While I’m all about living in the moment, it’s hard not to look forward to fall with all of the shops putting their pretty autumnal clothes in the windows already…and it’s not even August yet! Perhaps it’s the influence that Italy had on me, or maybe I’m just growing up a little, or perhaps I’m finally taking to East Coast style, but I am smitten with the sharp, 40s inspired office wear that I’ve seen in fall previews. This one by Black Halo on Shop LA Style:

And, as my friend Emily has pointed out, snake skin is all the rage recently, and the Gwyneth “Quartz” Pump is particularly fabulous! I have recently become a fashion blog addict, and I must say that HeelCandy.com has got me salivating over a whole range of shoes that I never would have found otherwise. These are sexy but still subtle, and I think that’s sort of the theme of the whole outfit, don’t you?

I am fresh off the plane from Italy, where my girlfriends and I had an excellent time shopping, quite literally, til we dropped! After a veeeeery long plane ride, though, I’ve decided that dresses are the best things to travel in. True, I’m a little biased here, but they are definitely more comfortable than jeans and easy to layer to adjust to the ever-fluctuating temperatures on board.

This kimono inspired number from Banana Republic  is really pretty, and I think that it would travel well, too. I know all of the stores are coming out with their fall lines already, but remember that there are at least two more months of warm weather left, and even once they’re gone, this will look great with tights, boots, and scarves!

Traveling has become a tad tedious with all of the security restrictions, and fussing with straps and shoe laces is a hassle, so the ingenious Anna at Shoe Smitten Blog has created a list of fashionable shoes that easily slip on and off at the security checkpoint…any of which would look mighty fine with this shift!