The Boyfriend Jacket

If you are going to invest in one lightweight jacket this year, the boyfriend jacket is the way to go. It's effortlessly chic paired with a long white tee or tank and either leggings or pencil-thin jeans. Layering on lots of necklaces and chains completes the look. Look for a jacket that is comfortable so you can easily move your arms around it (some stretch in the material is nice) and a longer cut, that will hit you around the hips or below if you plan to wear it with skinnies or leggings.
For a slouchier, more casual and warmer take on the Boyfriend Jacket, I love this wooly black one by Free People.


I'm very impressed with The Express Long Boyfriend Jacket. It's a great all around jacket for a reasonable price.
Stylishly yours,
Lauren
www.editbylauren.com

The Legging Look

Every woman who is likes her legs needs to purchase a pair of leggings this fall. Leggings are inexpensive, comfortable way to expand your wardrobe immediately. Invest in a pair of basic black, the most versatile and slimming color to wear. If you are okay with showing off your legs and think you'll wear leggings often, try another color such as gray, brown or ivory, such as the Alternative Skinny Leggings in Gray from Lulu's (pictured, $25) . This season, ankle-length leggings are the length to wear (as opposed to the calf-length's of past season's). Try wearing leggings under flouncey skirts, sweater dresses and oversized shirts and sweaters. Leggings paired with a long tunic or cardigan belted at the waist is an easy, stylish look that virtually every age woman can wear with confidence. Vertically every shoe style-- from flats to heels to boots--look great with leggings. I am loving some of the new leggings looks with detail added at the bottom, such as a zipper or buttons. (Black zippered leggings pictured by Diani.)

Stylishly yours,

Lauren

www.editbylauren.com

Black Jeans:: A Must-Have This Fall

As you shop for your Fall wardrobe, make sure you add a pair of black jeans to your list. Not only are this colored jeans so flattering on any figure (you can't find a more slimming color than black!!), but black jeans can easily be substituted for black pants this season, as a much more versatile counterpart to your wardrobe. I love that black jeans can easily be dressed up for a night on the town but easily transition to comfortable, laid back weekend-wear. Pair black jeans with whites and gray-tones for a crisp, wintery look or contrast with jewel-tones to add a pop of pizazz. I recently tried on a pair of Cabi black jeans called the "Super Flare" that were oh-so-flattering and reasonably priced at $89 (pictured with purple blouse). Two more to try:: Banana Republic Classic Black Skinny Jean ($90, pictured) and the Always Skinny Black Riding Jeans at Gap ($69).

Stylishly yours,
Lauren
www.editbylauren.com

Belt It

A great belt is a must-have for this fall. Skinny, wide and everything in-between is "in vogue" this season. Make sure that you have at least one great belt that wraps well around the small of your waist. Regardless of body type or size, this part of the waist is universally flattering to emphasize. Think outside the box when it comes to what you belt:: try belting tunics and oversized shirts, add a belt over jackets or cardigans, or accessorize a plain shift dress with a belt for a new look. A skinny belt even looks cool wrapped around a the "tails" neck-draped scarf. Stuck with basic black and brown belts in your closet? Experiment with metallic or unique colored belt to add that unexpected dimension to your outfit. Like I always say, accessories are the most inexpensive, simple way to immediately transform your wardrobe. With a few new accessories this season, including a new belt or two, you can quickly update your look using the clothes you already own.

Pictured: The Ceres Snakeskin Belt ($14), The High Sierres Belt in Gray ($17) and The Braided Larlat Tie in Gold and Blue ($11). All available at lulus.com.

Stylishly yours,

Lauren

www.editbylauren.com

Terrific Tunics at Kohls

The Tunic is a classic Fall staple. Pair with slim pants, skinny-jeans or leggings, and cinch at the waist with a skinny or wide belt to custom-make a effortlessly stylish and comfortable tunic outfit. (Perfect for those inevitable "bloated-feeling" days! Also a great transitional maternity piece!)
Kohl's in currently carrying a line of cute tunics by Dana Buchman. I love the "gypsy" prints of both the pictured tunics...another fall trend! Most of this line is 40-50% off this week! Pictured: Dana Buchman Leaf Tunic and Dana Buchman Striped Tunic.

Both are currently $39 (originally $52). You'll find more styles in store.

The Color Purple

Purple, in all shades, textures and tones, is the "it" color for Fall 2009. Virtually everyone can find a shade of purple flattering on their individual skin-tone. I love pairing purple with blacks and grays. Try adding a touch of golden yellow or turquoise in a necklace, scarf or pair of shoes for an unexpected pop of color. Pictured: Urban Outfitter's Silence & Noise Colorblock Back Cowl Dress ($48) and Nu by Mark Anthony Beaded Jersey Halter Top ($125).

Stylishly yours,
Lauren
www.editbylauren.com