My friend F. is always showing off her great finds from Old Navy. Here's a pretty silk top she should definitely get, for now and to wear into fall over a thin, long-sleeve T-shirt (maybe a stripe) and/or under a sweater or jacket. (It also comes in ivory and a warm pinky color, "Rose Hip.")
One of my hands-down favorite pieces of jewelry is an eight-strand "coral" necklace from Urban Oufitters. I get tons of compliments on it. I love it because it surrounds my face with color -- always flattering -- and fills up the neckline if I wear a V-neck -- also flattering.
For a while I've been looking for something similar for a client. I finally found it, thanks to In Style magazine. (While I'm mentioning it I recommend checking out the retooled magazine; it's far more eclectic than it used to be -- and less sycophantic.)
KEP Designs green opal necklace ($295)
Note that this necklace isn't for everyone -- not everyone can wear this color green successfully. But for those who can, it would be a signature piece -- something to enliven the most prosaic outfit, and not just something to put on with a suit and silk blouse (although of course it would work with that, as well).
Sadly, not everything on the website is equally nice (I don't recommend those twisted necklaces, for instance) but this piece would be a great addition to most everyday jewelry collections.
Where to stash all your stuff
Way back when I was trying to finish my dissertation, I found myself spending time doing anything but working on it. I took up gardening and regularly cooked elaborate, four-course meals. I went religiously to the gym. I even started a tiny antiques business, so naturally I needed to spend hours every Wednesday at a fascinating, cutthroat, hole-in-the-wall auction.
On one particular Wednesday, I scored both a vintage doll -- gorgeous! -- and a brand-new carpetbag from Neiman Marcus, complete with satin interior and sterling silver buckle. Oh, and it was $25 rather than its original several hundred dollars.
I never did sell it (and didn't make much profit from that antiques business, though I did eventually get my PhD). I love using that bag to this day.
Gucci large Hysteria tote ($1295)
So imagine my delight at finding that carpetbags are experiencing something of a comeback. Gucci has a few in its fall line-up, including a beautiful yellow-and-black one. Would I ever pay that price for a fabric bag? Not in a million years. But I can admire from afar and be inspired.
There's a nice version at Anthropologie (Carpetbagger Satchel $278) at a far more affordable price. (Too bad I can't figure out how to post pictures from Anthropologie.)
And there are numerous places online to buy non-fashiony carpetbags that will fit the bill this fall. Caution: You'll need to choose your carpet pattern and colors with a discriminating eye -- they won't all work. (If you ignore the Ye Olde West web design, here's a nice one -- I would use it for weekends away.)
Blooming roses extra large bag ($229)
I love this necklace! It packs a lot of punch and would look great layered with other necklaces, like a pendant in either gold or silver.
Here's your wear-everywhere, go-to skirt
When I said in the last couple posts, that a neutral skirt was essential to take on a trip -- this skirt was designed with that post in mind. It comes in heather gray, black and "alabaster," which I assume is some kind of off-white and which would be my choice, hands-down. (But the gray works, too -- and don't be afraid to pair it with warmer colors -- yellow, royal blue, brown.)
I wrote in the last post about traveling light. That whole concept hinges on bringing enough accessories to make your various basics stand out.
Here's an example: a cute summer sandal made even more attractive by the sales price.
You can wear this with everything.
Dolce Vita Dakoda Sandal ($54 on sale)
For a splash of color, try this:
You're going to (fill in the blank -- Costa Rica, a beach in Delaware, the
house in Newport or ...) You have a finite amount of space (not to mention,
often, the headache of packing children and even the significant other). What
are you going to take?
punch while you're traveling -- the accessories that can help you transform your beach look into dinner attire without breaking your stride. 
A vest or a tank top or something else lightweight and whimsical -- maybe a silk camisole -- to help you get extra mileage from your basics.
Check out Shopbop, which has a lookbook, trend updates, a slew of great designers (plus good sales) -- and a preview of Fall '08.
The six trends, according to Shopbop, are: full skirts, winter florals, leather (short skirts and vests), feathers and fringe (not nearly as scary as it sounds!), folk inspiration (blanket coats, Russian references), and slouchy trousers.
What's not to like?
These trends are what smart shoppers will keep in mind as they start planning their fall purchases (and contemplate editing their fall/winter wardrobe in August).
Too complicated
Not at all! Keeping these trends in mind is a great way to stay on trend. You stand a better chance of updating what's already in your closet with strategically chosen additions.
What's on your list for fall? Leave me a comment -- I'd love to hear about it.
[Note: Ignore the "Shop Spring Collection" on top of the pictures -- these are definitely pictures of Fall.]
I love this bag!
I don't think it's something you'd use to shlep your milk and eggs home, it's just a great summer bag with a good message on the side -- wearing your heart on your shoulder, as it were.
In certain books, the characters talk about dressing for dinner and then show up for cocktails freshly groomed and in a lovely frock.
I certainly didn't grow up in a fancy household, but my mother would often change for dinner, frequently putting on some ethnic, longish dress and some beads.
I don't usually have chance to do that, but when it's hot, I find I want to shower toward the end of the day, and I love the idea of putting on a "gown" rather than sweatpants.
Yesterday's Times was on the same track, with a feature in the style section on day or "patio" dresses. Okay, not the same as dinner clothes, but a similar, hostessy vibe. Only these are dresses you can slip on, say, for a barbecue with bare feet.
I love this one by Rachel Pally available in plus sizes at Nordstrom. There's a similar one (plus one in black) in standard sizes, too.
