Tonal

It is very evident that I have a color filled wardrobe that could rival even the brightest of closets. I wear printed Lilly Pulitzer shorts in the summer and brightly colored cashmere year round. However, I am finding a new love for black and beginning to understand why it is such a wardrobe staple, especially in New York.

To attend event or go out in the evening, I have been opting to wear all black outfits. These tonal black outfits look very New York in my opinion and are perfect for occasions. I prefer the tonal look because it really looks chic and sophisticated. Designers such as Ralph Lauren in his Black Label line presents tonal looks that I love. In fact, one of my recent tonal black outfits was all by Ralph Lauren Black Label.

Here, I paired a wool sweater with slim fitting black cargo pants. The slim style is very in for men, and makes the cargo pant a wearable style. I finished the look with a black belt, black loafers, and added a little pop of color with a red bangle.

How do you love to wear black?

Featured Styles:

Sweater: Ralph Lauren Black Label

Cargo Pants: Ralph Lauren Black Label

Loafers: Ralph Lauren

Belt: Ferragamo

Bracelet: Hermes

Bold Fall Color

My summer wardrobe is the probably one of the brightest on the block, filled with endless pastels. I always hate having to pack away all the preppy colors I feel comfortable in as I switch to fall dressing. However, I have found some bold colors that are fall appropriate. 

If you are a color lover, opt for fall hues such as yellows, magentas, deep oranges, and blue in bold washes. You might be the brightest on a New York City block, but there is nothing wrong standing out in a sea of black and grey.

Here, I have paired a luxurious cashmere cable knit from Ralph Lauren Purple Label, a preppy fall staple, in a bold magenta with a pair or bright mustard chinos. I love the contrast of the yellow and magenta colors. 

The look is finished with an Hermes belt and simple brown loafers. This outfit is perfect for a Sunday brunch or an afternoon at the country club. Who said you cannot wear color in the fall?

Featured:

Sweater: Ralph Lauren Purple Label

Chinos: Polo Ralph Lauren

Belt: Hermes

Raymond Weil Releases New Style

A few months ago, I previewed some of the key styles for the season from Swiss watchmaker Raymond Weil. They recently added blue to the popular Maestro Line.

The Maestro collection comes in an array of colors and dial choices, however, I am loving the addition of blue to the collection. The blue will be great for pairing with things such as navy blazers or suits. It would even pair will with a more casual outfit such as the one I recently based around a military shirt, a go-to fall style.

The new Maestro features a mechanical automatic movement with a 38 hour power reserve. The timepiece is enclosed in a stainless steel case on a black leather strap. Retail: $1,395.

Culinary Expert Donatella Arpaia Previews New Collection

On October 3, lifestyle and culinary expert Donatella Arpaia previewed her new kitchen collection that will be available via HSN. I got to experience the new collection first hand at her Chelsea restaurant, "Donatella."

The new collection from Donatella, exclusive to HSN, truly takes the work out of entertaining. If you are like me, you enjoy food and good friends, but sometimes the thought of preparing everything and being the host is a bit daunting. The new products ranging from a pizza oven to fresh Italian ingredients makes entertaining enjoyable. Donatella has created a cohesive entertaining collection at accessible price points ranging from $24.95-$129.95

The Collection:

At, perhaps, the core of the new line is the pizza oven. This oven pairs perfectly with Donatella's pizza dough mixes and tomato sauces. The oven features a pizza stone, but can also be used for a variety of foods such as garlic breads. The collection also includes an array of polished stoneware in beautiful color offerings. A baker, serving tray, and ramekins are all available in stoneware. My favorite was the ramekins which are both microwave and oven safe. They are the perfect size for making individual servings of mac & cheese as they can go straight from oven to table. 

In addition to items above, Donatella will be selling her world famous meatballs as well sets of her pizza dough (plain, Italian herb, and garlic) and tomato sauces (Marinara, Spicy Arrabbiata, and Tuscan  Vodka). All the array of foods are made with the freshest ingredients. Additionally, party disposables are available in a myriad of colors. These were another one of my personal favorites since it is a super easy way to have presentable looking napkins and placemats that are disposable without having to resort to white paper options. As I mentioned, this collection really makes entertaining for guests that much easier. 

Seeing the products first hand, I can attest that the quality is great. Additionally, Donatella's signature dishes were being offered, and the food options are equally as great. I had a moment to speak with Donatella, and she is very excited about the upcoming collection which will be available on HSN/HSN.com October 7th and filled me in on some exciting future developments!

About Donatella Arpaia:

Donatella has become an influential figure in the worlds of food, business, and entertaining. She is the longest standing judge on Food Network's Iron Chef America and is a regular contributor to The Today Show. Additionally, she was included in the New York Post's "most powerful women."

Photos: HSN/HL Group

Subtle Sophistication

It is feeling a bit more like May here rather than the beginning of October. I took advantage of the warmer weather as, perhaps, one last opportunity to break out some brighter colors in my wardrobe, namely a washed nantucket red. This color is perfect for pairing with other prep essentials such as navy and cream.

I was attending the launch of a new line that was being hosted as a small dinner part of sorts. I knew the owner of the company was going to be in attendance among others. This called for subtle sophistication. I wanted to let put together, but not like I was stepping out the door to go to homecoming. I opted for colored denim, a polo, and a detailed blazer. I accessorized with a classic Hermes belt and interesting shoes: 

Featured Outfit:

Blazer: Thom Browne

Polo: Ralph Lauren

Denim: Ralph Lauren Black Label

Belt: Hermes

Shoes: Christian Louboutin

TRIM Collaboration Opens in Philadelphia

I am always intrigued by creativity when it comes to business, and T.R.I.M., a new joint venture in Philadelphia is no exception. T.R.I.M. is a collaboration between Henry A. Davidsen custom tailors and image consultants and 2B Groomed Barbering Studios. The new studio is located in Henry A. Davidsen showroom in the beautiful Rittenhouse Square neighborhood of the city. 

T.R.I.M is truly unique and makes a one stop location for men. Shaves and hair services will range from signature to deluxe to premium, with each level of service including the classics such as hot and cold towels and lavish products. As with anything Henry Davidsen does, each service is luxurious and completely customizable. The studio also features a full bar service...what more could you ask for??

I think Brian Lipstein, President of Henry Davidsen, really gets it when he said: "Professional image is largely about behavior, communication, and dress; however, all of that means nothing if you look sloppy and unkempt."

T.R.I.M. is now open and services can be booked online at their website. Shaves start at around $35 ($35-$65) and haircuts are $30 and up ($30-$45). As a Philadelphia metro area native, its definitely exciting to see new ventures like this popping up!

Photos: Neff Associates

Fall Trends: The SFP LookBook

The world of fashion is always one step ahead- presenting spring collections in the fall and fall collections in the spring. I know I have a list of favorite shows that I watch each Fashion Week, and that list seems to get longer each year. With that said, it can be easy to forget what the trends are for each season by the time the collections are in store.

The SFP LookBook is the perfect tool whether you're a die hard fashionista, stylist, or just love the world of fashion. This style guide features over 2,500 looks from the FW 13' collections presented at New York Fashion Week. I love that all the pages are in full color, making it easy to identify key colors for the season.

The looks include the designs for both men's and women's wear, making the publication universal. Designers include Diane Von Furstenberg, Naeem Khan, and Michael Kors to name a few. 

The FW '13 collection edition pictured here is the inaugural volume, so I cannot wait to the compilations of future seasons. I currently have the book placed on the coffee table for easy reference. It has become quite the conversation piece when guests come over-fashion is a universal language. As you prepare to update your closet and transition into Fall 2013, I recommend the SFP Lookbook as your ultimate style guide.

This post was made possible by Schiffer Publishing. All opinions are my own.