Pumpkins, bonfires, crunchy leaves, the crisp air.  Fall is almost upon us, which means it’s time to revamp the wardrobe and the kitchen with some fall favorites.

New York Fashion Week and Los Angeles’ Fashion Night Out are both last week’s news, but the fall fashion trends and must have’s are still the latest buzz.  The fall fashion on display from top designers seemed to have one thing in common for all women- this Fall demands a fierce, forward, and strong fashion sense.  Here are a few fashion trends and kitchen combos to be sure to try this fall.

Fall Fashion:

1.  Downtown chic. Downtown, motorcycle chic still dominated, meaning you can still get another year out of the black leather jacket you bought years ago.  This chic look, though, is a tailored one.  The downtown chic look for fall demands lines and edges, so no flowing skirts or baggy items allowed.

2.  Architecture-inspired. Say goodbye to the fashion Los Angeles is famous for – carefree, flowing, baggy t’s or pants.  This  fall is all about lines working to flatter the beautiful curves of the female form.  This fall is all about the cut.  Save money by getting a skirt, suit, or coat professionally tailored to fit your body perfectly.

3.  Bye-Bye Bling. This fall’s fashion week in New York didn’t have all the glamour we’ve seen in previous years.  Conservative, statement jewelry seemed to be the fashion trend on display.  It is time to put away any gaudy, costume jewelry and focus on one or two interesting pieces to add to your outfit.

Fall Food:

1.  Bust Out The Butternut! Fall means a plethora of squash and other fall veggies that are delicious when paired with cinnamon and other spices.  Not to mention, butternut squash is an awesome source of nutrients and a source of minimal calories (just avoid the temptation to slather it in butter).  Substitute this vegetable for potatoes and you’ll be able to fit in the best fall fashion finds.

2.  Pumpkin (pie, ice cream, bread, insert your favorite here). Take advantage of pumpkin time and do more than just buy one to carve.  Buy a cooking pumpkin or get the canned kind and get creative.  Mix canned pumpkin with vanilla ice cream and serve with a shortbread cookie and you’ll be everyone’s favorite fall desert chef.

3.  Spiced Cider. Hot apple cider with dark rum is sure to be a fall party favorite. Gather these ingredients to get everyone in the fall spirit.
7 cups apple juice
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp whole cloves
1 tsp whole allspice
1 4-inch stick of whole cinnamon
Lemon zest from 1 lemon
1 1/2 cups dark rum
Butter

Preparation:
Stir apple juice and brown sugar together in a large saucepan. In a piece of cheesecloth, bundle up the cloves, allspice, cinnamon and lemon zest. Drop the spice bag into the liquid, and bring it all to a good simmer. Continue simmering for another 15 minutes, then remove from heat and take out the bag of spices. Stir in the rum, and pour out into mugs. Add a dab of butter to the top of each serving and serve immediately. Serves around 10. (about.com)

(Image via The Sartorialist)