Hello, Fall

Welcome back, baby.  My closet and I missed you! After much deliberation, here are the season's top 10 trends worth jumping up and down about it. Yes, happy dance. Style on.

STYLINGSTAGE suggests:

#1: FLARE LEG JEANS/WIDE LEG TROUSERS:
Style it: a tucked in blouse, tall stacked heel boots and a chill vibe. It’s all about the 70s.  Right on for the extra inches!
"Transcend - Bell Canyon" Flares, Paige Demin:

#2: Y-NECKLACES AND LEATHER STRAP WATCHES:
Style it: the necklace with a pretty knit sweater or v-neck t-shirt and bottom of your choosing. The watch with a dainty cuff and any unserious outfit.
La Boheme Rose Gold/Black face Watch, Cluse:

Incognito Y-chain Necklace, BaubbleBar:

#3: BUCKET BAGS:
Style it: your weekend outfit of black jeans, t-shirt and blazer or sweatshirt dress w/ booties. Burgundy is big now but black still rules. It’s small, so just the basics.
Mini Bucket Bag, Rebecca Minkoff:

#4: POINTY TOE FLATS:
Style it: seeing the foot it key. Opt for a casual day dress or shorts/sweater and ear climbers to show your hip factor. Croc, patent, lace-up, cutout, you decide.
"Finest" Pointy Toe Ghillie Flat, Topshop:

#5: LONG VESTS:
Style it: go for menswear or raw edge and pair with skinny or girlfriend jeans, short sleeve tunic, booties and some arm party.  Make sure length doesn’t exceed mid-thigh.
Raw Edge Long Vest, Trouve:

#6: CULOTTES:
Style it: go for a solid color and pair with a turtleneck, tall knee boot or classic pump and studs. It’s a toughie to pull off but looks chic when done right.
Faux Leather Culotte, Zara:

#7: FRINGE:
Style it: any outfit you want to mix up. Go for a neutral-colored suede.  If rodeo isn’t your thing, opt for a crossover bag or short booties.
Juneau Booties, Dolce Vita:

#8: SOFT TRENCH/DUSTER COAT:
Style it: with anything! A great layering piece for all body types. Try a warm color in suede to break up the usual.
Gideon Soft Trench, Club Monaco:

#9: ROUND SUNGLASSES:
Style it: swap them for your oversized or wayfarer rims for a fresh, updated look. Again, goes with anything.
50mm Round Sunglasses, Ray-Ban:

#10: DARK ROMANCE:
Style it: think lace and dark florals. Dresses usually do these textures/prints justice. Pair with deep red lip/nails and neutral lace-up heels. 
Printed Dress Black, Zara:

Until we meet again!

Cool Gifts Under $200

Here are some thoughtful (and very stylish) gifts for the special ladies in your life.  I know it's not even Thanksgiving, but COME on...gift giving is fun! Oh, and the list features items under $200. You're welcome:

The Hostess: she's entertainer extraordinaire! Don't mess around with flowers.  Give her the Kate Spade New York (set of 2) Notebooks to keep her to-do list looking chic:

The Bundle: she rarely naps and screams a lot, but her smile makes the hearing loss worth it. Order a Land of Nod Executive Chair and choose from many colors. She can climb it, bite it and best of all, it's noise-free:

The Grandma: she loves you and your family! Put special memories into a keepsake album for her to cherish. You will be her fave grandkiddo, guaranteed. Check out the Apple iPhoto book:

The BFF: imagine life without her loving support, got-your-back attitude and amazing humor--I can't. So opt for delicate jewelry that speaks volumes like the Dogeared Best.Friend.Ever. Necklace:

The Sister: a joy, a friend, and the one who knows you best. Brighten her day with the Fragrance Collection White Tile-print Candle by Tory Burch. She can light this and think of her awesome sister:

The Young Daughter: this cutie tootie loves to raid your closest. Oh dear. Give her some of her own sparkle with the Girls' Glitter and Leather Pochette from J.Crew:

The Mother: she gave you life and loves you forever. Wrap her in your love with the Tissue Weight Wool/Cashmere Pashmina from Nordstrom:

The Wife: "you don't need to get me anything" is a TEST. Do not flunk it.  Hello, Starburst Single-Station Cable Bracelet with Diamonds by David Yurman (P.S. this does not meet budget - nor should it):

The Hipster Teen: probably the most difficult of the species. Thank goodness for the iLuv MobiTour Portable Bluetooth Speaker. Now she can jam out louder to whatever tunes the kids like these days:

The Me to Me: 'tis better to give than receive (but a little pick-me-up never hurt). And a girl's gotta look good, so grab the Virtual Domination Cheek Palette by NARS:

STYLINGSTAGE suggests GIVING! Merry shopping. Style on.

Fall Feast - 10 Trends

Amazing to finally sit and talk happy things: like FALL style! My eyes are always bigger than my wallet (thus is life), but STYLINGSTAGE's “m.o.” is still in full effect. Here are 10 worthy trends and picks within a friendly budget:

1). PrintMANIA: look for long sleeve dresses and top coats in dark, graphic prints with lots of texture. Pair with more subtle options to balance out the crazy factor (unless you’re crazy). Booties, of course. I want this.

Print dress with long sleeves, Zara:

2). CHUNKYmonkey: think cable knit, crew-neck sweaters in soft, neutral hues.  Looks chic when paired with skinny leather pants or skirt. Add rose gold jewelry for an unexpected touch. Any boot will do. The goal is beautiful-cozy.

Lucinda Sweater, Club Monaco:

3). JewelLIGHT: light, airy necklaces, bracelets and thin stacking rings is the look du jour this season. Any shade of gold. Find them on the cheap or splurge a little. It’s a nice break from rocks on steroids.

Gorjana Mila Shimmer Rings, Piperlime.com:

4). RisingWAIST: the waistband is moving north on all styles and aged/distressed and some novelty are trending too.  But classic dark rinse cigarettes or black skinnies (my fave) are always in. Pair with almost anything.

Destructed High Waist Jeans by Joe's, Nordstrom:

5). POINTer: the pointy toe has been back for a few seasons, but this time in gorgeous flats (missing the middle) and pumps with geometric cut-outs. Black or color or print. It’s all good.

Jaden Pointy Toe Pumps, Nine West:

6). theBLAZE: oversized blazers are IT.  Try a double-breasted glen plaid or a classic black in a bum-covering length.  Pair with distressed jeans and a cute top. Add delicate jewelry and pointy toe pumps with cut-outs to light it up.

Tuxedo-inspired Boyfriend Blazer, Forever 21:

7). SPORTYspice: Sportswear meets mainstream. Look for cool prints over black (give neon a break) in tights, hoodies or kicks. Remember, white only looks cool in Chuck Taylors.

Triangular Be Free Tight, Athleta.com:

8). BAGthat: Shoulder straps, crossbodys and top handles are making headlines. But the most modern look this season is anything in COLOR (bold or pastel). Go for any shade that makes you giddy.

Bowling Bag with Knots, Zara:

9). LEATHERme: slim pants, perforated or pleated skirts (mini or midi), cropped moto jackets, take your pick.  Black still rules.  Mix with softer textures and pieces for a luxe feel. Hard core and ladylike all at once. Perfection.

Pleated Leather Skirt, Banana Republic:

10). WRAPsody: the freshest take on coats is the wrap. Gorgeous, insanely chic, and fits all figures. Camel, winter white and black are always solid bets.  I love you.

Long Wrap Coat, Zara:

STYLINGSTAGE suggests all of the above (or at least 1 new item!).

That's all folks. Style on.