It’s almost that time of year again when the pencils are sharp, the air is crisp (not in Texas), and the magazines are thick with fashion. That’s right, fall is almost here! Every reputable fashion magazine has closely scanned the Fall 2012 shows in order to summarize the trends of the season. Lucky for you, I already did the research and came up with three trends to focus on according to Marie Claire’s spreads and advertisements in their September 2012 issue.


 

Glance at the cover of Marie Claire - Miley Cyrus is in a gorgeous Dior dress with huge crystal embellishments. I don’t know about you, but if I see it on the cover, I’m already thinking trend alert; ornate embellishments are hot! In fact, there are two spreads devoted to this concept as well as ads. Featured items include a fully sequined mini skirt from H&M to a crystal detailed black dress by Oscar de la Renta. Obviously this look can be interpreted high or low on the price scale. The look for less? Try sparkle shoes from Zara or a rhinestone bracelet from Juicy Couture.


 

Just flipping through the magazine, another trend stands out: fur. This fabrication obsession seems to be reoccurring, as every couple of years it gets big. It just makes sense for fall doesn’t it? (You can’t wear fur in the summer!) Fur of every color is seen on jackets and vests in advertisements for brands such as Fendi, Guess by Marciano, Michael Michael Kors, and Asos. Marie Claire showed a beautiful spread with coats ranging in colors from magenta, to black and multi. This trend seems like it might be only for the elite few; I can’t image it trickling down to the Walmart crowd. Nevertheless you can try it in a chic vest, stole, or a full on coat.


 

As if animals with fur weren’t enough, designers also focused on other animal skins. Some features in Marie Claire were exotic, such as shagreen (stingray) boots by Fendi, or a short haired skin bag by Alexander Wang. Designers are also wild for crocodile and lizard embossed items. This trend really has potential because it can be interpreted in the high and low end. So far this trend has only been seen in accessories such as boots, purses and belts. It’s all about creature comforts this season, so if you’re more a pony hair gal or into cold blooded reptiles, that’s ok. Pick your animal of choice, and you’ll be headed in the right direction.


 

This fall is really about opulence. If you see a girl out and about in a fur coat, sequin mini skirt, and snakeskin embossed knee high boots, your first thought won’t be minimalistic. In fact it might be that she looks like a bear eating a disco snake. While you could try all three together, it might be best to let one trend shine alone. With any of the trends, it’s about a statement; so go big or go home!