A Dash of Haberdashery

Dress (Rachel Roy); Shoes (Saks 5th Avenue, Off 5th); Necklace (Paloma & Ellie, JC Penney); Purse (Bra-cketbook); Bracelet (Nadri, Nordstrom); Watch (Charriol); Smoky Quartz and Diamond Ring (David Yurman, G. Thrapp Jewelers); Earrings (Roberto Coin, Reis Nichols) 

Pick up any Fall fashion magazine and you'll quickly see that menswear-inspired pieces are all the rage right now.  Personally, I don't think this is anything new.  The nubby tweeds, herringbones, glen plaids, and warm textures typically associated with cool weather menswear have an intrinsic autumnal appeal, which makes them classics that come back in vogue time and again with the changing of the leaves.  And, it only takes a few menswear touches to add dimension to an otherwise decidedly feminine look:  here, the rich wool fabric of the shoes adds pattern and interest to a dark green wool sheath that, save for a knock-out neckline (my favorite part!), is otherwise pretty basic; and the purse, upcycled from a plethora of old neckties, takes that most traditional of menswear accessories in an entirely new direction.  

The upcycled tie purse from Bra-cketbook is particularly appropriate for October, which is breast cancer awareness month, because it was designed as a fundraiser for breast cancer research.  While the "pretty" part of this bag comes from neckties in traditional patterns, its "structure" comes from an upcycled bra!  Truly, this purse is a perfect blend of masculine and feminine elements.

Fashion is what you buy; Style is what you do with it!

Linked up with:  What I Wore and Style Elixir