I will be very honest with you. In spite of the blog title and pretty photo, Fall is not my favourite season. Like my close friends know, I always dread the Summer Solstice (the longest day of the year) because I know that from that day forward that the hours of light will only be fewer and fewer! So I wait and long for the shortest day of the year to go by so that I can finally look forward to longer days again. Pessimistic? Maybe.

But the one thing I do like about fall, which is perhaps the only redeeming factor for me, is that September marks a new year for fashion. With that comes the mentality of a fresh start, a chance to re-evaluate our wardrobes and to challenge our creativity to make new looks with the things that we already own. Of course, a few new pieces wouldn't hurt either!

So here are my key items for this FW!

A Red CoatBlack, grey, even camel coats can blend right into the dreary weather come September, and although those colours would pop well against the changing colours of the autumn leaves, I for one know that in Vancouver we get more rain than we get to enjoy the beautiful colours of Fall! This MICHAEL Michael Kors trench would do wonders in lifting the spirits on those grey days that we have inevitably approaching.

Heeled Over-the-Knee boots

Last year I only had the guts to wear these boots in the flat versions so I had only picked up a black suedette pair for a low price at Spring. I am glad the OTK trend is here to stay for at least another season! I've been eyeing the Topshop Britany's since last year and now they are accessible with the shipping to Canada! These brown suede Britany2's are absolutely GORGEOUS. I've always preferred brown to black for boots and the suede makes them look so lush (and how perfect would they be with that red coat?)... it is a pity they are sold out in my size or else these beauties would already be mine!

Tom Ford AnouksI haven't been able to find these anywhere for a price I can justify (and they are also discontinued). But even though they do fetch for a hefty sum, Tom Ford sunglasses are so well made and the cat eye is a timeless style that I know I will still be wearing 5, 10 years down the road. These have been on my mind constantly after seeing them worn so well by one of my all-time favourite bloggers. I've tried to look for other pairs of cat eyes to substitute for these but none have been able to look so classy!

P.S. I know it may be fall and rainy and dark, but that doesn't mean we won't get a peep of sunshine here and there!

A White Sequined Shift Dress

Ever since SJP wore that white Halston Heritage dress in SATC2, I have been searching for the ideal white dress (to no avail). This shift from ASOS (with sequins all over!) is a perfect pre-holiday number... and the cutout back is an unexpected surprise that can be flaunted at a party or just as easily covered with a blazer or cardigan for a more conservative look. Imagine it paired with plum coloured tights, black wedges or mary janes and delicate touches of gold jewelry!

Heeled Oxford BootiesI've tried a countless number of flat oxfords on in the past year and each and every single pair managed to look much more masculine on me than I would want to appear, in spite of feminine details like lace and cutouts. About a month ago, I tried on a gorgeous nude coloured pair from Aldo that were heeled, and what a difference! Elongated legs, a leaner silhouette and a hue that made them even more girly. I didn't get them because the 5.5" inch heel was far too high for me to realistically be able to walk in on a regular basis, but the search continues for the perfect pair for fall!

Chunky Knit SweaterOn the days when I just want to roll out of bed and go to class, this Wilfred Free sweater is the perfect choice of attire to cozy into. I always know that clothes from Aritzia will last, and I can already imagine this wool knit being a close friend, warming me up for all of the winter months alongside my camel coloured riding boots and wool tights.

Leopard Cashmere SweaterJust as versatile as a solid black and about 100 times more interesting, getting a timeless cashmere sweater in a print that will never go out of style sounds like as justifiable of a fashion "investment" as I can imagine! This Magaschoni sweater, black ponte pants and a pair of patent red flats: easy, comfortable and chic! Or how about swapping the flats for those aforementioned oxfords and then throwing on the red coat over top the ensemble?!

What`s on your must have list for fall/winter?

Will update with a new outfit post in the next day or two!

Title photo credit: weheartit.com