Get Ready For Fall

By Bridgette Raes

This is the time to start preparing for the fall season. But wait!! Before you run out and just buy what you see for fall without thinking, ask yourself what you need. It may feel too soon to start thinking about cool-weather clothing, but if you start now, you will truly be ready for the coming fall season. Too many women scramble around stores unclear of exactly what they need to be buying, and what begins to happen is that we buy haphazardly, clogging up our closets with stuff we don’t need. This is the time to start going through your closet to take inventory of what exactly your fall needs are.

Check in on the following to ensure you are prepared:

• Is there anything that is worn out that needs to be replaced? Make a list of these things and carry it with you whenever you go shopping.
  
• Do you feel like you need a style upgrade? Start now to think about what you can add to your wardrobe to create that desired style. Check out some magazines; if you aren’t a fashion magazine reader, the only month you want to concern yourself with is the September issues of all the fashion magazines, which highlight all the new stuff for fall. If you want to do a fashion peruse online then check out www.style.com or www.zoomlookbook.com for complete coverage of the runway shows.
  
• Will there be some major changes for you this fall like a baby, a new career, or moving? If you will be undergoing a major adjustment this fall, start thinking about what new things you will need to incorporate into your wardrobe to embrace this change.
  
• What is your one passion piece for fall that you simply “have to” add to your wardrobe? While it is important for your wardrobe to be functional, this does not mean that you can’t have any fun. Try to find one investment passion piece which will also be the anchor that ties your wardrobe together. Remember, in order for it to truly work as a passion piece, it has to function in your wardrobe as well.
  
• What are your basics? What is a basic for one person isn’t a basic for another, but I have listed below what I consider some of the basics that every closet should have, along with where to find them. And, these recommendations won’t break the bank.
  

Basic black turtleneck sweater
I love Zara’s black turtleneck sweaters; they are comfortable, sleek, and best of all - cheap! I keep three in my wardrobe at all times - this way there is one in my dresser drawer, one in the dry cleaning pile, and one out at the drycleaners. Having three ensures that I always have one available.

Black boots
Zappos.com is the best online resource for shoes and they have the best shipping and return policy.

Great pair of jeans
I swear by Club Monaco’s jeans, as well as their pants in general. As one of my clients commented, her butt never looked better than after she tried on a pair of Club Monaco’s pants! They recently upgraded their jeans fit and I have yet to try on a pair, but Club Monaco swears that these jeans are even better than their original fit.

If you are a plus size and need a pair of jeans, I saw recently that 7 Jeans is making a pair of plus size jeans that will be sold exclusively at Lane Bryant.

Lastly, if you are looking for a tummy tuck jean, check out Not Your Daughter’s Jeans available at Nordstrom.com.

White button down shirt
Sure you can go to Thomas Pink or Anne Fontaine for a beautiful white button down shirt. But you may also be spending your entire fall budget on one of these shirts. I have told every one of my clients about Banana Republic’s button down shirts. You can have a button down shirt with lycra in the fabric, a great side panel, bust darts to ensure a slim fit, and a length that is long enough to tuck in, for no more than $60.

An investment bag
A great investment bag always upgrades an outfit, but if you can’t afford one, become a Bag Borrow Or Steal™ member and carry original designer bags this season. All you do is pay a monthly membership fee to borrow original handbags from your favorite designers! Carry your bag as long as you want, a week, a month, or a year. No late fees ever! Then return your bag and borrow the next one!

Some accessories to complement your wardrobe
I have said it before and I will say it again, Laila Rowe has the best accessories at a great price. Lord and Taylor and Bloomingdales have nice selections as well.

(c) 2005 Bridgette Raes Style Group

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