The Rules for Fall

For most of us, Fall has arrived.  We have put away our flip flops and dusted off our flats and wondered... what to wear now?  Well, to be quite honest, pretty much the same thing your wore last Fall.  The trends just don't change the way they used to, but I won't complain about that... it's much easier on our wallets.

However, it's always fun to infuse a few new pieces each season, and it helps to keep your look current.  I have lots of fun Fall ideas for you, but I wanted to kick off the new season with some tips from Harper's Bazaar Fashion & Beauty Editor, Avril Graham.

Avril recently visited the Paramus Neiman Marcus for a light lunch and fashion show.  Referring to herself as a transplanted Brit, Avril not only wowed us with some killer looks, but also captivated the ladies with a few tales about recent trips to Great Britain to commentate on the royal wedding, the olympics and meeting the queen.  She definitely needs to write a book one day... her stories could entertain you for hours!

But, more importantly, we we are here to discuss the fashion.  Avril styled many looks that afternoon.  The majority designed for the lady heading to the office, charity meetings, various luncheons, etc.  As fabulous as they were, the real gems of the day were the tips that she threw in here and there while describing the various ensembles.

Let's get on with it, shall we?

1. The Cardinal Rule - Always make sure to update your hairstyle, lipstick and shoes.  You can wear the same black dress for years, but if your lip color is passé, you will look dated.  The same holds true with your shoes.  The changes do not have to be drastic.  For example, if you like to wear red lipstick (that's me!), the trend this season is not as much of an orange/red, but more of an oxblood, deeper blue/red color.  An easy, inexpensive way to keep your look on trend this Fall.

Red lips are classic, but the shade varies from season to season.

2.  Pointy Toes - Alright ladies, if you didn't believe me when I wrote about Perfectly Pointed Toe, now you must listen to Avril.  She reported that the return of the point was a key trend this season.  It was the most prevalent style in the front row at Fashion Week last month.  I don't know what could be more convincing...

Couldn't resist a little J.Crew...

3.  Do Not Match Shoes & Handbags - Avril stressed this point look after look.  Your outfit is much more modern looking when the handbag and shoes do not match.  And, never ever wear red shoes with a red handbag.

4.  Leather - If you haven't noticed yet, take a peek around... leather is everywhere this Fall.  Dresses, pants, vests, jackets... the best part, is it isn't all real.  There are fantastic vegan versions as well as waxed "leather" looking denim.  It just takes a bit of shopping around.
P.S.  Zara has some great less expensive leather pieces.

Keeping leather leggings refined with a tweed jacket.

4.  Blush Tones - Add a little pop to your closet with a blush tone piece of clothing.  It is a fresh looking neutral that will go with most of your closet (and most skin tones!)... black, brown or a midnight/navy blue.

A blush tone dress allows you to have fun with your shoes...

5.  Accessory Update - Brooches are back.  However, wearing them in unexpected places is much more current.  Instead of on your jacket lapel, what about on your dress beneath... just peeking out from under your jacket?  Handbags with a little bling are also big for daytime.  Dress up your look with a little daytime sparkle.

*Nordstrom offers a Brooch Style Guide this Fall.

6.  Mixing It Up - Not a new trend, but a continuing one, mixing various styles continues to rule the runway.  Toughen a lady chic look with a heavier shoe and bag, or soften a tailored outfit with some lace or ruffles.  This is the perfect way to infuse some personality into your everyday ensemble.

A sweet sweater dress with lace detailing is made edgier with a biker jacket and booties.

Fabulous advice.  Easy on the wallet.  Done and done.  

                                                                                                                         - Allison

*Photos courtesy of jcrew.com and nordstrom.com.

Fab Find: The Perfect Pointed Toe

I love my pointy toe heels.  They lengthen your legs, make anything look sexy and just look so darn good sticking out from a long, wider leg pant or jean.  My obsession with this style was renewed this past Spring when I came across my blue suede shoes (aka the Aldo Fravel).

Perfectly pointed, sleek and classic - no fuss.  This is how I like my heels.  I am still kicking myself for not buying a pair in every color available because this perfect design (at an amazing price) only comes around once in a blue moon.  Or does it?

For so long it was absolutely impossible to find a Jimmy Choo lookalike for less than $300.  Then came the Fravel.  I was shocked and overjoyed all at once!  I thought for sure this style would become a staple for Aldo, but I was wrong.  I have yet to see a Fall version...

Lucky for me (and you), Nine West has provided us with the Boutique 9 Justine Pump this Fall.  The Justine is classically pointed with a 4" heel... flawless.  Best part - she is $120 and available in a variety of hues... suede or patent, take your pick.  I love Shopbop's selection of black, blue and dark purple suede.

Vince Camuto's Kain Pump is my second favorite in this category.  With a price tag of $89, the Kain is hard to beat. However, it is more limited in selection and just doesn't get me the same way the Fravel did and the Justine does now. Still an excellent choice, and the blue suede looks fabulous.  

Whichever style you choose, just make sure you add a pointy toe pump to your collection.  It is back in a big way (not that it was ever really gone), and is the perfect complement for all of the tailored looks that are so popular for Fall.

                                                                                                                - Allison

*Photos courtesy of shopbop.com and piperlime.com.

Fab Find: The "go with everything" Spring Shoe

My obsession with the pointy toe tends to cloud my judgement from time-to-time, but in this instance my love for this toe style has led me directly to your new best friend.  You also must remember that just as the leopard print is your "go to" shoe most of the year, snake print is the perfect substitute as the celsius rises.  As the fabrication of your clothing tends to get lighter and your choice in colors lighten and brighten, the very neutral and soft snake print is the perfect complement.

Just imagine for a moment that you combine the very chic pointy toe pump with one of the most perfect snake print colorations available... it would be magic.  Well, what if I told you that Sam Edelman makes a very cool and simple heel - the Portney Pump.  Even better, Edelman has come up with the most fabulous snake print this spring  The combination of the two equals a must have for me and you!

I actually have this exact style of heel in the leopard print and love it.  I love mixing and matching the leopard as seen below...

This shoe might be the only thing that excites me more than a chic leopard heel.  How can you resist a beautiful (and affordable) snake print?

The print is so subtle that you could literally wear them with everything.  They would look fantastic with bright colors, pastels, prints... you name it.

For a special Mother's Day treat, this Fab Find is twofold.  These shoes are available at my favorite source for shoes... Endless.com.  And, Endless is offering a Mother's Day Special - 20% your order of $100 or more, just enter MOTHER20.  So, hop online and take advantage of this fab offer before the weekend is over.  You won't be sorry!

P.S.  Endless carries some great jewelry too!

                                                                                                                           

                                                                                                                             - Allison

*Photos courtesy of endless.com.