HOUSTON'S FALL FASHION STYLE

This fall and winter, fashion is electrifying and full of styles that are fresh, gorgeous, and absolutely wearable. It is one of the most exciting fashion seasons that I have seen in years and any girl worth her weight in shopping bags will want to have just about everything. But I will help you be level-headed and narrow down the best fashion finds to update your wardrobe and not break the bank. There are even a few throwaway fashion treats that you can have fun with and not worry when it’s time to pass them on.

It is never quite cold enough in Houston to wear the heavy sweaters that invoke the kind of luxuriously warm feeling that we get when we see sweaters on models in the magazines, television ads or on the cat walks. Houston winter is a different kind of animal all together and takes some getting use to when it comes to selecting a winter wardrobe. One day it is warm and the next it could be well into the 50's. Once the cold weather does creep in it brings rain along with it. So many of us dislike the damp and drab winter weather in our area. But my fellow Fashionistas that is no reason for our fashion sense to suffer.

It is time to put away the light weight fabrics such as linens and cotton blends and transition to fall fabrics. You can rest assure if you have cashmere you'd better wear it at the first sign of a cold front. The key to wearing fabrics such as cashmere and wool is that you must wear these types of fabrics when there is a chill in the air. These fabrics above all others are not forgiving in the heat or humidity and there is nothing worse than having on wool pants that itch. Layering is your best bet for Houston winter. Fall is about layering and the jacket is an essential piece of your fall wardrobe. For year-to-year wear stick with tailored styles like the one-button blazer and casual jean jackets. Tweed, suede and corduroy are favorite jacket materials for a tailored or casual look.

A great pair of boots, either shoe boot or the every so stylish knee high boot is always a worth while investment. This season boots are coming in all kinds of juicy colors. From patent leather to simulated snake skin and crocodile print. However, this year the shoe boot is the hottest style item. The shoe boot, otherwise referred to as "shoebooty" in the magazines and talk shows offers an array of wardrobe options. Where the knee high boot may be a bit much under your slacks the shoebooty steps in and has been featured on cat walks and magazines worldwide. Yes, you can wear the shoe boot with a dress or a skirt. Pair them with opaque tights and a pencil skirt and you are sure to get more compliments than you can handle.

For years Houston has been in the predicament of trying to play catch up with fashion trends. Lately Houston and it's style aficionados have been on the cutting edge of fashion. Stylish and chic are words which have been used to describe Houston by fashion gurus. Play catch up --- not anymore. We are the leaders of the pack and the rest of the world is starting to take notice. Be Fearless With Fashion.

In addition to the hot new boots, I've put together a list of 10 fall must haves for the stylish Fashionista.


Must Haves For Fall 2007

1. Fitted Jacket - A great tailored jacket -- fitted to show off feminine curves, not a baggy masculine style -- will pair with everything from work trousers to jeans. A jacket adds structure to your figure: gives curvy girls more angular lines, creates waistlines for boyish figure types and smooths out lumps and bumps for all shapes. You can choose traditional fall jacket fabrics like tweed, corduroy, denim or menswear plaids; you can also go luxe with velvet, leather, or brocade.

2. White Shirt - Either in cotton poplin blend or shimmery polyester blend.

3. Black Pantsuit - Wearing pants in cooler weather is a very practical move. Pantsuits offer tons of style. Pay particular attention to the cut of the suit. Tailored pants are a great investment, just remember to go with traditional silhouettes that defy trends: cuffs, flat-front or soft pleats.

4. Sweater - Natural fibers are a top choice for sweaters: wool, cashmere (weather permitting) & cotton. These fabrics breathe better than synthetic counterparts and are great for layering. Look for classic choices like solid turtlenecks or V-necks.

5. Cashmere or Wool Blend Wrap - the cashmere shawl is the only coverup that you can stash in a tote, use on the airplane as a luxe blanket, and wear over jeans or a little black dress. It's not only chic and versatile, it's dramatic.

6. Menswear Print Pants - Menswear or haberdashery prints encompass houndstooth, plaids, pinstripes and checks. Fall is the perfect season for masculine prints to appear made up in suits, pants, jackets, coats and dresses. When buying classics, remember that you'll tire of prints faster, so stick with smaller-scales (pinstripe vs. large houndstooth). Pair a feminine top and accessories with menswear for maximum style and wear with tall or short boots.

7. Trench Coat - Top your fall style off with a sharp-looking trench coat. Short, long, belted or loose, trenches are fall's best outerwear for women.

8. Sheath Dress - Match it with a hem-length coat or wear it on its own with pumps; anyway you wear the classic, knee-length sheath dress it's a winner. Fabric choices include knits, crepe, silk and menswear fabrics. Throw on some tights and boots and you have a winner.

9. Leather Tote Bag or Briefcase - Stash the straw or the totes with graphic designs and opt for a more serious bag. Suede and leather are natural choices in everything from earthy browns to warm reds. If you lean toward logos, fall is the time for a status bag to add pizazz. Remember to scale the bag size to your size (small bags for small frames, up to larger bags to larger frames).

10. Wrap Dress - The wrap dress is a hot ticket item. This single item has the power to make many body styles look fabulous. This items has the power to camouflage a myriad of figure flaws. It is typically A-line and therefore is giving in the hip area and the tie at the waist adds the appearance of a cinched in waist to any Fashionista.

Although there are always exceptions, fall clothes often appear in earthy hues such as olive, chocolate, stone and jewel tones (deep purple, emerald green, ruby red). Black and navy are always dependable, but do not be afraid to add shots of hot colors like red or fuchsia and even pastels to your mix. White is usually reserved for blouses in the Fall.

Remember throw away all of the old rules to fashion that you have been taught. Have fun with fashion. Create "you" within the realms of your wardrobe. Add your own unique personality and remember always look Fantabulous my fellow Fashionistas.