In fashion, there are often some slow-turning trends that always seem to be in the shadows..for season after season. They don’t emerge quickly, which is why they do not become fads, and slowly our eyes become trained and adjusted to their presence. Slowly but surely, mass consumers will respond.

Rebecca Taylor's faux-fur vest & Chloé's thigh-high suede boots

One such trend is the thigh-high boot. Think Pretty Woman. With shorts and skirts becoming ever more mini, these puppies will certainly be a head-turner. It is in these rare instances that the more coverage, the more scandalous. If you don’t have the legs of a runway supermodel, opt for above-the-knee length boots that will actually have a slimming effect on your thighs!! These super cute suede boots by Chloé are laced up along the back and fastened on the side with a metal buckle.

Another must-have item will be the fur vest. If you have started your fall shopping, than you already know about this trend. And you have most likely already imagined yourself walking down a tree-bordered leafy sidewalk on a crisp, cool day in October in a long-sleeved mini-dress, casually covered by an unassuming, shaggy fur vest (which is actually the centerpiece of your outfit), while touting a leather messenger bag that is effortlessly strapped across your torso. I tried on this faux-fur vest from Rebecca Taylor and nearly had a heart attack thinking of all the possible outfits this beauty could accentuate.

If you are anything like me, you have probably been programmed to shun the concept of shoulder pads. Who wants the broad shoulders of a man? Well guess what - big shoulders are back…and in a big way. As we are stepping back into the 80’s, keep in mind that the louder the jacket, the better.

Alice & Olivia & Top Shop's military jacket offerings

Michael Jackson military-inspired jackets will not only be an important ode to the late King of Pop but they are also tres in-style this season! Fall in line with some extra flair from elaborate embellishments and oversized epaulettes via Alice & Olivia’s shrunken military jacket.

When I walked into Top Shop last month, I spent over an hour trying on and examining every single sequined trophy jacket that they offered. I love the youthful, unpremeditated look of three-quarter sleeved blazers - and ones that are covered in sequins are no exception. These jackets are the perfect accompaniment to a casual t-shirt and ripped jeans look during the day or over a scanty dress in the evening.

Two years ago, you might have thought these pieces only belonged in the world of high-fashion. This season, however, they are a necessary addition to every wardrobe. With a great pair of thigh-high boots, a fur vest, and an embellished jacket - you will be perfectly (and fashionably) covered for the upcoming fall season.

For more of Jean Hsu’s Essential Luxuries, please visit www.jeanjhsu.com

Tags: Chloe, embellished jackets, Fall Fashion, faux-fur, Michael Jackson, military jackets, shoulder pads, thigh-high boots.

Hi, my name is Jean and I am a new contributor to The Totam’s style blog! One thing that you must know about me is that although my name is Jean, I absolutely HATE wearing jeans!! I’m a short girl and I don’t have the tiniest waistline, so denim and I really aren’t the best of friends. I don’t remember the last time I slipped on a pair of uncomfortable, stiff, tummy-pinching jeans. Thank goodness leggings have been a trend over the past few years and it doesn’t look like they are going anywhere anytime soon. Over the past few seasons, however, I have noticed a trends towards developing WEARABLE JEANS! - denim that has crazy two-way stretch (for extra comfort), denim leggings (the ease and comfort of leggings in lightweight, extra-stretchy denim), and secret slim-it-up features (to hide all those problem areas). All of this alternative denim technology has actually tempted me to give jeans another chance.

Here are a few pairs that have caught my eye:

Sretsis Acid Jeans

Hailing from Bangkok, we have the Agyness denim legging hybrid from the brand Sretsis (which is SISTERS spelled backwards!). The comfort of leggings in a worn-out acid-washed, ripped, 80’s-inspired look.

Want a more classic, clean look? Check out Adriano Goldschmeid’s version of the denim legging - the Tights. Notice the button closure is replaced by a slimming elastic waist band (that doesn’t gather). These pants are literally slipped on just like leggings! The stretch denim conforms to your legs to create a skinny silhouette and will fool anyone into thinking you were wearing a real pair of five-pocket jeans.

Adriano Goldschmeid's The Tights & Nobody's P 2621 Grinder Jean

If it’s not super tight and stretchy, the next best way to wear your jeans is big and baggy. Inspired by the blue-collar worker, this is not your typical boyfriend jean (that only looks good on J. Crew models). Take the boy-fit jeans from Nobody, an Australian label that takes true value in denim engineering, quality Japanese denim, and works to never construct a brand identity. I especially like the tough look of the P 2621 Grinder - there is something to be said about a woman who can pull off this manly, worn-in pant. Wear with feminine pride.

Warehouse's Denim Harem Jean

With denim looking so unique and so effortless, my leggings may need to take a backseat this season!!

For more of Jean Hsu’s Essential Luxuries, please visit www.jeanjhsu.com

Tags: 1980's, acid wash, Adriano Goldschmeid, boyfriend jeans, Denim, denim leggings, elastic waist jeans, harem denim, harem jeans, jeans, Nobody, R13, skinny jeans, Sretsis, stretch denim.

Two looks from Kate Spade's new clothing line

“She packed her tote and hit the road,” the Joan Didion-esque caption reads next to one of the looks from Kate Spade’s new clothing collection. The wool A-line marigold shift worn under a boxy short sleeve jacket is part of a fashion time machine that is firmly parked in 1962, the year Kate Spade herself was born. Polka dots, sequins and scalloped lace are also abundant, adorning classic shapes which are paired with unexpected colors (lilac for fall?). Ironically for a brand which heralded the minimalist accessories movement in the early 90’s with boxy black nylon handbags, Kate Spade has evolved into one of the few labels that does color and print very precisely.

The Madeleine Dot Ruffle Placket Dress

Over the years the brand has slowly introduced a scattering of tops, dresses and coats to complement their wildly popular handbags and shoes, though this is definitely the largest and most thought out clothing collection so far. The looks are all very office appropriate, that is if people still dressed this way to go to work. The culture of contemporary work attire has somehow allowed for things like flip-flops to make their way into the office and Kate Spade is notably addressing this issue one ladylike trench coat at a time. A standout piece is the Bisous Stella Chubbie, a plush faux-fur jacket with a removable collar and three-quarter length sleeves.

Zooey Deschanel seems to be their unofficial muse (note the model’s bangs, blue eyes and quirky vintage style). Though avoid the literal vintage over-saturation and stick to one piece at a time. The look book’s suggestions are paired with dark denim, crisp white shirts, a smattering of costume jewelry (Kate Spade as well) and above all a sense of humor.

The Bisous Stella Chubbie

The Embellished Gail Dress worn under the Bisous Michelle Jacket

The Debora Peacoat worn over the Dot Maggie Top

Kate Spade clothing is available at Kate Spade.

Tags: 1960s, accessories, color, costume jewelry, faux-fur, Joan Didion, kate spade, minimalism, print, vintage-inspired, Zooey Deschanel.