Autumn Excitement (Fashion Finds for Fall)

By Karen R. Smith

While there aren’t many turning leaves here in Tucson, Fall is still in the air as our evenings cool down and days return to double digit temperatures. This season is a perfect moment to look at what’s new in fashion, whether because it’s finally comfortable to wear pants again or because we’re just tired of our summer clothes!

A.S. 98

If you love boots, prepare to be delighted by A.S. 98. Exclusive Italian leathers ornamented with individual details, handmade by skilled artisans, each pair is truly a work of art. There are styles for men and women and some lovely accessories as well.

Right now, the brand is having a sample sale, so if you are lucky enough to be a size 37, bargains abound! For the rest of us, there are regular sales to enjoy too. (www.as98.net)

Lane Bryant

Prabal Gurung’s collection for Lane Bryant did so well that the designer and retailer are doing it again this Fall, and the results of the collaboration are spectacular. Priced from $38 to $278, the clothes are available in sizes 14-28. The overall look harkens to French insouciance, yet Gurung has given these clothes a classic edge that should carry them well beyond a single season.

Lane Bryant’s commitment to curve fashion now includes half a dozen design collections; see them all by visiting the website and clicking the Apparel drop down.(www.lanebryant.com)

Samuel Hubbard

I’ve written about the fabulous men’s shoes from this American cobbler, but the big news for Fall is they are now crafting equally glorious shoes for women. Check out the pearl pink oxford, and don’t say I didn’t warn you: these are addictive. (www.samuelhubbard.com)

Ross-Simons

If you’re contemplating an Autumn jewelry purchase, look no further than Ross-Simons. This jeweler is celebrating 65 years in the business by giving potential new customers a 25% discount coupon with a newsletter signup. From inexpensive fashion finds to major investment pieces, this Rhode Island-based retailer has it all, and guarantees both quality and service. Check out the skull cameo surrounded by brown diamond bones! (www.ross-simons.com)

H&M

The new Weekend Collection by H&M will make the gentlemen in your house a fan of the brand. Pants, sweatshirts, parkas and more designed for comfort, style and wearability. The classic cuts and fabrics mean the pieces will be fine on young men....and their Dads, too!

In addition, H&M has taken a quality approach to Halloween, offering costumes that qualify as clothing which will be wearable beyond the holiday. It’s a further commitment to sustainability, one that can remove tons of non-degradable costumes from local landfills if customers truly embrace it, and that’s a win for us all. (www.hm.com)

Tucson Museum of Art

TMA’s gift shop is one of my favorite places to shop, and it has just been given a serious facelift to make it bigger and better than ever! Most of the merchandise is created by local artists and the museum gets a share of every purchase you make. It’s a chance to buy a one-of-a-kind piece AND support a wonderful organization.

This is part of a much larger renovation and expansion program TMA has undertaken, and all of us are welcome to see the results of the project so far on October 21 and 22, when we can enjoy free admission and experience the improvements.

Tucson’s UNICEF Store

This treasure-trove is located at 6242 E. Speedway Boulevard, and the selection is varied and ever-changing. The store supports the work of the United Nations, which is more important than ever! From greeting cards to clothing and quite a bit more, the shop carries articles from all around the world and many are one-of-a-kind handcrafted pieces. Most of the staff are volunteers, and they are delighted to teach you about the merchandise they sell.

Happy Socks

Let’s face it, everybody wears socks. But are yours all they could be? What about your kids’ socks? Or your husband’s? Admit it, there’s room for improvement. And Happy Socks is the answer!

As if the retailer didn’t already have the coolest socks EVER, they are collaborating with the Fab Four and coming out with a line of Beatles socks based on Yellow Submarine. Which means you can go navy blue cashmere...or rock a pair of Blue Meanies knee highs. You’ll find a range of styles, fabrics and colors for everyone in the family, and there’s even an outlet section on their website where you can enjoy sale prices. Don’t your feet deserve better socks? (www.happysocks.com)

And if you’re tired of single use kids’ costumes, Chasing Fireflies has a complete line of kids’ pajamas and clothing that will delight long past the trick or treating! (www.chasing-fireflies.com) Sign up for their sale announcements and get a discount on your first purchase.

Wishing you a happy and safe Halloween and hope to see you at the Dia de los Muertes parade!

About the Author:
Karen R. Smith is an award-winning journalist and publicist. Her book, "Stylishly Sexy" is available online and she takes private style clients throughout Arizona and across the country. Visit her at www.stylesmithtransformations.com