It may not even be March, but for those Fashionistas it is already time to elbow their way into the latest fashion shows for fall/winter 2011.  If you’re like me, you still haven’t had a chance to catch your breath from the myriad of trends thrown your way from Spring, but fashion does not wait!  Luckily, Fall 2011 will not be a huge deviation from the previous two seasons.  Rule-breaker Alexander Wand played in cool and comfy with zip up hoodies, and silk shorts.  Still taking an influence from the popular menswear for women trend, there were lots of jackets and blazers.  Perfectly reusable from last season.

The ever elegant Carolina Herrera showcased her fall creations today.  And as usual reminded us of what she is known for:  refined and effortless class.  As much as I love her pieces, I simply can’t afford them.  Luckily, a simple tailored dress is not only easy to find, but a must have for any closet.  Shirtdresses are the perfect substitute, as they are both usable in the upcoming spring, and maintaining a conservative image to carry on into the fall.

Lela Rose’s collection from yesterday showcased another recurring trend from Spring: prints.  Her beautiful skirts and dresses had a somber fall feel due to the darker colors, but the style remained.  If you still haven’t gotten the top seller in spring fashions, now is the time, since you know it can be carried over into spring.  Go for a darker print so that it can be bi-seasonal.

Adam Lippes is one of my favorite designers, and he never ceases to amaze, even after losing a large part of his collection in a warehouse fire.  Hand knit sweaters, plaids, and sweater dresses were abundant in this collection, but not without his signature sheer fabrics.  If you are as big a fan of ADAM as I am, you probably can recycle these pieces from last season, if not, a chunky knit and a feather skirt will spice up your fall wardrobe while adding some flair to your evening pieces to wear on summer nights.

Shoes and handbags are never out of the question, and where you can save on recurring trends, a perfect seasonal splurge is a great pair of shoes.  The round toe pump is still omnipresent in various colors.  For fall, the platforms and crazy heel heights have definitely gone down.  Combine spring and fall fashions with a nude pump.  For evening wear, the strappy sandals are designers’ choice.  Hopefully it won’t snow too much in November!  Handbags are the accessory to have shrunk this season, whether it is an evening bag or an everyday item.

So far designers have kept jewelry to a minimum, opting for a vintage pin instead of large necklaces and watches.  Designer Jason Wu wove delicate lace patterns and gold details to the shoulders and hems of his garments, adding a touch of femininity to the predominantly male influence of his collection.  To add a touch of runway to your fall items, add a subtle brooch to a jacket lapel, and throw on a sturdy belt to add a fall feel to you flowy summer dress.

 Let’s face it: Valentine’s Day is really geared towards women. It’s a mushy, gushy, kissy, huggy macho nightmare. Most of the gifts involve jewelry, perfume, stuffed animals, flowers, chocolate, flowers, and romantic dinners. None of those things would top a guy’s wish list. In fact, men might have an easier job shopping than women for once because this holiday is totally girly. This holiday makes finding something suitable for a man pretty tough. He doesn’t really care about cute pajamas, hearts, or necklaces. He’s basically got everything he needs and he’s not forthcoming about what he might want. A resourceful woman shouldn’t be above asking his friends, or perhaps his mother. Still stumped? Here are some fun presents that will do the trick for your boyfriend, husband, or current crush.

Gourmet Cupcakes- He won’t admit it, but he’s got a serious sweet tooth. He’s always raiding the fridge or sneaking a second helping of dessert. If you’re guy has a sugar jones, surprise him with a package of Valentine’s themed cupcakes. As the old saying goes, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. His tummy will be satisfied with your thoughtfulness, and he may be kind enough to share a bite. Guys tend to appreciate practicality, so something edible is a safer bet than a throwaway item, such as balloons. Give him a variety pack unless you’re positive that he’s a chocolate freak.

Home Brewery Kit- What guy wouldn’t love brewing his very own suds? The kits aren’t as cheap as a six pack, but they’re way more entertaining. Give him a chance to play the expert; the results could be amazing or hilarious. His buddies will want to help out, of course. They’ll be giddy the whole two weeks until the batch is ready for guzzling! Who knows, this might turn into a full blown hobby or a new career.

Beer Holster- This complements the home brewery perfectly, and it’s something he can start using right away with zero effort. The beer holster has a gag gift feel even though it’s fully functional. If your guy always loses his bottle or works in the yard/garage on the weekends, he’ll get a kick out of this Wild West accessory. It works with both bottles and cans, so it doesn’t matter which he prefers. Tell him he’s allowed to wear it at parties or guy’s night out. It’s great while he’s grilling up a hearty dinner on the patio; no more spills.

If all else fails, buy yourself some lingerie. That’s probably what he’s been hoping for all along.