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.

Country Classics

All this July rain here in Quebec is making me think about Fall sweaters, jackets and boots. I just got the latest issue of Martha Stewart Living and got inspired by their article on classics. In this economy it seems wiser to splurge on a few well-made, quality basics that will never go out of style. Here's what I'm coveting right now:

Barbour Jacket

This 100-year old British company makes, "...a wardrobe of clothes for country pursuits, country living and for those that simply love the country".

This ladies flyweight international wax quilted jacket ($354) is not only practical, but completely fierce. It would be pefect for the cool, wet night in the country, but I would wear it in the city too.

There are many lesser priced styles I would gladly take as well--especially the quilted jackets. Note: these jackets are in UK sizes so a US size 8 would be a UK 12.

Aran Sweater

I love these classic wool fisherman's sweaters. Hammacher Schlemmer has these hand knit classics on sale right now for only $89.95. Made from merino wool is creamy ecru, I'm sure at this price they won't last long.

Hermes Scarf

I've never been into the big status brands, but I have to say that the Hermes scarf is one item that I would consider splurging on. Each scarf can take up to 1000 hours to complete from design to handstitching the hem.

I love this Christopher Columbus design ($375) in shades of brown, orange and green.

Blueberry BBQ sauce

I blogged about this recipe in June 2008, but it really bears repeating. I just whipped up a batch with fresh Quebec blueberries and grilled out on the deck. Deee-lish! The sweetness of the blueberries with a subtle kick is a perfect compliment to the pork.

Pork Tenderloin with Blueberry Barbecue Sauce

INGREDIENTS

Sauce:
2 pints (5 to 6 cups) blueberries
2/3 cup honey
1/2 cup ketchup
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
1/2 cup chopped shallots
1 Tbsp. grated fresh ginger
2 tsp. fresh lime juice
1/2 tsp. dry mustard Meat:
2 one-pound pork tenderloins
Salt and freshly ground pepper

To make sauce: Combine ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat; reduce heat and simmer until thickened, about 45 minutes. Divide sauce between 2 bowls. Set aside.

To make meat: Preheat grill to medium. Season pork with salt and pepper. Sear, turning to cook all sides, 10 to 15 minutes. Brush with half the barbecue sauce, turning frequently, until pork is thoroughly glazed, about 10 minutes more (a meat thermometer should read about 150°). Set aside and let rest 5 minutes. Carve crosswise; serve with remaining barbecue sauce.