What's hot for fall

Autumn is here in Laguna! As the days grow crisper, the larger swells roll in and the sunsets turn more colorful, it's time to make a fire, brew something spicy and pull out those cozy knits (and 3/2 fullsuits).

For those of you who want to bundle up in style, I've scoured the September issues and enlisted the help of local stylist Leslie Christen to find out just how a gal can stay warm and still look cool this season

"Layering of chunky knits, fur and leather is very hot right now," Christen said. "Cooler trends are the military-inspired cargo jacket and pant, menswear, preppy plaids and stripes, and retro '70s fashions.

"We're also seeing the return of the '50s era, with ladylike pencil skirts, blouses and kitten heels, as well as other feminine touches like sequins and ruffles."

The latest hues are bold — think grey, olive, plum, red and metallic — and so are the accessories.

"It's all about 'statement' jewelry, especially vintage pieces," Christen said. "Bib necklaces, chunky rings and chains are some of the key items for fall."

Handbags and shoes are also going big, she says, with oversized satchels and top-handles, daring platform heels and over-the-knee boots.

For those of you, like me, who are on the petite side and resemble your five-year-old self playing dress-up in your mother's clothes with such overstated pieces (or wish the thigh-high boot died with "Pretty Woman") not to worry: smaller "saddlebag" purses, delicate shoe-meets-boot "shooties" and barely-there flats are also very much en vogue.

"What's great about a lot of these trends is that they can be mixed with your key [apparel] pieces from last season, which is important since most people have less money to devote to their wardrobe these days," Christen said.

To cut back on our travel expenses and to support the community, Christen and I hit the streets of Laguna to see what the local shops have to offer in the way of top trends.

Prepsters can find an array of New England-inspired designs at Laguna Supply, 210 Beach St., from wool cardigans to plaid Oxford shirts to rain boots. Christen's top pick is an orange striped Seaton sweater layered beneath Current-Elliot's army green "soldier" jacket and paired with dark rinse skinny jeans by Genetic Denim. Slip on a pair of navy blue Toffel clogs and a satchel and the outfit is complete. The store also supplies motorcycle boots and funky one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces for those who want to lend a city vibe to this countryside look.