Reader Question: How To Wear a Shawl Without Looking Like a Grandma

Hi everyone! I'm back from my bout with H1N1. Folks, if you even see anyone who looks like they have a split hair, RUN. This virus is nothing to fool with. Anyway, I'm back and it's time to dive right into it, shall we?

I get reader questions every now and then from Facebook but I usually just answer them. This was one of those items I thought everyone might be able to use.

Reader Question: Hey, quick fashion question. Just bought this cool shawl and don't want to look like a granny wearing it. What is the best way to wear a sweater-type shawl?
Ann B., Charlotte, NC

There are actually a lot of ways to wear a knit shawl like this gorgeous Cable Knit Shawl from 7 for All Mankind ($158, shown above), so let's take this fab accessory off the rocking chair and into the real world. Here are three suggestions and instructions on how to rock a knit shawl:

1) European Loop - Fold the scarf in half and place the folded scarf over the back of your neck. Take the fringe end and pull it through the loop made at the folded end to desired tightness. Let the fringe ends hand loose in front through the new loop.

2) Casual Chic - Place the widest end of the shawl over your chest with the ends facing behind you on each shoulder. Cross the ends behind your neck and pull them to the front. Loosely tie the ends in front or loop them again if you have a super long shawl, then loosely tie them in front.

3) The Brooch Approach - This one is really nice for evening. Take the shawl and place the widest part on your back. Take one end and throw it across the opposite shoulder underneath the shawl, then take a brooch and secure the two pieces together over the shoulder.

There are lots of ways to wear a shawl so just experiment with my options or try one of your own. I'm sure even Grandma would approve of your fabulous new style.

Fashion Love: New Arrivals from RACHEL Rachel Roy

We all know that my love for Rachel Roy knows no bounds and I've got a whole new set of crush-worthy releases to report. Looking for some great new fall pieces or even some cocktail chic options for the upcoming party circuit? Feast your eyes on these gorgeous new offerings from the genius designer's diffusion line, available at Macy's nationwide and online:



This Transfourmer Coat (ships 11/15) is a huge hit with all the magazine editors and once you've seen it you know why: you can wear it four different ways! You can zip it apart and wear it at multiple lengths so at a price of $189, that's basically $47.25 per option. Talk about getting your money's worth!



Rachel's Crinkled Foil Racerback Dress is $99 and a steal for the price. A versatile piece that can be paired with bare legs and strappy sandals, tights, leggings, ankle boots, over-the-knee or tall black boots - so many options you can wear it more than once during the holiday season and no one will be the wiser.



We all love a forgiving cocktail option and this Bow Back Zipper Dress ($99) is where it's at. Roomy but still cut to flatter a variety of shapes, this is the secret weapon dress for all sizes and all occasions. Use the same styling options mentioned above for the Racerback dress and get miles of wear from this stunning piece.



This Long Sleeve Cabled Pullover ($89)is a great casual piece that will work so well this winter. Cozy up for Thanksgiving dinner or pair it with a great pair of black pants and long sexy earrings for a cocktail party. Plus, can we talk about the kangaroo pocket in the front and the fabulous versatility of the top? Love!


Need some accessories? How about these Darby sequined flats($89) or these Bellah pointed-toe platform pumps with stud detailing($99)? My personal favorite has to be this pair of Rockout boots (ships 11/2, $199). Want, need...right now.

Check out these and other RACHEL Rachel Roy styles via her website or head to your local Macy's or Macy's online. Love Rachel!

NYFW: DKNY Spring Collection Preview - Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Racing away from the tents, I arrived at the DKNY showroom in the Garment District to take a peek at the Spring collection from the label. The collection, entitled "City In Bloom", was highly optimistic and very fun, taking every day basics up a notch as pretty, wearable clothes that should be a part of everyone's wardrobe. Here are some highlights from the collection:



I love the scribble-print flower on this lightweight sweater and the pairing with a dressier short. I also love the shorts suit paired with a button-down, a feminine take on menswear that you'll see quite a bit for spring.



These floral prints are really beautiful in person and they're fabulous for day-to-night paired with a boyfriend jacket. The dark hue you see is navy blue, a staple color for the collection. The shine you see on certain pieces are sequin embellishment which will make any outfit positively sparkle.


The other side of the showroom displayed the DKNY Pure collection, a soft set of wearable basics for dressing with ease. The collection of comfortable, oversized button-down shirts, linen separates and washed cotton basics are great pieces to pair with more tailored items for contrast or on their own for a breezy look.

Sold at major department stores everywhere, DKNY and DKNY Pure will surely be staples in your wardrobe come spring.