With several months of winter ahead of us, nothing beats the warmth and comfortable style of a sweater dress. Add some color with a layering piece and add a couple of accessories to give it some flair.

Starburst Sweater Dress in oatmeal heather. I have seen this soft merino wool dress with dolman sleeves on and it is very chic. Hourglass and Inverted Triangle body types  would look best in this style.   It is also on sale!  Add an ivory color or a pair of fun colored DKNY Control Top Opaque Tights.

Gap Ultrafine turtleneck – this super soft layering piece can be worn layered underneath the dress. The new navy color adds a burst of color.

Nine West Truella – these are my favorite suede boots and I wear them frequently. These rock and the adjustable tie in the back will draw attention. Believe me – your friends will want the same pair.

For accessories try the Gorjana Bedford Messenger Bag. This leather bag would look stylish worn across your body. Try a Bop Basics Cashmere Fitted Cap in ivory – it adds a modish touch to complete the look.

Since most women I know tend to be top-deprived I thought it would be good to show some tops to consider wearing for going out this holiday season.  Here’s a few that work for various ages and personal styles:

From left to right:

1. Classique Entier beaded jersey top.  For all you gray-haired lovelies out there, the color is gorgeous and will make you look elegant and beautiful. It also comes in a deep aubergine.
2. Diane von Furstenberg Lafayette top. The color is fantastic and this top looks great paired with a slim pencil skirt or leggings. I’ve seen it tucked in with a wide belt which is another great option.
3. Jucca skintone 3/4 sleeve top. For all you warm temperature color gals, not everything is black and dark this season. Here’s a simple yet flattering top that is perfect for all body types.  Add a cami that cuts straight across to add balance with a Y-necklace to show off the neckline.
4. Juicy Couture Cowl Tee. Perfect for rectangles, this jersey silk-blend cowl tee has some great nail head detail at the top and back. With a slightly padded shoulder, flattering neckline, and draped silhouette it can be worn with a belt if you’re an hourglass or triangle or without if you’re a rectangle.
5. Lafayette 148 Giada top. The elbow sleeve is one of my favorites; especially if you hate your arms! Lafayette 148 is a favorite of  those that want work appropriate wardrobes so this top is perfect for wearing to work and then to cocktails after. The square neckline is very flattering and you can add a statement necklace to dress it up or you can keep it simple and casual paired with jeans. It comes in 5 colors including black and white so you really can’t go wrong.
6. Robert Rodriguez satin one-shoulder top. Saving the best for last. This is such a great top because you wear it out to a club with jeans and some rockin’ shoes or dressed up for an elegant party with a satin skirt. Great for gals with broad shoulders.

How to keep your style on a chilly snow day.

If you aren’t shoveling snow and can go out for the evening, you need the perfect combination of warmth and style.

This Bloomingdales’s Coat nails that combination with a shawl collar and down filling.  And don’t worry, with it’s buckled belt and diagonal seams inward, you won’t lose your waistline!

These Ugg Seline Boots have strayed from their original style with a wedged heel and ornamental buckle.  Sheepskin insoles keep your feet warm and dry, while the rubber wedge heel prevents slipping.

Remember that dark colors are slimming, so try a Cabled Sweater Dress in a dark color.  A cowl neck is a nice way to open up and frame your face.

Switch to Denim Leggings for the winter.  They are a great alternative to traditional leggings and will keep you a little warmer.

Use your accessories to add a color to your outfit.  Here I have a delicately beaded Raj Scarf Wrap from Nordstroms, a Crochet Knit Hat from Lucky Brand, and a large Woven Leather Tote from Rafe NY. Large handbags come in handy to tote around your cold-weather accessories.

Brrr! We are even feeling the cold weather out here in California. This casual chic outfit is intended to keep you toasty.

• Juicy Couture Long Sleeve Ruffle Puffa Jacket –the removable faux fur trim on the hood is right on trend. The down and feather fill feels luxurious and you will never want to take it off. If you are looking for a more affordable winter jacket, try The North Face ‘Aconcagua’ Jacket (not shown).

• Ever Canico Reversible Sweater – you will get a lot of wear from this merino wool and cashmere blend sweater. I like the brown and black color combination to wear with the jacket, but I also love the reverse side. Check out the gray and black side of the sweater and see the fashionable contrast lining at the hem and sleeves. You are probably wondering if horizontal stripes look good on you. Just remember that thin stripes (not too thin!) are the most flattering as featured in this sweater. Wider stripes tend to cut your torso or make areas appear wider wherever the stripe is placed.

• Michael Stars Cashmere Blend Long Sleeve Cowl Neck (not shown) – this is great alternative if you prefer a solid color. This top is essential for your winter wardrobe! I really like the dark cabernet purple and creamy off-white colors.

• 7 For All Mankind Straight Leg Jeans – a straight leg or skinny jean is easier to tuck in your boots and the dark wash and black boot create the illusion of a longer leg. A straight leg pant compliments all body types.

• Aquatalia by Marvin K Maddow Boot – this weatherproof boot is worth the investment. It will last at least a couple of seasons and keep you warm and dry.

• Leather Studded Handbag – this taupe bag will add a fashion statement. It is also functional since it has a detachable strap so you can either wear it across the body or carry it by the handle.

• UGG Australia Cashmere Lined Leather Gloves with ShearlingCuffs – these cashmere lined gloves will certainly keep your hands cozy. You may just have to add it to your wish list.

Start the New Year by looking your best! Don’t forget to take advantage of the holiday discount of 20% off all Wardrobe 911 Recipe Boxes (Hourglass, Rectangle, Triangle and Inverted Triangle). Just use coupon code GIFTW911 at checkout. Promotion is valid until 12/20/09. You can find out your body type by taking the body quiz.

Reader Wardrobe Challenge

This is a wardrobe orphan in my closet. A very cozy, textured and streamlined black jacket for fall. Please teach me how to wear it with style. I’m blonde, so black can be harsh nearby my face but I like to dress monochromatic if possible, so this is a big challenge.

When I bought it for bargain, I thought nothing is simpler to wear than a black cropped jacket (I have a black denim jacket which I love so much.) But unfortunately that’s not that case. I find it hard to match with denim things as well. I have black jeans, but that’s too much… Perhaps with gray… blue denim, also difficult to match the hue…and shoes, and bag…so would be a big help to show me the way to start.

Wardrobe 911’s How-to Prescription

You are not the only one that has this very problem. A lot of us get tricked into thinking that everything has to match perfectly. As long as a color harmonizes with another (eg they are both blue-based or yellow-based, etc.) , it’s okay to wear – this is much easier to do when you’re dressing in neutrals. The black tweed jacket that you show is similar to one I found at Talbot’s which is featured.

Here I show two outfits, one for work and one for play that work nice with this black handbag by L.A.M.B.

Outfit # 1 – Work

• Dress monochromatically by wearing a neutral that is closer to the color of your hair.  These heathered latte wool pants by JCrew add just the right amount of sophistication for work.  Pair them with a heathered latte turtleneck (also by JCrew to maintain color consistency) for a classic vibe.
• For shoes, keep the color similar to the pants to create the longest leg line possible. It doesn’t have to match exactly – the values (eg. Light and dark) can be different. Here we show a tan pump by Vince Camuto.

Outfit #2 – Weekend

• Dark wash jeans work perfectly with a black jacket. Here we show AG’s Stilt Skinny jean which can be worn with flats or easily tucked into boots.
• A pretty green Michael Stars Shine 3/4 Sleeve Shirred Cowlneck tee will add a nice bit of color near your face.  Or you can do a crisp white shirt, Chanel style.
• Try some black knee-high boots that are a bit wider at the top to balance your hips (if you have them.) These Vina boots by Ralph Lauren do the trick.

Good luck and let us know if these solutions work out for you!

Are you having a wardrobe dilemma? Visit our ER Room and let us know your wardrobe challenge. Each month we’ll select one (or two) to feature.

With the transition to fall comes the perfect opportunity to visit the wine country. And of course you want to dress fashionably for this excursion. In the San Francisco Bay Area, the harvest creates a buzz throughout the Napa and Sonoma Valleys, and the transition to the fall foliage creates a beautiful backdrop to your experience.

If you head to Napa, I recommend the East side of the valley and the Silverado Trail. Some of my favorite wineries can be found within a few miles of each other and include Darioush, Pine Ridge, Duckhorn and Stag’s Leap. Looking for a less crowded wine country adventure? Head north on 101 to the Russian River. This beautiful and less developed landscape gives way to small wineries, reflecting Napa of 20 years ago.

Whichever adventure you choose, I also recommend a car service so that you can enjoy the wine, and/or a fabulous lunch, without worrying about who is driving. And your selection of clothes is also an essential part of your day.

This entire outfit flatters the inverted triangle figure. Inverted triangles tend to have broader shoulders, narrow hips and thighs. You want to wear clothing that doesn’t expand your shoulders such as white tops or detailing on the top. The Inverted Triangle Wardrobe 911 Recipe Box outlines the basics that work for this body type and outfit ideas. There are also recipe boxes available for hourglass, triangle and rectangle body types.

• Bailey 44 ‘Strange Jest’ Jacket – this knit jacket will keep you warm and it is easy to carry if you take it off in the winery.  The belt cinches at the waistline and the jacket creates balance between the shoulders and hips. This jacket also works for hourglass and triangle body types.

• J Brand 12″ Pencil Cord – thin wale corduroy is a fashionable alternative to jeans and can be flattering to the legs. These pants have stretch so they will feel similar to leggings. If you prefer a corduroy bootcut, the Red Engine Scarlett Bootcut Cords (not shown) in navy works well with the jacket and top.

• Michael Stars Scoop Neck Cotton Tee in Gypsy  – gives the outfit a burst of color and fits well over skinny jeans.

• Donald J Pliner Arlie Flat – the lizard print has a slight sheen and can be worn day or evening. I personally love them since I own a pair!  You can always transition to a heel if you decide to stay for dinner.

• Aridza Bross Celia Shoulder Bag – the silver hardware adds a fashion accent to your look. This purse has a detachable shoulder strap so that you can wear it as a clutch. What a great idea!

Enjoy the wine country and let us know about your favorite wineries.

The clothing industry has a huge impact on the world at large, and many designers are beginning to use organic and sustainable materials along with responsible production techniques to reduce their environmental impact on the earth.

Why?

Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment because it eliminates the use of synthetic chemicals and fertilizers.  Conventionally grown cotton uses approximately 25% of the world’s insecticides and more than 10% of the world’s pesticides.  When these chemicals are used, they soak into the soil, into the groundwater and into people’s bodies.  Many of the chemicals identified have been linked to infertility, birth defects, and cancers in children and adults.

Sustainable materials such as bamboo and hemp are naturally renewable.  Bamboo needs minimal water and absorbs five times more greenhouse gases than trees.  Hemp actually replenishes the soil it is grown in, leaving it richer in essential nutrients than before it was planted.

One of the best known high-end eco-friendly designers is Stella McCartney.  A lifelong vegetarian, Stella does not use any leather or fur in her designs.  She incorporates organic and eco-friendly materials throughout her high-end collections, and recently designed an entirely organic capsule collection.  This organic tie-front dress retails for $495.

Obviously, the cost of using organic and sustainable materials is often passed along to consumers.  More affordable ways to “go green” include the following:

• When making a purchase, think: multi-use. The more ways to wear it, the better. This circle scarf from American Apparel comes with pictures and instructions that show how to wear it 13 ways, including a dress and a capelet! They also have an excellent “how to wear” link on their website with styling ideas for many of their most popular items.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle: buy pre-owned clothing at second-hand shops and on Ebay.
• Hold clothing swaps with your friends.
• Creatively repair what you have rather than buying new.
• Shop your closet – organize and know what you have so you don’t buy doubles!

For affordable eco-fashion, check out these retailers:

• American Apparel: They recycle over a million pounds of fabric scrap per year and have solar panels on the roof of their L.A. headquarters. They also use organic cotton in about 20% of their clothing. Their Sustainable Edition line is a selection of their most popular styles in 100% USDA certified organic cotton.
• Payless Shoes: They carry the eco-friendly Zoe and Zac line, who claim to “democratize green fashion by making it affordable and accessible.” These boucle ballet flats are just $29.99 and are made with organic wool-blend boucle and recycled rubber soles.
• H&M has been using organically grown cotton since 2004 and plan to increase the amounts they use by 50% each year for the next 5 years.
• Catalogs and websites: www.Soul-Flower.com has this organic hoody tee for just $28. www.thegreenloop.com has a “$30 or less” option in its sale section. www.etsy.com is a great place to find beautiful handmade goods. I found these bamboo fiber fingerless gloves – warm, hip and responsible!

Let’s take a look at what a savvy traveler should pack when touring one of Europe’s most stylish cities.

• Shoes with pants – Yes, be comfortable on those cobblestone streets and look great at the same time with this stylish ankle boots in charcoal suede.
• Shoes with skirts – You’ll be comfy and chic in this Cole Haan Fiona Low Air pump with Nike technology. The chocolate embossed snake is perfetta!
• Handbag – If Gucci or Prada are too pricey for you, try this Carmen Zipper Tote by Furla, on sale for under $500.
• Wrap – In October you will probably get by with just a cashmere wrap instead of a coat, and it’s so much easier to pack and more elegant, no? This one from Nordstroms comes in 7 colors.
• Dress - For dressier days, this black dress from Eileen Fisher is a winner with its classic bateau neckline and three-quarter sleeves.  It will even take you from day to evening in a pinch.

Rome is not in any way, shape or form Six Flags or Disney, so kindly leave your walking shorts, running shoes and fanny packs  at home. (Editor’s Note: don’t call them ‘fanny’ packs in Europe or Australia since they mean something entirely different.)  Romans are very conscious of the way they look and make every effort to shine even while running errands. Make a great impression and step it up a notch during your trip. Buon viaggio!