Years ago, the term “city shorts” was coined when the fashion world introduced the idea that shorts don’t have to be retired once the weather starts cooling down. Ever since then, designers have been finding ways to reinvent what has now become a wardrobe staple. City shorts are looser, longer, and are meant to be paired with a pair of tights rather than simple bare legs. They are much more versatile than their super short summery relatives. As leather began making appearances in unexpected places like skirts and tops this season, it was bound to cross paths with the city short eventually. Once it did, it began popping up on more than just a few high-end designer runways. Since its debut, the leather trouser short has become one of the most coveted must-have items of the season. Whether your desired look is feminine, masculine, sexy, or sweet, leather shorts are versatile enough to cater to nearly everyone’s taste. Pairing them with black tights, booties, and a silk blouse is classic enough for the office yet sexy enough for a night on the town. Wearing them with high socks and a floral top will add the necessary punch to an otherwise overly feminine ensemble. It seems as though you simply can’t go wrong, and that if you haven’t already purchased a pair, you better get on it! However, the problem comes once you’ve made the decision to purchase the perfect pair. The best styles are by far the most expensive, and the discount store versions look way too cheap and don’t sit right on the body. Buyers on a budget have spent months and months searching without success for an affordable pair that achieve the right look … until now. The second I stumbled upon Rachel Roy’s crinkled faux leather lady shorts ($99, www.rachelroy.com); I knew I had to have them. They are the only pair I’ve found thus far that is under $100 and still look just like the ones selling for thousands. They are high waisted, loose in the leg, and made with a light, crinkled faux leather that is still very high quality. I commend Rachel Roy for allowing girls with a realistic price range to obtain such a necessary item that’s just as good, if not better than, its competitors. Savvy shoppers, rejoice, because Rachel Roy’s leather shorts are within your reach! Go out and grab them now, though, before the word spreads and it’s no longer a well-kept secret. Trust me, they will sell out… they’re that good.
I can’t say it’s a huge shock (or even a little one) that the country’s current obsession with vampires has begun to influence beauty trends; it was only a matter of time. When I came across this image, taken backstage at the Proenza Schouler Fall 2010 RTW show, I was immediately caught off guard by the model’s penetrating stare and couldn’t help but think that maybe she was trying to ‘glamour’ me. Once I came to my senses and realized that this was obviously impossible (right?!), I became enamored with her lip color. Though I usually feel too self conscious to wear anything this dark, I am truly inspired. This deep purple pout is a fresh re-imagination of the vampy red look and is sure to compliment all of your new fall fashion finds. Just be sure to avoid looking overdone by leaving the rest of your face muted.
Growing up, it was drilled into my head early on that I should not, under any circumstances, wear white after Labor Day. This included white stockings, and to my complete chagrin white patent leather Mary Janes; though to be fair, the ban on white patent leather Mary Janes could have also been due to their uncanny ability to go from cute to tacky at the drop of a hat. As a result, for much of my adult life I have avoided winter whites like the plague. Okay, maybe not quite like the plague but definitely like a bad cold. Up until this season I have been sartorially crippled by the imagined consequences of violating this all important rule, i.e. that I would be cruelly shunned by my peers and forced to live in the New York City subway system like a mole person. However, since we have just crept past Labor Day and white has been seen on countless Fall 2010 RTW runways including Chanel’s, I am poised to face my fear by incorporating white into my fall/winter wardrobe. In the interest of creating some balance though, I will probably only wear one milky piece at a time. 
A few posts ago, I put the camel craze on the back burner to discuss my recent disillusionment with Lady Gaga. To be perfectly frank, I had no intention of picking the topic back up at a later date, but I quickly realized that this current obsession could not, no, would not be dismissed. I don’t think I could have continued, with any real conviction, to call myself a fashion blogger if I did not at least touch on what could arguably be considered fall’s biggest trend. With that said, how yummy does Chanel Iman look here? Although she was probably sweating profusely, I don’t think I have ever seen anyone look that cozy without wearing a snuggy. Not only does this image [taken at Michael Kors’ Fall 2010 RTW runway show] exhibit the color’s unbelievable richness but it also demonstrates the many different ways the look can be achieved, i.e. you could don a camel hued hat, scarf, boots, or all three if you like to live life on the edge. Needless to say, despite my initial indifference to this emphatic proliferation, it should be clear that at least one camel colored piece should be included in your fall wardrobe this season.
Among one of my favorite fall 2010 trends is velvet—it’s romantic, soft to the touch (if only all textiles could present such tactile pleasure) and very much reminds me of Interview with a Vampire. It also reminds me of a much beloved red holiday dress with a lace collar I owned as a child, and if you are a female who grew up in the 90’s you probably once had a similar frock in your possession. The dress pictured here is from Nanette Lepore’s Fall 2010 RTW collection and while I think both the color and cut are captivating, the overall look is perhaps a bit overwhelming for the every day. Try a shorter dress paired with black tights and ankle boots for a fresh fall spin on this classic.
Anyone who knows me or has even passed by me on the street could probably tell you that I do not do the outdoorsy thing. Not only do I not do the outdoorsy thing, but I won’t even lie in a hammock under a tree because I don’t like nature falling on me. I don’t enjoy sitting in the grass and though I have since gotten over it, when I was a baby, my mom had to take me to the beach wearing socks and shoes because I didn’t want my feet to touch the sand. Nevertheless, I am super excited about this fall season’s camping inspired gear. I am currently digging these Belle by Sigerson Morrison Suede Lace-Up Ankle Boots. They kind of remind me of those high heeled Timberland boots that (to my complete bewilderment) were popular a few years back. To be clear, this incarnation is way more fierce, and while I may purchase a pair I will not under any circumstances go hiking.
I absolutely love this dress from Giambattista Valli’s fall collection. The black mummy-like sleeves matched with the ruffled skirt are nothing less than sleek and it gets me in the mood for the chilly weather up ahead. 
