It happened so quickly here.  Less than a week after it was downright hot in San Jose, it rained all day yesterday.  Which brings me to my annual quest for boots that do not make me look like Paddington’s grandmother (rubber boots) or Uggs that REALLY make me look like Paddington’s grandmother.  Don’t get me wrong:  I have Uggs and Rubber boots in my closet and there are times when they are perfect.  Just not when I want to dress up. 

So, here they are…this year’s first waterproof boots that you can wear somewhere other than the carpool lane…the La Canadienne Women’s Kimmie Tall Boot.  Constructed of waterproof suede on the upper and manmade waterproof materials for the sole, the buckle adds just a little style to an otherwise gray day!  And the heel is high enough to make a point but substantial enough to give you sure footing on a wet and slippery day. They also have a zipper for easy in and out.  They thought of everything on this one!

I am so glad that boots can be waterproof and wearable! 

Click here to learn more about the Kimmie from LaCanadienne at Endless.com

While it is still Indian Summer here in the Bay Area, the signs of fall are coming quickly.  We felt a few drops of rain the other morning, the days are shorter and starting to get a little cooler.  It will still be another month before we are wearing coats and rain gear so now is a great time to look at some great transitional clothing. 

Over the weekend, we attended a wedding in San Francisco and deciding what to wear definitely included a work around for fashion and transitional weather.  I decided to embrace this season’s jewel tones, lace and floral with some bling and high heels while staying with the cool comfort and traditional elegance of a silk suit.

For everyday wear, I love the stylist picks at zappos.com.  And for great selection, prices and customer service, zappos.com is the “it” site for me!  Their recommendation for fall is to move into the transition to Fall with rich jewel tones and plush fabrics to warm up your wardrobe. Florals in deep, subdued tones make a sophisticated yet feminine centerpiece, while the season’s trouser jeans give the legs a long, flattering silhouette, perfect to pair with fall boots and decadent velvet platform heels.  I couldn’t agree more.

Click here to shop and learn what the stylists love for Fall at Zappo’s com!

Every season I go on the hunt for the perfect waterproof trench for my BFF, Colleen.  Because not only is Colleen very fashionable but I am now certain that the Weather Channel has secretly outfitted her with a secret tracking device–wherever she is travelling at any given time will have the worst weather on the entire planet.  And since she does in fact travel the planet, she is truly in need of a waterproof trench.

Alas, in all these years of searching I have failed to find a perfectly wonderful while fully waterproof trench.  So please share if you have a favorite waterproof trench that you are willing to divulge its source. 

As I continue to search, I continue to find fabulous treasure for those of us who can make it on water resistant! Case in point, these fabulous trenches from Tahari at Nordstrom.

The first choice, the “Natalie” is a chic three quarter trench that is wonderful for my smaller framed friends and would work well under a cocktail dress.  It is very fitted and would not work well to size up.  It is machine washable, lightweight and easy to pack.  This is a great coat for those spring and fall evenings or quick trips to the already warmed car when a little wrap will do. I just love the double ruffle collar at the neckline!

The second trench, the ‘Eve’ is  a burgundy asymmetrical ruffle trench, also has a beautiful finish and ruffle.  It is definitely constructed for someone with a larger frame or for wearing over more substantial clothing.  It has a loose fit and longer sleeves.  And it has the same ease of wear and care as the first coat. 

The perfect trenches for an evening on the town when no ark is required!  Sorry Colleen!

Over the weekend, my husband and I attended the annual gala for one of our very favorite charities:  InnVision.  It was such a thrill to see the room full once again as things seem to have been the toughest for the very nonprofits where needs are the highest right now. 

Among the wonderful friends, great food and exotic cars, of course I was watching the looks.  No surprise, there were a lot of fabulous LBDs.  I also love the regal blues and purples for this season.  So my dress of choice for this week is this fabulous Patra.  Blueberry and the other regal blues and purples are very wearable for most any skin tone.  And this flirty sheath is a very flattering for many body types.  Tonal iridescent beads highlight the tiered construction while sheer, fluttering sleeves frame the asymmetrical neckline.  A little cover for the top of the arms while still cool and comfortable to dance the night away! 

Click here to learn more about the Patra Asymmetical Sheath Dress, a fan favorite at Nordstrom. 

There are so many reasons I love the sophisticated separates for Fall 2010.  First, very few people are the same size on the top as bottom.  How often does a suit fit perfectly?  Speaking for myself the answer is never.  My jacket size is dramatically different from my pant size.  Career dressing used to mean buying two peices that didn’t actually fit and then having them tailored to within an inch of their material lives.  And even after that, lets just say I wouldn’t be doing jumping jacks with the jacket on! 

Second, separates are a great way to layer styles.  So for me, that means a traditional look popped with some piece that notches the look up.  I am not a billboard that screams “Fashion Siren!!!” but I do make a statement.  Usually with a period.  I avoid the question mark and exclamation. Start with one central theme and set it off with one strategic pop.

Another trick to separates is to remember that long is lean and short is sweet.  To deemphasize part of your figure, slightly elongated draws the eye up and down, away from that portion of the figure. Be careful that it is not too much of a long look though.  You can look like you are wearing a bolt of cloth or a tent.  Be sure to balance the long and lean look with short pieces, colors or accessories that break up the look in the right places. 

Enjoy the wide variety of beautiful separates available this Fall for your career closet!  Click here to check out my favorites at Nordstrom.