Shopping for fall in Bloomington

Finally the weather fits the season, and leaves are turning colors of burgundy and orange to match those gold bags, orange sweaters and brown boots. This season's designers are putting an edge on classics, and fur is back in a big way. \nRecently, I was shopping in College Mall and noticed how much better the clothing selection has become. The full brown skirts and the turquoise blouses in Charlotte Russe are very "in" this season, along with the wide selection of bangles hung on the accessories wall. One of my favorite pieces in Charlotte Russe is the brown baby doll dress with gold embroidered trim. I promptly bought one, and when I got home and found I could wear it as a shirt over jeans or as a sexy dress, I fell in love. For the young and sexy, they also have a wide variety of corsets that I, of course, skipped over until one of the ladies pointed them out. \nI continued my mall adventure and noticed some very stylish furry boots from Report Footwear in the Buckle. I love furry boots, and I have had my eye on the Report boots since August when I saw them advertised in Vogue. When I stumbled across them in the Buckle, I about died. I thought for sure I would have to go home to get them, but since College Mall has come up in its style quotient, it looks like I won't have to. I also fell in love with the Akademiks sweatshirts, Enyce jeans and the Le Tigre gear in the Buckle. It is also carrying the new line of shoes called BED:STU and new stylish Steve Maddens. Men will also be pleased to know MW has some very stylish gear for the season. When you go in, ask about the tweed and brown hoodie-blazer as well as some of its sweaters.\nAs I kept walking, I went into one of my favorite stores, Eddie Bauer. Yes, I know it's very "traditional conservative," but it works. This season, the Bauer collection has gone from traditional to funky and has commissioned the head designer at Tommy Hilfiger to do the fall and winter line. \nIf you are looking for a fresh bag this season, Eddie Bauer has you covered. The stylish brown leather totes are among a few of the bags it is selling this season. The brown suede vest with a fur-trim hood is hot and so are the short bubble coats in shades of black, purple and green. Orange was one of the dominant colors in the fall 2005 collections, and Eddie Bauer has plenty of it. Orange turtlenecks and sweaters adorn the walls and are reminiscent of Thanksgiving gatherings with the family.\n"Blue turquoise, spring's dominant color, has matured into Moroccan blue -- a deep, vibrant teal. Rich browns are also extremely important for fall 2005, from spicy shades like glazed ginger to darker chocolates. Meanwhile, rattan exemplifies yellow's new burnished direction," said Leatrice Eisemen, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute in the Pantone Color Report for fall 2005. \nColor and texture are back in a big way this fall. They inspire hot cocoa, fall walks and being wrapped up in a purple chenille throw.\nEssential pieces for fall are full skirts in cherry, Moroccan blue, brown and purple, sparkling ballerina flats, and anything with a leopard print, such as skirts, shoes and bags. Word to the wise: If you are looking for fur shrugs and leopard print items in Bloomington, shop vintage. Velvet is the chosen texture, and many designers, like Tracy Reese and Cynthia Steffe, used the lush fabric to make embroidered princess coats, skirts and blazers. Even men can wear velvet blazers or pants, which makes this fabric versatile for winter. Tweed is back for an encore, and motorcycle boots go very well with a short denim skirt, gloves and tights. For men, a blazer worn with a hoodie is a must-have and surprisingly, so are suspenders worn with jeans and T-shirts or however you want to wear them. This fall is juiced up with color but wraps you up in texture. Be ready to be cuddled up in rich versions of American classics.