Fashion never travels in a circle.  It's much more like a curly telephone cord, since every time a trend comes back around there's a twist to it.  As we move into Autumn and look forward to the newest fashions, I'm happy to say that this Fall is going to be comfortable!

You've heard of "comfort food" -- the kinds of things that stick to your ribs and that you crave when you just want something you remember from your childhood or that tastes good without being fussy.  This Fall, we're moving into "comfort clothes" -- clothes that look great AND feel great to wear.

This week we're giving you the lowdown on what's in and hot for Fall.  You've probably got some of these pieces already in your closet, ready to be updated with a few little touches.  If not, these are the kinds of clothes that will never really go out of style, so it's a good time to shop.

We hope to see you soon!

Jim Nixon,
The Cleaners

Seasonal Change Checklist

Don't overlook the steps to protect your wardrobe investment.

• Look over all garments you plan to store and make repairs NOW so they'll be ready to go next spring.
• Clean any garments that have been worn so that stains will not set, and won't attract insects.
• Store garments loosely so that air can circulate in an area that is not too hot or damp.

Leaf those Leathers to Us!

Leather and suede are back!  This fall you'll be seeing them everywhere -- jackets, skirts, blazers, accessories.  So, if you've put that great leather or suede jacket or skirt aside waiting for it to come back in style, now's the time to freshen it up.  We'll take $5 off the bill if you let us clean a leather or suede item.  (Include the first page of this e-mail with your order.  Offer expires 10/20/03.  Cannot be combined with other offers.)

Fall Fashion Outlook

This Autumn, falling into the fashion groove will be as comforting as landing in a pile of bright fall leaves was when you were a child.  The soft, rugged fabrics we traditionally associate with Fall are all back -- leather, suede, corduroy (or stretch corduroy), moleskin, wool, heavy knits.  This goes for both men and women.

Men's Look -- Rugged Outdoors.

As the pendulum continues to swing back from the excesses of "business casual" it seems designers are trying to incorporate the comfort of casual with the sharp look of sophistication.  People embraced the casual look because they were tired of being confined in uncomfortable, predictable clothing.  Designers have hit the right note with their Fall collections.

The sport coat is back, with fabrics like camelhair and wool in soft colors, tweeds or muted plaids.  Men will be dressing up the casual jeans and dress shirt look with a jacket, and possibly no tie.  For the more formal look, colors are earthy and warm.  Leather and suede are also being paired with more formal slacks or sweaters for an upscale casual image.  (Photos at right above are from Land's End and Macy's.  Links below.)

Women's Look -- Smooth and Soft

There aren't a lot of frills in the Fall line-up for women.  Suits hearken back to the men's-style ensembles including wool plaids and herringbone patterns.  Softness at the neck of the jacket with a silk blouse or sweater takes some of the harsh edge from the outfit.

Pleats are back!  You may be happy or grumpy about that turn of events, but there's a certain motion that pleats add to a skirt or dress that can't be duplicated any other way.  Kick pleats (a few pleats at the hemline) as well as full vertical pleats are complimented by the wool, corduroy and blended fabrics that will be in abundance.  Hemlines are anywhere from a long mini to mid calf, giving women of different shapes and proportions a range that is sure to include something to flatter.

Someone also finally figured out that though the look of a sweater over a crisp shirt is nice, it can be overly warm.  So they've devised sweaters with built-in contrasting cuffs and collars -- even some with more than one set, so you can change the look of the garment in a snap.  Contrasting piping and other embellishments like tasteful embroidery are also making this year's fashions more distinctive.

Boots -- just-above-ankle and up -- are hot this Fall, as are all accessories leather or suede.  Purses, vests, jackets, belts.  In short, it's a return to the kinds of clothes you always thought Fall should be all about.  These are classic looks that will never really go out of style, so stock up while they're available.  You can update them from season to season with accessories or other touches.

As for colors, the names alone make you want to sit back and put your feet up.  Chocolate... Winter wheat... Cocoa... Pumpkin... Latte... Cinnamon.  Just the right shades to make you pretty as a picture this Fall and beyond.  (Photos above left are from Chadwicks, Land's End and Nordstrom's.  Links below.)

Care of your Autumn and Winter Wardrobe

Many of the things that are "in" this Fall and Winter will require professional cleaning and finishing.  Consider this part of the investment you make when you buy quality garments of this kind.  With good care, these looks will carry you for years, with adjustments of accessories or coordinating pieces.  We'll help you achieve that goal by giving them the care they require.

Find those Fashions!

To see the fashions included in this article and much more, visit the retailers you love best.  Most of them are on the internet, and many offer online ordering, as well.  Photos above indicate which retailer's website the photo came from.  Here are some links:

• Chadwick's
• Land's End
• Dillards
• Macy's
• Sears
• Penney's

Happy shopping, and cozy Autumn!

This week's featured retail partners are J. Crew and Coldwater Creek.
We have teamed up with selected merchants to provide you with one stop online shopping. Click on the Coldwater Creek graphic and it will open in a new browser window, you will be able to shop online while still viewing our site.