Nicely knit

Chunky knits always seem like a perfect look for fall and winter. Warm, cozy, and comfy, they’re a great way to keep out the chill but still look hot. This year, chunky knit sweaters are at the top of the must-have list for fall. As always, Yaya’s carries just what you need to make sure you’re a “do” and not a “don’t.”

For a super-soft, super comfy sweater, try 525 America’s pullover. With a loose knit and loose fit, it’s perfect for layering. Try it with soft grey straight-leg jeans or trousers, and wear a brightly-colored tank underneath for an eye-catching burst of color. Simple dangle earring would complete the look.

For a more sophisticated take on chunky knit, try Tribal’s single-button cardigan. The loose and open silhouette allows a flirty camisole or tank top to peek through, while still keeping you nice and toasty. This is a perfect piece with black pants and a tan tank, or even over a sleek floral dress and knit tights with boots. It comes in crimson or buckskin, both colors sure to fit your wardrobe’s fall color palette.

Chunky knit sweaters work well all fall and winter long, so make sure you stock up now! Check out the sweaters and jackets link above for more great looks.

Remember that you can click on the images above for more information about the item, and you can click here to send me an email question or comment.

Pretty Patterns

Standout patterns, from argyle plaid to watercolor-inspired abstracts, are flooding the fashion world this season. A bold pattern can make an otherwise-dull outfit outstanding, and a turn a simple silhouette into something stunning. Check out a few great pieces below.

The “New Harmony” mesh top by Anac is a unique piece. It has a tapestry-look piece inset into the front so it looks as though you’re wearing a layered outfit, without the bulk of extra layers. This piece would look stellar with a snug black skirt and ribbed black tights, or with black or grey trouser-cut pants. Tiny silver chain bracelets or chunky black beads would finish the outfit with subtle class. The rest of Anac’s line is also full of great prints. Check it out here.

Weston Wear makes a few dresses with fantastic patterns for fall. The “Camilla” dress has lush reds, yellows, and browns printed on a natural background. The “Rosario” dress has a swirl pattern of browns, blues, and greens. Both dresses would be great for fall under long cable-knit cardigans and knee-high boots. Take a look at the rest of Weston Wear’s line here.

For a more casual look and more symmetrical pattern, try Lauren Hansen’s striped cashmere sweater. The grey and brown shades work well with denim or khaki, and the zip front makes this a perfect layering piece. Wear it over a tan or white ribbed tee with jeans and sueded flats for a great weekend look.

Next week, we’ll check out a few more hot runway trends, so please check back then!

Tactile Fashion

Last week we talked about the dark, rich colors that will be making the grade for fall. Easily going hand-in-hand with those fabulous colors are the luxuriously textured fabrics they will accompany. Fluffy sweaters, soft velvets and velours, lush silks and satins, and nubby tweeds all add interest and spice to everday outfits. Again here, a few key pieces can go a long way toward updating your wardrobe without maxing your budget.

A2Z has a line of fun tops, including sweaters, tees, and tunics in soft cozy fabrics perfect for the first touch of cool weather. The fleece “Cozy Top” has ¾ length sleeves, a banded boat neckline, and banded hem. Its comfy casual styling would complement soft jeans and sueded boots for a great weekend look. Check out the rest of the A2Z line here.

Tribal makes a great chunky knit cardigan in a loose and easy silhouette that perfectly compliments a variety of body types. Available in crimson or buckskin (two great fall colors that fit perfectly into the color palette talked about last week), it can coordinate nicely with jeans for a fall festival, or with bootcut grey or khaki pants for an office look. Add some wooden beaded bracelets or a stone pendant to finish the look.

Nic and Zoe nails this part of the fall trend as well as they did the color trend. Two key items for fall 2008 are the tweed trouser and tweed jacket. Together they make a cute tweed suit, but as separates, they can add endless possibilities to your wardrobe. The trousers work with a variety of styles of tops for your workday. Add a pair of black pointy-toed heels or boots to boost your height and add some pizzazz. The jacket works with black pants, a grey skirt, or even jeans. Add a satin tank top underneath in royal hue for a punch of color. Click here to see the whole Nic and Zoe line.

Check out the “Clothing” links above for more great rich fall fabrics, and try the “Accessories” and “Jewelry” links for perfect accent pieces.

Would you like eggplant with that?

After a few weeks of highlighting reader questions and fashion secrets, it’s time to get back to the Fall 2008 trends. This fall will be all about rich color, luxurious fabrics, and standout patterns. In a time when the economy is struggling, prices on everyday goods are soaring, and people everywhere are feeling the strain, a few key pieces can go a long way toward updating your fall and winter wardrobe without breaking the bank.

An easy way to start this fall is to add a few items in a rich, dark hue. Eggplant, olive, tan, and mustard look great with the season’s classic black, grey, and brown. These royal-inspired colors project an air of luxuriousness and class. They look great on many skin tones and are perfect for the office or a special event.

Nic & Zoe, one of our new lines, has this color trend nailed. With a great selection of pants, tops, tanks, and sweaters in tarnish (a deep green) and brick (a mustardy tan), you’ll be sure to find a perfect piece for you. Try the trousers in tarnish with the multi-colored wrap top, brown boots, and a few wooden bangles for a work-day look, or layer the long cardigan in tarnish and ivory over the “perfect tank” in tarnish or brick, along with a pair of medium-hued denim jeans and camel-colored flats for a great casual weekend outfit. Check out the whole line here.

Press has a fabulously rich chocolate-colored tank and cardigan set that would add a subtle touch of color to a classy workday look. Try it with a camel-colored skirt or pants, with chocolate-colored pumps and a beaded necklace in olive or camel. Or, dress it down with dark denim and sueded boots for a casual-but-not-frumpy look for a weekend lunch date.

Accessories are also hot in these dark shades, especially when mixed with natural elements like wood beads or jade stones. Art by Any Means’ fall collection is full of sophisticated beaded jewelry with accents of dark wood, jade, onyx, and pearls. Try any of the necklaces or earrings to add a punch of color to any natural-hued outfit. Click here to see the whole Art by Any Means collection at Yaya’s.

Check out the “Clothing” links above for more great richly-hued clothing for fall, and check back next week when we showcase fabrics with rich textures and fun fabrics.