Living in Las Vegas I currently endure a summer filled with days of 107-degree weather. So, you can imagine just how much I’m looking forward to fall. Not only am I eager for the cooler weather, but I’m also eager to rock the type of stylish apparel I can’t wear during the simmering summer climate. There are five trends in particular I plan to sport this fall: peep toe oxford shoes, bell skirts, short sleeve coats, peacock feather accessories and the color purple.

Peep Toe Oxford Shoes
Inspired by the serious businessman but femmed-out for the trendy fashionista, peep toe oxford shoes are sophisticated enough for the office yet capricious enough to add an element of whim to your career wear. This is a pair from Nine West – Undertoe, $99.00.

Bell Skirts
So cute, so sexy, so flirty – a nicely fitted bell skirt on a confident, chic woman is bound to make many hearts chime. I plan on wearing my bell skirts with opaque tights and my new peep toe oxford shoes. This cute bell skirt from Alloy comes in black, dark red, white and my favorite – teal. $26.50.

Short Sleeve Coats
In most trend-setting cities across the U.S., these uniquely styled coats with their nonplussed short sleeves may not be functional, however, in my sinful town, a short sleeved coat can be used throughout fall and winter. It doesn’t get that cold in Las Vegas, and I can’t wait to wear my short sleeved coat with a bright jewel-tone necktie blouse. You may recognize this short sleeve peacoat from Gap’s ad campaign. At $78, it’s the most affordable one I’ve seen so far.

Peacock Feather Accessories
Whether worn on my ears or as a necklace, this choice plume will take me from fall through spring 2009. It’s sweet, exotic and calming. What a charming way to add something fantastical to my outfits. These earring are from Hot Topic and are only $8. Sweet.

The Color Purple

What I really want this fall is a purple handbag. I think all purple handbags look hot, whether worn as a hobo, structured bag or clutch and in leather, patent leather or suede. But my Twitter friends have voted for purple suede and that’s what I plan on carrying. Naturally, I love this Gucci bag sold at Neiman Marcus. It’s doubtful I’ll attain it, but I imagine I’ll find something like it. $1350.00.

I really appreciate these particular trends because they’re classic and understated. Maybe they won’t be as trendy come Fall 2009, but I have a feeling I can still wear these pieces, in small doses, and get away with it.

Want more options? Here’s what my super-stylish friends recommend:

“I love hippie-inspired, vintage looks for any season (think Nicole Richie on a good day…she’s my fave). This fall, the #1 trend I’m totally coveting is fringe… specifically a cool suede fringe bag (probably in a deep purple. Purple is my second favorite trend for fall!). Also, feathers are huge! I might do it in a small way by buying a feather pendant necklace or feather earrings.”

Hannah E., Las Vegas

“I will be rocking out the black lace, dresses, tops and tights. (Think Prada.) I will pair this up with a great pair of ankle booties (until the snow hits). Also, I am going to try and incorporate more jewel tones, and gold jewelry (layered) for fall. But stuff like magenta, and burnt orange…oh, and more structured handbags.”

Mindy S., Chicago

“Plaid is super hot!”

Leemarie S., Las Vegas

What fall trends will you rock? Please feel free to leave a comment!

It comes as no surprise how much I love my job. I mean, I write about sex, romance, passion and sex toy how-tos all day long. What’s not to love? But as with any office job, I have to accept certain rules and regulations. For example, in my office the shoulder straps of our tops must be at least “three fingers wide.” I’m not kidding – “three fingers wide.” Well, there go my tank tops, which are a staple in my wardrobe. Luckily I found this cute white lace short jacket at Shecky’s shopping party, and for only $28. What a pretty way to cover up my too-narrow-for-the-office shoulder straps!

Jacket: