Fashionista Friday - 10 Must-have Fall Fashions

First of all I want to apologize to anyone that has found my blog and then been waiting so long for a post for me. The post below has actually taken me a full week to put together. I had to take pictures of each of these things as I wore them and I just did that by wearing something and making my hubby take a picture of me before heading off to work. So, I really do apologize for the lack of posting. I hope to remedy that situation now and then to post more frequently. I've decided, by reading other blogs, that I'm going to have a theme each day. I am not promising to post each day but on the days I do post, each day will have it's own theme. Here is what they will be:

Make-it Monday - posts will be dedicated to things you can make with instructions on how to do it.

Tasty Tuesdays - posts will be dedicated to recipes and food

Wow Wednesdays - posts will be dedicated to things I find that just make me go WOW!

Trash to Treasure Thursdays - posts will be dedicated to projects which take something old and unattractive and turns it into something functional, cute, and beautiful


Fashionista Fridays - posts will be dedicated to fashion advice or finds that I come across.

Saturday and Sunday - posts will be photos of things I've found that I just like, these can be anything at all. If I find something I really like I'll take a picture of it and will post only pictures.

So, without further adieu, here is today's Fashionista Friday post! Enjoy!

I was doing some research recently and found the 10 Must-have fall wardrobe essentials. So, let's take a looksie shall we? I'm going to post a picture of the "must-have" and then my personal version of it. My source for this post is fashion.about.com. What they say I will highlight in red with my comments in black. I often see articles like this and I wonder, how can I make this fit into my wardrobe. So, this post is about that, taking a list of the must-haves and make it fit with what I have. I've included a few of my own must-haves at the end of this post too. These are things I really like this fall and even though some of them may be trendy, I like them and thought I would share. So here goes:

Fall Must-Have Fashion # 1: A Fitted Jacket

A great tailored jacket - - fitted to show off feminine curves, not a baggy masculine style - - will pair with everything from work slacks to jeans. I totally agree! Last year I bought several jackets and really umped my wardrobe up a few notches. Here is their example:
And here is mine: (I look a little frumpy here but hopefully you get the gist of the idea)

Fall Must-Have Fashion #2: White Shirt!

Sounds basic, but a crisp, long sleeve white shirt is a building block for your fall wardrobe. So, I don't know about the rest of you but I really struggle with the crisp white shirt. Oh, don't get me wrong, I love a really white crisp shirt as much as the next girl but I have a really hard time keeping mine crisp and more importantly white! What is your secret to keeping your white shirts so pretty and crisp? Please share because mine turn dingy and gray in no time at all so I must be doing something wrong!
Their example:

And here is mine: Must-Have Fall Fashion #3: Black Pant-suit

Pantsuits may be the ultimate power suit for the working woman, but they also pull their weight after hours when paired with a silky cami and heels. A solid black pantsuit is the most flattering (head-to-toe monochromatic color) and the most classic. Look for a fabric with drape -- nothing too stiff or shiny -- preferably in wool (or wool with some stretch for comfort).

Their example:

OK, I have to admit here I don't have a black pantsuit, not really. I guess this is the one "must-have" that I "must not-have". :)

Fall Must-Have #4: Turtleneck Sweater

Neckline trends come and go -- cowl necks, plunging Vs, henleys -- but a turtleneck sweater has earned its place as a classic. Here's why:

* The turtleneck brings your face into focus.

* A mock turtleneck is a good option if you don't like the buld of a true turtleneck (it's the same height, only the fabric doesn't fold back over) - I tend to like the mock ones best.

* Stick with cozy, touchable materials for your turtleneck sweater because anything itchy or scratchy is unbearable on your sensitve neck area.

Their example:

Mine: Well, I realized I don't really have a turtleneck sweater. I do have some turtleneck shirts though but I mainly wear them under jackets. So, here is one of them but it's worn under a jacket.

Fall Must-Have #5: Neutral Coat
There's a reason timeless fashion pieces retain their popularity: they go with most things in your closet and transcend the trends. The neutral coat -- especialy in a camel color -- is an enduring fall classic because it has so many possibilities.

Their example: While working on this post I'm also planning a trip to New York for New Years so it made me realize I didn't have a good fashionable coat for the cold weather in New York. So, what's a girl to do? Go get one! I got this today! I'm super happy with this coat. Not only is it fashionable but it's 50% wool so hopefully it will be very warm too. And, an added bonus, it was on sale at Old Navy for 50% off. Hurry and get to Old Navy if you need a coat this year. They are on sale and they have some super cute ones!

Fall Fashion Must-Have #6: Plaid

Plaid -- a perennial menswear print favorite -- translates very well to trousers, coats and jackets. Pair with everything from a solid shirt to a twinset. I LOVE plaids!!!! I have lots of examples for this particular item. :)

Their example:

My example:

Fall Must-Have Fashion #7: Tall Boots

Knee-high boots make great sense for fall because they let you get more wear out of everything from skinny jeans to miniskirts. Tuck in slim trousers for a young look or layer on opaque tights with a skirt or dress to keep out the chill. Choose a mid-heel height for the most trend-proof look (something 2 inches or less). Brown boots are a great choice if you wear lots of denim; black pairs with almost everything. OK. I have to say, I love me some boots. I kind of have gone a little nutso on boots this year. I just found so many that I liked and they actually fit around my calves. I tend to have issues with boots around my calves. :( So, yeah, I went a little crazy and ended up buying 4 new pairs of boots this year. But, I wear them all! I love them with skirts, skinny jeans, capris, and even dresses. Boots rock!

Their example:

My example (this is actually a pair of boots I got last year but I wanted ones with heels so I wore these.

Fall Must-Have Fashion #8: Pearls

Feminine pearls are the perfect trend-proof accessory to compliment the more structured styles of fall. Wear gray pearls with black for a sexy tonal look; or choose layers of creamy white pears worn with a simple black sheath dress for a perfect cocktail dress look. I would actually take this a little further and say any type of large beaded necklace is in right now. Not just actual pearls. I love accessories and lately they have some really super cute necklaces out.

Their example:

Mine: The first picture here is a necklace I got from Avon (shameless plug since I sell Avon) but it has lots of different colored beads along with some pearls on a gold chain. The second picture here is another necklace I got at New York and Company. It is a double strand with one strand of mock pearls and a silver chain with gray and black. It also has a bejeweled flower on it. I love this necklace and I've gotten so much use out of it. To me, these are both perfect examples of a wardrobe staple, the pearl necklace. (ps I do have a real set of pearls too which I also believe every girl should have as well!)

Fall Must-Have Fashion #9: Sheath Dress

Match a sheath with a hem-length coat or wear it on its own with pumps; anyway you wear the classic, knee length sheath dress is a winner. I happen to have several of these and they are right, anywhere you wear it is a winner!
Their example: Mine: I just got this dress from a new favorite website that I must share with you. I'll write more later about it. Suffice it to say this is a Calvin Klein dress priced normally at $159. I got it for $59. I don't know if you can tell or not but it's a red cheetah print in a pointelle fabric. Fall Must-Have Fashion #10: Large Leather Bag

Bags get bigger with cooler weather because you have more to carry (umbrellas, wraps, hats). The leather bag doesn't have to be boring -- there are logoed styles, patent, exotic skins, quilting, bold hardware, bright colors and much more -- but the most classic looks have a ladylike feel to them and understated luxury. Unline an in-today/out-tomorrow "It" bag, the large leather bag will be your faithful friend for years. This is one splurge you'll get lots of mileage on your investment. I couldn't agree more!

Their example:

Mine: This is one of my favorite Coach bags. I got this one at the Coach Outlet last year. I'm willing to bet my bag costs significantly less than the one above. :)

Now to some of my personal favorites for this fall.

My must-have #11: The bootie!

They are super hot, hot, hot this fall. I really like the open toed high heel bootie. I got this pair recently and I really love them. (yep, got them on Rue La La)

My must-have #12: The Cardigan!

While they are not new by any stretch of the imagination, I really love cardigans. They take an outfit from ok to fab!

My must-have #13: The headband!

I've gone a little crazy for headbands too. (hence the post on how to make a headband holder). Here is a picture of my completed headband holder with all my headbands.

Well, I really enjoyed writing this post. It got me to think about my wardrobe and how to really make it work for me. So, of the 10 must-haves, how many do you have? Remember, your "must-have" may be different from these altogether so share that too if that is the case. Let's help each other look fabulous this fall!

As I mentioned above I must share a new website I've found thanks to my wonderful daughter. It's called Rue La La (http://www.ruelala.com/). It is AMAZING! They have designer stuff for a fraction of the cost you would find in stores. And, each day they have a new sale with new designers. They have names such as Valentino, Chanel, and Calvin Klein. Everything is great quality and the prices are to die for. If you want to check it out leave me a comment and send me your email address. It's supposed to be by invitation only and I do get a $10 credit if you sign up under my name and then buy something. So let me know if you want to join the site (it's free to join) and I'll get an invitation sent your way.

I'm all about looking great but I'm also all about saving money. I believe a girl can look fabulous and it doesn't have to cost a fortune. I'm also a designer junkie and I firmly acknowledge that fact. Since I'm not a millionaire and I don't have a rich daddy to supply my every want I've learned a few things along the way. Here are some of my suggestions on how to look great for a little less:

1. Every now and then pick a really good solid piece from a name brand designer and splurge on it. Pick things that are timeless and can be worn for years to come. Don't spend a lot of money on trendy fashions. If you want to look trendy, shop at the knock-off stores or at the non-designer stores. Just remember you get what you pay for. Most of the times you can spend less for something trendy because you won't be wearing it long anyway. However, spend a little extra on those few things that you know you will wear/use for years to come. An example of this is a good pair of boots or a really nice bag. Invest a little more money and you'll be glad you did.

2. Shop the sales and after season clearances. If you find something you just have to have try to wait and see if it will go on sale. Now, this doesn't always work. Sometimes while you wait for something to go on sale, it will sell completely out and you'll be left with nothing to buy. I've had that happen to me a few times. So, if it's something you fall in love with you might have to spend full price to get it. Just make sure you really love it. Otherwise, wait until it goes on sale. If you miss the entire season it's ok...you'll have a nice happy surprise when that season comes around again and you have something brand new to wear that you got last year.

3. Shop the outlet malls if possible. I have a very nice collection of Coach bags. They are wonderful, look great for a very long time, and cost a fraction of what a Coach bag costs at Dillards because I bought them at the Outlet store. Most people will never be able to tell you got it at the Outlet. Only you know that and you can smile and pat yourself on the back that you saved so much money. Another hint on shopping for purses, look for ones with light colored linings. Now you may be thinking "but it'll get so dirty" and you would be right. But, who sees the inside of your purse? You do that's who and a light colored lining makes finding things in your purse so much easier than a dark lining. Have you ever found yourself digging and digging trying to find something and you just can't see it? So, look for light colored linings and all of your stuff is easily seen.

4. When you find a good pair of slacks that fit great, buy them in every color. You'll be so glad you did. A few pairs of pants can be paired with unlimited blouses and jackets for tons of new looks. My suggestions for great fitting pants are New York and Company and Ann Taylor. I love their pants and believe me I buy them in every color when I find some that fit great and look great too. Also, you can often find them on sale at both of those stores. I've bought several pairs of pants at Ann Taylor on end-of-season clearance sales and paid pennies on the dollar for them. Seriously $9.99 for a pair of pants that originally cost $120.00.

So, I hope you enjoyed this Fashionista Friday post. I know it was a long time in the making. I really will try to do better in the future!