What I Bought For Fall

--Lois Joy Johnson

I like to say I'm trend-resistant these days, since most of my time is spent writing at home at the computer. But once a fashion editor, always a fashion editor. This fall I decided to ditch my daily uniform of black and go for camel and brown as a base and add a lot more color. Maybe I've been watching too many foreign films but my picks are feminine, flirty colorful things that make me feel happy, sexy and upbeat. In this economy, with all the stresses and angst, who can't use a little of that fashion magic?

Print Blouses I love this Bellatrix blouse ( $78, nordstrom.com). I thought I was a confirmed tee shirt and sweater girl for life. Now I can't stop buying blouses in pretty decorative prints to wear with jeans. Look for long sleeve ones with a poet/ peasant feel rather than more serious cowls and tailored styles with tie necks.

Pop Of Color Sheath Dress This one by Diane Von Furstenberg ( $231 on sale, neimanmarcus.com) makes me feel youthful but powerful. DVF never fails me. Every season I buy one new dress from her line and it's always a home run. This one actually has all my must-have elements : a knee-ish length, a neck-lengthening neckline that's not too low, elbow length sleeves and a fabulous color.

Colorful Cashmere V-Necks My favorite colors are poppy and lemon zest ( $168 each, jcrew.com ) I was actually inspired by the photo of the model on the site despite our huge age difference. I'm wearing these with my camel and brown tweed pencils, skinny camel cords and cropped khakis or brown leggings with tall brown leather boots. I wore one to dinner and a HD viewing of “Anna Bolena” at the Met last week with friends who practically keeled over at my new rainbow palette. Color near your face brightens the way red lipstick used to in the Eighties, and the V of these sweaters is just right- not too low.

Red J Brand Jeans Do not wear these with heels - the way they are shown in every store and magazine. Instead, choose ballet flats, loafers or a flat cropped boot that tucks neatly under the hem. Add a long slim sweater. (Jeans, $168, bergdorfgoodman.com)

A Bright Leather Bag This bag by Zara ($159, zara.com) holds everything including a foldable pair of emergency ballet flats, my Kindle, my keys, makeup bag, huge French wallet, and a folding umbrella. After years of logo bags, I like a no-name one that's just for me.

Lois Joy Johnson is a beauty editor and blogger and author of "The Makeup Wakeup."