The Trocadero Top Twenty: Our Must-Have Items To Get You Through The Fall Fashion Season (Tips 20-15)
20. It's not just the temperature outside that's stuck in the 80s. The decade of excess, shoulder pads, neon, metallic studding, leggings and acid washed jeans are all back in full fashion force. Just be careful not to pile it all on at once or you'll risk looking like a true fashion victim. Search for a vintage 80s strong-shoulder blazer in your closet (or your Mom's) or at a thrift/consignment shop (like Esther's on 75th St. north of Pacific), buy inexpensive leggings in black, metallics or neons at Target or American Apparel, skip the acid washed jeans (or just bleach an old pair at home) and invest in a studded accessory (because trust me, this trend will always come back every few years). We love this look from Balmain (above) and this Be & D shoulder bag available right now at the Troc.
19. Nothing is more polished this season than a crisp white cotton button shirt. The good thing is that this style is available almost everywhere at every price. If you're prone to spilling and yellowing underarms, stick to more throwaway shirts that you can ditch after a season or two. I love the Simply Vera by Vera Wang one from Kohl's with a tuxedo-style front pleating detail.
18. Black tie isn't just for after-hours. Whether it's double-breasted, black, with a notched lapel or my personal favorite: the shawl-collar, a tuxedo jacket is a fresh, new look to pair with a feminine, flirty mini skirt or pair of skinny leggings or jeans. There are tons of designer versions out there to invest in from Stella McCartney, Thakoon, See by Chloe and others. This is a great classic jacket that is current but great to have for years to come so I'd say spend the money and get a really fabulous one if you can.
17. Look Ma, No Hands! This season it's all about the hands-free bag. Whether it's a messenger-style large tote or one that is big enough to just hold the essentials, a cross-body bag is something every wardrobe should have.
And at the Troc we have many styles from L.A.M.B., MZ Wallace and Anya Hindmarch (coming soon). Here, is the Paige from MZ Wallace...we love it in this black color but the nutmeg is equally delicious.
And at the Troc we have many styles from L.A.M.B., MZ Wallace and Anya Hindmarch (coming soon). Here, is the Paige from MZ Wallace...we love it in this black color but the nutmeg is equally delicious.16. Steal from Dad's closet. It's all about menswear this fall season so take a cue from Daddy dearest and incorporate some of his houndstooth, herringbone and pinstripe patterns into your own closet. While you might not be able to physically wear his clothes, at least steal the inspiration. At least grab a tie (one size fits all). There's a reason why ex-NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani stopped me on a street corner when I was wearing a navy blazer, white shirt, tie and khaki...shorts. Ok, so maybe the shorts was the real reason (he and his whole crew were wearing my same look minus the shorts). I like menswear mixed with some femininity (in my case it was the shorts). But for fall, I would pair it with a wool pencil skirt, bermudas, a pair of high heel pumps. You get the idea. Just don't be afraid to embrace your testosterone.
*These next tips from Tidbits 08.26.09*
15. Make a Statement. A "wow" necklace can really make an entrance and truly transform any hum-drum outfit. Think multi-strand chains, chunky, bauble styles in jewel tone colors to complement fall's earth tones when searching for the right piece. We love this one from Kara by Kara Ross (available at Trocadero) and would pair it with a tweed blazer, crisp blouse, slim jeans and an oxford bootie. For more of our styling tips, check out our Personal Stylist page of our website.
14. Get your motor running. We've been talking about it for months and yes, it's true...the biker jacket is the key piece to own. If you find a fabulous one at a thrift store, grab it while you can. Otherwise, there are plenty of choices both online and in stores so just search for one that suits you and your budget. Wear it with something softer on bottom such as a satin knee-length skirt or sweater dress.
13. Be like Sporty Spice. While we might live in a more Posh Spice-centric, a.k.a. Victoria Beckham, world, rugby stripes, polo shirts, shorts and sneakers look equally at home next to fur trim, rhinestones, satins and boucle suits. Incorporate and layer the pieces to create rugged ladylike silhouettes or preppy glamour looks. 
10. Grab a sweater. As soon as Labor Day is over, it seems like nature automatically turns on the switch button to cooler temps. And it makes us reach for our oversized sweatshirts and cableneck sweaters. While it's always sweater season come autumn, this year it's more about the style of sweaters that are essential to updating your wardrobe. Think oversized, chunky, long and short sleeve. Yes, short-sleeve. The way to wear this is by wearing a long sleeved button down or a long sleeved cotton shell. And when it's really cold, wear it over a cashmere-blend turtleneck. Keep the pants slim or wear a pencil skirt and use a belt to break up the look. There are so many affordable options of the short-sleeved, chunky sweater; many I have seen are under $45. This L.A.M.B. "Lambert" tote is one of our favorite bags at the Troc for its versatile handheld and long shoulder strap. And of course for its sporty stripes. It's ample size is large enough to fit a laptop and some some knee pad guards for that rugby game after work.
12. Up, up and away! The over-the-knee boot this season is almost like a second skin, especially if you live in colder climates (hello, can we say O-M-A-H-A in December thru February?). Good thing that the Troc has come prepared to offer the bomb of a boot from Joie: the black Caravan double-zipper thigh high leather style. 
Most of the boots on the runway are on a heel but we love the fact that this is practical, chic, oh-so-stylish, super cool and most importantly FLAT. We're counting the days when it arrives on our doorstep courtesy of our awesome UPS man, Bob. He's almost as much as the bomb as the boots. Here, a sneak peak. And if you're worried because you're petite, have no fear: this boot looked great on Kim from Joie who is not much taller than 5'2".
But if you need a heel, we do have these incredible Giuseppe Zanotti thigh-high boots on a hidden platform heel.
Most of the boots on the runway are on a heel but we love the fact that this is practical, chic, oh-so-stylish, super cool and most importantly FLAT. We're counting the days when it arrives on our doorstep courtesy of our awesome UPS man, Bob. He's almost as much as the bomb as the boots. Here, a sneak peak. And if you're worried because you're petite, have no fear: this boot looked great on Kim from Joie who is not much taller than 5'2".
But if you need a heel, we do have these incredible Giuseppe Zanotti thigh-high boots on a hidden platform heel. 11. Show some shoulder.
It's a season about showing some skin. Whether it's a mini dress or skirt or the one shoulder or one sleeve top or dress, the designers want you to liberate your legs and your arms. Remember Freida Pinto at the Oscars (in John Galliano)?
For fall, Oscar de la Renta showcased a few gorgeous dresses with the bare shoulder look, such as this stunning jewel tone one at left. If you want to do the ultimate one-two punch: this Emilio Pucci hot pink mini dress with one sleeve will do double, or triple duty (the hot pink makes it a trifecta).
It's a season about showing some skin. Whether it's a mini dress or skirt or the one shoulder or one sleeve top or dress, the designers want you to liberate your legs and your arms. Remember Freida Pinto at the Oscars (in John Galliano)?
For fall, Oscar de la Renta showcased a few gorgeous dresses with the bare shoulder look, such as this stunning jewel tone one at left. If you want to do the ultimate one-two punch: this Emilio Pucci hot pink mini dress with one sleeve will do double, or triple duty (the hot pink makes it a trifecta).
9. Lace it up. When it comes to footwear this fall, there are a few must-haves to make sure you have in your wardrobe. One trend (and truly a classic style) is the oxford. 
It works well with all the menswear looks this season but also grounds a more feminine outfit. I really love the oxford bootie on a heel, such as this one called the Blimey from Seychelles. It is such a fabulous style on a hidden one-inch platform that not only will give you great height but is super comfortable...to boot (no pun intended). Its versatility to pair with jeans, dresses, skirts and trousers makes it an all-around shoe/bootie to have in your closet season after season. This is definitely a style you can invest in but we really love all the affordable options out there as well.
It works well with all the menswear looks this season but also grounds a more feminine outfit. I really love the oxford bootie on a heel, such as this one called the Blimey from Seychelles. It is such a fabulous style on a hidden one-inch platform that not only will give you great height but is super comfortable...to boot (no pun intended). Its versatility to pair with jeans, dresses, skirts and trousers makes it an all-around shoe/bootie to have in your closet season after season. This is definitely a style you can invest in but we really love all the affordable options out there as well.
8. Drink and think Guinness. I'm not advocating consuming alcoholic beverages; instead I'm talking about drinking in the color palette of the famed Irish beer. Black and tans make a tasty combination when it comes to your wardrobe (and the drink isn't so bad either -- and contrary to what you'd expect, Guinness is not higher in carbs or calories than most beers!). 
Whether you take inspiration from the gradient colors of the Guinness as it's poured alone or when it's mixed with a pale ale for the classic black and tan, we think that everyone's eyes will be smilin' when you're sporting colors of rich browns, dark chocolates, earthy tans and ecru beiges.
Just look at some of the accessories at the Troc and you'll get the message.
Whether you take inspiration from the gradient colors of the Guinness as it's poured alone or when it's mixed with a pale ale for the classic black and tan, we think that everyone's eyes will be smilin' when you're sporting colors of rich browns, dark chocolates, earthy tans and ecru beiges.
Just look at some of the accessories at the Troc and you'll get the message.
7. Be somewhat Peta-friendly. I know many people are against wearing fur and this might not be a trend where everyone will go on board. But it is definitely an item-driven season and the fur jacket or fur-trimmed coat is something that looks equally chic with a cocktail dress or a pair of well-worn jeans.
We love all the faux-fur options out there as well such as the Rachel Zoe for QVC line debuting on September 12th (photo courtesy of Instyle.com). But if you want the real deal and are on a budget (and maybe don't want to support the new trade of new fur), then go vintage.
It's definitely much more cost-conscious, easier on the psyche and honestly, the designs are true originals. This is where estate sales or antiquing come in handy. A short-drive from Omaha, Walnut, Iowa is an antiquing mecca with shop-after-shop of incredible wares for incredibly low prices. This mink capelet is a fraction of what it would have cost brand new and it was in terrific shape. It also reminds us of Doris Day in the movie, That Touch of Mink.6. Make them green with envy.
The perfect complement to fall's hues of grays, burgundys and chocolates is an accent color of green. We love Rachel Bilson with this cute pop of hunter green color in her shoulder bag and love the small shape as well (photo courtesy of people.com). 
At Trocadero, we like to take the green in a different direction: on our nails. Rescue Beauty Lounge has launched this brand new color for Fall called Orbis Non Sufficit (Latin for "the world is not enough") and we love the hue with charcoal and deep wine reds. This color and twelve other delectable hues from Rescue Beauty Lounge are all available at Trocadero. Don't forget about your nails, girls. They're just like any other accessory in your wardrobe!
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