Fall Fashion Wish List

I can't believe that fall is right around the corner. Where has this year gone? While I'm looking forward to eating copious amounts of apple doughnuts, apple pie, and apple cider while watching the leaves change colors, my favorite part of fall is back to school shopping. Even though I am not in school anymore, I still like to stock up on new pens, notebooks, and of course, new clothes.

Pleated Midi Skirt

ASOS Pleated Midi Skirt

Combining two of my favorite trends from spring - pleats and midi skirts - the pleated midi skirt is just right for transitioning into cooler weather.

Colored Denim

River Island Red Skinny Jean

I love the colored denim that has been popping up on celebrities. A pair of red jeans is at the top of my list, but I'm, also, loving this salmon colored pair from Rag & Bone.

Capes

Kookai Hooded Cape

This fall the cape is calling my name. I must have one... So, I'll be keeping an eye on ebay and etsy in the hopes of discovering my dream cape.

Leather Clutch

Clare Vivier Foldover

A leather clutch is a great way to go from day (perhaps stuffed in a tote) to night (the only bag you need). I love the look of the clutches at Clare Vivier, but American Apparel offers a more budget friendly selection.

Heeled Loafers

Sullivan Moccasin Platform Loafers

A ladylike twist on the classic school girl shoes, heeled loafers look great during the weekend as well as at the office.

What's on your fall fashion wish list?

Fall Caper

It's not quite the middle of August and already the leaves are starting to turn golden red and brown. So, now I am thinking about may fall wardrobe, and I can't help but think CAPES! I love the classic look of capes, although I don't always enjoy wearing them because sometimes I can't use my arms and other times I just feel like a walking tent. However, I am willing to risk looking like an armless, walking tent because the cape is back. Plus, many capes now feature handy slits down the sides allowing one's arms to swing free, which seals the deal for me.

All photos via Pinterest

Summertime is My Time

We are a week into the official start of summer, and it is time to start acting on those summer plans. What summer plans? I'm glad you asked. Here are a few things I'm planning on doing this summer, after I finish my summer reading list of course.

Watch the AFI's 25 Greatest Movie Musicals

Grease a.k.a. #20 on the official list

There is something about summer that makes me want to get up and dance, preferably in a choreographed number with my fellow super cute shoppers. Since I'm not counting on that happening, I will have to escape to the more musically inclined worlds of Moulin Rouge!, Chicago, and Cabaret.

Get Mehndi

Foot Mehndi Design

I've had a long fascination with tattoos, but I do not have one. The thought of me being a tattooed octogenarian is enough to keep me outside the parlor doors. Well, that and the fear of dirty needles. So, a temporary, henna tattoo seems to be the best option. Plus, you can get amazing designs without the lifetime commitment.

Indulge in Vintage Shopping

Posh Girl Vintage

The mall is sadly lacking in splurge-worthy clothes. Poor quality and high prices have forced me to look elsewhere to get my fashion fix. Thankfully, there is ebay where I can unleash my competitive spirit and bid on fabulous fashions from past decades. Posh Girl Vintage is another site I love to browse for divine, vintage creations. Also, you must check out my etsy store, Passage To The North.

Play with Crazy Lashes

Paperself

I live in an area that thinks of itself as the NYC of the Midwest. Poor delusional fools. Of course, I've never been to NYC, so maybe they are right. However, the best thing about living in this area is that I can leave the house wearing sequins and pajamas and it is perfectly acceptable. Why just the other day I saw a girl walking across the street wearing an octopus tutu acting like it was the most normal thing in the world. This is good because I fully plan to experiment with some Chinese cutwork inspired lashes. Even if they make me look like an escapee from a sci-fi flick, I will not be laughed out of the grocery store because most likely there is someone dressed as a giant squid waiting in line behind me.

What are your summer plans?

The Skinny Cargo Debate

I love skinny jeans. I live in skinny jeans. I'm just not sure about skinny cargo pants. I like the idea of them - a chic twist on a utilitarian classic, but I'm concerned about those pockets. Roomy pockets are great, but on skinny pants, they just don't look right. Still, I am tempted to add a pair to my wardrobe since skinny cargos are popping up in almost every store. Obviously, it's time I braved the dressing room and tried a pair on.

Banana Republic Skinny Cargo

Forever 21 Knee Seam Cargo Pants

What do you think of skinny cargo pants?

Don't forget to enter the CSN Stores Giveaway!

Now Trending: Fall

Fall 2010 by Icedivastar featuring Miss Selfridge dresses

I can't believe it's time to get ready for fall again. Even though I am not looking forward to autumn's gray skies, I am excited about some of the trends that I am seeing for this season. Texture is key whether you splurge on a shearling bomber jacket, velvet accessories, or a creamy lipstick. While the economy is still teetering on the brink, fall's runways were dripping in luxury. Stay tuned for ways to get designer looks for less.

What trends are you looking forward to this fall?

The Eye of the Beholder

ModCloth Gelato Glasses

Wearing glasses can be a pain, but things are about to change. Over the last couple of years, glasses have been appearing on hipster faces and are becoming a key fashion accessory whether you need them to see or not. (Visit Pandora for inspiration!) Both Urban Outfitters and Forever 21 offer cute affordable styles for instant geek chic without the eye exam. If you don't mind splurging, Prism is the place to go to for handmade, unisex glasses that come in a very cool case. Should you be in the market for prescription glasses, check out Warby Parker which is not only affordable but, also, gives away a pair of glasses for every pair they sell. For those passionate about glasses, Eye Heart Glasses is an amazing blog about all sorts of eyewear. Don't know how to find the right pair? DailyCandy shows you how.

Need makeup ideas? MichellePhan shows you how to do chic makeup for glasses:

Tie Dye For

I am tired of the dull, grey winter and am eagerly looking forward to spring clothes. Proenza Schouler showcased bright colors and several tie dye looks which have me itching to try this trend.

Tie Dye by Icedivastar featuring Billabong

While not everyone has the mega bucks to drop on designer clothing, stores like Forever 21 and Free People are producing garments that pay homage to this spring look. Forever 21's Studded Dyed Tee ($19.80) and Tie Die Print Skirt ($15.80) are inexpensive ways to introduce tie dye into your wardrobe before spring arrives. Free People's We The Free Romper Dress ($29.95) is another cute addition while We Love Colors Splash Color Tights ($11) will kick up an outfit you already own.

Of course, I can't forget to mention the obvious way to introduce this trend into your wardrobe and that is to do it yourself. Grab a tee and some Rit® dye and make like it's summer camp. Paula Burch's How to Tie Dye is a good place to start.

Think Peach

Think Peach by Icedivastar featuring ASOS shoes

One of my favorite trends at last night's Golden Globes was the peach dress. Christina Aguilera's Versace, Christina Hendrick's Christian Siriano, and Maggie Gyllenhaal's RM by Roland Mouret were some of my favorites. Peach, blush, and flesh are major trends this spring and will continue to pop up this awards season.

The Year of Turquoise

Turquoise by Icedivastar featuring Melissa shoes

Pantone has decreed that turquoise is the color of 2010. Blue skies, the Caribbean, and chunky jewelry all come to mind when I think of turquoise. According to Pantone, "Turquoise Transports Us to an Exciting, Tropical Paradise While Offering a Sense of Protection and Healing in Stressful Times." Sounds good to me.

Watch This

Watch This by Icedivastar featuring Nixon watches

Items in this set:
Juicy Couture Crystal Watch with Jelly Strap, $195
Nixon Neon Blue Vega Watch, $85
Chereskin watch, $34
ASOS Rose Gold Effect Retro Style Oversized Watch, $34
Pink oblong case, pink dial & pink resin strap, 30 GBP

Maybe it's because it's the start of a new year, but recently, I have been obsessed with watches. For Christmas, I was a given a jelly watch and love wearing it because the band is comfortable and the watch face is huge. I've, also, noticed that men's style watches are popping up everywhere and would be a great way to mix up a girly outfit. Wearing a watch ring is a great way to grab people's attention when you check your finger for the time and is a fun accessory to own. And as for a watch calculator, what could be more perfect for a shopping spree.