Newage trends for fall

Ahhhhh... the rich splendor of autumn. The cool air fragrant with the scent of fallen leaves. All that crackly, chilly, grey-gold goodness. Snappy walks in the park followed by the gentle heat of a toasty fire. Earthy ponchos and warm gloves....Wait, scratch that--ponchos are so 2004.

It's the same thing every year: I smile my way through the first few weeks of Indian summer, telling myself I should enjoy the heat while it lasts; in a few months, I'll forget what the sun looks like. But by mid-September, I'm frustrated. When will I get to crack open the winter storage and pull on those cozy woolens? Dang global warming.

This year's fall fashions offer a lot to look forward to--a lot that is, in fact, of a very vintage bent. Think flowy 40s oversized trousers, mod 60s bubble coats and dresses, studiously layered looks that call to mind both the 60s and the 80s, and even a fun nod to Napoleon. These, we are told, are some of the key looks of Fall 06. Let's go through some of the most vintagey:

60s Bubbles

Some bubble looks can't be pulled off by anyone--even models. But these bubbles are heavenly, gay, ecstatic. They float, they bounce.

This zingy chartreuse coat by Aquascutum is so fresh it makes me feel giddy.









Here's a bubble skirt that almost any woman could pull off -- whether you're a pear, apple, hourglass, or a stick like me.









40s Oversized

It's true that there was a definite oversize esthetic to the 80s and early 90s. In fact, it got ridiculous. When I was in junior high and high school, though, I was right in there wearing my big oversized vests with leggings and big belted sweaters with stovepipe jeans you had to zip up with a coat hanger. Some designers went there this year. But I prefer the relaxed masculine styles that give a nod to the ladies' menswear looks of the 40s.

This sweater and pants combo from Stella McCartney--I adore, love, covet, want, need, desiiiiire.




Sure, it's a little bit on the jazzy zoot suit side, but this Vuitton look is music to my eyes. Puts me in mind of Coco Chanel in her early (and most rebellious) years (a woman in pants!? zee world, she is ending...)









This look from Chloe combines the oversize trend with the layering trend. I love the individual pieces, and I think the combo works for the runway. But I'm not holding my breath for the shorts-over-pants look to take off. The only people we'll see doing this in Canada this fall are hockey players.








Layering
Again, when I think layering, I think mid to late 80s. You know, the Flashdance years. But this is layering with a nod to the 60s, which I love.

I really dig this cropped and slightly oversize jacket paired with flowy blouse and loose trousers. It looks comfortable yet chic and original. Not loving the designer birkenstocks, but that's down to mental scarring from a 6-week trek across Europe when I was 21.







Here is another example of layering done right, from Ports. I. Love. This. Look. Of all the looks here, this one and the loose sweater/oversized trousers above are the most 'me.' But I digress. I adore these cropped 60s-pseudo-military style jackets.








I find myself strangely drawn to this, well, kind of 'ecumenical' look. I'm not sure why. It's very clean and minimalist. I like that.












This model lost 50 lbs in the course of this jaunt down the runway and had to be treated for heat exhaustion. No need to worry, though--she had a sip of champagne and an olive and she was just fine (burp!).









Dahling, would you be so kind as to prop me up against the subway door? It's just that I can't lift my arms, you see. No thank you, I don't need a seat. I can't, in fact, bend. But I would appreciate it if someone could open a window.







Napoleonic

I really do love the military touch this fall. It is reminiscent of both the 1960s and 1790s. Both good decades, style-wise. But it can be overdone. Hand inserted in lapel: too much.


This model reminds me of that woman who represents liberty to the French...what's her name? Myrtle? No...Marianne. Yes, that's it. She is the embodiment of the embodiment of liberty. I love this coat. It's too long to be practical, but gorgeous nevertheless.








As this and the next image suggest, this look really does work best when applied to coats. Both are beautiful. I love the unique bell sleeves on this one. And red tweed is always a winner in my book.

Snaps for the ankle boots too--must get some.























I like this look from St. John. Quite dashing.












Napoleon called. He says you're not allowed to wear his hat to the gym. So either the hat goes, or the track suit goes. And for God's sake, lose the white weight belt.