Spirits And Spices
This Fall’s color trends include various shades of ochres and warm browns. Names for these colors often reference spirits and spices, such as cognac, rum, nutmeg, ginger, and saffron.
Earrings | Jacket (Plus) | Top (similar)| Necklace (similar) |
Bag | Jeans (similar / Plus) | Sandals
Hero Piece: The Lightweight Leather Jacket
Fortunately, certain shades of those colors are among the “best” in my Spring seasonal palette. I took advantage of some cooler weather this week to play with styling the lightweight leather jacket I picked up during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.
This silk shell is also newish, it’s from Eileen Fisher in the color “Nutmeg.” This particular style seems to be sold out in this color, but here’s a similar tank. The necklace is several years old, originally from J.Crew. It’s always been a favorite of mine. I’ve fastened it shorter here as an experiment, and may see if the whole necklace can be re-worked to a shorter length.
Lipstick is Chantecaille Lip Chic in “Sunrise.”
I’m kind of in love with this bag! It’s a new style from Brahmin, and the color is called Dark Rum. It’s a great size for every day use, and also has a shoulder/crossbody strap.
When I was putting this outfit together, I first tried it with a pair of pants in a color very close to the Nutmeg shell. But it felt too contrived (at least for L.A.) so I swapped out for jeans.
I’d love to find a pair of platform oxfords or loafers in a color similar to the bag, but until I do have styled with these sandals in a dark cognac color. Yes, they’re the same style as the pair I purchased in France last year, and are incredibly comfortable
A housekeeping note: the major part of the website update/maintenance has been completed. However there are still a few loose ends I’ll be tying up over the next few days. If you’re seeing any error messages, or if something isn’t working as it should, please let me know. Thank you!
Trends = More Choices…
Another big trend this fall: leather! If you’re looking to update your leather jacket, or add another color or style, you’ll have lots to choose from this season. Faux leather and suede are plentiful too. Faux is a budget-friendly alternative, and many styles are washable.
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I like the style of your jacket although the colour is not for me. I hope to find something similar as I am so sick of moto style jackets which is all I seem to find in my price range.
Moto jackets have definitely been the dominant style for a while. I’m also looking forward to seeing a little more variety in coming seasons.
That’s a super super outfit Susan and you look great (except for the hairstyle, too-short, not flattering, please forgive me!)
A word about faux leather….it can get really sweaty so beware if you are a menopausal woman or live in a hot climate.
Love love love your new colors, and your hair! Oh, yes, and the glasses.
You are going to be so glad you reset. Very youthful and brings out the twinkle in your eye!
Thanks very much, Eva!
I agree. The outfit is fabulous but I also think your hairstyle is a bit too short.
It pains me a bit to see the critical comments on Susan’s hair. I’ve been wanting to mention it for a while.
Linda-I agree with you on the critical comments and don’t understand why people feel that is something they need to do. I know all bloggers, most who work hard to provide entertaining and useful content to people *for free* get the same type of criticisms.
I think Susan probably appreciates honest comments as long as they are not nasty, spiteful or cruel. Does she really expect everyone to be 100% appreciative or is she hoping people will express themselves freely (but respectfully)?
Of course she gives great advice and I think her blog is superb. If a couple of people are a bit reticent about her hairstyle, what’s the problem?
Maybe Susan settle this question herself?
Hi Julia, thanks! We all have different tastes and opinions about what looks good. I’m OK with people sharing honest feedback, as long as it’s constructive, respectful and doesn’t disparage anyone (or any group).
Hi Nicole, thanks for your support. I’m Ok with people expressing that they don’t like something, as long as it’s done constructively and respectfully. While I disagree about the haircut 😉 I get that we all see things differently.
Hi Linda, thanks for your support. I didn’t take offense; we all have different tastes and preferences. I realize that not everyone will like everything I post, just ask that people are constructive and respectful.
Thanks, Julia! I disagree about the hair, but we all have different tastes. 🙂
There is also the matter of the hair we have to work with. A friend has hair like yours, and it would be useless to try to go long. I have a lot of hair for my age, but it is very kinky-curly, which means other challenges…
You just glow in those colors!
My thought exactly! I said that to myself as soon as I saw the photo…she is glowing! Gorgeous!!
Thanks, Laura!
Thanks very much, Carillon!
I love your haircut…I wish I was petit enough to carry it off…is it easy to style…I am tall with broad shoulders and I always feel like a pin head with super short hair.
You look really pretty! What color lipstick??? So flattering!!!
Hi Carol, thanks, the lipstick is Chantecaille “Sunrise.”
Thank you!!!
I love all items. The jacket is very good for you and the bag is mouthwatering good. One little thing.. if I look through my lashes I see only two colours: tan and blue. I would have loved it if you had added a third colour. Either shoes or necklace. It is my own quest haha. Three colours at least in an outfit.
Greetje
I see your point, may try adding color with a small scarf next time!
My thought, similar but not quite, I could be wrong, I wonder if with these warm toned clothes you will gravitate towards slightly cooler lipsticks for contrast/balance? A pinker kind of MLBB? I found that once I started wearing more color it took a while to get my particular balance correct.
I love that jacket, and the necklace is great. You look like the Sue who is my friend:).
Also as you know I have those Mephistos, in that color, and they have been the saviour of my poor Achilles tendon injured self. <3
Oooh or also to Greetje’s point, what about a bag with some blue tones instead of the matching mustard/cognac? Playtime!
I’m actually on the lookout for something in the aqua range, which is within my palette. 😉 Think it would look smashing with the warm tones.
Actually, I’ve found I’ve had to ditch the cooler-toned pinky lipsticks when I wear these colors. They feel too clashy. I added this color in the Mephistos after seeing them on you. 😉
Yes! Aqua! That’s what I was thinking. I bet it would look amazing. Although, as you can tell from my lipstick idea, I can do color in the mirror WAY better than I can in my mind as a preview;).
Fabulous top to bottom (“I want to be her when I grow up” cute). The shoes are probably very comfortable and obviously great looking, but the platform would have me landing on my face regularly.
I never wear platforms but I can wear these for some reason!
Thanks Teresa! These shoes are actually very stable and easy to walk in, even on uneven surfaces. I’ve worn them all over Paris on two visits now, and didn’t trip once! (And for me, that’s saying something…. 😉 )
Absolutely adorable from head to toe! You knocked it out of the park once again! I LOVE your hair – so chic! It’s not everyone who can pull off that cute pixie but you rock it! Cheers!
Thanks so much, Monica!
You are now speaking my language, with those outfit colors and even the style. You ‘feel’ like a different person! Your former style seemed stilted and stiff and unsure. I haven’t been professionally ‘done’ but know I’m an Autumn and also some kind of gamine; wish I could find a place who does this well!! As for your hairstyle–I am all for you doing what you like. I am close to getting my hair cut very short again, but I like/need a full look, so if I go short, I’ll put in all the volume I can get in my baby fine hair–meaning lots of voumizing products, but I do that now (I have a chin-length bob). Thank you for sharing your journey!
Thanks very much, Vikki! It feels different from here too, like I’ve reconnected with a piece of myself. 🙂
lovely, just lovely….
Thanks, karen!
It’s definitely August, because I am so excited to think about clothes I will wear when the mercury drops! And these autumn colors you’re wearing are also ringing my bell.
For the record, I think your new haircut is extraordinarily current and cool, girlfriend!
Also FTR, I too am so ready to mix things up, so bored with what I’ve done for years. If not now, when? 🙂
Thanks, Ann! I think it’s good to refresh our look from time to time.
You look great . . . from head to toe! Isn’t it wonderful how wearing the “right” colors can make one glow? And, no, I wasn’t trying to make a rhyme!
Thanks, Barb! And yes, I feel so much lighter and happier wearing “my” colors.
Susan , You “ROCK” that hairstyle !!! Perfect for the shape of your face and hair type . Your fun, yet sophisticated pixie persona just shines !
Thanks so much, Janice!
Hi Susan—love this outfit on you. That jacket is perfect and a great color on you.
I know many of your French Kande pieces were silver tone which is not your best color. I prefer longer necklaces which helps to elongate, so I would be interested in knowing the reasoning behind their suggestion for shorter necklaces for you? Also, did they suggest specific necklines for you and why? Any chance you may be selling any of your silver French Kande necklaces? We’re still waiting to see what you come up with for stylists in the States. I’m in the Detroit area. Thank you.
Hi Rose, thanks! Longer necklaces work well with a long-over-lean silhouette. When I wear shorter tops, a shorter necklace feels more proportional.
Agree completely. Also, since we often sit at a table going out – I like to see the necklace?
Rose, may I suggest you try and find a stylist in Detroit area through chic women you know or boutiques or department stores? It seems like a big project to assign someone else who is in California.
Hi Rose, I don’t know anyone specifically in the Detroit area. My suggestion would be to visit the AICI website (Association of Image Consultants International). If you scroll down about halfway on the page, you’ll see a button to “Find An Image Consultant.” This organization provides regular training and certification, and is a good starting place for referrals.
Hi Rose, thanks! You’re right about the silver, so I’m sticking to the gold and gold-toned pieces going forward. They did suggest specific necklines (and necklace lengths) based on my Style Profile and measurements.
Susan, if I was presented with a list of the style types, I would definitely pick you as a Gamine with that look. I LOVE your hair and those glasses just say fun. I am in the midst of the whole style thing which takes 3 sessions, and have just had the colours done and am loving the process. Gotten rid of 3 bags of clothes that were uncertain and it makes me smile to get this figured out. It has been 30 some years since the last time and is much more detailed now. I know how you must have felt when you left Red Leopard. The style archetype is what I am finding out at the next appointment. Keep letting us peek into your process.
Thanks, Diane! I’m so glad to hear you’ve found your color and style analysis to be helpful.
Smashed it from head to toe! The shade variations all work so well together, and add interest without fussiness. Love the ‘do, and the jacket lines are so crisp and flattering.
Thanks very much, Jane2!
I love the changes! Glasses, are great, they really make a fun statement. I live near Sacramento, California, anyone who does this near this area?
You might want to contact my friend Brenda Kinsel. She’s an image consultant from Northern California who has written several books and is well-known and respected in the profession. She may be able to refer you to someone.
Another thought came to me, your look is more individual and unique now, and I know the French people admire that, so that makes this a huge success in my eyes. And I would guess some readers may not relate to some of the changes, because the new look is specific to you, which is why I admire the new look. Thanks for showing us your journey.
Thanks so much, Eileen!
After trying for years I’ve decided that leather and suede just don’t work for my Chicago climate. It’s either too hot, too cold, too wet–just not right. I don’t like faux leather garments but I’ve discovered that I LOVE faux suede, the kind that is made from super soft microfiber. It’s lightweight and forgiving if it gets wet and mostly machine washable too so even better than the real thing.
Pat,
I live in the same climate and feel exactly as you do. I bought a faux suede trench coat last year, and I think it’s my favorite piece of clothing. Somehow it keeps me either warm or cool, as needed.
Susan,
You look absolutely gorgeous! Those colors certainly cross over to my autumn palette, and I’m curious to know if olive is one of your “good” colors.
Thanks so much, Elizabeth!
Yes, I’m really liking some of the new faux suedes too!
I wanted to say that I love your shorter pixie hair and I think it’s extremely flattering. You are blessed with a great face shape for super short hair, and it looks fresh, feminine, contemporary, and a little edgy in the BEST way. Not everyone can pull off this look but it suits you really well. The color is also very good! I hope you continue to enjoy it because it definitely seems in line with your gamine style profile and I think you are really rocking it. Since you cut it (and have been easing into your new colors/style) your pics have have been radiant. Just my 2 cents.
Thanks so much, GS!
You are glowing, Susan. I think the new colors have added extra Pepsodent power to your smile. Lesson for me: add extra color for extra spark.
Thanks so much!
Susan, I always thought your old look was good but I can see the changes are very positive, especially the change in lip colour, that might be the one improvement that I notice. But I am a lipstick person myself and am often surprised by the difference made by different shades. I am a winter so your colour choices don’t work for me but I am still interested in the principles that you are using. I agree with you that your top photo is better with the jeans, otherwise might have been too matchy matchy. I know you are staying away from black but I wonder if black pants or jeans might have been interesting with those colours. I just had a question about the necklace, didn’t you share with us that they wanted you in finer, thinner necklaces?
Love your “voice” throughout this process!
Hi Carol, thanks! To answer your question, black just feels too harsh with these brighter, warmer tones. That doesn’t mean I’ll never wear it again, but will do so more selectively.
What’s the brand of your glasses? I know you got them in France.
They are from Jimmy Fairly.
I hate to disagree with Greetje but I think she is dead wrong. This outfit is sleek, rich, non fussy, not overworked and not distracting from the gamine you! Adding another color for this particular outfit will ruin it. There is no three color rule. I like seeing your face rather than my eyes darting around the outfit.
Yes, your hair is short, but I like it. You are still young enough to pull it off. I love seeing your face. Let your inner Audrey Hepburn shine.
Hold your course and let me benefit from your “not over thought” outfits….more isn’t better; it’s just more.
I had my colors done years ago and because of you I’m getting back to them. Wouldn’t t mind a refresher course….I’m a Spring but color choices seem a bit changed. Any names in the Sacramento or Bay Area who uses a similar technique as Red Leopard?
Hi Jan, thanks! I don’t know anyone here who uses the same methodology as Red Leopard, but you might want to contact Brenda Kinsel who lives in Northern California, and is a well-respected image consultant.
There is also the matter of the hair we have to work with. A friend has hair like yours, and it would be useless to try to go long. I have a lot of hair for my age, but it is very kinky-curly, which means other challenges… She is in her seventies, and looks great with a cut similar to yours. I have had mine cut shorter, but mid-length, not short, which doesn’t suit me at all.
You look lighter (and happier) in these new outfits than your heavier long-over-lean look. I love the new silhouette. It shows the big difference it makes when you find “your” color pallet. (Too bad it’s not mine — I’m a Summer.)
And thumbs-up for the short hairstyle. Good timing — it’s short now when it’s hot, and it will be growing out as the weather gets cooler. I have fine straight hair too — I know the struggle. I can’t carry off a pixie cut like the Gamines. Instead I’ve settled into a classic bob that goes with my traditional style. (“Huntswoman”? It seems like a very odd name for the category. I fit all the criteria except for the label.)
Hi Lyn, thanks so much! If it helps, you can also think of “Huntswoman” as “Natural Classic.” 🙂
Well done! You look absolutely fabulous. Chic yet comfortable and you are beaming. I love it. I just can not wait until my appointment with Red Leopard. I hope I have as much success with the process as you. Have a great weekend!
Thanks very much, Stephanie, and you too!
` Oh, I see your hair and think I’d love to go back to pixie. Love the ease and charm. But I think I look better with longer hair. Love watching you go through your color journey. Too bad I’m sure I’m just the opposite of you. Was not aware of those Mephistos. Must check them out. Mephistos haven’t been comfortable on me lately. But i’ll check these.
I think your hair looks great at the current length. Some Mephistos are comfortable for me, and some aren’t. This particular footbed is, and is very stable for walking.
You are lucky, Haven’t found any here this season.Can’t wear Birkies at all. Have three pairs of textile Docs mary janes; can walk many km in them despite arthritis.
Your hair looks amazing. I love it!
Thanks, Mary!
Ohmigod your hair is fabulous! Goes perfectly with the Gamine “you”!
Thanks very much, Stella!
You look STUNNING! I love it all – haircut, new glasses, and the outfit. That jacket is too die for and looks great on you. I am intrigued by the process you went through to identify your colors and look. Seems to be well worth it….the colors really flatter and you look luminous. I am planning a trip to London and will do this soon. I love the changes.
Thanks very much, Pat! If you get to London, a visit to Red Leopard is absolutely worth the investment.
You look fabulous. Your haircut is adorable and flattering. Your look screams that you are ready to enjoy life. You look confident and happy. Maybe that’s intimidating to people because I cannot imagine the necessity of some of the negative comments. Love the outfit too. I see no need for another color. It’s a pleasure to watch your metamorphosis. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks very much, Rondi!
You look fantastic!! You outfit has edge, youth and style. The colors look really nice on you. Your reset is perfect.
Thanks, Patricia!
Hair:Great! Glasses:Great! Colors:Great!! However, too matchy, matchy!! makes it boring! Perhaps introducing a much darker color for the purse, (and also less stiff) or more cutting edge shoes, same for the jeans and necklace. You are going in the right direction, but needs a little tweaking to make it look less orchestrated, more “casual French chic”.
Since you are a Francophile you may enjoy the new book “Monsieur Mediocre” by John von Sothen. An American living in Paris. Superbly written!
Hi Daniella, thanks! Rather than trying to achieve a specifically “French” look, I’m all about finding my best individual style these days. 😉
Great colors and hair style. I hate dealing with my hair and love the freedom of wash and wear pixie. Your blog is a breath of fresh air, thank you.
Thanks so much, Jill! I love the ease of this hairstyle too.
I think you look great now, but I also thought you looked great before..two different looks, but a change or reset is fun I think. I would love that outfit with a navy tee shirt or shell as well..as I do like a column of color with something like that gorgeous cognac over it. Love your hair.
KSL, thanks very much! I’ve been trying to figure out how to manage a column of color underneath this jacket, may have to try the navy!
Susan,
You have perfect facial symmetry and your facial features are compatible with your bone structure. The short pixie “do” is ideal for you. Your glasses, jewelry and colors are on point. I think society needs to be more open-minded about standards of beauty. Specifically, it’s high time to redefine what beauty is. Beauty comes in all body sizes, shapes, hair lengths, hair textures, and is not confined to a certain generation. Greater still, real beauty comes from within. I love your second photo (head and shoulders) because it reflects inner and outer beauty.
Thanks so much for your kind words, Carol!
What a lovely spicy colors! And that bag is amazing! I am waiting to shop for fall just a few more weeks! That is if I can restraine myself! Hope to see you on my Fancy Friday linkup party!
Thanks, Nancy!
These are some of my favorite colors! Great jacket and I love, love, love this necklace….so fun.
Thanks so much, Pam!
Susan, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the style reset on you! Especially your hair, makeup (e.g. lipstick color) and the glasses!!!! And, the jacket, shell and shoes! (I have the shoes, too, but from a few years ago in a reptile gray/black colorway.) Thank you for your posts with their great suggestions and recommendations!
Thanks very much, Susierochets!
I bought an Eileen Fisher jacket (cotton) last Fall and wore it all winter and in the Spring – love the color and it goes with every season.
As for your hair it is yours to do what you wish with it – looks good to me. I’m 80 and am just grateful to have hair!
Susan, I love that you have the courage to change your style direction, and I really enjoy following your blog (it’s the only style blog I follow actually!) Thanks for sharing your evolving look, it is motivating and interesting. I too adore super short pixie cuts, they really draw attention to your lovely eyes and glasses.
I thinks yours colours are spot on..
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Nice colors that go well together.