We're Moving!

 It's been in the works for a few months now, and its finally time to unveil what I've been up to behind the scenes here at The Style Umbrella. With the help of the super talented graphic designer, Travis Andersen of Mindbogl Designs, I've created a new look for the blog and moved to my very own website.

So, update your bookmarks and take note, you can now find The Style Umbrella here - same stylish blog, just new and improved. See you over there!

Well Said: Robert Holden

Just one.

Fashion Inspiration: Hunter Boots

Image via Elements of Style

I got my first pair of Hunter boots  a few years ago - classic tall shiny black ones, and ever since that day, I've only wanted to add more colors to my collection. Now that its fall, and the rainiest of seasons here in Seattle, my Hunter boots are going to be back in heavy rotation. Usually, I just wear them with leggings or skinny jeans, and maybe a pair of thick, tall socks, but I've been feeling inspired to wear them in new fun ways this fall - maybe with a dress or skirt and tights.

What I Wore, Cupcakes and Cashmere, Weekend Attire, Atlantic Pacific, Source Unknown   

There are so many gorgeous candy colored options - I think I need to add a few more to my closet - purple and pink for sure, maybe Tiffany blue and silver as well.

Hunter Boots

Which color is your favorite?

Designer Spotlight: Atelier Versace Fall 2011

I recently came across the look book for Atelier Versace's fall collection and I am entirely smitten with it. Its like wearable art. The collection has a little bit of everything - leather, satin, sequins, crystals, bright colors, nudes, eastern and Asian influences and avant garde cuts and shapes. Its high fashion couture, lavish and over the top, but strikingly gorgeous at the same time.

I love the combination of purple and green in the first gown and the sculptural details of the last three.

How beautiful is this skirt - I adore the way it falls wraps and is such an intricate pattern and design without being too overpowering.

The feathery leaf details on this first dress are incredible. I could see any one of these gowns on a starlet on the red carpet - the sleek black one or the glowing rose gold sequin one, especially. And the bright pink ballerina inspired dress? My favorite. Naturally.

Which dress is your favorite?

Well Said: Steve Jobs

Via The Red Thread

Style Icon: Dallas Shaw

I can't remember quite when I fell in love with Dallas Shaw and her whimsical fashion drawings, but it's been awhile now. Dallas Shaw is a fashionista in her own right, with her own amazing sense of style that she infuses into her artwork.

She works in several different mediums, but my favorites are her fashion illustrations. She's even collaborated with the likes of DKNY, Kate Spade, ShopBop and more - doing fashion sketches, custom designs and even helping develop products.

Personally, I would like to hang her sketches in my very own walk-in closet and dressing room someday. Wouldn't that be the perfect place to display her chic sketches?

Sketches by Dallas Shaw

I especially love this series of sketches she did for some of the major fashion and style bloggers out there in the blogosphere during the holidays a few seasons ago. It would be a dream come true to have her sketch me in one of these collections someday!

Do you have any favorite fashion illustrators I should know about?

xoxo

Pretty in Pink: Shop to Help Support Breast Cancer Awareness in October

Source: The Beauty Department

October doesn't only mean the arrival of fall, carving pumpkins, apple cider and Halloween - its also Breast Cancer Awareness month. A wonderful inspiring cause to get out there and embrace. Dozens and dozens of businesses and designers have released limited edition products this month that when purchased, will go towards benefiting Breast Cancer Awareness and organizations helping in the fight against the disease.

This is a double bonus for me since I adore the color pink - but even if you don't, there are plenty of great options out there that support the cause. Really, all you have to do is go shopping and you're doing some good for the world and those fighting against this disease.

Just check out some of the amazing products below and keep in mind that your favorite designer probably has something available too, so check out their websites - I've seen stuff from everyone from Betsey Johnson and Ralph Lauren to Marc Jacobs and Tory Burch. Get on it, people!

Tshirt: New Balance, Lip Gloss and Lipstick: Bobbi Brown, Bracelets: Shashi, Watch: Movado, Journal: Smythson, Boots: Hunter, Nail Polish: Essie, Lip Balm: Eos, Candle: Diptyque, Flats: Tory Burch

Fashion Inspiration: The Color of Camel

Merle Bergers photographed by Leo Krumbacher for Grazia Germany

I have always loved the color camel - especially for fall. Something about it just seems to scream pumpkin picking, corn mazes, apple cider, hay rides and kicking through crinkly piles of leaves. Plus, no matter what it is, when its done in the color camel, it seems to be effortlessly chic and classy. Lucky for me, its one of this fall's top trends, so I have plenty of camel colored options to choose from.

One of my favorite ways to wear camel is as a wool coat - it pulls an outfit together so seamlessly and takes it from something ordinary, to something so simply stylish in no time at all. Another great option is a plain wool crew-neck sweater or turtleneck - pair it with a rich deep teal or bright purple scarf or pants for a trendy look, or with skinny black pants or a pencil skirt for a timeless, elegant look.

First three images via Stockholm Street Style, last image via Vanessa Jackman

Check out some of my favorite pieces of the season in camel - the silk blouse from MIH Jeans is my number one pick by far. With dark skinny jeans and lots of gold jewelry - maybe even a leopard print clutch - it would be, as Rachel Zoe says, MAJOR.

Jacket - 3.1 Phillip Lim, Bootie - Christian Louboutin, Blouse - MIH Jeans, Clutch - Miu Miu, Boots - Belle Sigerson Morrison, Heels - Tory Burch, Watch - Michael Kors 

Which one is your favorite? Are you as crazy for camel as I am?

xoxo

Fashion Inspiration: Fur Vests

Source Unknown

Okay, so there are a lot of things on my wish list for fall - from boots and coats to dresses and jeans. But right at the top of that list is a fur vest. A few weeks ago at Fashion's Night Out, I saw them in nearly every store I went in and even though I've always thought fur (or faux fur) wasn't "my style", once I put one on just for fun, I realized I had been operating under the totally wrong assumption. It was fun, glamorous and edgy and clearly, I need to get one right away.

Now, I just need to decide if I want a black one - or a tan one...or both. Black is a great way to dress up an outfit in lieu of a coat, and a tan one would be the perfect accessory for a casual day outfit. I think that means I need one of each.

Vince, BB Dakota, BB Dakota, all images via ShopBop

Check out these style mavens below - they make the fur vest work with a whole host of different looks. With a skirt for ladylike chic, in all black for a glamorous uptown vibe, or with skinny jeans for a little bit of a rocker feel. I have to say, before this season, I didn't realize how versatile a fur vest could be!

The Simply Luxurious Life, Olivia Palermo via Marcus Design Inc, Rachel Zoe via Vmac and Cheese, Rebel Attitudes, Source Unknown

So, I have yet to find my perfect black faux fur vest, but I think these two below are my favorites I have seen so far. One short and cropped, one fluffy, luxe and cozy.

Michael by Michael Kors and Alice by Temperley, via Net-a-Porter

Are you sold on this trend for fall?

xoxo

Quote of the Day

Via Design Crush

Traveling in Style: Hotel Missoni, Kuwait

I got bit hard by the travel bug recently. Well, actually, scratch that. I got bit a while ago - its just been kicked into high gear recently. Maybe its my reluctance to give up the carefree feeling of summer and avoid the coming winter doldrums here in Seattle, but I'm more than ready to jet off to some far away locale.

It doesn't help that I happen to be addicted to the weekly updates from Tablet - home to a collection featuring some of the most gorgeous boutique hotels in the world. Last week, they featured the new Hotel Missoni in Kuwait City, Kuwait. And I died. So. Amazing.

Images courtesy of Hotel Missoni

The iconic Italian fashion house has put together a hotel that is insanely bright, glossy, and luxurious. In true Missoni style, there are plenty of crazy prints and patterns, and vibrant color schemes in every room -  not to mention fabulous modern chic furniture and fixtures.

Check out the bathroom style - even the complimentary products are fashionable and colorful. It looks like absolutely everything was carefully designed down to the last detail.

Have you ever seen a hotel with the much color and personality? Loving the crazy colored stripes especially!

And then there's my favorite room - the suites look beyond incredible. I am always wowed by how Missoni manages to put so many colors and prints together into their designs and not have it look like a messy, clashing jumble.

Now, who's coming with me?

xoxo

Stylish Living: A Beautiful Bar Cart

Via the Glitter Guide

I have been wanting to redecorate my place for a while now. Unfortunately, all the money seems to find its way into my closet instead of into home decor. However, someday soon I plan on having an incredibly stylish bar cart that will help me in becoming the perfect party hostess.

First, to pick to the bar cart - something elegant, a little girly and antique looking. My favorites are these gilded ones with two shelves that look totally dainty and refined.

Home Decorators and Houzz

Next, a little inspiration to get the creative juices flowing - flowers, pops of color, vases, these bar carts and set ups are gorgeous.

That Kind of Woman, Shop Society Social, Name Five Things, Shop Society Social

And finally, you can't forget to stock the bar with the essentials. Not to mention pretty glasses, napkins, straws, decanters and more.

Utensils, Whisky Cubes, Champagne Glasses, Tray, Shaker, Decanter, Glasses

Let the redecorating begin!

Style Icon: Bianca Brandolini

Image courtesy of Vogue

Any girl that can wear a full length, long sleeve leopard print gown - with feathers, no less - and still look classy, is automatically going to become one of my style icons. It takes some serious daring and fashion chops to pull off a dress like this one from Giambattista Valli. Lovelies, meet Bianca Brandolini - my latest style icon.

Bianca Brandolini is the portrait of European nobility and high society with lineage from a few noble Italian families and even a French prince. Her style, however, isn't usually what one would expect to see on a sophisticated young lady of high society - and that's precisely why I like it. Don't get me wrong - I adore the ladylike look of ladies like the new Duchess of Cambridge, but its also refreshing to see Bianca's rocker-chic edgy style in a world usually so dominated by conservative, ladylike outfits. Her outfits almost always tow the line between bohemian and edgy rocker chic and I love that she can often be spotted in flats and gladiator-style sandals.

The Fashion Spot, Elements of Style, Fashion Drip, Source Unknown, Source Unknown

First, we have to talk about her always perfectly tousled beachy bohemian waves - how she manages to make that hairstyle look right with almost any outfit, is a wonder to me. I adore the sparkly short and suit combo she is rocking on the red carpet, above - even the shoes - and normally, I am not a fan of brogues on women. The fur vests are pretty amazing as well - I saw a ton of them at Fashion's Night Out last week, and between Bianca and the new fall lines, I am pretty sure I need to work one into my own wardrobe.

Caroline's Mode, Coco Kelley, Source Unknown, Elements of Style, Elements of Style  

There is the leopard print making an appearance again - although in this case, I am super impressed at the combination of the two prints she matched together. Somehow, it just seems to work! There's a lot of black and white in her wardrobe, but the way she wears it - as a sheer lace maxi or a white blouse open over a black bra, its always the right amount of daring.

My goal for fall - to add a little of Bianca's wild-child style into my closet.

Quote of the Day

Kathryn Elyse Rodgers via Paper Fashion

I'm about ready for my next adventure, please.

Fall Trend: A Little Love for Leopard

Via Carl Kleiner

I love seeing the new trends that come with each new season in the fashion industry. Beyond the jewel tones I featured earlier this week, one of the other trends I adore for fall is leopard print. Leopard has been around for ages, clearly, but its absolutely huge right now, and I am ready to add a touch or two to my own closet. I am thinking along the lines of a pair of amazing heels or a scarf.

There are so many ways to wear animal prints - it all depends on whether you want to go big, or keep things simple with just a hint of the wild. A skirt or sweater is a great option for something in the middle, if a shoe is too little or a maxi dress is too much.

Top to Bottom, Left to Right: Karla's Closet, The Glitter Guide, Caroline's Mode, Vanessa Jackman, The Sartorialist   

Again, maxi dresses are in for fall, so if you are feeling like a wild woman, go all out with a leopard print one. I don't know if a leopard print maxi is up my alley, but I do love the idea of an animal or leopard print coat - so fun!

The Red See, Source Unknown, The Simply Luxurious Life

I have to admit, I am kind of all about these leopard print tights - where have they been all my life?

Tights - ModCloth, Coat - TopShop, Pink Sweater - Crumpet, Gray Sweater - Rebecca Taylor, Dress - Dolce and Gabbana

Now, let's talk bags. I think a big, over-sized bag in leopard print can be a little hard to pull off, but a clutch is just the right amount of animal print for most outfits.

Like, Whatever, Source Unknown, Hook the Look

My personal favorite would be the little round Meli-Melo cross-body bag - perfect for a night out on the town!

Miu Miu, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Meli Melo

Finally, my personal favorite way to wear leopard print - shoes, shoes and more shoes! Give it to me in flats or heels - but, animal print on a pair of heels is undeniably sexy and bold, and I am all about it.

Privileged Bitch, The Simply Luxurious Life, Sterling Style

You know leopard print is truly "in" when you can see it on shoes from flats and heels to Tom's and rain boots. Can't avoid it this season!

Brian Atwood, Tory Burch, Dolce and Gabbana, Ivanka Trump, Toms

How are you going to wear the leopard print trend this fall?

Fall Color Trends - Jewel Tones

Image via National Geographic

Summer is drawing to a close, and fall clothing is starting to fill up the stores and magazines, and I've noticed that the rich, jewel tones are definitely in this season. In fact, the colors on the fall runways seem to mirror the colors of nature and autumn leaves themselves. From deep emerald and jade greens to mustard yellows and ruby reds - and everything in between. Jewel tones in general are big this season, but marigold, emerald and ruby red are definitely the number one picks.

Marigold

Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Banana Republic, Roland Mouret, Lanvin and Fendi

I have to say, one of my favorite ways I've seen this color worn is as a warm wool coat - like Taylor Swift's, below. It's just such a bright and bold color for a season that can be so gray and dark - especially here in Seattle.

Beyond Beauty Basics and Fashion Copius

Frankly, I am a little intimidated by wearing such a bold yellow color like marigold or mustard, but done the right way, anyone can pull this color off. If its not the best shade on you, avoid sweaters and tops that are near your face and try a cute skirt or pair of earrings. It's also a great when matched with gray - a very chic and modern combination.

Cardigan - Splendid, Corduroys - Current Elliott, Earrings - Erikson Beamon, Skirt - Sonia by Sonia Rykiel, Dress - Victoria Beckham, Skirt - Sonia by Sonia Rykiel, all images via Net-a-Porter

Emerald

Milly, Ralph Lauren,Valentino, Zac Posen, all images via Style.com

 The emerald trend first started popping up a few months ago on starlets on the red carpet at the Golden Globes, and its still going strong. It's a great color for a top or dress for an evening out this fall.

Stockholm Street Style, Source Unknown, Wit and Delight

Maxi skirts are still in for fall, so think about getting one in this rich color - it will definitely liven up your wardrobe. If you are feeling particularly gutsy and fashion forward this fall, think about doing fur in this color - fur is another huge trend for the upcoming season!

As for me, I want to wear these Oscar de la Renta earrings - I can't take my eyes off of them. I am also thinking about trying out the green Essie nail polish in "Going Incognito".

Earrings - Oscar de la Renta, Bag - Fendi, Nail Polish - Essie, Long Dress - Gucci, Short Dress - Roberto Cavalli

Ruby Red

Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana, Monique Lhullier and Prabal Gurung

Red has always been a popular color for fall and winter seasons, but I've seen more of it on the fall runways this year than ever before. If I had to pick one major color for the season, this would be it!

Victoria Rice and Mode Pass

Is there any combination more chic and ladylike than red and black? A red coat is a fall and winter wardrobe staple that I have got to get my hands on this year.

Another piece I'd love to get my hands on? This glittery red pouch from Marni - j'adore!

Red Glitter Pouch - Marni, Dress - Giulietta, Purse - Jason Wu, Sweater - Moschino Cheap and Chic, Dress - Theory

Which color is your favorite? Will you wear all of them this fall?

xoxo