But with all the hard lines, it’s nice to soften things: Ali Ro makes a great jacket in fatigue, but makes it uber-feminine with the ruffle front (pictured).  Layered over a camouflage printed top, you get the right mix of military-influence and fashion-prevalence.

Of course, with all the sweaters and long jackets for the season, a skinny pant or legging is an absolute must-have this year.  Ponte is a fantastic way to incorporate this necessity as it’s a double-knit fabric providing a little more coverage than your traditional thin legging.

And don’t forget the boots!  Any style, height, or material will do this season.  Just make sure they’re made for walkin’…

Raising money for The Ronald McDonald House of Houston and The Texas Children’s Hospital, the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show has a very singular mission – helping children.  And what a wonderful mission it is!

Established in 1945 and now known as one of the preeminent horse shows in the country, Pin Oak attracts nearly 60,000 visitors and has raised millions for worthy charities.

Thanks again to Lynn and the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show!

Fur + Military + Pointe = Trend-alicious

• Military…. there is a TON of military inspiration this year, from epaulets to hardware, double-breasted to cargo.  It blends beautifully with ultra-feminine styles, like the Elizabeth & James silk blouse with the double pockets (pictured).
• Fur…. we know, we know.  It’s Houston, and it’s humid hot.  But fur – fake or otherwise – is a major trend this year, and we would be remiss to not mention it.  Besides, it’s much easier to pull off fur when you can utilize it in conjunction with another trend…
• Vests…. start layering, ladies!  The vest is making a come-back, although it’s reappearing as it’s much cuter doppelganger.  From soft sweater vests to structured knit vests to fur vests (pictured), you certainly have your pick when it comes to this trend.
• Ponte… also known as a ‘double knit’ fabric, this item continues its stronghold on fashion.  Ponte makes for a fantastic pant: structured, fitted, tight, and forgiving – all at the same time.  They look best as a skinny leg under tunics, over-sized sweaters, and long jackets and/or vests.
• Fatigue Green… see first trend.  The military inspiration even trickles down to the color palette this season.  Fatigue green shows up everywhere from jackets to jeggings, and works beautifully with the abundance of browns and mochas also invading this season’s scheme.

The one-year old line is designed by 29-year old Taiwanese pop star, Jolin Tsai, and the line is named after her first pop hit: “See My Seventy Two Changes” (referring, of course, to growing up… not donning multiples outfits!).

With a slight military inspiration in the strong shoulders and double-breasted impression – all while maintaining beautiful draping – this blazer pairs perfectly with skinny jeans, pointe pants, or even a silk dress.

A self-proclaimed “modern lifestyle brand for a new generation”, Elizabeth & James blends feminine details with masculine silhouettes and shapes… creating wonderfully luxurious pieces.

My favorite item from their fall collection: the Belted Safari Laurent Dress (pictured).  I’m pairing mine with a dark denim legging and a lace camisole, both major fall trends.

Swing by Dimensions to see more of Elizabeth & James!

Thankfully, there’s a brilliant solution: Dimensions has all the new key essentials at spectacular prices.  Take the new Biker Jacket Trend pictured.  You can get the same look for just $59.  That’s right… $59.

Soft cardigans, military inspired trench coats, and faux leather jackets for $19 to $59?  It’s a great way to keep your closet and your wallet full.

Don’t wait too long, though, because these deals are only good through Saturday, August 14.  After that, you’re back to paying full retail.  *Shudder*

Starting at 8am, the entire store is on sale.  That’s right… the ENTIRE store.  Oh, and it gets better: it’s all up to 90% off.  Plus, you wouldn’t want to miss out on the early bird specials: perfect tees for $5, adorable summer shorts for $20, and all shoes for only $29.

Maybe you should call in ’shopping’ to work tomorrow…

Katy Perry in Nanette Lepore

Katy Perry looks absolutely stunning in a Nanette Lepore dress on the cover of June 2010’s Lucky Magazine.  Here’s what the “I Kissed a Girl” singer had to share:

On her style evolution: “I’ve gone from Betty Boop to more Bettie Page.  It’s less cute and more meow.”

On her first fashion moments: “I was completely broke.  I used to borrow outfits, get my makeup down at makeup counters, and then sneak into events.  It was cool!  I seemed to be wearing things right.”

On blending fashion with her music: “Whenever I write a song, I look at style.com to figure out what it would look like if it were a dress.”

Get her look at Dimensions… we have her dress stocked in black!

“The lovely ladies at Dimensions will not only help you put together the perfect ensemble, but you can also count on them to be tastefully honest when you try on something that just isn’t right.  They know your name, they know your job, and most importantly, they know your style.”

And thanks to all of our wonderful customers… we’re nothing without all of you!!