This is SO typical of me. Already, I’m thinking about what looks I want to wear this Fall. And, I don’t just think in terms of single pieces. I always plan full-on outfits. Right now I’ve got three outfits on my mind that I must wear Fall 2010. Here they are.

I have to have a red shift dress and leopard print short jacket. I’m not too particular on brands for this look, most any label will do. But the designer fashion label wren has a really cute cheetah print jacket coming out for Fall. I may have to keep an eye out for that one.

Cocktail Dresses by Michael Kors
Platforms by Jimmy Choo

I already have the blue blazer, but what I need to do now is add gold buttons. That’s an easy re-style job. What I also need is a tone-on-tone white burned out tee and sequin skirt. The skirt doesn’t have to be blue and black, although I love this Tory Burch one featured below. A simple black sequin skirt will do the trick. Oh, and a total must-have is the tough girl military boots. Loves!

Shortsleeve Tops by Kowboy
Boots by Giuseppe Zanotti

I have to have clogs! And they must be embellished with studs. Add a simple long sleeve black tee, layer a yellow tube top over it and then wear together with a pair of cropped black pants, and I’ve got a great weekend look.

Cropped Pants by Bebe
Mules & Clogs by Report

The military trend applies to men, too. This particular jacket says haute Italian Army Guy to me. Ciao, bello!

James Army Jacket from Alley Collection, $200.
Available at Moxsie

Complimentary samples received for this blog post.

To see the other ways I styled my Shoe Dazzle Link military pumps, CLICK HERE to view a slideshow.

One of my favorite places to shop (and save) is Bluefly. And their resident stylist,Tanesha Smith, continually cranks out editorial looks for Women’s and Menswear shoots – a position she describes as “A total dream job – very chill and fun; we’re always trying something new.” I had the opportunity to ask Tanesha questions about hot trends for this Spring. Here’s what she had to say. (PS – How cute is Tanesha? Love her!)

LS: What is your favorite trend-setting color for Spring and what are your style tips for wearing it? 
TS: In a word: khaki. I know this doesn’t exactly knock your socks off, but nothing is more versatile at the moment. It pairs nicely with Spring’s most popular color palettes of pastels and neutrals.

LS: For those of us who like to get the most bang for our buck, what are the Spring trends that you think will continue through the Fall?
TS: Leather everything, from skirts to pants and anything else you can wiggle yourself into. Boyfriend touches in the form of slouchy pants and flyaway tops will also continue to be strong.

Doma stone white leather pleated collar cropped jacket
$395.00 by Doma at Bluefly

Helmut Lang grey lamb leather
skinny pants
$613.00 by Helmut Lang at
Bluefly

LS: We always talk about fashion as it pertains to women, but what about the men? What are the hot Spring trends for men?
TS: Men are taking more risks than ever before. Shorts are getting a little shorter and they are experimenting with pairing those shorts with their blazers. The neutrals and military trends have not escaped them as well.

Marc Jacobs sunny tan cotton twill shorts
$88.80$75.99 by Marc Jacobs at Bluefly

John Varvatos white striped cotton
3-button sport coat
$657.00 by John Varvatos at Bluefly

LS: I adore the military trend. Is this something limited to daytime casual wear only, or can you think of ways a career woman can rock this trend at work or a socialite can wear it to an evening event?
TS: The thing about military looks is that its history is steeped in formality so they can easily translate to dressier occasions. In fact, the epaulets featured on many pieces accent the also popular bold-shoulder detail that has popped up on everything from blazers to dresses. McQueen was a master at blending the two ideas, as is Ralph Lauren.

Tocca taupe pinstripe ‘Valentina’ jacket
$219.00$119.99 by Tocca at Bluefly

LS: What do you think about women over 40 sporting some of these hot Spring trends?
TS: By taking some special care in regards to hem lengths and toning down the volume on certain trends like ruffles, I don’t see any reason we can’t all partake in everything spring has to offer.

Marc by Marc Jacobs skyway cotton ruffle detail v-neck top
$95.00 by Marc by Marc Jacobs at Bluefly

Inspired by the shoes, which came to me courtesy of ShoeDazzle.com, I wanted to put together a bold outfit that successfully featured the military trend but was balanced with a bit of femininity. I must have done well. When leaving a restaurant, while wearing this outfit, a woman stopped me to ask where I got my shoes and to compliment my outfit. “You stand out for sure,” she said. Thank you.

Stay tuned for my Shoe Dazzle review next week!

The Details:

Femme crochet sweater                                                        Military-green cargo pants

Way-hot military pumps

The Outfit:

Sweater:
Pointelle

T-shirt:
Charlotte Russe

Cargo Pants:
American Eagle Outfitters

Shoes:
Shoe Dazzle