Let's Talk About Fall Fashion . . . .

I KNOW! I haven't posted in forever! But, if you check out my other blogs, you'll see I've been busy picking up a new hobby and cleaning food off my 1 year old. :)
Anyway, on to the topic at hand . . . FALL FASHION.
Now, lets be realistic, us mommies and standard issue ladies cannot revamp our wardrobes every season (can you imagine what the hubby . . . . and the bank . . . would say?!?!) but I was reading Bazaar and thinking, hey, some of this is TOTALLY doable . . . . and some is crap you'll be freecycling in March, so here's the scoop.
PANTS:
Now, fashion powers that be (bossy people, but rather creative) are toting cropped pants. If you live in a warmer climate, have at it. (If its already threating snow where you live, this is completly rediculous, right?) Lets rememeber ladies, these will make you looks so stinkin' short if you don't bother to put on some AMAZING heels. Put the ballet slippers down if you're picking these babies up. If you pick these up, you can probably pull them out again in the spring for some puddle-jumping-no-more-snowing good times!
They're pushing pleats. These are NOT going to hide your mom pooch, so leave them at the store. Remember those old pics of mom in pleated pants? Remember how we took her shopping after seeing those to buy her something straight and flat front? We were smart. You skinnie minnies, however, can rock them if you choose.
Skinny Jeans. For skinny people. Enough said.
Good news - liquid leggins are a thing of the past! What's cool? The SUPER THICK TIGHTS. How cute are these going to be under a dark dress or tunic and a great coat? YES!
BLAZERS
Ooh, tough this time. Check it out.
They're pushing the bofriend blazer. If you are thin, this will look fine and dandy. If you are curvy, you are losing your best assets in these things, so keep shopping.
One thing that looks seasonably tough and can work for most is the biker jacket. We're talking cropped above the hip and leather. If you can find a tailored one, you have found something great to wear all fall long.
COATS
Wool. Warm. Beautifully cut. Longer length (think knee-length or more). Looks like plaid will work, camel, red, brown . . . . find one you love and you should be able to get some good fall and winter looks for a few years.
You can also go down filled. Congratulations upper-midwest and Canada. Rock that parka! Remember, if that down isn't essential (hello, west coast!) Can make you look apple shaped, not trendy.
DRESSES
The basic shape is tailored. Not those big poofy ones I really liked before baby (now I don't feel so bad that I couldn't fit into them and sold them on eBay!). Subtle A-line, straight, and pencil skirted types. Minis are fading away and we're going about knee-length. Very flattering for everyone! If you're worried about some, ummm, bulgy parts, go with a heavier weighted fabic.
One shoulder is a big trend. If you've got modesty issues with that, please don't buy one and wear a t-shirt under it. Maybe a turtleneck in very thin knit with NO RIBBING will be ok. You're probablt best to find a different style.
Long sleeved dresses are coming out in florals (often bright and 80's reminiscent). These will not be great choices later. Unless you love it, leave it.
SHOES
Are going all strappy. Even the booties (which I can't bring myself to bother with) are strappy and open-toed. The big difference is the studs and metal details. If you want to go nuts with your bedazzler on a pair of heels, this is your big chance. Details are big in shoes this season.
COLORS
While the text was endorsing neon (or as they called them, sour colors), most of what I saw was black and white with splashes of color. Loved the thick purple, red, and black tights. If you really want to get trendy, try some neon accessories. Metallics, as always for fall and winter, are a big deal. We're going for the gold! Bronze and gold sparkle appear to be gorgeous this season, from sequinned tanks and chuncky bracelets down to gold bold studs on those shoes.
MAKE UP
Seems to be classicly fall. Browns, pink cheeks, grays, and purples. The big advice? Red lipstick, stain, or gloss. Whichever form you're more comfortable with.