ChristinaKristin: Style Crush

5 Fall trends I'm crushing on!!!

1. Brocade

Throughout history brocade was reserved for the wealthiest and most powerful people, then in the 18th century men and women in the upper and middle classes incorporated this jacquard woven fabric into their day to day wardrobes. Eventually, it was seen in many households, which most people still associate brocade with their grandmother's sofa.

Well now this luxurious fabric is back, and it's making a statement. Many designer's showed the use of this fabric in the Fall runway shows. These two pieces from Balmain and Marchesa were my favorite. I will definitely try incorporating this trend into my wardrobe sparingly, through accessories, or by wearing one brocade piece with something more neutral or not as bold.

Balmain Fall 2012 www.style.com

Marchesa Fall 2012 www.style.com

From left to right:

1. The foil brocade shorts are Lauren Conrad available at http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/zbrandskiosk/women/lclaurenconrad/bottoms/PRD~1188062/LC+Lauren+Conrad+Foil+Brocade+Shorts.jsp for only $37.50

2. The Strafford Tights are available at http://www.modcloth.com/shop/tights/staffordshire-tights for $29.99

3. The brocade inspired skirt is available at http://www.hm.com/us/product/03989?article=03989-A for $34.95

2. Drop waist dresses

The drop waist dress gained it popularity during the Roaring Twenties, a great example of this style dress is the oh -so famous beaded flapper dress. You can spot a drop waist dress by finding where the waist seam falls; it will fall at or near the hips, rather than the natural waist. This silhouette can be tricky for many body types to wear, it generally looks best on those with smaller hips and longer torsos. Which is why this dress looks great on the runway.

I want to incorporate one of these dresses into my wardrobe this fall. I will have to choose wisely how I style this dress and what shoes to wear. I am very petite, and because there is so much fabric at the top of the dress it could cause my legs to look super short. We shall see. Below are some affordable options.

Tadashi Fall 2012 www.style.com

From Left to Right:

1.Blue pleated "Drop Waist No Time" dress is available at http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/drop-waist-no-time-dress for $52.99

2. Black and White Polka dot dress is available at http://www.etsy.com/listing/612420 36/vintage-1980s-polka-dot-drop-waist-dress?utm_source=googleproduct&utm_medium=syndication&utm_campaign=GPS for $26.00

3. Ruffle Drop waist dress paisley print is available at http://www.victoriassecret.com/clothing/dresses/ruffle-drop-waist-dress?ProductID=68775&CatalogueType=OLS for $59.50

3. Capes

I always thought there was something chic about "Little Red Riding Hood's" attire, her cape! Designers did an excellent job on their rendition of this overcoat trend. Two of my favorites were by Marni and Prabal Gurung. The cape is a good essential to have in your wardrobe, you will always something stylish to throw on to keep you warm.

Marni Fall 2012 www.style.com

Prabal Gurung Fall 2012 www.style.com

From Left to Right:

1. The Dune Mesh Cape available at http://www.unitedhabit.com/51kt7in7251-the_dune_mesh_cape_cameo for $29.99

2. Women's Fashion cloak available at http://www.ebay.com/itm/270877621045?hlp=false&var= for $29.99

3. Distinctive Style Cape available at http://www.modcloth.com/shop/outerwear/distinctive-style-cape for$42.99

4. Day clutches

I love a great clutch, whether it's day or night. This Fall carrying a clutch during the day is all the rage. So toss that oversize handbag to the side, and find a stylish clutch to carry! The wonderful thing about clutches is, you can find them very easily at your local thrift store. Almost all of the clutches that I own are thrift store finds and they all were $1.99 or less.

Tom Ford Fall 2012 www.style.com

Juicy Couture Fall 2012 www.style.com

From Left to Right:

1. Python print envelope clutch available at

http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/handbags/clutches/product/88533214-nobbe/24 for $34.98

2. Pink "leather" clutch available at http://www.hm.com/us/product/01618?article=01618-A for $17.95

3. Mail Me to Miami clutch available at http://www.modcloth.com/shop/small-bags-clutches for $34.99

5. Cap toe shoes

Cap toe shoes have really made a statement. The cap toe is traditionally seen in men's shoes, but it has now crossed over to the women's department, in the form of high heels and flats. This shoe is so versatile, whatever your style is you can find a cap toe shoe that is right for you. I think I will invest in a flat pair for work, and then a high heel for play!