"Fall" in Love with Fashion-Trends of the Season

So it's my favorite time of year again and I can't wait to bust out the the boots, fur, and brights!  Fall 2011 is filled with updated classics with a few trends from years past.  The good news is you can raid your current closet and pull out some of those older items you're not wearing much anymore… "shopping" your own closet is the best!  When you put on a top or dress you haven't worn in a long time, it all the sudden feels new again.  Especially when you are focusing on "what's in" and putting a new spin on old pieces.  Have fun rummaging through your closets or hitting up the bargain shops for these Top Fall Trends for 2011…either way, have fun with it and always make it your own!  

Top 10 Trends for Fall 2011

1) ROY G BIV=Bring on the Brights!

 I'm loving that Brights are in for the fall this year.  Sure does make it easy to transition some of your summer dresses over  adding tights, booties, and a jacket and you are good to go!  If you are out to buy something…I recommend a dress with sleeves in a bright hue.  This will be a classic piece that will take you from day to night easily and you will continue to wear season after season.

2)  "Baby It's Cold Outside"= Luxe Outerwear

Pile on the Fur Vests, Wool Coats, Leather and Down Jackets…Outerwear is So In!  I love this trend because you get to look fabulous and warm, a win win in fashion!  I'm seeing Faux Fur Vests everywhere including TJ Maxx and Target.  Also hit up Ebay for Vintage Coat finds and classic style coats with searches like Jcrew and Banana Republic.  Go for simple colors like camel or black and you just can't go wrong.  To update your simple coat, add a luxe faux fur scarf!

3) Be Ladylike = Go Long!

So Retro..Loving Longer Hemlines on dresses and skirts for fall!  This is wonderful news for you working women when looking to be chic and appropriate on the job.  Pull out your old skirts or be on the look out for new hem links besides minis in stores!

4) Cozy Chic = Big Knits

Pair these cozy knit sweaters over dresses, with short and long skirts or jeans while being super comfy and extra warm!  You probably have one or two of these in your closet from years past, just update the rest of the outfit.  Loving the monochromatic look so go for black or neutral pieces to pair together...Leaving you looking more chic and less grandma!

5) Not So Racy = Lacy

Lace is not only for the bedroom anymore!  Bring it out to the office or on the town.  You will always look girly and chic in this classic and delicate fabric.  Wear on your tops, dresses and skirts and you are sure to get some attention.  I love pairing lace with "harsher" items like my leather jacket or booties.  It toughens up the look a little bit and gives it an edge.  Leaving you less little girl and more Rhianna!

6) Pretty and Playful = Polka Dot

Two of the Biggest names in fashion Marc Jacobs and Diane Von Furstenburg sent Polka Dots down the runway for Fall 2011.  That tells me that the dots are IN in a major way!  I am loving this "pin-up" yet classic look especially paired with red and black.  So chic and playful and an easy trend for all to try.

7) Instant Cool = Capes

Capes are a perfect outerwear piece especially for us gals in the south!  They are not too heavy and give you such a chic look to be worn over a tee and jeans or your favorite fall dress and boots.  This will give you the instant "cool" factor you are looking for this Fall and is a piece you will find coming back year after year.

8) Structured Satchel = Handheld Bags

Look for Structured Bags this Fall that are ladylike and have a top handle and hopefully a longer strap as well (love wearing my bag cross-body).  You can go large or small but the look was consistent across all the runways…no slouch like previous seasons (think Hobo) but more shape (think Hermes Berkin).  Be bold with a print or stay classic with grey, black, or brown but you will have a bag that will definitely be a "forever" piece in your collection.

9) A Play on Men's Classics = Lace up Loafers and Oxford Heels

It's always fun stealing fashion from the men and making it sexy for the gals!  These heels are great for your fall dresses and fishnet tights and colored stockings.  Be on the hunt for lace-ups in blacks and browns and oxfords with a cool twist.  Go out and make a girly statement in these bad boys!  

10) Be Bold = Go Gold!

 I am a Gold Girl all the way so I'm already on top of this favorite fall statement!  For all you silver ladies out there head to Francescas, Target or Forever 21 in your area for some cheap thrills to put you right on top of this flashy trend.  No need to spend the big bucks on bangles and baubles, just go for fun and done!

So Next time you are browsing Ebay, Consignment Shops or your favorite Budget Boutiques, keep this list of trends and classics (from my previous post) in mind and you are guranteed to have a much more successful shopping experience!

Beaucoup D'Amour,

Megan