The Best of Fall Fashion

It is that time of year again: Fall fashion is hitting the stores. If you're anything like me, this is when the new year really begins. January is well and good to renew one's calendar and make resolutions that will unlikely be kept, but autumn is really the most exciting refresh. It's time to put away all the sandals and pull the knitwear out of storage. Best of all, it's when the most highly anticipated fashion comes out. It's not all about the runway trends, but having a few new pieces to make what's already in your wardrobe feel fresh and current.

With so much flooding the market every fall, I've picked out a few of the recently-released standout pieces I think are worth investing in for the season. Hope you find something you like!


A designer alternative scarf | With every other fashion IGer flaunting an Acne scarf as soon as cold weather hits, it's hard not to feel the pull of the masses. But when I spied this thick wool oversized scarf at & Other Stories one day, its thick fabric and generous proportions a dead ringer for the designer version - at a fraction of the price - I was sold. It even comes in the very same autumnal wine color.


Impressive outerwear | That San Francisco-based leather tote company has upped the ante this fall with some seriously special pieces. Cuyana's Italian-made navy wool coat is a major investment piece, but how could such a classic ever go out of style? I can't help but swoon over the wide lapels and classic hue. Be sure to check out its leather-trimmed wool vest as well.


Elevated flannel | As someone who lived through the original grunge era, I have a hard time with anything reminiscent of greasy-haired garage bands. Madewell's flannel Sunday shirt falls perfectly in casual territory without looking like you're channeling Kurt Cobain, especially if done with some fancy pants and chic shoes. Though it's new, reviewers are already raving about the heavyweight fabric, super-soft touch and the best detail of all: pockets! And did you know Madewell finally started shipping to the EU? Best. News. Ever.


New fall eyewear | Ace & Tate's AW15 Stage One collection, entitled 'Constructional Elements', was just released last week with some great new colors and styles added to its line up. Hues like Champagne, Rich Mahogany and (my personal favorite) Autumn Leaves update both old and new designs, including a couple with Ace & Tate's first-ever metal details. (stay tuned, as I'll be doing a home try-on round-up of this latest line soon!)


Bold, yet modern jewelery | & Other Stories jewelry doesn't disappoint, and this season is no exception. These chunky diamond drop-back earrings are definite stand-outs this autumn. Bold enough to be seen around swaths of scarves and hats, yet streamlined enough not to distract.


A swoon-worthy collaboration | Who doesn't love a good collab? Furthermore, who doesn't love sweater weather? With cashmere blended into everything from coats and sweaters to dresses and pants, this collection from former Hermès designer Christophe Lemaire and Uniqlo hits just the right notes of minimalist, quality and relative affordability. I'm looking forward to scoping it out when it launches tomorrow with the new-to-Berlin, lovely Lucy, the perfect fashion-scouting buddy. Something tells me that even though our personal styles are quite different, we will both find pieces from this collection to fit seamlessly into our closets. This geometric merino-cashmere sweater might be one such item...


The coziest sweats in the world | Like Birks, sweats have enjoyed a surprising foray into the fashion world in recent years - and I can't imagine a better way to indulge in the trend than with Uniqlo's faux fur-lined sweats. In pant, skirt, jacket and sweater versions, you can be set for that impending cold, be it bundled up indoors or confidently rocking your casual wear on the street.


The latest sneaks | It's no secret that classic Stan Smiths have been enjoying renewed time in the spotlight, so how could one miss all the subsequent variations hitting the market. For the most part, they've been a bit uninspired... until these leopard-print ones were released last week! More subdued than a classic leopard, this abstract-like print nicely fades to solid black around the back and gives just enough punch to your footwear without overpowering an outfit. Also available in the ZX Flux style, both are selling out quickly, so act fast!


A chic yet casual carry-all | Herschel's recently-released nylon collection falls somewhere between the everyday canvas line and the high-end Bad Hills leather collaboration. In other words, the perfect way to be urban cool, toting all your stuff (including the soon-to-be-necessities like hats, gloves and scarves) without looking like you've wandered off a university campus. My pick: the simple and sleek Reid backpack in black.


Leather accessories | There's something about pulling a cosmetics bag out of a purse that is a chic leather, as opposed to a department store freebie that just makes you feel put-together. For something that's used every day after all, isn't it worth the splurge? These new smooth leather pouches from Cuyana, especially in this rich oxblood hue, seem like the perfect feel-good fall accessory.


How about you? What new things are you loving this season..?