Pony hair footwear is perfect for those fans of all-black-everything; hair provides a little texture to your look and is appearing on all sorts of styles.  If you want to get a little hairier in formal wear, check out Walter Steiger’s oxford ankle boot, or Opening Ceremony’s Stefania 1 for a little more funk (which also happen to be on sale!).  For the flat fan, basic hair loafers from Sam Edelman and Aldo.

For the casual bootie fan, Steve Madden’s Damiann, LD Tuttle’s lace up, Opening Ceremony’s clog boots and Sigerson Morrison’s heeled booties are excellent for everyday wear.  While these are all solid styles, demiCouture’s favorites are clear; the affordable street standout is AllSaints’ Damisi update and Mr Hare’s hairy Chelsea boot is my official if only selection.

Tweed isn’t just for grandpas and college professors anymore; tweeds are showing up in various modern, even funky styles in FW11.  Tweeds are fantastic for layering, especially when you’re wearing a dress that may be a bit chillier in winter months.  I’m loving the cut of the Proenza Shouler asymmetrical stripe dress and the basic build of the classic Alexander McQueen.

For more delightfully androgynous pieces; Milly’s suiting shorts, Burberry military and the classic boxy cut of the Mulberry overcoat.  For a bit of a unique style, Thakoon’s sleeveless blazer and Bird by Juicy Couture’s bike jacket, perfectly trimmed with a bit of leather. Flats are getting the tweed treatment as well; Robert Clergerie’s Jast and Asos’ very affordable Mister.

When it comes to dressing in a colorful way this fall, it’s time to break out the richer jewel tones of your collection.  If you’re lacking in that department, emerald pieces (such as the cutout collar dress shown), mustards and amethyst are my top three.

The dress highlighted is from EgoCloset, an online Canadian boutique I’ve just discovered.  Think of it as a Canadian Nasty Gal, but without nasty duties and import fees.  (They also offer $5 flat fee shipping within Canada and a free first return)

A bonus of rich jewel tones is that they work well with pasty skin tones (I would know) as well as darker skin shades.  It’s always nice to have some color options that don’t completely drain pale complexions, so run with it, fellow Chalkasians!

UPDATE:

I just realized they offer 10% off your next order if you like EgoCloset on Facebook  – get those deals, erryone!

It isn’t truly fair to say that a style this traditional, though one cannot overlook the importance of the pea coat in cold weather dressing.  I warrant the pea is the most important outerwear style [concerning fall] in existence; higher than the blazer and especially the leather jacket, which is highly inappropriate when the weather turns.

We’ll begin with my favorite, which happens to be the lowest priced piece piece - Topshop’s black wool pea.  For those looking for a few extra admornments, Topshop’s Ultimate pea is an excellent option, while Scotch and Soda’s and Uniqlo’s styles are similarly designed and priced.

For those enjoying finer constructed things, MICHAEL Michael Kors’ wool and cashmere piece is excellently priced for what you’re getting.  Alternatively, Burberry’s classic, Joseph’s Bronx and Golden Goose’s styles are all beautiful double breasted androgynous styles fit for the discerning dresser.

If you’re looking for one piece to invest in, this isn’t the flashiest choice though will be the longest lasting.  When looking, find the most expensive piece you can afford and [ideally] choose something with less embroidery and flash as to avoid giving your piece a trend expiry.

We’re seeing more wide leg cuts this year than in a handful of seasons prior, which begs the question – is your style shift also occuring? I’m not referring to a flare per say (I haven’t worn a proper flare since I was in grade 8), though wide leg trousers are being created that don’t look so tacky and are forcing me to re-evaluate what type of bottoms I enjoy.

To illuminate what we’re working with this season; I’ve created two nearly identical outfits below  – one with J Brand skinny cords and one a Malene Birger trouser cut.  Granted, typically you wouldn’t wear the same look with wides as you would with thin cuts, though I wanted to keep it very similar to illustrate the differences.

Both looks feature Thierry Lasry sunglasses, a light Mint Velvet scarf, tweed St. John blazer, black stripe General Pants tank, bird claw clasp Ann Demeulemeester bracelet and Opening Ceremony platform wedge booties.

I still love a skintight leg myself, though am beginning to think that maybe a trouser cut is something I want to begin to explore within the FW11 season.  What’s your take?

It’s the season of leather once again, and oxblood is a red hot color trend this season.  With A.L.C.’s FW11 collections being filled with this lovely hued skin, it’s only natural we’re going to want a piece of the action.  A.L.C.’s Aimee skirt crests at nearly seven bills, while we have Topshop’s piece at $150.

They’re quite similar; both oxblood red, A-line cut and mini length – thank you, high street knock offs!

Leather trenches are popping up everywhere, and they are reaching beyond the confines of the average black leather trench.  The four selections below are fall ready; it will be no wonder if the high street faves pound out a few versions of their own.

Darker shade lovers, Forzieri’s and Dolce & Gabbana’s have you taken care of.  If you’re looking for a suede [and live in a climate to wear it], Michael Kors’ short suede trench is perfect for dressing as an urban adventurer.  My personal favorite is the sandy shaded Bendetta Novi; washed leather always does me in every time, and it is a pleasantly military with double breasting and epaulettes.

Leather sleeved pieces are popping up everywhere; on tops, tees and jackets are appearing with leather sleeves.  These are the evolution of the all over leather top, though leather trimmed and sleeved pieces are not only easier to wear and style, but more comfortable due to the majority of the piece being textile (leather isn’t pliable and more difficult to move in).

There are four standout pieces as to what has been released so far; one can imagine these will keep appearing throughout the coming months.  Two of the more utilitarian pieces are by Scotch & Soda; the woolen biker jacket and military jacket.  For the sleeker shopper, 3.1 Phillip Lim’s leather and silk top [also available in black] and Nicole Miller’s leather and sweater knit top.

Woolen blazers are a favorite for many reasons; they’re warm, evoke a little bit of a grandpa look (I always love channeling seniors) and are a subtle way to take the ever present typical blazer to a more interesting level.  One may find shawl collars, tuxedo cuts, contrast collars, patches – there are so many choices.

If you’re like myself and want a blazer for function but get bored of the traditional collars, a shawl is for you;  Scotch & Soda’s piece is a personal favorite.  If you’re getting into the color crew, Topshop’s shrunken tweed is a rich pick, while L.K. Bennett’s Belle offers a more color intense shade and J. Crew’s Blackwatch evokes the actual traditional tartan of The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) infantry of Scotland up until this year.

There’s also Marc Jacobs’ Beatrice, a cheeky selection for dressers wanting to stay away from darks throughout the fall, and Ralph Lauren’s crested long cut for a prep school steeze.

For grey fans, we’ve got scores for you.  Classic cuts include another style by Scotch & Soda, darker grey herringbone by Vanessa Bruno and very traditional cut by J. Crew.  Fans of lighter grey will love Jack Willis’ Stowell blazer, especially due to the double breast buttoning.

Red denim is an easy way to integrate intense color into your wardrobe, and since colored denim has been a mainstay since 2007 you’re not going to be into fording new trends, but staying with the familiar.  Another excellent aspect of buying statement denim is price ranges truly vary; you can acquire pairs like Asos’ waxed, Oasis’ crop or Topshop’s high waisted for under $100.

As for mid tier pricing, one can get delicious cuts like Ksubi’s Super, Mother’s The Looker and my personal favorite, Rag & Bone’s stretch cord pair.  For those into climbing the heights of luxury denim, Citizens of Humanity has a lovely pair of darker red wash, while J Brand and Alexander McQueen’s washes are much lighter.

Lace ups are an eternal choice for flat lovers, and glitter jazzies have returned in popularity from last year’s burst onto the mainstream scene.  Whether you actually want laces or not (in the case of Wild Pair’s Trouser), the options for glitter lace ups are certain to expand with the coming fall season, though the five below are all available right now.

Jeffrey Campbell’s Uniform has seen many reincarnations, the glitter version [gold also available] being just the latest in their flashy footwear foray.  Pour la Victore’s Bling is similar, though features contrast laces and is marked down from nearly $200.  Topshop’s Venus is another affordable high street offering, though boasts a unique glitter covered heel.

They say the cheese stands alone, but there is nothing remotely cheesy about Miu Miu’s low platform brogues, a clear take on the label’s big sister Prada’s extreme pairs.  This style is much for fall forward as there is no espadrille roping, and clearly much more functional due to the lower platform.

Capes aren’t just for fictional characters or spandex clad heroes; the cold weather cape is an essential for those who love the functionality of a coat but want to expand their silhouette.  You can get a variety of cape styles; from a reworked biker like Junya Watanabe’s to converted pea coat styles of Salvatore Ferragamo, Yves St Laurent, Gryphon, French Connection and  3.1 Phillip Lim’s sleeveless number.

The rest are more like armless overcoats; Zucca’s neutral Melton and Topshop’s contrast piped are more along those lines.  Styling a cape is done precisely the same way you would a regular coat, only you’ve got no arms.  It’s easy to cross over to the land of the cape; I recommend going to the shop and trying a few different styles on.  If you’re afraid of being cold, just toss on a sweater [like one of these] and you’ll be in ship shape.

There’s a trend of oxblood everything coming around this fall, which is great for color lovers that don’t want to get too clown like with primary shades.  Oxblood is like a brownish red hue; literally like drying blood.  It may sound gross, but wearing that color is spectacular; it’s rich, goes with much more than your standard brighter reds and will not have you looking like Santa Claus.

We have varying shades of red, though my favorite pieces have more brown tones.  Starting with the low lace-ups, starting with my favorite, Dr Martens Packard.  Asos’ Aiden is a lovely brogue boot, while Fiorentini and Baker’s Cusna will blend into any look effortlessly.  For heel lovers, Carvela’s Splice and Sara boots are just the ticket.

When it comes to laceless, [much to my delight] the Chelsea style seems to be reigning supreme.  Topshop’s Marvel, N.D.C.’s pull on and Penelope Chilvers’ Cubana is the most spectacular of the group.  Red velvet is still on top, baby!

As a follow up to the previous oversized sweater styling piece, we’ve got more suggestions for sweaters.  The six below are some of my favorites floating around the webstores popping around.  To get the fall colors in, we have a delightfully trendy oxblood shade (ironically on sale) from See by Chloé, as Topshop’s guernsey.

For the unavoidable neutrals, we have another hit by See by Chloé (only with elbow patches) as well as Alexander Wang’s finer knit style for the hotter days.  We can’t have a sweater list without the greys, so let’s usher in the VPL vent knit and the patterned winter friendly Suffolk by Rag & Bone.

Python certainly isn’t at the top of my style list; python boots always remind me of tacky Western boots in bad music videos, while bags are usually seen as a blatant attempt to remind the public that the person holding the bag had a buttload of cash they weren’t afraid to burn.

Here we’ve got a group of styles that aren’t all actual skin, the sequin dress and Ottavia top by AllSaints, while the Gigi Chic studded cuff and studded wrap bracelets are affordable means of adorning yourself with real snakeskin.  Foley & Corinna’s Bucklette maybe python embossed leather, though the contrast buckle styling keeps you far from the realm of tacky.

When it comes to the [larger] real deal, python pieces are going to be pricey.  For the python frosted sunglasses set, Linda Farrow’s pair are super sleek.  Alternatively, Lanvin’s hidden wedge flats are a subtle style option for those dressing for the office, or are more demure in general.

It’s all about the busiest trousers you can possibly imagine this fall, and layering them with even more printed pieces.  It’s tricky, but can be done – can you handle that may prints layered on top of each other?

Since these are all multi hundreds of dollars, we’re looking at designer inspirations here.. the time for high street interpretations will come, but the more fall-friendly pieces (think prints other than florals) are mostly still yet to roll out to the public.  As one with a weakness for punk, my favorites are Thakoon’s cropped stripe andIsabel Marant’s tartan Gary trousers.  These reds and maroons are perfect for blending with dark blues and greys of the fall season, which make them a breeze to layer with.

Blue fans, you have two very strong contenders available; Proenza Shouler’s ikat and Peter Pilotto’s statement wide legs.  These evoke images of the sea, while Diane von Furstenburg’s Long Georginne appear to look more like crackling ice.  Phillip Lim’s green embroidered piece is some of the most detailed when peering up close; quite the find if you’re into the embroidery print and vege shade.

The great part about the black leather legging is that they still pretty much look the sameas they did when they burst back into popularity in Fw09.  The leather bottom has endured a few years of popularity, which still remains as a layering favorite.  Since styles are all fairly basic, many sale pieces look as if they’re meant for FW11 collections.

For the legging styles, Alice + Olivia’s front zip and  Tory Burch’s paneled leggings are the most affordable of the group, which happen to both be on sale.  For the big budget crew, Vince’s cropped and The Row’s quilted Trapundi pieces are prime slices of skin to slink around within.

When it comes to trousers, leather does not have to mean tacky rocker.  Try Calvin Klein’s high[er] waist skinnies, or AllSaints’ Elben cropped trousers.  Trousers can offer a much better belt line; make your way towards them if you are planning to wear cropped pieces exposing that area, since elastic waistbands are more a thing to hide.

We’re seeing everything oxblood in current style offerings; bags, footwear, trousers.. everything you can imagine.  Topshop has truly jumped on the oxblood bandwagon; their Ascott boots, short coat and oversized sweater are some of the best styled and affordable pieces available at the moment.

When it comes to boots, Fiorentini and Baker’s Cusna are an excellent grab, along with Dr Martens’ classic 8 holes.  In the land of bags, the minimalistic Alexander McQueen Wicca is an excellent choice for those wanting to be prim and proper, while Mulberry’s Brynmore is far more utilitatian.

If you think about it, oxblood is the ideal shade of red for fall styling; you can evoke the changes of the leaves on your person.  Autumn of Bondage, anyone?

I love a giant minimalistic bag.  They can work with anything, and do anything for you – bring all of your necessary items along for the ride, haul some groceries back home, whatever – these bags are big enough to fit it all.  (For the record, yes, I’m suggesting you grab groceries with a $1,400 Givenchy)

These lovelies are all leather or suede, which ups their wearability and style factor for the coming fall season.  Ensure you spray your suede to protect from damage before you use, or there will be some tears when you get home after that first outing.. we want to avoid makeup run whenever possible.

Naturally, my favorite design is the most expensive, Givenchy’s George V bags [nude suede, black perforated leather] for their simplicity, thick handles and quartered leather cut – they almost look like there’s a giant cross in the center of the bag.  Maison Martin Margiela’s shopper is similarly shaped, while more minimalistic due to less stitching on the bag.  For the utilitarian lovers, Orciani’s basic shopper is a great bet because it’s literally shaped like a shopping bag, only in caramel suede.

For the thinner handle lovers, Parentisi’s and Topshop’s bags [red, black] are definite steals – all leather, and only $150 and $98!  For those with a bit of a sense of humor, Cast Of Vices’ Thank You bag is also a deal with all over lambskin embossed with messages of gratitude.  If you’re a lover of Wang, the Alpha shopper is moderatley priced, and features quite lovely dual strap lengths.

The basic trench will always have its place in the style world; it’s classic, universally flattering and has a military flare that will always ensure popularity.  Throughout the years we always see variants on this classic [such as fur or prints], though one should always own a basic camel colored piece.

DKNY’s cotton-twill and Uniqlo’s short trench are the most faithful to original design, though are by no means the most daring.  Michael Kors’ suede style is an excellent variance to the classic, while Rebecca Minkoff’s Jacquelyn has a beautiful on-piece fur scarf.  Topshop’s Stone Contrast and Thakoon’s cropped A-line design are farthest from tradition, yet give a more unique perspective to such a well known style.