If you like fringe, this is your season. Robin Hood meets Pocahontas with a bit of the Wild West and the good old ‘70’s thrown into the mix. You’ll find boots, shoes, handbags, scarves and clothes overtly trimmed with statement fringe in stores right now.

This is not my favourite Autumn 2008 trend. I don’t fancy fringe on anything other than a flirty 1920’s flapper dress, and I only purchase items with fringe if I can remove it (for example, scarves). I’ll be bypassing this one. Will you?

The classic 30’s and 40’s spectator ped makes a modern comeback for both men and women. You’ll see them two-toned, three-toned or monochromatic. Peep-toed, mary jane and T-strapped, close-toed, matte, patent, flat or heeled. Take your pick this season. Spectators are huge and there’s lots of variety.

I adore spectators and like them best two-toned. They’re magical with a suit and just as fab with a pair of jeans. I also like spectators with frocks and skirts and a great pair of sassy hose. So chic!

I have a pair of cream spectator booties from last season that I can’t wait to wear. But they’re 3-hour shoes, so ideally, I’d like to get a pair two-toned 8-hour spectator pumps with a two inch heel. I know: tall order.

An assortment of spectator shoes for lasses and lads. If I could be assured of their comfort level and “hem” their heel height, I’d be all over the cream and black Marc Jacobs pair (top right). They send me into orbit.

Menswear inspired trends are hot for Autumn, and I love a bit of the old androgynous look thrown into the mix with an uber feminine twist. Ties, waistcoats, spectator peds, tuxedos and boyfriend cardigans are great ways in which menswear looks can work on women with the right amount of grace and girly edge.

Bobbie Thomas of NBC’s TODAY describes several ways that women are working masculine items into their wardrobes. Katie Holmes takes this trend to an extreme, wearing what looks like hubby’s jeans. Do you think she pulls off the look with style?

Casual micro-check pants have started to surface in the US. I really like the look of these pants and have two pairs that I enjoy wearing when I’m bored of denim, but in the mood for a relaxed pants look. They are a great alternative to jeans in the casual pants category.

A “micro-check” is a monochromatic, fairly subtle, plaid design. Micro-checks can be casual or business casual depending on the integrity of the fabric. In order for this look to stay casual, you’re after pants in a cotton-rich fabrication. Fabric is key. Purchase these pants in a rayon or viscose wool blend and they’re instantly dressy.

Select a leg silhouette that works for you and commit to a heel height. I like micro-check pants best matched with plain tops, but prints will work if you choose them carefully. Add a denim jacket when it’s chilly and check-mate, you’ve beaten the casual pants dilemma.

The Gap has two nice micro-check pants options in at the moment (98% cotton, 2% spandex).The one style is flared and the other straight. The black and white flared leg is not nearly as low rise as its described. It has a brilliant adjustment detail to make it fit perfectly on the waistline.

Spring’s fringe “it” shoe is now everywhere. I suspect that the peep-toe bootie was well received at retail six months ago, explaining why fashion buyers repeated the transitional look for Autumn. Interesting.

I liked the look of the ped when it first came out and I still do. It is edgy, modern and very new. They look super with a pair of skinny bottoms. I also like the peep-toe bootie with frocks and skirts on the right body type. This shoe is off limits for me personally, because I can’t wear peep-toes or soaring heel heights. But I whole heartedly appreciate the trend.

This style was not popular at YLF when it debuted. Has your eye adjusted? Are you sporting peep-toe booties? Or is this still a look you can live without.

My favourite retail season has arrived and I’m excited to discuss what the next six months of fashion has to offer. We’re kicking off the new season with Style.com’s top 2008 Autumn trends:

• “Belle Curves”: It’s all about peplum details that spotlight the waist. A peplum is a flared extension of a jacket, dress or top that comes below the waistline. It’s very 40’s and 80’s. If you like waist-cinching belts, you’ll like this look. It’s the voluminous trend with a waistline. There are loads of different peplum styles so don’t give up after trying one example.
• “Country Life”: Tweeds, tartans, plaids and checks rule. These fabrics take on a series of moods, from equestrian vibes and Chanel-esque looks, to 80’s punk and schoolgirl uniform styles. I love them all.
• “The Long View”: Mid-calf skirts and floor grazing skirts are back. I do not like ankle length skirts, but I’m into the mid-calf length if the skirt design is funky and interesting. I was surprised to have picked up a Winter skirt this length in London last season and it’s become a favourite.
• “Minimalist Tendency”: The “less is more philosophy” at its best. The look is about architecturally structured clothing and fab shoes. No jewelry or accessories. I like the look on the right person, but it’s hard to pull off without the perfect piece. I’d also miss my pearls.
• “Superhero Worship”: I do not know how this trend will be translated into wearable fashion. We’re not sporting the Superman cape or the Wonder Women cuff and leotard. But I do fancy the idea of a shiny waist cinching belt and boots that can fly.
• “Winter Garden”: Prints of foliage, feathers and leaves are hot. I’m curious about this trend and reserve judgment until I see it in stores.

My dominant season is in full swing and I’m ready for boots and tartan. If you live in a warm climate, bring Autumn colours into the mix but keep the clothing lightweight. It’s nice to sport a different look when the season changes.

Haute Couture windows in Paris, London and Barcelona have displayed black-black skinny jeans for the past year. This trend was destined to filter down to prêt-a-porter collections and mainstream fashion in a matter of months. It has arrived.

Black-black skinnies are black. Not a faded black, dark grey or blue-black. They’re a true rich black which is as Gothic and punk rocker as it gets. I bypassed the grey denim trend last year, but feel I can do the black-black skinny jeans thing again.

I bought a pair a few weeks ago and I’m thrilled with them. Black-black skinny jeans are my preferred way of wearing black pants (I don’t own black slacks). They look great with ballet flats, chunky heeled red patent pumps and black booties. I also plan to wear them tucked into the slouchy chestnut knee-high boots that I hope to purchase later this year.

This is the next big denim trend. I highly recommend the look if you love skinny (or straight-leg) jeans. Trend setting YLF forum members Ana, Patience and Tanya are ahead of me. They’ve been sporting their black-black skinny jeans for a while! Thanks for the inspiration ladies. You look fab.

I bought the Marc Jacobs style on the left and they fit like a dream. It’s a super sleek and slimming look with black heeled booties.

Mark your calendars if you live in the US, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale starts on Friday 18th July. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the event, it’s when Nordstrom previews their new season merchandise (Autumn 2008 collections) and offers it at insane prices for two weeks only. Prices are marked up again after the sale period. This event officially kicks off the American Autumn retail season (my favourite shopping time of the year).

You’ll score if you approach the sale with a plan. It’s an ideal time to purchase high ticket statement pieces for less. Make a beeline for the following:

• Premium denim: Get to the T.B.D. department and look for brands like Seven for all Mankind, Paige Premium, Hudson, Citizens of Humanity, Lucky and L.A.M.B.. You’ll find loads of styles at 40% off.
• Designer pieces: Look for unusual investment pieces in the Individualist, Savvy and Via C departments. I like to look at brands like Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch, Nanette Lepore, ISSA London, DVB, Chloe and Theory.
• Coats: The Narrative department stocks a fabulous assortment of coats, both casual and dressy. But coats are scattered throughout the store so be sure to look at all departments. Don’t come home with a black wool coat. The look is tired and impractical.
• Jackets: You’ll find a variety of sensational jackets in every department. They’re the perfect Autumn layering piece over Summer knitted tops and blouses.
• Shoes and Boots: Stuart Weitzman, Donald J Pliner, Frye, Cole Haan, Max Studio and Kate Spade suddenly became a little more affordable. Take a look at those brands first and then move onto the rest.
• Handbags: Most handbags at Nordstrom are designer. If you covet a particular brand, now is the time to get a good deal. Don’t ignore the cheaper in-house “Nordstrom” brand either. I’ve got a cracked cream patent flat tote by “Nordstrom” that’s a favourite.
• Scarves: I’ve learned to spend time in this accessory area. Airy, lightweight cashmere wraps that I use as scarves are usually quite expensive. There’s always a good assortment at Anniversary Sale time.

Each Nordstrom department will have a selection of sale items. From cosmetics and lingerie, to active wear, home wear, watches and petites. Basics and bridging pieces are on sale in each clothing department too, but you’ll find those everywhere throughout the season. It’s not a train smash if you bypass basics and stick to statement pieces.

The first few days of the sale are chaotic and Nordstrom stores will hold special Anniversary Sale hours on 18, 19 and 20 July. Doors open at 7am at the downtown Seattle flagship. You know where I’ll be tomorrow morning.

Cheeky, cropped cardigans are everywhere and were extremely popular on the streets of Paris. They make my must-have list this season as an indispensable, versatile, feminine layering piece. I get cold easily and having a few different styles and colours that I can pop over virtually anything has been a good investment.

But I’m onto something new (new for me – the look has been fringe fashion for a year now): the ‘80’s-inspired tubular tunic cardigan. In the ‘80’s we used to call them “grandpas” and shoved in shoulder pads for an extra boxy look (sad, but true). They’re called “boyfriend cardigans” this time around, sans les shoulder pads, and a little more fitted for shape.

I originally noticed the look in Barcelona and Paris, but it was a question of finding the right piece. Once I had, I was sold. I love the casual appeal of this garment. I wear my black version over a citron camisole with a (narrow or wide) waist–cinching belt and white or blue jeans. Keep the length of the cardigan a little shorter if you’re petite. It’s best to find a style that’s fairly fitted on the torso area and straight, rather than tapered in silhouette.

If you like a sleek profile, this look is definitely worth a bash.

I recently had a similar tubular tunic cardigan on a beautiful, ultra-stylish client who is in her late 60’s. The cardigan was black, with three-quarter sleeves and patch pockets. We completed the look with a broad safari-inspired belt, white jeans, black shoes and black patent handbag. She looked and felt perfect.

Wear your colourful Summer pieces while you can because we’re heading for a very grey and black Autumn collection. A neutral palette rules.

We’re going to see:

• Sculptured silhouettes and sleek profiles
• Loads of black lace
• Fiery crimson, orange and eggplant amidst the fog of grey
• Rich hippie styles
• Biker jackets, ruffles and skinny pants
• Tailored peplum jackets
• Bowed blouses
• Checkered tweeds and Winter florals
• Animal accents and feathered accessories
• Over-the-knee boots, calf-high boots, booties and spiked, soaring heel heights
• Waist-cinching skinny belts and statement scarves
• Necklace upon necklace upon necklace

You can count on patent and hopefully the demise of wide-legged pants. If I’m not mistaken the “it” shoe for Autumn is the black platform pump. Your thoughts?