Fall 2011 Fashion Wishlist
I rarely write about fashion I desire on here. However, this coming fall has some really awesome trends and trends that fit my personal style and I know I will enjoy for years to come and think if you like my personal style, you may also like these items. I find that when I make a list early, I am less likely to go over budget or off track. By thinking out my upcoming season before it arrives, I can visualize my look and really think what new pieces I need, and how they would work with what I already own. Hereโs some things on my radar and wish list:
1. A leather jacket. I would really like a soft, lightweight black leather biker jacket but havenโt found one in a style I like. I donโt want a belt at the waist, I donโt want padded shoulders, I donโt want it really heavy and stiff leather, I donโt want it quilted or glazed or wrinkled.
In high school I got a biker jacket from Express while all my friends had classic styled ones from shops in Georgetown or Wilson Leather. I loved mine because it nipped at the waist, and was of lambskin. I still have that jacket and was thinking it would be perfect now, but realized when putting it on that it has heavily padded shoulders and dolman sleeves โ not too flattering on my 36-year old body.
2. Brightly-colored wool coat. I havenโt purchased a new winter coat in a while โ last year Lands End was lovely enough to send me a hooded parka which is awesome for snow and really frigid temperatures. My Lands End Commuter Coat is a hair too big this year, and I have really missed having a well-fitting wool coat.ย I love that this fall there are so many options for great coats, and such rich colors!
One that is mid-thigh to knee length would work with dresses as well as pants, can dress up or down. Thereโs so many great saturated colors this fall, I can continue the color impact with my bright purple leather gloves and a pashmina in a cheery hue as my scarf. Iโd like one with a very clean silhouette, curves with the body, few details. Emerald green, cobalt blue, shocking pink, berry, or a rich teal thank you.
3. White button-down shirt. Last spring, I got one from Ann Taylor with ruffles down the front and like it very much, except that itโs now too big in the shoulders and arm length. I think Iโll get it tailored, but would like a very simple one as well. Tailored but not skin-tight, opaque, wrinkle-resistant, crisp collar, no details. Something I can wear with pencil skirts and denim trousers for work, and even a taffeta skirt and heels for an evening event.
4. Leather skirt. Oh how I miss my LOFT leather skirt, it was perfection! Not a pencil skirt, but not too voluminous, a non-leather waistband that looked great on its own or played nice with a belt over it, soft buttery lambskin, and pockets!
If I could find the same skirt in a 10 Petite I would be a happy gal. But if not, I would like something similar, maybe even with a few more pleats for a softer, fuller look a la Diane von Furstenberg.
5. Colorful blazer. Red-orange, dark pink, peacock blue โ a tailored blazer where I can roll or push up the sleeves and pair with a white tank and jeans, or with a pencil skirt and silk shell. Tonal button/s, clean lines.ย Could be cotton, velvet, or wool… or even leather!
6. Jeans. None of my jeans look right any more. I want a pair of dark, heavyweight rigid jeans with a straight leg that is straight on me. This means it doesnโt fit like leggings on my large calves. Probably a subtle bootcut would give the illusion of a straight leg. Slightly wider than usual waistband, yellow stitching, no embellishments at all. I want quality denim, but a style where no one can tell what brand they are from.
7. Black pants. I kind of want black pants like I want my jeans โ heavyweight, and the illusion of a straight leg on my curvy self. However, I donโt want jeans-styled pants. No patch pockets, no grommets, no obvious stitching. Something more refined, a proper trouser but in a heavier fabric (could be wool, could be a heavy twill that doesnโt look like chinos, probably a blend) and a refined/professional look.
8. Black envelope clutch. I used to have a vintage one, it was smooth buttery lambskin, no frills, hidden snap closure. Tucked under my arm or felt comfortable in my grip. Enough room to hold my phone, my small camera, a lip gloss and my cash. After one night at The Black Cat, it ended up getting torn at the snap and had a drink spilled in it. I have never been able to find something similar. Everything seemed to be so done up โ obvious closures, fancy glazes, a wrist strap you canโt hide completely, too big, too structured, too unstructured. So my journey continuesโฆ (by the way this type of bag is so elusive I couldn't even find a picture online of what exactly I want – this was the closest)
9. A long-sleeved (or 3/4 sleeve) sheath dress. I have my black one from Target that I wore all winter, but would like something in a wool knit or Ponteโฆ and hopefully something in a color. Teal, rich purple, berryโฆ a deep jewel tone. Wouldnโt mind it to have one unique detail such as ruched sleeves, strong shoulders, leather accents. Something that skims the body, not too tight and not a shapeless shift. Something I can wear to work, but also after hours. Something that looks great with black tights and booties, or with a funkier shoe and bare legs. Something that can look edgy on its own, or show off a really awesome necklace. Something so very simple in nature I probably wonโt be able to find it under $800.
10. Boots. Gosh how I would like a pair of knee-high boots! My Duo โBernโ boots are really beat up, and too casual and low for my liking. A classic riding boot in dark brown or black would be lovely, something with a sturdy heel that isnโt too high, made of real leather, not covered with tons of hardware and details, and can fit over my large calves, shins, and ankles.
11. Obi-inspired belt. I have one in black, but would like one in a softer leather or heavyweight fabric that is in a bright fall color. Teal, or purple would be lovely. Wear with my shirts and pencil skirts, slip over dresses, make a simple outfit of a tee and wide-leg trousers look glamorous.
12. Underwear. I know, not very glamorous, but weight loss does bad things to a womanโs lingerie drawer. I took care of the bras (I now have one black, one nude, one purple, and one strapless. I feel like a new woman!), now I need to care for their counterparts.
The only undies I have that I like are some Hanky Panky Retro Thongs (high enough of a waist that they donโt roll down under my mama pooch yet still pretty), and a couple cotton ones from Targetโs Gillian & OโMalley (briefs with lace insets and lace along the leg openings to minimize VPL). In summer, cotton hipsters and briefs are great to wear with sundresses, but come winter it ends up being too much bulk for me under tights and lined trousers. Just a few pairs of thongs and standard undies that donโt bunch up under fitted clothes, donโt slip under my pooch by lunchtime, and donโt give me VPL.
What is on your radar for fall?
http://www.widewidths.com/lowheelboots.html
Have you ever tried this site, Allie? They have different styles for different builds and go all the way up to “super sizing” in the calves of their boots. I’m seriously consdering the Maryland super wide calf boot in Black, but they hae a great selection of flat walking/riding style boots. Also, as far as underwear go, I’ve found that a Tanga style (I like the Maidenform ones that have stretch lace sides and a satin center panel) offers a great versatility under clothing, and all day long comfort without the roll-down, ride up factors. Plus, they’re usually found on sale at Kohl’s, Maidenform Outlet’s, etc. for $6-$7 a pair. Also, love that coat!
They are thin, stretcy, unlined. They’re quite comfy, but I don’t find them structured enough or trim enough to be quite right for what I am desiring. ๐
Oooh thanks for the suggestion!
Ha- I mean, “sew,” of course.
I know you’re super busy, but do you have any (less busy) friends or relations who can so? It just about breaks my heart when something so plain and simple and right (like your sheath dress) ends up costing several hundred dollars. I bet Simplicity or McCalls has something like what you want.
Love me some Talbots! I hate they closed the shop near where I live and the one closest to me isn’t that… inspiring. Glad they are good with in-store returns. I remember their green coat from last year (and remember Banana had a similar one a couple years ago that I too coveted). Something like that would be perfect this fall!
I saw a gorgeous leopard trench at Nordstrom. My goal is to remove enough weight that I can fit again into my dark green leopard faux fur coat from Arden B circa 2001… simple classic cut and a fun take on leopard. THEN I would be set for fall! ๐
Thrift is so the way to go… leopard has been popular so many times before (hello my 10-year old Arden B coat) there are so many great pieces waiting for new homes out there!
I hear you on the colored wool coat. Talbots had this amazing kelly green one last year that sold out everywhere by the time I budgeted for it. I’m still heartbroken over the “loss” of that coat. And to love on Talbots one more time, I second the commenter suggesting them for sheath dresses. Last fall’s were perfect so I’m hoping this year will have some more nice ones.
I have several of the items you’re coveting, but what I really want is a leopard print coat. I’ll take a fake fur, but Banana Repub is coming out with a Mad Men collection that features such a coat, although I don’t know what it’s made of. I KNOW I won’t be able to afford the BR coat, but I plan to look in thrift shops to see if I can score a vintage one.
I am hunting for a 3/4 sheath as well. I found a mustard cardigan, so I can check that one off. I have boots too, I found a style that worked and bought them in black, gray, and tan. I am still hunting for a flattering pencil skirt ofr my figure as well. Good luck to us all!
Hey, I go commando sometimes too! It does seem silly to have so many layers… what for? ๐
Thanks for the Talbots suggestion!
I have found often that J. Crew styles their pieces to look extra shrunken. I think they must have a big stash of binder clips at the ready. While everything looks like that on their site, I find their pieces usually run true to size.
Re: dresses, check out Talbots online. They often have simple dresses like what you’ve described.
Re: undies, I’ll confess I always that it was gross, but I will often wear tights WITHOUT underwear because I just can’t find any underwear that feel comfortable under tights. They’ll either bunch of ride up or feel really uncomfortable. I found when I wore tights commando, I was much more comfortable. I know, I know, TMI!
I love that orange jacket! But it looks a bit, well, shrunken in the picture. Is that the style? Or can I get one that fits me?
Oh the boots… makes me want to fly to the UK and go to a DUO store and go on a shopping spree! Or have the $$$ for custom boots… that would be lovely!