.Buy Curious: Our Must-Haves for Fall

Yeah, it’s still warm out, but we’re feeling those pangs for leaf-covered sidewalks and crisp nights. After exhausting the summer clearance sale-racks, we saved enough to splurge a little … just a little. Check out what we’re cherishing, and where to find them.

SHOP TALK

Our Fall Wish List
OK, we’re not entirely feeling the trends being pushed this fall. (Yay: Knit dresses. Nay: Wide-leg, high-waist pants, the ski-bunny look, the uber-bright colors). We’ve got our own list (since you’re dying to know). Here it is:

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1) James Perse Kabuki Dress, $195
James Perse’s relaxed, chic looks have become our faves lately. This dress’ cut –loose enough to be comfortable, but structured enough with the cinched belt – feels of-the-moment, yet timeless. Plus it can be dressed up (add heels, some dramatic necklace) or more casual (throw a motorcycle jacket on top).

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2) Theory Candi Patent Flats, $295
OK, not cheap at all. But the simple clean lines of this sturdy, patent-leather flat speak to our design fetish. Plus, it’ll go great with our Kabuki Dress. N’est pas?

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3) IRO Bikette Leather Jacket, $350
We admit, we drooled over this jacket when we saw it in the latest issue of Lucky. With cropped leather jackets all the rage this season, this one combines substance (the collar) with a sleek look (the tailored sleeves) without being insanely expensive (those highly-coveted Mike & Chris ones, like $900!). This one’s still well beyond our price range, too, but there are alternatives. Gap has this bomber, and we spotted a really cute faux-leather one in the window of Emeryville’s H&M for about $50 last week. That sounds right!

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4) Flossie Ankle Boot, $435
As yet, we resisted last season’s ankle-boot rage (not feeling the foot-bag look so much, and wary of appearing stump-legged). Yet these little ditties (courtesy of Oakland designer Twenty-Two Shoes), piqued our curiosity. The sensible heel and simple design speaks to us (more like shouts!). Plus, support a kick-ass local designer? Don’t have to ask us twice.

As for other fall trends, we say: burn the leggings, stop looking pregnant, and please, for the love of god, throw out the Uggs and all derivations therein! (We’re looking at you, sorority girl.).

Kohl’s v. Target, Round One!
Considering the success of discount retailer Target with its guest designers (Paul & Joe, Libertine, Patrick Robinson, etc.), it makes perfect sense that box-store Kohl’s would take the leap, too, (with Vera Wang, of all people). Though Wang’s known for her couture wedding gowns, her foray into career casual-wear ain’t half bad. We love the subtle ruffles and flouncy skirts of her fall line, which is currently 30 percent off. Check it.

Shop Till You Plop
Where to be this weekend:

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1) Karen Walker Trunk Show
Check out her fall/winter collection (look from spring collection pictured).
When: Sat., Sept. 15, 5-7 p.m.
Where: Elizabeth Charles, 2056 Fillmore St., b/t California & Pine Sts. (415-440-2100).

2) Jackson Square Corner Sale
Twenty percent off at Eden & Eden; sample sale wares from Area.
When: Sat., Sept. 15, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., Sept. 16, noon-6 p.m.
Where: 560 & 540 Jackson St., b/t Columbus Ave. & Montgomery St. (415-983-0490 & 415-989-2732).

3) Denim Sample Sale
Where: Nob Hill Masonic Center – Exhibition Hall, 1111 California St., San Francisco
When: Sat. Sept. 15 & Sun. Sept. 16, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
How much it’ll cost ya: $15 presale, VIP for Sat., or $25 at the door; free with RSVP on Sun., or $3 at the door

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4) Online at Tobi. Enjoy this coupon code “tobifaf2” (without quotes) for 25 percent off all non-sale merchandise at this SF boutique during September.

5) Treasure Island Music Fest. Not exactly shopping (unless you count listening to 26 bands in two days “window shopping”), but this two-day music festival on Treasure Island will also feature a “vendor village.” So why not catch some rays, tunes, beer, and pick up some crafty designs from local artisans?

Every Friday, Buy Curious dishes on the hottest fashion trends, news, and sales in the East Bay and beyond. If you’ve got suggestions for shops or Web site to feature, comments on the blog, or a burning style question you’d like us to answer in our occasional column, Buy Clueless, send them our way! BuyCurious[at]EastBayExpress[dot]com

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