The Great Thing About Fall

The leaves are starting to change, Starbucks' pumpkin spice latte is back and it's just cool enough to bundle up a bit. It's sweater weather: the unique type of weather that happens just before the extremities of winter come upon us. The mornings are cool enough to trade in the iced-coffee for hot tea and the afternoons bring warmth that help propel us through the long days. It's this time of year that I can't resist a shopping adventure, or two, or three. And while the in between season shopping is never an easy task it is often the most fun. It also seems that during the fall the tiniest of purchases always invigorate the wardrobe and make me re-excited about the clothes I already have.

My favorites for a quick update that will give you the satisfaction of a new fall wardrobe include:

• A few new dresses: find ones in darker shades, eggplant, brown and navy are my favs. Make sure they fit comfortably and land at the knee (nothing too short please), sleeves are also a must, tank-tops are for summer only. Tip: Any dress belted at the waist is flattering and slimming.
• Opaque tights: Black opaque tights should be a closet staple. Knit tights in beiges and grays are also growing on me. Pair the tights with one of your new dresses as the weather gets cooler and you'll stay toasty and feminine.

• Ankle boots: Splurge on the Tory Burch Patent Platform Ankle Boot. A statement shoe is a must this fall. Take a peak at Prada's Fall 2008 collection (the shoes had wings!) for ideas.

• Scarves: They are everywhere! Pretend you are a Parisian and begin a collection of light, over-sized scarves in a multitude of colors and patterns. The scarf may be one of the leastexpensive ways to update an outfit. The temperature rules regarding the wearing of scarves have also changed, it no longer needs to be 40 degrees to bundle up in one. So long as the pieces you pair it with are weather-appropriate, the scarf is acceptable.

• Double headbands: Think of Blair and Serena from Gossip Girl, they've started a headband revolution and I am perfectly content to join. I recently snagged a leopard print one from Forever 21 (gasp!) for $5. But watch out, what you put in your hair is also considered an accessory, so don't go overboard with the other extras you choose to wear with them. I'd say there's a perfect accessory formula: Never exceed three. Depending on the outfit I would suggest a hair accessory, earrings (pearls, or diamond studs) and then one wild card...a necklace, ring, bangles etc.