BROOKS FOR FALL

There's something about Brooks Brothers - it's rather like the clothing version of Holly Golightly's Tiffany's. What can go wrong in felted wool, crisp cotton weave, gold buttons, and pinstripes? Well, a lot if you're a Wall Street banker. But the buttoned-up, timeless style is just what I love. It's always a comfort to know, regardless of the occasion, you'll look up to it. Their newer line, Black Fleece, is a slightly more modern nod imbued with the same classic sensibilities. And stripes. Care to take the Aston for a spin?

From the classic woman's line - Connecticut, I hear you calling!

Don't overlook BB's accessories. The Audubon brooch is just gorgeous!

All images, Brooks Brothers.

BLACK AND TAN

There are two particular pieces of clothing this season that make me weak at the knees... and they're both in the happily classic color combination of black and tan. It's always a stylish look, and a secret of lazy fashionistas everywhere (everything goes with either black or brown!).

So here we go - the stuff fall dreams are made of.

Stella McCartney Winter 2010 Camel Coating Lewis Top.

And dress - note the fantastic two-toned shoes.

Burburry Winter 2010 Military Great Coat With Shearling Panel.

Images, companies as attributed.

Safety Pin Couture

One of the funniest scenes from the Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda classic Yours, Mine, and Ours is the moment when Lucille's daughters try to outfit her for a night on the town. Old mom's more advanced descendants decide her skirt needs shortening and her eyelashes gluing. Lucille declares (with a touch of foreshadowing) - "I'm held together with pins and glue! If there's a wind, we're in trouble!" This season, the safety pins are coming out again, but not as fashion aids for middle-aged matrons. Try some on - just don't prick yourself.

An incredibly detailed Moschino safety pin jacket.

Love the use of multiple pins shaped as a brooch - surprising.

Behold it upon the back of reality queen Lauren Conrad (or is that Miley Cyrus?).

Bazaar Magazine fashion shoot.

Norma Kamali safety pin trimmed jersey dress. With daring and a bit of patience, you might try this at home.

Marc Jacobs holds it together with leather pleats and giant pins.

A Lanvin chunky knit keeps its shape with a subtle pin and tuck in front.

Forever 21 - pearls and pins.

A pin-tucked dress of a different metal - scroll for a closeup of the beautiful design. By Moschino.

How to use an entire box of safety pins in one go. But the results are beautiful.

Pic 1, http://www.brownsfashion.com/product/fashion/womens/jackets/018I12430002.htm. Pic 2, LC http://annikencecilie.blogspot.com/2009/07/lauren-conrad.html, brownsfashion.com. Pic 3, normakamali.com. Pic 4, http://www.forever21.com/product.asp. Pic 5, nordstrom.com. Pic 6, www.shopstyle.com/browse/womens-tops?fts=safety+pin. Pic 7, catalog_name=FOREVER21&category_name=acc&product_id=1066392053&Page=29. Pic 8, saksfifthavenue.com.

BR Fall Preview

Banana Republic is in the midst of a mid-life crisis. One season it's dowdy knits and aging satins; the next, hip young things in studs and croc are calling it home. The average dress runs you a reasonable $100 or so, but a bland handbag has some seasons maxed out at $400 (the same price point as more reputable brands Cole Haan or COACH). So where are we now? Cadillacs or Ferraris? Ferraris. The fall preview is out, and I'm reaching for a Ben Franklin.

Herringbone is big this season - and electric green, abstract herringbone is even better. Dress, $132.

Very chic mini bag - and under $100.

It's Tommy Hillfiger up top, Chloe below, and American all the way. Trench coat, $198.

If I'd seen this picture without attribution, I would have guessed Ralph Lauren. The hat, boots, and easy, yet structured knit are all classic and current. $89.50.

All images, Banana Republic.