29 Sep 2010 Fall fashion favorites
Another poll may also show that fall is a fashion favorite among women. Autumn temperatures and activities necessitate big changes in the closet. Women are ready to trade out the lightweight fabrics of summer, for colorful jackets, leggings and sweaters. However, in the 501, October temperatures aren’t always so cool and activities are not always scheduled evenly out.
This time of year, any recommendation to simplify the wardrobe challenges of busy women is definitely welcome. Jennifer Landers, sales associate and stylist for Mary’s Boutique in Downtown Conway, suggests a simple solution: versatile separates. She knows that working moms need separates to take them from the conference room, to teachers’ conferences to the conference game.
For this fashion feature, uberbusy corporate mom and entrepreneur Kristen Riddle shows an outfit that will multi-task all day and night. The black slacks and jacket are both Focus brand with a nice transition-weight wool blend. The boyfriend jacket features ruche sleeves. The jacket looks as nice with these slacks as with trouser jeans for dinner.
The lightweight knit top, by Metric, also transforms easily from work wear to casual. Worn without a jacket, the beautiful animal print pattern is showcased along with the surprise detail of deep blue accents.
Jennifer is quick to point out that casual does not mean slouchy. Kristen models a ready-for-anything outfit that proves that you don’t have to trade comfort for style. The JBrand skinny jeans – which Kristen says are “very comfortable” – have just enough stretch to fit in all the right places, plus keep their shape through the final buzzer. No more baggy “Mom jeans.”
The purple sequin and grey striped top is by CiCi Tash. It has an asymmetrical hemline and features a side tie for scrunching. If the temperatures do drop at game-time add the one-button, hooded jacket in royal purple. Kristen’s fun personality comes out in her accessories. She added the black belt to cinch her waist and a multi-strand necklace for flair.
Jennifer shares that the necklace is “all the rage for fall.” It has a detachable flower that can be used as a brooch or pinned to another necklace or scarf.
These versatile separates meet the needs of any team member. Some may prefer to wear the jacket loose and open; and the younger crowd may wear it sans jacket and add a flower headband, instead.
Special events seem to ramp up in October. Weddings, homecoming parties and performances at the University of Central Arkansas Reynolds Performance Hall are a few examples of opportunities to dress up. Busy schedules don’t always allow time for a complete change of clothes from day to evening. The key again is adaptable separates.
Kristen has found that changing just the accessories can take a classic slacks-and-blouse outfit up a notch. This champagne-colored ruffle-front blouse by Cartise is the toast of the town. The rich color is set off beautifully by the Fabrizio Gianni black slacks. To take these separates to another level, Jennifer recommends adding the pearl and crystal necklace and matching earrings.
Model: Kristen Glover Riddle, Pharm. D.
Kristen grew up in the 501 area. A daughter of Eddie Glover and Pam Glover, her family includes husband Jeremy Riddle, children Payton, 9; Preston, 6, and Sydney, 4; and brother Sam, his wife Lacy and their daughter Kate.
Kristen is owner of US Cosmeceuticals and creator of RX Solutions skin care line. She also is a pharmacist at US Compounding, specializing in women’s health.
She attended Central Baptist College and the University of Central Arkansas, earning her doctor of pharmacy degree from the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences.
