Can you believe it’s already August? It’s okay though, because that means my favorite season is almost here: FALL!! (The first day of Fall in the Northern Hemisphere this year is September 22 at 5:18 p.m.) In preparation for this crisp, bright, leafy, rainy, glorious time of year, I created an Autumn Essentials list, chockablock full of products (clocks, silverwear, apparel, art, etc.) to help get you in the spirit. In honor of Halloween, the list currently contains 31 items, but I’m sure there will be more as the autumn months get closer, so keep checking back! Cool stuff shown above (L-R): Puckered Canvas Bag, 23 Inch Roulette Clock, Narration Booties, Lipmann Collection Nail Color in Dark Side of The Moon, Gladiator Bird, Raven, Wire Spun Candelabra, Viceroy Velvet Curtain.

The Bobble Detail Scarf is pumping me up!

The little bobble details on this scarf are reminiscent of grapes and this accessory is just as scrumptious. Try the neckwear in Bubblegum Pink, Oatmeal, or Lime (among other colors. My fave for fall is Duck Egg, a charcoalish blue, shown above). Shop tons of Fun Scarves for Fall and start rockin’ your new stole ASAP!

Also above, from left to right, Curiosity 16 Scarf by Swash, DVF Warhol Scarf by Diane von Furstenburg,  Cockaigne Scarf by Lin Beeser, and Fringed Jersey Scarf from Topshop.

Your fave cotton plaid shirt just became wearable again. When paired with the right outfit, a long-sleeve button down p-shirt can go from day. . . to night (believe it or not). My shopper’s mag suggested pairing the p-shirt with a pair of shorts and a white tank. I saw a girl rocking this look today on my way to the office and it works. I want a p-shirt now! Check out The Plaid Shirt for a way cute p-shirt to treat yourself to and some pieces to pair with it by day and night.

I am constantly searching for new ways to orgnanize my jewelry that make my pieces easily viewable and accessible to me. For this reason, I’m not a fan of jewelry boxes or any other type of storage system that requires being opened to reach its contents. So, I created a wishlist on Kazowie called “Creative Ways to Display Your Jewelry,” which features unique items, such as a paper mache snail and tea saucers, which double as pretty jewelry holders, hangers, and organizers. With these products, you can display your beautiful pieces on your dresser or hang them from your wall as part of your room’s decor, while organizing your jewelry to avoid lost earrings and tangled chains, and keeping everything within easy reach for those get-up-and-go mornings.

Inspiration:

For other affordable jewelry display options see also, Vanity Trays.

Isla Fisher is always tre chic, and she didn’t let us down at the UK premiere of her guy (Sacha Baron Cohen)’s new movie, Bruno. This look matches, without going overboard: necklace and clutch are the same shade of grey, shoes and dress are both a lighter shade of the same color, and all this head-to-toe monochrome looks anything but dull when paired with Isla’s red hair and fire engine lips. The breastplate necklace is a major trend for this summer!

Lipstick: NARS Lipstick in Jungle Red
Clutch: Jessica McClintock Rectangle Fold Over Box Clutch
Shoes: Haru grey leather sandal by L.A.M.B.
Necklace: tuleste market Large Hammered Squares Choker
Dress: Ponte Pleated Tube by Silence & Noise

Check out my Isla Fisher Style Guide for more of the celeb’s red carpet look.

And don’t forget to keep checking back to my June Finds list for unique pieces that have been catching my eye this month!

A summer trend that I’m noticing popping up everywhere is the not-so-nautical stripe, in black, grey, and white shades. These summer stripes are often unevenly spaced, irregularly sized, and sometimes distributed over a garment in varying directions (horizontal, vertical, diagonal). I like these stripes on loose, faded pieces that fall perfectly and nonchalantly, such as the Grey/Black Stripe Ripped Knot Tee by Obesity and Speed and the Border Tie-Dye Short Sleeve V-Neck by C&C California, shown below (L-R).

My Summer Stripe Trend guide contains tons of unique pieces (tops, dresses, purses, shoes, etc.) that take nautical to the dark side, which means these stripes will carry you from day to night and from summer to fall.

Also pictured (above, L-R): Striped Crop Top by Charlotte Russe, Lela Rose for Payless Brinley Ribbon Pump, and Varigated Striped Tight by Urban Outfitters.

Key elements of hipster style have been cropping up in the wardrobes of self-proclaimed hipsters and non-hipsters alike this summer. I’ve noticed the “retro sunglasses, baggy shirt, graphic tee, skinny jean, fedora trend” has become increasingly popular among the urban chicks in the city. It’s a pretty laid-back style, so it’s smart for summer. What do you think about the hipster trend? Cool or wannabe?

Shown (L-R): Tear Us Apart by Kid Dangerous,  Viktor Osborne - Black Straw Feather Fedora, Carrie Sunglasses.

I’m not one who religiously reads her horoscope. Nor am I someone who takes her daily star reading 100% seriously. I do, however, freak out when my horoscope describes my current life situation to a T (which has happened more than once). And, as cliché as it may sound, I think it’s a cute idea to give zodiac-themed birthday gifts to friends (especially since there are so many ridiculously cute/unique/designer accessories to choose from these days).

My faves right now are the Zodiac Constellation Cuffs by Jessica Kagan Cushman, shown below. Who wouldn’t want to rock this definite conversation-starter? Be sure to check out my other astrologically-themed buyer’s guides full of all 12 signs worth of cute Zodiac jewelry: Zodiac Hoop Earrings, Hello Kitty Zodiac Designer Jewelry, and FettY Zodiac Necklaces.

American Idol has brought Paula Abdul renewed fame from her days as a pop singer in the early 90’s. She has, as of late, debuted a new jewelry line, called Forever Your Girl, Jewelry, Handbags, and Accessories.

Shown (clockwise, from left): Shimmer & Shine Versitile - Coin 40″ Lariat Necklace, Signature Pave Pendant 28″ Necklace with Signed Photo, and Finale Flower Explosion Ring.

I have learned that this is not Ms. Abdul’s first line of jewelry, as she released one in 2006, as well. The 2009 collection, however, features more modern, glamorous earrings, rings, bracelets, handbags, and more. One of the necklaces in my guide also includes a free autographed photograph of Paula.

Serena Williams also has a jewelry line out on HSN, called Signature Statement, which seems, in many ways, very much like Paula’s. I don’t know whose I prefer! See both jewelry lines back-to-back before you vote:
Click here for Serena’s jewelry.
Click here for Paula’s line.

Click here to vote on whose line YOU’RE  more likely to wear jewelry from, Serena’s or Paula’s.

Today, I happened to stumble upon Bestow, a unique gift, personal accessories, and decorative home boutique. The best way to desribe the products at Bestow, in my opinion, is a ‘cross between circus/goth and raunchy/romantic.’ This wide-variety boutique offers items, which I’ve included in my Seductive Gifts for Ladies and Home Decor and Accessories guides, that would make very unique and special gifts to bestow upon your loved ones or yourself!

Pictured (L-R): Fruits of Cornucopia Eau de Parfum, The Circus 1870-1950, Vice Canister-Downers, Message Pillow ‘Love’, Jeweled Zebra Pillbox, Fruits of Cornucopia Hand/Body Wash.