BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY BLOG

BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY BLOG

Transition with ease this fall in a lightweight patterned peasant blouse.

One of the most physically and mentally challenging fashion emergencies I face every season is transition.  Finding the proper ensemble that is fashionably trending now, paired with the actual temperature, is always an issue.  When it's 90 degrees the last few days of summer and the first several weeks of fall is really confusing, and typically I end up sweating to death putting fashion first.  I guess one of my old favorite adages, "beauty is pain" has been around a long time for a reason.  Take the Emmy's in LA just days ago for example.  Women and men alike were sporting fall fashions while "cooking" in over 100 degree temps.  I guess that is the difference between someone who is not concerned about always putting their best foot forward (no matter what the price) and a true glaminista.  This season though I was determined to find a happy medium.

                                                    "Glam it up" by adding a little bling. Bracelets by Lucky Brand Jeans

  I shopped early for floaty or traditional blouses with a touch of flair that I could pair with sandals and jeans.  I swore that this season and seasons going forward that I would curb my wardrobe.  I decided to turn back to the classics and I did.

Add a classic wardrobe staple to your fall collection its crisp, timeless, and effortless. Pair this with stone washed jeans and don't forget the trend of the moment and cuff them up. Blouse by Old Navy

  I just couldn't resist the strong desire to mix, match and accessorize, but I am attempting to do it more subtly than ever. 

Denim pumps by Nanolo Blahnik, Trousers by Ann Taylor Loft, and cathair and goat skin handbag by DKNY

Don't throw out that denim blouse just yet, it makes the perfect fall filler as part of  your ensemble. On a crisp day layers are not only warm, but are chic. Embellish with layered beaded necklesses and don't forget to go shopping for some fancy brooches. Brooches are the hottest thing since sliced bread. Balance and tie you look together with complementary accessories that drop from your textiles. For a final confidence booster raise your collar and break out the burgundy lipstick and nails.


Why?  Classics never fail.  You can never look at a photo and say, "why did I wear that?" And secondly, if you work with classic pieces, they are less noticeable if you "switch it up a bit," not to mention a much less crammed closet, where I can actually see what I own without feeling overwhelmed.  The best part of it all, affordability.

Classics never go out of style and there is nothing more comforting than a high quality blazer that is tapered for your body. blazer by Ralph Lauren. Brazilian equestrian boots by Matisse, army green blouse by Old Navy, suede laced up Denim Jeans by Mudd and African spring bok fur bag by Diane Gail (a staple in my wardrobe for years)


Classics don't necessarily mean spending less on pieces, but you will likely need much less to achieve stylish looks.  How?  By rotating jewelry, switching blouses under sweaters and classic jeans or trousers are timeless. 

Unconventional style is not a new style but the oldest of styles. The most fashion forward icons of the past had an artistic vision for what they wore. Above you'll find unconventional style that still has a classic feel that gives this ensemble its edgy look. Here I mixed prints from cheetah to two different plaid patterns and once again layered my look with a denim blouse and a gold beaded neckless. Yet unconventional once again, leave your shirt tails hanging out of your blouse. Shoes from DSW, vintage bag, large denim boy's blouse by Chats, jeans by

Koral, royal blue stone rings by Old Navy.

 You need less shoes too (said no woman ever!) lol.  When did I have this epiphany?  When we put our home on the market and I was told I needed to purge my closets.  My realtor said my hangers should be at least an inch apart!  I nearly fell over.  Once I accepted what I needed to do, I was like a whirlwind and there was no turning back.  I embarrassingly bagged about 30 bags of clothes and accessories.  Truthfully, I have never felt more free.  To walk in my closet and actually see each item is a huge weight lifted off my shoulders.  In fact, I did this with my entire house.  As beautiful as it "was," I am at peace with all of it.  Nevertheless, this is about fashion, so let's stick to it!  This fall, my wardrobe consists of several navy blue sweaters, classic blouses such as white, pinstripes, and dark gingham.  I also purchased several black items, dug up two pairs of classic jeans in my collection and tossed all of my trendy pieces including; shoes, hats, fun jewelry, varieties of scarves (from silk to wool) and purses.  I must have parted with at least 7 pairs of sneakers.  My absolute favorites in each category were kept and like I said, I feel so incredibly free.  I did pick up some patterned pieces though shopping for my reinvented self, but kept them classic like I said.  What am I getting at here?  Classic meets elegant trendy touches makes for the perfect ensemble, season after season and time after time. 

Turn a classic preppy t-shirt into the look of the moment. Take this simple Merona boating shirt and give it some stem by placing it on top of a denim chambray blouse. in order to transform simple into chic roll your denim top over the striped shirt and add a coordinating brooch. Expect the unexpected when you throw in a pair of denim jeans with leopard valet flats and a plaid clutch. choose chandelier earrings OR an arm full of gold bracelets. When it comes to Jewelry, less is always more. Boy's denim blouse by Chaps, pegged leg jeans by Koral, shoes by name unknown but any leopard shoe will do.


 Between seasons, keep your wardrobe purged and full of staple pieces.  As for the temperature trivia, don't rush the season.  Plan your ensemble accordingly, as I did this season.

Jamie Gottschall

IndomitableStyle