This time of year seems odd to most fashion lovers. It is still incredibly hot, yet we are looking at leather leggings and chunky sweaters. I love summer but I always get excited to put sundresses, shorts and straw products away and welcome cashmere, coats, tall boots and jeans. I know I have said this before but since we are entering into it I will say it again: fall/winter is the most expensive season, so buying smart is very important! I suggest taking stock of your wardrobe and base your buying on the holes you have created or weaknesses you see. Retired several tops and sweaters? Then you know you need to focus on more than jeans or skirts. Your tall boots have gone through two winters. Maybe you can re-sole them, and maybe you need to invest in a new pair when they go on sale at the end of the season. Spending this extra time can save you lots of money and let you buy more new stuff when it’s time to shop. Once you have done all your assessment, here are some fall trends to be shopping for. Jeans are a staple for every season and we are seeing colors and prints again. Colors are more of the jewel tones this time of year so think plums, mustard yellows, malachite green, dark gray and even metallic. Prints are animal (leopard, cheetah and snake), polka dots, stripes, metallic floral and ikats. Other bottoms to note are leather leggings and their cool — and less expensive — cousin the lacquered legging. Corduroy is also a fall staple and designers are doing it in all colors and fits, from leggings to boyfriend. I love cords because they look and fit like jeans but give you a break from your classic denim. Sweaters are my favorite top this time of year. I love snuggling into a yummy cashmere sweater. Sweaters tend to not be overly trendy, so this is something I splurge on. They can be expensive but you may have them for many winters to come (putting them away clean and using lots of cedar spray helps to preserve them. I’m also obsessed with is my sweater shaver — talk about bringing a sweater back to life. It’s inexpensive and fun to do). Vendors that do great sweaters are Vince, Autumn Cashmere, Tory Burch, Joie, Elizabeth and James, Rag & Bone, Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales. Styles that I love are sweaters with big cowl necks, and I’m a huge fan of the peplum. The peplum is huge right now — it creates a simple, yet totally chic fall look. Think dark skinny jeans, peplum sweater and ballet flats, tall riding boots or smoking loafers. Another chic — but cozy and easy — look I love is a sweater dress with tights and tall boots. To top everything off this season you need some kind of coat. Though it’s hard to imagine with the heat right now, it does get chilly in San Diego. Plus, think about a fall vacation: the rest of the country is not as blessed as we are when it comes to winter. To keep things classic, I recommend a pea coat or trench and I would keep the color neutral like navy, black or camel. If you want to be a little more daring, there are a number of options out there to choose from. Kate Spade has fun and lady-like coat in red with a bow collar — very fun if this is your style. Remember, coats can be very expensive so think this purchase through before you buy! Other things that will work here are sweater coats, sweater vests, down vests and leather jackets. A leather jacket with a cashmere scarf in a fun color is a really great look for fall/winter and it never goes out of style (depending on the jacket). Other trends to note in ready-to-wear are digital prints and yes, mixing them is still in vogue. Navy is the new neutral so make sure you have lots of it. It is also being mixed with black so embrace this combo (it’s a little hard for me but I’m going to push myself to try it). Also: borrow something from the boys by way of a cardigan, button down shirts, academy blazers or jeans. Capes and ponchos are still in (petite people beware: this can work for you, but make sure you’re wearing the cape or poncho and it’s not wearing you). Join me next time when I run down fall accessories and shoes. If you have any questions about what to buy for fall drop me an email and I’m happy to weigh in and give you some input, [email protected]. Until then happy (and smart) shopping!