Here at Kensington we're often asked to plan dinner parties & style our client's homes for the event.  As you can imagine, these requests are amplified during the holiday season.  Our go-to vendor for all things custom-made is My Modern Home, an Etsy store, featuring a multitude of home decor items that can be used in party planning and in everyday life.  We love ordering the following items in custom sizes & prints for client's parties & home decor needs:

The owner is incredibly helpful and works with her clients to create custom-made pieces at a fraction of the price you'd find like-items at a local retailer (and those items are made in mass quantity).  Our favorite items this season are My Modern Home's Table Runners, Table Cloths, Drapes and Photo Booths (seen below - click photo to buy).  

For a limited time, now until December 13, 2013, use coupon code HOLIDAY13 at My Modern Home's Etsy checkout to receive 10% off your order!

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: