Countdown to Fall - {Alexa Chung for Madewell}

Good morning, Blonde Ambitioners! Welcome to Day Two of the first ever ABA "Countdown to Fall" Fashion Week! I don't know about y'all, but after looking at all of the gorgeous outfits from yesterday's Alice + Olivia post, I am more ready for fall than ever!

Lucky for us, we have some more autumn runway goodness to feast our eyes upon today...meet the Alexa Chung for Madewell Fall 2010 Collection. You might know Alexa as the pin-sharp, quick witted MTV talk show host. Well now she's taking the fashion world by storm with her brand new RTW collection for Madewell.

This collection debuted in February at the Bowery Hotel Terrace in New York City to glowing reviews from fashion and style critics everywhere. Using her best friends as the models for her first runway show, the unveiling of the collection was more like a big party than a stuffy catwalk competition.

Dressed head to toe in cozy, versatile cardigans, striped shirts, Peter Pan-collared dresses, tights, school girl skirts and jackets, the models were arranged in tableaus - sitting on benches, leaning on retro bikes, and standing next to vintage suitcases.

One thing to note, as with yesterday's Alice + Olivia collection, Alexa's Madewell show also featured lots of tights with shorts...do I smell a trend in the fall air?

The best thing about this collection though is the price. Forget having to fork over $400 for a toggle coat, every item in Chung's collection is totally affordable. We're talking $20 t-shirts here, folks!

Classic Alexa-inpired pieces like the long-sleeved dresses, sweeping knee-length skirts and slim trousers will probably be haunting my dreams until this fall. And don't even get me started on the shoes...oh my lordy.

Buttery brown oxfords, desert dust colored boots and coal black clogs dominated the show, as well as strappy sandals paired with cute trouser socks.

The Alexa Chung for Madewell Fall 2010 Collection will drop in stores and online in September. Keep your fingers poised over the mouse ladies, because I have a feeling these items will go faster than you can say Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Definition of the Day: Resort Wear

I actually first heard this term last year and had no clue that "Resort" was even considered a season. You may have heard various designers refer to their Resort 2011 collections and thought, "What the hey?" Resort wear is one of many new genres of clothing, and is now being requested for cruises and destination weddings. If the term confuses you, (and it did me), you aren't alone. Think crisp and cool pieces that look chic in an outdoor tropical setting. Colors for resort wear include any shades of bright magenta, yellow, white and cerulean blue.

Today's Take-Aways

- To copy the Alexa Chung for Madewell look, try pairing crisp, striped button downs with short, school-girl skirts for a preppy but sexy fall ensemble.

-Tis the season to try socks with open toed heels, so if you're feeling a little daring, go for it!

-Once again, Tights + Tweed Shorts = Fashion Do! Add a platform clog to the mix and you're in business.

-Try to look for preppy blazers and embellish them with cute brooches or boutonnieres for a personal, vintage touch.

What about this collection inspires you guys? Any pieces that jump out at you?

Be blessed, lovelies-

Photo credits: Coutorture, Fashionologie