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

Summer Trends: Do or Don't

Happy Summer Indeed!

Since summer weather is just getting into full swing, we haven't done much talking about the latest "looks" for my favorite season. Luckily, many retail stores are nearly done with their "summer lines" which means now is the perfect time to start browsing sale racks for discounted prices on the season's top trends. Plus, warmer temps mean a chance to test out different hair styles, nail colors and accessories.  Here to help you navigate the  fashion jungle is a list of some goodies I've spotted on the streets of NYC and a few I've tried out myself. I'll weigh in with a "do or don't", but the ultimate verdict is up to you!

* Thick Stripes

Striped stunna

Always a fan of simple clean lines, bright colors and the occasional nautical theme, I'm thrilled that thick stripes are popular this summer. Be careful with placement (personally, my bum doesn't need anything "thick" running across it), but generally thick stripes like THIS and THIS are one size fits all!
Merry Meri Verdict: Do

* Mixing Bold Prints

Dots and Flowers and a big bauble!

This seems like a super tricky trend; I think successful execution really relies on finding the perfect pieces. From what I've read and seen, the best print mixes create a contrast (large/bold with small/simple) so that the mis-match looks intentional and somewhat (somehow!) complimentary. I think a bold floral combined with dots or stripes is a safe bet.
Merry Meri Verdict: Do (carefully!)

* Overalls 

Cute and all, but...

I am kinda in disbelief that overalls are "back". The perfect look for toddlers (or teens in the 1990s) I'm having trouble getting back on the overall bandwagon. Perhaps in the shorts style (for a romper-like look) I can get behind overalls, but something long and denim like THIS looks absolutely ridiculous on anyone not making a living as a farmer. 

Merry Meri Verdict: Don't

* Crop Tops

Bare a little belly!

I cannot tell you how many different crop tops I've tried on attempting to execute this trend. Perfect for small-waisted, but large hip'ed ladies like myself, the key is to find a top that doesn't hug too tight (this!?) and which falls in the perfect place against a higher waisted pant (this) or something low waisted if your hips are enviously love-handle free. Loose fitting bottoms might also make for a perfect pairing.

Merry Meri Verdict: Do (but choose wisely, baring belly isn't perfect for all environments!)

* A "Pale Nail" (all the way to white)

white is the new hot pink

Neons and bold reds will always be summer staples, but my wandering eye at the nail salon seems to indicate that "pale nails" are pretty popular right now. Shades of barely there pink, purple, mint and blue are everywhere or be bold with bright white (I've been using THIS). Even if Dr. H keeps asking if I "did my nails with white out" I think pale nails are the perfect compliment to your summery, tan skin!

Merry Meri Verdict: Do

* BIG, bold baubles

Bright bling

Gone are the days of "less is more" - jewelry seems to be going through a more, bigger and brighter phase. Never one to shy away from a stunning statement piece (yup, yup) I do think that the "bubble necklace" is a bit too popular so maybe you're better off going your own unique way. I LOVE the affordable options available at Baublebar.com and if you're feeling extra bold, layer it on!

Merry Meri Verdict: Do (but be sure to pair with simpler outfits that allow the pieces to really pop!)

Fall into a few new things...

SO much to love about this ensemble.

One of my favorite things about the start of a new season is that it's the perfect excuse for a little wardrobe update. BUT, if you're a frugal fashionista like myself, you know it's crucial to find a perfect balance between trendy pieces that scream this fall and timeless classics which you can bring back every fall. Here are a few ideas which fit into both categories and make for an awesome autumn closet update.

From J. Crew to my closet please!

Cute collars are a feminine and fun style that I'm spotting all over the place this fall. Unlike the 90s version which piled sweaters on top of traditional button downs, this trend has been simplified (and de-bulked) by building cute collars into all sorts of looks. Get your girly on with a contrasting collar this fall.

When I wear these colors do my legs magically look like theirs?

Black and blue and burgundy... so hot right now. Though I love me some bright jewel tones and neon, the sophistication of these darker color combinations is hard to resist. Embrace the fashion world's acceptance of black and blue together (it's about time!) or throw on a sexy burgundy to blend in with all the fall foliage.

Leather and Paris. I'll take one of each!

There are few things more timeless than a chic leather jacket and the price point can be whatever your heart desires depending on whether you go faux or high-end real deal. Dark brown, burgundy, hunter green or classic black can give any t-shirt/jeans combo a little rocker edge, or take a colorful print sundress from summer into fall by throwing a cute jacket on top (and boots on bottom!) I love THIS affordable faux option from Urban Outfitters and THIS bomber jacket beauty (with zip-in shearling!) if your budget allows for a more serious investment.

Go bold or go home (well maybe not that bold:)

Thanks to one of my most glam girlies, I recently discovered the fabulousness that is lipstick. Though Dr. H is not the biggest fan (what does he know!?) I feel like a bolder, brighter me when sporting colored lips. Plus, there's no easier way to transition from day at the desk to night on the town than puckering up with a vibrant hue. Russian Red was my go to this summer, but for fall I think MAC's Diva is it. Way cheaper than any article of clothing, consider lipstick when going for a fresh look this season!

Want more info on the season's hottest trends (from people who actually know what they're talking about!? hehe) Click HERE and HERE and HERE!