Back to School - Layers, Layers, Layers

I apologize too all of my readers for the unexpected summer hiatus in blog posts.  However, even though in New England we have only had summer weather for about a month, it is time to gear up for back to school, and that means time to shop for fall clothes.

There are some great skirts out there for fall.  They are such a perfect fall garment, since they can be adapted to any weather with the right layering.  And they work for girls of almost any age.  But I know I have a frustrating time with both skirts and dresses for my daughter once winter sets in.  Those poor little legs just get so darn cold, and she's sure she needs pants.  But this year tights and leggings have moved into a whole new dimension that makes it possible to wear skirts through the very coldest of winter days.  Long gone are the days of the simple straightforward tights.  My favorites are thick knitted footless tights.  They work with any shoe, and they're terrific for layering.  H&M has double packs in a variety of versatile colors and for the right price.  As temperatures head downward, you can layer the tights with knee socks and over the knee socks or with leg warmers -- or both -- and she's good to go.

If you're in for a splurge, Kenzo has some beautiful outfits for fall (check out www.littlelunablue.com and www.trendytogs.com).  However, an outfit will set you back a minimum of $125, so this is truly a special purchase (www.trendytogs.com is having an unbelievable summer liquidation sale right now where you can get Kenzo's gorgeous summer pieces for a pittance).  Another terrific splurge with a more rock and roll vibe is Lola and James (formerly Claude).  You have to hunt for this line, but I find it's definitely worth the work.  Check out their website for a list of online stores and stores in your area (www.lolaandjames.com).  At the other extreme, H&M has some fabulous items this fall.  My favorite is the purple satin and lace party skirt (also available in charcoal and hot pink) which is an absolute steal at $17.95.  My daughter will be living in this skirt!  Their Hello Kitty collection is also fabulous.

Of course there's plenty of middle ground too.  Appaman has a great cord punker skirt in a variety of colors for fall and retailing for $36 (www.picketfenceshadyside.com, www.izzyandash.com).  The cut of their long sleeved tees for fall is extremely flattering, sweet with a little gathering at the neck without being too sweet.  The ostrich in love tee ($32) is just brilliant (www.tuttibella.com, www.blackwagon.com).  Misha Lulu has also done an outstanding job for fall.  I'm dying over their jumpers ($64-66) and tees ($27-28), the perfect way to start fall with a heavy pair of rocker girl boots (www.littlelunablue.com

www.moppetfrocks.com or www.dragonfliesandladybugs.com).

So go to H&M, stock up on fingerless gloves, scarves and tights, grab some funky skirts and jumpers, and lots of socks, and bring on the layers.  It makes me wish I were eight again.  Fall is going to be fun!