My Three Favorite Shoe Trends

1. The Fringed Boot 

Don't be afraid to flaunt some fringe. Pair moc-style boots with a look that isn't too bohemian. Rather than a flowy dress, go for structure or edgy minimalism.

On the Runway: Gucci Fall 2008 RTW. Image source: Style.com.

2. The Gladiator 

The trend that refuses to go away. Wear them now with tights and keep on sporting them through spring. Because they have an edgy feel, I like to pair mine with softer fabrics and floral prints.

On the Runway: Versace Fall 2008 RTW. Image Source: Style.com.

3. The Hybrid Boot

 Not quite a shoe, not quite a boot. Hybrid styles make it easy to feel sleek even when it's cold.

The oxford bootie falls into the hybrid camp and incorporates menswear inspiration.

On the Runway: Louise Goldin Fall 2008 RTW. Image source: Style.com.

Gray Days

The skies are turning cloudy, and so is my neutral of choice.

Lacking the austerity of black and the warmth of brown, gray is the perfect neutral as we move toward winter. I'm the kind of person who always carries the same bag, and I have a feeling this new gray tote will be by my side through spring and perhaps beyond. It features slouchy suede offset by structured faux leather accents and a detachable messenger strap if you're biking or just on the go. (Payless.com $24.99)

My gorgeous sister recently acquired this gray double-breasted leather jacket. Both biker chick tough and luxuriously chic, it's definitely a piece I'll covet all season long.

Add interest to a monochromatic look by playing with texture. This look features a sweater tank worn over a billowy cotton dress paired with suede ankle boots. It was unseasonably warm today, but for cooler temps I would add a jacket and tights.

On the Runway: Michael Kors Fall 2008 RTW. Image source: Style.com.

On the Runway: 3.1 Phillip Lim Fall 2008 RTW. Image source: Style.com.

Clad in Plaid

This classic print can lend prep school charm or punky edge.

Paired with skinny jeans, black ankle boots and a studded belt, this wool peacoat in bold red plaid feels grunge-era cool. The oversize funnel neck collar adds warmth and style on crisp fall days.

This plaid button-up paired with black skinny jeans and black oxford booties has attitude, but the necktie adds just enough feminine charm.

This vintage Burberryesque jacket is clearly meant for a young boy: it buttons the wrong way, and the sleeves are way too short. Paired with trouser-style jeans and a golden Pashmina, however, there is nothing juvenile about it. This look has an air of preppy sophistication.

This plaid wool skirt adds interest to a business casual look. Together with a juicy sweater, gold braided belt and floppy felt hat, it captures the romance of autumn.

On the Runway: D&G Fall 2008 RTW. Image source: Style.com.

On the Runway: D&G Fall 2008 RTW. Image source: Style.com.

Purple If You Please

Plum. Eggplant. Amethyst. Periwinkle. No matter the shade, purple reigns this season.

Purple Pants: I’ve had these purple velvet trousers for years and have almost thrown them on the giveaway pile many times. Needless to say, I’m glad I hung onto them. This look features a mauve short-sleeved sweater tucked into the purple pants, a patterned scarf and silver flats.

My Purple Pick: My favorite purple item for fall is this retro-inspired peep toe. It features a textile suede upper, a shoelace tie for an oxford feel and a patent stiletto heel. (Payless.com $24.99).

On the Runway: Oscar de la Renta Fall 2008 RTW. Image source: Style.com.

Wild Child

Exotic animal prints spice up everyday ensembles in a classy way.



The black and white color palette of zebra print makes it easy to pair with splashes of color. This look features a zebra-print wrap dress, a vintage-inspired swing jacket in burgundy, brown tights and brown peep-toe stilettos. The flirty party-girl dress and the more conservative, ladylike jacket strike a perfect balance.

I often wear this leopard sweater as a jacket. It always provides that extra bit of interest that makes the outfit. This casual look features a silky embellished tank, the leopard sweater, skinny jeans and leather boots.

On the Runway: Michael Kors Fall 2008 RTW. Image source: Style.com.

Turn On the Bright Tights

Colorful legs are a fun, easy way to brighten up fall fashion.

Daytime Casual: This playful look features a ruffled sweatshirt tucked into a cheerleader-style skirt, bold red tights and preppy skimmers.

Evening Sleek: When I wear tights in a bright hue, I try to keep the rest of the look relatively simple in terms of color and pattern. This look features a black cowl-neck sweater, a gray cotton mini, vibrant blue tights, black patent oxford booties and a studded belt to add some edge.

On the Runway: Zac Posen Fall 2008 RTW. Image source: Style.com.

Riding High

Sky-high waistlines create a long-legged silhouette with updated vintage appeal.

The Disco Shorts: They may be denim, but the ultra-high waist, dark wash and goldtone hardware of these shorts make them feel '70s-glam. This look features a plain gray cotton tee tucked into the Disco Shorts, black tights to make the ensemble more fall-friendly, black oxford booties and an oversize scarf to finish the look.

The Skinny Leg: Though high-waisted skinny jeans look best on the super tall, I love to sport them anyway. This look features a gray scoop-neck tee tucked into ultra-high-waist jeans, a boxy '80s jacket in a rich autumn hue to offset the tight fit of the jeans, my go-to black ankle boots and plenty of gold bling to accentuate the edginess of the look.

The Wide Leg: High-waisted wide legs are ideal for a petite stature like mine. This look features a thin sweater in a lustrous goldenrod for fall, medium-wash jeans with a cute covered button, an oversize cardigan, peep-toe stilettos and a gold chain. The roomy cardigan and wide jeans combine to give the look a laidback, effortless feel.

On the Runway: Bill Blass Fall 2008 RTW. Image source: Style.com.