Wear It Wednesday - Fall!

Since my teenage years, a fall ritual has included buying a stack of fashion magazines when they come out with those giant editions in September.

For several weeks I engross myself in fashion trends for the season. When I get the overall picture in my mind, I will purchase a few key pieces to look more current.

Here's a tour of fall fashion trends I spotted over and over again.

Fringe showed up on vests, sweaters, jackets, belts, shoes, necklaces, earrings, and even handbags.

Long tunics over leggings worn with boots continue to be a favorite look.

Leather adds texture and interest, no matter if it is real or faux.

Animal print is here to stay! I look for black and white for my cool complexion.

Quilted jackets, pants, vests, and coats look great if they don't add too much bulk.

The classic combination of black and red with a touch of animal print still gets my attention.

Faux leather showed up in total pieces or trim on countless jackets, pants, skirts, and dresses.

A scarf not only keeps us warm but can also tie together an outfit and make all the difference when wearing neutral solids.

Pewter or gray was seen more times than ever before. We have to be careful of gray near the face because it can wash us out if we don't color our hair. I look for silver-gray, such as this loose-fitting jacket from Chico's Black Label collection.

Leather pants or coated jeans were a statement piece that showed up in almost every fashion spread this fall.

Leggings and jeggings are still a basic we should always have on hand. Remember to cover your bottom with a long top or jacket.

Subtle patterned jeans and leggings are showing up everywhere!

Animal print short boots can be worn with every style of pants to look very chic. 

Boots with leggings and a tunic or long jacket are always a great look at any age.

Tassels and animal print touches are great to wear with neutral colors.

Interesting cuffs can be worn with turned up sleeves for a more elegant look.

Car Coats are showing up everywhere. This is the one I purchased from Ann Taylor Loft. The length looks fabulous with narrow leg pants and leggings with boots.

I hope you have enjoyed my take on fall fashion for fall 2014 and that it helps you add a few key pieces to your own wardrobe.

Snapshots from Paris ... of the south.

Mr. Mickey's daughters gave him a weekend at the fabulous Windsor Boutique Hotel in Asheville for his birthday/father's day gift. Lucky me! I got to tag along.

The first stop along the way was the Johnson City Farmer's Market to pick up a special order from a local glass etching artist for Mr. Mickey's wine room.

I am always drawn to the flowers.

Our next stop was at the top of the mountain for a rest stop. The views along Interstate 26 are awe-inspiring. We never tire of this journey.

My look for the first part of the day includes a lightweight cardigan, tank, and cropped pants, all from Stein Mart's Peck and Peck collection. The shoes were found at T.J. Maxx. The necklace is from Chico's. 

We took a break from shopping and walking at the Grove Arcade to have some of our favorite spicy pimento cheese at Carmel's. It was great weather for visiting a sidewalk café!

At last... it was time to check into our room at the elegant Windsor Hotel. The two girly girls are reunited! With me is Laura Cousins, the Creative Art Director for the hotel.

A bottle of local wine was Mr. Mickey's birthday gift from the hotel management!

A beautiful Paris note pad from Laura was a gift for me!

The city of Asheville has many buildings that date from the 1800s.

We visited Art in the Park in the center of Asheville in Pack Square Park.

For our afternoon stroll through the city, I changed into a lightweight tie-front blouse from Chico's.

No surprise here! I am checking out the jewelry.

More street performers at Pack Square.

This is a new place we plan to try for dinner the next time we visit Asheville. Rhubarb has a sidewalk dining area and a newly decorated inside exquisite dining area. We had a glass of wine and a delicious cheese plate as we took another afternoon break from walking about and shopping.

Cheers!

These street performers were probably the best we've ever heard. They are the Carolina Catskins.

After a short rest, it was time to get ready for dinner at the fabulous Strada. 

I am wearing a long white tunic blouse and a silver and white long, lightweight cardigan with white ankle zip jeans from Chico's. The turquoise and silver necklace and silver cuff are also from Chico's.

Another landmark across from our hotel. Tressa's has been around for many years.

On Sunday, we had brunch at another favorite place, Posano Café.

I wore a black and white sheer, lightweight top and black jeans from Chico's for the trip home.

I love visiting with dogs on the street. It seems everyone has a dog or two. These were so cute!

Another great street performer. He made this hammer dulcimer himself.

One last treat for the afternoon. We have wanted to visit Old Europe for a long time. It did not disappoint!

I thought you would enjoy seeing Mr. Mickey's socks. Shows his sense of humor, don't you think?