If evidence of the holidays is still lingering around the midsection—instead of layering on your saggy sweats and calling it a day– step out in knit.  No matter how you’re feeling, don’t succumb to the temptation to hide in shapeless loungewear—pick a cozy chic sweater in this season’s sexy new shapes, and stay comfortable without sacrificing your style.    Tunics, cardigans and sultry slouches—we surveyed them all to find our favorites.  We went shopping at Santa Monica Place–here’s our top three picks to wear now for strategic reasons, and to wear again later just because you love ‘em:

Easy Breezy

Barney's Co-op, Theory "Aprily C" $270.

Style is a cinch with the sassy slouch sweater.  Pair with leggy skinnys to keep your proportions straight, and bask in that effortless put together style.   Look for subtle stripes or chunkier knits to add that special je ne sa qois.   We found ours at the Barney’s Co-op ($270).

Open Look

Bloomingdale's, Ellie Tahari "Demsey" $171.

All buttoned up all the time makes Jane a dull girl.  Let loose with dramatic draping ruffles and a blush of very-un-wallflower like color.  We saw this breath of fresh air at Bloomie’s ($171).

Tune in to Tunics

Ted Baker, $89.

More length equals more possibilities—find your way out of the winter wardrobe woes and turn up the style volume.  Double with leggings and boots for your out and abouts, or pair with heels and tights for a just-the-right-amount-of-loud look.  Our find falls into the latter category—this sparkling version was at Ted Baker this week for just $89.

Taylor Swift. Courtesy of Photo Agency.

Step out in style, even during those pesky rain storms

It’s time to brave the elements of the season and go out in the rain, but that doesn’t mean you need to compromise your style. Here at Style Seen Daily, we think the change in weather gives us more reason to accessorize. Stay on trend this Autumn, like pop-star Taylor Swift, with new funky rain coats, stellar rubber boots, and of course, the always useful umbrella. Check out some ideas we’ve come up with to keep yourself feeling dry and looking fabulous.

Jackets

Theory Swagger Hattie Lightweight Anorak Jacket. Bloomingdales.com

Although the classic Burberry trench will be forever fashionable, this twist on the rain coat is impressive for this season. The Theory Swagger Hattie lightweight Anorak Jacket priced at $325, has a fantastic texture to protect you from the rain, but is still super flattering and stylish. The plaid lining adds that something special to make the piece unique.

Aqua Utility Anorak. Bloomingdales.com

Without losing an ounce of style, Aqua makes this gorgeous Utility Anorak for only $128. This belted number comes in dark olive and black, both with gold zippers for that edgy element.

Boots

Rachel Bilson in edgy Hunter boots. Courtesy of stylebyme.net

Feeling funky this fall? The creator of the perfect rubber boot, Hunter, has upped their game and added spunk to their useful classic.  The O.C. actress and fashion icon, Rachel Bilson, steps out in Hunter’s awesome new Boa Snake embossed boots. Check out these fabulous studded  Festival Tall rain boots, priced at $225, and never worry about compromising fashion for functionality.

Hunter Festival Tall Boots. Shopbop.com

Umbrella

Blake Lively in Gossip Girl. CWTV.com

Blake Lively‘s Gossip Girl character Serena and BFF Blair take on the damp NYC weather in their show, and kept dry under clear bubble umbrellas. Find your warm and dry shelter with this bubble umbrella from Totes, priced at $21.99, and you’ll never have to worry about running into walls while in the rain.

Totes Clear Bubble Umbrella. Amazon.com

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Source: New York Times: Fashion

Published: June 6, 2010

PARIS — A second high-style/low-price hook-up took place last week from the same source: Tokyo Fast Retailing, which is the umbrella company of the American brand Theory.

Olivier Theyskens, the Belgian designer known for a couture sensibility, has been tapped by Andrew Rosen, chief executive officer of Theory. In the spirit of the Jil Sander/Uniqlo collaboration — but at a middle-market price point — Mr. Theyskens is taking to Main Street an aesthetic that has formerly been seen at the Paris houses Nina Ricci and Rochas.

“I think it is a breakthrough for the next generation — it has to do with clothes that are not so preciously made, but made with great integrity,” said Mr. Rosen, who founded Theory in 1997 in partnership with Elie Tahari. “Today, you can’t just be good — you have to be great. I want to be proud of the clothes I make.”

Mr. Theyskens, 33, admits that he has had problems reconciling his haute design with the frustration that it was unapproachable to his own generation.

“For a long time I have been thinking about affordable fashion — you can be disappointed when not so many people can wear your stuff,” Mr. Theyskens said. It was a learning curve to work with Theory to make “a perfect modern look” and take responsibility for its development, he said.

The Theyskens capsule collection, which will be shown in New York in September for the Spring 2011 season, by appointment, will fill the barren middle ground between high street and high end. This is the territory that Mr. Rosen has explored with Theory, aiming for a no-fuss emphasis on wearable, well-made clothes.

“I think the space is very crowded and the idea is to find new ways to stimulate the customer,” said the executive, who met Mr. Theyskens by chance when he was launching a book in New York.

Eager shoppers have been teased with short-lived collections from major designers ever since Karl Lagerfeld partnered with H&M in 2004, setting off a slew of further collaborations from Comme des Garçons at H&M to the current Stella McCartney line for GapKids.

But if Theory succeeds in bringing designer clothing down to a reasonable price on a more permanent basis, it will help usher in what already seems like the dawn of a new 21st-century fashion era.