Fashion

Pre-fabulous fall

Recently I was given a couple department store gift cards, which to me is like winning the lottery. I love the idea of having to spend money at a store without all the guilt (it was a gift!) or indecision. Besides the fact that it’s fun (so much to chose from!) it’s also convenient when you think of how expansive the department store’s online offerings are these days. I certainly don’t have to shop online, but when 10 o’clock hits and there’s nothing on TV, what does one do? I say shop!

Lately whenever I go to the main page of said department stores there is a big, bold advertisement for pre-fall collections. What is this you ask? It’s the fashion world’s way of saying that it’s time to embrace your wools, as summer is a distant memory.

And ironically as I was thinking more about pre-fall and it’s place in the fashion world, I come upon this questionnaire on fabsugar.com. “Are you ready for pre-fall?” Most of the answers were “no, I’m still shopping summer sales,” but there was a notable shift from season’s past to yes. Perhaps that’s because the summer fashions are just a tad bit boring, or better yet fall is a tad more delectable…either way you have it, pre-fall is on it’s way to becoming it’s own must-stop shop season.

So what about the collections and goods? Let’s start with Milly. A contemporary favorite, Milly is the quintessential label for uptown girls with a bit of sass. I love this black, strapless bandeau dress which is ideal for that transitional summer into fall period when the temperature is so skittish. Pre-fall = transition.

Less pricey but just as fun is this Lux Pleat Back Trench coat from Urban Outfitters. The cornflower blue is the perfect shade to carry you from summer’s whites to fall’s dark browns. Also from Urban are these fantastic multi-colored Ikat scarves, which are very reminiscent of what Drew Barrymore has been wearing lately. Wear this with a tee now and a long cardigan in late September.

If you’re not so sure you’re ready for sweaters just yet, opt instead for closed-toe flats and leggings. Again, they’re transitional but incredibly wearable from now until next spring.

Sensible selling

Today I managed to unload years of clothing, accessories, shoes and handbags in my first ever garage sale. Now before you say anything, yes I’ve been to garage sales before. I may have even contributed to a friend’s in the past (when I was ten and only had old copies of Sweet Valley High to offer). Nevertheless, I’ve never actually thrown my own, which after today’s success seems like the most ridiculous thing imaginable.

Let me begin by admitting I don’t know much about garage sales. I didn’t know that there were people who specifically went on Friday, or that many sellers price their stuff so low. I didn’t realize that the most absurd junk usually went first, while my Prada pants with last year’s tag would still be hanging at the end of a successful day.

It’s this type of “unknowing” that’s led me to the internet boards of garage sale tipsters…People who’ve had success and understand what it takes to make the sale the best it can possibly be.

Their tips: Make your garage sale a destination. Treat it like a true shopping experience with displays and convenient pricing. Advertise, advertise, and advertise. Put signs up everywhere while also listing your sale on both craigslist.com + yahoogroups.com. Only sell good stuff. If it’s junk it’s not worth anyone’s time.

With that said I thought it might be fun to browse the online “garage sales” or auctions as they’re called. Not quite garage sales but similar. Ebay.com is the largest and one of the most fun to browse. Lately I’ve been looking for mid-century modern furniture but if a Gucci tote pops up far be it from me to resist the temptation. Ebay has everything you could ever want from cheap, affordable jewelry to high-end, gently used designer shoes.

Another site, more under the radar than over-exposed is jillsconsignment.com. Specifically target to selling designer goods, I found a sensational pair of Celine ankle boots, which would be PERFECT for fall with a new pair of jeans and a thick wooly sweater.

In addition to the above is the chic portero.com auction site. I happened upon this while digging a bit further and what a nice surpirse! I’m still dreaming of their certified and pre-owned jewelry, specifically the Roberto Coin braided ring. Likewise, you can’t beat this swanky Jimmy Choo clutch, which would be the perfect accent to a smart tweed coat come fall. Whether you’re going all out or looking for deals, don’t be afraid to buy online (or at garage sales!). There are so many cool things out there.