Trend Watch - Foldover boots

I love the new foldover boots that are out right now because they do great things for curvy women. They give you a little more volume at the calf and ankle, so they totally balance out the hip area and make you look perfectly proportioned. Plus they just look cool. I really like these tall boots from Martin & Osa for $350 (I know, they're expensive, but aren't they fabulous??), and this mid-rise suede pair from Aldo for $110.00.

Cheap Tights Found!

Tights are yet another of my fall obsessions. They're a really great, inexpensive way to update dresses and skirts that you already have in your closet, and add some color to your wardrobe. I love these Old Navy tights, they're only $6.50, and they come in great colors, including this gorgeous teal color that I really think I must purchase, and a really pretty purple color. They have argyle and herringbone styles as well for $9.50.

Now if only the temperature would drop below 100, I might actually be able to wear them! My friend Jocelyn and I discussed this in the following email exchange:

Me: I'm way into tights this year.

Joc: I want cold weather for fall. I just can't get into tights when its 80 outside.

Me: That is what is really depressing me right now, because mentally, I'm over summer clothes and am ready to start wearing fall stuff, but it's so hot that actually wearing fall clothes would look inappropriate, not to mention be completely uncomfortable. This is when I feel I wished in a small village in New Hampshire or similar New England state.

Joc: Not sure about your village reference because I quickly got a picture of you churning butter.

Me: Yes, that is the image I intended to project. While wearing tights and platform heels, obviously.

On second thought, maybe I'll stay in Texas. Tights really don't go with butter churning.

Striped Boatneck Top

I'm so excited to see "Coco Avant Chanel", the new biopic starring the gorgeous Audrey Tautou (above). One of the classic Chanel looks shown in the film is the classic navy and white striped boatneck sailor top. It's a classic piece you can wear forever, and there are some great looking, affordable versions out there. Here are a few of my favorites--the L.L.Bean version is a steal! Just be careful how you wear it. If you pair it with white pants, boatdockers, and a straw bag...let's just say you've gone overboard (yes, pun intended). I'd style it with skinny jeans, bright colored flats, and a big leather hobo.

Navy Striped Boatneck Tops by austinshopping featuring Calypso

Adorned Headbands

I'm sort of obsessed with the headband collection of Blair on Gossip Girl. In fact, I'm not sure I can recall an episode in which she did not at some point sport a headband, many of them very dramatically adorned. I have a feeling that character has a lot to do with the embellished headband trend happening right now, and I am loving it! Trim choices range from feathers to flowers to bows. Think of adorned headbands as jewelry for your hair--even when your hair is pulled back in a ponytail, they make you look completely pulled together.

And best of all, there are a lot of affordable options. My friend Ilyse found this cute version with a gorgeous burgundy flower with feathers at Luxe Apothetique at the Domain this weekend for $15! (Isn't she adorable?)

Here's a selection of some other options, all at great prices.

Headbands by austinshopping featuring Forever21 accessories

Skinny Jeans Found!

Well, I screwed up my courage and ventured out to find skinny jeans today. I was not too excited about trying on anything with a tapered leg and skintight fit, so I grabbed my friend Ilyse for moral support.

I've resisted this trend pretty vigorously, but I ended up finding some great jeans. I settled on this pair at Martin & Osa from the "Slim Fit" line--they're skinny, but not scarily so. They're fitted enough to wear under boots, but they have enough room to still be flattering and not cut off my circulation. I actually think I might be brave enough to wear these with flats.

They come in a ton of washes, and are very well priced, at between $80-$120, depending on the wash.

Bib Necklaces

Lucky magazine recently posted this slideshow of some really amazing bib necklaces. They're pretty pricey though, so if you're looking to try out this trend without laying out quite as much cash, here are a few less expensive options. I love bib necklaces because they're such a great way to dress up the basics you already have. Pair them with a tank or tee and suddenly you have a really

special, unique outfit.

1. Loops and Whorls Necklace - $38, Anthropologie. A more modern take on the bib necklace, in coral colored acrylic.

2. Livia Necklace - $48, Anthropologie (above). So elegant, with a great vintage feel.

3. Textured Flower Bib Necklace - $16.80, Forever 21. Pretty metallic flowers with rhinestone accents (right).

4. Elodie lace bib --$27, Etsy. A simple and sweet lace version.

7. Jeweled medallion necklace--$6.80 Forever 21. Dramatic black jewels and filigree.

8. Briana bib necklace -- $88, Guess by Marciano. Absolutely beautiful rhinestone necklace.

9. Rumor Satin Bib Necklace -- $10.80, Forever 21. Cute, black beaded necklace.

11. Jewel Cluster Ribbon Necklace -- $12.80, Forever 21. Colorful, fun jeweled necklace.

12. Chiffon, Tulle and Cotton Rose Bib Ribbon Necklace -- $58, Etsy. Gorgeous, cream colored fabric roses (above).

OPI Matte Nail Color

I'm totally intrigued by OPI's new line of matte nail polishes. It could be awesome, or it could look like you took a magic marker to your nails. The color I'm most interested in is Russian Navy, featured in the gorgeous Marie Claire shot above. Shiny blue nail polish is a little much, but matte seems more wearable. Per OPI, the matte colors don't wear as well, and you're also not supposed to wear a topcoat with them, so this is definitely not a low-maintenance look. But can't you see this against all the fall jewel tones? Definitely worth a try I think. It comes in several other shades as well, including Alpine Snow (a bright white, which may or may not make you look like you got into the white-out while bored at work) and Lincoln Park After Dark (the classic deep, deep plum).

Boyfriend Jeans

I love the boyfriend jean trend, and after seeing Sloan's outfit on the season premiere of Entourage, I became a little obsessed with recreating her look. (See above - I know this is a horrible picture, but it's the best one I could find) I love the way they styled her for this episode.

So the thing about boyfriend jeans is that since they're slouchy and distressed, they can look a little bit sloppy if worn wrong. So I like the idea of wearing them with

something a little dressier on top. It could be a tank with a blazer or cardigan for day, or a little sequin top for evening. I like them worn with a belt and heels for the same reason, and I like a chunky, strappy leather shoe as shown above.

I really like these boyfriend jeans from Ann Taylor Loft for $69.50. They're distressed, but they don't look ratty.

For the gray tank, I like this one from Splendid, for $44 at Neiman Marcus, which has the drapiness of the original.

And for the blazer, this black one button blazer from Urban Outfitters for $78 is the perfect length, not too baggy and looks cute with the sleeves rolled up.

You've got to top them off with some chunky leather sandals, and I like this pair from piperlime for $79, which have the ankle strap and the right toughness about them. If you don't want to wear heels, I think this outfit would also look cute with black gladiator flat sandals.

Plaid

If I'm reading the fashion tarot cards correctly, we are all going to be swathed in plaid this fall. Yes, swathed. And I for one refuse to pay $200 for a plaid shirt. No, I will not, and I forbid you from doing so either. So I'm rounding up some for under $50.

I like the cute cotton blue shirt (above, left) at Delia's, for $39.50. Basic, but cute and it looks like it has a nice fitted shape.

How adorable is this shirt (above, right) at Charlotte Russe? I love the color, the longer length, the ruffled placket and the cute little tie waist. (Check out this cute flannel top at Forever 21 too for $17.80)

I love this slightly distressed version (left) at The Buckle for $28, with puffed sleeves and a subtle metallic thread woven in. (This plaid jacket at The Buckle is pretty cool too, and on sale for $48)

I kind of love this laid back look, even if it carries a slight risk of looking like a woodsman/lumberjack. Definitely not worth spending too much money on, because there are a ton of cute tops at great prices out there. Happy hunting! (pun intended--sorry!)

My trend obsession for fall

I'm so over summer right now, it is just waaay too hot outside, so my thoughts have already shifted to building my fall wardrobe. And I am pretty much obsessed with buying some dark skinny jeans and tall riding boots. Yes, I know I am jumping on this bandwagon incredibly late. In all fairness, I wanted on last year but the thought of maternity skinny jeans made me more nauseous than pregnancy itself.

I don't want to spend very much on the skinny jeans, since I will not be wearing them with anything but the aforementioned boots (in my opinion, girls with hips cannot get away with skinny jeans and flats). So I'm thinking about this pair of dark wash Diva skinny jeans at Old Navy.

They have a little spandex so I'm hoping they'll keep their shape for a little while at least. And they're only $29.50, which means I can spend more on boots!