From Paris to Seattle: Five Fall Favorites to Wear Now

photo courtesy of Gucci

In June I was lucky enough to spend time in Europe with my family, and the last stop on our trip was my most favorite place, Paris. The Soldes, or sales, were in full swing in the shops and Monica Brown and I took our girls to The Bon Marche to check it out. I could have spent all my money and all day in there. Monica is one of those friends that is a joy to shop with because she has amazing taste, and she always manages to find beautiful things for both herself and you! She's got that stylish eye that zeros in on the good stuff.

Now that we are back and heading towards the end of July I have put together a short list of a few of the trends and pieces that can actually be worn now. While sweaters and heavy coats need to be stashed away, these pieces will give your wardrobe the midsummer lift it needs, and be perfect for that first crisp fall morning.

Here are my five of my fall favorites.....and more to come!

Veronica Beard Jackets with removable dickeys

1. The Dickey and Jacket

Not everyone can wear a blazer during the summer months, but in the Pacific Northwest and other places in the world it isn't uncommon to need a jacket, especially in the evening. Veronica Beard has an amazing cutaway jacket with a removable dickey at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale this year, which has sold very quickly, as usually the best things do. That jacket was really cool but I also love this one, pictured above, because a denim moto dickey will give any jacket an edgy feel. This designer's unique take on the classic blazer and gives it an athleisure appeal that is fresh and modern.

Cropped flare denim. Photo courtesy of ASOS

2. Cropped Flare Pants

Cropped flare pants have got serious style and the denim in particular are really my favorite looks for fall. I have always been a big fan of Frame Denim and their latest, the Le Cropped Mini Bootcut Jean, really is the perfect jean. The waist is slightly higher, making it super flattering, and they can be worn now with sandals or sneakers and then rock a pair of booties in the fall. You can also find great pairs of this style at ASOS, which is a great website to shop the trends. As for the street style of Paris, well, the women and men were rocking the cropped wide leg pants, and looked amazing. Wide legs, culotte styles and fitted cropped flairs were everywhere. For a dressier pant, these Theory Treeka K Check Plaid Knit Cropped Pants would be perfect for fall with a pair of oxfords to play off of the menswear inspired glen plaid, and are also featured in the Nordstrom sale.

Miu Miu Double Strap Leather Lace-Up Ballet Flat

3. The New Ballet Flat

I have a major thing for Miu Miu, and in particular their shoes. They always have a bit of sweetness made edgy and cool with a twist. Take these Miu Miu Double Strap Leather Lace-Up Ballet Flats for instance. While I know this is super trendy look , it is also irresistible with the groovy moto straps across the classic ballet shoe. These flats also come with two different lace up straps, checkered and solid black, so of course you should wear one of each. The Marni Satin Ballet Flat is another favorite because of the blue and black combination--a chic favorite of mine. These darlings are pricey though, but I still adore them.

Looking for something a little more classic, yet original? Seattle based Baby & Company carries ballet flats by Opera National de Paris, the oldest ballet academy in the world. Their master shoe maker created a gorgeous line of ballet slippers for home and line of slipper inspired shoes for the pavement. These beauties are hand made in Limoges, France. Lace up pointed toe flats may not be a true ballet flat but they are so chic that I am overlooking that detail. Sam Edelman Rosie Lace Up Flats are a pretty and more affordable pair that come in versatile caramel, a wine color and of course, black.

Zara Limited Edition Bomber Jacket

4. The Bomber Jacket 

I am quite enchanted with the bomber, which has been morphing over the past couple of years from collegiate to campy to pieces of intricate art. The silk bomber jacket seems to be everywhere at the moment, from H&M to Victoria Beckham. I like this Zara limited edition version because of the rich chocolate brown color, and because the embroidery details are on the front of jacket instead of on the usual back. Many silk bombers are reversible, like this one by Elizabeth and James, or can even be intricate, such as this lace applique piece by Misguided.

Topshop Asymmetric Pleat Midi Skirt

5. Metallic Pleated Midi Skirt

The metallic pleated skirt in a midi length is a hot look for fall, and in particular I loved this Topshop version because of its two tone asymmetrical pattern, and I actually own this Zara skirt, which has the most beautiful tumbled rose gold sheen. In Paris I saw lots of pleated dresses, shirts and skirts--it was a look that seemed everywhere on the streets. Wear this skirt style now with an off the shoulder blouse and perhaps the above-mentioned ballet flats. A pleated skirt can make its way with style all the way to cooler months paired with boots and cozy sweaters. Or maybe even off to a holiday gathering? It has that certain je ne sais quoi.

Gucci Garden Dionysus Bag

6. Embellished Garden

Did I say five favorites? It is hard to stop there so here is a bonus favorite: embellished garden. I am in love with the gorgeous butterflies, large flowers, intricate vines and all the rest of those nature inspired details. Gucci is the front runner on this trend, with many a copycat, but that is to our benefit, isn't it? Wear a standout embroidered dress like this Sachin & Babi one, mix a beautiful feminine blouse with a pair of distressed denim, or carry a detailed handbag, like the Gucci Garden Dionysus Bag. This would also be a good chance to scour eBay and the like for vintage finds. Race you.

While walking the streets of Paris I tried to inconspicuously follow a few really fabulous people to get an up close look at what they were wearing. Other notable trends include, bold red lips, unraveled and fringe edges on everything, nonstop sneakers, large florals, delicate multi-layered necklaces, and chunky heeled shoes. I also noticed a prevalence of the Longchamp bag, which seemed to be on everyone's shoulder, and a million New Balance sneakers. 

I will be adding to my favorites list as we get closer to fall, because the list is always evolving. Happy shopping!