WHIMSY

Today is September 1 and for me, it’s the unofficial end of summer. Yes, I know that we still have the Labor Day weekend to look forward to, but somehow, turning that calendar page to September has a final feeling.

One of the things that is guaranteed to cheer me up is the fact that soon I can break out the fall wardrobe. But since we are still in the midst of a major heat wave here on the East Coast, I guess it’s not quite time for the transition to leather jackets and over-the-knee-boots!

In fact, transitioning from summer to fall is always something of a challenge for me. What can I keep? What needs to go? And just how long can I wear white? So this year, I asked some of the most sought-after stylists in the business for real transition tips that we can all use!

Colin McDonald is a New York Style Editor for Examiner.com. He has worked alongside some of most influential stylists in the industry today like Mary Alice Stephenson, Patti Wilson, Adam Glassman, and even Joe Zee! Colin has created fashion magic on a variety of editorial shoots and sets including The Oprah Winfrey Show.

Colin says think of transition from summer to fall in terms of layers.

• Go through your wardrobe and keep some of your basic pieces from summer. As the weather starts to change, go ahead and add some of your fall pieces.
• That favorite cotton v-neck t-shirt you wore all summer and just can’t part with? In the fall, layer it with your wool boyfriend blazer, cashmere scarf, skinny jeans and oversized fedora.
• If you’re uncertain about color, pair likes with likes.  Monochromatic is a trend we will be seeing more of this coming fall, so don’t be afraid to look uniform.

Katharine Polk’s work has been featured in Vogue, Glamour, InStyle, Elle, and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, among others. She has styled for photo shoots, editorials, and runway — her career even extends to the world of television. Katharine styled a fully-accessorized 14-look fashion show previously on America’s Next Top Model and a 27-look show on the Lifetime series Blush.  As for celebrity dressing, she even styled Emmy winner Bruce Gowers (‘Best Director’) as well as the 2007 American Idol, Jordin Sparks- both on their award-winning nights.

Katharine says that opaque tights or stockings are a great and inexpensive addition to your wardrobe for fall. Tights are super versatile and are great for turning a summer outfit into a fall look! The great thing about black opaque stockings is that they are warm and slimming as well.  They also make your legs look long and thin!

• Black opaque stockings with your floral summer dress:  It becomes a chic bohemian look to go out in. You get to re-use your favorite floral summer mini all fall just by throwing on some opaque stockings.
• For the office or school, grab a loose sweater dress and black stockings.
• A fun easy, day-look would be your black stockings with a cream or white linen short day dress. The black opaque tights contrast the linen and add a little toughness.

• For an evening look, pair your black opaque stockings with a tailored chic print mini and some great platforms.

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition to Style on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

My daughter leaves for college in less than 48 hours.  And, the sheer amount of clothes she has somehow amassed over the last few months is nothing short of incredible (the X-Cargo top is definitely going on top of the truck). But no matter how many tanks and tees she seems to accumulate, she has a few go-to faves that she wears over and over. Snarky, silly or just designed to make you smile, her must-haves always include witty tees by New Standard.

Not only are tees by New Standard adorable, the company also has an unusual business model — buy a shirt, support the artist. Their tees are brought to life by a global collective of both established and up-and-coming artists.

Two tees that will be heading off to the University this year include a turquoise one designed by Gemma Correll from England. Pugs Not Drugs, pictured, is a perfect example of what New Standard is all about. Quirky and eye catching, the illustrative style is (according to Gemma) inspired by everything from the world around her, to animals, to coffee, and to sugary breakfast cereals! This tee is a V-neck made of pre-shrunk 100% combed cotton jersey. It’s available in sizes extra small through extra large. Retail $28.

A little edgier, the This is Why I Sing tee in white is designed by Concrete Rocket for New Standard. This graphic artist, based in Singapore, gives the tee a bold, modern edge with a stark black and white color palette, but also a retro vibe by using an image of vinyl. Like Pugs Not Drugs, This is Why I Sing is made of pre-shrunk 100% combed cotton jersey. It’s also available in sizes extra small through extra large. Retail $28.

Not only does New Standard make great tees for juniors, they also have a complete men’s line, a detail that celebrity stylists everywhere have already discovered. In fact, you may have seen some of their designs throughout last season’s American Idol series. They were often sported by Idol winner (and my pick from Day One) Lee Dewyze!

So, now that you’re hooked, I know you’re wondering where you can find your own. Well, New Standard tees are available at stores just about everywhere — from PacSun, to Deliahs, to Urban Outfitters, plus so many more. For a complete list you can visit the New Standard retail stores. Or, if you’d rather shop online, browse through the entire line of both women’s tees and men’s tees at the New Standard Clothing online store. New Standard even offers free shipping on all orders over $75!

Best yet, New Standard has offered to host a giveaway for one lucky Style on a WHIM reader. The giveaway ends Friday, September 3 and there are loads of ways to enter, so get started!

1. MANDATORY COMMENT – Please visit New Standard and let us know which tee is your fave. (1 entry)

2 Like New Standard on Facebook. Leave a comment here and don’t forget to show them some love on Facebook, too! (5 entries)

3. Follow New Standard on Twitter. Be sure to leave your Twitter handle in your comment (5 entries)

4. Subscribe to Style on a WHIM via our brand new Google Friends Connect option, 5 entries (please leave a separate comment for each of the five to let us know)

5. “Like” us on Facebook (5 entries, please leave a comment to let us know)

6. Follow us on Twitter (5 entries, please leave a comment to let us know)

Already a follower?  Just leave us a comment that you follow. Good Luck!

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition to Style on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

It seems that statement necklaces are here to stay… at least through fall! A quick flip through my new InStyle Magazine confirmed that huge, multi-strand necklaces are still a “fashion do.” From some of my favorite stores like bebe, White House Black Market and Express, with necklaces, it appears that bigger is better!

Much as I love a fabulous necklace, sometime they’re a pain in the neck – literally. Several of my chunkiest, multi-strand necklaces are so heavy that I need to take them off mid-day.

If you “feel my pain” never fear, I recently found a solution that is both smart and beautiful – from Elizabeth Green’s Couture Crochet. These eye-catching necklaces are actually made of colorful and (most importantly!) lightweight ribbon. Plus, the clever design allows you to easily adjust the length to work with any neckline.

My favorite color combination for fall are the brilliant reds, oranges and yellows showcased in the Firefly necklace, pictured. This stunning necklace looks effortless, whether it’s paired with jeans and a tee or a work ensemble.

These great pieces are also quite affordable. The Firefly necklace retails for only $16.00 and all of Elizabeth Green’s lovely pieces are available online at Couture Crochet.

Want to win your own? Contest ends 9/1. To enter:

1. MANDATORY COMMENT – Please visit Couture Crochet and choose your favorite piece. Leave a comment here (1 entry)

2. Subscribe to Style on a WHIM via our brand new Google Friends Connect option, (5 entries)

3. “Like” us on Facebook, 5 entries (please leave a comment to let us know)

4. Follow us on Twitter, 5 entries (please leave a comment to let us know)

Already a follower?  Just leave us a comment that you follow.

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition toStyle on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

Jeans have been a staple in American women’s wardrobes for decades. And, I’m sure that Levi Strauss never envisioned the fashion revolution he was starting when he created his first pair of “cowboy trousers” back in 1873!

Today, that revolution has gone one step further. Vintage Revolution denim is a celebration of timeless style with just a dash of spirited rebellion.  When creating new styles, the firm’s designers use pieces from their library of original denim to understand just how jeans were designed (and perfected!) in the past.

Back then, each piece was made from start to finish by a single craftsman and the finished product was a personal masterpiece. Vintage Revolution jeans celebrate this integrity of product and rebel against “assembly line jeans” and the “fancification” of denim.

But don’t be fooled into thinking that Vintage Revolution offers one-size fits-all-style. The firm offers more unique fits and great colors than the law should allow! Boot cut, skinny, boyfriend and more… if you can’t find your personal style at Vintage Revolution, you shouldn’t be shopping!

Although the combinations are vast, the skinning jeans are my hands down favorite. More flattering than the boyfriend cut and hipper than the boot cut, these are a great choice for weekend wear in a wash and dressed up for going out I a darker hue.

The best part about Vintage Revolution is that once you find the cut that’s most flattering for your figure, you can order the jeans in a dozen shades. No more searching for the perfect pair of jeans in the wash or color you need.

Now that’s my kind of revolution!

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition toStyle on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

Bad hair day? Color gone wrong? Just chronically late for class? A hat can be the perfect answer when you want to arrive looking fabulous, but only have minutes to get ready. (After all, the guy in your European History class really is cute!)

My favorite solution is the women’s fedora, a trend that is showing no signs of slowing down. The classic fedora has a retro, Humphrey Bogart feeling, but today’s women’s fedoras are substantially more playful, including the Ms. Collete, pictured.

The Ms. Colette is a custom-molded fedora made from a wool blend in suiting pinstripe fabric, with leather trim details. This fedora is perfect for fall in a yummy chocolate brown and has an antique brass d-ring, studded detailing and a custom-printed lining. Throw this hat on and you’re set!

The Ms. Collete was created by nobis for their Fall 2010 Collection. nobis is a Canadian company (and those Canadians definitely know a thing or two about cold weather wear!)

The firm manufactures amazing lifestyle headwear and outerwear — from gorgeous down parkas for my next ski trip, to hood-scarves for playing in the snow, to super stylish berets and beanies.

nobis has been steadily gaining attention since 2008. This year alone, their gorgeous pieces have been featured in New! magazine (UK), Chatelaine (Canada) and Cosmopolitan (USA), just to name a few!

To see the entire new line for Fall 2010 inlcuding women’s men’s and even kids’ pieces, visit nobis. You can also shop online (so convenient!) or find a store near you with the easy-to-use nobis shop locator.

Best yet, WIN nobis fedora of your own! The Lorane, pictured, is made of luxurious linen with cute cotton plaid trim. An anti-brass d-ring, grommet and custom printed lining complete the detailing. The Lorane retails for $75 (USD) but can be yours free through this contest. So, enter today!

To enter:

1. MANDATORY COMMENT – Please visit nobis and tell us one thing you learned about the company. (1 entry)

2. Subscribe to Style on a WHIM via our new Google Friends Connect option, 5 entries (please leave a comment to let us know)

3. “Like” us on Facebook, 5 entries (please leave a comment to let us know)

4. Follow us on Twitter, 5 entries (please leave a comment to let us know)

Already a follower?  Just leave us a comment that you follow.

Contest is open until midnight on August 31^st and the winner will be notified September 1^st.  Good Luck!

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition toStyle on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

Photo courtesy of nobis.

I majored in English in college and have always loved to read just about anything I could get my hands on. My tastes are varied (my husband says schizophrenic) but I enjoy the history of Alexander the Great every bit as much as Confessions of a Shopaholic. This means that our house is filled (filled!) with books, including hundreds of beloved classics from my college days.

Now my daughter is off to college (an English major, just like mom!). Of course, I wanted to send her off with some fun new clothes and just by luck stumbled upon the perfect solution for “wordies” like us! Out of Print Clothing makes clever tees that are designed for the well read college student — or one who just wants to impress the professors!

Out of Print Clothing celebrates the world’s greatest stories — from the Catcher in the Rye, to Lord of the Flies, to Atlas Shrugged and many, many more. The shirts feature iconic (and often out of print) book covers. Some are definitely classics, and some are just curious enough to make great t-shirts — but they are all striking works of art. Made of a cotton/poly blend the tees are distressed, just like a well thumbed book.

One of my favorites is the Slaughterhouse Five t-shirt. Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut is the story of anti-hero and POW Billy Pilgrim and the firebombing of Dresden. I remember this great novel as one that actually captured the attention of my entire class and sparked some serious debates. The t-shirt is emblazoned with artwork from the first edition dust jacket by cover artist Paul Bacon. Retail $28

My other top pick is the Hound of the Baskervilles tee. In this iconic work by Arthur Conan Doyle, the indomitable Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Dr. Watson take on a supernatural beast. The novel was originally serialized in The Strand and the t-shirt art is from one of the 1902 first edition UK covers by George Newnes Ltd.   Retail $28

The best part about Out of Print Clothing, though, is their dedication to spreading the joy of reading through their tees. Since there are many parts of the world that don’t have access to books at all, the firm is working to change that. For each shirt they sell, one book is donated to a community in need through partner Books For Africa.

You can shop online at Out of Print Clothing for women’s tees or shirts for the guys. Or give the gift of reading to a friend or loved one —  just send an Out of Print gift certificate.

So, what’s your story?!

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition toStyle on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

Have you noticed the trend toward what I jokingly call “disposable clothes?” It’s appalling, really. Some of the trendiest stores are offering pieces that literally fall apart in the wash or look so wretched after a few wearings that they end up as cleaning rags.

With the economy still in a slump (sigh), I’ve had to reevaluate some of my more impulsive fashion choices. And now, more than ever, basics like tanks and t’s need to wash well, wear well, and last (at least a full season!).

Lucky for me, I discovered the Tt Collection. In addition to a spectacular line of dresses, tops, leggings, skirts, and even cashmere pieces, Tt has a line of “luxury basics.”  The line is a favorite in Hollywood and has been spotted on some of Tinsel Town’s most stylish celebrities – from Keke Palmer, to Lauren Conrad, Kate Hudson and even Angelina Jolie.

My top three favorites? First, a girl can never have too many tanks in her closet. Alone, with a Henley, or under a sweater or jacket, the Tt Triple Tank is super soft, luxurious, and available in a rainbow of colors. Incredibly well made, the neckline is finished with the Tt signature triple-binding. Retail $60.00

Next, it doesn’t get any more basic than a t-shirt. But just because it’s basic, doesn’t mean that you have to skimp on style. The Tt Triple Scoop Neck T-Shirt offers incredibly flattering styling, and is perfect with everything from a smart suit to your favorite pair of skinny jeans. Made right in Los Angeles, the crafting is superb, and like the TT tank, the t-shirt is finished with the firm’s signature triple-binding. Retail $64.00

Finally, much as I hate to admit it, cooler temperatures are just around the corner. So, it’s time to stock up on Tt Triple Scoop Long-Sleeved T-Shirts. The dramatic scoop neck is the ideal foil for a funky necklace or casual cotton scarf. The long-sleeved t-shirt is also beautifully made and finished with the Tt signature triple-binding. Retail $84.00

So, who’s responsible for these amazing basics? Tt designer Tiffany Saidnia, an LA native, began her fashion career catering to high profile clients of notorious celebrity stylist Jessica Pastor. Later, Tiffany decided to create her own line that has the construction, fabrication, and design quality of a designer brand, but at a contemporary price point.

The essence of her collection is comfortable yet elegant, with timeless appeal—like her luxury basics. Using elements from her background in denim and leather, Tiffany takes an unconventional approach to fashion pieces and everyday knit items.

The result? Tt is classic, functional, and unique – a taste of haute couture for everyday.

The entire line is available online or find a store near you.

The Tt Collection goes beyond basics!

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition toStyle on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

Photos courtesy of Tt Collection.

As July winds down and we face the dog-days of August, my hemlines just keep getting shorter! Maybe it’s to show off the tan I’ve been working on all summer or maybe it’s just too darned hot, but I’ve been absolutely living in little dresses this year. I still love my floaty long skirts or a crisp pair of white jeans, but they have all been hanging forlornly in my closet since temperatures hit 95 degrees – and stayed there!

The perfect solution to looking hot (but not feeling the heat) is a lingerie-inspired, barely there dress by designer Anjai Kumar. Her custom look is achieved with signature details and meticulous hand work – for a unique look that’s a cross between couture and contemporary chic.  And, her line is just filled with fun and flirty pieces that are sure to raise the temperature – his!

Each of Anjali’s pieces exude elegance, but also have a dash of whimsy. I think that her deceptively simply designs are created for the woman who is inherently secure, sexy and confident – someone with no need to hide behind outlandish details, splashy prints, or other forms of “caricature” dressing.

One standout from Anjali’s most recent collection is the Spaghetti Strap Flare Dress. This adorable dress is shown here in a soft blush pink with a delicate and detailed floral inspired print in 100% silk georgette, lined in contrasting taupe silk.

Impeccably tailored, the spaghetti straps are adjustable and the dress has a concealed zipper (a tiny detail that I personally love). This dress is also incredibly flattering – it just flows over the body as if it was custom made just for you.

The Spaghetti Strap Flare Dress is also available in solid silk charmeuse for an evening look. Available in a rainbow of sexy hues from classic black or navy, to icy pink or stunning silver, to delicious chocolate, you’re sure to find just the right shade. Available in sizes XS, S, M, L. Retail $302.00

Although not immediately apparent from her beautiful collections, designer Anjali Kumar’s career in fashion has taken a few interesting turns. Following a successful career on Wall Street from 1992 to 2000, Anjali finally answered the siren call of fashion. And we’re so glad she did!

To pursue her lifelong fascination with fashion, she attended the Fashion Institute of Technology. She simultaneously designed custom clothing for an exclusive clientele, which led to the successful launch of her retail label.

To see recent collections visit Anjali Kumar. Find a store near you in the United States and abroad or you can also shop online.

With a flirty dress by Anjali Kumar, the heat is on!

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition to Style on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

It seems that every magazine I pick up this summer has a piece on adding a little rocker chic to your wardrobe. More than just leather, chains, and heavy liner, rocker chic is all about attitude.

But how do you add that confident vibe without ending up looking like Adam Lambert? (no offense Adam!) It’s tricky I admit, but not impossible. Adding one or two edgy pieces should do it — any more and the look becomes entirely too costume-y.

I’ve scoured the new offerings from some of my favorite designers and have come up with three easy ways to add a rock and roll attitude to your weekend wardrobe.

First, my top choice is a fabulous, strapless dress by Miami designer ClaudiaE from the brand new Fall 2010 Collection. This little dress is perfect in black with a subtle animal pattern that adds sass. Short enough to be eye catching — without making you worry all night!

Photo courtesy of ClaudiaE.

Next, a great way to add a dash of rocker brash is through some feisty shoes. I am a serious shoe collector – a firm believer that you can never have too many. So when I discovered the Twilite from Two Lips Shoes I was instantly hooked! These fun platforms have beads and rhinestones on an embossed upper. And the addition of some nice padding means that these 4” heels are actually comfortable enough to wear all night.

In addition to these great shoes, Two Lips has a huge selection of boots, flats, wedges, platforms, and dress shoes — all with a modern edge.

Photo courtesy of Two Lips Shoes.

Finally, accessories are often a relatively inexpensive and easy way to add a fresh look to any outfit. One of my favorite new designers is Purple Cloud Studio. Best known for spectacular glass pieces, Purple Cloud also has a new line called the “Used & Abused” series.

Designer Michele Palenik says that the line was born out of the idea that what we all have in common is the capacity to love and be loved. The process is cruel, and sometimes unusual. Every lover leaves a lingering effect, every friend a memory.

There are several different, unique styles to the line. Visit Purple Cloud to find the one just right for you.

Photo courtesy of Purple Cloud Studio.

Look like a rocker this weekend — proficiency at Guitar Hero not necessary!

Fashion that makes you feel as good on the inside as you look on the outside? Hmmmm… I’m all for that! And feeling great abut your purchases and looking fab at the same time is exactly what you get when you shop at Five Accessories!

The Five Accessories mission is to create income generating programs for individuals in five different countries, donate a large portion of sales to worthy charitable causes and foster the use of sustainable material in fashion. So, in the “spirit of Five,” I’ve chosen my five favorites from the firm.

First is the Wood and Pearl Bracelet from Bali. Oval-shaped wood sections are united with small beads in between and finished with a circular shaped pearl overlay. This bracelet is from the Bali Collection and I love the natural materials and chunky feel. Retail $10.00

Next is the Half Moon Clutch. This clutch has a distinctive shape, cute flower accent, and is constructed out of eco-friendly bamboo and wood. Fully lined, the bag also has an inside pocket, and metal clasp closure. You can even custom order special flowers to match an existing outfit!  Was $45.00 NOW ON SALE! $35.00

Another fave is the naturally beautiful Kuta Wood Necklace. This fair trade bead necklace is handmade near Kuta, Bali of 1/2 inch round wooden balls. I love the simplicity of the design. This necklace would make a nice transition piece as fall approaches! Was $20.00 NOW ON SALE! $15.00

When I saw the Brown Coconut Bag, I knew I’d found something really special. This beautiful coconut shell clutch has a satin lining, pocket and metal clasp. Best yet, $5.00 from each sale goes to support schoolchildren in Bali! The bag is available in three sizes:

Small: 8″ wide by 6″ tall, Was $40.00 NOW ON SALE $35.00
Medium: 10″ wide by 6″ tall, Was $45.00 NOW ON SALE $40.00
Large: 12″ wide by 6″ tall, Was $50.00 NOW ON SALE $45.00

Finally, the Brown Shell Bracelet is one of the newest fair trade pieces from Five Accessories. Crafted of brown and white shell the bracelet is handmade by artisans in Bali following fair trade practices. Was $15.00 NOW ON SALE $10.00

Of course, these are just my favorites. To see more gorgeous pieces — from necklaces to beads, bags to bangles, rings and more — visit Five Accessories.

Feel good? Look great? It’s a WIN-WIN!

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition to Style on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

Photos courtesy of Five Accessories.