What is it about September that marks fall starting. Not the bite in the air (sorry, Southern Cali doesn’t quite afford me the “bite” nor do I get my favorite fall foliage), but fall fashions.  There is something I can’t quite describe about fall fashion. Layers, gorgeous warm colors, fun boots…there’s just something so fresh about it all. But fashion hasn’t been all over jumping on new technologies-albeit a random Chanel iPhone app or Gucci’s Lady Dior Twitter contest-things must shift to keep up with the speed of technology.

Fall books are historically the most gargantuan issues of the year. This year is no exception, but they are slimmer than usual. Harper’s Bazzar was down 76, Elle down 140, W Magazine down 216 pages Vogue a whopping 256 pages from last year. And this doesn’t necessarily look like a trend that will die (unlike the horrid cutout dresses from fall–please fashion gods, take those away).

So what ARE they doing? Yes there are forays into social media (facebook pages abound, twitter contests have started up–even Louis Vuitton has a twitter feed), but more interesting are away from the brands themselves. Polyvore is an amazing fashion site that meshes up the social world, with cutting edge styles and that trend that won’t die-personalization. You’re able to “create” your own fashion spreads, mashing up fabulous items from your favorite designers. C’est magnifique! And yes the top image is my OWN creation for fall ‘09 on Polyvore–some fun pieces I hope to incorporate into the fall digs. www.polyvore.com

From a retail perspective the popularity of pop-up shops in trendy urban areas have proven to be an incredible way to get the word out about a new line or new store. Whether it’s big names like Target or smaller boutiques like Revolve Clothing, retailers are taking advantage of open spaces and making temporary brand experiences in fun, relevant areas.  Target and their GO collection have done a few, with the latest with Anna Sui in NYC. Transforming a trendy SoHo space into a Gossip Girls inspired space. Girliness abounds. Throw in some photo opps with Penn Badgely and Blake Lively, and you have fashion promotion heaven. If the fact that almost every piece is sold out on target.com and NYC is already almost cleaned out, I think it’s safe to say a slam dunk.

(image via: http://www.nitrolicious.com)