Wishful Thinking....

With all this back to school talk and summer lovin' coming to an end, here are 5 Fall Fashion Trends to tide you over until we are back into the double digits here in Phoenix. I hate to use the word trend. (Trendy always brings to mind fast fashion that’s over before you wear the item twice.) You can, however, take a trend and make it yours... Transforming it into something timeless. With that in mind, the following are the big ideas for Fall 2015. Some might not seem new, but are becoming classics and keep hanging around season after season. Try one or two and see if they will become your new wardrobe staples.

1)      The Flare Jean

These are universally flattering. The flare at the bottom lengthens the leg and gives you instant curves. You can pick the rise you like best: Low, Mid, or High. Wear them distressed, with frayed ends, or in dark indigo for a dressier look. You can tailor the length to wear with flats, heels, or platforms. Every woman should own at least 1 pair….if not many!

2)      The Pencil Skirt

I know the images of Mad Men come to mind when you think of the pencil skirt. They aren’t just for the office anymore. Dress them up with heels, dress them down with simple sneakers or flat sandals. The length is up to you. Tees and tanks, silk blouses and sweaters for Fall. Layer a long cardigan over a tank and knit pencil skirt with boots…and a scarf for the finishing touch. Feminine and classic.

3)      The Belt

This accessory is often under utilized. A belt can create an instant waist! It can be worn low, high, doubled, wrapped and tied, or loosely draped. You can take an old jacket and give it new life with a belt. Wide or thin, with gold or silver buckles - update any look with an amazing belt.

4)      The Ankle Boot

The ankle boot has been revamped for Fall 2015. The short block heel is in. Add this boot to the others in your closet for a complete boot wardrobe. The block heel looks amazing with your pencil skirt and flare jeans. Keep it classic in either black, brown, gray, or if you can find it, a perfect navy. 

5)      Gray and Navy

  This pairing is as elegant and classic as you can get. Nothing looks as crisp and clean as gray and navy together. Think dark indigo denim with a lightweight gray cashmere sweater. A gray and navy plaid scarf. A navy velvet blazer with a heather gray tee - gorgeous.

Come see us in August for some of these great Fall trends. We will be happy to help you add these new classics to your wardrobe!

Chambray, A Seasonless Staple

The beach. Long, lazy days. Ice-cold margaritas. White porch. Endless sunshine. All those things remind me of summer. And, what I wear while enjoying all of the above? Chambray. 

Chambray originated from the town Cambria in France in the 16th century. (Leave it to the French to create something so fabulous.) Similar to denim, it has a filler white fiber interwoven into the fabric making it lighter in color and weight. This makes chambray perfect for lightweight summer clothing items. A little utilitarian and a lot stylish. 

The best thing about Chambray?  It goes with everything. Pair a soft chambray shirt with white jeans for a crisp, clean look. Layer that same shirt over a black knit tank dress to give it a polished yet dressed down feel. Top your chambray shorts with any color you like, and it instantly says Summer! Throw a chambray skirt over your swimsuit at the beach or resort for an easy brunch/pool bar outfit. As the weather starts to cool, don’t put away your chambray - especially in Arizona. Chambray is a great transition fabric, easy to layer and wear with darker colors and under sweaters. Come into the Willows and add this invaluable piece to your wardrobe. You’ll use it in summer and all through the year!