On the hunt...

Nothing says romance like a... luggage tag?

You guys want to know a secret?! Since I know he doesn't come around here very often... errr, ever (unless I shove my phone in his face or read a post aloud!) I am gonna just spill the beans that I have NO CLUE what to get Dr. H for our anniversary. Our 3rd anniversary is comin' in hot (next week!) and I'm totally stumped. Each year we try to take a trip together as our official anniversary gift to ourselves (HERE and HERE), but we nevertheless also exchange small "surprise" gifts, often of the sentimental variety. Since small, thoughtful gifts are kinda my specialty, being completely inspiration-less this late in the game really has me panicked!!

For the past 2 years, I've used the traditional anniversary gifts list, giving a custom designed notebook filled with "365 reasons why I love you" for our first "paper" anniversary (oh the time I had back when we were still newlyweds!) and for our second "cotton" anniversary, Dr. H got a t-shirt personalized with our #babeitup slogan on the sleeve (obviously we have our own hashtag #becauseImaddictedtohashtagging). For a third anniversary, the gift is supposed to be leather, and since Dr. H doesn't need a wallet or watch, I don't want to buy him a belt (what am I, his grandmother!?) and leather in the bedroom ain't our thang (#zeroshadesofgrey), I'm completely stumped. I've been literally wandering in and out of stores - clothing, gadgets, leather goods, everything - hoping the right item will find me. It hasn't. So I need your help my creative, merry friends!! Tell me what I should get Dr. H for our third anniversary that incorporates leather (faux is fine!) and I will forever be indebted to you... Because we've got to get through leather before we can get to next year's so-easy-it's-a-joke "Fruit/Flowers" (I've already got SO many ideas!)

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.

Fall into a few new things...

Killer fall look

Yesterday Mom, Sis and I ventured to the Tanger Outlets in Riverhead, Long Island. 5.5 hours and 1 entire trunk full of purchases later (we don't mess around!) I think I am ready to talk Fall 2013 fashion (click HERE for Fall 2012). Just like last year, I'll try to focus on balancing the "need it now" with "use it always" and even have a few "on a budget" suggestions for your shopping enjoyment!

* Chambray & Plaid (the more the better)

90s chic

Are you ready to regret everything you threw out after 1999? Denim shirts ("chambray") and plaid flannels appear to be back with avengeance and everything I've seen in magazines and stores indicates that all combinations (tucked in and under a blazer for work!?) and colors (are we really doing denim on denim!?) are fair game. It looks like every store under the sun is carrying these fall staples (from Forever 21 to Gap and Bloomingdales) so you shouldn't have any problem finding one at your preferred price point.

* Colored Jeans (the "fall palette")

Images HERE HERE & HERE

I am absolutely thrilled to see the trend of colored pants continuing to rock retail and for this fall it seems that "fall shades" like burgundy, mustard, and evergreen are all the rage. A nice update from mint green and bold blue, these rich, almost regal colors can be professional or Sunday brunch fresh. It's also great that every "basic" color from grey, black and white to brown, peach or navy all serve as a perfect "up top" compliment. 

Budget Suggestions: Ann Taylor Loft, H&M
Splurge(ish): J Crew, NYMJ 

* Ankle Booties

AE.com surprise find!

Even though ankle height booties have been fashionable for some time, this season they (along with fyi, the "opposite end of the spectrum" above the knee boots) seem particularly popular for fall (must be all those colorful skinny jeans). Though I'd resisted the trend in the past for fear of having stumpy-cut-at-the-ankle legs, I tried on the cute pair above and had an immediate change of heart. Whether in classic black or brown or a more adventurous print or suede, invest in some ankle booties and never worry about thick calves not fitting in boots again!

Budget Suggestions: American Eagle, Aldo, Forever 21, Payless

Splurge: everywhere else!

* Leather anything

Images HERE HERE & HERE

Last month when I splurged on a faux leather cocktail dress, I should have seen the trend coming, but now that fall is here, there's no denying that leather everything is a trend of the moment. Whether full apparel pieces (like pants or dresses) or as accents (like pockets or stripes), leather or faux will take you from fall all the way through winter in style.

Budget Suggestions: H&M, TopShop, Forever 21

Splurge: Michael Kors, Anthropologie, Vince

* Sticking around: Back from seasons past and still going strong are Peter Pan collars,  leggings as pants and classic trench coats. Also still seeing a lot of overalls (blllegh) and polka dots (yay!)

And if you'd like to check out what the pros are saying is hot for fall, click HERE and HERE