PRE-FALL (FOCUS: THE BLOUSE)

Nearly as exciting as viewing the fall collections themselves is surveying the pieces that the world’s finest clothiers select to populate their floors for the upcoming season. It must be a dizzyingly delicious chore to synthesize the runway craziness into a tame, refined collection of apparel that will titillate but not intimidate the Middle American Woman, who does the majority of her shopping on line, particularly if she wants to stay abreast of the season’s trends. Here’s are CoutureCarrie's top picks from the Neiman Marcus pre-fall selection, with a particular focus on a particular feminine fashion staple.


I can almost smell the eggnog already! This Oscar de la Renta ensemble is guaranteed to be the stunner at the office Christmas Party (I know, it’s barely Mother’s Day yet; so sue me if I want to be prepared!). What a perfectly edited choice from the collections: a cream silk organza blouse with accordion-pleated floral appliqués and jewel neckline is paired perfectly with a stunning Dip-Dye Silk Faille Skirt in cardinal red with black dip-dye and floral embroidery at hem. The high waist is accentuated with a black silk sponge covered-buckle crepe belt.


CoutureCarrie simply must take note of several other refreshingly sculpted and adorned blouses chosen by Neiman’s for its pre-fall feature. We'll proceed from most to least fabric . . .


This Stella McCartney pale pink ruffled silk top (at right) is the ideal, wispy piece to take you from the deck of your house on Shelter Island for that last summer bbq right to fall's first fab cocktail parties. Alluringly draped and showing just enough skin, this blouse is tres perf.


Just Cavalli's patterned chiffon blouse (left) in a unique diamond olive ombré print, with a sassy secretary tie at the neck, is going to suit us just fine this fall! Perfect under a little cardie or waist-cinching blazer.



Last, and with the least amount of material but perhaps the most universal appeal, given its beloved grape hue and waist-whittling silhouette, this Tuleh purple ruffled silk blouse (right) has just the right amount of plunge and punch.


One thing's for sure this fall: there's a blouse in the house!


All looks courtesy neimanmarcus.com