Purple, grey, pink and silver are at the top of the color charts this season, but not all aspiring fashionistas can get away with these color combos without breaking the office dress code. Fortunately, there are several ways to accentuate an otherwise simple outfit with Fall’s top color choices, and all you need is a little creativity to sport some of the hottest looks for the season without pulling off a fashion ‘don’t.’ Whether you’re anxious to wear a pencil skirt or the oversized cardigan at the office this season, make sure you’re choosing your key pieces in the following colors and styles:

The Grey Pencil Skirt
Pencil skirts are acceptable in most office environments and are a great match for Fall in either light grey, black or pewter. Pair the grey pencil skirt with a lavender blouse, purple cardigan or stick with the basic black top for a Fall-friendly look.

The Purple Vest
Purple is a top color choice for the Fall and winter season this year, so invest in some simple pieces in a deep purple or lavender color for an eye-catching, office friendly look. Purple knit vests can be coupled with a cream-colored blouse for a fresh look at the office.

The Pink Blouse
Pink with purple undertones is a hit for Fall and is a great match for an otherwise neutral office ensemble. Look for pink polka dot or printed blouses that you can wear under an oversized cardigan or wrap, or wear it tucked in with a pencil skirt for a chic and trendy look this season.

The All-Black Suit
The all-black suit is a staple of any Fall and winter wardrobe, and is one ensemble that will never go out of style. However, you can dress this up with the latest trends by wearing a contrasting v-neck purple shirt or sweater underneath the blazer, or wear it with a ruffled blouse for a fashion-forward, stylish look.

High-waist pencil skirts, ruffled blouses and knit vests are among the office wear must-haves for the Fall season. Invest in these key pieces to update your office wardrobe and show off some of the latest trends.

Falling into this season with the top boot trends for 2009. Featuring top brands such as KORS Michael Kors, Jessica Simpson and Stuart Weitzman. So get your boot-ie on, take that paycheck, and fill up your shopping cart at www.Zappos.com.
Xoxo
Alana and Jenn (aka BABS)

While the season’s top trends include high-volume curls and flat-ironed locks, some of the latest hairstyles aren’t necessarily appropriate for the office. If you work in a conservative or semi-casual work environment, you may be required to wear your hair pulled back in a simple ponytail or hairclip, and keep it looking as tame as possible. How can you stay in line with the company’s dress code without looking outdated? Here are some ideas for office-friendly hairstyles for the Fall season ahead:

The Chignon: one of the easiest looks to pull off for the office, this can turn into a modern and trendy look when you flatiron your hair before pulling it back, and smooth out all the frizzies with some sculpting gel. Add a barrette to one side of your head for a clean, sharp and sophisticated look at the office.

French Twist: a simple, sophisticated look that will add a twist (no pun intended) to your pulled back look at the office. The French twist can be embellished with pretty hair clips or a shiny barrette , or left ‘as is’ for an elegant and functional look at the office.

Half Ponytail: this classic look can be modified by parting hair in a deep part on either the left or the right, and clipping it in place with a barrette that lies parallel to the part. This sweet and sophisticated look is great for any preppy office look, and is easier to pull off if you flatiron your hair first.

Headband: pick up a wide headband in a bold color that matches a color on your outfit and flatiron your hair straight before pulling it back in the band. This season’s top trends include the ’50s-inspired headbands on super-straight hair. Use a styling gel or mousse to make your hair shiny and straight, and keep frizzies under control all day with a frizz-control spray.

Fall season calls for a few changes to your look, and wearing your hair in a fresh new style is a great way to get started. Consider any of these simple and sophisticated hair styles as you head off to the office this season!

Fall has arrived and so have fall trends. However, some spring/summer looks are rolling over into the new season with an added winter twist. The simplistic look of a classic white t-shirt worn over a pair of distressed denim remains a strong look. But fall is all about outerwear and this year, designers are giving us plenty of variety to style with.

To take your effortless t-shirt and jeans look from day to night, simply add one of this season’s most sought after jackets. Sequence jackets are already all the rave, this look has recently been inspired by signature stage costumes worn by the late King of Pop. Jackets with embellishments on the shoulders are also a strong look for the season. These eye-catching jackets provide the right amount of glamour to make any simple outfit shine. Finish this look with a sexy pair of ankle booties and clutch and you’ll look red carpet ready in an effortless way.
Boyfriend blazers continue to be in the spotlight. Heavier emphasis on the detailing, like the lining on the cuff sleeves, will be the newest design to revamp this jacket. This jacket is still worn best draped over a pair of shorts; of course, try this look with a pair of over the knee boots to coordinate this style with its current season. The crop motorcycle jacket is another returning contender. Look for this jacket to draw additional attention to the exposure of zippers, another revolving trend of seasons past.

Military jackets may be the most influential jacket of all for fall. Designers like Vivian Westwood are creating strong silhouettes with a huge focus on exquisite detailing. Free people adds a feminine touch to its military jacket by adding ruffles along its closure while Moschino’s military jacket features all the bells and whistles including an asymmetrical button closure, tri-tone stripes at the collar, pockets and sleeve ends, not to mention extended shoulder accents, proving once again, that shoulders play a significant role in fashion this season.

Mica and Myra from our Juniors Merchandising team tell us about Boots and other trends to look out for this Fall and Winter.

When you’re heading to a business-casual or professional office environment on a daily basis, you don’t have to compromise on style in the handbag department. Totes, hobos and bucket bags can work with a business suit, skirt and blouse ensemble, and other office attire as long as the bag has some structure and exudes a clean-cut, classic style. For the Fall season, handbag trends are leaning towards studs, over-the-top embellishments and eye-catching leopard prints. Still, there are some ways to embrace Fall trends without going overboard with your office look.

If you prefer a small or mid-sized tote for carrying basic accessories, stick with an oversized ruched bag in black, brown or another neutral color. The oversized ruched bag is a versatile, eye-catching addition to any outfit, and is low-key enough to complement your office ensemble.

Looking for a briefcase-style tote? Stick with the simple patent leather tote or a structured leather bag for a classic Fall look. These types of bags never go out of style and are a great way to add a touch of sophistication to your ensemble. Just match the bag with your shoes, and you’re ready to hit the office in style.

If you want to incorporate the Fall handbag trend of studs and metal embellishments, stick with a simple duffle-inspired tote or a shoulder bag that’s framed in small silver or gold studs. Avoid the bags covered with silver discs, gold pailettes or oversized studs because these will create a more casual, rocker-chic look. Enjoy the latest trend in moderation so that you don’t overpower your otherwise-professional look.

When you’re wearing an all-black or all-grey ensemble for the office, add some color with a dark purple or pewter bag. Both of these colors are some at the top of the trend charts for the Fall season, adding a splash of color but still complementing your neutral outfit. A dark purple shoulder bag, tote or ruched bag is a great addition to any business casual ensemble.

From glossy patent leather totes to oversized ruched bags, you have several options for putting together an attractive office ensemble this Fall. Pick up any of these top trends to create a pulled-together and stylish look for the season.

One of the hottest trends this fall is also the weekly comfort item. Leggings are the perfect fashion staple for a fashionista’s fall wardrobe. Women of all ages and sizes will enjoy the many fashion and comfort benefits of leggings. Larger women may be more self conscious about the way they look in leggings. They should not be self conscious, as leggings are not a substitute for pants. Leggings are often worn under dresses, skirts, and long tunics or sweaters. The leggings that are popular for fall 2009 are the length of capri pants, or hit at the ankle.

Leggings look sophisticated when paired with a black dress. Purchase a black knee length knit dress with 3/4 length sleeves. Wear a pair of black leggings under the dress. This will give your body a long, lean look. You can accessorize this look with a headband and a chain belt. Finish off the look with a pair of ballet flats.

Younger women can wear leggings with a denim or corduroy mini skirt. The fall trend is to keep with neutral colors. Teenagers and college students can sometimes pull off bolder looks featuring bold colors and animal prints. More mature women should be careful when trying to make a bold statement, as bright colors and animal prints can take away from a sophisticated look.

Leggings are some of the most comfortable items of clothing. Many workout outfits feature leggings as the leg wear of choice. Pairing a pair of leggings with a tunic when you feel bloated is a great way to look fabulous without feeling stuffed in to a pair of pants or a skirt.

If you’re sold on this hot 2009 fall fashion trend, consider the Juicy Couture Leggings with Foldover Waistband. Juicy Couture is a brand synonymous with a fashion-forward lifestyle. The fold over waistband with rouched details forgives a woman’s figure in the right places. They sell for $110 and comes in black and heather gray. They will also look great paired with a Galliano Chiffon Tunic or Christin Michaels Krista Turtleneck tunic .

No matter what your shape or size, leggings are a 2009 fall fashion trend that should not be ignored, so don’t miss out!

One of the leading colors for the Fall 2009 season is purple, and if you want to flaunt this trend at the office, you can play with a variety of shades to keep your look polished and professional. Purple is a great complement to an all-grey suit, a black pencil skirt and other neutral tones, but you need to follow some basic guidelines to stay in line with the office dress code. Here are some simple ways to power up your look with a touch of purple this Fall:

1. Carry a purple handbag or work tote. Trade your black briefcase or dark grey work tote for a deep purple version. This season’s top styles that work for the office include oversized hobos, slouchy bags and glossy patent leather totes.

2. Wear a purple blouse under a vest. You can add a touch of purple to your outfit by wearing a full-sleeve purple blouse underneath a black or grey knit vest to keep your look semi-professional. This preppy ensemble can top off a simple pair of wide-length black pants or a black skirt in a snap.

3. Accessorize with purple jewelry. From oversized necklaces to drop earrings, take your pick of classic silver earrings accented with purple. Purple gems and jewels are a simple way to freshen up your look and add a luxe twist to your ensemble.

4. Wear a purple shell. Add just a hint of purple to your outfit by wearing a shell underneath the blazer or blouse, and you can instantly transform a white shirt, grey suit or black ensemble into something a little more stylish. A deep purple shell is great for darker suits and blouses, while a lilac or lighter purple shade will work well with a white or cream colored shirt in early fall.

5. Go for the purple heels! Purple shoes are showing up at shoe racks around the country, and you can pick out some patent leather Mary Janes, kitten heels or leather pumps in a rich, dark purple for the office. Just make sure you’re not wearing purple anywhere else to keep your look professional and chic.