Classic Twist on Colorblock

There's Eastern Standard Time and then there's the little-known Magazine Standard Time, which is four months plus whatever the hell time it is in New York. This means that lately, I've been swilling peppermint drinks and celebrating fake New Year's Eve countdowns and listening to Bing Crosby.

Naturally, I've been going through my drawers to look at my neatly-stacked jeans and weep as I sweat in the sticky, relentless heat. I can't even LOOK at my sweaters (but only because the last time I did, I found a cockroach hanging on one. Is that gross? Sorry. New York and stuff). But whatever, I'm going to start early. My thoughts are halfway through November, and if Boy Scouts can prepare, why can't I?

Colorblock is big. Bright colors, try pairing hot pink and red like Sarah Jessica Parker did that one time (you know which outfit I'm talking about), blah blah blah yawn sneeze yawn. While splashes of fuchsia and coral and Kelly green will fly in the summer, fall is a different story. You just don't want to wrap yourself up in a cozy neon-orange sweater. (Trust me.) The fix? Take a note from Stella McCartney's Fall 2012 RTW show and try colorblock with a twist: neutrals.

Black and white. Camel. Maybe navy, if you really feel like pushing the envelope. I love how a simpler palette emphasizes the geometric foundation of colorblock; instead of focusing on the colors and how they work together, these pieces show off the shapes and illusions that can be so flattering. I'd wear the Rag & Bone blouse (top, click to buy) with skinny jeans and boots (boots!), or tuck it into a pleated skirt for an unexpected pairing. The Trina Turk dress (bottom, click to buy) would be perfect for the office and for happy hour afterwards. Plus, when the weather gets chilly, a cropped leather jacket would give it a little kick.

Neutral colorblock? Wear it now. Wear it later. Scout's honor, it'll work.

Touch of Gold

The simplest way to transition bright summer colors into fall? Pair them with subdued neutrals, like charcoal grey. Charcoal grey is a natural shoo-in for me. It's a) my favorite color and b) one of the reasons I'm looking forward to fall. Instead of being overplayed, though, it looks surprisingly modern when paired with a bit of gold sparkle or a rich, buttery yellow. All a light sunshine-hued jacket needs is a warm grey scarf to make it ready for this season.

(photo cred to 1 and 2)

Lightening Up

I'm always one for the classic black and white pairing, but my favorite way to update it for the summer? A sandy taupe and pale cream, à la Madewell:

It may or may not already be in my shopping bag on the site...

...but let's be real, it totally is.

[photo cred to 1 and 2]

Faux Colorblock

I don't read tabloids and thus, have no idea whether or not Lindsay Lohan is drunk/sober/in jail/not in jail/painting her toenails/dating her cat. Though I loved LiLo in Mean Girls and The Parent Trap, I generally have little to no interest in her and her style. However, I'm obsessed with the pseudo-colorblocking that she pulls off in this particular photo. I always tuck my top into my skirt, and I'm surprised to see that it looks so polished and elegant while untucked.  At first glance, I even mistook it for a dress. Naturally, I had to give it my own twist.

The untucked top works best because of the material — I'm guessing Lindsay's is silk or a silk-blend — one that's a little more formal than your regular tee, longer (for layering), and with a looser cut. I adore this one by Theory. I also think a not-so-skintight skirt adds to the effect, which is why I picked a style in a shocking pink hue from House of Fraser. When the top is layered over it, it creates the seamless effect that resembles a colorblock dress while offering the freedom to play with the colors and proportions. I'd accessorize with spare details: these Rag & Bone wedges, a pretty gold necklace, and pair of Nina Ricci aviators. Now about that top...

[photo cred here]