Fall Preview Picks

I am very sad to say that this weekend marks the unofficial end of the summer season! With Labor Day weekend upon us, I am definitely looking forward to some fun BBQ's, beach days, wearing head to toe white, and everything else that makes summer so sweet! Not only is this a big party weekend, but it also a HUGE weekend to catch some great Fall Preview Sales at all your favorite stores! Fall is such a beautiful time of year here in New England! The leaves start to turn, the air gets a bit crisp and the orchards are ripe for the picking! My favorite part of this time of year was, of course, the back to school shopping sprees my mom used to take my sister and I on every year! Whether we were hitting the streets of Soho in NYC or shopping at our favorite local malls, it was something I always looked forward to as a kid! Not much has changed since then! Even though I am no longer in school, I LOVE getting ready for the new fashion season by reading up on all the new trends and styles that are coming our way! Since my studying days are officially over, my reading materials nowadays have included People StyleWatch, Lucky, Glamour, Vogue, you name it - I read it! Not only do I check out the styles in all the MAGS, I also tune in to all my favorite style shows on TV for inspiration! With that said, here are some of my MUST HAVE items for this fall! If you hurry, you can catch these styles on sale this weekend at all of the stores featured here today!

The number one must have trend this fall is definitely, one of my favorites, the bootie! I have already scooped up one pair during the Nordstrom's Anniversary sale, however, you can bet that is not the last pair I will be buying this season! The latest addition to this sexy style for Fall 2011 is creating a mens-wear inspired bootie that features laces and/or oxford-like details. The peep-toe version is also a hot item for this fall! I plan to wear my booties with so many outfits! You can wear them at night with skinny jeans, at work with your favorite trousers or on the weekend with a cute skirt or leather shorts and tights! LC is all over this trend with her shoe line now featured at Kohls. Check out these peep-toe booties for only $69.99.

Looking to splurge on a bootie that will get you noticed? I am officially obsessed with these Sam Edelman studded booties sold at Lord & Taylor. They are a bit more pricey at $225 but if you stop in this weekend with your coupons, you can receive up to 20% off!

Knock em' dead in these beautiful grape suede booties by INC currently sold at Macy's for $98. Use your Labor Day coupons to get $$ off all weekend long!

There are so many great styles of booties at every store, I am positive that all my Style Strutters will find their perfect pair! Other recommended stores to find this trend include Nordstroms, Piperlime, Zappos, Nine West and DSW!

Next on my shopping list is anything animal print! From flats, to jackets and blouses, even jeggings, animal-print is everywhere this season! If you want to ease into this trend, start with a subtle print on your accessories, such as your shoe, purse, belt or blouse under a solid colored blazer. For those who love this trend and want to go BOLD, look for jumpsuits, jeggings, and faux fur coats that can be your statement piece this fall. Here are a variety of my most-wanted looks for you to choose from. (From top to bottom: Leopard Blouse $49.90, Express; Spotted Legging $7.80, Forever21; Leopard Belt $34.95, Gap; Faux Fur Leopard Jacket $79, Piperlime; Snakeskin Clutch $78, Piperlime )

 

Leather jackets are also a style staple for my wardrobe come this time of year. Whether real or fake, this piece can be worn over tanks, and with dresses all season. Mix flirty floral prints with this edgier look and you will have everyone wanting your style secrets this fall! I also love the different colors that are being offered this season. Purchase a piece in camel, red or natural leather for a more daring look. If you want to keep it looking classic and cool, black is the way to go! I love this quilted (minus the) leather jacket offered at Express. This comes in a variety of colors and won't break the bank at only $118.00!

Another amazing high-end designer has joined the team at Macy's and is now offering a fashion forward line that everyday style mavens can enjoy! Karl Lagerfeld (ahhhhhh) is now creating amazing pieces for Impulse at Macy's. If you are an avid follower of my blog, you recall my past post Label Lust which featured designers Rachel Roy and others who are available at Macy's. Now, we can add Karl to that list! Of course he is right on trend with these edgy faux-leather shorts and pants that I am loving right now. Pair them with a bright colored top or sweater (chartreuse perhaps - I saw a perfect one at Gap) and booties and take the town looking like the hottest bitch around! Shorts are $79 and pants are $99! Such a deal to have a one-of-a-kind piece!

That is it for now! Stay tuned for more fall trends coming your way this season! Be sure to hit all your favorite stores this weekend and stock up on the essentials! I look forward to seeing all the fall fashions hit the streets this month! Next stop for me - FASHION SHOW in NYC!!! You can be sure my next post will have tons of tips and hot styles straight from the runway!!! Can't wait!

XoXo,

Rachele