F: Is for Fashion Smarts!

With fall just around the corner, now is the time to start shopping for those must needed add ons to help you with the newest trends. Up-dating your wardrobe can be inexpensive, unless you start now and canvas those flee market and thrift store to help you get ready for that change in season. Any wardrobe strategy will begin with assessing what is on hand. Taking an inventory and wee ding out what will not work is important. Hopefully, wise purchases of classic, quality styles in basic colors have been made and kept in good wearing condition. Season after season, these classics can be the foundation or the essentials for building and extending the wardrobe. Wise purchases in basic colors - black, gray and brown - and natural fibers - cotton, wool, silk and linen - will last for many seasons and can be worn most of the year. Basics are easy to buy. We should invest in the best quality we can afford because they are important pieces we can rely on season after season. By adding a current color in a blouse, shirt or accessory (a tie for men), the classics look fresh and new season after season. The newest trends for 2008 are rich colors such as purple and rich jewel tones in blues and greens. The natural waistline will be emphasized so belts are a must. The matching suit in color and fabric, the easy dress style, such as the wrap dress in drapable fabrics are all back. For girls good new flashy handbags in patent leather and bright colors will actually be able to hold your stuff and still keep you a fashionista. In shoes, ballet flats, ankle and thigh high boots are what make the scene. These thigh high boots by Marc Jacobs are "hot beyond belief." With 3.5" heels, napa uppers, and studded detailing, boots like these demand to be shown off. The only real way to wear them is with a short skirt, and lots of attitude.

Fashion is all about attitude and expressing who you are. Don't let fashion own you.....own it and start shopping now. Not only will you keep away the recession blues but you will have a ball and that is a F.A.C.T