LoveBrownSugar 's Top 9 Fall Essentials

After careful speculation of the Fall 2009 runway shows, countless fashion mags, blogs and fashion forecasts - I have come up with a list of this Fall's Fashion Essentials!! I know, its only August, BUT you will need to start compiling your back-to-school or back-to-fall wardrobes very soon. So, why not be an informed shopper? I've broken it down to 3 major trends with 3 Fashion Essentials for each trend:

TREND: BIKER CHIC

This is the season of the Biker! Whether you actually own a set of wheels or not, don't find yourself out there this Fall without an all-black ensemble accented with metallic, grommets and studs. Take your pick of the following 3 essentials:

1. Biker Jacket

So, we won't all be as extreme as Mary Kate in this grommeted number, BUT there are really cute and simple options out there.

H&M Leather Bomber, Fall'09 Collection

2. Lace Up Booties

We spotted Rihanna wearing this pair in our previous Fierce or Foolish post.

Here's an inexpensive pair I found at Endless.com:
GUESS Peep Toe Lace Up Boot, $94.90

3. Fingerless Gloves

Fingerless gloves are the quintessential accessory to finish off this look. If you're daring enough, you can just cut up your old leather gloves from last season instead of buying a whole new pair (although I myself wouldn't do that).

And always remember with the Biker look, stick to one trendy piece at a time. Too much at once can have you looking like you belong to the Harley Davidson clan. Unless you actually do, exercise moderation with this trend.

TREND: 40'S GLAMOUR

I know prim & proper doesn't seem to fit in with this season's trend, BUT it always finds its place. Polished blazers, prim accessories and ruffled blouses are still on this season. Here are 3 essentials for this trend:

4. Bib Necklace


I consider this a direct continuation of the statement necklace trend. It now has a twist with the new bib shape. These are perfect for those nights when you just feel like throwing on a little black dress. BAM! You got something special on the neck and you look FLYY!

H&M Bib Necklace, Fall '09 Collection

Forever 21 has a great affordable assortment of Bib Necklaces as well:

Textured Flower Bib Necklace, $16.80

5. Floral Dress

Michael Kors, Fall '08

I know it seems weird to suggest florals in the winter. But who says, winter has to be drab and dreary?? Cheer up your mood with a nice floral print in a thicker material. This trend continues from Fall '08. For a more appropriate Fall look, throw a dark menswear-inspried blazer over a floral print piece. Stay away from cardigans, as you might look like you're on your way to Easter Sunday...

Urban Outfitters is the master of floral prints, so don't hesitate to hit up the site for options:

Urban Outfitters, Cupcake Dress, $59.99

6. Velvet Piece

Lanvin, Prada, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Proenza Shouler, Sonia Rykiel, Stella McCartney

Velvet was huge on the Fall 09 Runways. Although this sin't my favorite trend, it is one to be duly noted as I've already seen a number of mainstrema stores like H&M carrying bold pieces in this fabric. If you indulge in this trend, I would suggest keeping it light with something simple like a velvet vest or pencil skirt.

Joes Jeans, Velvet Lapel Vest, $79

TREND: 80'S ROCKER

That's right, the 80's just can't seem to go away. Can't complain though...that's my birth decade whoo! So pull together those fun graphic tees, leggings in unexpected colors & materials, tights slashed on the sides and MJ-inspired military jackets, because it's on! Here are my 3 Essentials for the trend:

7. Strong Shoulder Jacket

That's right kiddos, get your old shoulder pads out of hiding (well, if you're my age you never wore em') or find your momma's! You're going to need them this season.

Although nobody does a strong shoulder like Balmain...

Rihanna in Balmain Quilted Leather Jacket, $11,277

...most of us don't have $11K to spend on one. But the best thing about the strong shoulder trend is that they are super easy to find vintage versions of. Just yesterday I found a really cute navy blue blazer w/ shoulder pads at my nearby Thrift store, only $7.99.

Topshop also a nice version at a fairly reasonable price:

TopShop Premium Panelled Jacket, $135

8. Legging Jeans

Yup, you heard right - legging jeans! We all know leggings have been "in" for years now but the new interpretation is the incorporation of the skinny jean trend.

Juicy Couture makes a simple pair that almost anyone could pull off:

Juicy Couture Denim Leggings, $88.00

9. Over-the-Knee Boots

Boots have been taken to higher heights this season. They don't stop at the knee, now they surpass them!

For those of us who LIVE in flat boots during the Fall/Winter Season, these Chinese Laundry pair are great:

Chinese Laundry, $79.95

To conclude, I believe the overall theme for this Fall's trends is EDGE. With the penetration of the color black, hard accessories like metal and studs, and strong silhouettes apparent throughout, it will be pretty hard not to feel like a badass this Fall. Enjoy! I know I will...

Vacation Essentials : LoveBrownSugar's Top 10

I recently read a post on one of my favorite blogs FashionBombDaily about vacation essentials. I decided to do my own take on the "Essentials" countdown. As the summer is coming to a close, and many of us will be taking that late summer vacay, here are some classic and a few trendy items to keep in mind. Take it from the girl who's in a different state every weekend and knows how to pack an overnight bag in less than 60 seconds haha...you NEED these!

10. Overnight Bag

Rihanna, fresh off her private jet in NYC

The key to finding the perfect overnight bag is all in the size and material. Make sure to have something large enough to fit all your essential carry-on items, but not so large it's uncomfortable to carry. Also aim for material that exudes style as well as sensibility. H&M has a bag that looks exactly like the one pictured on Rihanna above. It's a Fall item so it can be found in stores now, only $39.99

9. Romper

Eva Marcille, at Essence Music Festival

Although the romper is a tricky trend to conquer, almost everyone's safe in a loose-fitting silhouette and a BASIC color, like black or white. This way you can dress it up or down and you don't have to worry about any crazy prints bringing attention to the wrong areas. If you're daring, feel free to rock it out in a funky printed one.

Karen Zambos Vintage Couture Romper

This Karen Zambos romper is color-blocked on the sides so it's funky but still simple enough to accessorize, which I love!

8. Headgear

Spillane Straw Fedora, Urban Outfitters

Whether it's a fedora or a floppy beach hat, don't jump on that yacht in the Caribbean without a stylish piece of headgear to top off your ensemble. I like the one pictured above for its thick brim. And the price is right at only $28!

7. Maxi Dress

Sanaa Lathan in Catherine Malandrino Maxi Dress

These are my favorite summer pieces of ALL time. They're easy, you don't have to iron them, and they can go from day to night depending on how you accessorize. Get them in solid color or in fun prints. Just make sure you have one!

6. Trendy Shades

Beyonce in funky tortoise-shell shades & jumpsuit

So you don't have money to splurge on a brand new vacay wardrobe, spruce up your classic outfits with some funky new shades. They're attention-grabbing, they're fun, there are numerous varieties AND they will be the first thing people notice if they stand out like Bey's pair above.

5. Jean Cutoff Shorts

Rachel Bilson, pictured yesterday in SoCal

Another great staple to any summer wardrobe, jean cutoff shorts can be dressed up or down and should fit loose enough to be super comfortable but snug enough to give you a nice shape (avoid the frumpy mom jeans!). Levi's has a great classic pair for only $48:

Levi's Jean Shorts, at Urban Outfitters

4. Standout Swimsuit

Whether it's a sophisticated one-peice or sexy bikini that tickles your fancy, don't blend into the sand! Get a suit that matches your personality AND suits your body shape. You can usually get great pieces at Victoria's Secret, NewportNews, and if you want something simpler - American Apparel

3. Statement Necklace

What good is a sexy swimsuit without a statement necklace to pile on top of it?? (J/K hehe). My friends and I are famous for this. We don't just go to the beach in a swimsuit, we go with matching jewelry!!

But on a serious note, unless you've been hiding under a rock for the past 2 seasons: it's ALL about the statement necklace these days. Don't leave home without it! Pair it with a cute plain beach dress and some heels, and it's instantly an evening look. Pair it with a plain tank and your jean shorts, and you're ready of your tour of the island. Whatever it is, statement necklaces will bring your look from frumpy to fab in 2 seconds...trust.

2. Patterned Mini-Dress

Caribbean Flower-Print Dress, ASOS, $45.98

The patterned dress is the quintessential peice for a summer vacay. It's fun, its cute, its flirty, and it makes you feel good! Check out the day dresses section of ASOS for some cute options. For those of you more averse to online shops, Zara has really cute patterned dresses as well.

1. Embellished Flats

Beyonce, in Aldo sandals

So my all-time favorite accessory for summer vacay is the embellished sandal. I LOVE how unique you can set yourself apart with a pair of funky sandals that nobody else has their hands on. Steve Madden and Aldo have a pretty great stock of embellished options. If you're in the NYC, hit up the shops in SoHo. They have great stuff you won't find anywhere else. Pictured above is Ms. Bey (again, I know) in Aldo sandals. Below is her full body pic. Her outfit's sick!


Anyway, I hope all my lovelies enjoyed this Summer Vacay Essentials countdown. Comment if you think I missed anything crucial, and happy traveling!!

*LoveBrownSugar