Stylish with Substance

I only recently discovered Friend Friday, a blogging weekly questions group, by Modly Chic. I soon applied, and here I am in the group! I'm very happy to begin and start answering some heavy questions. This week is light and fun though; and about fall. Fall is tricky for me here in Florida, but this year I'm determined to make the looks work in our sunshine.

1. What new fashion trend are you looking forward to sporting this fall?

Ladylike, that sums me up, any year.

I don't like a lot of them (my wallet and sense of personal style is thankful!), but I love 2.

#1 - 60s.

I love modest pieces; 40s, 50s and 60s, and I love circle skirts. I can't own enough of big, flowy, knee-length skirts! But right now "the" hemline hits just below the calf, so I am trying to avoid buying the knee-length kind and will for a time only go for that lower-calf length unless the piece is really special. Honestly, I'm on the hunt for the perfect-something similar to the beige skirt from Louis Vuitton's runway (which I've blogged about already).

I already have one dress that fits the length bill, but that's not enough of course! Hence the strict shopping diet to help focus my direction for my wardrobe collecting.

The beau and I just started watching Mad Men on DVD, and we're not hooked yet, but if we continue, it could be a great source of inspiration.

As for other pieces, like jackets and such, I will work on incorporating these pieces more, too!

#2 - Lingerie as outerwear

If I can find a corset/bustier top that looks right (black/nude lace) and fits my tummy; oh I want it badly! But I vow to keep it classy.

2. Which item in your closet is most likely to be your go-to transition piece?

I hadn't really had one for Florida weather yet, so I bought these new booties that are pretty open and with open toes. Many hate that look, but they're almost essential down here in order to participate in boot-wearing as early as everyone else. Besides, they're open in general and are actually that new thang called "shooties". I hadn't known how I really felt about them until August came, and now I know how helpful this style is for a FLashionista! ;-) I've included their picture. Buy them yourself from Zappos.

Vigotti - Paquita

$79.00 at  Zappos

I'm also going to incorporate different scarves in all-weather materials, asap.

3. What item from last year are you looking forward to reinventing this fall?

I didn't buy new clothes at all over 2008 and 2009 (nor shoes and nary a bag), but I'm looking forward to bringing back lightweight non-full-sleeve sweaters and even warm-weather/short-sleeve jackets for early fall. It's hard to wear those little boleros and things in summer, surprisingly, due to the hard-blasting AC that starts on Memorial Day. I'm just not that comfortable with throwing a sweater over a bolero and of course never over a short-sleeved blazer. I'm hoping the ACs will be adjusted after Labor Day weekend, and thick sweaters can again wait until "winter".

As for re-inventing, I'm not sure I do that with old-old pieces much, but this past year I've picked up a lot of ruffley or couture-looking pieces to blend in with my other favorites, which are modest skirts and such. I'm still in need of building my perfect wardrobe and perfecting my ensembles for who I am now and ... where I am now.

I am, however, re-inventing things that are new. I'm going to wear all-year scarves, which is rarely-if-ever done here, and I will soon be wearing a "six-way" scarf a lot more ways than that!

4. What is your favorite part about this time of the year?

I hate August, wherever I am, but that's not what the question asked. I guess I like this time of year for the easing temperatures, even though it's still the rainy season until late Autumn. I can't wait for Florida winter, actually.

My favorite aspect of Fall is the fashion, which I need to struggle to use. But I will! And I will feel proud of that accomplishment, so there is that.

5. Will you be attending any fashion events this fall?

Sadly, that's not likely; it's about the money situation in this household. I will be come February March though, and I'll be prepared!