Stylist Strategies To Beat the Challenge of Transition

Finding ways to transition into fall can in our area can be an exercise in patience. With temperatures reaching an all-time high, getting excited about fall clothing can be, well, a struggle to say the least. Fluctuating weather patterns only add to the challenges of creating a sensible yet dynamic wardrobe. Meanwhile, new arrivals are entering your favorite boutiques on a daily basis in volume. The best of the best is prime for your shopping pleasure throughout the next six to eight weeks.Since part of my job is shopping for clients, I have already jumped into the deep end of the heated pool. In fact, for the past two weeks, I’ve been modeling sweaters and layered fall items outside in 90+ degree heat. Having been through incredibly hot fall scenarios as a store manager, I remember cranking up the air conditioning in order to convince clients to try on the enticing fall fashions. So bear with me as I give you three looks that you will want to wear soon and then how to wear these pieces come cold weather.The Apiece Apart Marijin Button Up Blouse ($368) is a nice, lightweight silk in a multi floral print. A blouse like this would suit many occasions in your wardrobe. When worn with a sleek navy trouser and left untucked, it will go to a casual work environment. Wear it on the weekends with light colored denim now or later with dark denim.As the weather gets cooler, pair it under cropped sweaters letting the hem drop low, or tuck it into high-waisted pants and keep it classic. The high-neck collar offers you more of a scarf effect than the traditional collar, making it a fresh alternative from the classic blouse under sweater pairing. Victorian details have been seen across many of the fall collections. This would be a great opportunity to introduce the trend in a print that will keep it looking too reminiscent of the traditional ivory or white Victorian blouse.This is a personal favorite of mine. First, the Bazaar Dress from Banjanan ($338) is 100 percent cotton voile, a semi-sheer lightweight fabric that has wonderful drape. Because it is so lightweight, cotton voile is perfect for creating the flowing dresses, blouses, tunics, and skirts that are ideal for warm weather. I would wear this dress now, even in the heat, with the sleeves rolled up and a pair of sandals. Then, as the weather starts to cool down, I would introduce a duster-style cardigan without buttons and either leave it open or add a statement belt.Figure has a fantastic print that TSALT represents in two styles, the Emma Dress (left, $528) and the Nova Dress (right, $658). Both dresses could work for transition; the question is what length and style best suits your shape and comfort level. The Nova Dress is flattering with a fitted waist and high-low hemline. The full, loose sleeve offers arm coverage for a warmth and will also allow for a rolled cuff when layered with a sweater. The Emma Dress above is a great solution for petite women or those of you who have amazing legs.In the fall and winter, I would pair the Emma with black tights and a chunky style short boot. I happen to love the short style cowboy boot they have paired with the dress on the left. It’s not hard to imagine Sienna Miller (who has very enviable style, btw) captured wearing the combination on the right. We often describe looks as “effortless.” In my realm of being a stylist, effortless is most definitely purposeful! These pieces have a strong inclination to be worn together. The sweater can then migrate to your denim wardrobe and should be considered outerwear since the Alpaca will keep you warm in a variety of weather fluctuations throughout fall and winter.The Paloma Sweater ($598), as described by Figue’s creator, Stephanie von Watzdorf:

"This sweater features exquisite details by talented artisans in Peru. Intricate embroidery and geometric patterns keep the summer vibes going long into fall, making it the perfect addition to wear over dresses, outerwear, and t-shirts alike. Drawing inspiration from the Formentera beach scene in the 70s, the two front pockets are great for holding treasures (or seashells) while you travel."

For the worldly travelers in our midst, the graphic tile print is inspired by the Spanish island of Formentera. Stephanie von Watzdorf draws from her passion of travel. Unabashedly, she’s my style hero. I love the way Stephanie coordinates her globally produced collections. I understand the push back from the standpoint of price, but the collection is as close as you will come to actually purchasing from these exotic destinations. The Alpaca sweaters are made by talented artisans in Peru and the cotton crepe dresses are made in India. The details don’t go unnoticed, either. One of my favorite design elements of the Figure collection is the tassel; each is handmade and it is evident when you touch these plush, dense, delightful details. Personally, I prefer to invest in the cultural pieces that are not mere knockoffs. I feel we are losing connections everywhere we turn and need to commit to these time-honored traditions based in our expansive global family.