After a season filled with rain, blistering hot weather, and humidity that could turn New York into a tropical rain forest, we have a full season of slightly cooler temperatures, beautiful autumn foliage, a handful of holiday celebrations and layering! I often find it hard to contain myself at the end of August. This is just around the time I can get excited to pull out merino wool, cashmere, wool pants, light coats and... layering! Ha. Its hard to imagine that I stand alone on this topic. The fall is warm enough to balance and maximize silhouettes and combine lighter articles of clothing with heavier ones.
This season is bursting with options! As many falls come and go, only a few seasons stand out more than others. Record this for posterity, Ladies and Gentleman. This is the season that everyone will shine.
Florals! What an unexpected surprise! Although its seemingly random placement in the fall collection, isn't it just about right that they would introduce this concept for fall? I suppose anything to keep fall fresh and different. Floral naturally was present for spring and has continued to bloom into the late months of summer. All in all, this concept is a wonderful addition to a bright season. The presence of bright colors has also made room for a watercolor-esque motif. Most definitely a designer's response to a traditionally-monotonous fall collection, certain creative directors prefer to showcase their creative talents in frivolity. Ultimately, watercolor/floral offers one more option to consider when carefully picking your fall closet choices. Yes, we've seen rich browns and full-zip blacks with full coverage accessories. What we have now is the ability to lighten a heavier season. The contrast of tweeds and wools with florals is unexpected, yet makes for a very spectacular combination, pioneering an even greater, more urgent sense of change. Could this also be the designer's response to a very important upcoming election...?
Lace RUNS the show. Fantastic. What a glamorous change! Breathable fabric with the ability to transform a bleak staple into a romantic and completely stunning masterpiece. It's no wonder that lace came back with a bang. From blacks to grayish greens, deep violets navy blues, lace drapes handbags, shoes, dresses and coats with class. Lace is always a classic, however, its presence in this fall seems to offer fashion followers with more options than ever before. You know its extraordinary when you can witness lace in the menswear collection (See Burberry Prorsum for Bailey's talented creations). Lace that has been showcased in good taste tells women, as well as men to play around with traditional textures. Much of what stands out from other seasons is the sleekness of certain fashion designer's creations without the bulkiness of bridal or old country doily tackiness. What we want is a modified version of an old time favorite. Although sex appeal is always a good thing, designers opted for a popping out effect of their fabrics to surprise onlookers and give pizazz to a season that focuses more on drab colors and thicker fabrics. Change is good!
And what can we say about fall colors? Tradition has it that we play with deeper richer colors. The problem? Much of the focus tends to shift towards browns, oranges, drab greens and black. What a unique concept for fall (yikes!). What a relief that this season, we witness such brilliant colors in most of the collections! Dior plays with eye-popping pinks and oranges. Ralph Lauren experiments with piercing reds! Donatella fools around with yellow. The difference? Nothing is electrifying! All hues are out to stun but not shock. We witness the greatest amount of color without looking like a 1980's music video. On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have beautifully-crafted dresses and coats with bold and rich colors of purples and vivid dark greens. Deep blue, as seen by Valentino and Alberta Ferretti, give a mystery to the wearer but up ante for every fashionista's credibility. Ken suggests: The deeper and richer the color, the bolder your statement. Drab hues are safe for fall, but why not see what you're capable of? Play with a color you don't usually go with!
For those of you who don't like all that much change this season and prefer to stick with the classics, the best move you can make is gray. Always a solid choice, gray speaks cool tones but a hot choice. Grays come in many forms this season. One option is tweed, always a fall and winter favorite, tweed can come in more forms than a Chanel suit. Opt for tweed accessories, a modified tweed jacket or a pencil skirt. The more variations of gray in one piece, the better. Other options include the wool suit. This goes for men and women. Dolce and Gabbana is the ultimate example for this choice. Men can play with a slim cut suit, while women can don a sleek boatneck dress. Herringbone perhaps with a skinny black patent leather waist belt? You be the judge. For those who are more casual, there's always the sweater coat. Ladies! This option is a fantastic choice for those in the mood for a cozy transition into a crisp, cold winter. Double breasted, wooden buttons or perhaps just a knit tie around will do the trick.
Dramatic Ruffles: C'est Si Bon! A French-inspired collar brings out the "tres jolie" in all women. The trick is, how do you avoid a tacky ruffle and stick to what's best for you? Remember that the ruffles can be dramatic but you don't want to look like a pooch wearing an Elizabethan collar fresh out of surgery. Also, look to craftsmanship and detailing. How is the fabric? You want it to be light, somewhat sheer and statement worthy. Best paired with form-fitting slacks. A wider leg for a slightly less dramatic approach. A slimmer leg for a tailored, couture edge. Always a classic with Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and other French designers, the ruffles should be approached with caution. Where can you wear these ruffles? An office can handle lighter frills, where as dining at Daniel (or less upscale at Delicatessen) can call for bouncier, more edgy trimmings. Remember, it's predominantly French but we're in the US. Have fun with it!
Here's something fun and interesting! Play with the idea of a colorful wardrobe this season, however, make your statement a bold necklace. Louis Vuitton, Marni and Dries Van Noten have played with outlandish forms of a statement necklace and have succeeded admirably. Hmm! By adding a big, bold necklace to your outfit, you can give a fun and playful twist to even the most down tempo ensemble. From 18 to 80, wearing a statement necklace gives you a youthful vibrance. No one wants to look old and outdated. Make your outfit pop with a neckpiece that shows your quirky side. The best part about this accessory? From H&M to Winston, we have a wide variety of necklaces to play with! Don't settle with cheap and don't always opt for expensive. Find what's right for you! Costume jewelry also counts! Have fun with this option as well. Overall, if it feels too big, you've achieved the look!
Other seasons key looks...Satin and
soft leathers still go on strong.
Metallics are a keeper!
Plaid makes a fun comeback this season. This time, opt for an edgier approach. No pleated skirts or thick ties, think modified: a halter dress in a tartan plaid. loafered heels with plaid accents.
Beautifully
structured women's handbags make an even bigger comeback as kisslocks and doctor bags are back. Keep it simple.
For shoes...Don't rid your closet of your booties! Keep your booties as they still play an integral part in fall fashion. If you feel you missed that boat, then go for the
mid-calf bootie. This option refreshes the image of a fall boot! While Knee-length and ankle-length stands strong this season, go for a change with mid-calf, which hardly ever takes center stage.
Sky-High Stilettos are still going on strong this season. boost your height and your ego with 4-inchers. Ladies, make it easier with a
platform, as a little front-foot boost is also in!
Armani Privé
Chanel
Christian Dior
Christian Lacroix
Elie Saab
Givenchy
Jean Paul Gaultier
Valentino
After a season filled with rain, blistering hot weather, and humidity that could turn New York into a tropical rain forest, we have a full season of slightly cooler temperatures, beautiful autumn foliage, a handful of holiday celebrations and layering! I often find it hard to contain myself at the end of August. This is just around the time I can get excited to pull out merino wool, cashmere, wool pants, light coats and... layering! Ha. Its hard to imagine that I stand alone on this topic. The fall is warm enough to balance and maximize silhouettes and combine lighter articles of clothing with heavier ones. 
Florals! What an unexpected surprise! Although its seemingly random placement in the fall collection, isn't it just about right that they would introduce this concept for fall? I suppose anything to keep fall fresh and different. Floral naturally was present for spring and has continued to bloom into the late months of summer. All in all, this concept is a wonderful addition to a bright season. The presence of bright colors has also made room for a watercolor-esque motif. Most definitely a designer's response to a traditionally-monotonous fall collection, certain creative directors prefer to showcase their creative talents in frivolity. Ultimately, watercolor/floral offers one more option to consider when carefully picking your fall closet choices. Yes, we've seen rich browns and full-zip blacks with full coverage accessories. What we have now is the ability to lighten a heavier season. The contrast of tweeds and wools with florals is unexpected, yet makes for a very spectacular combination, pioneering an even greater, more urgent sense of change. Could this also be the designer's response to a very important upcoming election...?
Lace RUNS the show. Fantastic. What a glamorous change! Breathable fabric with the ability to transform a bleak staple into a romantic and completely stunning masterpiece. It's no wonder that lace came back with a bang. From blacks to grayish greens, deep violets navy blues, lace drapes handbags, shoes, dresses and coats with class. Lace is always a classic, however, its presence in this fall seems to offer fashion followers with more options than ever before. You know its extraordinary when you can witness lace in the menswear collection (See Burberry Prorsum for Bailey's talented creations). Lace that has been showcased in good taste tells women, as well as men to play around with traditional textures. Much of what stands out from other seasons is the sleekness of certain fashion designer's creations without the bulkiness of bridal or old country doily tackiness. What we want is a modified version of an old time favorite. Although sex appeal is always a good thing, designers opted for a popping out effect of their fabrics to surprise onlookers and give pizazz to a season that focuses more on drab colors and thicker fabrics. Change is good!
And what can we say about fall colors? Tradition has it that we play with deeper richer colors. The problem? Much of the focus tends to shift towards browns, oranges, drab greens and black. What a unique concept for fall (yikes!). What a relief that this season, we witness such brilliant colors in most of the collections! Dior plays with eye-popping pinks and oranges. Ralph Lauren experiments with piercing reds! Donatella fools around with yellow. The difference? Nothing is electrifying! All hues are out to stun but not shock. We witness the greatest amount of color without looking like a 1980's music video. On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have beautifully-crafted dresses and coats with bold and rich colors of purples and vivid dark greens. Deep blue, as seen by Valentino and Alberta Ferretti, give a mystery to the wearer but up ante for every fashionista's credibility. Ken suggests: The deeper and richer the color, the bolder your statement. Drab hues are safe for fall, but why not see what you're capable of? Play with a color you don't usually go with!
For those of you who don't like all that much change this season and prefer to stick with the classics, the best move you can make is gray. Always a solid choice, gray speaks cool tones but a hot choice. Grays come in many forms this season. One option is tweed, always a fall and winter favorite, tweed can come in more forms than a Chanel suit. Opt for tweed accessories, a modified tweed jacket or a pencil skirt. The more variations of gray in one piece, the better. Other options include the wool suit. This goes for men and women. Dolce and Gabbana is the ultimate example for this choice. Men can play with a slim cut suit, while women can don a sleek boatneck dress. Herringbone perhaps with a skinny black patent leather waist belt? You be the judge. For those who are more casual, there's always the sweater coat. Ladies! This option is a fantastic choice for those in the mood for a cozy transition into a crisp, cold winter. Double breasted, wooden buttons or perhaps just a knit tie around will do the trick. 
Dramatic Ruffles: C'est Si Bon! A French-inspired collar brings out the "tres jolie" in all women. The trick is, how do you avoid a tacky ruffle and stick to what's best for you? Remember that the ruffles can be dramatic but you don't want to look like a pooch wearing an Elizabethan collar fresh out of surgery. Also, look to craftsmanship and detailing. How is the fabric? You want it to be light, somewhat sheer and statement worthy. Best paired with form-fitting slacks. A wider leg for a slightly less dramatic approach. A slimmer leg for a tailored, couture edge. Always a classic with Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and other French designers, the ruffles should be approached with caution. Where can you wear these ruffles? An office can handle lighter frills, where as dining at Daniel (or less upscale at Delicatessen) can call for bouncier, more edgy trimmings. Remember, it's predominantly French but we're in the US. Have fun with it!
Here's something fun and interesting! Play with the idea of a colorful wardrobe this season, however, make your statement a bold necklace. Louis Vuitton, Marni and Dries Van Noten have played with outlandish forms of a statement necklace and have succeeded admirably. Hmm! By adding a big, bold necklace to your outfit, you can give a fun and playful twist to even the most down tempo ensemble. From 18 to 80, wearing a statement necklace gives you a youthful vibrance. No one wants to look old and outdated. Make your outfit pop with a neckpiece that shows your quirky side. The best part about this accessory? From H&M to Winston, we have a wide variety of necklaces to play with! Don't settle with cheap and don't always opt for expensive. Find what's right for you! Costume jewelry also counts! Have fun with this option as well. Overall, if it feels too big, you've achieved the look! 
