The seasons are changing.  Leaves are turning colors and it's getting cooler.  Okay, well that might not be happening in my part of the world but that's okay, it's officially Fall and I'm going to dress like it is!  There are always a few key pieces that you need to stay on-trend and carry you through til the fancy party season begins.  Need a little help?  I'll here to show you what you need and where to get it!

1.  The Cape - If you invested last year when it cooled off your in luck - the caplet is making a return appearance.  Think sophisticated and hitting between the top of your hip to mid-thigh (no superhero lengths please) in a pretty wear-with-anything color.  Pair with everything from work outfits to skinny jeans to mini skirts.

Ann Taylor Cape, $179

J.Crew Cape, $250

RED Valentino Cape, $995

2.  The Kitten Heel - Your feet will thank you for this more comfortable update but still stylist and gives the same confidence and butt-improving posture without the (same amount of) pain.  From jeweled versions to loafers to straps and everything in between there's something for everyone.

Coach 'Betty' Loafers, $295

Miu Miu Strap Pump, $890

Sole Society 'Jenn' Pump, $69

 3.  Plaid Anything.  A skirt, scarf, button down, topper, whatever - this staple is making a comeback in a big way.  If you're feeling daring try mixing your plaid prints for a true fashion-blogger worthy photo.

Kate Spade Woodland Plaid Midi Skirt, $398

Banana Republic Plaid Scarf, $69

Rails 'Hunter' Plaid Shirt, $138

4. Booties - Whether they're flat or heels, neutral, animal print or a jewel tone you already knew you didn't need an excuse to add to your ever-growing collection.

Kate Spade 'Gianna' Bootie, $398

J.Crew Calf Hair Ankle Boots, $398

Treasure&Bond Booties, $119

5. A Long Vest - This trend is certainly worth trying on before investing.  Pay close attention to the fit and length of the vest to make sure you aren't swallowed whole by the duster.  Shoot for hem to hit either around the knee or at the slimmest point of your calf to prevent cutting off the body at an awkward angle and keep the rest of the silhouette slim.

Zara Waistcoat, $179

                                           

J.Crew Collection Sleeveless Coat, $495

Alice&Olivia Long Embroidered Vest, $1495

We've been hearing rumors for months now that Savannah is getting a J.Crew.  To say we're excited is an understatement seeing how that is, by far, one of our favorite stores on planet earth - the love affair started back when a store opened in the Westgate Mall in Greenville, South Carolina back when we were about to graduate high school and has been going strong ever since.  While we've wanted to believe it we didn't want to get our hopes up only to have them dashed with bitter disappointment.  Turns out that rumor is very much a reality!

As we were headed downtown to meet a reporter for the Savannah Morning News for an interview about this very blog (yes, we are beyond excited!), we walked right past this:

Broughton Street in Savannah, Georgia is getting a major facelift including retailers like J.Crew, Ann Taylor and H&M.

Ladies and gentlemen, it appears that our dreams (and Mr. Harbin's worst nightmare) are coming true.  The rumors were saying any time from Fall 2014 to Summer or Fall 2015 but if the front door is to be believed, September 2014 will see Savannah's very own J.Crew opening it's doors.  We're ecstatic to know that some of our new Fall pieces will be coming from an actual store instead of being ordered online...there's just something about being in an actual store.  We are after all, huge fans of instant gratification.

While J.Crew is a welcome addition (we're slightly biased here), we're beyond excited to hear that there are several other retail players coming to Savannah.  Broughton Street is getting a much-needed facelift and while several of the well-established shops such as The Paris Market, The Men's Store by Joseph and Globe Shoes aren't going anywhere we can't wait to see which stores actually open on the Historic Districts best shopping street.  In addition to the Marc Jacobs, Kate Spade, Anthropologie and Palm Avenue stores that have already opened, we're hearing H&M, Ann Taylor LOFT, Sephora, Lululemon and even the likes of Louis Vuitton and Ferragamo.  Yes, you read that correctly.

And if a Broughton Street update wasn't enough, Savannah has another not-exactly-secret ace up their sleeve.  With Pooler, GA (on the outskirts of Savannah) being the fastest growing city in the Southeast, it's no real surprise that the new Tanger Outlet Mall proclaimed The Outlet Mall of Georgia is becoming one of the most highly anticipated projects in the area.  With space for over 560,000 square feet of shops and restaurants and confirmed retailers including Brooks Brothers, Abercrombie, J.Crew, White House Black Market, Coach, Nike and Michael Kors we can't wait to see what they come up with next.  Side note:  please please please PLEASE let the rumors of a PF Changs and Cheesecake Factory be true.  On that note, please open a really nice gym nearby too, we aren't sure that shopping is going to be enough cardio.

Thanks to Savannah Now and Ben Carter Enterprises for the updates!