Top 10 Must Haves–Fall 2008 Fashion

September 25th, 2008 by crystal

Since it’s officially Fall now (even though it’s still 90 degrees here in Texas), it’s time to start putting all of that Fall Fashion Trend research to some use and finalize our Must-Have purchases.
Here’s my list of Fall 2008 Must-Have Fashion items. I’ll follow this post with Must-Have lists for shoes, accessories and makeup. In the meantime, check out my other posts on those topics.
I’ve put a lot of thought into what really belongs on this list, reviewing fashion shows, checking out celebrity fashion, reading lots of other blog posts, poring through fashion magazines…
Here’s a very comprehensive list of trends and corresponding items that encompass Fall 2008. Of course, if you’re in love with a certain trend, you might have more pieces than I list here. Or, if you absolutely hate a trend, you might neglect that one altogether. But, here’s the list to get you started on your shopping journey.
For each trend, I’ve shown a runway inspiration pic paired with one or more pieces that are both affordable and attainable. As always, the pics are linked to the stores where you can find them so you can do a little more research, see more views, etc.
Enjoy!

Plaid Shirt

Add this to other ‘Western’ trend items or wear by itself.
Shown: Dolce & Gabbana (Style.com), dELiAs ($34.50), Heritage 1981 ($19.99)

Plaid is a trend for more than just shirts. Here are a couple of other fun items.
Shown: Charlotte Russe ($32.99), Forever 21 ($17.80)

For more on Plaid, see Fall 2008 Fashion Trend–Plaid.

Trench Coat

fall 2008 fashion trend trench coat
The number one coat to have this season!
Shown: Malan Breton (Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week), Victoria’s Secret ($149), Gap ($148)

For more on the Trench Coat, read Fall 2008 Fashion Trend–Trench Coat.

Skinny Jeans

Fall 2008 Fashion Trend Skinny Jeans

Skinny jeans are still in this season. They go especially well with over the knee boots (shown here) or with the new booties.
Shown: Gucci (Style.com), Citizens of Humanity ($92.50), Charlotte Russe ($29.99), Forever 21 ($27.80)

Ruffled or Bow Blouses

Very cute with high-waisted pencil skirts, wide leg trousers or with tailored suit jackets, ruffle and bow shirts are a super-feminine Must-Have for Fall 2008. Keep the style in mind when shopping for dresses, too!
Shown: Bill Blass (Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week), Forever 21 ($12.50), New York & Co ($34.95), Banana Republic ($79.00)

For more Bow Blouses, read Fall Trend–Bow Shirts.

Lace

Not your grandmother’s lace, this trend is tad bit suggestive.
Shown: Erin Fetherston (Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week), Victoria’s Secret ($69), Rebecca Taylor ($390), Charlotte Russe ($19.99)

For more on Lace, read Fall 2008 Fashion Trend–Lace.

Tights

Tights in all colors, patterns and textures are trendy this season.
Shown: Miss Sixty (Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week), Nordstrom ($18), Nordstrom ($18), Urban Outfitters ($12)

For more on Tights, read Fall 2008 Fashion Trend–Tights with Peep-toe Heels.

Floral Dress

Bringing a little spring light to the season…
Shown: Dennis Basso (Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week), Target ($19.99), Urban Outfitters ($49.99), Nordstrom ($64)

For more on the Floral Dress, read Fall 2008 Fashion Trend–Floral Dress.

Chunky Knits

A great way to stay warm AND look stylish!
Shown: Nicole Miller (Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week), Forever 21 ($29.80), Victoria’s Secret ($39)

For more on Chunky Knits, read Fall 2008 Fashion Trend–Chunky Knits.

2-fer Dress

Fall 2008 Fashion Trend 2fer dress
A combination of sexy top and sophisticated skirt, these dresses are everywhere this Fall.
Shown: Reem Acra (Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week), Theory ($295), Forever 21 ($22.80)

For more on 2fer dresses, read Fall 2008 Fashion Trend–2-fer Dress.

Tailored Blazer

Menswear inspired, the tailored blazer is a Must-Have for the layered look of this season. In fabrics like tweed or corduroy, pair with cropped pants, high-waisted skirts, and ruffled blouses.
Shown: 3.1 Phillip Lim (Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week), Forever 21 ($27.80), Victoria’s Secret ($78), Banana Republic ($175)

So, which of these are your MUST-HAVES? Are some ‘Must-Nots’? What else would you like to see here?

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Fall 2008 Fashion Trend–Lace

September 23rd, 2008 by crystal

Lace seems to be the material of choice for many designers this Fall 2008. It’s showing up in accessories, shoes, coats, tops, dresses, and other pieces. Though some classic white and ivory feminine styles still remain, they are a far cry from the doilies adorning the backs of your grandmother’s couch. Most lace styles for Fall 2008 are a bit edgy, leaning more toward seductive and sultry. Black lace dominates, but colored lace is also part of the trend.

Prada led the way this season. I love her reasoning for embracing the use of lace. She described lace as being the most important fabric in a woman’s life, because it’s present at birth, marriage and death. So true! And so poignant. That philosophy alone makes me want to stock up on lace items for the Fall!

I also love this 1939 quote from Coco Chanel: “I consider lace to be one of the prettiest imitations ever made of the fantasy of nature; lace always evokes for me those incomparable designs which the branches and leaves of trees embroider across the sky, and I do not think that any invention of the human spirit could have a more graceful or precise origin.” (Found here)

On the Runway

Fall 2008 Fashion Trend Lace
Lace was a HUGE deal on the Fall 2008 runways. Most notable was Miuccia Prada’s use of the material.
Shown: Chanel, Prada, Badgley Mischka
Photos located at Style.com