In case you haven’t noticed, while we’re outside sunning ourselves on the beach or by the pool, the stores are now filled with fall merchandise. Wool skirts, coats, tights, long sleeves, they’re everywhere you look. Although you couldn’t possibly think of wearing them right now during the heat, this is a great time to buy for fall, as you have the widest variety of sizes and styles.

Here’s what to look for this fall.

Hot shades of purple and pink - find yourself a great statement clutch, a pair of shoes, a couple bangles, or a loud scarf in either of these eye popping colors. Save the head to toe look for the kids, but embrace these bold colors through your accessories to stay modern and on trend.

Cobalt blue is back! - It was in a couple years ago, and is making a come back this fall. As this is an easier color to wear than the hot pinks and purples I mentioned above, you can indulge yourself a little more. Find a great cobalt wrap dress or a wonderful winter wool skirt. You’ll be turning heads in no time.

Add a splash of leopard! - Although many other animal prints are on the market, leopard is the classic. Add a dash of leopard print in a belt, a great pair of heals, or an amazing scarf. Pair these accessories with all black or all white for a truly classic yet modern look. A little leopard goes a long way, so keep it in your accessories.

I just returned from Christiana Parsons’s CABi Fall Collection luncheon and fashion show. What a treat. Not only was her house amazing, set high in the Orange/Anaheim hills, but the decorations and her attention to detail in planning the event were really top notch. Every table was beautifully decorated in the CABi colors of white and hot pink, with hot pink fans at every place, napkins tied with pink ribbon, and gorgeously dressed mini mannequins and rose petals as center pieces. My personal favorite were the husbands/wait staff who were adorned in black tee shirts with hot pink writing that read “CABi Hunk.”

I enjoyed mingling with the women at the event and viewing the new collection as a fashion show. It always makes it more fun. The fall collection has amazing pieces that can be worn to the office, out to an event, or for a relaxing weekend. CABi offers great style, design, and fit for a very reasonable price. Not only do the pieces look great, but they are so easy to mix and match. If you have not experienced CABi yet, you really must do so.

To contact Christiana about her latest collection please contact her at www.christiana.cabionline.com or posh1@sbcglobal.net. Make sure you let her know that I sent you!

Boxy tops and below the knee pencil skirts are all the rage right now for women over 40. It’s perfect for the end of summer and can be worn in or out of the office.

The skirts hem should just skim the bottom of the kneecap. To balance the longer length, pick a curve hugging cut; woven fabrics work well here.

Choose a top that’s structured, slightly roomy through the body, and hits at the hip; short or three quarter sleeves keep the proportions right.

For the most flattering look, definitely opt for heels. And since the feel of this outfit is so pared-down, go for simple, architectural jewelry, like a cuff and hoop earrings.

* from Lucky magazine August 2007

I found this great tip in this month’s Lucky magazine.

You know when you get a random bleach spot on your favorite top or dress, well instead of tossing the whole thing, they’ve found the best fix I’ve ever heard.

You’ll need - Tria System Pantone Markers. They won’t bleed on any fabric and there are endless color options, so you can always find an exact match.

How it’s done - Wash the garment first, then just fill in any splotches with the marker. Let it sink in for a day and then launder as usual. It sets permanently.

I love it! You can buy the markers for $3 each at www.pearlpaint.com

Pull together boldly colored separates by varying the degrees of vibrancy. Team heavier fabrics in richer shades with floatier items in pastel tones. Finish it all off with earthy, low-key sandals.

A boldly hued piece doesn’t require a neutral shoe. Pretty flats in a slightly darker tint can yield surprisingly chic results when paired with light, airy dresses that fall above the knee and show off a little leg.

Leggings…some people love them, some people hate them. Most people that lived through the leggings of the 80’s aren’t really into the leggings that made a come back earlier this year. What do you think?

I have to say that they are pretty practical. If you are wearing a sundress during the day, but it getts cooler in the evening, as it does here in Orange County, chuck a pair of leggings into your bag and put them on when it gets cooler. That way you don’t have to change, you still look summery in your dress, but you have some added warmth. The leggings take up no room at all in your bag or purse either!

I know living in Orange County we can all get a little lazy when it comes to wearing flip flops everyday in the summer time. I am guilty of this all too often myself. This summer I am really trying not to wear them everyday. They are fine if you are going to the beach or heading to the pool or at a VERY casual occasion. But the reality is, there are so many cute, dressier, flat, comfy sandals that you could wear just as easily. Invest in a couple pair of these. Wear them with your sun dresses, skirts, linen pants, or jeans and you will look much more put together and little less beach bum.

Wearing linen can be a bit of a battle. Do you struggle to keep it wrinkle free or do you just embrace the wrikles and let it flow? I opt for the latter approach.

My theory is that linen is supposed to wrinkle, so why fight it? It’s like curly hair…why straighten it and then get annoyed when it doesn’t stay straight…it’s supposed to be curly!

Keep in mind that linen is a casual, summer fabric. I know they make linen suits, but one should be aware that they are never as formal as their wool counterparts. It is also not advised to mix linen into your fall or winter wardrobes. I know here in Orange County, we can get away with wearing linen in the winter, but make sure your look is consistent from head to toe. Don’t try to wear a linen skirt with tights and boots…as it won’t work! If it’s 80 degrees in November, by all means wear linen if you feel like it…just keep the whole look summery.

White linen pants are my personal favorite. I love how they look, how they feel, how comfortable they are, and how easy they are to pair with a sexy little tank top for a slightly dressed up look in the evening. Be aware that most white linen pants are a little see through, so plan your underwear accordingly.

One more thought on linen. I find the head to toe beige linen look a little too “granola tree hugger” if you know what I mean. If you are going to wear beige linen keep it either on the top or the bottom. Don’t wear it from head to toe, unless you’re really into that nature look…but I can’t imagine it working well here in the OC.