HAUTE LALA

Hello, all! I know what you are thinking, that I must have abandoned you. But no, I had to take a break from writing due to a hectic schedule. I like to say I was on a philosophical sabatical. But never fear, I am back! And I bring you a slew of new styles for the chilly fall temps!

Fall is often lauded as everyone's favvy fashion season. And why not? September brings us New York Fashion Week-the Olympics of style. We get to se some of the most celebrated artists of our time debut their freshest collections and we, in turn, interpret them. Well, I would like to dedicate this blog to that staple of fall fashion-the boot!

This season has seen a bevvy styles and trends for footwear. These inlcude studs, colored leather/fabrics, menswear inspired, shearling, and many more. Some things to keep in mind when boot shopping are definitely the cut and texture. You want to invest in a good pair if they are going to last you more than one season. So do yourself a favor and skip the faux leather. Not only will they most likely fall apart on you, but they will also fall victim to moisture and accumulate stains.

If you are wanting an everyday boot, look for a taller cut in a solid color such as tan, dark brown or black. Riding boots are always a classic choice and work well with basically any outfit. But, don't be afraid to go for a pair with a heel. Chunkier or stacked heels are great for walking around all day.

However, if you really want to make a style statement-and who doesn't?- then try any one of the season's latest and boldest trends. Everyone from Rihanna to the Kardashions has been seen rocking a pair of colored leather/suede booties. They look great paired with dark skinnies. Or, if you really want to push the sexy factor, try a new lace-up boot. And for all of my hipsters out there, shearling looks great on some of the new relaxed and slouchy cuts.

Whether you go for classic riding boots to give you a polished edge, or studded booties for a rocker twist, wear them with confidence and you'll great no matter what! Just make sure to take care of your investment-protect from water damage!-and you'll be wearing them for seasons to come!

With the new season upon us, many of us are returning to the beaches and coastlines that we had been forced away from for the past winter months. And with the trips to beach also comes the return of the much loved nautical trend! It seems that every spring sees the revival of the seashore-look, maybe because people are tired of wearing heavy layers and bundling up and would rather prance around in light-weight knits and espadrilles. But for whatever the reason, this always chic look has made a huge return with accessories and wardrobe staples!

One way to incorporate this trend is through jewelry! Look for bright gold pieces that have rope or chain detailing. Also, retro stud earrings with crosses, anchors or ships saw a big comeback this season. Don't be afraid of them being gaudy, either. The bigger the earring, the better people can notice you is what I always say!

Next, look for light weight knit tops in either strips or bold blues and red. Make sure the stripes are thin and either white or black, otherwise you'll either end up looking like a cellmate or that you've gained some extra lbs! Or worse, both! As for bottoms, you can't go wrong with wide leg denim. It's a classic look and fit and flatter every figure. But for the hotter days, look for cuffed shorts to add some polish.

The final touch to any outfit is the shoes! Look for thick cork wedges and espadrilles. These are fun and simple pieces that can top off any nautical look.

Want to visit Paris but just don't have a private jet on hand for quick little jaunts across the Atlantic? Well the quickest way to feel and look like a Parisian is with the timeless trench coat! Ever since our good friends at Burberry invented the spring-must have, they have remained a classic and stylish staple for anyone's wardrobe.

You can stick to the always elegant original style, or you freshen up the look with different cuts, prints and patterns. Try out styles that hit at the the waist or have three-quarter length sleeves. Or, go for bold colors like mint green, lavender and red. Tons of designers have jazzed up the staple by using snakeskin or animal prints in favor of the standard khaki.

Look for glam accents such as eyelet details, bows or contrasting leather belts to make the piece your own! Check out our favorite style superstar, Gywenth Paltrow in a classic trench!

What's old is new again this spring and with that being said, this fresh season sparks the return of some of our most beloved pieces from the past. Spring runways saw the return of some classic 1970s staples. Most importantly, peasant blouses, bright gold accents and wedge heels!

Peasant blouses add a touch of boho femininity to anyone and look good on practically every body shape. Just be sure to pair them with tight bottoms, like skinny jeans to avoid looking like you gained some extra poundage and are trying to cover up! You can always add a thin belt to not only cinch it and add definition to your waistline, but in doing so you go the extra hippie mile in achieving a retro look.

Bright gold made a huge come back this season in the form of chunky chains and long medallions. This is the one piece that literally goes with everything, from ladylike skirts and dresses, or toughened-up leather and denim. Not to mention, long gold necklaces with big medallions are the perfect accessory for peasant tops or this season's other big hit, pale wide leg denim jeans. Just be sure to wear it sparingly to avoid looking like Mr. T!

Finally, is there anything more classic or indicative of '70s glamour than big wedge heels? This time around, look for cork wedges with leather uppers and metal accents such as buckles. They are the perfect shoe as it takes you from day to night, and from the class to the club. Wear them with jeans or shorts as the hemlines rise with the temperature!

No, no, no! I am not telling you that it is anywhere near ok to wear the same ensemble over and over again, but what I am telling you is that just because the new spring season is upon us, it doesn't mean that you have to throw out all of your favvy pieces from last fall. Plenty of last season's key elements can be brought forward and worn again and again this year. The five key pieces that you shouldn't be shelving anytime soon are: lightweight tweed jackets, lacy tops, dark skinnies, neutral-colored bags and clogs!

Just because the temps are finally rising doesn't mean that these pieces have to go into hibernation. Pair wooden heel clogs with dark skinny jeans and a lacy top to be right on point for spring's '70s trend. It's a look that is both fresh and bohemian and perfect for going from day to night. Neutral colored bags in nude and pewter are still in and are the perfect compliment to the revival of pale denim jeans and bottoms. Finally, lightweight tweed jackets look great no matter the season and always add polish to any outfit.

This season you don't need to entirely overhaul your closet to work in spring's hottest trends. Just simply rethink a couple of these fall favorites and you will be all set for this season!

After a much too long hiatus, HAUTELALA is back for round two! Get ready for all new fashion trends, tips and reports and with the new year means new season and new looks to bring you! So please excuse me for the break, but never fear, fashion for life is here!

One of the season's biggest trends is a return to feminity. The lady-like look is in and it has come back in a big way. Skirts and blouses in rich jewel tones and fabrics like silk and velvet have been seen everywhere from the runways to talk shows and all the places in between. Now is the time to incorporate pencil skirts, wide leg trousers and full skirts into your everyday looks.  But the biggest take on the trend is in the accessories. Look for structured bags like satchels with metal accents such as big buckles and snaps or try a cross body bad with a chain strap to add a touch of sophistication. But be sure to keep the material in mind when shopping for bags this season. Look for luxe fabrics like leather, seude, or different types of animal skin to keep from looking stuffy. There's no reason to look matronly just becaue you want to look like a lady!

Another way to incorporate this style into your wardrobe is to start adding to your shoe collection. Look for pumps in bold colors such as crimson, emerald, or navy. Start wearing them with you favorite pair of jeans to make the ensemble look sharp!

Picture the most gorgeous girl you've ever seen. Perfect hair, flawless skin and makeup, and the most stylish ensembles are her trademarks. No I am not talking about myself, I am speaking about my current It Girl and style inspiration, the always perfect Jessica Alba. Over the years Miss Alba has seen many transformations, but whether or not she's going from blonde to brunette, her signature lady-like look is always on point. She never fails to impress whether on the red carpet or strolling around on the street with her go-to look of jeans and over sized cardigans for everydat, and gorgeous dresses from designers like Marchesa and Dolce&Gabann for premieres and award shows

Jessica's style is simple and put together. She adds femine touches with glam accessories-her number one go to piece are glam shoes. She favors designers Brian Atwood and Christian Louboutin. But the number one secret to her style appeal is playing up her feminine curves. Jessica is a girl that loves to be a girl! Ultra feminine pieces such as ruffles, sequins, and full skirts are her red carpet staples. Gorgeous updos and classic makeup help to finish off her look. Jessica is definitely one of my favorite modern style icons. She never looks too made up or too undone, she knows how to achieve that perfect balance of being casually put together while still looking totally glam. Look to her for inspiration on streetwear-follow her formula of dark skinnies, chic blouses, over-size cardigans and fierce flats and shades for strolling around in the daytime. And for a night out, follow her lead with feminie dresses that show off your curves.

Below are some of my favvy Jessica looks!

When building your wardrobe, people often make the mistake of overlooking the staples that every outfit can be built around. Instead of investing in classic pieces that will survive for seasons to come, many just overload on trendy items that often do not flatter their shape. And the key to having a fabulous closet is having pieces that make you look-and feel-fabulous. Beacause there's nothing worse than rolling out of the house in a too-tight and too-short sequin minidress. Know your shape and know how to dress for it! And while dressing for shape can mean anything from opting for stretch fabrics over stiffer materials or high waisted intsead of low-rise, there are five always in style pieces that can work for any body type.

Draped jersey top-draping is the key to hiding everything from a big bust to a not-so-tight tummy. Look for ones that have V-necks and three quarter length sleeves to cover up your arms. Dark straight or skinny jeans-the idea here is that your denim should fit you like shapewear; have a smooth fit that camouflages any bulges but doesn't confine you or create any bumps, or worse, the muffin top affect! Dress with a Waistband- look for a waistband that hits you at the smallest part of your torso-directly under your bust. This creates a flowing, empire effect that will not only skim your stomach but make you look one size smaller. Fitted jacket-look for jackets that have a built in shape, one that curves in at the sides, this will create the illusion of an hour glass. Materials like leather or wool help add texture and dimension to outfits also. Dark pencil skirt-this is the one absolute wardrobe must have. It can go from day to night, from the boardroom to the movies. A snug skirt will create curves on a boyish silhouette and a darker color will soften wider hips and thighs.

So now that you know that must haves for any type, the only thing left to do is go out and shop! And really, what else were you going to do anyway?

The return of fall means the return of the ever chic all black ensemble. But the hottest and sexiest new alternative is actually a neutral. Wearing all over camel is the newest fall trend, and it's one that's gonna last. It's flattering on almost every skin tone and can be incorporated into any outfit hundreds of different ways. Look for chic sheath and wrap dresses in the color. But if you're not comfortable wearing a head-to-toe solid, look for camel accents such as cashmere scarves or thick knit sweaters to add touches of sophistication and luxury to your outfit. But if you do decide to make the newest caramel color your main focal point, set it off with other neutral colored accessories. Take a tip from Miranda Kerr and add coffee colored heels or sleek gold accessories to balance out the look.