The calendar still says August doesn't it?  I hope you are enjoying "the last gasps of summer" as a friend very accurately described this time of year to me recently. It's hard to imagine that Labor Day (and cooler temperatures) are just around the corner.  Summer is definitely my favorite time of year but nothing beats fall fashion. Rich gorgeous colors, textures and prints abound at every price point.  Here are a few of of the trends I'll be trying...

     A Leather dress or skirt
A "super trend".  Leather is everywhere in an array of colors from tops and jackets to fabulous dresses and skirts. Modern, edgy, stretchy, lightweight - mixed with fabric or alone- Ladylike but fierce!  I'm not sure how I feel about leather pants at my age but am loving the idea of a skirt or a dress - 

     Leopard 
A classic trend every fall.  Defy old fashion rules and pair with just about any color or maybe with a contrasting strip, plaid or print.
Be careful not to over do - a little goes a long way...

     A structured (scaled down) handbag. 
The absolutely perfect "new" accessory.  If you are going  to splurge here is a great place to do it... 
Sleek, classic and sophisticated -  combines with anything from jeans, to dresses etc. 
Below - From left to right:  My three favorites : Prada Mini Saffiano , Saint Laurent "Baby Duffle" , Ferragamo "Sofia" Satchel  - all come with an optional shoulder strap so can be worn cross body/hands free. The size is just right - big enough for the essentials but nothing more!  
If you are looking to spend a little less try J Crew, Tory Burch or Marc by Marc Jacobs. All solid brands with great styles to choose from. 

    50  Shades of Blue
Blue is having a major moment. There are so many shades to choose from and to mix together, from vivid cobalt and turquoise to the more subtle (but my favorite) navy - and lets face it we all need a shot of color every now and again, especially as that summer glow fades away. 

There's a lot to be excited about on the fashion front for fall - so much to choose from and so much room for self expression.  I love how pieces can be mixed, matched and worn in a variety of ways depending on someones individual style. 
Remember to do an "inventory check" on what you already have before hitting the stores. ( It's probably been a few months since you've needed anything warmer than the lightest weight cashmere ) A very good time to clean out your closet and make room for a few new things :)  
Enjoy the last "gasps" of summer and thank you for reading, 
Lori

Rolling hills, sprawling farms, stunning vineyards, peace and quiet, room to breathe  - this is the essence of life on the North Fork.  This "under the radar" region on long island has a unique style all its own and is just perfect for a quick getaway.  Feels a bit like the Napa Valley!  Wine tasting, boating, biking and no shortage of amazing spots to enjoy a delicious meal featuring the freshest local produce.  I'd been meaning to explore this area for ever and finally did.  AJ and I spent a night at the Shinn Vineyard Estates. Vintners Barbara Shinn and David Page bought the vineyard several years ago and create wines utilizing holistic farming techniques that result in exemplary wines and spirits from vineyard to table. They also run a bed and breakfast on their property that is just beautiful - The perfect retreat...

First stop - berry picking!  I haven't done this since my kids were little...

We stopped into the little town of Mattituck, and had a beautiful lunch at Love Lane Kitchen, one of the most popular restaurants on the North Fork. Actually had to wait 20 minutes for a table on a Monday afternoon - but well worth the wait. I fell in love with their seared tuna (black and blue) mango and avocado salad -  

Greenport  - a charming town, brimming with character.  Home of "The Frisky Oyster" -another popular place to eat-  will definitely try it next visit. Take a spin on the antique carousel, sail, stroll along the pier, or catch the ferry to Shelter Island...

The North Fork is not on the ocean but the bay and the harbor are pristine -  perfect for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding or just relaxing...

One of my favorite things about the summer months  - fresh produce at the local farm stands. The most amazing greens and sweetest corn.  We stopped at several along the way...

An early evening wine tasting was waiting for us back at our B and B - the perfect ending to our day, 
Panda the border collie kept us company.

Another place to stay, have a meal or just visit when exploring the North Fork - Jedediah Hawkins Inn in Jamesport.  There was a fantastic art exhibit going on there so we checked it out. Below: These are paintings - so realistic they looked like photographs. Just beautiful...

 Summer fashion essentials?  Easy dresses in a variety of lengths, a few pairs of sandals, workout gear and a bathing suit or two.  Below: My favorite new footwear (that I seem to wear daily) : Sandals by Pedro Garcia, Dress - Minnie Rose, Sweater- Tory Burch

Never Enough: Summer Dresses...

What could be easier than throwing something on that instantly makes you look better in one step? Summer dresses are the mainstay of my wardrobe this time of year -I rotate about a dozen or so- a must-have during warm weather months.

Add a rugged sandal - 
Comfortable - definitely yes, ugly- probably, but the combination works beautifully. Not too sweet, not too preppy, not too matchy...
Tip: You can dress down your "dressier" dresses and skirts by simply adding this type of footwear - the result : get more use out of items you already own but do not wear as frequently as you might like to.

 Enjoy your weekend, (the weather forecast looks great :) And check out the North Fork - a wonderful blend of nature and simple pleasures.
Thank you as always for reading, Lori