playing dress-up

it must be difficult being a celebrity these days. in addition to the incessant flash of the paparazzi invading your personal space, there's a whole generation of bloggers out there ready to criticize your every move. but we feel that while you're on camera, you should dress your best (especially if you're afforded the luxury of a stylist). below we've outlined some misses from television's most popular hosts, and offered our advice on how to turn them into hits.

1. catt sadler, host of e!'s "daily 10" has a flirty style that suits her personality, but sometimes her fashion sense steers a little too far in the direction of "floozy." a general rule of thumb is if you're fitted on top, have some volume on bottom. to re-interpret catt's style, we've put together a gold see by chloe top and leather phillip lim "ra-ra" skirt that creates a fun, flirty look without being too sexy for prime time television.

2. rachel ray is a fan of patterns, but sometimes the look is overwhelming on her frame: lame-o! to keep it simple and more flattering, a bold stripe print, like the sea dress pictured above, creates drama and interest while a tailored corduroy blazer from wren keeps the dress from overpowering her.

3. on the biggest loser, alison sweeny's look seems dated. while she's careful to accentuate the positive by belting her slim waist, she's also prone to wearing pieces that look like they've been hanging in her closet for years (especially the satin frocks she wears at the weigh ins). to bring her up to date, we suggest a chic asymmetrical-hem dress from clu that can easily be dressed up or down. the shoulder pad detail on the dress also works to draw the eye toward the waist when belted.

4. samantha harris has quite a burden on her shoulders to keep up with the glitz on dancing with the stars, but we think this is a case where "less is more" should come into play. the black A.L.C. dress pictured above has a simple silhouette that flows beautifully while on the body. paired with a dramatic necklace, it's all the glam a girl needs to set herself apart from the competition.

so long...farewell...auf wiedersehen...

as of 5:17 PM this evening summer 2009 is officially over, so please, please, PLEASE put away your white jeans, tank tops and flip flops. we understand that transitioning from season to season can be difficult--especially in the south where the thermometer hovers in the mid-80's throughout the month of september--but we have a couple pointers that will help navigate the way through your closet.






#1: flirty + hardcore = transitional bliss

take sienna miller in this feminine dress paired with motorcycle boots and a leather jacket. the look is flawless and expertly melds a summer wardrobe into fall. to make this look your own, chose your favorite flowy dress from summer (liberty prints work especially well), dust off your ankle boots from last fall and invest in a great leather jacket that will carry you through the season.





#2: one part summer + two parts fall = the recipe for total togetherness

victoria beckham shows us that shorts and boots can happily coexist when blended with a tailored blazer. instead of switching your closet over from summer to fall this year, try something new with a "grab-and-go" approach. think of each item in your closet as either a "summer" or "fall" item. summer would include shorts and tees, while fall would include blazers and boots. when you're looking for that perfect transitional outfit, grab one summer item, two fall and voila: total togetherness!


for more inspiration on how to blend summer and fall, stop by poole shop to see our new collection from wren that includes a lightweight blazer and adorable plaid tunic. we dressed this little darling in wren's corduroy blazer and silk mini skirt for a great summer-meets-fall look. when the weather cools down even more, throw on a pair of colorful see by chloe tights and knee-high isabel marant boots for the total fall package.

guys do it, girls do it

in fashion the graphic tee is ubiquitous: sported by celebrities, rock stars and everyday joes like ourselves. this season try pairing your favorite tee under a boyfriend blazer or grandpa cardigan for an updated look. scour vintage stores or goodwill for a great worn-in tee or check with your favorite boutique for one you can weather yourself. this month marie claire features the "oui" tank by wren that has just arrived at poole shop. understated, adorable and perfect for pairing...come and get yours before they're gone!