Fall Fashion

Absolutely autumn chic.

This weekend's weather left no room for doubt that autumn has in fact arrived. Crisp air and chilly temps had everyone reaching for their closed toe shoes, leather jackets and pumpkin spice lattes which means it's about time that I chimed in on the latest fall trends! Here for your reading pleasure is a bit of what I'm seeing out there and how I feel about it.

* Ankle Boots

A bootie for all ankles....

Booties, booties, booties... if you have not already caved in to this trend, it's time to get on board because the ankle height boot which arrived last fall doesn't appear to be going anywhere! Whether you're considering a wedge or a heel, I think the key to rocking this trend is actually the height and shape of the top ankle side of the shoe. If you are not as leggy-inclined like myself, consider silhouettes that slope down or are lower in the front (HERE, HERE, HERE) to elongate your legs instead of something that cuts your legs off more squarely (HERE, HERE, HERE). And for a few helpful tips on how to handle cuffing your jeans with ankle boots, click HERE.

Merry Meri Verdict - There's a bootie out there for you. Find it and embrace the trend!

* Leather Accents

Add some edge with leather

One undeniable trend this fall is leather/pleather accents on all matter of clothing. I've seen it everywhere from Banana to Loft, from leggings to work dresses. A little leather is clearly the "it" fabric for this fall. I love this trend as a way to add some edge to an otherwise professional or casual look, but it's important not to go overboard. Stick to accents that pop your outfit up a notch (like this shirt or this shirt, this dress, or these leggings!) or go all the way with one leather piece (this skirt, these pants) and keep the rest of the outfit more understated.

Merry Meri Verdict - Get your leather on ladies!!

* Wrap Coats

Wrap it up!

This fall trend may have limited utility (once the chillier temps hit, having an open neck/belt-only coat may not be warm enough) but how cozy do those coats look?! For wrap coats, finding the right style at the right price point is probably key, and adding volume in a warm fall shade looks gorgeously chic. Some options at various price points HERE, HERE, HERE and of course my (unaffordable) favorite of the bunch HERE.

Merry Meri Verdict - Shop saavy, consider a bolder color, get it girl.

Other looks I love that seem to be sticking around from last year - layers and leggings, chambray shirts, utility jackets and big plaid scarves.

variety is the spice of life.

Pick a jacket, any jacket.

The other day, as I was throwing on my raincoat to run out for lunch, my colleague said "you have so many coats! It's like you have the perfect coat for every kind of weather!!" which I found a touch embarrassing (if a dude noticed, it must be very noticeable!) but mostly it just made me smile. "You're right!" I exclaimed, "I have a bit of a coat habit, but I wear them ALL so I think it's not such a bad habit to have!" 

If you ask me, coats, like shoes, scarves, jeans, jewelry and hats are items one can never have enough of. There's the heavy coat, the ski coat, rain coat, dressy coat, lightweight winter coat, lightweight spring coat, puffy vest, stylish cape-let, the list goes on and on. Outerwear can easily be an extension of your outfit and what better way to polish your shine than with the perfect jacket (or shoes or statement necklace) for that particular day!? I mean I've got enough pashminas to run my own street vendor business, but always having the "perfect" color or print makes me happy every time. I think the key is to focus on occasion and variety... it's not "I have a hat already" it's "do I already have a hat that I'd wear when I would wear this one?" Variety is the spice of life and in my opinion, the spicier the better!

Ed. Note: I've also been told I'm excellent at justifying things... purchases in particular :) 

The Power of the Green Coat.

Hello lovely.

It's jade green with turquoise, yellow and cream satin lining. It prefers collar up and all but the bottom button closed. It makes me feel unique, put together and happy... Pulling my green peacoat out of the closet for the first time each year is one of my favorite parts of winter.

I believe that there are few things more fabulous than the simple joy of finding an article of clothing which makes you feel confident and proud to step out and I know many women (and more than a handful of men) who agree. What's better than those heels that make you strut a little sexier or that suit jacket which makes you feel powerful and confident? While it may seem materialistic to equate a feeling to a piece of clothing, getting dressed can be more than a functional activity without breaking the bank! One of my favorite dresses came from the sale rack of a no-name store!! It isn't the cost or brand that matters for your "it" item, it's how wearing it makes you feel. Everyone deserves an article of clothing that makes you feel like your "best self" no matter what else life is throwing your way. This weekend, I say put on your "green coat" and work it!