WHIMSY

Serendipity is a funny thing. For designer Elizabeth Gillett , it all started with a lost scarf. When Gillett couldn’t find a replacement for a favorite scarf, she simply made her own and within months the same velvet piece was being sold at Barney’s New York!

Today, 18 years later, Gillett’s designs include not only gorgeous scarves, but also luxurious wraps and cover-ups. Updated seasonally, her line includes creations inspired by the diversity of the world around her – from films, to museums, to the unique sights and sounds of New York City. Gillett also incorporates key trend forecasts to keep the collection fresh and may include tribal-printed cottons and silks, wool gauze with sequins and beading, and draped viscose sweater shapes – all in one collection!

One of my favorites for this season is the Lucianna in an ethereal, turquoise blue. The scarf’s chiffon ruffles and frothy lace border are the perfect addition to any spring outfit. This lovely 100% silk confection measures 20” x 93” and in addition to the turquoise pictured, is available in simple black, chic ivory, and a delicious pink. Retail $50

I also adore the glamorous Xinia , shown here in metallic silver. This scarf would be perfect dressed up for a night on the town or as a splash of sass paired with jeans and a tank. The Xinia was just featured in Lucky Magazine this fall and is also available in classic black, and ivory. An added bonus – right now the Xinia is on sale! Retail $42.

Another coveted addition to the spring wardrobe is the Kyra cover up , pictured here in vibrant coral. This is a fabulous piece to wear on a chilly evening dining al fresco, in an over-air conditioned office, or even as weekend wear. The waffle knit is crafted of spun viscose and is offered in three sizes — Small (fits sizes 2-4), Medium (sizes 6-8), and Large (sizes 10-12).The coral is my personal pick, but the Kyra is also available in warm ivory, a yummy chocolaty brown called bark, and a trendy royal blue.

Elizabeth Gillett’s gorgeous designs have received incredible feedback from the industry, and they have been featured in top magazines including Marie Claire, Glamour, In Style, and the hit TV show “Gossip Girl.”

Want the look? Gillett’s scarves, wraps and cover ups can be found at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and at fine boutiques nationwide. The line is also available at ElizabethGillett.com.

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?!

According to our most recent (and somewhat unscientific!) poll, the item most of you can’t live without for fall is…. the perfect cardigan! I can’t say I’m surprised because I am a huge fan of cardigans of all sorts.

The cardigan is such a versatile piece — you can shrug it on when you’re cold at the theatre, tie it around your shoulders if you get warm at a tailgate, dress it up with a silk scarf for work or throw it over a cotton sundress for the weekend. A cardigan is a real investment piece, but finding just the right one can be tricky.

One of my favorites is the “boyfriend cardigan.” Worn in the same spirit as this season’s trendy boyfriend blazer or boyfriend jeans, this cardigan reminds me vividly of 1950’s Varsity letter sweaters, brilliant autumn leaves and college football games. An infinitely more chic variation of this trend is Ralph Lauren’s Leather-Patch Wool Cardigan. This piece is made of lightweight merino wool and has adorable oval leather elbow patches. Luxurious in gray or black, this cardigan will set you back $345.

Another great look to snuggle into is the wrap cardigan. Not a cardigan in the strictest sense of the word (no buttons!), this sweater is still a must-have for fall. Anne Taylor’s version, a heavenly blend of cotton, cashmere and silk would be perfect layered with a sexy, lacy cami. This weekend staple is only $95.

But once the weekend is over, you don’t have to put your cardigans away! Some of this season’s longer sweaters even look right for work and can often replace a jacket. Paired with a neutral toned pencil skirt, pumps, and accessories like a twisted pearl choker, these pieces look fresher and more approachable that a stiff and serious jacket. One of the best and most affordable examples that I’ve found is the Applique Trim Cardigan from Twelve by Twelve at Forever 21. Perfect length, great colors and even a super fun jeweled and feathered embellished brooch (another hot trend). Super affordable (buy several colors!) at only $32.

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, fashion blogger

 and sales manager for the WHIMSY jewelry line. Susan

also writes for http://mcneilldesigns.wordpress.com and

http://successwontwaitinc

I love scarves. Anyone who knows me can attest to the fact that I have amassed quite a collection over the years! They add a splash of color and interest to my wardrobe and often add a dash of whimsy, as well.

And, like any collector, my friends and family continually feed my habit by presenting me with fabulous new additions for every birthday, holiday and anniversary. I recently received a gorgeous silk square based on the artwork of Picasso that my mom found at the Louvre, a vintage nautical-inspired piece complete with depictions of an ocean liner and turn-of-the-century wooden deck chairs in lovely, muted colors, and my new favorite — an animal print Valentino from my friend Vincenza’s vacation trip to Italy.

So I was thrilled to learn about a new scarf/wrap/sarong called a Chilly Jilly. Not only are Chilly Jillys beautiful, they are so useful. They are lightweight and are so small that they can be kept right in your purse in their own little bag. But the best part is that they do not wrinkle.  I actually have to say that again – they do not wrinkle. Hooray!

I was fortunate enough to speak with the designer responsible for this minor miracle, Jill Boehler. The following is an excerpt of that conversation. Enjoy! 

What was your inspiration to create the Chilly Jilly?  
In the summer of 2007, my husband and I had just enjoyed a beautiful summer day in Massachusetts with friends.  We were prepared to end the day with wonderful food and conversation at a local restaurant.  As we entered the restaurant we were overcome with a blast of cold air that continued throughout the meal.  My friends and I found ourselves taking turns leaving the restaurant and stepping outside just to warm up.  As I looked around the room, I noticed several women covering themselves with napkins because of the air conditioning.  Most were in short sleeves because it was a warm summer day.  As my husband took his reading glasses out of his pocket to read the menu I remember thinking, “wouldn’t it be nice if there was a wrap small enough to put in your pocket for times like these.” That was my inspirational moment!

What is your design background?

We came across the brooches at a trade show. One of our rep groups was showing a Chilly Jilly with the brooch and we thought it looked great as an added accessory with bling.  They are magnetically fastened.  Great on the Chilly Jilly or anywhere else.