As much as I’ve resisted the anything-but-droll movement of holiday style postings, it’s been a fruitless attempt – I’ve been pretending one can still be a baker without actually baking.  Regardless, I’ve stumbled upon a collection of six black dresses featuring some rather delightful embellishments.  These are largely more expensive pieces, as sequin and beading usually goes terribly wrong when cheaping out occurs on respective manufacturing and purchasing ends.

These are grand pieces, very elegant in their different ways.  I was pleasantly surprised at the golden bustier design of the Lucy in Disguise Chaplin dress, which is British singer Lily Allen’s [surprisingly lovely] pet project.  Rare Opulence’s high collared A-line plays by a similar shape, which is very forgiving for those with small busts [and/or] thighs that need hiding.

For art fans, Marchesa’s Dupioni dress will likely strike a particular chord; these lines almost look like cosmic streets in a dark sky.  Alternatively, Biba’s flame sequin gives us a very grounded, earthly feel.  For the last pieces, we’ve saved the most opulent for last – McQueen’s silk mini with transparent cape and the obligatory Balmain mention.  After all, it’s great to have something, some vision of impossibly expensive dress to work for, right?

Looking back at Unif’s new release of their oxblood Hellraiser loafer, I am forced to turn tail back to one of my favorite happy colors for fall 2011.  I’ve found another release of another favorite; Topshop’s leather trim boyfriend coat, from mustard into this rich red.

For those continuing to love leather, J Brand’s leggings can be worn as a leather trouser, or legging under a skirt such as the Topshop Fit tunic.  Alternatively, try the Topshop boucle short peeking from a short tunic for a cheeky look. We cannot always be ostentatious, so for times to blend pieces find the Stella McCartney long knit gloves and the Laura top.

I’m on the extreme silver holiday dress bender; I’ve just acquired myself a Theory Felda dress (shown below, also avail from Net-A-Porter for a hair cheaper than at Shopbop) for my Christmas party season, and now I’m going crazy for subtle shimmer silvers.  Trash the huge, sparse sequins; that just looks trashy and as if you’ve been shopping at a strip mall – it’s all about the goods below.

The only way you’re going to do sequins well this holiday season is if they’re high quality and look seamless, like Farah Kahn’s embellished sleeveless piece.  For something affordable and simply elegant, Dorothy Perkins’ silver embellished t-shirt dress is as close as you’re going to get to the Theory Felda‘s material without spending five bills.

For the more traditionalist women, Topshop’s high neck jacquard piece has a lovely surprise with its open back, as is Miss Selfridge’s embellished Yoke dress.  For the ladies who hate taking chances, Reiss’ Tanya is simple, elegant and something that that new royal would wear, but I’m not naming names.

Ever since models at Dolce & Gabbana FW11 stormed the runway, stars have been the mainstay of the quirky pattern world.  Always encouraged by pattern weirdness, I’ve found quite a few pieces that have piqued my interest, namely Scotch & Soda’s cardi.  Along the same knit lines, Sea’s star jumper and Rika’s merino wool scarf.

Stars are also domineering the accessory world, namely Love’s star pattern clutch and Coast’s star clutch make your look stand out [does Coasts's piece not remind you of the stars from Super Mario world?!].  If you’re not in it for the boldest of statements, earrings or a ring may be just the ticket – scope Tallulah’s glitter, Peacocks’ Super Star and Falling Star charm ring.

If you’re really into making a statement, Maggie and Me’s sequin bodycon style could be a smash holiday party hit.  If not, Topshop’s Elle slippers or Dolce & Gabbana’s patent brogues are perfect for accenting an event or daytime look.

I’ve been going through the motions, mired within some serious blog writer’s blog defunct, and I won’t lie – it’s been fairly hideous and non productive.  Thus the blogging returns with a particularly delicious collection of velvet trappings.  These are not your average plain Jane velvets; we’ve tossed aside the droll figure skater dresses and replaced them with elastic waist mini shorts and deliciously printed velvet maxi skirts.

If velvet footwear is more your thing, Topshop’s pompom slippers, House of Harlow’s throwback Bailey boots and Penelope Chilvers’ red Cubana boots are just the thing for fall creeping.  For those with a streak of vampiric dandyism, Unconditional’s jacket is a beautiful piece, while Topshop’s Cross tunic and Marc Jacobs’ velvet top are perfect for day to day professional dressing.

Bodysuits are the key for mix and matching, creating amazing holiday looks and generally one upping te females around you, and I’m convinced that bodysuits are key for holiday and New Years’ dressing successes.

My plans for New Years includes grabbing that velvet Topshop harness piece with a wide A-line skirt cut up in an asymmetrical style with the edges all raw and fraying.  Creative dresses are getting so expensive, and why spend a flash of cash on one piece, when you can mix and match to create multiple pieces?! Seriously.

Other highly loved mentionables include the Topshop Caged, We Are Handsome’s The Knight, The Lake And Stars’ Fingerprint, VPL’s Harness and Wolfrod’s Wild Lace.

Unagaro may have gotten dotty last season, but the real polka prime time is fall.  This is advantageous as The Outnet has a handful of quite lovely Ungaro pieces that have been marked down 80%.  Aside from the basis that the regular price for pieces from this house is beyond outrageous, think instead of yourself getting a $2,300 dress for $460.

Three favorite pieces are the chiffon and wool bodycon, printed silk wrap and [my personal favorite] the asymmetrical A-line.   I feel like these polka dots are the anti dalmatian effort; these are definitely a refined pattern to contrast more carefree animalia.

Capes always make me feel like I’m a kid in dress up clothes again, running around the city or riding your bike feeling invincible.  While these are a higher level of personal costuming, they still deliver the same result (for me, at least!)

Fall 2011′s capes are interesting; they seem to be either armless takes on military styles as YSL’s button up, Burberry Brit’s leather trimmed, Ralph Lauren’s Healtherly and Gryphon’s Sherlock are a small group of excellent examples.  Others, like DKNY’s two tone wool and Zero+MariaCornejo’s leather and shearling are just as if your favorite blazer or jacket had lost its arms!

The trench is a classic, flattering for all, so what could be better than that?! Think a design copy of the traditional trench, only made with wool – warm, weather hardy and delightfully heavy fabric for fending off the chills.

My favorite is Topshop’s long multistitch trench, a steal at $240 and a wonderful caramel color.  After all, it’s the panels and the lines on the body the design creates that makes this piece a winner, not just the length and price.  Burberry’s military style is perfect if you’re in budgetary Nirvana (ie. spendy), though Scotch & Soda’s olive style conveys a similar, more stripped down military feel.

J. Crew’s Townhouse is a decidedly more throwback seventies style with its camel coloring.  Last of all is Thakoon Addition’s utility trench, the most masculine of the group with its near collarless design and contrast pockets.  While the Burberry is divine,  I can’t get over the Topshop – as a tall girl, this is the obvious choice.

Pearls are traditional, feminine accessory, but let’s toss all of that out the window.  Enter pealrs as an accent and not the main style; you’ll have some with animal influence as pearl strands with gold chicken feet or  bee earrings by Delfina Delettrez, to pearls accenting a traditionally utilitarian piece such as a bag by Valentino.

Pieces that are less left field and more to a traditional design include a rosary style San Benito Magdalena necklace, multi strand Erickson Beamon cuff and Ugo Cacciatore’s Pearl Foliage cocktail ring.

Dalmatian print is the biggest print of the FW11 runway season, and for good reason.  Dalmatian print is the print of eccentrics, and not only due to it’s Disney parallels – those  with an eccentric streak will love this unconventional pattern.

I really love the taupe base dalmatian prints; light neutrals are a much easier color base to mix and match with, and whites show any discoloration.  Pieces along this style line are Topshop Unique’s trench, Open Ceremony x Doc Martens’ Darcie, along with the leather and print laptop bag and duffle bag.

For the more traditional black and white motif, Sonia Rykiel’s skirt and button up top.  Topshop’s Manney loafers are very affordable at $60, while Dolce & Gabbana’s classic pumps are perfect for the day to day eccentric luxist.  Top off with Eddie Borgo’s bracelet for a new way to wear spikes, and you’re good to go.

Pony hair footwear is perfect for those fans of all-black-everything; hair provides a little texture to your look and is appearing on all sorts of styles.  If you want to get a little hairier in formal wear, check out Walter Steiger’s oxford ankle boot, or Opening Ceremony’s Stefania 1 for a little more funk (which also happen to be on sale!).  For the flat fan, basic hair loafers from Sam Edelman and Aldo.

For the casual bootie fan, Steve Madden’s Damiann, LD Tuttle’s lace up, Opening Ceremony’s clog boots and Sigerson Morrison’s heeled booties are excellent for everyday wear.  While these are all solid styles, demiCouture’s favorites are clear; the affordable street standout is AllSaints’ Damisi update and Mr Hare’s hairy Chelsea boot is my official if only selection.

Tweed isn’t just for grandpas and college professors anymore; tweeds are showing up in various modern, even funky styles in FW11.  Tweeds are fantastic for layering, especially when you’re wearing a dress that may be a bit chillier in winter months.  I’m loving the cut of the Proenza Shouler asymmetrical stripe dress and the basic build of the classic Alexander McQueen.

For more delightfully androgynous pieces; Milly’s suiting shorts, Burberry military and the classic boxy cut of the Mulberry overcoat.  For a bit of a unique style, Thakoon’s sleeveless blazer and Bird by Juicy Couture’s bike jacket, perfectly trimmed with a bit of leather. Flats are getting the tweed treatment as well; Robert Clergerie’s Jast and Asos’ very affordable Mister.

When it comes to dressing in a colorful way this fall, it’s time to break out the richer jewel tones of your collection.  If you’re lacking in that department, emerald pieces (such as the cutout collar dress shown), mustards and amethyst are my top three.

The dress highlighted is from EgoCloset, an online Canadian boutique I’ve just discovered.  Think of it as a Canadian Nasty Gal, but without nasty duties and import fees.  (They also offer $5 flat fee shipping within Canada and a free first return)

A bonus of rich jewel tones is that they work well with pasty skin tones (I would know) as well as darker skin shades.  It’s always nice to have some color options that don’t completely drain pale complexions, so run with it, fellow Chalkasians!

UPDATE:

I just realized they offer 10% off your next order if you like EgoCloset on Facebook  – get those deals, erryone!

It isn’t truly fair to say that a style this traditional, though one cannot overlook the importance of the pea coat in cold weather dressing.  I warrant the pea is the most important outerwear style [concerning fall] in existence; higher than the blazer and especially the leather jacket, which is highly inappropriate when the weather turns.

We’ll begin with my favorite, which happens to be the lowest priced piece piece - Topshop’s black wool pea.  For those looking for a few extra admornments, Topshop’s Ultimate pea is an excellent option, while Scotch and Soda’s and Uniqlo’s styles are similarly designed and priced.

For those enjoying finer constructed things, MICHAEL Michael Kors’ wool and cashmere piece is excellently priced for what you’re getting.  Alternatively, Burberry’s classic, Joseph’s Bronx and Golden Goose’s styles are all beautiful double breasted androgynous styles fit for the discerning dresser.

If you’re looking for one piece to invest in, this isn’t the flashiest choice though will be the longest lasting.  When looking, find the most expensive piece you can afford and [ideally] choose something with less embroidery and flash as to avoid giving your piece a trend expiry.

We’re seeing more wide leg cuts this year than in a handful of seasons prior, which begs the question – is your style shift also occuring? I’m not referring to a flare per say (I haven’t worn a proper flare since I was in grade 8), though wide leg trousers are being created that don’t look so tacky and are forcing me to re-evaluate what type of bottoms I enjoy.

To illuminate what we’re working with this season; I’ve created two nearly identical outfits below  – one with J Brand skinny cords and one a Malene Birger trouser cut.  Granted, typically you wouldn’t wear the same look with wides as you would with thin cuts, though I wanted to keep it very similar to illustrate the differences.

Both looks feature Thierry Lasry sunglasses, a light Mint Velvet scarf, tweed St. John blazer, black stripe General Pants tank, bird claw clasp Ann Demeulemeester bracelet and Opening Ceremony platform wedge booties.

I still love a skintight leg myself, though am beginning to think that maybe a trouser cut is something I want to begin to explore within the FW11 season.  What’s your take?

It’s the season of leather once again, and oxblood is a red hot color trend this season.  With A.L.C.’s FW11 collections being filled with this lovely hued skin, it’s only natural we’re going to want a piece of the action.  A.L.C.’s Aimee skirt crests at nearly seven bills, while we have Topshop’s piece at $150.

They’re quite similar; both oxblood red, A-line cut and mini length – thank you, high street knock offs!

Leather trenches are popping up everywhere, and they are reaching beyond the confines of the average black leather trench.  The four selections below are fall ready; it will be no wonder if the high street faves pound out a few versions of their own.

Darker shade lovers, Forzieri’s and Dolce & Gabbana’s have you taken care of.  If you’re looking for a suede [and live in a climate to wear it], Michael Kors’ short suede trench is perfect for dressing as an urban adventurer.  My personal favorite is the sandy shaded Bendetta Novi; washed leather always does me in every time, and it is a pleasantly military with double breasting and epaulettes.

Leather sleeved pieces are popping up everywhere; on tops, tees and jackets are appearing with leather sleeves.  These are the evolution of the all over leather top, though leather trimmed and sleeved pieces are not only easier to wear and style, but more comfortable due to the majority of the piece being textile (leather isn’t pliable and more difficult to move in).

There are four standout pieces as to what has been released so far; one can imagine these will keep appearing throughout the coming months.  Two of the more utilitarian pieces are by Scotch & Soda; the woolen biker jacket and military jacket.  For the sleeker shopper, 3.1 Phillip Lim’s leather and silk top [also available in black] and Nicole Miller’s leather and sweater knit top.

Woolen blazers are a favorite for many reasons; they’re warm, evoke a little bit of a grandpa look (I always love channeling seniors) and are a subtle way to take the ever present typical blazer to a more interesting level.  One may find shawl collars, tuxedo cuts, contrast collars, patches – there are so many choices.

If you’re like myself and want a blazer for function but get bored of the traditional collars, a shawl is for you;  Scotch & Soda’s piece is a personal favorite.  If you’re getting into the color crew, Topshop’s shrunken tweed is a rich pick, while L.K. Bennett’s Belle offers a more color intense shade and J. Crew’s Blackwatch evokes the actual traditional tartan of The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) infantry of Scotland up until this year.

There’s also Marc Jacobs’ Beatrice, a cheeky selection for dressers wanting to stay away from darks throughout the fall, and Ralph Lauren’s crested long cut for a prep school steeze.

For grey fans, we’ve got scores for you.  Classic cuts include another style by Scotch & Soda, darker grey herringbone by Vanessa Bruno and very traditional cut by J. Crew.  Fans of lighter grey will love Jack Willis’ Stowell blazer, especially due to the double breast buttoning.