My Fall Wish List

by mswen - August 29, 2008

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Fall is my tippity top favorite season of them all. And while living in New England means that it comes with a change of wardrobe (yay!), I don't necessarily need to invest in an entire new closet every fall - I just add a few key pieces to update and add to what I've already got. Here are the goods on my fall wish list.

1. Tall boots

It all started with a hairdresser. I was at the salon waiting for my brow wax and, lo and behold, Ms. Super Cool tap tap tapped back and forth across the floor wearing an adorable dress and the most killer pair of boots I’d ever seen. And not the kind with a skinny heel and pointy toe which easily can cross the line into paid escort/stripper/dominatrix territory. Nope - these babies were probably vintage, a little bit rugged, and looked absolutely amazing paired with her girly frock.

So, I’ve been on a mission. I’ve been searching for a pair with a little bit of down-home edge, a thicker heel, and a rounded toe. Ones that are timeless and classic and will be my go-to pair for a long time. Ones that’ll go with everything and will justify the steep price tag. And I think I’ve found them in that friendly pair to the right.

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2. Some sort of hat

Oh, hats. I love them, I want to wear them, and, often, I’ll buy them – only to have them sit in my closet, unworn. I end up losing my guts to rock the lid in public. I wonder what the point of wearing one is when I’ll just have to remove it when I’m belly up to the bar for beers and pub grub (that IS the rule, right?!)

But now it’s fall, and I’m back to coveting a hat. It’s cooler out! I need to keep my head warm! And when all you see in magainzes are lovely coats and snappy hats, it just seems right. So, OK, I’ll get just one – one that’s practical. I’ll definitely wear it this year!

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3. A wear-anywhere wrap cardigan

As anyone who gets cold easily will attest, if there’s one wardrobe staple for fall, it’s a cardigan. One that goes with everything, one that you can smash inside your bag and take along with you wherever you might need it, one that’s so comfortable that you’ll most likely fall asleep with it still on at least three times. And with the sheer number of options out there that to choose from, there is one for you, and you, and you.

My cardigan of choice is one that I can wear hanging open or wrapped around me. One that’s just warm enough to cut the chill in the air but won’t leave me sweating. One that doesn’t ball or pill up. And one that won’t break the bank, because given the amount of abuse I’m going to give it over the next six months or so, unless it’s made of steel, most likely I’ll be looking for a new one next fall.

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4. Grey tights

Nothing symbolizes fall fashion more than tights. And while the runways always show them in zany colors and patterns, in real life we’re mostly apt to stick with black. But this year, dark grey tights are everywhere and give us another option. They’re still a go-with-everything neutral and are surprisingly wearable, with an edgy fashionista quality to them. I’d love to wear them with a pair of red shoes and call it a day!

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Wolford

100 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02116

$10 tights there are not, but you simply cannot beat the luxury and quality of Wolford.

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5. A new bag

Here’s the thing. I really love bags. I have many of them – a zillion canvas totes in every size on the planet, stupid little ones (hello 2003!), some lovely clutches, and an ugly knockoff or two. What am I missing? A go-to, carry-everything bag. One that’s classic yet stylish. And once I find it, I’m determined to stick with it.

After an exhaustive search (is it just me or do stores only carry incredibly trendy bags that’ll be “out” in about two more minutes? And cost $900 for such a ridiculous shelf life?), I think I’ve found it: still pricey, for sure, but I can sling it over my shoulder (a MUST) and it’s roomy enough to even tote around my ever-present camera. And, it’s timeless. Worth the investment, I say.

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Macys

75 Middlesex Tpke Ste 128, Burlington, MA 01803

Seriously! Despite the millions of hip, of-the-minute stores out there, ol’ standby Macy’s came through with the win.

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6. Excellent shoes

I have lots of shoes. I have so many pairs that I don’t even know what I have. And guess what? I don’t love most of them. And I keep tripping over these things that I don’t love when I walk into our closet.

So, I’m making a change. I’ve decided to get rid of most of them and invest in a few really great, well-made pairs that are – for lack of a better word – freakingamazing. This time, I’m choosing quality over quantity. I want ones that I can wear over and over – even though they’re purple. Ones that won’t fall apart after one night of going out. Ones that can turn a simple outfit into something fabulous.

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7. A ruffled blouse

My friend assigned me a nickname and the word “ruffle” is part of it. That’s how much I love a good ruffle. And when you pair this normally frilly, sometimes prudish, often dowdy detail with something drop-dead sexy (a knee-length pencil skirt with heels!) or laid-back cool (perfectly-fitted, worn-in jeans), it becomes my favorite look.

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8. Sunglasses. Yes, sunglasses.

Well, it’s the end of summer, and here I am, looking for the perfect pair of sunglasses (because the sun shines all year long, my friends). My beloved pair from Marshalls is in the trash (due to an unfortunate crack) and so I’m on the lookout for a pair that’s just as flattering. A pair like these Ray-Bans aviators are on the top of my list, and their plastic frames are a must-have for me (metal frames get stuck in my hair when I put them on top of my head) .

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: by Elijay 09/05/2008 Reply

I’ve been coveting those wrap cardigans for quite a while. I almost bought one at Nordstrom’s for 50 bucks until I finally came to my senses and put it back on the rack. Looks like I’ll be making a trip to Forever 21! Thanks for the tip!

: by aliciak 09/04/2008 Reply

I’ve been on a long search for my idea of the perfect boot too…lace up, dignified, up to knees, maybe a dark chocolate brown? Cloggy heel (not the skinny ones!), a toe like this one. Let me know if you see anything! ;)

: by Susie 09/03/2008 Reply

Thank youuu for getting me a little more excited about Fall!! Definitely psyched for boots…but not really the snow that ruins them!