Fall Preview: Ankle Boots, Sleek Trenches, and Cozy Knits

Labor Day marked the unofficial end of summer, and though we’re sad to see it go, we’re already looking forward to fall. In fact, we’re looking forward to it so much that we’ve rounded up a fashion preview to get you excited for the wardrobe transition that accompanies cooler temperatures and shorter days. Take a look at some of the trends we’re noticing from our favorite brands:

Ankle Boots

Fiera Ankle Booties

The last few years have been all about knee-high boots in riding and western styles, but we’re loving the lower-cut ankle boots that have been making the rounds in fashion blogs. These boots are both cute and versatile — wear them with summer dresses and bare legs now, and slip them over leggings or skinny jeans come fall. Some of our favorite styles are the Fiera double zipper booties by Aldo and the combat-inspired Towner booties by Nine West. We also like the eclectic boot styles Cupcakes and Cashmere blogger Emily Schuman highlighted in this recent post.

Sleek Trenches

ASOS Skater Trench

A classic trench coat is a must-have piece — throw one over any outfit for instant polish. Asos has a great selection of trenches at affordable prices. We like the Asos Classic Trench and Asos Skater Trench, both of which come in camel or black.

Cozy Knits

Knitted Tie Back Cable Top

If you’ve been affected by the recent heat waves in the midwest, cozy knit sweaters are probably not at the top of your “to-buy” list right now. That being said, this Forever 21 Floral Open-Knit Top is a lighter option for early mornings or crisp evenings. For those of you living in cooler regions, we love the adorable detailing on Topshop’s Knitted Tie Back Cable Top.

Which fall trends are you looking forward to wearing the most? Tell us in the comments!

Cheers,
The Shopilly Team

Style Spotlight on Wedge Sandals

Lately, we’ve noticed a variety of cute wedge sandals cruising the sidewalks and gracing the fashion blogs. We’re fans of this trend – wedges provide a comfortable way of adding height to your stance and sophistication to your outfits. Plus, for anyone not blessed with the natural talent of being able to balance or walk in heels, wedges are a safer alternative. Below, we’ve picked out five wedge sandals that are the perfect fit for any budget and the perfect finishing touch for any spring outfit.

From top left, clockwise: Waylon Harachi Cork Wedge Sandal, Piccolo Wedges, Seychelles Thyme Wedge Sandals, Fleure Gladiator Sandals, Wood Wedge Sandals

From top left, clockwise: Waylon Harachi Cork Wedge Sandal, Piccolo Wedges, Seychelles Thyme Wedge Sandals, Fleure Gladiator Sandals, Wood Wedge Sandals

Waylon Harachi Cork Wedge Sandal, Target ($29.99)
With a 4.25” heel, these wedges may be sky-high, but the thick foot straps and ankle strap make these much sturdier than your average pair of strappy sandals. The wedges come in black, blue, cognac and red, and at just $29.99, the price is definitely right. Pair these wedges with a pair of cropped jeans or your favorite maxi dress.

Piccolo Wedges, Asos ($66.50)
If you’re looking for a pair of wedges that can easily transition from office hours to happy hour, this is the pair for you. Featuring a Perspex (shatter-resistant acrylic glass) wedge heel, Asos’ Piccolo Wedges put a modern twist on the wedge heel. While they don’t fit perfectly into the sandal category, the peep toe openings give them a springtime feel.

Seychelles Thyme Wedge Sandal, Urban Outfitters ($95.00)
These wedge sandals come in three colors, but the jewel-toned teal is decidedly our favorite. We’d wear these with a pair of dark tuxedo shorts for a pop of color and a leg-lengthening effect.

Fleure Gladiator Sandals, Topshop ($110)
If you think wedge sandals are too dainty and sweet, think again. Featuring a mini wedge, these black leather gladiator sandals are easy to walk in and can toughen up any outfit. Try pairing a feminine swing dress with these gladiator sandals for an unexpected contrast.

Wood Wedge Sandals, Mango ($119.99)
Leather and wood combine to create these gorgeous wedges by the Spanish clothing company Mango. The neutral coloring makes these sandals extremely versatile – you can just as easily wear them with jeans as with flowy trousers or a fitted dress.

Photo credits: target.com, us.asos.com, urbanoutfitters.com, us.topshop.com, shop.mango.com

Spring Sales Galore

Lucky you – the first day of spring is right around the corner, and retailers are celebrating with sales and great deals. If you’ve done your spring cleaning and have some extra room in your closet, now is a great time to head over to the mall to re-stock your warm weather wardrobe. We’ve highlighted some notable sales and deals below – happy shopping!

ASOS Towelling Beach Playsuit White Chocolate Hooded Chambray Dress

Asos: Saint Patrick’s Day may be over and done with, but Asos is celebrating for an extra day with 20 percent off full-priced items with the code HAPPYSTPADDYS. We love this playful Towelling Beach Playsuit, which is perfect for a day in the sand and sun, and this easygoing Hooded Chambray Dress by White Chocoolate.

Bloomingdale’s: Members of Loyalist, Bloomingdale’s free rewards program, are being treated to an exclusive sale now through Sunday, March 24. It’s a tiered sale – spend $100-$249.99 and take $25 off your purchase, spend $250-$499.99 and take $50 off, and on. Not a Loyalist? Join for free here, and start taking advantage of the sales!

Express: You have until this Wednesday, March 20, to shop Express’ Spring Sale. In addition to great deals like Buy 1, Get 1 $9.90 tees and tanks for women and Buy 1, Get 1 $29.90 shorts for men, Express if offering a bonus with the code 1162. Get an extra $15 off for every $75 you spend, $30 off for every $150 you spend, and on.

Lucky: The beloved denim company is hosting an online-only private pre-sale that ends tomorrow, March 19. Hurry over to its website to save 20 percent off everything with the code LUCKYVIP317. If you’ve had your eyes on a pair of Lucky jeans like the Charlie Skinny or Lola Boot, now is the time to do so!

BlankNYC Skinny Color Jeans Bed stü Aunt Blanche Boat Shoes

Madewell: As if you needed another reason to love sales, Madewell is offering an extra 20 percent off sale items through tomorrow, March 19, with the code GOODSTUFF. Our sale item picks are these adorable skinny color jeans by [blanknyc] and Aunt Blanche boat shoes in “Denim Greenland” by California designer bed|stü.

Festive Frocks For Under $100!

In the spirit of the season, we’ve been bringing you fun, festive ideas on how to elevate your look for the holidays, be it at the office party or new beauty tricks to try. Now that we’re in the thick of soiree season—this weekend alone, we have a holiday housewarming brunch, coworker cocktails and a white elephant exchange—we’re taking the stress out of holiday dressing with a roundup of our favorite frocks, all for under $100!

MM COUTURE, $89

Green Sequin Skirt Dress - Jade/gold

Sparkle all night in MM Couture’s dazzling skirt dress ($89 from Piperlime, get an extra 20% with code HOLIDAY), featuring a sequined gold skirt and blousy jade top. Pair with nude pumps for an extra leg-lengthening effect.

TOPSHOP, $84

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Topshop’s cherry red skater dress ($84, score free shipping!) makes our spirits bright, thanks to a festive red hue and full-skirted silhouette. Try cinching it with an ornate belt to add extra sparkle and accentuate your silhouette.

ALI RO, $35

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Put the Midas touch on your holiday look with Ali Ro’s golden Grecian dress (on sale for $34.62 from $285 at Neiman Marcus Last Call, use code LCDEC75 for free shipping on orders over $75), spun of gleaming taffeta and dressed up with bow-topped shoulder and pleated sweetheart neckline.

VICTORIA’S SECRET, $70

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Steal kisses under the mistletoe in a seductive silhouette, like Victoria Secret’s Multi Way dress ($69.50, free shipping with code SHIPANY). Crafted of flattering matte jersey, it comes in 4 colors and can be worn a whopping 10 different ways (halter, strapless, V-neck, one-shoulder and so on…) to carry you through the season. If the vibe of the party is on the conservative side, top with a shrunken tuxedo jacket to balance proportions.

J.CREW, $99 

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Look pretty in pink with J.Crew’s bright Sinclaire dress ($99, take and extra 30% off + free shipping with code WISHLIST). The vibrant color makes it a perfect choice for the holidays, though the whisper-weight fabric works well for all of spring’s social events.

ADRIANNA PAPELL, $65

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With crisp tiers and graphic neckline, we think this jazzy little number by Adrianna Papell ($64.35 at Bluefly, take $40 off your order of $200 with code FLY40) is black, white and delightful allover. Channel a modern Holly Golightly by pulling hair back into a French twist and show off a pair of sparkly earrings.

ZARA, $70

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Whether the invite calls for creative cocktail or black tie optional, we can always count on Zara to find the perfect LBD for every occasion. Case in point: this coquettish dress ($69.90) trimmed with lace and chic ruffles.

ELISE RYAN, $39

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Make the rounds in this party-perfect dress by Elise Ryan ($38.70 at Asos), spun of floral lace with a sweetheart neck and scalloped hemline for an extra dose of demure. (While at Asos, send fun holiday e-cards to friends!)

SHOP IT: WINTER COATS

Baby, it’s cold outside! In light of the Nor’easter blustering through New York City, not to mention snowstorm Brutus making his way west, it’s time — in most of the country — to bundle up in your warmest winter threads. And with all the pre-holiday specials going on, there’s no better time than now to invest in a chic winter jacket. After all, it’s the first thing people notice with your outfit, plus if you find the right one, you’re sure to keep it for many more seasons to come. Read on for our roundup of the season’s warmest, most winsome offerings.

BEST NYLON PUFFER
 
   

If you’re looking for a plush down-filled jacket that won’t make you feel like you’re wearing a sleeping bag, Victoria’s Secret’s knit collar coat (on sale for $126, use code FALL12 to receive $15 off) is cinched at the waist to flatter your figure, and comes with a built-in knit scarf to keep you extra cozy. Another great option is DKNY’s opera coat ($495) cut in a relaxed, robe-like silhouette and perfect to pair with leggings or skinny jeans. As for our favorite, most luxurious non-puffy puffer? Burberry Brit’s down trench coat ($995, use code NOVGV to score a free Neiman Marcus gift card), featuring belted cuffs, rain flaps and a chic double-breasted silhouette. (This one’s a keeper.)

BEST BRIGHTS
     

Perk up your look on even the coldest day with a cheerful pop of color. We love how Banana Republic’s sunny yellow jacket ($225, take 30% off with code BRSAVE30) instantly boosts our mood. Or go pretty in pink with J.Crew’s sweet coat ($325, take 25% off + free shipping using code OURTREAT), lined with special Thinsulate to keep you extra toasty. Asos’ darling cobalt blue design ($92.35), complete with a cute hood, is sure to wake up winter doldrums.

BEST (FAUX) FUR-TRIMMED
   

For the perfect day to dinner jacket, opt for luxurious faux fur flourishes, such as Victoria’s Secret’s cherry red topper ($131) which has a removable collar, or Rachel Zoe’s Trish peacoat ($404, get free shipping) which looks equally chic over office outfits and cocktail party ensembles. Or go all out in Kate Spade New York’s Allie coat ($898), crafted in season-perfect pumpkin with a generous plush trim.

BEST LIGHTWEIGHT

As for those of us living in the warmer parts of the country, there’s no real need for a  heavy-duty jacket, of course. But you can still bundle up on our chillier nights in Rachel Roy’s perfect throw-on-and-go sweater coat ($189) For something a bit more daring, try Via Spiga’s sleek black cape ($100, marked down from $170) to wear with skinny jeans and heels, or stick to something classic with BCBG’s khaki trench ($398, enjoy free 3-day shipping) to wear with just about everything you own.