Fall 2009 Shopping | Part Three: Military

While I was growing up, my father was enlisted in the National Guard. He may have been gone one weekend a month, but there were plenty of upsides to his enlistment: including the beautiful Goebel doll he brought back from Germany and the soda crackers that were part of his MRE rations. But I remember the clothing most vividly. I was fascinated with the sense of honor, duty and leadership the uniforms invoked. And now that my younger brother has enlisted with the Army, the military-trend resonates even stronger with me and my newfound patriotism.


(pictured clockwise, starting with upper left)

Burberry, Felt Duffle Coat, $695
Fendi, Military Detail Blouse, $436
CC Skye, Braided Knot Mesh Cuff, $110
Michael Kors, Men's Goldtone Bracelet Watch, $250
J.Crew, Cadet Funnel Neck Sweater, $98
Tory Burch, Military Studded Leather Messenger Bag, $475
Vivienne Westwood, Draped Dress, $752

Fall 2009 Shopping | Part Two: Tweed

I've been wistfully daydreaming about my college days - or at least the romanticized version of college with musty libraries, afternoons spent reading British literature, and professors lecturing in tweed sport coats.

Instead of splurging on a semester's tuition, I'll get my collegiate fix with one of these tweed pieces.

(pictured clockwise, starting with upper left)

Spiegel, Signature Relaxed Tweed Collection: Blazer, $49
Burberry, Tweed Check Hat, $195
Charles by Charles David, Curtsy Tweed Pump, $144.95
DKNY, Grey Wool Tweed Belted Coat, $174.99
Charles by Charles David, Sharpy Tweed Pump, $135
Vivienne Westwood, Draped Tweed Skirt, $255

Fall 2009 Shopping | Part One: Plaid

With a heavy thud, each September issue has been landing on my doorstep reminding me that fall fashion is only one calendar page away. I've been pouring over the ads and editorials, dog-earing pages, scribbling notes in a journal and carefully considering pieces to add to my seasonal shopping list.

I'm eager to embrace plaid this autumn. As a Wisconsinite, my view of plaid has been slightly marred by years of growing up around those who consider plaid flannel shirts an everyday uniform - and a pressed cotton version as formal wear. In spite of that, here's what I'm looking to for inspiration:

(pictured clockwise, starting with upper left)

Topshop, Tartan Box Cross Body Bag, $44
Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, Multi New Propaganda Plaid Jacket, $793.65
Yesac, Unisex Tartan Plaid Fedora Hat, $22.99
Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, Multi Bale Sunday Dress, $646.80
Gender Bias, Puff Sleeve Ruffle Front Plaid Shirt, $288
Barneys New York, Plaid Shawl, $129
McQ, Tartan Ruffle Front Skirt, $295

And, of course, a copy Tartan: Romancing the Plaid for my coffee table.