While the classic Burberry trench is a timeless luxury to have in one’s closet, not everyone can or wants to spend over a thousand dollars on something that will keep you dry and good looking in the rain.

Here in Washington, where it seems like it’s been raining for weeks, I’ve been on the lookout for chic Burberry substitutes. I found two colorful options and was happy to see the price tags and the fact that each comes in a multitude of sizes!

Like the Burberry trench (far left), this gorgeous all-weather satin twill coat from Gallery comes with a detachable wool lining. Love the blackberry color, but it also comes in terra cotta and black with sizes in petite, regular and plus. $98

This one from Michael Kors comes in the expected black and khaki, but take a minute and check out the cranberry and orange (pictured) options. Delicious for those dreary days in the fall and early spring. On sale for $135 (sizes S-XL.)

Last weekend I  saw the documentary September Issue and was inspired by all of the gorgeous dresses. This is the perfect film to see with a group of friends, so I do recommend it if you are interested in the fashion world. After the movie, my friends and I went for tea and thought it would be fun to dress up and spend an afternoon in the city.

Here is a classic and polished chic look that can be worn to an afternoon  event including a play, benefit or symphony. This outfit can even be worn to a bridal shower. This dress flatters an hourglass figure since the belt draws attention to the waist.  It also compliments a triangle figure since the ruching at the top and the sleeves help emphasize your shoulders and minimize your hips.  If you want more guidance on what works for your body type, please take the body quiz and order a Wardrobe 911 Recipe Box.

• MICHAEL Michael Kors tweed dress – this is a lovely sheath and the primary colors are charcoal, soft pink and a trace of violet.
• Bandolino Nene Boot – adds a winter touch to the dress.
• Kenneth Cole Patent Pumps – are another option and the patent heel cup compliments the patent belt.These pumps are on sale and would look great with most  dresses or skirts!
• Hobo International Lori Clutch – the color of the clutch brings out the soft pink in the dress.
• Vince Flip Cashmere Shrug (not pictured) – this item can be pre-ordered and it will sell quickly since there are limited quantites. It can actually be worn upside down!
• Black Diamond Ring – this ring will add a sophisticated “bling” to the outfit.

I hope you  have a chance to escape and have a classic “city” outing with your friends.

Don’t let a casual dress code undermine your career goals and aspirations. Even in the least formal offices, consider the power of three. Wearing three pieces as opposed to just two can transform the ho-hum pant or skirt + top combo into a more assertive, polished and modern look in any informal office environment. Add any of these three cardigans with your favorite black pants and white top and the powers that be will notice.

Eileen Fisher’s washable wool cardigan is a perfect layering piece, and looks smashing over the contrasting shell – a very modern version of the sweater set.

The notched collar on this sweater jacket from Jones New York says you’re all business, but in very comfortable terms. Love the Berry Crush color for fall.

This iconic wool cardigan from Trina Turk is just right for fall.

A few guys mentioned to me they’d like to see something that’d give them that Don Draper swagger after seeing yesterday’s post. So here’s one for the guys who plan on sitting by the pool this weekend drinking a Gin and tonic:

Ben Sherman is the go-to line for all things mod and cool and this short sleeve pique polo has just the right slim fit for any modster. Pairing it with some plaid shorts are certainly perfect for a casual day outside.

The hat is the most important and this summery Paul Smith Panama hat sets the right tone. If you’d like a cheaper alternative, Banana Republic makes a ticking-stripe fedora that would work as well.

Some vintage style canvas shoes like these  Jack Purcell’s are great for at the pool or on a boat.

And if you really want to get that Don Draper swagger, you’ll need to add the timeless Cartier stainless steel Tank watch to your wardrobe.

Happy weekend.

With the excitement of the impending season opening of Mad Men on August 16, people are making cool Mad Men avatars of themselves and planning premier parties.  Who doesn’t love the styles in this cool cat show?  Even Banana Republic is getting in on the action.  So here’s a fun outfit to wear for work or for that Mad Men party you are attending.

• Pencil skirts really never go out of style and this high-waisted pinstriped skirt is the perfect length. For fit, you want it to fit properly at the hips and then fall straight from the hip.
• Add a vintage-inspired sweater such as this blue asymmetrical-collar sweater. Belt it with a patent dark gray skinny belt.
• Dig out one of your grandmother’s brooches to add to the collar of your sweater.  Or go vintage jewelry shopping to find something unique for you. I’m an owl fiend and think this one is just perfect.
• For heels, wear the classic pump like these Calvin Klein Dolly’s in navy or black. They are comfortable, classic and a huge seller at any shoe store.
• To pull it together, wear some Jackie O inspired black sunglasses and carry a structured hangbag (this one’s by Hobo Int’l) and you’re styling.

This week, we’ve decided to challenge our stylists with the ultimate question:

If you were given a $1500 clothing budget, what items would you get?

What a fun thought:  How would I spend $1,500?

I would invest in what Nina Garcia [Elle, Project Runway] calls “the bones” of a wardrobe – classic building blocks that are always chic.  I love affordable “fun” clothes and jewelry, but with a chunk of change, I’d buy a few more expensive items that are well made and last forever.

• The trench coat will always be in style, whether over jeans and a t-shirt or a dress.  The Moschino Trench Coat is a modern version of this classic look, with ties at the cuffs and an unexpected pleated back.

• I loooove denim.  I spend most of my days wearing it.  I love that the concept of cost per wear exists, because without it I may not be able to justify spending $200 on a pair of jeans.  To take me into fall on the East Coast, these Hudson jeans are perfect.  The dark wash is so slimming, and the back flap pockets add a little oomph to my backside.

• These peep-toe Theory pumps are both beautiful and leg-lengthening.  Wearing a shoe that closely matches your skin tone makes your legs appear longer.  A hot look with a little black dress….

• Speaking of LBD’s, this one with it’s asymmetrical neckline is gorgeous and  another basic that will get lots of use.

• Finally, this Linea Pelle Dylan croco handbag in a luscious caramel color can be worn with almost anything.

What would you buy with $1,500?