What to Wear/From Work to Play

It's the soiree season! So you need something to carry you from the office to the fun without too much of a fuss. Enter the sheath -- a understated dress that is truly versatile.

If You're Leaving Work to Play:

A sheath dress has a sculpted silhouette for lean lines and shape.

• Make sure the length is appropriate for the office.
• Depending on your height, mid-calf or the to the knee lengths are flattering.
• Choose from a V-neck, scoop or sweetheart neckline. Avoid anything too revealing or low cut.
• Play it professional at the office with cardigan and flats
• Keep it fresh with a fitted jacket and sexy booties for after work drinks. ROCK & REPUBLIC Booties/$584 at rockandrepublic.com.
• Wear it with a wrap and sexy pumps to an extra special event.
• Keep your everyday purse locked up in the drawer -- grab an oversized clutch, big bold jewelry and a warm overcoat to complete the look.

The price range goes from affordable to luxe depending on the designer. Looks great on petite and curvy girls alike.

(Pix 1/far left: Diane by RALPH LAUREN/$98. Pix2/far right: ADRIENNE VITTADINI Zebra Sheath Dress/$210.

Let the Rain Come Down

The Empire State forecast includes lots of rain this week. Make a splash in stylish rain boots that stamp your style.

The WELLINGTON Original Tall Woman Collection is a standard for rain boots/$125. Able to accessorize with the Welly Sock -- a fold over micro-fleece insert that keeps your feet warm and the boot fitted for comfort. Personalize and update your Wellies every season! Check out the Huntress boot for a wide calve version of the classic and also selections for men. Avail at www.usa.hunter-boot.com.

FESSURA Rain Boots are likened to a work of art -- they're clear! This lightweight boot comes with a pair of striped stockings AND a matching tote . Roomy enough to store the boots and a small umbrella/$114.90. Avail here.

Other designers to consider include KAMIK lined with breathable fleece for added warmth; COLE HAAN with Nike Air Technology, and the always iconic BURBERRY & VALENTINO selections. Prices range from $80 to 295.

(Pictures courtesy of Glamour, Nordstrom and Valentino sites.)

Fall Forecast -- Part Deux

ALTERNATIVES TO BASIC BLACK

A fresh update to black is: BLUE. This season, fashionable shades range from a vibrant blue to a rich navy. Play up the color in shiny patent leather, ultra smooth suede or warm wool.

COBALT: Stash the classic black pumps in the closet for a while. Colin Stuart for Victoria Secret's Catalogue/$49 @ victoriassecret.com.

MIDNIGHT: Convertible drawstring hobo bag in blue suede. Zippered top with interior, wall and cell phone pockets. Sorial "Tanya" Suede Drawstring Hobo/$188 @ nordstrom.com.

INDIGO: Military inspired navy button-up coat is an easy-to-wear fall cover up. See By Chloe Wool Blend Coat/$995 @ net-a-porter.com. Whether you wrap it up or belt it out, you should try this "cool" color.

The Style Checklist

Fashion authority, LLOYD BOSTON, hosts Closet Cases, writes for ESSENCE Magazine What To Wear Now and contributes to PEOPLE Style Watch Magazine. This month, the style guru released a guide that we can live by -- The Style Checklist: The Ultimate Wardrobe Essentials for You.

Page after page, he encourages women to invest in items that are truly timeless for style that is individual and iconic. According to LLOYD, every women should:

• have a polished wallet...it's the mark of a women who means business.
• own a ladylike evening coat...wearing your daytime coat over a cocktail dress is a "DON'T."
• invest in a crisp white shirt...accents just about anything.
• add knee boots to wardrobe...they're a key statement piece (and are trending right now so enough said!)

"Building a closet with staying power" is easier than you think. Avail at Barnes & Noble/$22.99 or on their site for $16.55.
(partial credits Uptown Magazine)

Rock Red Right!

Red is love. Passion. Heat. Fire. And it's the hot color on radar for fall style guides this season.


MICHAEL KORS showcases a vibrant red patent leather python Oversized ID Chain Shoulder Bag for $398 at http://www.nordstrom.com/. The slouchy carryall holds just about everything with interior zip, cell phone pockets and gold/brassy hardware...a must have.

You may flip for the JOAN & DAVID Flipp pump in Red Techno ...a classic revamped in patent leather with a rounded toe and platform. At Bloomingdales online for $200.

Shades of red are aplenty in beauty too. Port, crimson, berry, burgundy...we could go on and on. I've grown to love full rich color just as much as I adore a nude lip. BSBB reader Jonelle J. had another great recommendation -- KAT VON D created Painted Love Lipsticks -- reds to try include Hellbent (a blood red) and Adora (shimmery candy apple red) for $18 at Sephora. Also look into MAYBELLINE ColorSensational Lipcolor. The brand has the #1 red in America -- Red Revival # 645 along with 8 others (find your perfect shade here). Approx $8 at drugstores everywhere.

Let's go ladies...if you're rocking your red, share a picture with us. Send it to me at blackswan226@gmail.com for posting!

The La Mer Collections

This is not about the luxury skin care line. This collection is about keeping time. Watches are an essential part of our wardrobes. The multi-functional accessory compliments any outfit and helps us stay on schedule.

Wrap your wrists with a chic (hand-made) leather bracelet from the LA MER COLLECTION or customize your own. The options seem endless..reptile print or studded bands, round or square faces, chains, charms, and even black diamonds. Featured in Essence and Instyle, it's the classic wardrobe staple. Beyond Beauty was introduced to these timepieces by BSBB reader Jonelle J. long before they became popular with the press. How they've grown in popularity!

For your own" private piece of art," click here for stores and online retailers. For a sneak peak at the Fall 2010 collection, click here. Prices start at approx $80.