Fall Must Have: Sequins

Fall is my favorite time of the year--the leggings, colored tights, suede booties, and cashmere sweaters galore! However, there is one more thing I would love to add to my fall wardrobe-sequined attire. They are kind of amazing; they add that something extra to an otherwise boring blazer or tee. Contrary to popular belief, sequins are not restricted to night time attire. A sequined top in a more neutral color such as beige or tan can easily be worn during the day. If you still feel that it's a bit much, then you can layer a cropped blazer to take away some of that shine. Just remember to keep the jewelry to an absolute minimum, as you don't want to look like a disco ball disaster!

Fall 2009 Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week: Valentino

The black and nude color combination seems like the way to go for this upcoming fall season. I was blown away with the floor length gowns with its ruffles and tiered detailing. However, the rest of the collection didn't really impress me. The knee length dresses weren't very "Valentino" to me and they just seemed so ordinary. I wasn't really feeling the frilly shoes either. Not only were they not very attractive, but the models had a difficult time walking in them as well. This collection made me miss the genius of the retired designer and it would have been nice to see one dress in the signature Valentino red color. What do you think?

Fall 2009 Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week: Chanel

What I would give to able to sit in the Chanel Haute Couture Fashion show! Chanel is simply the best and never ever disappoints. The beading/sequins, draping, ruffles, pleats, and lace detailing were exquisite. From the lace leggings to the trains attached to the garments, the collection had a somewhat 80s vibe; however it steered away from tacky. I have read a couple fashion articles that mention that as a whole, the black dresses were underwhelming. However, I beg to differ. As the late Coco Chanel put it best: "Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance." Below is a small clip of the show. I am still hunting for the full video, but this shall do for now...enjoy!

Fall 2009 Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week: Christian Lacroix

Leave it to Christian Lacroix to give the audience thrills and frills in his collection. I loved the lace detailing, exquisite beading, bows, and ruffles. I am not used to seeing Lacroix so tamed, but I admit I do like it. This collection is far from his signature style (minus the second picture above, which is a wedding dress), and I'm not sure if that's a bad thing. The clothes are completely wearable and I would love to get my hands on the the navy and black coatdresses, beaded skirts, and dropwaisted jackets. Since the fashion house recently filed for bankruptcy, this may well have been Lacroix's last fashion show. I pray this is not the case; nevertheless, his (potential) last collection not only impressed many fashion lovers, but also showcased his pure talent and genius.

Fall 2009 Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week: Christian Dior

Couture week was kicked off with Christian Dior on July 6th. Galliano killed it by mixing provocative, yet classy lingerie pieces such as garters, corsets, pantyhose, and lacy bras with voluminous skirts, jackets/coats, and dresses. This fall, Galliano favors black and neutral combos, with punches of bright orange, red, and purple. Dior proves that a woman can be both sexy, yet sophisticated. Do you adore Dior's Couture collection as much as I do?

Paris Fashion Week Fall 2009: Louis Vuitton

The Louis Vuitton show was by far my favorite show during Paris Fashion week. Creative Director Marc Jacobs delivered a flawless collection with puffed sleeves, voluminous skirts, and endless amounts of pleats, ruffles, and draping. The line veered away from all black and encompassed various colors such as green, plum, red, yellow, and pink. According to Jacobs, the line was inspired by "sophisticated Parisiennes who blend classiness and playful sensuality in just the right doses." Belted waists, chain necklaces, and the signature monogramed bags were great accessories to the collection as well. To view the Louis Vuitton collection, click here.

[Image Source: Getty Images]

Paris Fashion Week Fall 2009: Chanel

The Chanel Fall 2009 show stuck to its signature look of tweed and the use of black and white. However, the collection added pops of bright colors such as green and pink, which made the collection fresh. Lagerfeld emphasized the neckline with funnel collars, turtlenecks, and lots of ruffles. The sleeves were also highlighted with ruffle adornments and slight bell sleeves. Of course my favorite looks of the collection were the tweed suits, specifically the black and white (see first image below) with hints of green in the pockets and buttons, and topped with a green tweed hat. It screams Chanel, but the addition of the green makes it look fun and modern. To view the Chanel collection, click here.

[Image Source: Getty Images]

Paris Fashion Week Fall 2009: Alexander McQueen

Leave it to avant garde designer Alexander McQueen to throw an unconventional, over-the-top, yet lavish fashion show! His Fall 2009 collection was filled with circus-like stripes, immense ruffles, and billowy skirts in dark colors such as black and blood red. Houndstooth and stripes deemed to be popular and were mixed together to create an interesting effect. The models exhibited clown-like lips, oh-so high platform heels, and bizarre, yet whimsical head pieces. My favorite piece was this red and black feathery sweetheart dress with the beautfiul skirt bottom. It looks rather vampire/goth-esque but I love it regardless because of its unique shape and feather detailing. Although the entire collection was eccentric, I definitely thought McQueen delievered a great collection. To view Alexander McQueen's Fall 2009 collection, click here.

[Image Source: Getty Images]