The change of seasons is rapidly approaching and as the leaves change so do our wardrobes. While the classics and basics never change, it’s always fun to spice up our looks with a few fashion forward new items. I’ve put together a brief summery of some of my favorite fall ’09 trends to help you get started…

Asymmetry

Take advantage of the remaining days of warm weather by experimenting with tops that feature a ‘one-shoulder’ design. The result is a slightly edgy look that shows just the right amount of skin. The single bare shoulder is also the perfect balance for a great, statement making pair of earrings.

You can test drive the look with this casual ruffled cotton top from Old Navy (psst… hurry, its on sale!).

www.oldnavy.com

If you’re looking for something bolder or more polished, check out this silk number by Diane Von Furstenburg at Nordstrom. www.nordstrom.com

Blazers

When you feel the cool breeze of autumn reach for a menswear inspired blazer to keep the chill away and stay looking chic. On a recent trip to Target, I spotted two stylish and affordable options that are perfectly suited for varying body types.

The first was a classic look with a modern twist. The blazer had a straight, lean cut which is great for a taller girl or a leaner body type. The sleeves had a detailed, striped lining that was exposed when the wearer rolls them up.

The seconded blazer featured a more feminine cut with a tie belt at the waist. This is a great option for a curvier lady. The accentuated waist line allows a girl with more bust or hips to get in on the menswear trend without looking frumpy or shapeless.

Fur Details

When the temperatures begin to drop you can indulge in one of my favorite fall trends… Fur! This luxurious look is popping up in both embellishments and larger pieces such as vests and cropped jackets.

I encourage the bolder ladies of the world to slip on a fun faux vest like this one from A Common Thread.

www.acthread.com

While the vest may be too much for some, there are many fun fall trends that can be used to update your most classic, reliable pieces and put you in the right mood for a brisk autumn night! 

Blog By: Kristyn Wink

As the hot summer days begin to dwindle and the economy remains lackluster, many of us will turn our focus toward the mall, dreaming of one big bold word….SALE!

Everywhere we look stores are trying to move merchandise which means prices will be slashed in ways that are sure to excite any shopaholic.

In an attempt to keep my readers out of financial ruin, I have put together some road tested, consumer-approved tips for navigating the clearance racks and getting the most for your money…

One of the most frightening effects of a down economy is the large number of businesses that are permanently closing their doors. While no one enjoys the misfortune of others, there are silver linings to be found by shoppers hoping to find a bargain. In the rush to get the best of a diminishing inventory it can be easy for a consumer to make a poor choice or even be taken advantage of. http://www.Smartmoney.com warns “Not only will the selection be limited, but remaining items will most likely be of lesser quality” and occasionally liquidators will mark up the original prices of an item before marking it down because “50% off looks a lot more attractive than 20% off.” When taking advantage of these sales remember the old adage, Buyer Beware!

Planning a weekend in NYC anytime soon? Dreaming of scoring a luxurious designer item at a steep discount? You should be battling it out with all the other stylish ladies at a sample sale. Websites like http://www.thebudgetfashionista.com are spilling the secrets of these once exclusive events. The website’s creator Kathryn Finney says “There are definitely better deals on more luxury pieces and better selection. It used to be at sample sales that unless you went first day, all that was left was the stuff you didn’t want”. She goes on to say that “I think toward the end of the year, we won’t see that many crazy, wacky sales – not at the level we’re seeing now”. In other words, get in on the sample sale revolution before it’s too late!

As summer draws to a close, retailers are hoping you will spend your holiday weekend on a shopping spree. Big name stores will be trying to lure you in with savings on everything from apparel and shoes to linens and furniture. I have personally found these sales to be amazing but only if you have specific purchases in mind and those specific items are included in the sale. As with all sales, try not to be seduced by big savings because a deal is only a deal if the item is one that you love and will use/wear frequently.

Nude.. Beige.. Tan… Khaki…Ecru 

These are a million names for that delightfuly neutral shade that seems to be popping up everywhere these days. The beauty of beige is that it works well with warm tones, as well as cool, and makes the perfect companion for black, as well as white.

Below is a sampling of the tantalizing tans that will keep you looking good through the summer and into fall…

These light khaki jeans are a great denim alternative for summer. A well worn tee and sandals can keep the look casual, while a light colored heel and airy top make a more dressy option.    

*Levi’s 531 in Coastal Khaki, available at http://www.LevisStore.com

There is nothing that feels more like summer than a light weight dress with flutter sleeves. This wrap dress has a great cut that cinches the waist and can be very flattering on a larger chest.

* Calvin Klein jersey dress, available at http://www.Nordstrom.com  

If you’re feeling particularly wild this summer, try a buff onesie with a drawstring waist and a fun print.

* Thistlepearl Batik Jumper, available at http://www.urbanoutfitters.com  

As you dream of a warm weather wardrobe your mind may wander to accessories and shoes are a great way to experiment. These ultra- modern heels are a personal favorite of mine not only for their sleek shape but for their bold coupling of jet black and creamy beige. * Lawrence by Nine West, available @ http://www.zappos.com  

As the summer rolls along, I encourage you to heat up your own look with this user-friendly shade. Not all trends are for everyone but I believe that there is a creamy neutral out there with your name on it.

Blog by: Kristyn Wink

Do you know the most important accessory framing your face (besides maybe a great haircut)? The right pair of sunglasses… When choosing a pair of frames it is important to consider what is right for your face shape as well as what is in fashion.

A round shaped face benefits from straight lines. They counteract the curves in the shape, so be on the look out for rectangular or square frames.
It’s best to avoid round sunglasses because they will exaggerate the face shape.

Recommended: ‘charlene’ by Kate Spade, available at http://www.Nordstrom.com

Square faces often look best with rounded and curved sunglasses. Angular sunglasses may emphasise squareness, especially around the jaw.

Recommended: Black frames, available at http://www.girlprops.com 

If you seem to have a long face, it is best to wear a rectangular frame because it helps add width and balances out the length of the face. 

Recommended: Persol, available at http://www.hisunglasses.com

As with clothing, eyewear trends shift with the season. The must-have shapes for sunglasses are going to include the retro ‘cat-eye’ and big, square frames. Hot colors for fall are taking a neutral turn, with beige and classic tortoiseshell. If you’re the bold, fashion-forward type, check out frames embellished with rivets or sequins.

So, whether you’re channeling Audrey Hepburn with large, vintage Givenchy shades or 8o’s-era Madonna in Ray-Ban WayFarers, wear your favorite summer time accessory with confidence and style! 

Blog by: Kristyn Wink