Shopping the Fall 2012 Collections

Published: Sat, 09/01/12



NORDSTROM - Shop the women's fall shoe clearance
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The busiest shopping season for our very own closets is upon us, and the trends of Fall 2012 are full of opportunities to define your unique individuality. From brocade to artistic embellishments, as well as simple, oversized coats and full skirts. There is so much to enjoy, but what's important is knowing what works for your body type, your lifestyle and your very own signature style.
 
While I always anxiously await the arrival of the hefty September issues, and gawk and savor all of the varying trends that will undoubtedly be ignored the same time next year, I still stick to what my wardrobe needs. If there is a trend that I want to dabble in, I'll give it a try, but I won't splurge; however, when it comes to classics - the blazer, knee-length skirts, dresses, heels, blouses and sweaters, etc., it's always a treat to see the new and creative ways designers have envisioned them. 
 
This season, because of my height, I am adoring the matchstick pants that J.Crew, Rachel Zoe, and a handful of other designers have on hand. Perfect for the office, they change the traditional trouser pant just enough to add a modern, slimming look.  And while winter white will always been in season for fall/winter, it was prevalent on the runway seen on dresses, coats and blazers. But why not look for a winter white silk blouse? That's exactly what I discovered when I found the Joie Marru Top in porcelain (pictured at the very bottom of the newsletter in the shopping section). I just received mine, and if you are looking for a somewhat blousy, yet feminine tailored silk top for work (but one that's versatile to be worn with jeans for play), you will not be disappointed. Available in a soft blush and black as well, I'm going to be ordering one in each color because the porcelain color exceeded my expectations (order your typical size, as it is true to size).
 
What I love most about fall is the ability to layer. Cardigans and sweaters will always be in style, so why not add one more beautiful sweater to your collection? Or if you love to wear dresses (which I'm vowing to do more of this year), purchase a fantastic dress that you can wear during the day to help you feel beautiful, confident and feminine.
 
Remember, shopping shouldn't destroy your budget, shopping shouldn't coax you into buying something that's trendy, but you just don't feel right in. It's a continual process. Keep your capsule wardrobe in mind and add what is missing or needs replacing. If you find a few items you like this fall, but aren't ready to buy just yet, wait for the sales to come in the months ahead. You never know, you just might be able to purchase those tall suede boots at a fraction of the price and save oodles of money.  
 
In all honesty, it took years for me to fine tune my shopping habits so that I am comfortable knowing what to spend time trying on, and what to just compliment on the rack, but not give a second look. In fact, I'm still honing this craft, but that's what I enjoy because I'm determined to share with you the methods that I've found that work and weed out the ones that don't.
 
Below are a few post from my style archives that you might want to peruse through before (or after) diving into the newsletter:
What you will find in this annual fall fashion newsletter are trends organized by what is worth splurging on (investment pieces) and trends that while fun, shouldn't break the bank. In the right-hand column you will find Fall 2012 runway collections that fit the definition of "simply luxurious", and of course, I did a little shopping for you. At the end of the newsletter, you will find a handful of items that encapsulate one or more of the trends offered this fall. Happy shopping and enjoy the season!
 
-Shannon

Trends to Invest In:

  • Suede Boots
  • Bold Coat
  • Matchstick Pants
  • Winter White
  • Full Skirts
  • Suits
  • Red or Burgundy (if it works with your skin tone)
  • Florals
Suede Boots
Rachel Zoe
 
Bold Coat
Burberry Prorsum
 
Matchstick Pants
J.Crew
 
Winter White

Valentino
 
Full Skirts
Christian Dior
 
Suits
Rachel Zoe

Red or Burgundy
Michael Kors
 
Diane von Furstenberg
 
Trends to Enjoy, but Not Splurge on:
 
  • Florals
  • Peplum Skirts
  • Polka Dots
  • Touches of Leather
  • Geometric Shapes
  • Embellishments
  • Asian Influence
  • Bejeweled
  • Black & Gold
    Florals
    Lela Rose
     
    Marc Jacobs
     
    Peplum Skirts
    Carolina Herrera
     
    Polka Dots
    Kate Spade
     
    Touches of Leather
    Diane von Furstenberg
     
    Geometric Shapes
    Alice + Olivia
     
    Embellishments
    Balmain
     
    Asian Influence
     
    Jason Wu
     
     Bejeweled
     
    Bottega Veneta
     
    Black & Gold

    Prabal Gurung
     
    Fall Shopping Finds
     
     


      September 1, 2012  

      Fall Fashion Issue #3

      "Fashion is not necessarily about labels. It's not about brands. It's about something else that comes from within you." -Ralph Lauren


      Fall 2012 Runway
      "Simply Luxurious" Collections
       
      Carolina Herrera
      click here to see more from her collection

      Burberry Prorsum

      click here to see more of the collection


      Michael Kors

      click here to see more of the collection


      Rachel Zoe

      click here to see more of the collection


      Diane von Furstenberg
       
      click here to see more of the collection

      J.Crew

      Click here to see more of the collection


       
      Ruffian
      click here to see more of the collection

      St. John

      Click here to see more of the collection

      Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti

      click here to see more of the collection

      Jason Wu

      Click here to see more of the collection

      Kate Spade

      Click here to see more of the collection
      September Issues
      Vogue US - Lady Gaga
      Elle US - Katy Perry
      Harper's Bazaar US - Gwen Stefani
       
      InStyle US - Jennifer Lopez

      Vogue UK - Karlie Kloss

      (check out their new website!)

      Elle UK - Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
       
      Harper's Bazaar UK - Kiera Knightley
      InStyle UK - Daisy Lowe
      Vogue Paris - Kate Moss, Lara Stone, & Daria Werbowy 
      Elle France - Alexa Chung
      InStyle Australia - Nicole Richie