by Ashley Gesner | Retire the denim cut off shorts, TOMS and striped bikinis. The best time for fashion – Fall – is upon us!

I’m loving the Octoberish duds from Portland based Bridge and Burn. First spotted at Eugene Choo on Main Street and then again at The Block in Gastown. Classic preppy appeal.

Vancouver designer Dace has some beautiful pieces on the go.

Hometown kingpin Obakki throws down with their Holiday 2011 Collection (see image at top). Is it too soon to think about holiday parties? Nope.

Have you seen Strawfoot Handmade Bags (see)? Perfect for autumnal day trips! “Strawfoot is a small operation from Northern California that crafts durable bags from American made waxed cotton canvas with hand tools and a vintage single-needle sewing machine.” Must. Have.

The Sartoralist gives us a taste of  what was seen on the streets during Milan Fashion Week. Man Repeller gives the not-so-subtle version (and throws in a video chronicling the process of how to become a man repeller, check it) and Poppytalk just focuses on NYFW hairstyles.

Back in Vancouver, we prepare for Eco Fashion Week (just around the corner from October 5-7).

Oh, and seeing as it won’t be long before leggings are a requirement, so check out One of a Few for the best in town. On to the face after the jump…

Every make-up artist will tell you the first step to great make up starts with good skin. You have probably heard this a million times but I’m going to reiterate again…

1. Drink loads of H2O
2. Vitamin A-E (Vancouverites are in desperate need of D starting in October)
3. Stay out of the sun!!
4. Sleep
5. See an expert at least once in your life (Victoria at Breathe 464 Granville St 604 688 4769 she saved my skin and I swear I heard angels as she pampered me for 2hrs!).

To achieve a glow this season, try Crème blushes, iridescent creams and accentuating powders.

Shades of Lavender were seen on the New York Fashion Week runway (Preen show), but if that frightens you, soft rosy frostbitten cheeks or peaches are what they’re wearing on the street. Place blush on your apples. What the f@ck are apples? Smile. Those round sections on your cheeks are your ‘apples’. Stay on those!

A strong emphasis on eyes has returned with jewel and earthy tones. Think emerald greens, navy and coppers, along with Metallic hues and graphic eyeliner.

Retire bleached-out brows and welcome androgenous boy brows. Youthful brows are full. I suggest a brow pencil (MAC Lingering).

Lashes? This fall they’re loaded with mascara – a three coat minimum. Good tip: use a lash brush to get really close to the base and to separate lash by lash.

Lips are often nude when pairing with a dark eye. If you’re blessed with full lips, make them the focus with a brave dark purple. My all-time favorites for Fall are orangey red and pinks.

Nail colors that are going to be hot this season? Navy, graphic prints and nudes with rounded tips.