Plaid is a classic print that transcends the passing of time and trends; depending on the color combinations it can range from preppy chic to cool mod to a touch punk.  One of my favorite things about plaid is that it coolly straddles the line between the masculine and feminine (like that great bow tie from local company, Dapper + Dash), which means no matter the garment it can be easily dressed up or down.

Style Notes:  Lands End Women’s True Slim Caroler Pants $49 / Land’s End Women’s Bow Front Flannel Blouse $39.99 / J.Crew Collection Janey Printed Flats $248 / Gap Plaid Academy Blazer $98 / Topshop Plaid Skater Skirt $72 / Dapper + Dash Huckleberry: The Scottsman Bow Tie $42 / J.Crew Perfect Shirt in Ivory Tartan $88 / Kate Spade Plaid Foxtrot Hill Alexie $148 / Madewell Plaid Trousers $104.99 /  Hazel Plaid Coat $139

Burgundy, oxblood, maroon, ruby red…whatever name the fashion industry chooses to call deep red colored garments and accessories we are absolutely crazy for the hue!  It’s the perfect blend of moody and sophisticated to usher in fall and when paired with the right garments or accessories it can carry you through a multitude of holiday soirees!

Style Notes: Baublebar Red Gem Bloom Bib $34 / Madewell Counting Sheep Sweater $108 / Topshop Toplock Bowling Bag $76/ Arturo Chiang Avia Pump via Piperlime $59.99 / JCrew Pleated Sweater Skirt $79.99 (currently an extra 30% off!) / Anthropologie Sequined Jacquard Dress $228 / Essie Leading Lady $8  / Modcloth Collar Me Maybe Flats $29.99 / Topshop Clean Felt Hat $50 / Kate Spade Small Square Studs $38 / Loft Marisa Straight Leg Corduroys $59 (currently 40% off!) / Pim + Larkin Polka Dot Crew Cardigan via Piperlime $47.99

 For this month’s color we chose to go with a play on traditional Halloween colors to show you some great looks, not to mention deals, that can work for many areas of your life. These pieces also serve as a way to incorporate one of our favorite fall trends: pairings of black and gold. 

A traditional line of thought might be that black and gold should be reserved for more formal social events or holiday parties.  Here at Style Tutor we beg to differ.  Take, for instance,  the fun BCBG embellished top from local online retailer Klury.com:  how amazing would it look with a great pair of cuffed skinny jeans and the glitter heels?  The jeans would help to balance out the dressier tones of the top and shoes and would make for a great date night or girl’s night out look.

 Before you think I have gone daft, let me make a little clairification about that lovely Anthropologie coat.  No, I cannot afford a $500 coat.  If I spent that kind of money on a coat I would have to literally wear it day and night, no matter the weather.   By the way, I don’t suggest you drop $500 on a coat either, especially if you live in AZ.  But, oh my, it sure is pretty to look at!

Style Notes: Emerson Fry Noir Ring $125 /Ark & Co. Sequin Zig Zag Dress $89 (currently 20% off) /Tinley Road Art Deco Bangles $18 (currently 20% off) /Anthropologie Tracy Reese Collared Peplum Coat $498  / The Limited Cross-Strap Glitter Heel $98 (currently 40% off) / Bauble Bar Triple Tear Pendant $26 / BCBG Max Azria Embellished Blouse via Klury.com $85 /Aryn K. Metallic Ladylike Jacket $99 (currently 20% off) /Gap Suede Belt $24.95 (currently 30% off) / Anthropologie Sariah Birdsong Script Dress $188 /Kate Spade Paisley Park Bangle $89 (on sale!) / Zara Trousers With Gold Side Trim $79.90 / Seychelles Mulberry $120 (currently 20% off)

The inspiration for September’s Color of the Month came from one of my favorite sources for all that’s new and hot in the worlds of beauty, fashion, food and entertainment, Daily Candy. I came across the dark teal color in a recent feature about the best new nail polish colors for fall and fell in love. Then, a few days later, I was delighted to see that color pop again at Anthropologie in the form of my latest pair of AG Stevie Ankle jeans. As I’ve mentioned before, the AG Stevies are the most comfortable and flattering jeans I own, and since I had a birthday discount to use, I didn’t mind splurging a bit for a pair of proven jeans that were just the right color.

This dark teal/turquoise color will bring a pop of excitement to your fall neutrals, and works particularly well in the form of fun accessories (or even your nails!).

Style Notes: Anthropologie Bottle Green Dotted Party Dress $198/ Modcloth Weave Through Crowds Scarf in Teal $19.99/ Roberta Chiarella Gold Teal Caramel Layered Necklace $78 / AG Stevie Ankle Jeans via Anthropologie $158/ Bee Charming Teal Knotted Leather Chain Bracelet $50 / Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC $195 / Modcloth Vintage Teal Me on the Go Heel $59.99 / Daniel Rainn Silk Peplum Blouse $79 / Ivanka Trump Cece Flat $135 / ZOYA Nail Polish in Evvie $8

Shirt: Loft (summer 2012; similar style) / Pants: Loft (summer 2012: sold out online. Shorts version) / Belt: J.Crew (winter 2011; similar style) / Shoes: Target (fall 2009; super cute too) / Bracelets: Kate Spade (spring 2011, fall 2011, spring 2012) / Necklace: Kate Spade (fall 2011; similar style) / Rings: Kate Spade (spring 2012; similar style) / Watch: Michael Kors via Last Chance (spring 2012; similar style) / Bag: Marc Jacobs via Last Chance (spring 2012)

I first spotted these pants at Loft about a month ago when working with a client.  As she was looking to add some variety and fun to her wardrobe I suggested she try these pants.  At 5’8″ they looked amazing on her; her long legs carried the length of the pants well and the fun print made her smile.  She purchased the pants that day (and this shirt to go with them!); thus, accomplishing our goal of adding some pieces to her wardrobe that pushed her a tad outside her current closet comfort zone. But that is not where the story of these magical pants ends…

I literally thought about these pants non-stop for a few weeks before I had a chance to stop in my local Loft to try them on.   I walked away that day still torn about whether or not my 5’5″ frame could pull off both a bold print and a wide leg.  Over the next two days, I compulsively analyzed the photos I had taken and set about looking for shirts in my closet, and at stores, to make sure they wouldn’t be just a one note addition to my wardrobe.  Having passed my own rule of thumb (if you aren’t sure about an item and are still thinking about it a day or two later it’s meant to be!), I returned to Loft and scooped up these pants and shirt at an additional 40% off the sale price.

They have more than lived up to the hype I built in my head!  The very first time I wore them I was stopped by several women who admired them and wanted to know where to purchase them, which is always a sign you’ve done something right.  Furthermore, I wore them while shopping Loft’s recent 50% off event and was complimented by the store’s manager who noted that the pants had proven hard to sell as many women were afraid of such a bold print or didn’t know what to pair them with.

I totally get that some might look at these pants and think them straight out of crazy town, which, to be honest with you, is part of what I love about them.  I have never been one to shy away from bold prints or quirky clothing statements, but I also think someone less daring could just as easily pull these off by pairing them with a neutral colored top or sticking to a monochromatic look with a blue top with very understated accessories.