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Fall Fashion Report

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September brings thoughts of change and unimaginable excitement: fabulous football games, back-to-school shopping, the September issue of Vogue and lower temperatures.

As projected, shades of black and gold are dominant this season (at least in our region). Stores have already received many of their key pieces, and I am noticing that local buyers have invested in numerous mustard-hued items. Hmm … I sense that they didn’t just adore the color but thought it would sell remarkably well when merchandised with black. That was a well-played move on their part.

Welcome to fall 2010, an entirely fresh fashion attitude. Relive classic pieces that have been revised with a modern twist. Let’s discuss gorgeous polished looks, layered mixes and unexpected combinations. There is much to desire and envy, as this new sophistication and the archetypical fall color palette will impact every purchase this autumn. You may even have a few key pieces in your wardrobe from years past or might be able to steal away some goodies from your mother’s or grandmother’s closet. When you plead with her to “borrow” her structured handbag, spin it as if you are being environmentally savvy. You are reducing your carbon footprint by carrying her fabulous “vintage” structured pocketbook.

Here is my editorial perspective for fall’s key looks:

City Sophisticate – Fall will focus on classic, streamlined silhouettes and gorgeous fabrics with a modern edge. Try trousers, turtlenecks and pumps in a camel hue and a sleek city coat. A menswear tailored jacket in tweed is a great investment and a utility shirt is the new collectable item. The “urban” trend is about the unexpected; a rugged fur-lined leather vest and beaded minidress are definitely for the girl who is living on the edge, or who has lost her Xanax script.

The New Neutral – The mixture of grey and beige is marketed as “greige.” (Insert mocking laugh; you cannot take some of fashion’s buzzwords seriously.) The monochromatic look is an easy style to accomplish and creates a long, lean line. A fluffy knit scarf in this hue can create new direction for an otherwise one-note ensemble. This palette stretches into charcoals and browns. Charcoal tights worn with black over-the-knee boots from last season is an inexpensive way to update to your wardrobe.

Trixie Minx – The leopard print dominates fall accessories and is a bold and risky move for jackets and coats. If you do take the renegade approach and choose a leopard coat keep the silhouette streamlined. Otherwise I might mistake you for Montecore in the Siegfried & Roy show. For a less mauling choice, a leopard-print handbag is a glamorous recommendation for autumn.

Deer Stand Meets Boy Band – A flattering color that is often seen in camo prints and military uniforms is paired with marching band and majorette details. Olive or army green has swiftly become another fashion neutral. Well-cut jackets in this hue with brass buttons are an easy find in every price point. Unfortunately, I will never understand fashion’s fascination with “camouflage gone luxury” and would prefer is you refrained from entering dangerous terrain. Instead, search for classically modified vests, capes and coats with militia features.

Refined Rugged –
I prefer to label this the “gamine lumberjack.” Like most trends this season, it’s the juxtaposition of ugly-pretty and tough-demure. This particular look includes fur, lush knits, leather, suede and shearling (sounds temperature-hot not haute). An asymmetrical wrap or poncho with a fur collar and skinny black trousers comes across as cultured casual. The Fair Isle print is the “it” pattern for the season. Search for it in chunky knitwear and wear it with a light-as-air dress.

Play Dress-up –
Dresses in vintage 1970s shapes, dresses worn with lace tights, dresses with lace or lacings and down-to-there draping. There is a dress this season for every age and every shape. They are the most versatile item in your closet. Dresses move from day to night with a quick change from boots to the must-have shoe-of-the-season, the pointy-toe high heel.

My Wish List

  • Pointy-toe pumps
  • Cargo skinny trousers
  • Cat-eye sunglasses
  • Menswear blazer in tweed or pinstripes
  • Leather tote with fringe
  • Leopard clutch
  • Chunky knit sweater or sweater dress
  • Camel coat
  • Jacket or vest with shearling details
  • The utility shirt

Happy shopping!