Advice Sisters Sneak Peek at What's Hot For Fall 2009 Part One Accessories

The sun is shining outside, but retailers are already thinking about Fall products. Recently I attended a few Fall previews: one for TJMaxx & Marshalls; The Accessories Show; and a Fall preview featuring some of the fashion clients from AlisonBrod Public Relations.

You may still be thinking about what bathing suit to buy, but here are some affordable (and some splurge-worthy) Fall trends to try now, or to buy for when the weather cools off again:

Look chic from head to toe. Two must-have items that you can make trendy, or classic: hats & shoes: Banish bland shoes, for starters. Whether they're casual or work-ready,color and embellishment will be on your toes. I love the luxurious footwear with pops of pink on grey from PORTS 1961, and the quilting and buckles from Lily Pulitzer. And the colorful flip flops in solids and patterns, from Havaianas.

Must-have: HATS! Bravo's television show "Mad Men" helped focus attention on hats for men, once again. These fedoras are from Stetson. Women will be covering their heads with decorative little cloches and knit hats (these from TJ Maxx/Marshalls) in colorful patterns. Hats not only look cute, they keep your body head from escaping when the temperature, dips.

Animal prints are always popular, especially in the Fall. This season is no exception. You'll see them in everything from bras, to bags (leopard prints from TJ Maxx & Marshalls). "Skins" (faux or real) like lizard, croc, and snake, are also a big trend for handbags this Fall, The trio of bags in the photo were displayed at the Accessories Show at the Javits Center. They'll be ready for stores, probably in August. Trend Tip: Animal prints are cute, but don't overdo it. They're best when you feature just one item....not head to toe!

LEATHER! Leather (genuine or faux) of some type is a Fall fashion must. Leather jackets, leather pants, and most of all leather accessories like these bejeweled belt and jacket beauties from one of my favorite luxe leather companies, Kippys. They are an investment, but you'll look and feel like a rock star!

STUDS: Studs, especially the pyramid type, also are hot for Fall on just about every fashion item. Trend Tip: If you're not into "tough," but want to try the look, a studded belt or gloves like the ones shown here from TJ Maxx & Marshalls, will give you a little bit of this popular look.

SCARVES FOR EVERYONE! And I mean, everyone! Get a bunch of really great scarves. They can be very inexpensive or quite elaborate. No matter what price range you're in, scarves for Fall are an absolute must-have! Scarves are so versatile. They're not just to keep your neck warm, you know. They accent anything and everything to add a bit of glitz or a pop of color. Wear them around your neck, but also as belts, or just as accents instead of jewelry. Guys will want scarves in their wardrobes, too. I love these metallic scarf/belt/jewelry accessories from PORTS1961's Fall collection. Tony Alcindor, the very nice and very charming Public Relations Director of PORTS 1961 modeled the PORTS1961 scarf in copper scarf (copper was seen on lots of runways for Fall 2009). What do you think of this look? The colorful display of scarves is from Echo. Trend Tip: a scarf can take the place of jewelry to change the look of an outfit. Take them for travel as they're lightweight and packable, and travel-friendly!

STATMENT JEWELRY! Invest in statement jewelry, real, or faux. The bangles and glittery cuffs on the left are costume from TJ Maxx/Marshalls, the Judith Ripka jewelry will run you more, of course, but it is something you'll want to wear for a lifetime. Judith Ripka has silver, as well as gold collections, making ownership open to a wider audience of fans.

The best way to use your fashion dollars is to think wisely about what you can buy "on the cheap" and what items you want to splurge on but that will pay "dividends" in more holistic way. Some splurge worthy items to consider for all include :

FASHION EYEWEAR!

gET a great pair of shades. These from Alain Mikli make a fashion statement, protect your eyes, and will dress up virtually anything from swimsuits to suits.

HIGH-END WATCHES! Indulge in a truly luxe timepiece and you'll have a classic to love for a lifetime. These, from Omega, are in investment. Omega has some bracelets and rings that are splurge-worthy, too.

Now that I've given you a taste of what's in store for accessories for Fall 2009, check out Part II of this post, tomorrow --clothing!