LONG AND LEAN

Harper's Bazaar summed up Fall for this year as "long and lean."  Because of this, skirt lengths have been dropping - definitely a breath of fresh air for all of us modest girls. We've shopped for pencil skirts over the past few seasons, and to our dismay, have found them to hit around 3 inches above the knee. How nice it is to finally see them hitting the knee at Zara (called "sheath skirts" here, here and plenty more here). But what we're absolutely loving are the "past your knee" pencils. Almost all of Jonathan Saunders showcased this length; we've seen Victoria Beckham sporting it for ages and now creating a line around it here and here. And lastly, the biggest man in fashion, Marc Jacobs, was definitely inspired not only in skirts, but also in dresses. (Seriously, there are too many to show, you might want to just view the amazingly beautiful collection here.) So since it was warm a week ago in this part of the country (can't say that now) we decided to break our viewers in with a more casual version of the look.  But look out! A richer Marc Jacob's inspired outfit is waiting to be created for these pages now that the cold has set in.... (Zara platforms, Urban Wear skirt, both tops H&M)

EVERYDAY CHIC + A LITTLE COLOR

I found this girl at a fashion show I attended and thought she was a great example of pulling a look together with classic, chic pieces - nothing crazy here, just good taste. I especially love the bright bag with all the neutral pieces, and her choice of tan heels instead of black.

THE SILHOUETTE

So gorgeous, right? I spotted her away from the crowds, doing her own thing. I love the clean lines and minimalist feel to her look - the shape of the dress and hat do all the talking. Is this too strong of a look for you? Then maybe just try dark tights and lace-up booties with with your fall dresses and skirts. You can find similar grey, lace-up booties at Nordstrom and Urban Outfitters.

FEATHERS AND DENIM

Not brave enough to wear the feather trend on your clothing like they did at the Fall 2011 shows of Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Alexander McQueen? Then sport them on your ears, as feathers are still having a moment going into the fall season. Denim everything is also still a trend with staying power for fall. Tera is wearing a denim dress with warm weather sandals now but can easily transition this piece into the fall and winter months with cold weather boots, tights, jackets, sweaters and even fur. Here her dress is vintage from Etsy, sandal wedges Forever Young and feather earrings are Aldo (and seriously...isn't she so cute in that last picture?).

CASUAL LBD

I guess there's a reason the "little black dress" now has it's own abbreviation. It definitely has become a staple. I was down with Alison here in Houston, thrifting, when she came across this particular black dress. She asked me if I wanted to try it on, but my closet seems to be filled with black from my NYC days (is there anything more chic? But I've been trying to get outside the depths of my black, white and grey closet in order to literally step, like dorothy, into the technicolor world of Oz). But when I found that she had yet to find the perfect little black dress for her closet, I realized a purchase would ensue.

Some of you may wonder when you do find that perfect dress, how to wear it in an everyday way. The key here is accessorizing. Don't be scared of brown...brown seems to pull the black into the realm of casual. And of course what's the all time best way to dress down anything? A motorcycle jacket. Here's what Alison is wearing...bag Forever 21, shoes are DSW, jacket H&M, dress vintage. Want your own vintage black dress? You could try ebay (always check measurements), your local goodwill, salvation army, or DI.

EFFORTLESS MIX

I spotted this girl and her fantastic style from across the Lincoln Center. I love how she pulled all the different elements together - the front tied button down, printed dress and the amazing red bag (Zara has one that is similar...). Normally I'm all about super, super natural looking hair styling and color but I love what this girl has done with her hair color. The whole look is so cool and seemingly effortless.