Top 8 Must-Have Fall Fashions

Splurge by lagiordano featuring Sole Society

Save by lagiordano featuring a tube scarf

Autumn is in full swing! As the time and weather changes, there's nothing better than layering and sporting your most comfortable clothes.

This fall, I recommend eight must-have fall fashions that are universal and should be in your closet.

1) A comfy and versatile vest. Whether it's plain or with faux fur, you can't go wrong! It's an easy piece you can layer.
2) Choose a sweater that you can wear with the vest and pretty much with anything. Just add some jewels and you can dress up a simple cable knit sweater.
3) Cargo pants are comfy, and slim fit styles can easily be worn with a pair of ankle booties.
4) You can never go wrong with over accessorizing. Opt for a medium sized tote bag in any color!
5) For those bad hair days, a nice wool hat is the perfect cover up. If you're looking for something edgy, try a cheetah print - a perfect print for fall.
6) On a cool sunny day, a plaid scarf paired with your simple sweater is a go-to combo.
7) You must have a pair of ankle booties, either in black or brown. They go with anything!
8) Just add some dainty gold jewelry and your wardrobe is complete.

You'd be amazed at how many outfits you can create with these pieces.

Check out my tips below on how to shop, and where to buy these fall fashion pieces that should be in your closet this season.

First Tip: Figure out your budget. I'm a college student and money is tight. So, if you can't splurge, my favorite places to shop are Marshalls, TJ Maxx and H&M. At Marshalls and TJ Maxx, you'll find the most unique and discounted pieces that you likely won't see someone else wearing. If you're looking for some trendy styles, head over to H&M. They have the trendiest and most affordable pieces for the fall.

Second Tip: Color! If you want to buy the most trending colors this fall, check out Pantone, and their report for the top colors this season. If you're not a "trend follower", figure out which fall colors fits you best.

I recommend the top eight fashion pieces (above) because they are versatile and wearable not only for fall, but other seasons as well. You'll get your money's worth and you can mix and match each piece, from day to night.

Check out my favorite top eight must-have fall pieces above, that I put together on Polyvore.

Whether you're on a budget or want to splurge, you'll sure find similar pieces at any budget! 

Happy Shopping! 

~ Lia Alessandra

Style Week OC 2014

Style Week OC Fashion Show featuring FIDM designers and fall fashions from shopping mall retailers at Fashion Island in Newport Beach, on Saturday, September 13. Photo is my own.

Closer look at the runway at Fashion Island. Photo is my own.

Style Week OC Schedule of Events. Photo is my own.

Effortless Chic. Luxury. Beachy Vibes.

It's not a fashion capital of the world, but the always sunny Orange County is notably being recognized in many parts of the country for the cool and relaxed stylish looks, that are seamlessly being favored among many people who wish to live in an environment like SoCal. Along with the effortless fashion, luxury is extremely prominent in many parts of Orange County - including fashion, homes and cars.   

In the middle of all the infamous fashion shows that take place in September among the capitals of the world (New York City, London, Milan and Paris), Orange County has its very own in September. 

Style Week OC returned for its seventh year on September 10 and ended September 20. Showcasing the best of local retailers' fall fashions, and emerging designers from FIDM, the 10-day event included runway shows, in-store events and presentations at Fashion Island in Newport Beach, Irvine Spectrum Center and The Market Place in Tustin. 

The runway shows, in-store events and presentations were open to the public, so I got the chance to attend the fashion shows and in-store events at Fashion Island and Irvine Spectrum. 

In order to sit next to the runway, a costly ticket had to be purchased. Instead, I stood up with the rest of the people and had a nice view of the show. Also, because there were empty seats available, my mom got the chance to sit up front and center, where she also received a goodie bag!

Video of the show at Fashion Island. Video my own.

FIDM student designers had the chance to showcase their designs during the show at Fashion Island, and one was chosen as the winner at the end of the show. After showcasing the FIDM emerging designers, models continued to walk down the runway in fabulous clothes from Nordstrom, BCBG, Bloomingdales and many more fall collections.

This was actually the very first time i've attended Style Week OC and the both days I went, the weather could not have been more perfect! I can't wait for next year! For those who live in Southern California or are in the area next September, it's a show you don't want to miss! 

Waiting for the runway show to start and posing for the camera at Irvine Spectrum. Photo is my own. 

Step & Repeat at Irvine Spectrum. Photo is my own. 

The show getting ready to start at Irvine Spectrum. Photo is my own.

 ~ Lia Alessandra