Inspiration Board: Lace Tights

My [unhealthy] obsession with tights isn't new. I have drawers full of colored, opaque and patterned leg wear, but I realized one crucial version is absent from the mix: lace. However, let's refrain from lamenting my insufficient wardrobe - it's simply an opportunity to indulge.

Inspiration

photo via Chanel Couture Fall 2009

photo via Marie Claire

photo via Christian Lacroix Fall 2009

photo via Pretty Pollys' Pretty Things

photo via Plumo

Shopping List

(pictured clockwise, starting with upper left)

Betsey Johnson, Lace Tights, $20
Express, Lace Tights, $16.50
Ann Taylor, Ladylike Lace Tights, $20
Spanx, Chain Stripe Tights, $42

First Day of Autumn

Autumn has been tantalizing close recently with foggy mornings, crisp evening air and crunchy leaves beneath my feet. And now it's officially the first day of fall - my favorite season!

I'm eager for wooded strolls, fiery red maple leaves, cozy blankets, creamy pumpkin soup, corn mazes, Halloween, thick tights, wool sweaters, freshly baked bread, football Sundays, candy corn*, and Thanksgiving. What are you looking forward to?

(clockwise from upper left) photos via Veer, Point Click Home and Veer

*I come dangerously close to inhaling my body weight in candy corn each year. Thus far, I'm only on bag number five. I have a lot of work ahead of me.

Fall 2009 Shopping | Part Five: Luxe Lingerie

Once the thermostat begins inching its way down, I have an insatiable urge to envelope myself in lush fabrics - and I'm not just referring to cozy wool and thick cotton. I'm also left yearning to overhaul my underwear drawer with romantic lace and supple satin.

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)

Mimi Holliday by Damaris, Belle Amour Satin Bra, $60
La Perla, Lace Silk Chemise, $395
Nine West, Mixed Pattern Open Work Stocking, $12
Topshop, Silky and Lace Thong, $10
Topshop, Longline Satin Bra, $40
Stella McCartney, Kate Beaming Silk Shorts, $60
Wendy Glez, Lace Racerback Cropped Camisole, $48
Stella McCartney, Lauren Whistling Thong, $75
Topshop, Riviera Triangle Bra, $32
Myla, Suki Hipster Briefs, $63

Fall 2009 Shopping | Part Four: Purple Reign

I've harbored a long (slightly irrational) dislike for the color purple. For years, I shunned purple Crayons, grape Popsicles and lilac party dresses. In the last three years, I began warming up to the color only after my boyfriend brought me a bouquet of purple daisies on our first date. I think it's time to give in to this ultra-flattering color - especially with one of the items below.


(pictured clockwise, starting with upper left)

Patricia Nicolas, Purple Single Swarovski Jeweled Earring, $178.20
Myla, Ella Padded Bra, $69 (sale!)
Charlotte Russe, Rosette Chevron Corset, $29.99
J.Crew, Perfect Pencil Skirt, $118
Kate Spade, Colby Sunglasses, $160

Collection Eighteen, Pleated Chiffon Scarf in Purple Dawn, $24
Steve Madden, Tayla Pumps, $119.90
Diane von Furstenberg, Victorio Dress, $398

Swarovski, Nirvana Ring, $260

Foley + Corinna, City Clutch, $425

Fall 2009 Shopping | Part Three: Military

While I was growing up, my father was enlisted in the National Guard. He may have been gone one weekend a month, but there were plenty of upsides to his enlistment: including the beautiful Goebel doll he brought back from Germany and the soda crackers that were part of his MRE rations. But I remember the clothing most vividly. I was fascinated with the sense of honor, duty and leadership the uniforms invoked. And now that my younger brother has enlisted with the Army, the military-trend resonates even stronger with me and my newfound patriotism.


(pictured clockwise, starting with upper left)

Burberry, Felt Duffle Coat, $695
Fendi, Military Detail Blouse, $436
CC Skye, Braided Knot Mesh Cuff, $110
Michael Kors, Men's Goldtone Bracelet Watch, $250
J.Crew, Cadet Funnel Neck Sweater, $98
Tory Burch, Military Studded Leather Messenger Bag, $475
Vivienne Westwood, Draped Dress, $752

Fall 2009 Shopping | Part Two: Tweed

I've been wistfully daydreaming about my college days - or at least the romanticized version of college with musty libraries, afternoons spent reading British literature, and professors lecturing in tweed sport coats.

Instead of splurging on a semester's tuition, I'll get my collegiate fix with one of these tweed pieces.

(pictured clockwise, starting with upper left)

Spiegel, Signature Relaxed Tweed Collection: Blazer, $49
Burberry, Tweed Check Hat, $195
Charles by Charles David, Curtsy Tweed Pump, $144.95
DKNY, Grey Wool Tweed Belted Coat, $174.99
Charles by Charles David, Sharpy Tweed Pump, $135
Vivienne Westwood, Draped Tweed Skirt, $255

Fall 2009 Shopping | Part One: Plaid

With a heavy thud, each September issue has been landing on my doorstep reminding me that fall fashion is only one calendar page away. I've been pouring over the ads and editorials, dog-earing pages, scribbling notes in a journal and carefully considering pieces to add to my seasonal shopping list.

I'm eager to embrace plaid this autumn. As a Wisconsinite, my view of plaid has been slightly marred by years of growing up around those who consider plaid flannel shirts an everyday uniform - and a pressed cotton version as formal wear. In spite of that, here's what I'm looking to for inspiration:

(pictured clockwise, starting with upper left)

Topshop, Tartan Box Cross Body Bag, $44
Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, Multi New Propaganda Plaid Jacket, $793.65
Yesac, Unisex Tartan Plaid Fedora Hat, $22.99
Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, Multi Bale Sunday Dress, $646.80
Gender Bias, Puff Sleeve Ruffle Front Plaid Shirt, $288
Barneys New York, Plaid Shawl, $129
McQ, Tartan Ruffle Front Skirt, $295

And, of course, a copy Tartan: Romancing the Plaid for my coffee table.

Diane von Furstenberg Fall 2009

I can't bring myself to look at fall runway coverage before the warm weather even has a chance to melt the Midwest snow. I always wait a few months first. This allows me to fully embrace a wardrobe of gauzy summer dresses, bare legs and strappy heels - otherwise I'd be longing for tights and wool yearlong!

I finally indulged today and admired the collection of my favorite designer: Diane von Furstenberg.

According to Style.com, DvF "dubbed her Fall collection 'Nomad,' and sent out a melting pot's worth of fabrics, embroideries, and patterns—from leopards to camouflages to tapestry prints. Von Furstenberg is betting that in 'times like these,' what a girl really wants is a little pizzazz."

The collection does come off as being a little (okay, very) eclectic. But when you pare down the styling and look at the individual garments, you're left with an array of luxurious basics and statement pieces to enliven your wardrobe. There's glamorous outerwear, smart knits, sexy dresses, lighthearted plaids and playful accessories.

Photos via Shop Talk, Million Looks and Style.com.

I think there's room in my closet for that black and white graphic-print dress.