H-Town fashionistas open their closets to reveal their must-haves for fall

Although Friday was the official start of fall, we're still ladies-in-waiting when it comes to weather suitable for actually wearing this season's hottest looks. But has that stopped our town's intrepid shoppers from scooping up the subjects of their autumn fashion dreams? No way.

We checked in with a handful of stylish trendsetters to see what among the Louboutins, the Chanels and the Jason Wu's they just couldn't live without, that special something in their closets waiting for the first breath of cool air.

Isabel David

The moment she spotted the Celine suede and patent leather pumps with that vixen ankle cuff at Tootsies, Isabel was smitten. "I always need a good black shoe and I like this because it's completely basic. It goes with everything."

For this ensemble, which she says would be appropriate for board meetings and sophisticated luncheons, Isabel chose a Peter Som tweed skirt with a silk blouse by Cavalli.

Mia Gradney

The Channel 39 prime-time news anchor describes herself as the "frugal fashionista" and we love it that her must-have for fall is a Vince Camuto faux fur vest (price $175) from Nordstrom.

She created this eye-catching dressy casual look with a denim shirt from Urban Outfitters and, from Express, red stretch jeans, which are her other can't-live-without wardrobe addition.

"I usually wear a skirt or a dress so this was stepping outside of my comfort zone," she says. "But this fall, I wanted to do something different." As for the budgeting and fashion mix, "It's all about how you put it together."

Jana Arnoldy

Practicality and great style were the two elements that drew Jana to this old-world English patchwork sweater with detachable faux fur collar, a find at Ralph Lauren in Aspen.

"Every September, I keep an eye out for a new favorite addition to my English hunting wardrobe," she says. Jana and husband Scotty Arnoldy travel annually to England, France and Italy to shoot pheasant and partridge. She felt that this piece would be perfect for those travels as well as a great addition to her wardrobe when visiting their country home in Brenham.

Luvi Wheelock

This stylish lady has the advantage of owning Atrium, a swank retail boutique located in her wedding gown shop Casa de Novia Bridal Couture. Her entrée into the retail world from the professional side allows her a fashionable one-up on most Houstonians. No surprise then that she is the first to own this spectacular Jason Wu lace halter top shot with gold threading.

Luvi says she went for the lady-like feel of the delicate lace halter, a look that she took to an edgier level with black stretch slacks that have a wide leather waistband. Add the sleek pumps by Oscar de la Renta, made especially for Atrium, and you have one very stylish look.

Phoebe Tudor

This is one busy lady, a community leader who not long ago chaired a luncheon and evening benefit in the same day and just last week chaired the Legacy Community Health Services luncheon with hair stylist Cerón. Her fave for fall happens to be the Valentino dress which she wore to that fundraiser.

When Phoebe found the sleeveless dress and matching sweater with bejewelled feather flowers at Neiman Marcus, she realized that it would be just the ticket for Houston's high-temps autumn. "I just thought how nice to have a color for fall that wasn't black or brown. And the dress is easy to wear and very fun."

Lucinda Loya

This on-the-go interior designer had so many must-haves in her closet that she dressed for this piece head-to-toe in things she loves for fall. But when pressed, she settled on the Chanel rolling duffel with attached handbag as her fave. Lucinda is regularly back and forth between her New York townhome and residence in Stablewood. So the rolling duffel is just the ticket for carrying her work files and her load of design magazines.

Lucinda picked up this hot-off-the-Chanel production line piece at Bergdorf's in New York. The tiny shoulder-strap bag, also by Chanel and just big enough to hold her cell phone and ID for air travel, was a Las Vegas find that is her new favorite travel companion.

Allie Fields

Long before the kids were back in school, Allie Fields knew what her singular sensation would be for her fall wardrobe — one of Alexandra Knight's amazing alligator totes. In fact, Allie ordered it months ago so that she would have it in time for fall weekends at her Lake Austin retreat.

"The size is just perfect and the style is classic," she said of the capacious bag. "It makes a statement on its own. I love the pop of color with the turquoise lining."

Alex (Alexandra Knight) even named the over-sized bag after this loyal client. It's called the Allie bag.