5 Fall Fashion Favorites

It's probably illegal for an L.A. girl to make this statement, but I'm SO ready for Fall. While I love the hot summer days and indulge by wearing my flip flops everywhere I go (literally), I'm really looking forward to wearing all of the wonderfully decadent looks for the Fall season.

Here are 5 of my Fall must-haves:

#1 Tie-front blouses

It was barely July when I first glimpsed this latest obsession of mine - silk tie-front blouses. I searched clothing stores and boutiques high and low and kept coming up empty handed. Finally(!) these ultra-feminine blouses are popping up everywhere, and this fashionista can't get enough! A girly take on the traditional tie, this look exudes a type of elegance reminscent of Katherine Hepburn and her classic way of making menswear pieces both sultry and feminine.

How to wear it:

My favorite way of wearing this luxurious blouse is to piece it together a la K.Hepurn with a pair of wide-leg tweed trousers or layer it with a contrasting fitted vest. Next, layer on some long, brushed gold pendent necklaces (Coach.com has some fabulous new jewelry). I’m also a fan of these blouses in neutral colors - such as white, ivory and champagne.

Robert Rodriguez Bow Appliqué top ($149.90 at nordstrom.com)

Also check out Nanette Lepore’s Lace Cardigan Sweater ($180 at nanettelepore.com) for a different approach to the tie-front blouse.


#2 The New-Age Trench

While I’ve always been a believer in the trench, some of the classic styles look a bit, well…stiff. I am however, loving the new takes on this classic look that have been popping up. Don’t be afraid to stray away from basic manila and khaki colored trenches and explore with rich colors and patterns.

How to Wear It:

The great thing about trench coats is they go with almost anything – which is especially nice since you'll most likely spend a pretty penny on one…(or five, whatever). I love trench coats paired with skinny jeans and a pair of patent pumps – on cold days you can wear the trench as the main element of your outfit, keeping it on all day long. You can also utilize the trench as an actual coat – gasp! shocking, huh? – and throw it over any daytime or evening outfit, finished off with a great scarf.

Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B line has some striking trench coats that are a far cry from the boring old standby.

Her Spy Coat Zebra 4 ($685 at l-a-m-b.com) is absolutely fabulous and fun for anyone with a daring style.

Diane von Furstenberg Thorne Trench ($465 available at shopbop.com)

Don't fret - you don’t have to get too wild and crazy to rock this new-age trench. It’s fine to stick with a basic black or ivory, but choose coats that incorporate updated elements, such as large buttons or a raised mock collar.

DKNY Long Assymetical Wool Blend Coat ($278 at nordstrom.com)


#3 The Vertically-challenged Boot

As a girl of shorter stature, I couldn’t resist in pulling the "PC" card when highlighting the shorter version of the standard boot as one of the fall must-haves. These boots are great when worn the right way and are a fun way to spice up simple outfits. I feel in love with the feminine look of Bettye Muller’s ‘Blondie’ boot – the deep open "V" gives it an edgy look and she has perfectly embellished them with an oversized bow. Jessica Simpson also makes a similar style for a fraction of the cost.

How to Wear It:
I love pairing these boots with a contrasting element. If your booties are a little edgy, pair them with a floral dress, cropped leather jacket and a pair of opague tights. If you choose a bootie such as Muller’s, pair it with a plain shift or sweater dress and some chunky jewelry. Oh, the possibilities!

Bettye Muller Blondie Boot ($566 at nordstrom.com)

Jessica Simpson Thalia Bootie ($118. 95 at nordstrom.com)

#4 The Sweater Dress

Ah, the sweater dress. Don’t you just feel cozy just thinking about it? As a self proclaimed dress-fiend, the idea of not wearing dresses once fall and winter set in is almost unthinkable. Thank god for designers who help a girl out...

Dear brillant inventor of the sweater dress,

YOU, my friend, are awesome. That is all.

Love, Deanna

Ok, now that that’s done, we can move on. The sweater dress looks best when it’s not too bulky or an overbearing cable knit sweater. Cashmere works best for this type of dress - my favorite being a winter white v-neck, 3 quarter sleeve dress.

How to wear it:
I’m still a major fan of the slouchy boot from last season and would pair a sweater dress with my chocolate brown pair. Or, you can always double dip with another hot trend for fall by wearing some rockin' short booties. Stay away from too many patterns on this type of dress – if you do choose a pattern, keep it simple with wide, horizontal stripes. Trench coats also look great layered over.

Juicy Couture Basic Cashmere Sweater Dress ($260 available at nordstrom.com)

Ella Moss Whistler Cutout Layered Sweater Dress ($262 available at shopbop.com)

#5 Tweed-tastic

Get your notebooks ready cause it’s time to head back to school…ok, not really, but a great pair of tweed trousers will definitely put you in the fall season frame-of-mind. Tweed fabric evokes this fabulously trendy, collegiate feel this fall – from tweed trousers, to vests, to coats and and newsboy caps. I’m obsessed with wide-leg tweed trousers, although there are so many contemporary styles and cuts of trousers this season that you don’t have to worry about looking like Grandpa Joe, unless of course, that's your thing.

How to Wear it:
Tweed rule #1, only wear one piece of tweed clothing at a time – we don’t want to overindulge afterall (or, look silly). Choose which element you like the most – a fitted tweed vest would look smashing over a crisp white button up shirt with some black trousers, or throw on a tweed newsboy cap with some dark jeans and a cashmere cardigan. Tweed is a great way to play preppy dress-up. Add some dark framed glasses, hair in a loose bun and you’re set. Just be sure to balance out your preppy look with some great contemporary accessories – such as gold bangles or a chunky pendent.

Nanette Lepore is the queen of tweed. She has some great pieces this season, my personal favs are this tweed bubble coat and I’m simply ADDICTED to these wide leg trousers – a perfect fit!

Nanette Lepore Tweed Bubble Coat ($495 at nanettelepore.com)










Nanette Lepore Tweed Trousers ($280 at nanettelepore.com)