What to Do this Fall? Haunted Houses, Hayrides and more!

Hello boils and ghouls!

Photo Source: http://connect.in.com/

Its that time of year, and if you're like me and love Halloween then you love a good scare.What better way to get scared then to go to a Haunted House or Haunted Forest. Below is a list of some spooky attractions to enjoy this fall:

THE GROVE

Photo Source: thegrovehaunt.com They're Baack... Formerly known as Hobb's Grove, this greatly missed Central California Haunted Attraction will once again welcome the many who would have the beejeezes scared out of them while being thoroughly entertained with revelry and wit, music and gruel. The Grove is ranked among the nations top Must See Haunts and is one of the Valley's main events. The Grove is able to open with more spirit than ever. All the characters that patrons have grown to love will be welcoming their prey while struggling to tame the two years of “wildness” that has overtaken the place. Farmer Billy Bob will also be back with the Pumpkin Grove pumpkin patch.  Event Details Date(s) & Time(s):  The Grove will open Friday, Oct. 7th and run through Sunday, Oct. 30th - weather permitting Closed Mondays & Tuesdays, except for Tuesday, Oct. 25th. Parking and ticket booth open at 5:30 p.m., concessions soon after. The ticket booth will close Sun. Wed. & Thurs. at 9:30 and Fri. & Sat. at 10:30. The Haunting begins at dark. Location: 14265 E. Goodfellow Ave. Sanger, CA Email: thegrovehaunt@gmail.com Phone: (559) 356-3958 Link: www.thegrovehaunt.com Event Description The Grove’s ticketed attractions include The Hollows Haunted Forest, Shadow’s Keep Haunted Hayride and The Grove Manor Haunted House. There’s also the midway at The Grove featuring full concessions, warming fire pits, peddlers and entertainment. It’s a somewhat “safe” place to hang out for the for those who wish to be frightened no more. There’s even a live “Theatre Macabre” with shows throughout the evening. Pricing: Photo Source: thegrovehaunt.com

RAISIN HELL RANCH   Event Details Date(s) & Time(s): October 14th – 31st, Haunting begins Nightly at 7pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday Nights – Open Monday Halloween Night! Location: 7451 Rd 32 – Madera, CA 93637  Email: info@raisinhellranch.com Link: http://raisinhellranch.com/attractions/ Pricing: 1 attraction, $15.00 2 attractions, $25.00 3 attractions, $30.00 V.I.P. “Fast Pass”, $40.00 (3 attractions with “Front-of-the-Line” Privilege)

	Event Description:

Scarecrows Revenge

Photo Source: raisinhellranch.com

– Once the farmers friend, this band of solitary, straw-stuffed creatures have taken over the cornfield and are seeking retribution for being nailed to a wooden cross and left to be tormented by flocks of mischievous crows. The farmer and his family learned the hard way that human flesh and blood give these demonic creatures life. This farm will never be the same – and neither will you!



  Chupacabras Feast

Photo Source: raisinhellranch.com

– The Mexican legend of the blood-sucking beast known as “Chupacabra” is proven to be true after just one visit to this farm. A once proud farmer boasts that he has captured one of these not-so mythological creatures, known for sucking the blood from goats and chickens, but never eating the flesh. Soon he realizes that his catch is not alone and the rest of the hideous pack has acquired a taste for a different kind of blood – HUMAN!!!


 The Black-out Maze – Imagine rustling corn, howling coyotes and a full moon setting the stage for a terrifying walk through over two miles of twisting, turning and dead end trails. Shadows appear – then disappear. Noises are heard in the distance, but seem to be getting closer. Is something out there or is it just your imagination? You are on your own in the Black-out Maze – NO lights – NO maps – and NO one will hear you scream!

 
 
 
 

FEAR FACTORY HAUNTED HOUSE

 

Photo Source: http://www.facebook.com/fearfactoryhauntedhouse

 

Event Details

Date(s) & Time(s)::

Daily at 8:00 PM until 2:00 AM from September 23, 2011 until October 31, 2011

Location: 525 E. Acequia St. Visalia, CA 93292
Phone: 559-308-2626
Email: fearfactoryhauntedhouse@yahoo.com
Link: http://www.facebook.com/fearfactoryhauntedhouse

Pricing: $10- $30

Event Description

The Fear Factory brings to life the story of a mental hospital of horror, where the doctors and nurses have lost their minds! See the results of human experiments gone bad, where surviving the horror-rific tour is only half the fun!! Sick, depraved doctors and nurses turn on each other and the patients, with horrific consequences. See it all unfold before your eyes, and you search & scream your way through the darkest reaches of twisted horror!
The Fear Factory is located at 525 E. Acequia in Visalia, with easy access for Haunted House enthusiast from throughout the Central Valley and plenty of parking for everyone. Operating hours are Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays 8PM-12MID, Fridays & Saturdays 8PM-2AM. There is also “Wimpy Wednesdays” from 6PM-8PM for the faint of heart!! Fear Factory will be open every day 8PM-2AM the week before Halloween.

THE RAVEN'S GATE

  

Event Details

Date(s) & Time(s):
Starting October 7^th Open  Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays at 7pm. Closed on Mondays and Tuedays.  Last day of operation will be on October 30^th .
Location: 14295 E. Adams Ave., Parlier, CA 93648   
Website: http://www.TheRavensGate.com 
Email: info@TheRavensGate.com

Pricing: 

Photo Source: theravensgate.com

The Raven's Grove Haunted Forest Ticket- $15.00

The Haunted Hayride:  $12 Adult, $8.00 Children 10 and under

Trick or Treat Forest: $5.00  Ages 8 and under, $5.00 for parents

Fast Pass- $5.00 

The E-Ticket Combo

The Extreme Pass includes Ravens Grove, Haunted Hayride, Midway and Carnival for $23.00 

Midway Carnvial Only- no attractions- $5.00

Event Description

"In July, a 20-acre parcel of land in Parlier was nothing but rows of plum trees, but that was before Mike Callahan began transforming it into a Halloween event unlike any other in the Central Valley. For Callahan, building a haunted attraction from scratch isn’t unfamiliar territory. In 1996, he created a partnership with Satterstrom’s and built the hayride and haunt, and in the following years was the creator and lead designer of Hobb’s Grove, the wildly popular attraction based in Sanger. After 12 years of becoming one of the Central Valley’s finest attractions, Callahan’s partnership with Hobb’s Grove ended, and the facilities closed in 2010.

The Raven’s Gate has all the attractions that Central Valley haunt lovers would expect to find—a haunted forest and a hayride, with plans to add a haunted house next season. New for this facility (and for the area), though, is a “Trick or Treat” forest designed as a non-scare event for children 8-years old and under and a midway roughly the size of a football field, filled with food and retail vendors, and a stage and sound system for nightly entertainment.

“We want to take guests back to an old town, old fashioned carnival atmosphere on the midway. Our lighting is designed to create a feeling of nostalgia,” said Callahan, who says he designed The Raven’s Gate so guests buying a ticket can go straight to one of the haunted attractions or simply relax by the intimate fire pits." -  http://kingsriverlife.com

Photo source: 5thrtrealm.com

5th Realm Haunted House

Days/Times: 5th Realm is open on Fridays and Saturdays

Tickets are available on show nights beginning at 6:30 PM at the box office.

Note that the box office closes at 9:45 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and it closes at 11 p.m. on Fridays and 11:30 p.m. on Saturdays. 

Location: 801 Santa Ana Ave. Clovis CA 93612
Phone Number: (559) 475-9666

Website: http://www.5threalm.com/

Ticket Prices

Delirium in 3D (PG-13): $8

Slaughterhouse (PG-13): $8

Nocturnal (PG-13): $10

Epidemic (PG-13): $10

Insanitarium (PG-13): $10

Combo Tickets (Saves Money)

Triple Combo: $25  Get access to any three attractions for one low price.

Quadruple Combo: $30 Get access to any four attractions for one low price.

Super Combo: $35 Get access to ALL FIVE attractions for one low price.

V.I.P. Combo: $40  Get access to ALL FIVE attractions, plus FRONT OF THE LINE access!

Buy 5th Realm tickets online this season with Paypal, a safe and secure way to pay. You'll choose your items on our site and make the purchase with Paypal -- and once your payment is confirmed, you'll be able to print valid tickets here! (Our tickets contain unique and verifiable ticket codes.)

Event Description

5th Realm Haunted House is the scariest thing to do in the Central Valley this Halloween season. With five scary attractions to choose from, you can see them all by buying combo tickets!

Choose from Slaughterhouse, Delirium in 3D, Epidemic, In-sanitarium, or Nocturnal -- or see them all with our Super Combo and VIP Combo tickets!

HAUNTED FRESNO

Event Description

 Fresno California’s ONLY Haunted Attraction. Haunted Fresno! The ONLY 6 attraction Haunt in the Central Valley. The Fortress of Fear, The House of Zombies, The Séance, The Last Ride, and the Museum of Oddities, and the all new Hellevator are all waiting for you. Come join us for our 4th season of fright with some NEW surprises! Haunted Fresno prides itself on going the extra mile to deliver an extraordinary experience. Take a trip into a horror filled world with shocks and scares around every corner.
Be forewarned, these attractions are not for the faint of heart. Haunted Fresno recommends that you leave the toddlers at home (with a sitter). All ages are welcome, but please use proper judgement for your group.

Make sure to mark your calender and visit Haunted Fresno this season. You will NOT want to miss it.

HOURS:

Thursday & Sunday from 7PM to 11PM.
Friday & Saturday from 7PM to Midnight.

2011 SCHEDULE: “19 Days of Terror!”
OCT. 1st & 2nd
7th, 8th, & 9th
14th, 15th, & 16th
20th, 21st, 22nd, & 23rd
27th, 28th, 29th, 30th, & 31st.

PHONE: (559) 498-0960
Address: 665 Fulton, Fresno, CA 93721

If you're not into the whole scary haunted house vibe, and want some fun for the whole family here are a few places that offer just that : 

HARVEST HOLLOW RANCH

Photo Source: harvesthollowranch.com

Event Description

Harvest Hollow Ranch’s Lemoore adventure returns for its second year to allow visitors to explore the Lost Trails Corn Maze and launch a pumpkin at Pumpkin Patch Hollow.

The corn maze and pumpkin patch are open Oct. 1-31. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.

Harvest Hollow Ranch is located at the corner of 21st Avenue and Grangeville Boulevard in Lemoore. For more information: call 210-2114 or visit www.harvesthollowranch.com.

Please Note:  CASH ONLY! Snack concessions and refreshments available for cash purchase. There is absolutely NO SMOKING allowed on or near Harvest Hollow Ranch premises. Thank you!

Vossler Farms Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze

Photo Source: vosslerfarms.com

Event Description

HOURS:

Wednesdays & Thursdays from 5PM to 9PM.
Fridays 5PM to to 10PM.

Saturdays 12PM to 10 PM

Sundays 12PM to 9PM

Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays

located at 26773 South Mooney Blvd., Visalia,CA

ADMISSION

Adults (12 and up) ...$9

Kids (5 to 11)............$7

Seniors (55 and up)...$5

Current Military ID......$5

Kids (4 and under)..free 

Matinee Price.....$5

(matinee price valid Sat. and Sun. noon-5pm only)

Photo Source: vosslerfarms.com

Vossler Farms Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze has opened to the public and there are all kinds of activities for kids to take part in. The farm is located just south of Visalia on Mooney Boulevard. This year they are offering hay and train rides along with miniature corn and hay mazes -- plus any pumpkin you see is available to buy.

Vossler Farms is also offering face painting and a free petting zoo on the weekends. The farm is open every day of the week until dusk.

For more information visit : http://vosslerfarms.com/

 (If you've been to any of the above listed places, let us know how you liked them below in the comments section. )

How to: Halloween Decorations!

Halloween is definitely one of my favorite holidays. I love playing dress up, curling up on the couch watching scary movies, going to haunted houses, and all the other fun fall activities that this time of year brings. Another thing I love, is to decorate our house for Halloween. Every year Martha Stewart comes out with her Halloween Magazine and thought I would share some of her creative ideas to add some Spooktacular decor and sweet treats to your home! 

Shivering Bats Shade How-To

Photo Source: marthastewart.com



Photo Source: marthastewart.com



Photocopy template to desired size; cut out. Using a white wax pencil, trace shape onto black construction paper; cut out. To suspend bats, make a ring from 20-gauge brass wire that fits just inside top of shade, resting on the shade spokes; a translucent white paper lampshade works best. Take a piece of white thread to bat; tie other end to ring. Repeat, hanging bats at varying heights and taping others to lampshade. (If you don't want to have to spend a lot of time cutting out the template from Martha Stewart, you can buy pre-made bats at Michael's that are the same as the template.)

Creepy Candles How to

Cast a sinister glow over any setting with a cluster of white tapers dripping with "blood" (actually red candle wax). Fill a cup or a small pail with sand, and plant white candles inside so they stand upright. Light a red candle and tip it over the white candles so the wax drips down the tops and sides, being careful not to burn yourself. Let wax cool completely before removing candles from sand.



Photo Source: marthastewart.com



Deranged Halloween Arrangement How-To

1. Use permanent glue to attach vinyl bugs to rose petals.
2. Paint vinyl snakes using black acrylic paint; let dry. 
3. Use floral wire to create anchors for coiled snakes: twist 1 end around the snake's middle. Insert other end in vase. 
4. Secure centipede (or other big bug) to vase with poster putty.

Tools and Materials

• Permanent glue
• Rose petals
• Vinyl bugs, orientaltrading.com
• Black acrylic paint
• Vinyl snakes, orientaltrading.com
• Floral wire, 20-gauge, save-on-crafts.com
• Poster putty
• Vase, Versailles Crown vase, jonathanadler.com

Witch Fingers Cookies

Photo Source: marthastewart.com

I first saw these amazing looking cookies a couple years ago in Martha Stewarts Halloween magazine, and thought I would share this neat recipe!

Yield Makes 30

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 30 blanched almonds
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick), room temperature
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with Silpats (French nonstick baking mats) or parchment paper, and set aside.
2. Place food coloring in a shallow bowl. Using a small paintbrush, color one rounded half of each almond. Set aside to dry.
3. Separate 1 egg. Set aside the white. In a small bowl, whisk together yolk, remaining egg, and vanilla. Set aside.
4. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine butter, confectioners' sugar, granulated sugar, and salt. Beat on medium speed until well combined. Add egg mixture, and beat until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add the flour, and mix on low speed just until incorporated. Wrap the dough in plastic, and chill until firm, 20 to 30 minutes.
5. Divide the dough in half. Work with one piece at a time, keeping remaining dough covered with plastic wrap and chilled. Divide the first half into 15 pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece back and forth with palms into finger shapes, 3 to 4 inches long. Pinch dough in two places to form knuckles. Score each knuckle lightly with the back of a small knife. Transfer fingers to prepared baking sheets. Repeat with remaining dough.
6. When all fingers are formed, brush lightly with egg white. Position almond nails; push into dough to attach.
7. Bake until lightly browned, about 12 minutes. Cool completely

Candy Corn Candles How To:



Items you will need:

White Candles any size

Candy Corn

Large Glass Candle Holder

Place candy corn inside the larger candle holder till you fill it up about half way. Add your white candle and continue to add candy corn to your liking. PS- don't eat the candy after burning the candle...  Garnish with some fall leaves.

Get creative!!! If you're on a budget look at the Dollar Tree Store, they have some great deals and some of the same items Party City and Michaels have! For the Martha Stewart collection look at Michaels.

Here are some pics from our house this Halloween!

How To Make: Pumpkin Spice Latte ( just like Starbucks)

 

It only comes around once a year and it must be that time, because I’ve seen several Facebook and Twitter posts, of course I’m talking about the Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks. Now you can enjoy this delicious treat all year round with this recipe.

Photo Source: Starbucks.com

Available only in the Fall as a seasonal drink from Starbucks the Pumpkin Spice Latte is, as described by Starbucks.com:

"Signature espresso blended with the unmistakable spices of fall – cinnamon, nutmeg and clove – smooth with steamed milk and topped with delectably sweetened whipped cream."

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Receipe [via TheKitchen.com

makes 1-2 servings

Ingredients:

2 cups milk
2 tablespoons canned pumpkin OR 1 teaspoon of Torani Pumpkin Spice Syrup (your choice)
2 tablespoons sugar or sugar substitute – you can halve this amount
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1-2 shots espresso (about 1/4 cup of espresso or 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee if you don’t have an espresso machine.)

Directions:

In a saucepan combine milk, pumpkin and sugar and cook on medium heat, stirring, until steaming. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and spice, transfer to a blender and process for 15 seconds until foamy. If you don’t have a blender, don’t worry about it – just whisk the mixture really well with a wire whisk.
Pour into a large mug or two mugs. Add the espresso on top.
Optional: Top with whipped cream and sprinkle pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, or cinnamon on top.

The Fishtail Braid

Photo Source: Cosmopolitan.com

 HOW TO:  Fishtail Braid





One of the braids that I get a lot of compliments on is the Fishtail braid.  This is also called The Herringbone braid because it looks very similar to a tight Herringbone pattern.Within a couple tries anyone can make a perfect fishtail braid in their sleep and have one of the trendiest hairstyles. The fishtail braid is so popular in part because it is so simple, but also because it is the perfect combination of playful and sophisticated.



Here are some great instructions I found from thebeautydepartment.com . They say that their secret tip is clear elastic rubberbands...

Items you will need: 2 clear elastics, scissors,  and lots of patience :)
Steps:

• If you want a smoother braid, brush your hair out first. For a messier braid, leave the natural texture and separate the hair with your fingers.
• Create a ponytail using a clear elastic.
• Split the ponytail into two separate pieces.
• Take a piece from the first side and pass it to the 2nd side.
• Next take a piece from the 2nd side and pass it back to the 1st side.
• Once you’ve finished your braid, go in with your scissors and CAREFULLY cut the clear elastic at the top.
• Optional: gently pull on the pieces to loosen it up if you wish!

Photo Source: http://thebestfashionblog.com

When you’re fishtail braiding, don’t think too hard! You’re simply making X’s. Also, remember that when you take the little piece from one side and pass it to the other side, you don’t need to keep track of it.

Heres a video for more help:

Some tips:

• The skinnier the strand you use, the more intricate the braid will look. In general try to use the same thickness throughout or your braid will look uneven.
• You can use bobby pins to secure flyaways.
• For thicker hair, consider using thicker strands than skinnier which you would use for thinner hair.
• Doing the fishtail braid while your hair is wet will give you a firmer grip and more precise braid.

True Blood Finale Spoilers!!!!!

Okay, Truebies.... heres some major dirt on the True Blood season finale! Michael Ausiello spilled it, saying, “By the end of the hour, the show will be down at least one series regular.” Of course we have our guesses, but now that we know it’s one series regular, at the very minimum, this really changes the game. Let’s go over the facts.

Marnie is not exactly dead, so there’s still some hell to pay in Bon Temps. Even though Bill and Eric “killed” her, Marnie’s hippy-dippy witch spirit has taken over poor Lafayette. Someone give Lala a break! There’s also that matter of Alcide killing Marcus. We can’t imagine that’ll go over well with the were packs.

Then there’s the finale preview. Bill and Eric are being burned Antonia-style at the stake, Arlene is in danger, and Pam is looking awfully distraught (but we’re pretty sure it’s not because she lost her newly-obtained vintage Cartier). And we know the fierce Pam only cries over one immortal being...

Oh no! Could it be... Eric? 

Photo Credit: John P. Johnson/HBO 

1. Alcide makes an appeal to the woman he loves!

Will it be Sookie or Debbie?

2. Bon Temps fills up with ghosts!

It’s Samhain (aka Halloween), so naturally the spirits of the dead rise up and start floating around town. Welcome back, Rene, Sophie-Ann, Gran, and all of Jason’s dead booty calls from season one.


3. Lafayette gets possessed!

Lafayette’s no stranger to the occasional possession, but this time his split personality threatens to ruin his relationship with Jesus. Considering that Jesus sprouts horns for no reason, you’d think he’d be understanding about Lala’s quirks.


4. Jason finds confession good for the soul, but bad for the body!

Who else thinks Jason tells Hoyt that he boned Jessica in the back of a truck, and then Hoyt beats him up? Just a guess.

Photo Credit: John P. Johnson/HBO

5. Bill and Eric kick Nan out! Nan might be strong, but surely she can’t out-fang Bill and Eric if they double team her!
6. Sam and Luna imagine a happy ending!
If this is anything like the time Bill and Sookie imagined they were kindergarten teachers, we don’t see these two staying together.
7. Terry gets a visitor!
Judging from past spoilers, this must be Terry’s old war buddy, played by Scott Foley. We can’t wait for think hunk to hit up Bon Temps — though Sookie will probably just end up crushing on him. Sigh, men just aren’t safe.

8. A familiar face returns to Bon Temps!
Does Russell Edgington finally make his way out of the cement and avenge Talbot’s life?!


Get ready Truebies: Nelsan Ellis (Lafayette) warns the L.A. Times that the Season 4 finale will end on one doozy of a cliffhanger.
"The finale turns Bon Temps upside down," he says. "Lafayette and Jesus are directly in the middle of it, and it doesn't end well. No finale in the history of True Blood has been worse than this one in terms of the cliffhangers.
"People are going to be [upset] because they're going to have to wait like seven months before they figure out what materializes after this finale."


Ugh seven months to wait is like an eternity....

Fall into Fall Fashion

Some of this Seasons hottest looks as seen on Fall 2011 Runways:

Photos via Style.com

Choker necklaces & cuff bracelets

If you’re looking to make a statement with your accessories, one that you can carry over from 2011 into 2012, then be sure to turn to the latest accessory. It’s the solid jewelry trend and it includes everything from cuffs to collars.
In picking up some of 2011′s solid metal jewelry, what materials should you look for?

• Gold and gold-tone
• Silver
• Copper
• Brass
• Any hammered metal, which has a textured finish rather than a smooth one.

Polka Dots
  The runways for Fall 2011 were filled with everything from tiny little dots to huge polka dots. Some designers, like Marc Jacobs, even showed head-to-toe polka dots.This fun pattern is a neat way to put a playful—and trendy!—spin on your everyday outfit.

 Maxi Skirts and Chunky knit sweater

Photo Source: Glamour.com

This low-key and ueber-comfy outfit idea many designers sent down the runway is something worth trying. Such an easy trend this season, to pull on a cozy sweater (the chunkier the better!) over a summery skirt or dress.

Cotton-Candy Colored Furs
 Another trend taking over the runways of countless designers is the colored fur trend. From Mary-Kate and Ashley's The Row to Gucci, you wont be able to escape this trend.

Pencil Skirt
Good news: one of fall’s hottest trends is something you probably already own– a pencil skirt! Designers paired pencil skirts in neutral tones with tops and accessories in bold hues.

Prints- tribal, floral, paisley
Though the patterns themselves may change over time, bold prints are ever-present in fashion. As of late, designers have been using their artistic liberty to create beautiful, bold prints that are surprisingly wearable. In the Fall 2011 Ready-to-Wear collections, there were lots of stripes, polka dots, florals, tribal prints, and geometric patterns.



Bright Colored pants 
One fun fall 2011 fashion trend you can start wearing now is the bold, bright pant. Like candy-colored shorts and the fun-colored jeans we saw for spring/summer 2011, the fall pants are fun, funky and refreshing. Especially for a season that’s normally known for it’s moody grays and blacks. Its an easy way to make winter’s dark layers look fresh and fun.

Lace 
It’s no big news that lace is hella sexy. The Fall 2011 Chanel Couture line was spilling with lace-our real life outfits may not be as outrageous but I have a feeling lace will be a very big trend come fall.
Lace is sexy, glamorous and elegant. This fall, Marc Jacobs, Alber Elbaz of Lanvin, and Anna Molinari of Blumarine showed a number of lace pieces in their collections.  If you don’t like to wear lace think of embellishments like a lace hand bag or headband.

Leather
The fall runways were packed with looks that were glamorous, sexy, and edgy.

LBLD (Little Black Leather Dress) – Last season, the Little White Dress was the new LBD.

But this fall, the LBD is back with a new attitude and a little rock ‘n roll.

Ponchos
Ponchos and capes may remind us of the past (think Native American and South American dress), but they are another upcoming trend this fall. These cosy toppers are being spotted in sweater or jacket form, and are a comfy yet preppy alternative to the classic cardi and trench. Seen on the Fall 2011 Alexander Wang, Karen Walker and Rag & Bone runways ponchos and capes have been spotted on celebs such as Kate Hudson and Jessica Simpson.

Menswair inspired pieces
One of my favorite trends for Fall is the "borrowed from the boys" tuxedo look. Plunging necklines and fitted blazers have never looked better. “Tux Lux” is the phrase used to describe the pants and jackets that made their way down the New York runways this February, but the look has been spotted on the streets this season, too. Retailers such as Express, Zara and BCBG are filling boutiques with menswear-inspired suits already, and since they’ll still be in for fall, it’s a good idea to invest in one now.


Here are some of the top color trends for Fall 2011 from HotBeautyHealth.com. This season is filled with eye-popping hues. Fall in love with electric blues and lemon yellow as well as traditional  such as creams, neutrals, and plums.

 

Electric Blue

Cobalt blue appeared in almost all the fall runways. From Left to Right: Karen Walker, Louis Vuitton, Cushnie et Ochs, 3.1 Philip Lim 

Lemon Yellow

Usually a bright color like yellow is a bit much, but I’m thrilled to see this summer hue pour over into fall. Acid yellow, canary yellow, and mustard hues are great shades to experiment with.

Plum

Plum, eggplant, and purple are rich shades and perfect color choices for fall. From left to right: Nina Ricci, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Prada, Jenni Kayne 

Gray

Designers played with gray this season by focusing on different textures. The feel is more luxe and modern. From left to right: Peter Som, Prabal Gurung, Donna Karan, Doo.Ri

Winter Green

Green this season is less military and more elegant. Love it!

Burnt Orange

Orange is another bold color to watch out for this fall. Stick with deep, warm shades such as pumpkin and burnt orange for your fall wardrobe. From left to right: Marc by Marc Jacobs, Rachel Comey, DKNY

Bright Red

One can’t help but fall in love with bright and fiery red shades. Another hot hue seen in several fall runways. Seen in  Peter Som, Prabal Gurung, and Prada.

Magenta

Magenta made an appearance this fall and this electrifying shade has surely gotten my attention. A fierce shade that can stand on its own or mix and match it with other hot shades. From left to right: Rebecca Taylor,Badgley Mischka, Jenni Kayne

Neutrals/Creams

Nudes and creams always looks neat and sophisticated. Combine these hues with other hot fall color trends and create several amazing looks. From left to right: Derek Lam, Rodarte, Rag & Bone

Pay attention to what’s in and what’s out in trends and keep your closet streamlined and simple.  Adding 1-2 trend pieces to your wardrobe won’t make you appear over the top rather “on trend” and up to date.