Volume IV

Monday, October 24th, 39th Street & 7th Avenue (Fashion Avenue).

The Heart of the Garment Industry!

Indian summer regrettably seems to have slipped away from our grasp and has quietly moved on; now outerwear is a must for the long fall/winter season ahead of us. Featured in this month’s blog are a bevy of different outerwear options I've amassed over the years. Looks which cover all the bases; choices for a casual country stroll to perhaps view the fall foliage, or a cover up for a night at the opera, coat wearing season can’t come soon enough for me! Straight from my own closet are some style options to give you ideas of what you may be lacking in your own outwear wardrobes... to keep you dry, warm or simply just plain stylish! After all a coat is primarily the only statement making piece of clothing most people see you in, day in and day out, during the colder months; so why not make it uber fly!

DENIM

            

RAIN WEAR

LEATHER

                         




WOOL JACKETS

                                                   

COLORFUL COVER-UPS

                                 

NOVELTY COATS

   


PARKAS / INCLEMENT WEATHER GEAR

                    

 FAUX and REAL FUR

     

Photos: Monya Gonzalez

Now I must say, I’ve never been much of a fan of buying clothing from thrift shops… sample sales yes, but thrift shops no. I suppose it was because of the unknown karma of the previous wearer lingering behind. Over the past few years it seems that the labels I had grown to admire were all manufacturing similar looks, therefore one could see themselves coming and going, and that was cause enough for me to loose interest in sample sales. Since then my taste level has evolved and I find the unusual more exciting. I have now become a big fan of the resale stores which exists nowadays... and a bargain is always welcomed. I have found a love of the unexpected ‘the find’. I’ve found some great items recently… a seemingly new Prada red leather front and back double kick pleat knee length skirt $125; a navy wool Ralph Lauren short sleeve cropped shawl collared jacket $25; a leopard print fitted long sleeve cardigan $7.99; and a brand new, knee length faux fur retro style coat, with a high collar and ¾ length sleeves $75 (which is sure to keep me warm this winter). The piéce de résistance is an églomisé (reverse painting on mirror) armoire, over 7 feet tall. This neoclassical style armoire brings grandeur to any interior, and is perfect for additional storage with its many draws and shelves. I have dreamed of owning one for over seven years now, and I stumbled upon one recently for a mere $275…What a find! the one I dreamt of cost over $7,000! Shops like ‘Housing Works Thrift Shops’ http://shop.housingworks.org/ and ‘Second Time Around' (which has a 'reality' show on the Bravo network currently) http://www.secondtimearound.net/ can be found in several US cities and feature on-line shops and auctions; are a must to check out. One can more often than not score designer labels at a fraction of the original price, and there are great finds too for the home to spruce up you abode!

                                  



Now check out some residential interiors I just absolutely love!
Click here:
http://pinterest.com/bellabrook/interior-design/

Speaking of sprucing up, this month I’ve added something new to my blog, “Ask Esther”. Feel free to ask for my advice on wardrobe styling and or interior design; just click on “comments” at the end of the blog and post your questions and I will respond to them.

I would like to say a big thank you to all of you out there in 'cyber world’ who have indulged me in my pursuits. How thrilled I am to see I have blog viewers in the UK, Germany, Africa, US, as well as Canada and Russia, with over 550 views! Four months ago I wouldn’t have imagined this! I hope you’ll continue to view and enjoy my monthly fashion and interior design blog and most importantly become a ‘follower’.

Now to say thank you … I’d like to announce my ON-LINE GIVEAWAY. I will be raffling off a copy of my ‘Indie’ project “Essential waRdrobe Basics, What to Wear and How, A Guide to Getting it Right” my recently published booklet, which can be purchased through my website. To enter for a chance to win a free copy of my booklet, just send me an email at info@estherbrook.com and type in the subject line “GIVEAWAY”. I will select a winner randomly based on a preselected day and time of an entry. So hurry and enter; I will be selecting a winner between 10/25 – 11/24 ONLY so Good Luck to you all!

Until next time…..”Work it”

ERB

Contact: info@estherbrook.com
To purchase my booklet: http://www.estherbrook.com/

Esther welcomes opportunities to style individuals or interiors as well as promote fashion and design events.


All personal images are owned by “Esther’s Essentials” and may not be used in any way without my consent. Please email me at info@estherbrook.com for any request.