Dirndls are taken quite seriously in Munich, especially during the Oktoberfest as it is the place to see and be seen. This year, we’re seeing a few new trends, however I think that the intended effect can be summed up in one word: Regal. Silks are big and in eye popping colors! Turquoise, sky blue and magenta—they’re attention-grabbing and beautiful.

Match a beautifully colored silk apron that compliments without over powering your dirndl. Of course, cotton dirndls are always in fashion, with this year leaning towards the classic and strong red, soft green and light blue. Pair your cotton dirndl with a gorgeous silk apron or add a little something extra with a colorful patterned apron. I have recently purchased an elegant cotton light blue dirndl with a plain laced up bodice and patterned skirt. I like the overall traditional look but I wanted to hit the trend on the nose so I matched it with a luxurious dusty rose colored apron.

You can't go wrong with this classic

Stay away from white aprons, and personally, I’m not a huge fan of colored shirts. I think that the colored shirt makes the dirndl look tacky overall, however it is a big trend for this year. As a safe bet, choose a white blouse that does *not *sit off the shoulder, preferably with high collar which gives a fantastic overall look! Shirts that sit off the shoulder are generally used by tourists. When it comes to length, “mini” dirndls are O-U-T.

The mini is a no-go this year

This year is all about the long dirndl, but if that’s not your style feel free to go for the mid-calf look. Making a statement is important this year. So be creative with color combinations, patterns and fabrics.

Accessorize and make a statement

As for hair, the “Gretel-Look” is always big. Various braids going this way and that and piled on your head gives a beautiful romantic look. Matched with a gorgeous hat is a surefire way to stay on trend.

Get the look
Suit up for Oktoberfest at one of my store picks:

Wies’n Tracht & Mehr
Angermaier

Start spreading the news!
Superstar Repetto, the makers of the classic French ballet slipper, is opening up a brand-spanking-new location at the innovative Opening Ceremony boutique in New York, New York, on Friday, September 10th.

Located in Soho at 35 Howard Street, Opening Ceremony is currently digging all things French. Throughout the year, Repetto’s gorgeous “shop in a shop” space will be pumped up with 70 variations of its iconic flats, plus limited-edition models made specifically for the shop. Dreaming of rodeo booties or flats made of faux animal prints? Giddy-up! Embrace your inner Annie Oakey and arrive early for the trapping.

Don’t fret, California Girls! Repetto will also make a yearlong cameo appearance at Opening Ceremony’s location in West Hollywood, housed in Charlie Chaplin’s former dance studio at 451 North La Cienega Boulevard. Now get to steppin’!

Flash of history
Ballet slippers are currently all the rage, but didn’t become a closet staple until 1956. Thank silver screen siren Brigitte Bardot for asking founder Rose Repetto to make a street shoe model of the classic ballet flat during the filming of “And God Created Woman.”
Rose obliged her with a sublime pair in red (and the rest is history in the shaking). Talk about shaking, Mick Jagger and Serge Gainsbourg (Carla Bruni’s dad) rocked out in their own Repetto versions of lace-up oxfords! Ooh-la-la!

Visiting Paris, per chance?
Swing by the Repetto flagship boutique for a peek at their towering cubbyholes stuffed with satin ballet slippers in every shade of pale.

After a little “window licking” (faire du lèche-vitrine, as Parisians call window shopping), make another splash at the nearby Fragonard Perfume Museum, located just a hop, skip and pirouette from the Opéra Garnier.

As Mick Jagger says, “A good thing never ends!”

You can find designer name shops such as BCBG, although I preferred going to the quaint little places where I found one-of-a-kind items, such as this handmade floral belt.

I also took the tram to Mount Lycabettus, the hill, which is 908 feet above sea level. At its peak is the Chapel of St. George, a theatre, and restaurant where you can see the most breathtaking view of the Acropolis.

I made many new friends on my trip. One of them being a wonderful woman named Nantina, who showed me around, and gave me some insight into the current trends and styles. Nantina, who is a teacher, prefers a very casual yet polished style. When we met for coffee, she was dressed in a simple yet vibrantly colored tank, matching purse and a comfortable pair of harem -type pants. I saw a lot of the “harem” style pant while in Greece, which were worn in both denim and cotton fabrics.

While in Athens I also saw a preview of Fall 2010 styles. I passed by one boutique, which was showing some of the coolest boots for the upcoming Fall/Winter. I really liked the edgy style and wedge heel. I would have bought them on the spot – had I not run out of Euros by that time!

Greece is an absolutely beautiful place to visit. The history is rich, the beaches are breathtaking, the food is fresh, and the styles are unique and one of a kind. I highly recommend it to all!

Mixing a lot of patterns together, like floral with polka dots, is going to be big! In Boston, we love our warm fall wardrobe and there are so many great styles out there like ponchos and faux fur vests. Menswear is very big in the shoe department with cute oxfords and loafers.

The BDG Skinny Ankle Stretch Jean from Urban Outfitters is my new go-to skinny jean and so adorable at $54. Lauren Conrad wears them, and they are truly slimming with the sleek skinny design and stretch material. They are a true fall wardrobe staple and can be worn with sweaters, tunics, and capes paired with knee high boots or heels.

Just under an hour away from the UK’s bustling capital, Brighton has quite romantically been dubbed “London by the sea”. This little city is thriving with vibrant culture, scenic parks, cosy pubs, boasts over 350 quirky independent retailers and an ace pebbly beach that stretches for miles…everything and anything you could possibly need on your doorstep!

With so many attractions in Brighton, donning some casual layering was the sensible ideal for me. The perfect compromise of style and comfort: a pair of vintage loafers, jumpsuit, bright silk scarf and cropped silk jacket ensured to invite any sunny spells and warn off the rain and sea breeze!!!

One of my favorite hotspots in this wonderful city is the breathtaking Royal Pavilion, (originally built as a summer retreat for George IV) it exudes oriental charm and evokes a feeling of being transported away to an exotic climate in India–especially more so when the sun is out.

A diverse array of fashion, vintage, bric-a-brac, homeware, delicious foodie places and charming cafés lay within the colorful winding haven that is The North Laine’s. The ultimate shopping experience for anyone interested in soaking up a bit of Brightonian culture and nostalgic collectives of fashion from decades ago.

In the evening a quiet stroll on Brighton’s Marine Palace Pier is not to be missed…with idyllic views of the sea, the beautiful Carousel ride, The Helter Skelter slide, and rock shops…it tops off any great day…especially if you’re in time for the sunset!

Somehow, these territories and all of their trends never fail to weasel their way into my wardrobe. When traveling through the Panama Canal, it was my sole mission to acquire every bangle made of Costa Rican tree stumps, Columbian tortoise shells, and Guatemalan forks (it seemed sensible at the time). Travels through Istanbul found me haggling over half a dozen harem pants, and I simply could not depart the Greek Isles without a “Mama Mia”-esque white dress. But the Great Northwest? I envisioned flannel, Uggs, and an immense amount of fur.

Fortunately, the good folks of Canada delivered a pleasant surprise to my plaid-weary eyes as I disembarked in the magical port of Victoria, B.C. Gone were the thermals and trucker hats that had been bombarding my fashion starved self, now replaced by long layered looks that appear both weather wary and subtly sassy. Long flowing dresses, headbands, and belted tunics provide options for the ever-changing Canadian climate, as well as simple solutions for easily transitioning between Irish pubs and haute hotels. It is with these guidelines in mind that a few of my shipmates and I headed off board and into town to attempt our take on their trends.

Saucy stilettos to ornament ordinary outfits

A Friday night in downtown Victoria on a mid-summer’s eve is a lively cross between locals intent on unwinding and tourists enraptured by the city’s elegant charms. Street musicians from college-age quartets to one-man bands battle cross intersections, and one cannot turn a corner without stumbling upon a seemingly random art piece towering over them. Clearly, this is a multi-cultural hotspot, with an eclectic grouping of gastronomical fair to decide upon. Established Scottish watering holes, sushi serving holes-in- the wall, and of course endless seaside seafood selections tempt the palate. However, us trend tracking ladies are on a mission, which naturally leads us to the Mecca of all that is modish: the mall.

Channeling our inner Victorian vamps

The bountiful boutiques led us to discover that when in doubt, a B.C. beauty tends to pair essential style elements with offbeat accessories for unexpectedly electrifying results. Use a men’s tie as a scarf. Recycle your warm weather romper for chilly evenings by pairing with a basic blazer. And when in doubt, layered necklaces, chains, and any other drapery will bring a plain tee from boring to brilliant.

As ladies everywhere know, power shopping burns serious calories and works up quite the appetite. Our solution? One final pit stop to test out our newly acquired Canadian spirit and cheers an evening well spent attempting to assimilate among the indigenous. Escargot, mac and cheese, filet mignon, and tasty tequila cocktails prove that, with fashion as well as food, Victorians know that comfort and class pair very well.

Cheers!

Jewel-toned Velvet
Velvet is a great fall fabric, and looks amazing in jewel tones like deep purple, blue and gold. Pick out a velvet jacket or skirt to add to your wardrobe. I love this romantic blazer in Rainforest Green from J.Crew. It has such memorable details like the silk trim and grosgrain ribbon belt.

Oxford Shoes
Menswear inspired items mixed with feminine pieces is really hot right now. I love oxford shoes, especially when paired with a girly dress or skirt. No matter what your personal style is, there’s an oxford shoe for you! Plain, two-toned, wedge, heel and even embellished oxfords are all lining the shoe racks this fall.

These American Apparel oxfords are simple and chic. For the bold Anyweargirls out there… try them in black patent leather!

Military Inspired Colors
The military jackets and details have been around for a few seasons, and may not be at the top of your shopping list this fall. However I can’t get enough of the great khaki and olive green colors inspired by the uniforms of our men overseas. Olive green denim is refreshing compared to blue, and when the temperatures drop I know I will be searching for some dark khaki corduroys!

For walking around the Boston Public Gardens this fall, I’m sure to look to these olive green denim jeans by Hudson instead of my traditional blue jeans!

Lace
There is something about lace that’s so vintage and modern, all at the same time. Although full-on lace may not be appropriate for all occasions, with a careful eye you can definitely incorporate it into your wardrobe this fall!

This lace top by Joie looks so authentic—as if you found it at a vintage clothing store. The cropped style makes the top look sweet, but the jeans make the look modern and fashion forward.

Mad about Cara

Costume design queen Janie Bryant (besides all those actors with great genes) is the reason Mad Men just looks so darn good. Whether you’re a vintage vixen or a modern-day marketing maven, watching the stylish drama (likely with drink in hand) starts to give a girl a new-found preference for pencil skirts over pants.

Although Ms. Bryant’s much-anticipated clothing and nailcolor lines are not yet available, you can create your look with both modern and vintage finds. My look below consists of a Banana Republic silk blouse and thrifted skirt from Crossroads Trading (a fantastic used clothing store), with leopard print J. Crew mary janes from a Pacific Heights consignment shop for the finishing, feline touch.

For a more conservative (and office-friendly) look, this BR beaded placket cardigan should do the trick.

Classically lovely

For tried-and-true elegance, pair it with this versatile pencil skirt.

Separates not for you? Try a chic shift dress like this one from Twinkle by Wenlan. We love how it evokes 60s-era style without looking like a costume:

A nifty shift

And if you really can’t get enough, hit the books. Well, one book, that is – The Fashion File, written by Janie Bryant herself:

The Janie Bryant School of Style

Although it’s not yet available, you can preorder it on Amazon. We’re going to do that…right now…

Work Clothes

Held in the small but stylish Vitamin Water Social Club in the city’s Jefferson Square area on the border of world-famous North Beach, the evening shows featured the talents of  local fashion designers Black Halo, CLU, Generra, Rock Chiq, Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, Vintage Joy, Work Clothes, Alexandria von Bromssen, Alyssa Nicole, Chan.nel Karama, LTD, and Valpixel.

The catwalk at Vitamin Water Social Club

We noticed a fantastic selection of wearable styles, from tweedy and tailored to cabana casual.

The refined Rock Chiq

Work Clothes say vacation

We were particularly enamored of the lush retro stylings of Vintage Joy.

Lacy and ladylike Vintage Joy

Lovely from any angle

The only thing missing was more: more events, more styles, more evenings of gorgeous local fashion!