There are a lot of reasons to look forward to autumn: pumpkin spice lattes, the leaves changing color, good television, and – oh yeah – Fall fashion. September is the January of the fashion world, with designers battling it out to set this year’s trends, and magazines battling it out to report them.

The September Issues are back for another year, and bigger than ever. This month’s Vogue was over 700 pages. Glamour released its largest issue in 20 years.  And don’t forget about InStyle, Elle, Marie Claire, and Harper’s Bazaar. That’s a lot of reading material, even for a seasoned fashionista. So consider this your fashion cheat sheet. I’ve drooled over slaved over pages and pages of bags, boots, coats, and colors to bring you this seasons it items (without 497 pages of ads). Enjoy!

THE THEME: Military.

This trend has slowly been making its way into the fashion world over the past few seasons, but it’s still going strong in Fall 2010. (A fact that makes me even happier that I bought that black military inspired pea coat with gorgeous gold buttons last March for 60% off.) Try it out with a studded shirt, combat boots, or skinny cargo pants. Once you’ve got a feel for it, break out the army fatigues.

THE COLOR PALETTE: Jewel Tones.

Fall has always been about the richer colors. But last year’s burnt orange and deep turquoise shades have been replaced with deeper, darker colors, inspired by everyone’s favorite jewels. Emerald green, ruby red, and amethyst can turn a simple top into a statement piece. If you want to start small, try a suede purple pump, or a deep blue bag. Either way these colors are the perfect middle ground between passé pastels and nineties neon.

THE PRINT: Leopard.

Animal print tends to get a bad reputation. Worn in neon colors in the wrong ways, animal print pieces can often appear tacky. But this year, safari has gone chic. If you’re up for the challenge, search the racks for your perfect leopard print dress and pair it with a pair of nude pumps. New to the animal kingdom? Start with an accessory. Update your LBD with a leopard print clutch or a hot pair of leopard booties.

THE BAG: Structured.

Personally, I’m a fan of the oversize tote. The idea of not being able to carry my entire life around with me is a little frightening. (How do I choose between my day planer and my Tide To Go pen?) But when I saw InStyle’s full page spread on framed satchels even I wavered. Refined, polished, and classic, the structured bag is one item that will never go out of style.

THE SHOE: Lace Up Booties.

This year’s boot? A little shorter and a lot edgier. Flat, lace up, combat boots are casual, cool, and comfortable. Wear them with your skinny cargo pants and leather jacket or with a dress if you’re looking to rough up this season’s Fall florals. The best part? The more you wear them, the better they look.

I love flats. I practically wear them every day and to all occasions. I can’t even remember what I used to wear before I started slipping on those cute and comfy babies. Wait, yes I do. It was sneakers (love my Chucks), but I had to find something else after I realized that old school Nikes are not acceptable for all occasions. Like job interviews.

And now Adidas has taken my two favorite forms of footwear and morphed them into one mega shoe: the Gazelle Ballerina. Not to quote Miley Cyrus or Hannah Montana or whoever she chooses to be today, but you do get the best of both worlds with these shoes. Revel in the cuteness and convenience of a flat and the stylishness and comfort of a sneaker with its rubber outsole for added support.

So if, unlike the Spice Girls, you’ve got a little Posh and a little Sporty to ya, these shoes are your perfect match. And if you find yourself running from parties when campus security shows up, these are probably right for you too. It’s those girls in the stilettos that always get caught.

In honor of tonight’s Project Runway return (a full 5 hours of it!), I decided to take a trip down PR memory lane. God, I have so many great memories with my Project Runway friends. Like the time I paused the TV for 4 minutes just to see what the hell Jeffrey Sebelia’s neck tat said. Or all those times I asked Andre why he constantly had to embarrass me in front of my friends at the Red Lobster.

It’s difficult to choose my favorite moments from my long term relationship with Project Runway (how can you choose when you’ve got season after season of people like Kayne, Blayne and that weirdo lady who spit on her dress?!), but here are some of the best.

Let’s just hope season six can live up to these distant memories:

Santino Does Tim Gunn

It’s A Mother F**king Walkoff

It’s Fierce

Suede Discusses….Suede

Stella Loves Her Leatha

We’ve teamed up with our friends at FashionPulseDaily to bring you the best of Forever 21. Every Wednesday, we’ll highlight a fabulous Forever 21 item that stands out above the rest in that over-crowded (but totally fabulous), color coordinated store. For more fashion fun, check out FashionPulseDaily.

I love the idea of an elastic strap on my pumps; it may be psychological, but I feel slightly safer in 4.5 inch heels with some type of holding device potentially keeping me from toppling over or my heel getting stuck in a subway grate and my foot slipping out, barefooting onto the sidewalk (ewww!). Enough digression, and back to the pumps: the peep toe detailing and roundness of these Noelle Suedette Pumps ($29.50) will be just what I am in the mood to wear when the weather climbs out of the 40 degree range. Plus, pink is making a huge comeback, and while I can’t go at it full force, a pink strap perfectly suits my fancy.

Any fashionista knows that these sleek and highly sought-after designs by CFDA award winning duo Kari Sigerson and Miranda Morrison run in the $400-$1000 range, but now you can own your own pair (or two or three) of Sigerson Morrison shoes for just $30-40.

HALLELUJAH!!!

The collection features an array of shoes that not only highlight some of the latest trends – like studded and textured booties, metallic, jeweled flats and pumps, and delicious suede – but the designers wanted to put some oomph in their designs with “lots of glamour and glitz!” says Morrison.

While these designs are perfect for a chic night out on the town, they can also add a little shock value to an every day ensemble. As Sigerson says, “A little studding goes a long way! By day it’s best to mix jeans and a white T-shirt with dazzling shoes.” These designs are in stores and on Target.com already and will only be around until December 26th, so get ‘em as quick as you can!

Check out my boot picks for fall below; from the low end to the highest end, I got somethin’ for everyone.

(Click on the pics for more info/to add em to your already overstocked shoe collection!):

Over-the-knee boots

This thigh-grazing style has been seen on fashionable celebs like Mischa Barton. The look is very fashion-forward and a bit hard to pull off, but when done right can look amazing. They look best with pants tucked in, not with short skirts or dresses with a short hem, which leave you lookin’ like a hooker.

If you are looking to splurge, check out the Joie boots on the left ($475), or, for the rest of us, the Newport News boot on the right is only $49. Bonus: they have a cool fold-over top so they can be worn two ways.

Buckle boots

Boots with buckles have a cool rocker look that’s a perfect juxtaposition to fall’s hippie inspired clothing – the more buckles, the more badass you’ll look. Look for ones with a mid- to high-heel in black or dark brown. Slouchy or upright both work, but stay away from an over-the-knee silhouette; it’ll look too “I like to ride motorcycles with my mullet-friendly boyfriend.”I especially like these pricey ones from Fiorentini + Baker ($775) on the left, but the cheaper Dollhouse ($83) ones with a low heel and six buckles are fantastic too.

Fringed boots

Fall is all about fringe, from fringe vests to fringe purses to fringe boots. Kate Moss definitely swept in the style by wearing Minnetonka fringe boots last year. You can pick up the same Minnetonka boots as her at Urban Outfitters ($78) or try a higher-end pair from Michael Kors ($465) with five layers of fringe.

Riding boots

Riding-style boots have been in for a while now, so if you haven’t already gotten yourself a pair, it’s definitely time to. Look for ones with buckles over the ankle or laces that end before the calf, and go for a low to flat heel. Thankfully there are tons of great options whether you’re broke or swimming in extra money from the big birthday.The best ones for a super low cost are these flat black ones from Mossimo for Target ($30) on the left. But even those aren’t nearly as fantastic as the uber price ($265) Corso Como ($265) ones on the right. Laces and a buckle? Totally worth the splurge.

Jewel-toned boots

If you’ve always wanted to rock a pair of purple boots but you didn’t think plum on your feet was appropriate, here’s your chance. Rich jewel tones on shoes and purses are perfect for fall. Look for deep purples, reds, blues, and greens in luxurious (or faux lux) suede or leather. Go low heel, high heel, ankle or knee high; it all works. I’m really into these sapphire blue suede ones from L’Autre Chose ($294) and these slouchy Steve Madden ($90) purple suede boots.

Ankle boots

Thank god ankle boots are still in because I’m obsessed with them. My favorites are ones that rise slightly above the ankle and have a platform (very Mary-Kate Olsen), but there are also fabulous flat ones, bootie ones, oxford style ones, granny looking ones, etc, etc, etc. Booties for everyone!

My faves are these affordable studded platform lace-up booties from Colin Stuart ($89) and these curvy grey ones from Ash ($274) with a cute four-button closure.

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But then I saw this picture of Kylie Minogue. And my world changed. (JK- how pathetic would that be! But it did scream Perfect Balance!)

And so I thought, why not copy this look for you and maybe, just maybe, YOUR world would change too!

Because now dear readers, you can finally achieve that look we all strive for: the one that is that perfect blend of looking put together yet disheveled at the same time. A harmonious ensemble that clearly says “I care about your class, Professor Stein… but not that much, cute boy who sits behind me in lecture.”

So this week, I bring you: Celebrity Chic on the Cheap: Fashion POLICE This!

“Vintage” Raglan T

It’s an understood rule among girls that you never really listened to that band you are wearing a “vintage” shirt of… but your dad did back in the days when he was smoking pot and not wearing deodorant, so that makes it totally acceptable. And, you know, cooool. It’s also comfy, cute and an awesome throwback.

Ray-Ban Style Glasses

I love them, but since God blessed (?) me with a large face/head I sadly can not wear them. So I will live vicariously through you, small faced people of the blogosphere. Rock them in an array of colors- or stick with the solid black.

Skinny Jeans

These are great to tuck in to boots all season long

Scarf

It’s yellow and it’s hounds tooth and I covet this scarf. And for $4.80 I don’t feel bad about having it… and then being sick of it in a month.

Moccasin Boots

Sure other writers on this site despise them, but I for one think they are adorable. And besides – it makes your look A Little Bit Country (or is it Indian?) and a Little Bit Rock and Roll. Sign me Up.

Black Hobo

Okay so first of all this one is patent. It’s also black and navy. And it’s 12.99. Yes twelve dollars and ninety-nine cents. And it’s so-cute-it makes me think we should dedicate our site to being the fansite of ‘this bag’ instead of Jeremy Piven. Thoughts?!

Then the designers find out they have to design for one another, which is when everything got really fun, because their designs had to be inspired by a certain genre of music.

And someone up above was watching over this situation and fulfilled my dreams of finally laughing at an episode of Project Runway by putting the most ridiculous pairings together.

Here’s the breakdown:

Jerell has to be dressed in rock and roll (where is Leatha Stella when you need her?)

Suede must be donned in punk rock attire.

Kenley is to look like a pop star

Korto has to go country.

Leanne has to rock the hip hop look.

Yeah, this is bonafide comedy fo sho.

The designers go to the fabric store where we see Kenley purchasing a floral fabric (SHOCK!) for a hip hop ensemble (Questionable…) We also find out that Suede classically trained cellist…and he’s dressed Britney Spears?

So much going on. So little time to care.

I really just want to get to the runway show. Until, of course, Tim comes in to do a little advising and totally bitch slaps that ugly red lipstick right off of Kenley’s face.

The problem with Kenley is that she can’t handle ANY criticism. She is like a guy in the bedroom; tell her she did something wrong and she turns her back to you and starts to cry (leaving you forced to finish everything yourself…wait…I think I took the analogy a step too far). I think the girl needs to step away from her hipster collection of vintage vinyl records and realize that she has NO IDEA what hip hop is.

Oh and she better respect Tim Gunn. No one talks back to that man and gets away with it. NO ONE.

So, as usual, Kenley decides she’s not gonna listen to Tim. And now it is time for the most amazing runway since the drag queens. The designers head to hair and makeup where Suede is given a multicolored front mullet, Kenley is totally turned into Britney Spears, Leanne is turned into a white girl trying too hard and Jerell….looks exactly the same.

The designers strut their stuff down the runway and I have to say – seeing Kenley dressed as a total slut, Korto in cowboy boots and Leanne do a “hip hop move” at the end of the runway makes this the best episode of all time. (Oh and did anyone else totally see Jerell’s junk in those pants?!)

Yes, I am including every single season. Even the whole “Andre, let’s go to Red Lobster” sitch.

Anyways, the judges (including LL Cool J…who totally put Kenley in her place…and is so effing hot) deliberated and crowned Korto’s punk design for Suede as the winning look.

Yayyy Korto!

The bottom 2 were Kenley and Suede. According to Heidi (and her terrible metaphor), Suede stayed too safe: “You could have turned up the volume but you stayed silent.” Get it? Cuz he was designing a rock and roll look? Heidi is so clever!

So, Suede was sent home. Wearing metallic green eyeshadow.

That’s just wackadoodle!

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And suede boots with fringe.

Dude, WTF is up with footwear this year?! I am usually pretty good at keeping up with the trends, but this one totally surprised and baffled me. Fringe? On a suede boot?

I know that I swore I would never understand the whole Ugg phenomenon – and then went out and bought 2 pairs – but this is a look I really don’t get. What does one wear with a boot full of fringe? What kind of look is this? And don’t people get worried about getting caught in escalators?

Am I alone in this?

The Fringe Boot: Yay or Nay?

I can’t stop buying them.

I love all kinds of shoes, from flip flops to stilettos to my trusty Chuck Taylors. I love my tried and true (black pumps, ballet flats, etc.) and I love finding fun and funky shoes to add a lil’ oomph to an outfit. I have shoes ranging from Payless and Target to Steve Madden and even a few beloved pairs of designer shoes (that were all purchased in outlets or amazing clearance sales, I must add).

The best thing about shoes is that trends come in cycles so you can save your favorite pairs and use them for more than one season.

This season there are six major shoe trends emerging, although a couple of them are old trends re-surging, so I’m here to let you know what you’ll be seeing on footsies in the next few months.

Trend #1: Spectators (AKA Oxfords)

To go with the trend of menswear inspired clothing that is so hot this season, this throwback to the 1940’s is back in full swing and you can find all kinds of fun styles and colors for your own take on the trend. For those of you who aren’t on a student or recent-grad budget, Alexander McQueen has a gorgeous peep-toe version, but for the rest of us there are darling versions at Nine West, Aldo and Target. I just got an adorable pair of black peep-toes with a chunky heel for under $30 at Target and saw several different styles and colors. I also found a great black & white pair at Aldo on sale for $64.98 and another fun pair at Payless for $24.99! These look great with skirts and stockings/tights or with wide-legged trousers.

Trend #2: Black Patent T-Strap Heels with Platform

This trend continues and is a great way for you petite girls to add some height while also a showing off those gams. You can pair this style with jeans and a cute top or with a delicate cocktail dress. YSL’s Tribute Sandal is back with new colors and new heights, but again, for the budget-conscious, I found an adorable pair at Delia’s on sale for $19.99!!! I may just have to buy them myself.

Trend #3: Classic Stiletto Heel-Sans Platform

This trend never seems to go out of style and this season is no different. You can do all kinds of things with this shoe: different colors, round-toe or pointy-toe, different materials and even patterns (the watercolor look is a “must-have” trend of the season, according to Vogue). This style can be found EVERYWHERE – you don’t have to look far at all – and the key is to have fun with it. Go with a bold color like bright blues or greens, have a suede or a patent leather pump, rock ‘em out with skinny jeans, or with a hot mini-skirt. The key, though, is to make sure you have at least one pair of the classic black stiletto on hand. Aldo is a great place to find adorable stilettos for a reasonable price, and I oftentimes end up finding great sales and getting pairs for under $50. In fact I just got a pair of grey patent leather stilettos for $24!!!

Trend #4: Animal Prints

Animal prints are back, but to get the right look for this season, pair it with a very neutral outfit (greys, khakis, beiges). It’ll make your shoes pop and give a more modern take on animal prints. And this time around it’s not just about leopard; zebra, giraffe and python are a great take on this trend as well. It is a bit harder to find nice looking animal print shoes at a reasonable price, though I did spot a pair of zebra print at Target. Shoes.com also has a vast array of animal print shoes between $75 and $300.

Trend #5: Booties

It’s all about finding a good bootie call and, for the third straight season, booties are all the rage for fall. They’re a great in-between of having more coverage than regular heels without the commitment to a full boot, and they look absolutely adorable with a flirty party dress or a skirt (pencil or bubble-hemmed are my personal faves) and tights. There are numerous variations on this trend from lacey styles to gladiator-inspired, so look around for a style that fits you personally. Again, for budget-friendly versions check Nine West, Aldo, Target, and even Payless (who is currently having their BOGO/Buy one, get one ½ off sale).

Trend #6: Monster Platform Wood Soles

Crazy high wood platforms are huge (literally and figuratively) for fall. Well, at least for the runways. Stella McCartney and Marni are among the designers who adore this look, but it seems the design is so fashion forward (and impractical?) that I had a hard time finding inexpensive versions of this style. If you love the look, start scouring the internet; you are bound to find something to fit your college budget.

No matter which trend(s) you choose to go with, fashion is all about having fun and making yourself feel great, so pick out something you love, pair it with a fab outfit, and watch heads turn (or rather, look down).