As our Chicago readers may know (and feel), Fall is officially upon us.  The week began with highs in the 90's and has since dropped to the dreary 60's (with lows in the 40's...eek!).  Whether (or should we say "weather") we like it or not, the leaves are changing and thus, our wardrobes should too!

In typical Chicago fashion, the temperature may continue to play games with us until late November, but fear not, Kensington's here to inform you of 2013's hottest Fall fashion trends so you can begin to infuse them into your wardrobe on the impending chilly days. . . 

1. Beanies aren't for Skiing Anymore
When executed correctly, this trend can be an inexpensive way (avoid Burburry & YSL beanies) to update your current outfit into a 2013 trendy ensem.  Look current & stay warm when pairing a beanie back with your favorite fall outfit.  Not only are beanies popular, but all kinds of hats made their way onto the NY Fashion Week runways this year; everything from Fedoras to Bowlers.  So we say, when in doubt, top it off with a hat!

Continue reading for what's hot below the head. . .

2. Classic Prints & The Return of Houndstooth
They say that all fashion will return, and boy has it ever. The Houndstooth, Plaid, Pinstripe & Academic inspired looks of the corporate 80's are back and better than ever. With Houndstooth leading this trend, retailers and designers alike have infused these fabrics and looks into their designs and retail offerings with a more polished and streamlined feel than what was done in years past. 

This is one of Kensington's favorite looks for Fall.  Fortunately brands & designers from Marc Jacobs to Old Navy have displayed items fitting into this particular trend, so its accessible to everyone despite varied budgets.  Our favorite high, medium & low-end Houndstooth looks are below, with links to where you can purchase:

3. Emerald Green: For those of you that don't already know, Emerald Green is the color of the year.  Fortunately, we love this color when used in fashion, interior & graphic design.  This jewel tone embodies a beautiful balance of classiness & exuberance, a brightness for the warmer months & a deepness for fall & winter - in our humble opinion, its truly the perfect shade!

That being said, its HOT HOT HOT for the chilly temps that come in Fall & Winter. Emerald has been shown in chunky knits (our fave!), tight peplum, silk dresses, denim and leather-wear.  Due to the boldness of this color, be wary of over-doing an outfit in this shade.  A punch of Emerald will do an ensemble wonders, and elevate you to the Alexa Chung fashion-level, whereas a head-to-toe green look will come-off as bit too Green Lantern-ish - and no one wants that (Ryan Reynolds: YES/G.L. Costume: NO)!

4.  The Turtleneck:  Seen on almost every runway in Bryant Park, the turtleneck is back, and its back with a vengeance!  This neck hugging piece is incredibly flattering on the body as it elongates the torso from chin to hip while drawing attention to the most important attribute on any person - - their face. 

Our favorite Turtleneck sightings were in the Victoria Beckham, Derek Lam and Tibi NY Fashion week shows.  See our favorites below:

5.  Thigh-High Boots: Don't scratch your head, the knee-high boot hasn't fallen out of favor with women over the past decade- its simply gotten an improvement. . .its height (shaft, not heel).  

Pouring out of the fashion show craziness backstage were an abundance of thigh-high boots.  Everything from simple black leather, belted-embellishments & pony-hair were shown on these pavement stompers. 

Alternatively, if you're not feeling rock & roll enough to pull this off, other designers opted for a leather wrapped leg (think leather leggings) paired with a leather bootie of the same shade (to give the effect of the thigh-high trend).  

We're loving this look but imagine its a 1 - 2 year trend that may become dated in 24 months.  Our advice: Seek out a sale or opt for other 2013 trends.

6. Winter White: We MUST be dreaming. . . Houndstooth, Thigh-High Boots & now Winter White!  Whomever decided on this year's trends is very dear to our heart.  White is all the rage in post-Labor Day fashion. Not that we ever followed that silly rule, but for those of you still abiding, you've been given freedom at last.  

We love the ethereal feel of a head-to-toe Winter white outfit.  Ironically, we feel a wool sweater in this frosty shade screams "winter" moreover an identical darker toned piece.  So, if you've learned anything here, one of the coolest things you can do this season is embody the color of icy snow.  

Here are a few runway samples of head-to-toe winter white, done right:

7. Colored Leather: Need not fear, this trend is doable for all.  Initially the sound of wearing Emerald leather may scare those with a traditional style sensibility, but truly, this trend can be infused into reserved & adventurous wardrobes alike.

Topping the runway this Fall was a flood of colored & body hugging leather pieces.  Heed our styling advice below on how to infuse this trend into your  wardrobe:

8. Military Inspired:  Models around town were covered in military inspired garb at this years fashion week. This classically masculine style was executed properly by balancing the craftsmanship needed when showcasing a woman's figure all-while projecting strength & power. Designers alike used hardware & belting to accentuate the waist, & fine tailoring to show the natural beauty in the curve of a woman's hip. So, if you're feeling down in the trenches this Fall, wrap yourself in some military threads & feel the power this style inherently brings.

9. Statement Outerwear:  "Go Big or Go Home" - that's the motto for this years outerwear fashion.  Whether the fabrication or look is classic, herringbone, leather, or military, this outerwear is big, beautiful & most importantly (for Chicagoans), warm!

Take a peek out our favorite 2013 runway looks:

Don't you hate when your hangers won't slide across the bar in your closet, thus clothes fall off and can sometimes tear?  Its the worst! Well, if you can relate, need not fret . . .we've got your solution!

Wax paper.  Yep, THAT wax paper; the one you have in your kitchen.  Simply grab a piece (I'd suggest approx. 8.5" x 11"), wad it up in a ball (waxy side out), and rub it along the top of your closet rod (back & forth a few times).  This will coat your closet rod with a thin layer of wax and cause your hangers to slide blissfully along the bar.  

Please note that this works best on metal closet rods.  Unfortunately this application does not work for rubber coated rods.

As a woman who loves to collect baubles and all things shiny, I’m often perplexed about how to organize my goodies.  Take a peek at my favorite 15 ideas for jewelry organization.  Hopefully you can implement one of these ideas into your home.

1.  Strategically place an antique tea set atop your dresser and fill with your most precious jewels.  The uniqueness of the tray and tea set will set the tone for the beautiful jewels that sit stored inside each piece.

2.  What great idea…use a cheese grater for your earrings!

3.  Use an antique dressform to add some style to your room and drape her with your favorite necklaces.  You can also pin a couple brooches into the bust for added storage.

4.  Buy a towel bar or short curtain rod & add “S” Hooks to it as method of organizing your necklaces.  It's clean, simple & an inexpensive solution to your jewelry organization needs.

5.  Picture Perfect!  Utilize some of your unused wall frames as a creative way to display your jewels as wall-art.

6.  Au Natural.  Take a piece of nature (branches from your back yard…or your local Michael’s store), pop into a vase and hang your jewels- its simply beautiful.

7.  Pop into the hardware store and grab a handful of drawer pulls (Anthropologie also has an incredible selection of vintage-inspired hardware).  Screw the pulls into a backer-board (perhaps a piece of wood covered in burlap) and use the pulls as earring displays.

8.  Similar to #7, use knobs as a means to hang necklaces and bracelets.

9.  Stop throwing away those cardboard egg crates and put them to good use!  We’re in love with this idea – its green and super inexpensive…

10.  Another inexpensive tray-style organizational idea is the use of a painter’s tray.  Pick one up at your local art-supply store for only a couple dollars & fill with your bling.

11.  Similar to #5, use small table-top picture frames to display your earrings.  String a short piece of fishing line or chicken wire across the frame & decorate with drop earrings.  You’ll have to remove the back of the frame and lean the frame against the wall.

12.  Pick up some colorful bowls, place in a drawer or atop your dresser/nightstand for a simple and practical jewelry solution.  I like to assign one for rings, a few for bracelets and use #8 for my necklaces.

13.  Put a cork in it and drink! Host a dinner party and put the remaining empty bottles to good use.  Take an old frame, fill with corks (hot glue will be your best friend in this project) and slide your post earrings right into the supple cork.  What a fun idea!

14.  Hang it with style.  Use an old fashioned hanger to hang…jewelry.  This solution works great for necklaces you can unhook and clasp around the bottom bar of the hanger.  Its streamlined and can hang directly in your closet if you’re short on space.

15.  Pull from the kitchen and utilize your muffin tins for a crafty storage solution.