By Edie Locke
The leaves have turned and burst into those vibrant fall colors…so it’s time to kick the flip-flops into the back of the closet and….KICK-START FALL & WINTER!
And the clothes have never been more tempting…more exciting…flattering and at the same time more wearable. No fashion dictatorship …just great choices for every figure, every age, every attitude, every lifestyle.. T’is a season when drama meets preppy….luxury meets utility…sex meets demure….”girlish” grows up into “cool lady” and high wattage color meets low-key neutrals. So…..
KICK-START FALL & WINTER by adding COLOR to your wardrobe. Yes, BLACK rules and is always IT…but mix it with one of the NEONS this season…the boldest turquoise, the richest purple, sizzle pint, or vibrant yellow! For the world of great neutrals, think Starbucks: from cappucino foam white to latte, to rich espresso.
KICK START FALL & WINTER by adding PATTERNS to your closet: winter florals , exotic paisleys, abstract graphics, plaids and something “spotted” from that zoo-full of catty creatures. And play with mixing textures: tweeds with velvet or gutsy knits with satin. And here and there….add a metallic shine…the glint of studs, paillettes or sequins. 
KICK START FALL & WINTER….with the ALL IMPORTANT JACKET… we keep robbing his closet for that “menswear moment”! That jacket can be roomy and comfy as the oversized boyfriend jacket, or the bespoke tailored one of an impeccable gent. All jackets now have strong , definitive shoulders….powerful yes, but not “Dynasty” overkill! 
And the must-have jacket also leads to the return of the monochromatic suit….with pencil skirt or trousers it’s back at work and back in town.
For less urban moments: chic utility jackets like a long belted parka or a pea-coat in non traditional colors!
KICK START FALL & WINTER… by adding more of the one item no wardrobe can be without : a NEW WHITE SHIRT 
( as Carolina Herrera said: You can never have enough white shirts!) That shirt may be the tailored classic, or a silk blouse with a soft collar and poet sleeves. Actually… both the mannish and the feminine are perennial MUSTS in your closet! Wear it with a slim skirt, straight trousers or ankle-skimming narrow ones…or a flowing long skirt for evening. White shirts work 24/7 !
KICK-START FALL & WINTER…with the wonderful world of UNSTRUCTURED clothes…the chicest clothes that are body-conscious without being body-clutching (perfect and flattering for all figures/sizes).
Pleats from neck to hem…short sheath dresses, long tunics, cropped tops, rippling skirts and pants…loose cardigans and tie-front jackets…PLEATS rule! And add to that the whole gamut of gutsy or cozy knits…fashion-savvy layers to top with the longest cardigans. 
KICK-START FALL & WINTER…and your EVENINGS with that irreplaceable LBD ( little black dress)…but for fall-winter 09 think of adding one with the added touch of hardware…a bit of restrained tough chic like studs, grommets, metallics.
And one shoulder is still fashionably cold….endless variations of one-bare-shoulder evening numbers…or one-sleeved! Lots of late-day or big-night choices that stop short just below the knee….or above (depending on body-tone and age)….before you opt for the all-out ballgown. 
KICK-START FALL & WINTER…with drop dead fabulous accessories : STATEMENT JEWELRY…load on bold necklaces , layers of chains & beads… cuff bracelets from wrist to elbow…more is more here. 
Wrap up in a super shawl … a super-long muffler.
Carry a structured bag ( leave the totes tote your big stuff in) and maybe one that’s gleaming with metallic studs. With a short skirt….sheath your legs in black…in color…in a wild pattern if you dare….or lace, fishnet, point d’esprit.
REMEMBER STYLE IS NOT DICTATORIAL…it’s a PERSONAL expression…an affirmation of who you are…what suits you and your lifestyle.
SO…KICK-START FAL AND WINTER… by enjoying shopping just for yourself once more!