Fat September Issues, Labor day looming, the school year starting... You know what this means: Fall Fashion Week is around the corner!

Yes yes, I know, I live in Houston. So, the only thing "Fall Issues" signifies to the fashion devotees living in the Devil's armpit is that they now must suffer to wear their new jackets, sweaters, coats, and scarves--because we have--what, at least 3 or 4 more months of 80+ degree weather to look forward to? Joy.

Nonetheless. It is my favorite time of year! My mission this week will be to seek out and find all those "must have" Harper's Bazaar and VOGUE looks at REAL people prices--and then determine if the are wearable off the catwalk or streets of Manhattan.

On my list: Trench coat, baggy trousers (a la Etro or Akris), statement shoes-jewelry-and clutch, great neutral bag with a longer strap (preferable in leather or suede), neon pops (see Michael Kors and Marc Jacobs), easy layerable tank-tops (like those from The Row)--the looser fitting the better, the boyfriend blazer, something sparkly, a pair of booties that don't make my calves look giant, and the newest freshest beauty look out there for fall (and don't worry, I won't be bleaching or shaving any eyebrows even though Armani, Balmain, Calvin Klein, and many others are sporting the look in their fall ad campaigns and runway shows). I am also in the market for a perfect white button-up, a light weight scarf, a new pair of jeans or two, a great party dress, and chic wear-with-anything watch.

This will take me all week, but I will be posting my finds--along with pictures--as I go.

I want to preface this shopping excursion with this: I am quite skeptical of several of these falls trends--particularly neon and pointy shoulder pads. I am of the old school which meant fall was the return to all of the deliciously sumptuous neutrals--gray, beige, camel, blush, charcoal, black, navy, cream, etc.--in great fabrics like cashmere, silk, and wool. Pair these with subtle gold touches and you have a perfectly polished and transitional ensemble for work or play. I find the problem with statement pieces is that they tend to make too loud of a statement. And who wants to go around shouting the same thing at every occasion all season? The key is to find a good weighty sculptural piece that will be the finishing touch to any outfit, but not actually BE the outfit. See the difference? Louis Vuitton has a necklace out for fall that is the former, it is huge, and unavoidable--so for us that will need to re-purpose our purchase for more than one "look" this is not a good choice. However, Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquiere created some amazing bangles--that look more as if they belong in the MOMA than a jewelry shop, which add just-the-right-touch of Modern to any fall composition.

I have my work cut out for me--and I am setting my price limit at $150 for each major piece, and $50 for smaller items such as necklaces. Of course, there is room for fudging if something is particularly fantastic. My favorite haunts are: the 70% off rack in the BCBG Max Azria boutique at Dillard's or the freestanding boutique (I also like Kenzie--and Antonio Melani is great for work pieces), the SAKS outlet--they email me coupons--for high end pieces at a great price, Forever 21 for seasonal pieces, Express (just make sure you weed through the sleazy stuff), the Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, Zara, Target, Nordstrom, and Wal-Mart (which I used to loathe, but have been very pleased with of late).

More soon to come!