Ahhh, September! This month always has meant new beginnings to me.  Maybe it's because it was when the new school year started (not like it does in August now for so many kids.) The new school year meant fresh new pencils and notebooks, and yes, new school clothes. Now, September means the start of the fashion year, beginning with the arrival of the September issues of the fashion magazines (I'm sure mailmen across the country bemoan this month, with these tomes getting larger and larger every year.) While the 'real' fashion world is actually looking at Spring fashions this month during fashion 'week', the rest of us are changing out our wardrobes for the Fall/Winter season, and are possibly considering some new beginnings as we do so. 

I love this quote below (don't know who it came from), but it sums up an attitude that I think serves us well when it comes to our style and wardrobes. Maybe I can encourage you to try something new this season - why not? Nothing lasts forever!

Happy styling!

I'm not a big one for jumping on the trend band-wagon, and I know many of you aren't either. That being said, I believe most women want to look current and stylish, in their own way. I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't provide a little guidance on current trends, so I will share my thoughts on what's out there that I'm loving this season. Looking 'current' can certainly involve incorporating a few newer silhouettes or colors into your existing wardrobe, and sometimes it involves tweaking other aspects of your image. Usually (hopefully), it's not a major overhaul. Let's talk...

  

  

*Sophisticated, classic silhouettes - some years it seems there's nothing for the over-30 person to choose from. Thankfully, this year is not one of those years - there are many beautiful, simple, classically-cut skirts, dresses, pants and coats out there. I'm especially loving that many designers are offering dresses and skirts in a longer, knee length - something we've needed for some time now. I recently shared one of my favorite examples here.

  

*Luscious colors - grays (my personal favorite this season - a great neutral that pairs well with so many colors), camels, deep reds, blue and greens.  It's always tricky when it comes to colors, because they are so particular to the individual. If this is not your year for color, it will certainly simplify your shopping for the season. Just hold out and wait until a season when your colors are back on the racks. If these are your colors, then stock up on basics - pants, skirts, coats - while you can. Interestingly, we're also seeing pastels this season, which customarily are Spring colors. These colors are more challenging to wear in winter's light, and might look more washed out on people who have stronger coloring. However, if you're fair in skin tone, hair and eye color, this might be a great time to add a few pieces to your wardrobe.  I wrote this summer about how to toughen up pastel - this could work very well for Fall/Winter if you're a pastel-lover.

  

*Puffed/quilted coats, purses - in the Bay Area, a puffer coat/vest is very practical, especially if you get one in a very lightweight filling. I wrote earlier this year about the super-light vest I got from Uniqlo. They have them once again this season in vest, jacket and coat styles, at very reasonable prices and a variety of colors.  If quilted outerwear isn't your cup of tea, you might enjoy the trend in a quilted purse, like the one I show in the photo above.

  

*The non-trend trends - we've been seeing these every year for some time now.  If you haven't added these into your wardrobe in the past, you can still do so if it works with your style:

*Black and gold - a classic combination, but so is black and silver if that suits you better.

*Animal print - as always, wear this one carefully. Usually one item at a time is plenty (avoid the herd mentality - it can be overpowering), and be careful of the quality of the fabric. Cheaper materials don't play well in this print, so choose carefully.

*Metallics/glitters - this one I especially love for this time of year. Maybe try it in a clutch purse, as a trim on a jacket, or in a shoe (which can really kick a very simple outfit up a notch all on its own.)

*Matching knit scarf and sweater - in a solid color, these can look especially polished when worn together, and require little else for accessorizing (maybe just a chunky cuff bracelet and earrings and you're good to go.) Of course, you have the versatility of breaking them up and wearing them separately as well.

*Revisit your hair style.  If you haven't made any changes to your hair in the past ten years, you might want to consider some tweaks, if not an outright overhaul. Have a frank discussion with your stylist on changes you might make to perk up your face, including color.  Maybe you want to visit a new stylist (someone who comes highly recommended by a friend or acquaintance whose style you admire) to get their thoughts as well.

*Get some professional advice on your makeup. Often it's as easy as visiting one of the pros at a makeup counter in your local department store.  Yes, they will want to sell you their products, but you're under no obligation to buy.  You might want to visit several makeup artists to see how they would update your look.  I try to visit these professionals twice a year, just to see how they wield their tools; I'm always inspired.

We get into very casual, comfortable habits with our makeup routines, and it's one area where we can look dated very easily.  Plus, products are improving all the time and work wonders in providing both a polished, professional look, as well as the "natural" no-makeup look. (Sorry, but once you reach a certain age, the "natural" look requires some makeup to achieve.  Save the truly natural look for working in your garden!)