Introducing Valette!

Nordstrom has debuted their new in-house line of chic classics with Valette. Valette is like your best friend who has all the clothes you want to borrow and never return. My favorite piece is the Valette Gathered Empire Blouse, which comes in the most stunning gunmetal grey color, perfect for fall. Just $138, it’s an instant wardrobe upgrade that won’t go out of style anytime soon. Throw it over some white shorts for August, then layer it for fall. Now only if Valette were a real person…

Jumpers vs. Rompers

Jumpers always make me think of my first day of kindergarten when my mom put me in a pink corduroy jumper with a white blouse underneath.  The jumper had straps- very similar to those on overalls, except the bottom was a skirt.  It also had pockets, and I loved it.  In the U.K., jumpers are what we would call sweaters.  Either way, it’s a cool word for various items of clothing.  Just make sure you don’t look like the 60-something woman who played the piano at my cousin’s high school graduation.

A romper, on the other hand, is more like a playsuit.  In short, this is a loose, light-fitting one-piece garment, similar to a jumper in that the top is attached to the bottom.  The main difference is that the bottoms are usually shorts and they may be gathered (like a fancier version of the onesie underclothes, which newborns may wear).  All in all, the romper is a fairly practical item as far as physical activity is concerned- unless you need to you the bathroom in which case you better hope you’re not in a hurry since you need to practically undress.  Rompers have had a recent comeback among the hipster elite and A-list celebs, but there’s no reason why six-months-from-now, people won’t be saying you look like an overgrown, skanky extra from Barney.

Catherine Malandrino - Puff Sleeve Blouse

Here is another great example of Fall’s bright colors!  This Puff Sleeve Blouse by Catherine Malandrino is super chic!  (Well……of course everything from Catherine is super chic.)  It comes in this great Fuchsia color with a large keyhole neck tie and has embroidered detailing on the shoulders.  The color and style of this blouse is breath-taking!  I think it would look great tucked into black trousers or a black pencil skirt.  Available at Net-a-Porter - $395.00.

Anna Sui printed top

Anna Sui is always a fun designer.  I love how her models are always blushing brightly as they strut down the catwalk in clothes that are interesting and wearable.  While she is one of the brilliant designers of our time, Sui is never unrealistic about what kinds of things real women will wear.  For her summer 2007 show, she favored a lot of pirate-themed clothing.  I think that this printed top is both unique and accessible.  It would work on a ship with a peg-leg and a parrot on your shoulder, or with a denim mini and some sleek flats while out on the town.  Unlike a lot of designer pieces, I can see any woman, not just size double-zero supermodels, feeling comfortable in this flattering blouse on a warm summer evening.  For a transition into autumn, I might even try it with one of the chic hats Sui favored so much in the show!

Anna Sui Printed Top- $260

Chloé Ruffle Front Blouse

Chloé is my favorite brand.  I fell in love with this particular shirt, though, because it is like Chloé is doing luxurious office chic.  Of course, while still holding onto the romantic and sleek essence of the label.  The blouse is a neutral that would look great for work paired with everything from flat-front trousers to a tulip skirt.  To make it a little more wild for evening, add dangly earrings and killer heels.  I love how the high neck keeps the piece tasteful while the lack of sleeves keeps it from being too demure.  Chloé will always be about classic couture that is full of interesting combinations that seem to contradict each another but end up being just perfect.

Chloé Blouse- $1320