How does she do it?  Jennifer’s 20-year career achievements are too numerous to mention, but this woman seems to grow more beautiful and diverse with age.

Her recent split from Marc Anthony had the tabloids reeling, but publicity is still publicity. This coincides well with her and Marc Anthony’s launch of women’s and mens clothing lines at Kohl’s Department Stores. What to expect?  “Casually glamorous, uncannily flattering, expensive-seeming “movie star on the go” pieces.” In September’s O Magazine Jennifer states: “I’m a mom. I work. I want comfort. But I want to feel sexy and modern. I think most women want the same things.”

Jennifer’s been involved in every step of the process, adamant the clothes would be pieces she’d actually wear herself. Realizing her figure and style, I think we’ll be pleasantly surprised that her “9-9” daytime looks with adding a sparkly accessory for nighttime, will fit in all the right places.

On a recent trip to Kohl’s Department Store, I inquired about the line. “We have the mannequins and you probably can see it on-line, but debut is expected September 13-14.” No thanks, I want to see the clothes, touch the fabrics in person. The dressing room will tell all.

Free Standard Shipping when you spend $75 or more!

It’s certainly getting chilly out there! While I’m not ready to put away my summer wardrobe as hope for the occasional warm day, it’s time to incorporate Fall accessories into your look. Here’s a few of my picks to bring Fall color into your wardrobe and keep you warm for cool days to come.

Halogen® Pocket Pullover $98

MARC BY MARC JACOBS ‘Pretty Nylon – Medium Tate’ Tote $188

Halogen® ‘Watercolor’ Print Challis Scarf $58

I have this in Petal Black. Great scarf!

Nordstrom Floppy Wool Felt Hat with Plaid Bow $58

On order!

Nordstrom ‘Keep Rockin’ Multi Stone Toggle Bracelet $58

Nordstrom Lined Leather Gloves $88

Beautiful colors!

Being a Nordstrom VISA card holder, I already benefit from Nordstrom free shipping.  Returning an item was easy using their pre-printed label with a “return fee” deducted from my credit.

Well it just got better…free shipping and free returns- every day!

Thank you Nordstrom… a gift for your on-line shoppers!

Magazines reveal hemlines for Fall – farewell to the maxi and the mini!  The sweet spot of the moment is a midi length that can fall anywhere from just below the knee to a few inches above the ankle. “A covered-up silhouette feels more confident right now and definitely cooler,” say Proenza Schouler designers.  For his own collection and for Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs created seductive below-the-knee pencil skirts. Victoria Beckham’s fall collection reveals hourglass dresses whose hemlines hit the beginning of the shin, and as she describes the midi look, “the new precision pieces.”

So while we see calf-grazing hemlines on leggy actresses and celebrities, I feel most women know where their hemlines should fall. Age, lifestyle, physical attributes, occasion and desired image all come into play.  The mirror and if in doubt, opinion from a friend, help determine if a trip to the seamstress is in order!

I like to build my wardrobe with classic pieces that I’ll use until they “wear out,” but what about keeping in tune with the trends of the season?  Scouting the Junior Department or stores that appeal to the young shopper is an economical way to spice up your classics.

Capes are “in” this season. I chose to shop in Nordstrom Juniors department for “the cape” that will work perfectly for the season.  This was a better option for me as I compared several others that were 2-3 times the price. A hint for Junior shopping: “eye the size” instead of going to your normal size. Junior fashion isn’t the same fit as regular Women’s;  I’ve purchased small to X-Large so my regular S or M doesn’t always apply to Junior fit.

Nordstrom Jolt Cape Juniors $78.00

Another option is checking stores that cater to the younger buyer. I’d rather spend less on a trend item than a purchase I’ll keep for years.

Small purchase – does the trick – no worries to recycle at the end of the season.

H & M Sweater $19.95

H & M  Coat $29.95

What’s behind the red sole? As Christian Louboutin’s registered trademark is challenged (see my August 14th post), they give us their story along with the PMS (Pantone Color Matching System) of the coveted red soles they trademarked in 2008.

Maggie Cap-Toe Pump

Calf Hair Mid-Heel Pump: The chunky heel is back!

“This Christian Louboutin pump features a sturdy, easy-to-handle heel, so you can show off the red sole all day—and all night. Think of the leopard print as a neutral, a bettered basic to enhance both solid and patterned apparel alike.”

Metallic Fabric Mid-Heel Slingback: beautiful shimmer with texture. Wear with cocktail attire, power-suiting separates, and blue jeans alike.

Crystal-Heel Patent Pump: Beautiful!

I always feel good after a visit to an Anthropologie Store.  They create a “visual treat” in displaying their clothing, household and gift items.

You see, they utilize  store walls and ceiling as their  canvas for creative display.  Anthropologie never ceases to amaze me and a trip to their store puts you in a happy place! 

I’m a curious person and like to know what people think and what their habits are. I find it interesting that shoppers can be very rigid in their shopping habits; they may never set foot in Saks Fifth Avenue or Neiman Marcus. They don’t buy from catalogs because of returns. They only shop at certain retailers because they think they can’t afford or won’t find anything in a boutique or higher-end store. I say, don’t limit your choices. There are possibilities everywhere!

I like seeing clothing on models as it’s easy to visualize the outfit on my body, so catalog or on-line shopping is good for that. The larger retailers have made returning items very easy. You usually have a return label and an amount is deducted from your credit. When I calculate time and gas, the amount to return the item is less than what I’d spend on the streets. Just be sure to try on the items right away, keep the original packaging, carefully repackage the item and return as quickly as possible if it doesn’t work.  It is worth it to me when the stores I’m ordering from are further away or “on-line” has sales.

I enjoy going to the boutiques on Oak Street in Chicago.  They are fun to visit and there’s a limited amount of square footage, but you’ll find items there you won’t find elsewhere. If your time is limited, I’d go to Nordstrom or Saks, Macy’s, Bloomingdales. They have your favorite designers under one roof. When visiting Chicago, I plan my time carefully with boutiques and department store shopping. While some labels are out of reach for the average consumer, it’s an adventure to touch and see the fabrics and designs. Believe me, you will see that filter down to your price level in a different fabric, but it makes you aware of what is out there and a better-informed consumer. Try on different brands and designers to find what works for your body type.   Also watch for the “clear it out” sales – I’ve made great purchases at 75% off!

I believe one of the successes of AMC’s Mad Men is the way costume designer Janie Bryant has captured the cool polished style of the 1960’s era. The Gap’s Banana Republic is launching 1960’s era chic in collaboration with Bryant and creative director Simon Kneen beginning August 11th. The 65-piece collection for men and women, combine Banana Republic’s modern American style with 1960’s clothing and inspiration.

Mad Men’s fifth season airs early 2012 and reigns as the only television series in cable history to win the Emmy for Outstanding Drama three years in a row (2008, 2009 and 2010), continuing to be the most Emmy- nominated drama on television. In July, The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences awarded the series with 19 nominations making it the most recognized series on television.  The Emmy award show which airs on September 18th, along with Banana Republic’s collection launch on August 11th, will lend excitement to shopping for Fall/Winter wardrobe needs.

I can’t wait to see the tailored dresses and patterned pump heels!

We look to Fall additions to update our wardrobe and bring us into the new season. For “investment pieces,” I’d recommend purchases that have staying power for you to enjoy for years to come. Here’s a look:

MODERN LINES: The look is tailored, with structured favorites in refined silhouettes.

THEORY

CAPE CRUSADE:  A classic to dress up or down.

Gryphon

Sherlock Cape

Love the reversible capability and you can never go wrong with Burberry.

Burberry

Reversible Capel

PEPLUM POWER: Ruffled or flared, the peplum packs a pop

Duotone wool jersey with wide grosgrain straps lends subtle interest and use for  dressing up or down. Like the edgier look here with boots. Then dress up with heels, chandelier earrings and bling clutch for a special evening on the town.

Marc Jacobs

Grosgrain Strap Peplum Dress