What excites fashion designer Elaine Turner about the arrival of autumn is the ability to take one's look up a notch by adding extra layers that offer opulence and elegance. Whether that's throwing on a cashmere pashmina over a versatile black dress or a plush scarf on top of a casual outfit for a pop of color, fall means adding depth to one's wardrobe.
Turner, who has a beautiful boutique at CITYCENTRE alongside other fashion shops such as Dryden Kreps, Bevello, Anthropologie, Fashion Truck Collection, Kendra Scott, Charming Charlie and J. Crew, says that the best way to prepare for the change of seasons is to honor yourself in the process.
"Don't be so afraid of what you feel like looks good and what you respond to," she explains. "Go ahead and pair a black and white dress with a pink clutch — have confidence in yourself, don't be afraid of color and don't be afraid of mixing prints with color."
"This fall is a heavy pattern and texture season. There's lots of layering, lots of prints, plaids are very in for fall."
Ready for some retail therapy and style advice?
In this video adventure, Turner goes on a shopping spree at CITYCENTRE, a premier destination in West Houston that she describes as the best thing that has happened in the Bayou City in a long time as far as retail is concerned, and puts together three outfits suitable for fashionistas with discerning tastes but accessible for the everyday denizen.
What's hot this season?
On trend are effortless relaxed colors such as soft grays and neutrals, complemented by a sensual autumnal palette that includes sadle, burnt orange, olive green and burgundy, contrasted by hues that burst with energy such as pinks in every shade and vibrant yellows.
"This fall is a heavy pattern and texture season, which I think makes fashion so much more interesting." Turner adds. "There's lots of layering, lots of prints, plaids are very in for fall. As a fashion designer, it's a fun opportunity to play with tonalities of color, mixing suedes with leather for example, to find that depth we all love."
That's just what she has in mind for a casual outfit that mixes an edgy motorcycle jacket from Dryden Kreps with a refined plaid tunic from Fashion Truck Collection and skinny jeans from Bevello. Turner accessorizes the look by layering long and short necklaces by Kendra Scott plus an olive green fold over satchel from her own boutique.
"There are so many options at CITYCENTRE, and that's why I love it here. You can buy something for yourself, for your significant other, for children, for anyone."
For men, fall means a refined yet sporty appearance. To achieve this flair, Turner chooses an equestrian-style jacket that has a detachable vest designed by Circle of Gentlemen and sold by Dryden Kreps. The suede patches on the sleeves give an elegant detail that foils the tapered jeans with rolled cuffs for a casual accent.
"I am a strong believer that you can never go wrong with black and white," Turner says. "It's always classic, always refined."
For a day-to-evening ensemble, Turner selects a flexible black jumper with an off-white jacket with black banding from Bevello that works well in a corporate environment as well as for a night on the town. She completes the look with a black suede-plus-leather pouch and gold jewelry with ornate fringe details from Kendra Scott.
"There are so many options at CITYCENTRE, and that's why I love it here," she adds. "You can buy something for yourself, for your significant other, for children, for anyone. It also has a feel good vibe.
"So why not come out, have a meal, a glass of wine and go shopping?"
The arrival of autumn is the ability to take one's look up a notch by adding extra layers that offer opulence and elegance.
