Fall Favorites: Rich Details

A few weeks ago I went through something like 700 images and, of course found a ton of amazing pieces that I just fell in love with. There's far too many to put in one post so I'm going to have to group them and space them out.

The first group are what I'm calling the "Rich Details" group.

Obviously embellishments of all sorts are being integrated into the design of all levels of fashion and almost every garment type being made. I think this is why we are seeing a comeback of items like hats, fascinators and gloves. There is a desire for rich, interesting details and unique elegance.

The most obvious is the use of lace by Prada. I love the colors of the clothing pieces, especially the orange but I love the creamy lace on their bags.



There are ruffles, ruffles everywhere I look. Bruno Frisoni did an amazing job incorporating satin ruffles into modern designed shoes. I love the contrast of modern and old world in these Bruno Frisoni Mesh Peep-toe Ruffle pumps.



The banding design of the ruffle-edged straps on this Bruno Frisoni taffeta sandal reminds me of the collars from Marie
Antoinette. More blue to love.



I think this sandal is so unusual. You'd have to have an equally rich yet somewhat restrained dress to go with these. The straps are so different. Of course I'd want to wear them all the time. What about some skinny black jeans or latex leggings?



I just love how a wide ankle tie can call attention to a small ankle. I find it very sexy. Bruno Frisoni is continuing to do it right with this sandal.



These Valentino booties are sugary sweet but the suede is totally sumptuous and which I think helps to toughen them up just the smallest bit. I'm sure they were meant to be paired with a couture gown but they need far more time out and about than that. Maybe placed on my desk?

I'd wear these with jeans cropped just above them and then a big poofy-sleeved top with a loopy tie or a long coat.



These last two are more restrained but the material they are made with seems so textured.

I love the wool tweed of these Manolo Blahnik pumps. And the coral leather and white accents make them perfect for transitioning into fall while still keeping a bit of the late summer sparkle.



I like when Stella McCartney sticks with satins and velvet. Her stuff still seems a bit over-priced but at least she gets great colors. I can't get over all the blues. And I can't seem to resist them.

These look like total party shoes to me. They would have been great for the Costume Institute Superhero gala.



There are more selects to follow. One thing they all have in common is that they certainly are not plain. But my theory is, if you are going to spend the money, you should get something that stands out. Something that will make people stop, look and admire.

Sock Dreams

I think even more than some of their shoes and clothes this season, the Prada color block knee socks have captured the attention of the market. The unique style and fearless use of color is extremely strong in a time when creating an eclectic look is so valued.

I think it also has to do with being a sophisticated take on the "school-girl" look as well as the fact that we don't see people really using all of the accessory options that are out there.

I personally love socks, stockings, hats and gloves but it is surprising how little they are worn in this day and age. Which is a shame because there are so many beautiful options out there, especially in hosiery. But most people seem to be content with going the easy, simpler route and not having to bother with adding those options on.



I don't think I'm ready to go for the Prada footless sock with open toes combo, but I am ready to get to wearing cute tights and knee and over-the-knee socks this fall. Especially with my new Miu Miu Naplak heels.



These are such, soft almost pastel, colors for the Fall palette, but just delicious. I bought, from Sock Dreams, a bunch of over the knee socks to wear with them and skirts. Since I also have some other brown wingtip heels in tan and brown, as well as some chunky black and burgundy mary janes, I'm sure I'll have tons of color combos to work with.




Now I just need to get more skirts to wear with them. The Tabio socks mentioned on Kingdom of Style are the closest I've seen to the actual Prada socks. I may have to get a few of these because their colors are perfect to match some of the plaid skirts I already have and will also go with my argyle sweaters (which I can't wait to break out!). The color banding on the arch and top is the best part.



Target also has a ton of great opaque stockings and knee-socks out right now. I bought stockings in dark brown ribbed, teal, red, orange and purple. I also got some fun orange argyle socks. They will be a great jolt of color during the winter when I am wearing darker color clothes.

Now's the time to get them, they're very inexpensive - perfect for a seasonal item.