The official dress-up day of the year is right around the corner, and I hope to get your party started if you haven’t already begun the hunt for rad October. You can imagine how much I value Halloween, as it’s a holiday devoted to fashion fun. Even when I have trouble brewing costume ideas, my dear friend Mrs. J acts as the Halloween Whisperer. She calls out clever characters for me, and in true Style Trial fashion, she opts for costumes which play to my strengths. In this case it’s typically my “gams” that garner attention, hence the Risky Business pants-less stunner back in ’08. This year she immediately had me at “Kim Kardashian!” and the rest is asymmetrical LBD + smoky eyes + hairspray history. In case you have yet to get your costume on, here’s a couple style icons for inspiration. I kept the cost at a minimum and some add-ons you may already own. Halloween should not break the bank, but it should be the most Style-ized day of the year, no trials neccesary.

1. Forever 21 Stripe Round Sunglasses, $6

2. Designer Skin Gorgeous Gams Bronzing Tanner, $24

3. Modcloth Chic Challenge Dress, $105

4. NY & Co. Faux Croc Tote, $40

5. Jessica Simpson ‘Wallin’ Pumps, $75

1. LC Lauren Conrad Round Bow Sunglasses, $30

2. Arden B. Belted Faux Fur Vest, $69

3. Arden B. Hacci Drop Waist Dress $49

4. Spanx Tight-End Leggings, $32

5. Restricted Siren Suede Over the Knee Boots, $70

6. Starbucks Coffee, $3

1. Forever 21 Rhinestone Chandelier Earrings, $8

2. Capezio Leotard, $18

3. Forever 21 Extravagant Ring, $6

4. Forum Novelties Biker Glove, $6

5. Windsor Rhinestone Cuff, $13

6. Sephora Glitter Eyes Palette, $36

7. Type Z Monisa, $90

8. Hanes Silk Reflections Hosiery, $8

This month my style spirituality is very Nirvana. I am “easily amused” by the idea of watching Reality Bites and Singles or hitting the 1990’s streets of Seattle with E.D. while serenading her with my best Vedder impersonation (personal fave: Hunger Strike).

} On the short end of things, I’ve taken a liking to showing off my gams thanks to opaque tights.  With an undeniably broad selection of hip hosiery on the market, I hereby declare a ban on nude legs for many months to come.

} Get ahead this month by adding a touch of unexpected glam to your daytime look thanks to a sparkly tank! At the very least you’ll be appropriately dressed to meet the gals for happy hour without having to run home and change clothes first (oh how I dread those “quick change” moments). Note: no jewelry allowed when your bodice is already bedazzled!

} Layer with a long, tailored coat to keep those sassy stems covered when that October chill sneaks up on you. Don’t break the bank here: these can be found everywhere from Old Navy to Goodwill. It may be wiser to invest in some alterations to show off your shape instead.

} To top off the glam grunge ensemble throw on a wide-brimmed hat which will add intrigue while warding off the wind. Hat head is better than a rat’s nest any day.

} Though my new look may not be what you’re crushing on this fall, my challenge to you would be to take a fashion risk this month. Feel free of judgment from others and don’t be afraid to clash! If you’re genuinely in love with each piece you put on then you’ll naturally own your layered look the moment you step out into the bitter breeze. And hey if you’re not into it, well than Nevermind all that.

1. Forever 21 Wool Floppy Hat

2. Old Navy Wool-Blend Trench

3.  BCBG Tab Pleat Short

4. Gap Black Solid Tights

5. Dr. Martens 1460 Black Nappa Boot

6. DKNY Jeans Sequin Tank

7. Miss Me Plaid Tunic Shirt

Lately I’m loving a look worthy of The Great Outdoors. I can’t tell you the first thing about camping, chopping wood or hiking because I’m the world’s most indoorsy person. However, I don’t need to freeze my arse off or jump off a cliff to get in touch with inner Paula Bunyan. Knowing that bitter cold weather is on its way has me embracing flannel, feather down and fur like it’s my shield from the impending storm. I had to restrain myself from buying out Target last week after spotting plaid tops, Nordic print hats, duck boots, suede slippers and cozy socks galore! Oh and don’t even get me started on the selection of adorable outerwear and cute cords at Old Navy right now. If retail therapy is a positive way of dealing with the harsh elements and seasonal depression, than people I have found The Secret! Otherwise, I should really be heading towards the cabin to curl up with a good book while stylishly sipping on a hot toddy! No pitching tents necessary.

1. Boden Fair Isle Trapper Hat

2. Eddie Bauer Crystal Ridge Down Vest

3. Ecko Hatchet Men’s Flannel Shirt

4. Melissa Blank The Girls’ Guide to Hunting and Fishing

5. Zealand Ultrasuede Sherpa Tote

6. Gap Argyle Socks

7. Sperry Topsider Ladyfish Fold-Over Boot

8. Free People Twill Cargo Pant

 

 

I just can’t get over my newfound crush on shorts + tights + boots as this season’s cutest combo, and it’s definitely a look worth adopting this fall. Tweed shorts seemed like the perfect start for a series of DIY projects that I’m hoping will save everyone  some cash (and use up a little creative energy). My apparel design degree has resulted in some seriously mediocre sewing skills, but if you’re a beginner I would encourage a basic sewing skills course before tackling patterns, zippers and waistbands, etc. The best place to start your sewing party is at a discount fabric mega-store, but be sure to budget your time and money wisely. For this project I spent 30 minutes picking out a pattern and another 30 selecting my fabric and notions. Though my intended budget was $20 the total ended up at $32. Oops. To simplify the sewing process I opted for a side zipper and ditched the belt loops… oh and when I was really running on empty the cuffs didn’t make the cut either. I guess I forgot how much patience it takes to make a quality, tailored garment. After several very long hours the shorts were ready for their debut at no better place than Portland Fashion Week. Perhaps next year I’ll take on New York, Paris or Milan, but this year my hometown will have to suffice.

 

 

Check out my Portland Fashion Week recap on The Neat Sheet.

After sprinting through fall fashion recaps galore, I’ve been happy to indulge in the spring 2011 runway coverage. Amongst the fashion show chaos there is always an array of beautiful, stylish and talented industry types making waves behind the scenes. In hopes of sneaking a peak at what the It Girls are wearing right now, I skip the whole college sports thing in favor of people watching the fashion elite online. No one is better at this sport than The Sartorialist’s Scott Schuman. He spotted this young lady in NYC back in September, but she just now caught my eye. Though I haven’t a clue whom she may be, I applaud her minimalist choices and unique nod to classic 70’s style. We all long to be like her in some way: intriguing, comfortable, eclectic, effortless, chic and so on. If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery than hopefully she wouldn’t mind if we did a double take.

1. Topshop Mesh Floral Neck Blouse

2. Scala Pronto Felt Floppy Hat

3. Forever 21 Square Sunglasses

4. Hot Tools 2″ Curling Iron

5. Smith’s Rosebud Salve

6. Twenty8twelve Jack Flared Jeans

7. Pura Lopez Moccasins With Heel

8. Marc Jacobs Magazine Clutch