Cape Town

One of the must have item's this Fall is the cape jacket. Love this shape paired with skinny jeans or wide menswear trousers. Here's a few of my favorites.

Shoshanna Funnel Neck Cape

This felt cape jacket from Shoshanna ($395) reminds me of an indian blanket with its charcoal grey and black woven patters. Features a funnel collar and off-center, hidden 5-snap closure. Self-belt waist tie and welt hip pockets. Available from shopbop.com.


Somerset Cape

This grey tweed cape from Anthropologie ($158) features the same great funnel neck with snap closure.



Boucle Cape

Another great cape jacket from Anthropologie is this nubby ivory wool version ($148) featuring two rows of fabric covered buttons.

Fall Trousers

Here's another essential Fall trend--the cropped loose pleated trouser. Reminiscent of Amelia Earhart or the 30's Zoot suit. This look works well with heels and a blousey top or even a t-shirt and flats. Here's a few styles to choose from.

Precisely Pleated Pant

Anthropologie's cropped pleated pant ($88) comes in a charcoal grey rayon/spandex. The lightweight material is perfect for early fall into the California winter and spring.

Pilot Pants

Diane Von Furstenberg's cropped pants ($285) come in a felted wool jersey with a chic, pleated waist and cropped legs.

Anders Pant

Alice & Olivia's Anders pant ($297) comes in a stretch wool for a comfortable relaxed fit. Comes with a wide belt. Available from shopbop.com.

In the Trenches

Seems like the classic trench coat is the It jacket for Fall. Here's a few versions of the iconic staple to consider.

J. Crew

J. Crew's double-breasted icon trench ($278) is made from Japanese cotton and is available in light khaki or black. The jacket is fully lined and hits at the thigh. Dry Clean only.

Martin & Osa

Martin & Osa's essential trench ($170) in a cotton-nylon blend is available in smokey grey or khaki. Similar styling to the J. Crew trench, but this jacket is machine washable which is nice.

Gap

Gap's classic trench coat is an amazing deal at $88. Made of a cotton-nylon blend this double-breasted jacket is also machine washable. Available in buttery pecan.

Garnet Hill

The Garnet Hill version of this classic ($128) in lightweight water-resistant cotton twill comes in a variety of colors including sophisticated slate and stone, paprika (pictured), washed coral, cayenne and apple green.

Mad for Plaid

I never thought I would be a huge Liz Claiborne fan, but the 2009 Fall collection designed by Isaac Mizrahi is supringsly fresh and edgy--and affordable! I love the bright color palette and the sense of fun.

I love, love, love the plaid suit. The blazer is $179 and the pants are $139. I absolutely must have these pieces for Fall. So far this suit is not yet available, but I keep checking lizclaiborne.com so I can snatch it up the minute it arrives.

I also like the plaid dress from this collection which is $189. The dress could be worn now and then as it cools off could be layered with a turtleneck underneath and tights.

Gluten-free Cake

While I was in Quebec this summer I made up batches of this gluten-free cake mix and smothered it in fresh berries.

This cake mix makes the lightest, fluffiest, most moist vanilla cake ever! Even people who are not avoiding gluten rave about this cake when I make it.

You can make this cake with milk, or soy milk depending on lactose sensitivies. It couldn't be easier to mix up and I have gotten great results every time.

Visit glutino.com for info on where to buy in both Canada and the US.