Why. I. Love. Fall.

In a word: layers. And if I could pick one more: colors. And if I was allowed a third: boots. Backstory: when I tell customers in the Boutique that I grew up working on horse farms, they always look at me with puzzle pieces knitting across their faces: how, pray tell, did you wind up here? How do farms and fashion go together, or, more appropriately, collide? The short answer: blue jeans. Barn girls learn from an early age how to look good in blue jeans - how to turn the same pair of denim and leather boots into something so powerfully feminine that it catches even the most rugged cowboy by surprise. And then when we meet said cowboy for dinner later in the week, we top those can-do boots with something a little girly and pretend not to notice when he comes undone at the sight.

In this look: New Escada blouse size 4 $450 (retail $1190); Plenty skirt size 6 $34; Kate Spade boots size 8 $115; Gucci handbag $500; Earrings $13; Cowboy hat $6.50

COLOR

I'm always ready for fall and winter fashion to make its yearly debut. Of course here in Georgia patience is required as we wait through several rounds of temporary cool-downs before fall finally and permanently descends on our southern state (usually in time for Thanksgiving... although I do recall a Christmas morning in shorts some years back, but I digress.)

In the past I've only had one bone to pick with winter-wear: the unceremonious pallets of gray, black, navy, and other equally quiet neutrals. Don't get me wrong - neutral can be chic, interesting, and down-right daring. But sometimes I look back forlornly at the season before and reminisce about the jewel tones of spring and summer splendor. However, fashion trends from the past few turns of the calender seem to be with me on this colorful matter, and welcome with open, covered arms a bolder and brighter color pallet. Purples, pinks, (side note: I heard coral was the new "it" holiday color...) greens, teals, and more are just as much of a winter wardrobe staple as a khaki coat or a black pair of boots. Tis the season to decorate... yourself!

Fall Fashion Guide 2010

It’s a good thing that a picture is in fact worth a thousand words, because this season’s fashion favorites come to you from across the Atlantic Ocean. Here’s the back story: for Bonnie’s (owner and fearless leader of Finders Keepers Consignment Stores) 29th wedding anniversary, she and hubby Parke hopped the big blue pond and spent two weeks touring Italy. She came back inspired – and with about ten pounds worth of Italian Vogue Magazines for me to devour. I definitely can’t read or speak Italian, but fashion, my fabulous friends, is universal. Analyzing each image without the guidance of expert commentary was both daunting and liberating. And “liberated” is an essential word not only in European fashion but also in this season’s style on this side of the pond. Smart, strong, structured, and sexy, this fall's fashion is a head-on collision of Madonna and Marie Antoinette. While their many differences could span the Atlantic, both controversial, capable icons could totally rock a corset. Leather and lace, texture and tulle, details and drama, welcome to Fall 2010.

Legs: From the ‘that’s-right-I-did’ mini shorts and dresses to fishnet tights to boots, boots, and more boots, fall’s fashion themes pull out all the stops to accentuate, decorate, and celebrate your legs. For those of you who gulped at the end of that sentence, remember that those legs of yours work hard, so they should play hard too. Experiment this season and see where an inch or two of liberation leads you. (Hey, there were a few pictures in the Italian magazines where models ONLY wore shoes, so take a deep breath and a baby-step out of your box.)

Purple: That rich, satisfying color is back this season. From jewelry to shoes to dresses, purple made its mark on fall fashion runways. Italians seemed to like purple so much that it was one of the few English words in the entire magazine. In fact, one issue had an entire section devoted to purple, which was curiously titled: “Purple Haze Lyric.”

Mini: Fall’s teacher’s pet is quite a sassy student: mini-length leather shorts go the distance – from work to weekend wear and everything in between. Not so sure that leather shorts will play well with others in your closet? A button-down blouse and a chic blazer add structure and style, and I’d bet they’re pieces you’re already comfortable wearing.

Boots: Stilettos have taken a back seat to boots this season. And in perfect harmony to the mini-length of shorts and skirts, over-the-knee boots are fall’s most coveted footwear. But booties would not go quietly, and are still making noise on this season’s scene. If boots just aren’t your thing, opt for clogs or wedges.

Texture: You know when you feel it – when what you’re wearing says something about your insides that words just won’t do justice. And this season’s fabrics and details make you want to reach out and touch them: fur, feathers, fringe, lace, netting, leather, darts, tiers, tulle, beads, silk, and sequins, to name a few. The textures of fall pay tribute to the fact that fashion at its core is truly a work of art.

Wild: Wildlife is often a major player in a designer’s inspiration, and this season was no exception. Zebra and leopard lead the way in the jungle’s takeover of fall patterns. From insect-inspired pendants and broaches to full-length feathered gowns, nature gives a nod to fashion pieces of all sizes.

Neutral: A focus on neutrals is spring’s gift to this season’s style. The structure and hues of last summer’s safari trek forward into fall. Cream, gray, ivory, chocolate, khaki, cinnamon, and more delicious colors make for a smooth, sleek look and are easy to accent with splashes of jewel tones or metallics.

Bejeweled: Big, bold, beautiful necklaces step into the spotlight as the must-have accessory of the season. And you better scoop up a couple of them, because a single strand simply won’t do. Mixing and layering statement necklaces take last fall’s trend a step further this year. And this season’s neutral stage is a perfect back-drop to show off your bejeweled neckline.

Welcome, Fall!

Fall is finally here. And I'd like to welcome the deliciously bold leaves, the cardigan I'll wear 100 times this season, seeing my breath in the morning, October's sapphire blue sky, boots (and more boots!), listening to the high school marching band's cadence that hangs in the air like stars every Friday night, and, of course, the fashion. Fall is perhaps my favorite season to dress for: cool enough to entertain my desire to layer, but not so cold that I have to compromise cute for cozy or vice/versa. I worked in the Boutique on Wednesday and felt invigorated by the crisp, clear air - and then the most adorable coat I may have ever seen came in for consignment. Inspired, Stephanie and I whipped up a fun fall look and called Heather to see if she'd come play dress up, and she was more than happy to oblige. I think she loves fall too...

On Heather:
Coat: Idra $95
Vest: Le Chateau $10
Blouse: Etro $104
Shorts: AGB $15
Boots: Coach $199
Necklaces: $40
Handbag: Furla $265

New Arrivals!

I worked in our little Boutique on Monday for our first Ladies' Night Out for the Fall Season - and I heard it again and again: "this is the best inventory you've EVER had." And it's so true! Not only is it *amazing* but there's a TON to look at. Stephanie, the manager of Boutique sent me these pictures of some fantastic new arrivals: A Gucci patent leather handbag and shoes, a Diane von Furstenburg handbag, and a pair of killer Coach over-the-knee boots (size 38)! Blogger keeps automatically rotating the pictures, but you'll get the idea!

p.s. check out our new website because I worked really hard on it! :) http://www.fkconsign.com/

In Transition

The store - and the state - are both in that splendidly awkward time of transition between seasons. (It came back to bite me yesterday when I opened all the windows the night before and turned off the AC then tried to grin and bear it as the temperature climbed almost 30 degrees - and into the 90s - the next day.) The store is packed to the gills: the summer merchandise is in its final stage of clearance - 1/2 off the lowest price! - and the fall and winter inventory has come in like a tide: engulfing every rack and shelf. And fall/winter pieces take up almost twice the room as the summer apparel as we trade in tank tops for thick wool coats. In brief: space is always a precious commodity during this season. But the good news: the inventory is amazing!

The Heart of an Artist

We women wear many faces: the face we keep on for an eight hour day at work, the face that smiles when our kids or significant others come home and ask us what's for dinner, the face we pose in a social setting when we don't really know anyone there... it's safe to say that we keep ourselves in check... a lot. But what we wear can set us free and speak for us when saying exactly what we think might not be the most productive course of action. Our style lets us spend a little time each day with that artist that lives in each of us, oft neglected but always ready to rise to the occasion.

Total Regular Retail Price: $1735
Total Price at Finders Keepers Boutique: $739

Boutique Girl: Julia (styled and photographed by Carrie)

On Julia:

Dress: Atos Lombardini $229

Cardigan: Tracy Porter $39

Boots: Stuart Weitzman: $219

Beaded Belt: Donna Karen (NWT - retail $500) $219

Sequined Hat: $33

It's a Man's World

Not anymore! But combining menswear with your girlie wardrobe can result in a super sexy chic look. As much as I heart skirts, pants and shorts are more functional, especially for us gals about town. Hopping in and out of the car, zipping through the grocery store, picking up or dropping off kids... needless to say, we're busy. And clothes that go the distance make our daily triathlons easier. But that's no reason to sacrifice style. Let's show the boys how it's done...

Boutique Girl: Heather (photography and styling by Carrie)
Shot in Rainbow Groceries on North Decatur Road - we LOVE their hot bar!

On Heather:
Straw handbag J Crew: $17
Scarlett Turquoise shorts with sash, size L: $25
Tory Burch blouse, size 4: $20
Harley Davidson black boots, size 8 1/2: $65
Mizzae black jacket (new), size 1: $37
Silver/Clear flower ring: $12