J.Crew Fall 2013 Lookbook

Styling might not deserve 100% of the credit for how great J.Crew's fall 2013 lookbook, but it certainly helps. Also, snaps to them for trying to attempt pre-orders on the looks.

Via J.Crew

Need: Updated Varsity Jackets

I have my Nike Destroyer jacket and wear it like crazy, but that doesn't change the fact that varsity jackets don't flatter my figure (I have a waist, they don't). The good news is that designers have been creating more tailored, refined versions for girls like me.

Katherine Hooker Baseball Jacket, Liberty Night Rider Jacket, Sella McCartney Nathalie Jacket

Trend: Convertible Boots

Solid winter boots are an investment to say the least and once you find a reliable pair, that's all you want to wear. In my case, this usually means wearing L.L. Bean boots with jeans, skirts and dresses. That is why I am smitten with the idea of convertible boots that go from ankle to knee-high. These options from Ugg Collection and MM6 Maison Martin Margiela are perfect examples of two-for-one. I would wear the shearling-lined Uggs trampling through the snow and the high-heeled Margielas to work.

Uggs originally seen on Honestly...WTF

Need: Zara Patchwork Sandal

In honor of Zara's US online shop launching today, I have picked out my favorite item available now. The sad, sad irony is that Zara's shoes rarely fit me. They are often too small and I'm *only* a 40. If these metallic wonders did fit me, I wouldn't want to take them off. And in that uniquely Zara way, they draw inspiration from so many places, it actually makes them unique. How's that for originality?

Zara Patchwork Sandal, $129, at Zara.com

Need: Equipment Daddy Striped Blouse

It isn't hard to fall in love with Equipment's perfect silk blouses. It is hard, however, to pick a favorite. For a while I was all about their Hawaiian prints and you can't go wrong with any of their technicolor solids or sheers. Right now though, it's time to pay attention to this quirky multi-colored striped version of their Daddy blouse. What truly impresses me is how it reads much more expensive than it is. And at $268 for a top, that's not an easy feat. Did someone say Prada? Not me.

Equipment Daddy Multi Varigated Stripe Blouse, $268, at RevolveClothing.com

Also, if you're not following @Equipment_FR on Twitter yet, do yourself a favor and fix that now!

Trend: For the Birds

For as much as I love leopard print, snake print doesn't move me. I'll be skipping over that Fall 2011 trend and heading straight for feather motifs. I like that the different bird prints feel fresh and organic while maintaining that neutral status that leopard print has fought so hard to claim. I particularly like how Mulberry has paired the print with a classic '60s shaped dress and how Rag & Bone has trimmed the mixed feathers with a modern jet black cuff. Elizabeth & James' take on the burgeoning trend is typically crunchy, but let's not forget that we're dealing with feathers here.

Elizabeth & James Nuri Pant, $335, at RevolveClothing.com
Mulberry Peggy Dress, $700, at Mulberry.com
Rag & Bone French Cuff Shirt $475, at Shopbop.com

Fall Shopping Vol. 2

Although it could probably be said of every season, I think there is a strong case for the return of more feminine shapes this fall. Me and my curves couldn't be happier. From the moment I spotted this Donna Karan leather jacket, I knew it was the perfect way to cover up come fall. The nipped waist and patch pockets give the delightfully '80s utilitarian look some sex appeal. I imagine wearing it to work as a ladylike twist on Sean Young in "Blade Runner," trade robot love for Twitter addiction.

Donna Karan Belted Leather Jacket
Rugby Ralph Lauren Donegal Tweed Skirt
ManiaMania Third Mind Cuff
Pour la Victoire Daina Pump

Fall Shopping Vol. 1

For fall, I'm all about the subtle asymmetry of this Ann Taylor skirt. I can see dressing it up for the office and down for a weekend look. A chunky sweater and sleek booties sort of make it work for both occasions. I find this look so flattering and versatile, for $88 I'd even go into an Ann Taylor.

Ann Taylor Asymmetrical Ponte Skirt, $88, at AnnTaylor.com
Thakoon Addition Asymmetrical Chunky-Knit Oversized Sweater, $460, at Shopbop.com
Maison Martin Margiela Set of 4 22-Karat Gold-Plated Knuckleduster Ring, $480, at Net-a-Porter.com
Stuart Weitzman Held Bootie, $425, at Zappos.com

Full disclosure: I walk past both Stuart Weitzman and Ann Taylor on my way to lunch most days. I have to think it's starting to affect me.

Need: Tibi Neon Ribbed Knitted Beanie

For the past three years I've been wearing an electric blue beanie that cost me all of $3 at Duane Reade. When this slightly punky neon pink version popped up on the Tibi Fall 2011 runway, I knew is was perfect (and much-needed) update to my bum hat repertoire.

Note: For me, beanies are strictly winter-only. I have too much thick crazy hair for all of that heat before the temperature drops significantly.

Tibi Ribbed Knitted Beanie, $90, at Net-a-Porter.com

Cushnie et Ochs Fall 2011

I was immediately drawn to these images from Cushnie et Ochs' Fall 2011 lookbook. The play between light and dark within the natural setting is so grabbing. It reminds me of seeing a beautiful landscape ravaged by wildfire. With silver lame. The best part is how the lookbook really shows off the clothes without letting the art direction take it too editorial. I wasn't surprised at all to see that the shoot was styled by Keegan Singh. He is really among the best of the best fashion stylists and his work never ceases to impress me. I am more excited than ever to see what these young talents have in store for their career.

Via Rackk and Ruin

Need: Mulberry Carter Bag

I've been eying Mulberry's Lily bag for months as a classic petite bag option, but something (not price for once) has kept me from buying. The urge to resist Mulberry just got that much harder with the release of their new style, the Carter. I love that the boxy shape feels current, but still unique and that the style is completely timeless. I also can't help but be swayed by Mulberry's sudden surge of success in the market lately. Good begets good.

Via Mulberry

First Thoughts on Fall

As each new season nears I've started having impending dread over what I will wear come fall, winter, spring, summer. Part of it is that my style has necessarily grown up a bit and become more professional. It also doesn't help that Fall 2011 is hitting stores now while it remains 90 degrees in New York, but I will let others complain about that particular problem. Browsing my Pinterest account I found a few of the things that I am contemplating for this quickly upcoming fall. They include innovative adaptations of traditional jewelry, serious heels, big rolled-up sleeves, a defined waist and a small nod to McQueen with a modern tartan. None of this takes into account, of course, the huge '70s influence that I will no doubt be partaking in.

What do you have in mind for fall?

Pinterest.com/ebmonson