Take 14: My Style Icon

I'd like to start a series of on-going posts inspired by my fashion icons. I do look at celebrities to see what they're wearing and how I can interpret that to my own body and style. But sometimes I look simply at someone's use of accessories.

One such person who takes accessories to the next level is Lauren Conrad from MTV's "The Hills." Anyone who knows me well knows how much I love "The Hills" and, honestly, part of the reason I watch is to see what L.C. is wearing, and how she's fixed her hair and makeup.

Check her out:

Lauren never goes anywhere without oversize sunglasses. I think they look great on faces of all shapes and sizes...and they're so Jackie O!

The way Lauren layers jewelry is cool to me — she'll put on two or three necklaces and bracelets but they're all simple, smaller pieces. Also, check out her dark nails. Dark nails are back again this fall, but they don't have to be black. Try navy blue or deep purple (I'm currently wearing OPI's Louvre Me, Louvre Me Not).

OK, this picture's a little wide-eyed, but that's the point. I love her eye makeup! They upper-swoop on the outer edge gives her a subtle cat-eye look that's so alluring. If your eyes are smaller than hers, don't line under the bottom lashes...your eyes will look too closed.

Lauren is always playing with the textures of her hair, as seen in the last two photos above. The parted down the middle and braided look above looks very chic, not hippie, on her. Also, the braid worn like a headband with curlier hair looks very laid-back, beachy, and fun. Play with your hair! One night before bed, just give a couple braids a shot...you'll be surprised how modern it looks.

Finally, headbands. Another look that you'll be surprised looks very modern, depending on how you wear it. Mimic Lauren's style and sweep your hair to the side, then slide the head band over it. If you push your hair straight back, it'll look too childish. The smooth, side-part is the key!

Take 13: Sweater Dresses

If there's one thing you can add to your wardrobe that's versatile, comfortable, and wickedly chic, it's a sweater dress. Pair it with tights or leggings; bare legs for spring or warm fall days. Wear it with flats, heels, or boots. Sweater dresses are perfect for dates, running errands, trendier offices, or even Thanksgiving dinner.

I bought this sweater dress at Avenue today. It was about $30. I plan to pair it with leggings and my flat, slouchy black boots for work tomorrow. The great thing is the dress hugs my breasts and then flares out, giving it an A-line shape even though it's not necessarily cut that way. I have another sweater dress that has a band under the bust and then pleats that gather around it, making it fall away from my torso. Look for dresses like this to hide a tummy. If you can rock a more fitted style — go for it!

I love this cowl-neck dress from Target — $30.

This dress from Target ($40) combines two hot trends this fall/winter: purple and plaid. I'm loving the shape. I would pair it with purple or pink shoes for extra oomph...but I'm a bit crazy like that!

This grey dress from Kohl's ($35) looks a little plain, but you have to think about what you can do with it. Try adding a scarf, or a long necklace. My personal creative touch would be colored tights — hot pink, teal, or royal blue. Yay! The waistline on this dress is ultra-flattering, so spicing it up with accessories is a great solution to a simple heather gray.

Another dress from Target — and this one's only $28! (The website has a TON of sweater dresses!). I love, love this color and imagine it would look awesome with black or gray tights. I'd wear a long necklace with this to break up the scoop neck with some added interest.

Finally, the last dress from Target is an ombre style (they also carry it in a gray-t0-black style). I love the ombre look — it's very hot right now. Again, you need some tights. But remember that you can always pair this with a cute little cardigan for colder days, and hang onto it for spring and wear it with bare legs. 

You may  have noticed that I chose rather low-price items for this blog posting. I'm going to try looking for more affordable options for awhile. You know how much I love to show designers' clothes and then say, "Look for something similar in a lower price point." Well, sometimes that's easier said than done! If you have any shop-on-a-budget tips, please let me know! We're all trying to pinch pennies these days.

Take 12: Boots and Bags for Fall

Ladies, it's time for fall accessories. I'm choosing to focus on boots and bags for two very good reasons: I need a new pair of boots, and a few friends said they need a new bag. 

(Most of the bags and boots that I feature here are available in various colors.)

Here's what you should look out for in bags: 

1. Hardware on the strap—any kind of chain-link or metal on the strap is going to look super-luxe.

2. Quilted or other textures—while a crocodile print always looks super-fresh, try a quilted, ruffled, or pleated texture for a different style.

3. Purple and gray—just go for it! Any shade of purple (besides pastel) and light or dark gray is going to be huge this fall. If you're looking for another color, a deep green, navy blue, or wine color will also look very now.

The following are a few finds that I love...some are pricey, but look at them for inspiration, unless you can swing it! Then, by all means, indulge!! (Our economy needs all the help it can get!)

I'm loving this J. Crew bag — it comes in gray and other colors too. About $300.

This bag is sleek! Banana Republic, $270.

The textures on this bag are bangin'! The silver rings that connect the handle are stellar too. Nine West, $85.

The shape and wine color of this Kenneth Cole bag make it very versatile. I also think the shoulder strap looks really comfy. $168.

Love the darker gray of this Nine West bag, plus the stitching on top. And it's on sale right now! $40.

The shape of this bag is really cool...the pleats remind me of a skirt. And the color's almost a sandy gray—a great neutral. Target, $23.

Now what to look for in boots:

1. Try something slouchy—for higher boots, with or without heels, try a more casual look. These boots look great with dresses, skirts, and skinny jeans or leggings.

2. Go for the booties—don't be afraid of a lower boot, with folded tops or buckles. They'll look awesome with dresses and skirts and, depending on the style of the top, will work with pants as well.

3. Again, purple and gray—Why buy boots in one of these colors, you may ask? Well, gray is just as neutral as brown and black and it's unexpected. Purple goes with a lot more than you may realize. Seriously. You can wear purple shoes with just about any color on top.

Here's some favorites:

These are seriously the coolest boots I have seen in a long time. I just love the color, the shape of the seam, the buttons, the height of the heel, everything! Now, my calves may be a bit thick for these high boots, but if I see you in them, I will admire you forever. Chinese Laundry, $89.

I am feeling these boots! Obviously I love the slouchy style, but the chunky heel and buckles make them that much cooler. Wear with skirts, floral dresses, and skinny jeans. Style & Co. (Macy's), $79.

Every winter I know someone looking for a pair of classic black boots. There a go-to item for women everywhere because they go with everything. Personally, I always like styles that are shinier, pointier, and have some kind of metal detailing—but not too much. I love lower heels...must be because I've lived mostly in climates where you actually have to walk in snow and ice in these. These are a good price—$99—and could last you two winters if you care for them properly. Also, your local cobbler can do wonders by replacing the heel, sole, and fixing up a scuffed toe for year two. Style & Co. (Macy's).

As I said, I usually can't do knee-high boots, so I'm going to try one of these two styles soon. Nine West, $119.

Or these, by Jessica Simpson, $130.

These are just fun, and I love the shape, with the dip in the front. Sex-y! Nine West, $119.

The following are some purple boots I found that I heart oh-so-much!

Love the suede! Very in this fall. Nine West, $79.

These tall Aldo boots are HOT! Awesome for skirts and dresses. $140.

Love the shape of these! So unique. They look really comfortable, and I think they'll work with skirts, dresses, and under or over pants. Nice. Aldo, $130.

Finally, these are another favorite. I love the color, and the folds at the top are just so cool. These are top-notch, I say (please say this sentence in a British accent). Report, $115.