Forget the muted tones, embrace fall in all its splendor.

It’s going to be a red hot fall, at least inside our closets. Red, in hues ranging from dark rust to neon-bright, is one of the hottest colors right now, and will also carry nicely into the spring. If you want to be really daring and on-trend, wear red from head to toe. You’ll be guaranteed to turn some heads.

We love this genius convertible dress, which will work double or triple duty as it transforms into different shapes. The ladylike handbag, poncho, fitted turtleneck, cable knit sweater, and flat boot are all key pieces for the fall. Being fashionable hasn’t been this comfy and cozy in a long time.

Clockwise, from top left:

J.Brand Mid-Rise Skinny Leg Jean in Bright Red
$176, jbrandjeans.com

Vintage Fire Engine Red Wool Poncho
$122.33, WoozWassVintage on Etsy.com

Matt & Nat Clint vegan suede handbag
$95, mattandnat.com

Cotton Turtleneck from American Apparel
$30, americanapparel.com

Shabd convertible Shoreline Dress in fire
$545, shabdismyname.com

Covet Cable Knit Sweater
$125, shopfuturestandard.com

Swedish Hasbeens Chelsea Unisex Boot
$408, swedishhasbeens.com

Feminine oxford shoes are a versatile replacement for fall’s flats.

Following on the heels of the classic, tailored menswear trend is the versatile oxford which celebrities from Jessica Biel to Sienna Miller love to pound around town in. We like how quickly it makes a feminine silhouette just a little edgier, and it’s a welcome respite from wedges and platforms.

Worn with skirts, pants, or leggings, oxfords are wardrobe multi-taskers and with or without tights, we are smitten and ready to go kick some fall leaves around. Here are a few sustainable options for you:

Sang Low Heel Oxford from Coclico

Megumi Ochi 1984 Black

Osborn’s Justine Ashbee Oxford

Neuaura’s Cedar in Washed Sand

Melissa Enjoying Vanilla Oxford

Image: Chanel and a Cup of CoCo

This Thursday, as you gather round the table and devour your traditions, take a moment and offer a little ambiance to your guests of honor. As you prepare to verbalize your many blessings, set the stage (and table!) to celebrate. Here’s a heaping serving of inspiration on a silver platter – just in time for you platters of yams and pumpkin confections.

It seems the clever creatives at Sweet Paul have imagined a handful of stunning ideas to inspire your entertaining. When crisp winter intersects with harvest notions, the result is a gorgeous combination of pristine white and sultry pumpkin silhouettes (image above). Your culinary efforts are sure to glisten on this simple and elegant palette.

If you love the produce aisle and crave a little more color on your table, seek natural hues with interesting shapes to adorn your holiday gathering. Artichokes, beets, carrots, and radishes are vivid and lovely.

Or capitalize on Mother Nature with the habitual shades of amber and orange. Fall leaves can be gorgeous, as this natural setting with rich wood styling depicts.

If the saturated hues of the traditional feast are the beauty you want to highlight, add a dash of dignified blue and watch the edible harvest hues of the season gleam.

These gorgeous images are from the glossy (virtual) pages of Sweet Paul – both the Fall and Holiday issues. If you are still finalizing your menu, you will devour the recipes that accompany these visual feasts.

Still looking for the perfect details?  Lonny has a great feature on the most glamorous table setting ever.  And just in case you’re the type of host who craves order through seating arrangements, this pumpkin place card holder will bring the perfect allure to your table setting.

I’m not much of a holiday decorator. I don’t spend two days unwrapping little chotskies out of bubble wrap (you know, the same ones I spent two days re-wrapping last year) and setting them up all over my home. I don’t hang hundreds of blinking lights from my roof or station large plastic figures on my front lawn. My holidays are a tad less elaborate and adorned. And I like it that way.

First of all, I hate packing and unpacking of any kind. I’d rather stick needles in my eyes. And I don’t like excess stuff sitting around, especially theme-oriented, color coordinated stuff.

Having said that, autumn is upon us and with the changing weather and falling leaves comes a feeling of nostalgia and celebration. But not to worry – there are plenty of simple, subtle ways to express the approach of the holidays without going over the top.

I’ve gathered an idea or two for garnishing your home – from tabletop to mantle to martini. Things that aren’t always exclusive to the holidays but that celebrate the seasons nonetheless. Here’s hoping you’ll see something that tickles your yearning for decoration, in the simplest most sensible sense.

On the top of my list but the farthest from reality, is this platinum and diamond encrusted skull (image above, For The Love of God). It’s the creation of British artist Damien Hirst, who has a morbid fascination with death and dying, and it sold for $100 million dollars in August 2007. No it isn’t simple or sensible. It’s glamorous and shocking, but I couldn’t resist.

Speaking of glamor, I’m a glutton for black. It goes with everything and makes everything look good. Just check out Leigha’s post last week for more details about bringing on the black.

I’m loving these touches of black with the slightest twist of orange or cream or candied apple (images above). And dried anything, from twigs to flowers, placed in a simple vase, turns an ordinary tabletop into interesting, without going gauche (image below).

All things metallic are hip right now, so use your imagination with gold paint and old buttons or beads. Preferably not all at once, just dabbing a little here and there does the trick.

So the table is set, but what’s the point of a party without a flavored martini?

Pumpkin Pie Martini (image above)

1/2 oz Sylk Cream Liqueur
2 oz Vanilla Vodka
1/2 oz Pumpkin Liqueur (or substitute pumpkin spice syrup)
1 tsp (or more) Whipped Cream
1 Cinnamon Stick for garnish

Pour the cream liqueur and vanilla vodka into a shaker filled with ice. Shake well. Add the pumpkin liqueur or syrup and shake again. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Top with the whipped cream, and garnish with a cinnamon stick. Serves 1.

Of course, you can’t have autumn without pumpkins, although I fly on the shy side with these gourd-like squashes. Carving with the kids is great fun, but when it comes to decor for your home, let’s leave the knives in the kitchen.

I’m needing a few of these velvet critters, so soft and snugly (image above). Or try your hand and paint them in plaid or polka dot; winter white or graphic delight (images below).

Draw a black raven or bats, use a doily as a stencil or monogram your initials (images below)….

…clothe them in old black stockings or leftover lace.

Let’s move on to flowers and wreaths; mantles and cakes.

Like I’ve said, crafts and such just aren’t my thing – I seek out simple and easy. So these orange calla lilies (image above) do just the trick. I’m loving how they’re arranged leaning to one side – asymmetrical is where it’s at.

I often have an aversion to wreaths – they are so easily overdone and embellished with too much garnish and frill. But these two gems (images above and below) capture the pure and crisp of the changing seasons and upcoming holiday cheer. You might even find one on my front door this year.

I’m crazy about these cheesecloth covered glass vases (images below), in all heights and sizes. Look closely and you’ll notice the black medical stitches down one side. Fill them with dried flowers or twigs and you’ve got a subtle way to share the Halloween gore without going too far. Add a spider if you’re so inclined.

Last but not least, these cakes made the cut. I’m not a pastry chef, nor am I competent in the ways of the kitchen, but I had to include them for the mere fact that they say Halloween at its most simple and sophisticated. Bon appetit and happy holidays.

Images: Better Homes and Gardens, Molly Findlay, this is glamorous, Delia Creates, Shelter Pop, Wise Craft, coco + kelley, green wedding shoes, style me pretty, Michelle Rago Ltd., Pinterest, Martha Stewart, Simply Grove, Country Living, Fina Art & Paper

Instead of going from zero to 60 in no time flat, we’ve gone from the 90s to 60s in less than a week. I’m talking temperature.

Just last week I was panting at my desk and now I’m stepping outside for a spot of sun every time my fingers freeze up at the keyboard.

I have to confess that I’ve been eating nothing but salads, raw tomatoes, cheese, fruit, bread, and sometimes leftovers for lunch lately. But now I want soup. The hot weather had gotten me a little out of the habit of hauling out the big stock pots and turning on the stove, so in truth, I’m feeling a little lazy.

But I still want soup. And I want it homemade. I just want it to be easy and streamlined. As a way to ease into soup making season, I’ve hit up some of my favorite food blogs for three simple soup recipes, each with very few ingredients, to get you back into the soup-making swing of things.

From 101 Cookbooks, we’ve got a warming (and vegetarian) red lentil soup recipe. The addition of brown rice makes it a complete meal.

Here’s a recipe for Barley Beans and Chard Soup from The Dinner Files that can be made vegetarian or not, depending on the stock you use. I bet you have most of these ingredients on hand already. I often make a similar soup with rice (in case you don’t have the barley).

My favorite dry-farmed potato vendor is back at my local farmers’ market. Cooking with Amy provides us with the simplest ever Potato Leek Soup. She’s right, the less you fuss with additional ingredients the better.

Image: Claire L Evans

A perennial fashion archetype, equestrian-chic has long been popular among those with the dream or the means for horse ownership. With a new appreciation for all that’s classic in clothing, it’s only a matter of course that riding styles are a AW 2010 trend that is already off and running.

Revived this time around by John Galliano’s romantic vision for Christian Dior’s Fall 2010 runway, the standard components were masterfully made modern in a memorable spread in Vogue’s February 2010 ”Back in the Saddle” shoot by Raymond Meier and featuring Constance Jablonski.

And while the equestrian theme has been done many times before, it appears that fashion’s current shift from hungering for “it” bags to appreciation for simple and enduring classics is bringing out many of the bits and pieces necessary to assemble the look.

True and trusty wardrobe items like the knee-high riding boots, a single-breasted hacking-style jacket and turtlenecks alongside the recent return of jodhpur-style pants, saddlebag shaped purses and a trend for leather accented clothing.

All the ingredients are available to easily assemble the trend. And with the current color persuasion for restrained ivory, navy, black and caramel coupled with supporting trends for outdoor, rural looks that incorporate tweeds, herringbone and chunky sweaters –  its a look that’s champing at the bit for a shot.

Before saddling up, consider that bohemian, dandy, pirate or any other style archetypes worth plundering, aim to incorporate one element, maybe two, into your everyday wardrobe. Riding boots or Jodhpurs. A blazer, a turtleneck and skinny pants, instead of the jodhpurs. If you emerge from your closet flicking a whip against your thigh and wishing you had a top hat, it’s probably a clue you’ve trotted this trend too far.

Here’s some sustainable finds that are more than just good horse sense.

Feral Childe‘s beautifully-tailored (longer in the back, shorter in the front) blazer is made from surplus Italian stretch wool gabardine and is available October 1st. The inside is equally beautiful with classic Feral Childe print of emerald green scratch art.

Their Barringer Legging in silk and organic cotton jersey is a fun twist of equestrian and print.

Prairie Underground’s Carpenter jean with funky inner leg stitching are reminiscent of a riding pant, in an easy-to-wear-denim.

Cri de Coeur’s Ariel boot. Over-the-knee in textured faux leather.

Fall is all about crisp air, changing colors, and possibly the cutest organic pencil leg jeans this side of “Am I thin enough to pull it off?” (The answer is “yes” and “you go, sexy green mama!”) But what about the rest of our green beauty regime? We spoke with four renowned eco-beauty experts to get the scoop on the latest trends in beauty for this fall. And they gave us the insider info, complete with tips and product suggestions.

EMMA PEZZACK

Emma Pezzack is CEO/Founder of Futurenatural, known “as a Sephora for the best organic and natural beauty brands in the world.” She is also Editor-In-Chief of Organic Beauty View, a daily blog of the modern side of organic and natural beauty; and Beauty Director for Coco Eco Magazine.

EMMA’S TIPS: The new fall face is about understatement and a light handed approach to application. As always, if you start with great skin and a flawless foundation, everything else will follow. Add a little color update will make all the difference too.

SUGGESTIONS: One of the best (and cheapest!) ways to give your look an instant update is get yourself some of the new fall nail polish colors. Zoya Kellie is an on-trend gray-lilac that’s sure to become a wardrobe staple and it’s free of the really nasty chemicals found in most nail polish.

I’m a huge fan of multi-taskers. RMS Beauty is an organic makeup collection created by celeb makeup artist Rose-Marie Swift – Gisele, Celine Dion and more are clients. Her Uncoverup #22 is a must-have in any beauty arsenal for fall. Both a concealer and foundation, use on spot areas or all over for perfect cover that blends beautifully into skin for a natural but flawless look.

The onset of cooler weather means drier everything, so get yourself some rich lip balm to combat the elements. Not only great for lips, use on elbows, cuticles, and anywhere your skin needs an extra boost of moisture. This Works Turbo Balm is amazingly emollient.

REBECCA GARABEDIAN

Rebecca Garabedian is a natural skin care specialist who owns Rebecca’s Aesthetics in Newport Beach, California. She is a licensed esthetician who focuses on a natural, healthy approach to skin care, inside and out. You can find her at 714/686-2198.

REBECCA’S TIPS: Your skin is not only a reflection of health, but it is also a mirror to the elements and your surroundings. After a lot of time in the sun over the summer season, many of us are left with dry, dehydrated, and neglected skin. So it’s important to regenerate fresh skin cells by exfoliating. You can even use simple brown sugar from your cabinets!

SUGGESTIONS: A safe and easy way to achieve beautiful skin is right at home, using fresh fruits and veggies from your refrigerator. Great creative with a smooth skin smoothie. Simply blend some of your favorite fruits to slather over your face and body. Use a circular motion to work the fruits into your skin, then rinse. Repeat weekly.

Fruits like berries – blueberries, strawberries, papaya and more – are loaded with antioxidants for firming benefits. Add some avocado for essential fatty acids to help keep your skin nourished.

Finally, your lips can take the brunt of cool weather punishment in the fall, so I suggest a sturdy lip balm. Try this USDA certified organic peppermint and tea tree oil lip balm from Aubrey Organics. You can find it at Whole Foods.

JESSA BLADES

Jessa Blades is an organic makeup artist who ditched toxic brands and founded Blades Natural Beauty in 2008. Sick of sacrificing women’s health for the sake of beauty, Jessa offers makeup services that use only natural and organic ingredients. She has been featured on the Today Show and was chosen as one of Glamour Magazine’s “70 Amazing Eco-Heroes of 2009.”

JESSA’S TIPS: Trends that I am really excited about are clean beautiful skin and smudgy eyeliner. Who doesn’t want glowing, healthy skin? I guess it is sort of a timeless trend. There are a few easy steps to achieve the look, such as eating well and making sure you are rested and hydrated.

SUGGESTIONS: Don’t be afraid to use face oils to moisturize! I love Certified Organic Anti-Aging Serum by Intelligent Nutrients. Be sure to try Naturopathica’s Vitamin K Brightening Eye Serum.

As for eyeliner, lots of inky black liner looks amazing – especially with our fading healthy summer glow. Try Logona’s Kajal liner in Black or a dark gun-metal grey in Ash from Zosimos Botanicals. Rim the upper and lower lash line and then use a Q-tip, a small brush or your finger to smudge the line a bit.

Also, think about a more dramatic lip. Try a darker matte lip using  Vapour Organic Beauty Siren Lipstick in Knockout. Swipe some lipstick on the lips, rub the color in, add another coat and then blot the lips. It’s an easy look with lots of drama.

RACHEL AVALON

As a certified holistic nutritionist and eco expert, Rachel Avalon helps lead people straight to the core of what it takes to enjoy a new level of vitality, weight loss, detoxification, immune boosting, pro-beauty, and overall health and happiness. From soccer moms to CEOs and celebrities, she teaches clients the rewards of a sustainable diet and lifestyle.

RACHEL’S TIPS: When it comes to giving eco beauty tips, I strive to offer recommendations that are affordable, accessible, deliver amazing results, and most importantly, are better for your health and the health of the planet. I suggest that you buy your first round green products locally and then once you’ve discovered your favorites you can save 30 percent on average by shopping online. You can find my all natural, vegan-brand product suggestions at Whole Foods and online.

SUGGESTIONS: I recommend Shea Butter or Cocoa Butter from NOW Products. The Shea nut is native to Africa, and the cocoa bean is native to South America. Each provides a rich and creamy solution for dry lips, hands, and feet.

Remember, the best hydrated skin always starts from the inside out. So, enjoy plenty of water, herbal teas, and moderate amounts of essential fatty acids from plant-based choices such as olive oil and flaxseed oil and seeds.

Further, I recommend beta carotene-rich foods such as butternut squash, carrots, and yams. Not only are they in season, they help support natural collagen production. This cultivates a more youthful appearance, among other cellular benefits.

As for makeup, try Zuzu Luxe Mascara. Dewey and flirtatious, this is one of the best priced, all natural mascaras on the market. And for eye shadow? Think about Zuzu Luxe Chameleon Eye shadow. With a shimmering bronze color in a sleek, travel-friendly compact this all natural, pressed mineral makeup offers a perfect autumn look.

Image: The Snarky Princess

I wish I could tie August around my wrists, carrying the satisfaction of whimsical sunsets and anticipation of impending fall with me year round. There is something about natural rope that insinuates the nautical splash of coastal bliss that only summer can nurture. Go ahead, get tied up and roped into these gorgeous commodities.

Clockwise from top left: Haus Interior Rope & Nickel Accessories, SHINE Rope Artwork, Tanya Aguiniga Unraveled Cotton Rope Necklace, Simplemente Blanco Sisal Knitted Pillow, Anthropologie Coiled Rope Knob, and Tanya Aguiniga Jersey Knot Bracelet.

(Top images from Marie Sturges and Mel Yates.)

We’ve got  your eco-alternatives covered so you can go out and get the look -sourcing from the best eco-fashion brands around.

1. LIV GRN T-Shirt by Signorelli. A cropped tee with a strong message! This tee is made of organic cotton and a celeb favorite.

2. John Patrick Organic Pea Coat. High fashion meets function in this fall jacket from JPO.

3. Libby Snap Ankle Bootie from Cri de Coeur. The perfect pair of vegan shoes to pair with a skirt, leggings or jeans.

4. Camilla Norrback Pin Tuck Short Skirt. Made from organic cotton by Swedish designer, Camilla Norrback.

Style Tip: Wearing a graphic tee with a more traditional jacket gives you an instant style update for a casual cool look, and don’t forget to layer a couple of long necklaces to dress it up. We give this look an A+!

Sure, you’re forced to take down the ghosts and fuzzy spiders (news flash: your neighbors are pissed if you haven’t done so), but some of the seasonal elements we put up to get in the mood  should endure until the end of the year, if not beyond.

Here is my list of favorite affordable decorative displays for the festive and frugal in all of us.

1. Lanterns

Rice paper lanterns bobbing outside (with solar lights) or in your rooms make a huge, happy statement. I love the cylinder shapes with Asian motifs like the ones found at My Green Party Goods, $3.50 each.  Keep out of wind and rain and purchase eco options.

2. Mini Pumpkins

Don’t toss these babies out with the bad Halloween candy. They transition to the Thanksgiving table (orange+pumpkin) and even co-mingle happily pomegranates and pepper berries for winter holiday merrymaking. You can buy organic by the case at Baldor, if you haven’t already succumbed to the adorable guys at the farmers’ market.

3. Bowls of shells

It’s likely you have amassed these already. Gather them in a pretty bowl for the coffee table, scatter on the table, line them on the mantle. Shells – often used to evoke romantic, seaside summer lazing – work just as well in fall and winter. I like combing the beach for sand dollars and tossing them into my mix.

4. Strung Cards

I string three rows of natural wire along my dining room wall to hang beautiful cards from the high holidays and my daughter’s October Bat Mitzvah to Halloween, Thanksgiving and winter holiday greetings. Just pick up some clamps and you’re in business. Guests love them and cards are so cool, why toss them out?

5. Photo Displays

I’ve mounted many photo walls for clients and friends, which is affordable art for the home and a way to display treasured memories from the year. Of course, assorting eco frames on various tables throughout the house works well, too (school photos, Halloween shots, other fun scenes).

6. Foliage

Harvest leaves, twigs and pine cones and branch out in your earthy styling of tables, entryways and other venues that smack of fall color. I like how Arenamontanus gathered a grouping for a desk.

7. Candles

Beeswax candles come in all shapes and sizes and really set the mood for seasonal statements. Mix ‘em and match ‘em, turn off the lights and turn on the tunes. For a great assortment visit 1000 Markets.

8. Recycled Cloth Coasters

Like these vintage treasures from Etsy, turn your excess fabric into coasters with easy sewing for delightful results. When do you put them away? Never.

9. Table coverage

Roll out the organic runners and roll out the fun, kids. This sumptuous moss design from Amenity can take you through the seasons and inspire unique styling. I use them to dress up many surfaces from the dining table to the buffet and entry way.

10. Vintage Dishes

This peach glass from Step Toes is a lovely example of the menagerie of collectibles you can break out to display and use for serving, from favorite heirloom porcelain to tea pots and even plates hung for display. This is where you canhave blast and save on that styling budget.