Indian Summer Boots, Not Gladiator Sandals
Ease the pain of parting with gladiator sandals this fall with a pair of open-toed, slouchy boots. The ruched details give these flat boots a warrior edge, so you won't feel completely lost without your sandals. Plus, you can still display your pretty pedicure.

Slip-Free!
This is not about your choice of fall undergarments, but about your footwear. Fashion mavens no longer have to choose between being looking good and treading safely. The latest fashion boots provide no-slip protection with tread on the bottom, and all fashion on the top. Fall boots with treads will help you trod over wet leaves without worrying about falling, and you will be prepared for that first surprise snow storm which sneaks up on you.

Seeing Red, Not Pink
Our collective fashion love affair with pink is coming to an end. Warm red replaces pink, on lips, on dresses, purses and shoes. The proliferation of all things 1940s brings us a warm red lipstick color, splashed across the fashion spectrum.

Curvy, Not Square Hobos
The ever-popular Hobo back is getting into a new shape. Seek out half-moon shaped bags with contrasting handles. These new hobos are more defined, less slouchy, smaller and yes, cuter than their larger counterparts.

Not Your Little Girl's Rain Boots
Only some people can pull off wearing the color yellow near their face. If you adore the color yellow and want to wear it in a flattering and grown up way, a pair of heeled yellow rain boots may be for you.

Asymmetrical, Not Balanced
Take the Grecian theme to a new level, with an asymmetrical dress. You may have two great shoulders, but showing only one, while the other is covered is both classical and futuristic. You'll look like a Grecian-infused Goddess with a Star Trek flair in the one-shoulder top. Pair it with a matching pair of leggings and a pair of purple boots.

Nothing is more annoying than commuting in the rain or snow. Trying to balance your cellphone, handbag and morning coffee is bad enough - add an umbrella into the mix and it's absolute torture. Spending a whole work day in soaking wet clothes or shoes is never fun, and it's also really terrible for your wardrobe. A thorough soaking can ruin delicate shoes, stain pant cuffs and shrink wool sweaters. Even if your shoes aren't destroyed by the rain or snow, you definitely run the risk of creating a smelly situation that renders good shoes unwearable.

The solution? Well, everyone knows not to wear nice shoes in wet weather - so the conventional wisdom is to carry your nice shoes for work and wear an ugly old pair instead. However, no fashionista wants to spend half her day in hideous footwear. So, smart designers have found an alternative solution to the problem that is not only practical but totally fashionable as well: funky, fabulous rubber rain boots.

These protective boots can be found in a variety of price ranges but tend to be quite inexpensive - I picked up a pair recently for under $20. They are available in literally hundreds of colors, patterns and styles, so you can express yourself to your heart's content without breaking the bank. Most styles are wide enough at the top to allow you to stuff your pant legs inside the boot, giving extra protection against salty or muddy sidewalks (this is also a boon for gals with wider-than-average calves).

Invest in a pair of rain boots and umbrella that match both your winter coats and spring/fall jackets, and you're fashionably set for any type of weather. Rain boots are also a great item to borrow and lend if you want to change up your look for a day. Because these boots are somewhat oversized anyway, exact fit isn't really that important, so you can swap with your girlfriends even if they're a half size smaller or larger than you.