Basic Training

I am a fan of statement pieces. A hot red shoe that steals the scene, warms my heart. BUT there are certain key basics that are great to have in your closet to showcase these items and bring everything in your wardrobe together (group hug).

Here are my top 10 basics.  What are yours?

1. BOOT CUT JEAN. These go with everything and are flattering to most shapes.  They are a base for many casual outfits however if you get a dark wash you can dress them up too.  My pick: The Bailey Boot Cut Jean in shadow from HeightGoddess.com. $129. Inseams 36"-40". Sizes 27-35.

2. CLASSIC DRESS SHIRT. You can wear this on it's own, under a cardigan or vest or blazer.  There are endless ways to wear this white crispy shirt.  It never goes out of style and pays for itself ten times over.  My pick: Wrinkle Resistant Shirt in white from Long Elegant Legs. $49. Sizes S-XXL.

3. COAT. You can't be chilly during fall and winter so a timeless coat is an investment that you need to make.  The purchase can make a dent in your pocket however if you pick a coat with great construction and a neutral color, you can throw it on with everything and stay warm season after season. My pick: Textured Coat in gray Melange from Banana Republic. $225. Sizes S-XL.

4. BLACK DRESS PANT. Think about all of the times you have needed a great pair of dress pants. Yes, about a million.  My pick: The Perfect Trouser Pant from Gap. $59.95. Sizes 00-15. 33"-37" inseams.

5&6. PUMP & FLAT.  I love shoes and don't think you could ever have too many but in the least you should have a black pump and a neutral, fun flat.  They both will be used in excess. My picks: (PUMP) Vince Camuto Korsi Pump from Nordstrom. $118.95. Sizes 4-12 in M and W width. (FLAT) Tess by Barefoot Tess Madrid Flat From All Black in taupe. $149. Sizes 11-15.

7. BASIC BLAZER. Throw this on with a light jean and scarf for a day out with friends or put on a pencil skirt and classic dress shirt with a chunky necklace.  You can wear a basic blazer with anything and everything.  Your closet must have this. My pick: The New Mara One Button Blazer in Navy from Long Legs. $165. 27.5" sleeves.  Sizes XS-XL.

8. PENCIL SKIRT. Speaking of pencil skirts, having one in a dark color is essential.  Pencil skirts slim you down and make your booty look good.  Not to mention they polish off any outfit.  What is there not to love? My pick: The Carlton Stripe Pencil Skirt form LOFT. $69.50. Sizes 0-18.

9. SWEATER DRESS. I don't care what anyone says.  There is nothing better then a one piece outfit.  Picture those rainy days when all you want to do is stay under the covers and BAM, instant, cute outfit.  My pick: Merino Wool Cowl Neck Sweater Dress in violet from Ann Taylor. $138. Sizes XS-XL.

10. SKINNY JEAN. No matter what color you covet just make sure you have a pair of skinnies. They are seasonless and slimming.  Need I say more?  My pick: The Farringdon Skinny from Long Tall Sally.  HURRY!  These are a HOT item, going fast! $79. Sizes 4-16. 35" inseam.

Long Tall Sally San Francisco Pop-Up Shop

Long Tall Sally has been in tall fashion for over 30 years. They have shops in the UK, Canada and 2 in the US. You don't have an LTS shop near you? No worries. Long Tall Sally has these amazing pop-up shops!

Recently I went to the one in San Francisco. Check out the vid to see what it's all about!

 

Side note. The LTS outfit you see me in is A-MA-ZING! It fits like a glove and I love, love, LOVE IT!  Check it out:

What I'm wearing (left to right): THE PORTOBELLO HIGH RISE SKINNY JEAN ($85, sizes 6-18, 36" inseam), STRIPE DOUBLE BREASTED JERSEY BLAZER ($115, sizes 6-18) and THE STRETCH COTTON CAMI ($22, sizes extra small to extra large).  

Blaze a Trail

Last week I went to the Sade-John Legend concert with my Dad (the concert was AMAZING btw...Sade killed it and furthermore has to know where the fountain of youth is...share it with us Ms. Adu:).

Seeing as how I was going with my Dad, I had to tone it down a bit.  Now, pump ur breaks, don't go thinking that I usually wear a pot holder to an event BUT out of respect for my Dad, low cut tops and dresses were out. So I had to think of a way to be cute in a conservative manner. 

My solution: a blazer.  I wore it over a long form fitting top with leggings and 4.5" peep toe shooties.  It was the perfect 'polish' for my outfit.  As a matter of fact, blazers are so versatile that you can rock them up or down, to work, a concert, pretty much anywhere.  Check out these tall blazers below and pick the one that best suits your plans!

BLAZER TIME (from left to right, top to bottom): STRIPE DOUBLE BREASTED JERSEY BLAZER(LongTallSally.com, $115, sizes 6-18, 27" sleeve length, 24" long), TWILL BLAZER (Gap.com, $98, sizes 4-16), TALL CITY 3-BUTTON JACKET (Loft.com, $118, sizes 0-18, 25" long), COTTON SATEEN RED BLAZER(LongLegs.ca, $97.50, sizes 8-20, 27.5" sleeve length, 26" long.  CHECK OUT THE TALLSWAG VIDVIEW OF THIS BLAZER NOW!), BEIGE ROSETTE BLAZER(BananaRepublic.com, $175, sizes 4-14) and SUITING SEPARATES BLAZER(Chadwicks.com, $39.99, sizes 4-18, 27" long).     

Fall into Tall

Nobody wants to say goodbye to sunshine BUT everybody wants to say hello to fall fashion.  This season is filled with 'ladylike' design, pops of color, print, mixed metals and stunning footwear.  Fall11 is tall, fall fashion at it's finest.  I can't wait to put my spin on these trends and SWAG them out...can u?

1. MAKE A STATEMENT WITH PRINT: This Long Tall Sally Check Jersey dress ads bold to a classic cut.  The dress also checks off another trend: dresses the hit at or below the knee. $105. Longtallsally.com. Sizes extra small to extra large. 42.5" long. 

2. SKY-HIGH FOOTWEAR: Platforms with a pop of color are a must have for fall11.  They set off any outfit and make you feel incredible.  My fav: Vince Camuto 'Jasper' Mary Jane Pump. $118.95. Nordstrom.com. Sizes 4-12. 

3. ANIMAL PRINT PARTY:Never wear it head-to-toe but animal print in doses is definitely in.  The Tall Mad Men Collection Leopard Print Trenchis amazing.  Unforgettable and haute. Get it now. $198. Sizes S-L. Bananarepublic.com.

4. WIDE IDEA:Variations of wide leg pants and jeans are going to be everywhere this season.  Although the skinnies are still in the mix, a bottom such as the 1969 Super Lightweight Pintucked Trouser Jean, creates a sleek, long look that will be included in every collection. $79.95. Sizes 4 to 16. 38" inseam. Gap.com.

5. ALI ALI OXFORD FREE:Oxford's are comfy and add a polish that not many flats can attain.  Don't like flats? You are in luck because oxford inspired footwear in any form, heel to shootie, is a fall favorite.  Check out the Brash Bobby Jazz Oxford from Payless.com. $29.99. Sizes 5-13. 

6. LAYER IT: No, I am not talking about cake (but I like that too).  Layers are so comfy and if done right, fashionable.  The Layered Ruched Tunic from Long Elegant Legsis a perfect example.  Not only does it 'lay' right, it also comes in a hot fall color: green. $58. Sizes S-XXL. Super long arms and 30" in body length.

7. CARD ME: The easiest way to 'pretty' an outfit up is with a feminine cardigan.  There are plenty of tall ones for us to choose from including the Tall Contrast Stitch Open Cardigan from TopShop. $80. Sizes 4-12 (hurry, going fast...it's a HOT item).

8. ANOTHER WIDE IDEA: Too hot not to include in the preview. Safari Pant from Long Legs. $110. Sizes 4-20. 38" inseam.

9. PENCIL ME IN:Smooth silhouette.  To or below the knee.  Buy 2 or 5.  Classic beauty. Example: Tall Pencil Skirt (love the straight and to-the-point name). $49.95. Sizes 4-16. Gap.com. 

10. HAND-TO-COLOR COMBAT:Put the exclamation point on your outfit with a color-filled handbag. Check out the Mile Bianco Sadie Ruched Satchel. $105. Endless.com awesomeness.

11. LOAFIN AROUND: Nobody will call you lazy when it comes to footwear if you rock these.  This pair of high heel loafers are must haves.  They are the IT pair of shoes for fall11. Get acquainted with Unmixed from Nine West. Sizes 5-12. Ships 9/9.

12-14. THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Accesorize in a BOLD manner.  Now, don't go overboard.  Keep your bold statement to one piece.

(12) Geo Stretch Bracelet. $8.80. Forever21.

(13) Marc by Marc Jacobs Color Block Bolt Ring. $21.99. Piperlime.

(14) Long Chain and Bead Knot Necklace. $34.90. Express.

15. BOOTED: Buy the boots you want to wear.  No trend is a bad one.  Pick a pair that reflects you.  These are what I'm feelin right now: Stretch Wedge Boot from Long Tall Sally. $109. Sizes 10-13.

New For You

It's a new year and why not start it off with brand spankin new clothes.  I am obsessed with the new arrivals at Long Tall Sally.  I want soooooo MANY pieces.  In particular the Piped Trench Coat (in the upper left pic) and I just hope that one in my size is spared by payday (in addition to be stylish, I need to be smart too:).  It's a classic piece that will last forever and with the new LTS flat rate shipping ($10 standard/$15 express), I can actually ship the piece without bringing the total into a whole other price point.

I know.  You think I am being paid to pump LTS.  Ummmmm I wish!  I obviously absolutely love the brand and their new arrivals but I am passing this info along for FREE.99.  I love sharing my finds with you:)

Find your perfect piece now.  Trust me.  Long Tall Sally does NOT disappoint!

FIND EXACTLY WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR at Longtallsally.com. Endless new arrivals that are perfect TallSWAG. Skirts, pants, jeans, shoes, dresses etc. Every type of clothing for every type of tall woman.

Rack Attack

You may know by now...but just in case you don't...NORDSTROM RACK IS NOW ONLINE!  Click away for instant savings.  Can't type...must visit site NOW!

GET THE SAVINGS OF THE RACK ONLINE at shop.nordstrom.com/c/nordstrom-rack.

SUPER STEALS at Nordstrom Rack online:

VIA SPIGA SHANTI BOOT. $99. Was $298. Comes in sizes 8, 10.5 and 12.

7 FOR ALL MANKIND DOJO CRYSTAL POCKET STRETCH TROUSER JEAN. $119.97. Was $225. Sizes 24-32. 35" inseam.DKNY AUDREY DOUBLE BREASTED TRENCH. $59.97. Was $148. Sizes medium to X-large.