I can’t even imagine how y’all have been able to sleep between last Friday and today. The anticipation of the final five trends for fall has probably been overwhelming. I’m just glad you made it through.
If you missed last Friday and have no clue what I’m talking about then you can go catch up real quick.
Truth be told, I wasn’t sure I was going to get Fashion Friday done this week because I have been very wrapped up in all our hurricane preparations, but as of this moment it appears that here in San Antonio we will get perhaps a 1/4″ of rain and maybe enough of a breeze to blow some leaves off our front porch.
It was totally worth the generator.
But at least the Sour Patch Kids won’t go to waste.
This whole thing just goes to show that the only forecast you can count on is the Fashion Forecast. It will never let you down, even if you don’t agree with all of it.
Speaking of, I need to make a confession. I’m almost embarrassed to admit this because it has caught me totally by surprise.
All the purple is starting to grow on me.
I mean, it can’t be just any shade of purple. It’s not like I would wear something the color of Dimetapp syrup, but some of the deeper purples and plums are starting to have some serious appeal.
It’s just a matter of time before I give in to the floral leggings.
Nevermind. I shouldn’t even joke about floral leggings. They are just too horrible.
Okay, so here are the last five trends for fall.
6. Bold jewelry
Last year I set an unofficial goal for myself to improve my accessories. At some point I’d left behind any creativity and resorted to diamond studs and maybe, MAYBE, a turquoise necklace if I felt really kicky.
Oh, I also had a triple strand of pearls that I wore almost every day for ten years as part of my official DRUG REP uniform. There is nothing that says “You can totally trust me” like a triple strand of pearls. Why do you think Barbara Bush has done so well for herself?
Anyway, this fall is all about the bold jewelry. So let’s go big or go home.
Here are some really great pieces that will add a little pop to your fall wardrobe.
7. Ladylike bags
I’ve admitted before that I’m not necessarily a purse person. My main requirement for the last five years has been the absorbency of the lining as it soaks up all the sippy cup leakage, but now that I’m back in the land of no sippys I’m ready to find a great fall bag.
Yesterday, I was in Target and I found this purse which goes against everything I normally stand for, but something about it calls to me.
Yeah, it looks better in person.
Anyway, the trend is towards bags that are less slouchy hobo and more structured with a top handle.
8. Booties
I have a complicated past with booties.
That sentence sounds so wrong.
What I’m trying to say is that I spent a good majority of my college years wearing what was known as a boot shoe. For those of you who were still a fetus during the early 90′s or have blocked out the memory, boot shoes were a clever little fashion trick that gave the illusion of wearing boots.
This illusion lasted until you sat down and your jeans went above your ankle thereby revealing what, hopefully, was a tasteful trouser sock and not a pair of tube socks that you found in your roommate’s sock drawer.
The bootie is essentially a boot shoe, but they are calling it a bootie.
I’m on the fence.
But if you’re ready to take the plunge, here are a few good options.
9. Leather
I’m afraid Stella on Project Runway has ruined the word “leather” for me, but leather is in this season. I’ve always known this day would come and I would be sad because I had this fabulous leather jacket once upon a time that got stolen out of my car in a parking garage in Austin, TX.
To say that was one of the darker days of my life would be an understatement.
But really, I’m over it.
The good news is that there are some really cute leather jackets out there right now. Think fitted. Think rocker chic.
Or rocker chick.
Whichever makes you happy.
10. The Short Jacket & The Standout Coat
I’m lumping these two together because they are both an outer layer.
Also, because it is late and I am tired.
I am a big fan of the short jacket and an even bigger fan of the standout coat. Do not underestimate their ability to take your outfit from ordinary to extraordinary.
These are some really great short jackets.
And here are some superb standout coats.
Now I’ll just sit here in South Texas and wait for the temps to drop below 90 degrees.
But judging from the past week, I don’t think I’m going to count on the weathermen to let me know when that’s going to happen.
Remember, there is always a cone of uncertainty unless you’re talking about fashion.
I don’t even know what that means.
Y’all have a great Friday!
So many great items to add to my wish list! I’ve already been drooling over that Boden handbag. I’m waiting for it to go like 90% off. Then I’ll snap it up in a heartbeat.
I love the short jacket. However, I am so short that they all look like trench coats on me!
Thanks so much! Now that my daughter has married and moved out of state, I need a fashion advisor.
Have a great weekend!
I must say that you are killing me here. My level of want has increased by 17,000%. And Anthropology haunts me. It is a store that I only allow myself to even walk into on special occasions, and then I am depressed when I leave because there are SO MANY things that I can’t live without- and yet, I just walked out of the store with no shopping bag!
Alas…
I’m now addicted to your fashion Friday and I’m not even worried about fashion. I just love it for the laughs. You are too funny.
First let me say I’m all for the bold jewelry, just not that bold jewelry. LOL. I like the purses, yes both of them, not in purple though, goes back to the big girl barney visual.
I love the booties, they are just cool. I’m with you on the coats, I’m in Louisiana and I mean we get winter in Jan. for what 2 weeks? So it’s really just a long sleeve shirt or a sweater and I’m done unless I’m going to be standing around outside for some reason and I don’t see that happening, unless of course it’s at the LSU games.
Now all kidding aside, I’m keeping all Texans in my prayers right now. We’re under a tornado watch right now because of Ike. I hope you don’t get bad weather and I really hope we don’t get anymore storms for this season. I’m really done with it, enough is enough.
Thanks for the laugh and try not to eat all the Sour Patch Kids. You know if you saved your receipt for the generator you can get a refund from FEMA in about a year? LOL
Oh I just LOVE Fashion Friday. Thanks for the fashion tips.
You have incredible taste. If I ever have the money to spend on myself this Fall, I’m going to refer back to this.
Oh, and I bought that purple bag at Target yesterday b/c I totally thought of you and assumed you would approve.
This is terribly immature of me, but go back and look at the first leather jacket you posted. It was my favorite … until I realized that those two buttons to the side are awkwardly placed.
Have a great weekend!
OH…those ‘booties’….I want, want, want.
I agree you have great taste in fashion.
I live in No VA and I need a new winter coat. Since losing 30 lbs. I’ve had to get a complete new wardrobe. I’m not complaining. I just want to get the perfect thing so I’m not wasting money.
I’m leaning towards a wool Peacoat in either navy or olive. I was thinking of looking at Old Navy first.
Any suggestions?
Your blog is officially added to the list of things I need to make it through my day. (No cone of uncertainty about that.) (That was a lot more funny in my head.)
I also think that Fashion Friday may be the answer to many of my friends’ prayers for me. I am a fashion nightmare. Actually, “I” and “fashion” aren’t really allowed in the same sentence. Well, unless that sentence also includes “nightmare” so I guess we’re okay.
Wow. Rambling. Totally shouldn’t be allowed to post comments before I’ve finished a cup of coffee. And the sun has risen.
Stella says: “leath-ah”
Love it all…I didn’t get to enjoy fall fashion last year as I was pregnant and on bed rest, but you can be sure I’m going to be stylin’ this year. Thanks, M!
If you are looking for some great accessories – there’s a new store in San Antonio at the Rim called Charming Charlie. It’s full of every color, shape and style imaginable – along with other accessories like shoes and purses. YOu should check it out!
Love the new purse. Did you get it in the purple? I’m with you, I’ve seen a few deep plums that might tempt me. Otherwise I don’t like purple.
I hate the booties and know that with two little ones, I definitley won’t be jumping on that.
The short jackets have caught my eye too, but I’m afraid they won’t look good on me after the baby comes because they accentuate that area I’ll probably want to hide.
Good luck with the weather.
You crack me up! Thanks for the fashion update!
Oh my gosh!! I totally agree about Stella! “The lea-thah, the lea-thah.” “I picked this fabric because it looks like lea-tha!” I was surprised she made it so far being so one-tracked!!
I love your Fashion Friday, Big Mama! You have great taste – and for some reason, my favorites out of what you’ve picked is always $300 or up! Not really doable on a SAHM’s salary!
I do have a question – what do you think about the short jackets for plus-size ladies? I love the look, but I worry that it will emphasize a hip area that needs no further emphasis. Any thoughts?
I need to improve in the accessories area myself. Thanks for the fashion update…I need it.
thanks for keeping us in the know Big Mama…oh, and love the tricky little thing you are doing with making every. little. word. its. own. link.
clearly, you are gifted in fashion. and technology!
Remembering the boot-shoes fondly. Mine were GUESS?…and then later, Brighton. They were a must-have for going out….casual mixers, 6th Street, etc. But my rule is if I wore it the first time, I am exempt from wearing it during the next ‘go round. Love your Target purse!
Now that we are out of the “Cone Of Humidity” I can invest in a good winter coat. Think if I use the word “invest” my hubby will agree to one of the Anthropologie ones? As for the purple, I am so not sure about that. I worked at Dillards a few years back and there was an outfit there that was various shades of purple that always made me think of a giant bruise. Yeah, that’s attractive….
For my entire life, purple has been my favorite color, which has made life tricky. You should have seen my teenage-decorated bedroom. I think people who love purple are a little out of the norm, but when you find someone who loves it, she LOVES it. I found that same bag at Target, but I actually liked it in lime green. And just this summer I started wearing big silver bangle bracelets. Never wore anything big before. All that to say, I’m goin’ big and purple this fall.
Oh bootshoe, how I loved thee. You made me so chick in college.
My bible study circle had a “cheap chic” fashion show yesterday. The leaders of our group were challenged to buy an entire outfit for under $100. I was really impressed. The women frequented Target. TJ Maxx was a favorite. They also used sale racks of the more expensive stores.
I believe one of the ladies had that Target hobo bag you pointed out Big Mama. Her’s was brown, though. One of the girls found PURPLE, very purple dress shoes. She could pull them off. I never could. I also saw booties, Big Mama. Pale light blue ones.
Fabulous coat suggestions. Those of us in the North, where the daytime highs are barely reaching 70, thank you.
Glad to hear you aren’t in the path of the “certain death” USA Today is predicting when Ike hits Texas! Yikes!
I, too, am now coveting the Boden handbag and I’ll take one of everything from Anthropologie. But I do know that I’ll never get on the jewelry bandwagon, since I can’t remember to wear the things I already own and my wedding ring and watch are usually the extent of my accessorizing.
Thanks for all the great links, it’s like having a personal shopper! (have you considered this as a cottage business?)
I’m thinking I’ll go to Hobby Lobby, buy buttons and make my own huge necklace for about $8.25 unstead of buying that one for $38,294.82
The bag is purple… I do like it.
I have a DARLING pair of brown booties that look like a cowboy boot without all the cowboy hype. I prefer the stiletto and opera over cows any. day.
i got the target bag you showed in black.i. think i am going to like it…at first it seemed huge but i love the handle and shape.
Thanks for the bag suggestion. I have been wanting a cute bag and was hoping you would have a great idea.
I think short jackets and short boots are hideous. But you know I only love Fashion Friday because you’re hilarious.
I’m still cracking up about you cooking dinner and the CONE OF UNCERTAINTY.
Let me get you off the bootie fence. (It IS harder than you think to construct a sentence with the word “booties” and not have it sound all wrong.)
Unless you are going to pair them with green tights and start answering to “Peter Pan,” they are a definite NO.
But everything else?
Luh-ved it all. I have some issues with purple, but like you, there are certain plumish tones that I have mended ways with.
And the jewelry is just amazing…on my way to Francesca’s right now (for emergency rations.)
Hi! Long time blog follower here.
I had the opportunity to mention you on my blog today. Go check it out!
Becca
http://www.beccasfreshfruit.blogspot.com
hey so our news says tha Texas is gonna get it from Ike. I do hope you guys are going to be ok. Prayers have been said for you and will continue to be
This week I wore this purple shirt (http://www.target.com/Merona-Bow-Tee-Wild-Rose/dp/B0016L2TH4/sr=1-6/qid=1221252735/ref=sr_1_6/601-5101328-7944130?ie=UTF8&index=target&rh=k%3Amerona%20bow%20tee&page=1). It’s the first time I’ve worn purple since graduating high school in ’89, where I had to wear a purple cheerleading uniform almost every day of the week for three years.
I was proud of myself for getting past my issues and being up on the trends, until my husband came home and said, “You look like a box of Good N’ Plenty.”
you know, this is just fun!
Every time I’ve had a few extra minutes today I’ve popped in here to look at another fashion idea.
I haven’t had time to just sit and look at each one listed all at once –
what a fun thing to do here and there!
Thanks BigMama! (LOVE the coat with the big collar — NOT loving the purple yet though).
I’m a black, white, and tan girl myself.
I do not heart the booties.
More importantly than fashion (is there such a thing) you are going to the Dominican Republic with MARLOBORO MAN (and others). I think that’s pretty much incredible and I am oh-so-envious.
Agreed. I will never hear the R on the end of Leather again, thanks to Stella. Letha it is.
ok, so the only time I wore a purple dress, a girl at school said, and I quote, “You look like a concord grape.” which is impossible because I was skinny. I won’t be able to embrace the purple this time. Luckily my dd does not heart the purple either, and I swear I did not tell her I didn’t like it.
But I may be able to revisit the shoe boot. Mine were royal blue and laced way up like a boxer would wear. Yes, they were HOT STUFF. Although it will be hard not to wear them with the BIG HAIR. Thanks for Fashion Friday!
Thank you for keeping me up-to-date on the trends. Without you I would be wearing my pj pants to the grocery store. Oh the thought!
I love, love, love the bag!
The bootie shoe…mmmm, I don’t think I can bring myself to do that one.
I have worn my pj pants to the grocery store on occassion.
with a sweatshirt.
I’m not proud of it.
hoping you are safe from Ike. So glad to read you are going to Dominican Republic. Can’t wait to read about your adventure.
Thanks for the fashion update! I do like the short jackets and have a bit of purple in my wardrobe already.
Love your use of Cone of Uncertainty!
LOVE the fall fashion tips, Big! I bought a “grapico” leather, structured bag on clearance at the Destin, FL, Coach outlet this summer and am now so glad I did! It was not something I would usually buy but the deal was killer and a girl needs a beach souvenier, right
Keep the good stuff coming and stay dry in Texas. J
So what was up with Kinnley’s creation on the last PR? Did it not look like something the queen from Alice in Wonderland would have worn to the Mad Hatter’s tea party? Those sleeves!!! Holy cow.
oh, how I need fashion advice…I am pretty new to your blog but I you always make me laugh…and I love Fashion Friday. With two very little boys, I have been doing most of my shopping for maternity and post-maternity and little boy clothes.
So I have two questions about these fall suggestions you’ve had the last two weeks: 1) what does one wear under the fabulous short jacket? and 2) can you do a post on what the great pair of jeans consists of…because my favorite jeans are maybe 4 years old now and I don’t know that I am sure what is in style. Except that I will NOT wear the skinny leg jeans. sorry. 
I don’t care if every model in the world says wear booties, I’m just not going to do it, for all the reasons you mentioned.
Take care,
Julie