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.

July always seems like one of those months that starts off with a bang (no pun intended) and ends far too quickly. In the aftermath of the bright, patriotic colors of 4th of July celebrations, I`m seeing trends already moving into fall, with muted/neutral colors, pinks and greys, romantic ruffles and florals, tons of flats, boots, and oxfords, and lots of delicate jewelry, i.e. watch pendants and antique key necklaces. (See The Secret Garden shopper’s guide for this romantic look.)

Fashion is always several steps ahead, but my advice is to enjoy your sandals and sarongs while you can. Keep your eyes peeled for the hot fall finds, but don’t let the summer pass you by while you shop! See My July Finds for products that are catching my eye this month. New items will be added all the time, so keep checking back to scope the unique goodies I find.

Shown above (L-R): Christopher Kane Chimp jersey T-shirt, zipper hoops, whispy feather wallet, strapless smocked floral jumpsuit, TokyoMilk scented bubble bath.

SHOP THESE HOTTIE SHOES NOW!

When I purchased a pair of black Anna Flats from Bakers, I had no idea that my new summer obsesh fest had begun. I was initially shopping for a pair of slouchy ankle booties on sale, but instead found a strappy elastic black sandal with brown heel and back zipper that matched perfectly with my tulip dress with elastic waist band. HEAVEN! I ended up wearing these shoes, rain or shine, with pants, leggings, skirts, and dresses all around New York City. Elastic strap shoes, whether heels or flats, are supes versatile, especially in every woman’s fave color, black! These kicks will be your new best friend this summer and well into fall. Trust.

Wear these puppies with: SEXY STRIPES, PUFFY TANK DRESSES, & TULIP SKIRTS!

Shown above (L-R): Anna Flats by Bakers, Ransomm Sandals by Steve Madden, Elastic Ankle Wrap Sandal with White Cut Wedge by Proenza Schouler.

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.

I’m really enjoying all the new fashion that’s coming off the runways and onto online shopping sites as of late. I found a newish trend to match each letter of the alphabet for my Fashion Alphabet buyer’s guide on Kazowie. My personal faves from off the catwalk are A for acidic colors, E for embellished boho, H for hooded, N for neutrals, and T for tough jewelry. I’ve read that there were a lot of 80’s inspired looks in many of the Spring ‘09 lines. I’m not too sure how I feel about this. While I like the holey nylons and square shoulder look, I’m not so sure I could pull it off without looking like I was headed to a themed frat party.

As always, my advice for following fashion trends is as follows: rock one trend at a time to avoid poser overload. And keep hair and makeup neutral to avoid the Halloween in Spring look. (Unless that’s what you’re going for, of course!)