donned one at the event - an olive/black/silver number - and sighed with complete "I feel hip and pampered" pleasure).
And their staff is friendly, friendly - not snooty or off-putting at all. What a relief! Proof: I asked a salesperson what type of outfit to wear with a red scarf. She didn't sneer, look me up and down, or pretend to remember a fire in the back room. Rather, she smiled warmly and responded with three GREAT ideas: wear that ruby red scarf with camel and brown, with jeans and a white button-down, or with an all-black outfit for a classic pop of color. I must tell you - when a girl who's endlessly cool-looking is nice to a normal girl like me - when she's helpful and fun, even - I'm an insta-fan. She was a doll.
And the goods at Calypso for fall/winter 2010? Amazing. The softest fabrics, flattering colors, and the best dang scarves in this town. Not kidding. From silk and cotton to fur, these folks can wrap up your neck (and outfit) like you're a complete IT girl. Just add ginormous sunglasses, and voila!
I splurged a little and bought a wide brown leather belt, a big scarf that's light as a feather and a nice sheer-ish long sleeve top in a rosy color that makes my skin look like I'm 25.
With Nancy's tips from last night, I now know new ways to wear and layer these items. I also learned that:
- Boyfriend jeans and pants are still in (now find them in corduroy, too!), and should be worn rolled up, with booties (hint: look for wedge booties this season for extra comfort AND style).
- Your skinny jeans from summer look great tucked into tall boots as the temperatures drop.
- Green is THE color for fall.
- If you want to carry one handbag all season (without having to switch back and forth into brown or black) choose a warm shade of grey. It will go with everything.
- Leather gloves are particularly gorgeous this year. A yummy way to cost-effectively add a bit of on-trend fur and luxe, beautiful gloves are a nice surprise in your outfit - a bit of 'lady' and a lot of warmth when the temperatures drop! Wear them driving and admire your happy hands on the steering wheel.
And bless Nancy's wonderful assistant, Kristin Skilling, who patiently taught me two (uber-cool and easy-to-remember) ways to tie a scarf this fall.
Nancy also shared that one of the BEST places to go this season for beautifully crafted, well-priced and fully fresh fashion is Anthropologie. I cannot express the depth of my amour for that store. Sumptuous sweaters and darling dishtowels, all in one cozy location? H-e-a-v-e-n. And a thumbs-up from Nancy is like my pastor telling me to go and buy up the place.
More good news: the absolute best, most comfortable AND flattering t-shirt ever made - seriously - it makes you look thinner at the waist and perfect at the bosom - is back for fall/winter in a 3/4 sleeve! I spied it at Calypso last night in navy and in pink. Note: it has dolman sleeves, so when you look at this t-shirt on a hanger, it looks blah. Not exciting at all. When you put it on your body, it's transformational! It's called the 'Vanity Tee,' and is made by Velvet exclusively for Calypso. Available in-store and online from Calypso. Yes, it's $85, but SO worth it! My friend bought two at the event this week. And she's no crazy.
Bonus for you tunic lovers: I found online last night what appears to be a tunic/mini-dress version of the 'Vanity Tee' by Velvet. It's called the 'Halima,' and is available online from Velvet and also at Tobi.com - just $1 more for the extra material, at $86 per.
Thanks to a bit of shopping, good counsel, and the chill in the air this morning, the boots in my closet are beginning to catch my eye again, and with a new wanderlust. The feeling's a bit like looking at your boyfriend or husband over dinner and realizing afresh how beautiful the man's eyes are. And gosh - all that comfort and warmth is yours.
So go polish those boots in your closet. Go hug that man. Then hug him again, because he needs to know you mean it. Winter's coming. Warm up now.
Love,
Melinda
p.s. If you haven't yet met Nancy and Kristin of Nancy Klompus Buy Request, you must. They will travel to you (anywhere in the country, my love!) to make beautiful sense of your closet and your style.
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Photo Credit: Calypso
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