OK ladies... Here’s something to ponder as you pack away your woolens: Our future is shades of black.

The June fashion mags, already trumpeting next season’s styles, say black is back. But this time it’s black with texture – glossy fabrics, laminated tweed, beading and ruffles to name a few.

If your closet already is brimming with black, updating your look for fall may be simple – just add a splash of bright jewel-toned accessories– red, vivid blues and neon brights like lime and fuchsia. (Remember the ‘80s? Sans shoulder pads, of course.) Colored tights will be an alternative for ladies who’d rather forget last winter’s leggings frenzy.

Other top autumn picks? Here’s what Harper’s Bazaar lists:

• Chunky knits
• Swing dresses
• Tulip skirts
• Curvy silhouettes – belted dresses and pencil skirts
• Day clutches
• Structured bags
• High-heeled Oxfords and pumps
• Wide belts

Hungry for more? Check out the 2007 fall ready-to-wear show photos from Elle:

Worth reading

So what’s your “It” bag this season? Is it functional or funky? Strewn with hardware or spare and simple?

I just finished reading Winifred Gallagher’s fun little book, “It’s in the bag” ($19.95 Harper Collins Publishing), a look at what purses reveal and conceal about their owners. “If a handbag’s exterior communicates a woman’s status and chic, its interior holds the secrets and clues to her private life,” she writes.

Gallagher talked to designers, fashion editors, historians and women from different walks of life for an entertaining look at our fascination with bags. She takes readers on a short historical tour of purses and offers interesting insight from scientists on our emotional attachments to design.

“The popularity of luxury bags is also partly a response to a plumper population in general and the huge, aging baby boom generation in particular,” Gallagher suggests. “Of all the fashionable items, accessories, which require no disillusioning trips to the fitting room, are the most forgiving. Regardless of her size, shape or wrinkle quotient, a woman can wear the most stylish shoes and bag she can afford.”

No wonder I have more bags than swimsuits...

Speaking of bags....

Check out the adorable little silk bags my friend M. found in Portsmouth - perfect for an evening out on the town. At $34 each they've been flying off the shelves at Beju on Market Street.

Slip or no slip?

I don’t know anyone who likes to wear a slip. After all, this is the age of thongs if you want or going commando if you can. Does it really matter if a little leg shows? What’s the limit? Any thoughts, ladies? We can't decide here at the office. Want to email? Click on my name at the bottom of this entry.

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