Pre-fall 2014 collections have been rolling out over the last few weeks, and as always, they're filling that space of being the perfect in-between collections. Whether pulling in the last of summer like Michael Kors or embracing the approaching cold like Jenni Kayne, there's a lot of good to go around. I'm excited to see some of these things hit the sidewalks at the end of next summer, but I'm even more excited for some of them to hit red carpets in the coming weeks. Here are some of my all around faves from the season (click the photo for review and collection).

And an extra mention for best accessory: Alexander Wang's to-die-for over-the-knee boots.

All images via Style.com.

what it is: Ryan Porter jewelry
why I love it: A few months ago, my friend Maura gotthis bracelet at work. I loved the message and the idea of the childhood nostalgia-type jewelry that translated to a cool, one of a kind wear all the time bracelet. I always liked it, but never thought about where it came from after she told me she got it from work. Well, it broke after months of constant wearing and she loved it so much (understandably) that she's in the market for a new one. Luckily, I was around the other night when she started considering what the new one would say in earnest, because that's when I was introduced fully to the Ryan Porter brand. With endless options for messages, beads, chains/cords and charms, there are literally thousands of possibilities for any type of jewelry you're looking to buy. They're so well priced that the temptation to get a whole arm party full is actually attainable, and getting them for all your BFFs can actually happen (and may, in my case). They're just perfect to add a little tasteful youthfulness to any day and outfit. They can stand alone in the accessory game, but they also play well with others. Whether you're looking for a pop of color or more of a blend with the rest of your jewelry, they have options to fit every jewelry style. And it doesn't matter if you're looking to send a message to strangers, up your initial jewelry game or need some daily wisdom, you can say anything with these pieces. The only reason I haven't gotten one yet is because I'm deciding what I want it to say. Then "add to cart" will be happening immediately.
where to get it: ShopRyanPorter.com, prices vary (but are soooo reasonable)

We've reached the end of the first week of December, which means the year is almost coming to a close, we're in the midst of the holidays and it's almost time to settle in for the rest of the winter, as in, the not as fun part that comes after the new year. My birthday might be over, but as always, the beginning of a month always reminds me of things I find missing in my closet. Especially now that cold weather has started to hit.

Whether it's to make a statement about the fashion industry, demand and consumption, irony or some other reason, designers love to make creative jabs at unexciting everyday items. Designers also knows that the handbag is a mainstay of the female accessory repertoire and that the "it" bag has been a thing for as long as mass clothing production and distribution has been around. So they have a little fun with it.

Disposable bags are those items that serve a purpose and then you throw them away or reuse them, but they're decidedly unglamorous. I love how designers put a (pricey) spin on those things we usually don't give a second thought to. Whether it's leatherized plastic shopping bags, paper lunch bags or actual trash bags, everything is fair game. It might seem ridiculous that people actually spend hundreds of dollars on these, but I love a good play on the everyday as well as a bit of sartorial irony. The concept of a knockoff of these examples of bottom-up fashion is also pretty hilarious, but if I come across cheaper versions, I can't say I will pass them up.

I have a very extensive accessory collection that I've been adding to for years, but it's been a while since I've bought anything new. There are a bunch of trends I've been eyeing to add to my inventory. Though I don't typically shop for accessories specifically, and usually pick them up as I see them, these are some things I'll have in mind when I'm out shopping in the near future.

I'm savoring these days of relative warmth because I'm not sure how long they'll last now that we're nearing December. These are some of my favorite and most versatile items of clothing I own, so I'm glad they can work together. First, the dress. My mom actually picked this dress off of a messy rack at Forever 21 and tried to force it on me because this simple shift dress in classic navy and white stripes is really not my style. Once I tried it on and it fit perfectly, though, I decided to go for it. It's an all-seasons dress that works just as well on its own with flat sandals as it does with a blazer or cardigan and heels for a more polished look. But I'm not so inclined to polished on a regular basis, so here I go for a little irony by tying up a men's flannel at the waist for some slouchy layers and pattern mixing. Gray tights act as a neutral connection between the top part of the outfit and these loose-fitting heeled boots that add a relaxed coolness to an outfit. The tied shirt leaves the front part of the dress visible, so I break it up with layered long necklaces and add a little bit of business with a mixed metal boyfriend watch. There's a lot of styles going on in this outfit, but keeping some of the polish while layering other styles iss what makes things interesting here.

Bonobos is one of my favorite menswear brands. They started as a way for guys with a little more junk in the trunk to find pants that fit, and the brand has evolved into a large selection of well designed, well fitting and well priced options. I've directed several guys to this site because their pants tend to fit taller and more athletic guys well. Jeans these days don't seem to be for men who work out much. But enough about the boys.

As of today (supposedly, the website still isn't really up), I'm sooo excited about the brand's offerings for women, called All Year Round, or AYR. For now, it's just jeans, which we know should be successful due to the grief many women go through to find well fitting and flattering pants. In 2014 the brand will release a full collection for women. All I have to say about that is: get. excited. I definitely am.

Via: TheCut.com

As real winter weather approaches more and more quickly and the desire to stay in bed grows hard to fight, the most direct route to comfortable, warm dressing becomes the priority in the morning. We won't be feeling real spring until possibly the end of April, and as much as we might want to, it's really not an option (nor does it help any sort of winter-induced depression) to live in sweats and Uggs for six-ish months. So, we're pretty lucky this season because we can go with the next best thing. 

Obviously, sweaters have always been winter's go-to, but this season sweaters are made of thick knits and are oversized as ever. Whether they're crew necked, turtlenecked, long sleeved, batwing sleeved, or otherwise stylized, they'll work. Forget just wearing them with skinny jeans or leggings and boots (which obviously works!), sweaters over a-line and pencil skirts, boyfriend jeans, maxi dresses, leather leggings, layered over shirts, under leather jackets and more are the preferred methods of pairing for these heavy winter items. You don't even have to give them up when dressing up. The street stylers (and one model) above got the look exactly right.

Cheap options are all over if you want to stock up, but pricier (and, frankly, better quality) choices are available, too if you want to be sparing with your collection. Get started with some great choices at Uniqlo, H&M, Joe Fresh, J.Crew, Club Monaco and ASOS. But they really are everywhere right now, so browsing around will offer much success. I just picked up this one, this one and this one over the weekend (I know, I went a little crazy). 

There is no limit to the number of reasons why Zara is great. It's the pricier but better quality fast fashion cousin of H&M and Forever 21, the silhouettes are fashion forward, flattering and can trick any number of untrained (and trained, for that matter) eyes into thinking you're sporting designer duds. Who wouldn't want that?

Well, it seems that most fashion fans also have this idea. As I skim different fashion blogs and street style outlets for looks I want to write about for outfit lab, the H&Ms and Forever 21s start to become less and less as the blogger becomes more well known, more successful and starts to receive gifts. However Zara usually stays strong. The three bloggers above blog from London/Paris, LA/San Francisco and Barcelona respectively, so it's definitely not a regional trend, and when street style stars are photographed outside shows, a good amount of Zara makes it in amongst the designers that prevail. 

The sophisticated structure, thoughtfully placed colors and grown up patterns that still manage to be fashion forward, not to mention relatively successful and abundant runway copies (or close enough) make Zara a go-to for all items from basics to outerwear as well accessories. Zara works as a stand alone, even their plain items speak for themselves and are bold enough to carry an outfit, but the basic nature and good construction of each item also makes them ideal for layering and manipulating and styling as each person desires.

This common thread that runs internationally really speaks volumes about the brand, and it helps explain why when I walk into any Zara store I have to aggressively talk myself out of purchases in order to maintain a balance in my bank account.

Sometimes black and white is just so easy, and with unexpected items can still be very interesting. I found this top at TJ Maxx earlier this summer and loved that it looks so much more expensive than the $16 it cost, plus it's extremely versatile. Here I have it hanging loose over a pair of leggings that have a tuxedo stripe down the side, and layered under a sheer baseball jacket. I finished off the look with mid-calf black leather boots to give the outfit some edge, but counteracted that with some feminine, sparkly jewelry. I focused more on rings than a necklace because with the collar and the baseball jacket that has a smaller circular neck, there's already a lot going on in that area.