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Winter 2011 Style Guide featured on DiscoverSD.com. Style cues from: Chloe, Burberry Porsum, MaxMara and Oscar de la Renta

As the creator of fashion blog RichSkinnyPretty.com I am continuously taking style cues from the latest runway shows. There is no need to jaunt off to LA for your shopping needs considering San Diego's boutiques are chock-full with a veritable who's who list of designer labels and an array of rich styles for the winter season.

It’s officially time to edit your wardrobe. Move over the light cardigans from fall to make some room for the absolute musts of the fresh season ahead. Hone in on this season's biggest trends with my ultimate style guide featuring the au courant trends for Winter 2011.

Pictured: Chloe
The Look: Camel Coat
The Camel Coat has made a glorious return to our closets. Reminiscent of Lauren Huttun circa 1970s, the empowered ‘70s sophisticated yet understated glam is officially back with celebrities like Alexa Chung and Blake Lively sporting the classic outerwear. Not only are A-Listers jumping on this trend but collections such as Chloe and Dries Van Noten have made this piece a staple for our winter wardrobes. With our San Diego weather being on the chilly side this year, what a better excuse to stay bundled up and warm with this sumptuous option? Forget the sweatshirts and Uggs, and instead opt for the polished and clean look of the camel coat. Create your own style with endless options to choose from, including crisp tailoring, heavy enveloping styles, double-breasted, and hooded.


Get the Look:
Kerut in La Jolla is a luxury lifestyle boutique which boasts a fresh and posh mix of coveted labels including Halston Heritage, Sachin and Babi and Kaine. Major perks of your shopping experience? Styling consultation, champagne and cupcakes. Owner Lauren Turek, explains it's “the party she never wants to leave.” If you really want to make a wow statement, pair the coat with bare legs, high pumps and oversized shades.
Pictured: Burberry Porsum
The Look: Shearling
It's officially time to get cozy with shearling. Collections by designers such as Victor & Rolf and Burberry Porsum incorporated lamb's wool throughout their pieces on the runways from cropped suede jackets to booties. Shearling can be surprisingly luxe when done right and of course always soft and comfortable. It's all about looking casual chic while staying warm. The look is more appropriate for day attire unless your evening is comprised of a low-key dinner or dive-bar gallivanting. You might favor leather tones with a classic shearling jacket cut otherwise it can look a little too pajama-like. Don't be mistaken, this look by Burberry Porsum says “I know I look cool, but I am not really trying.”



Get the Look:
Talk about a cult favorite, Home boutique in Encinitas has an eclectic mix of both used and new clothing. The shopping experience is unparalleled in terms of never really knowing if you are going to walk out with a $7 pair of sunglasses or a pair of Gucci riding boots. Look forward to browsing through tasteful hipster pieces and unique vintage treasures. Trendsetters are scooping up some of the best finds in North County at this lil' treasure trove that has earned some serious clout with the sartorial set. If you have the luxury of shopping weekly then definitely take the time to peruse the racks for potential new additions to your closest. Once you find your perfect pair of shearling trimmed booties or plush jacket, create a runway inspired look with tights and an unexpected dress.
Pictured: Oscar de la Renta
The Look: Lace
Oh la la – a mixture of innocence and sensuality will have others vying for your style all winter long. Have you noticed? The most vaunted lace trend has been evolving over the past few seasons. Oscar de la Renta, Givenchy and Dolce & Gabanna have reinvented the look for this winter. Keep in mind a few key notes. Choose a sturdier fabric rather than a thin stretch material. Second, look for an intricate and unique pattern. Also keep in mind darker tones such as black are appropriate for winter compared to the the light neutrals we saw previously in spring. Plus, the true key to wearing lace is by making a romantic statement; an effortless mix of sensual and feminine yet not over-suggestive. And please for the sake of all of us do not make the same mistake as Leighton Meester at the Harry Winston Court of Jewels event in NYC wearing a Marchesa sheer lace jumpsuit - oops. Meester's fashion disaster aside, if you are looking for frill, charm and allure you will positively be an angelic vision in lace. Swoon.

Get the Look:
Vocabulary boutique in Little Italy houses a variety of delicate confections. Dainty, endearing and sweet describes the styles awaiting you. In addition to the sought-after array of woman's apparel you will also find menswear, accessories and accents for your home. Talk about a one-stop shop! When shopping for your lace staple piece, keep in mind to not look overdone by toning down the piece with a masculine or structured item such as a prep school blazer or perhaps even a basic ballet flat opposed to flashy heels. Shop now at Vocabulary in Little Italy.
Pictured: MaxMara
The Look: Military
Attention cadets, take on androgyny with military-inspired garbs. If you have yet to jump on the bandwagon, then at long last invest in a military piece. This trend has been lingering for past seasons and will continue to endure throughout Winter 2011. Invest in a classic coat, trench or vest. Or try the related aviator trend to add a little idealized heroic glamour to your wardrobe. Look for outerwear that is structured with emphasized shoulders or even oversized buttons. Marc by Marc Jacobs, Jill Stuart and MaxMara have each revamped the trend that continues to be a strong style influence for 2011.

Get the Look:
Cecilia boutique in Mission Hills offers shopping bliss with a collection of trendy yet classic digs for the fashion purist at heart. Accessible styles by labels like Charlotte, French Connection, Eva Franco and Sanctuary fill the racks. Finally introduce a military inspired piece to your closet if you have yet to do so. Create a sloppy-chic look with a tailored jacket, loose fitted tee and distressed denim. Or try a cleaner look with skinny jeans and a red sultry pout. Either way, you will be commanding attention. Ten-four soldier?
Pictured: Chloe
The Look: Wide-Leg Trousers
The fashion cognoscenti already know that wide-leg pants have reemerged this season. Move over skinny jean and hello flared trousers. Again with the ‘70s influence as we have seen with the camel coat, we welcome the familiarized powerhouse style. With the likes of style icons like Olivia Palemro, celebs such as Lauren Conrad and collections by mega-designers like YSL and Chloe; you won't be mistaken, the flare is back and offers a dramatic mighty punch. The look says “I am woman and hear me roar.” Thanks Helen Reddy, we hear you loud and clear and will proudly be rocking the look well into the season. Hesitant about leaving the skinny behind? Not to fret, skinny denim and leggings are still hot for winter; just don't be afraid to include a pair of wide-leg trousers to your winter wardrobe.


Get the Look:
Kyss boutique located in Carlsbad with stylish yet comfortable quality brands like Michael Stars, Bailey 44, C Luce and Eight Sixty is especially a shopping must for hip moms. While shopping, invest in the classic and crisp wide-leg trouser to update your wardrobe with the season staple. Count on Kyss to deliver delight aplenty with make-up services offered to top off your new look! Plus book a private shopping party for you and friends, who wouldn't RSVP? Shop now at Kyss in Carlsbad.

Photos courtesy of Vogue.com.

Read the full DiscoverSD.com article here.

xoxo Nacole Gray

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