Fall / Winter Fashion Trends & Accessories

Fall is my favorite season for makeup and fashion trends because the colors are vibrant, bold and edgy. When the weather cools down I can finally break out my sexy boots, luxurious knits and stylish scarves and it’s surprising how a few simple accessories can re-purpose an old outfit. Today I’m sharing a few fabulous fashion finds and essentials to help style your autumn/winter wardrobe and hopefully give you some helpful ideas for the holiday season. 

Every women should have a reliable black purse to match all her outfits and store important items. This Signature Leather Tote ($44.99) from Avon is effortlessly chic, well structured and good quality with simple stud detailing and a deep inner compartment. This is a great bag for the workplace or an evening out and the quick access pockets around the outside are very functional. It is big enough for my makeup essentials and the large zippered section in the middle secures my wallet.

Olivia Burton Watches are delicate, trendy and sophisticated. This beautiful 3D honeybee design in rose gold is stunning and unlike anything else in my collection. The brand even engraved my name on the leather band as a personal gift and the feminine patterns and colors make each piece truly unique. The watch below retails for $319.00 at Hudson's Bay and if you're looking for a thoughtful gift for that special someone, this collection does not disappoint.

Chokers haven’t been in style since I was a kid but they’re back and better than ever! I love this set from H&M because the pieces look great individually or layered to create different looks and the lace - velvet combo is quite chic. It retails for just $12.99 and there are many styles to choose from.

On sunny fall days you still need an awesome pair of shades. I found these unique sunglasses a few weeks ago at a small beach shop in Portugal for just €10. The distinctive navy frame is eye-catching and experimenting with color and shape adds variety to your look.

Ankle boots are a great way to transition your wardrobe into fall and the Cushion Walk Basket Weave Peep Toe Booties from Avon are sexy and comfortable with thick, sturdy heels. The soft insole provides support where you need it most and the trendy design shows-off your pedi.

The booties have a sling-back closure and retail for $46.99 online at avon.ca

I have a slight obsession with scarves because they come in a variety of beautiful colors, prints and patterns. I picked up this stunning Pashmina on a recent trip to Budapest for just €10 and it doubles as a shawl for an evening out. A striking scarf is an easy way to dress-up your outerwear this season.

I spotted this lovely Gleam with Pride Ring at avon.ca for $24.00 and I love the thick cut with pink jewels and multi-layered bands. The color contrast makes a beautiful statement.

I saw this edgy little purse in a store window a few weeks ago in Madrid and I just had to have it! Flashy embellishments are a great way to spruce-up plain outfits and I love the circular shape, silver studs and cute lock clasp.

Rich brown is always a trendy seasonal shade and when mixed with burnt orange it’s even better! This bag has 3 large compartments and a few small pockets to help me stay organized. The material is soft with refined gold details and it slouches to enhance the relaxed shape. I picked it up at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) for just $20.00.

It is almost time to start planning your holiday parties so a little glitz and glam is a must! This layered cuff-style gold bracelet has sparkly stones and a magnetic clasp for easy closure. It goes well with a little black dress or jeans and there are a variety of styles and colors to choose from at avon.ca.

Another great piece for the holidays is The Twinkle Twinkle Bracelet ($28.00) featuring a variety of glass stones in beautiful deep grey and silvery blue for winter. It stretches to accommodate a range of wrist sizes and is dressy enough for posh parties and events. (Available at avon.ca)

The Fancy That Statement Earrings ($26.00) have the same tear drop blue stones as the bracelet so I like to wear them together as a set. They are perfect for elegant up-dos because the clustered stones and interesting triangular shape stands out against the skin and sparkles in the light. (Available at avon.ca)

The Shape of Things Earrings ($22.00) are geometric, bold and a bit retro. I like the gold-black color combo and they go with anything from casual wear to power suits and a simple ponytail. (Available at avon.ca)

Painted metal, leather-like textures and glass stones make a trendy statement. The Matte Attack Bracelet Set ($32.00) is stacked to perfection to take the guess work out of mixing and matching. I like to wear them with all-black outfits for a little extra bling. (Available at avon.ca)

The Tough it Out Necklace ($50.00) resembles exotic Egyptian jewelry and when you see it you can’t help but stare. This piece is a knock-out with incredible details, intricate layers, brilliant stones and glass. When you put it on for a night out, no other jewelry is required and it makes every outfit worthy of the runway. (Available at avon.ca)

It is already time to break out the warm outer-wear and stylish gloves are a must! I love this leather chain mail pair from Avon ($34.00) because they fit snugly, match all my fall/winter jackets and keep my hands warm. 

Purple is my favorite color and it looks marvelous in the fall. This convertible Crossbody Bag ($89.00) from Poppy & Peonies can be worn several different ways – use the strap across your body and go hands-free, carry it as a stylish clutch or remove the black tassel bag for a night out. Although it is smaller in size there are zippered compartments, a cell phone pocket and organizational card slots to replace your wallet and make room for other things

For parties I love the wrist strap and trendy detachable tassel on the black clutch plus the durable leather is easy to keep clean. This versatile bag is also great for vacations because you can position it securely in front of your body to deter thieves, keep your travel documents in order and have your hands free to take photos.

The Clearly You Travel Pouch ($29.00) is perfect for a Travel Editor like me because I can keep all my valuable and essentials in one place for quick access. I slip it into my tote or carry-on and use it for jewelry and makeup. Poppy & Peonies is available online at poppyandpeonies.com.

Fall Fashion From Bench

I know many people love the warm humidity of summer but I’m more of a fall girl myself. I enjoy the changing colors of the leaves, the crisp cool weather and breaking out my comfy knitwear, sweats and rich colors. Athletic wear has become quite popular recently and even some celebs have been breaking into the market with their own collections. Yoga pants, tights and active wear isn’t just for the gym anymore, fun new prints and quality fabric has made this casual trend very stylish and now you can look amazing and be comfortable as you run your errands.

Bench has released a fabulous new fall collection this year and the clothing is designed to be durable and flexible to fit your body and move with you. They have a wide selection including gym and yoga clothes, casual wear and dressier items like cardigans, skirts and dresses.

Aqueduct Cardigan $119

Some of my favorite items from the brand are the sweatshirts featuring the Bench logo. They may look simple but the fabric is super warm, soft and form fitted which is perfect for an evening at the mall, a brisk fall jog or lounging around. I love that this piece also has a small finger cut out on each sleeve so you can slip your thumb through and keep your hands warm! I have the top in a pretty light pink but it also comes in a variety of shades and retails for $89.00.

photo- bench.ca

I love wearing black because it goes with everything and darker shades are great for the season. I also picked up this cute sweatshirt with scoop neck detailing and large front pocket. This one fits a bit looser to give you more room and it looks great paired with yoga pants or jeans. It is also extremely comfortable, warm and soft on the inside! It retails for $69.95.

Whether you’re heading to the gym, yoga studio or a weekend getaway the Placid B Holdall bag is excellent! It has pockets on the inside to organize all your gear, stylish silver zipper accents and enough room for all my essentials including my makeup and water bottle! The front two pockets unzip to slip in your yoga mat and it has both a long shoulder strap and handle straps for your comfort. It also makes a great travel bag for both men and women and retails for $99.00.

When it gets frosty out its time to take out the gloves and I love the bright knit collection at Bench. These babies fit like a glove (pun totally intended) and they keep hands warm and toasty while looking fabulous with my fall outfits. They retail for $14.95.

To check out more great fashion from Bench head over to the store or shop online by clicking HERE.

*Press samples featured

Transitioning your wardrobe from summer to fall

If you are anything like me, you love your summer wardrobe and would like to keep on wearing it throughout the colder months. This is completely possible if you know how to transition your favorite pieces into the new season. Here are my tips for transitioning your summer items into fall.

Tip #1: Layers are the way to go

Forever 2

Layering your clothes is perfect to combat the drastically changing temperatures in fall. You can easily remove clothes when you are too warm, or add them when it gets chilly. Try layering cardigans on top of your sleeveless tanks or short-sleeve tops. Layer your summer dresses under heavier crew/v-neck sweaters with the sleeves rolled up. 

Tip #2:  Stockings are your best friend

The bay

Dresses are my go-to clothing of choice and I especially love my summer dresses. To continue wearing your favorite dresses throughout the fall, pair them with stockings. Try sheer stockings when the weather is warmer and opaque stockings when it is cooler. For a bit of glam try thigh high or patterned stockings, they come in many designs but some of my favorites are baroque and web inspired fishnet styles. 

Tip #3: Invest in different types of outerwear

obaz.com

Temperatures change very rapidly in fall, you never know if you are going to have warm sunny days reminiscent of summer, or cold rainy days that make your teeth chatter. Investing in different types of outerwear for fall prepares you for the versatility of the season. The perfect outerwear items that are easy to transition from summer to fall are: the classic trench coat, leather jacket, parka, light wool coat for work or special occasions and a jeans jacket. A popular trend this fall are varsity jackets, these are sporty, fun and look great paired with different outfits.

Tip #4: Bring on the boots!

Forever 21

The perfect boots for fall are ankle boots and peep-toe booties. Ankle boots can be worn in the summer with your dresses and skirts and they are also perfect for keeping your feet warm but not too warm in fall. They come in many different styles such as cowboy & stiletto, and materials like suede and leather. Peep-toe booties can also transition from summer to fall and you can still show off your pedicure.

Tip #5: Blazers are a must!

Forever 21

I love a good blazer, and the fall season is my favorite time to wear them. Blazers are perfect when there is a chill in the air but not enough to break out your outerwear. Invest in good quality blazers in many colors and fabrics. Blazers go well over your favorite summer dresses and skirts and you can add stockings and cute boots. For colder days tweed blazers are a perfect option and they are trending for fall 2013.

Tip #6 Scarves, scarves and more scarves!

Forever 21

A nice scarf can be the perfect accessory to make an outfit pop. Scarves are worn all year-round in Paris and they are well suited for fall because I prefer lightweight material instead of the heavy wool and knitted variety popular in winter. To incorporate your favorite summer patterns into fall scarves try floral and tribal prints in bright colors.

Tip#7 Leggings all year

Forever 21

Leggings are very handy for the fall. They are warm, come in many colors and styles and they are super comfy. Pair them with cardigans and ankle boots with a cute scarf or try wearing them under your  summer dresses and shorter skirts.

Have you made any fall transitions? 

Written by: Amanda Ali (guest writer)

co author and editor:  Erica 

copyright © diaryofatrendaholic.blogspot.ca/