Curious Creatures

"Most days, I look like I fell asleep in my grandfather's closet and woke up in the library," says Jade Lai, owner of Creatures of Comfort. Perhaps she's in a fashion trance.

Try it her way this fall:

"Styling for fall is all over the place, kind of like a time traveler's world. Very Blade Runner-esque, futuristic, with references to iconic '40s silhouettes. Like small waists and defined shoulders and neckline."

"Minimalism is back with a focus on tailored construction, as well as new draping techniques with knits and jerseys. Prints will be important, as well as hand-dyed, bleach treatments (tie-dye, dip-dye, bleach out)."

"You must have a pair of relaxed-fit, pleated, tapered pants; ankle booties with a sensible heel; a well-draped top; a thick waist-belt; a plethora of jackets and coats."

At all costs, "Steer clear of bling-bling."

Until then, tide yourself over with a few of Lai's favorite runway shows right now. "Junya Watanabe and Yojhi Yamamoto, and then there is Alexander McQueen. A girl can dream...I also really dug the color combinations at the Louis Vuitton show."