La Bourgogne

I’d always hated the maroon/burgundy color family — it felt old and drab, like a shriveled old maple leaf.  (Not to put too fine a point on things.)  And then, BAM.  Suddenly, over the span of a few weeks, I became obsessed — and am now coveting looks that center upon black, burgundy, and deep denim, accented by glossy gold accents and fur.  Maj for this fall season.  (EEEE, don’t you love the beginning of a new season, where everything feels fresh and shiny and new?!)  I’m daydreaming about a printed blouse (this Gucci style is obscenely expensive and there are TONS of comparable styles out there, but I find myself continually looking for something like this style, with its light, layered neckline — $990, Net-A-Porter) tucked into a leather-trimmed mini (Sandro, $285, Net-A-Porter) and finished with a statement necklace ($75, LesNouvelles), opaque black tights, and heels (love this perforated suede style — $119, Heels):

I’d finish with an oversized burgundy red portfolio clutch (dying over the faux croc fabrication…this may just have to be my accent piece for the season! — $88, ASOS):

And then perhaps some stud earrings ($12, Dorothy Perkins) and a chunky gold bracelet (Giles & Brother, $163, Shopbop):

Alternately, how about a classic white blouse (Equipment, $208, Shopbop) offset by a gold collar necklace (Belle Noel — Kim Kardashian’s line! — $185, BoutiquetoYou) and tucked into a burgundy leather mini (I know…leather plus mini should NOT be in the same sentence when referencing ladylike dressing, but there are so many amazing styles out there — you just need to know how to mix and match, and always need to opt for the upscale…nothing cheaper looking than inexpensive/faux leather! — $693, LesNouvelles):

I’d accompany with a snakeskin clutch (love the contrast of textures with this look — $295, ElaineTurner) and some serious footwear ($465, Theory):

(Scared of the shoe? — Check out these Pelle Moda puppies.  Love the modified t-strap.  Fuh-yierce.)  I’d top with a camel wool coat — this belted style adds just the right amount of polish to the look (Vanessa Bruno Athe, $590, MyWardrobe):

Top with some burgundy leather gloves ($200, Matches):

For a low-key weekend look, check out this yummy poncho sweater ($125, Michael Kors), huge statement earrings in glossy gold (Fallon, $188, Charm&Chain), skinnies, and a pair of ladylike bow-toe pumps (not that I borrowed this silhouette from Isabel Marant or anything…Prada, $625, Bergdorf Goodman):

Don’t you love how well these tootsies go with a ladylike cross-body clutch ($365, Raoul)?

I’d add a leather watch (loooove this style, and so does Rachel Zoe — $60, Piperlime), a tiger bangle (I own a similar KJL but with a giraffe head…love — $112, Charm & Chain):

And, of course, snuggle up with a fur tippet/scarf (I like all of the Adrienne Landau styles, viewable here):

Alternately, use burgundy as a new neutral — pair it with a simple black turtleneck, a statement necklaces ($130, MyWardrobe), and a printed, circle skirt (ALC, on sale for $149, LesNouvelles):

Finish with some maj heels (Louboutin, $895, Bergdorf Goodman) and a ladylike roll bag ($49, Zara):

Do we die over this?  (Yes.)  Another dressed-down alternative?  This Michael Michael Kors rabbit gilet (d.i.e. over his ENTIRE collection this season…he’s sort of hit or miss, but SERIOUSLY would wear it all! — $425, Net-A-Porter) over a burnout tee (like its lived-in quality — $42, Madewell), finished with skinnies and some sloafers (this may be my new favorite iteration of the trend — $155, MattBernson):

Punch things up with a burgundy-red bag ($495, Shopbop) —

— and offset the otherwise minimalist get-up with this eye-catching necklace (love the art-deco feel — $110, Nordstrom):

Swoon!  Love love love it.  Finally — and, I’m sorry in advance to my lovely readers who hate when I recommend obscenely priced items, like the Gucci blouse above and the dress I’m about to feature — check out this cut-out Burberry Prorsum crepe dress — $1,990, Net-A-Porter):

Love the balloon sleeves, the subtly sexy cut-out in the center, the length, the feel, the fabrication.  Beautiful.  Finish with burgundy pumps (Rachel Zoe, $295, Piperlime), a tweed clutch with plum undertones ($250, Elaine Turner),

As for jewelry, I’m thinking rose gold: a watch with a leather band (Nixon, $256, ASOS), a chunky statement ring ($100, Charm&Chain), and some sparkly enorma-studs ($365, Bounkit):

Still haven’t found what you’re looking for to cash in on the trend?  Check out this burgundy faux-fur infinity wrap ($158, Intermix), this cheeky little pouch ($55, Shopbop), or these fierce raspberry patent Mary Janes ($118, Vince Camuto)!

OBSESSED.