Around the end of August, I start getting the itch. I know what's out there, and I can't wait to get it. The issue, the only issue, that *really* matters to a major fashion magazine. THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE.

Sadly, my favorite, the Madonna of all Fall fashion publications, Vogue.... you have let me down this year. While I am very interested in the screenplay, "The September Issue" which is some kind of documentary on the editor and chief of Vogue, Ms. Anna Wintour - this cinematic representation does not make up for the measly 584 pages of fall fashion in this year's September issue of Vogue. I remember previous years when they were pushing 800 pages! What's going on Vogue? Did you get too caught up in making the movie and figured it was a good way to justify? Either way, frowning, I purchased the magazine anyway. Along with Harper's Bazaar, Elle and W. I sit back in a comfortable chair, and begin my yearly ritual of flipping through the pages, my eyes light up like bulbs and I remind myself to blink.

So what's the verdict? What are the MUST HAVE pieces for this Fall?

Even someone like me who loves fashion, knows that from season to season, the basics are the same. Great coat, great scarf, boots (ankle, mid-calf, over-the-knee). But trends do change from season to season. I know when I open the magazines, I'm thinking of many questions. Such as ...a re corduroys back in? Are the pants skinny, boot cut or wide leg? Wow, it looks like colored jeans are making a come-back. What about flannel? Is this an "in" year or an "out" year? I'd like to think of myself as someone who doesn't always pay attention to trends when dressing myself, but without fail I can't help but somehow love what the designers are doing and how they are making it new and fresh. And how (if?) Urban Outfitters and H&M are, to the delight of our wallets, successfully providing us with affordable rip-off's. :)

(That was my recession-friendly fashion suggestion.)

Oh, Fall fashion. You remind me of new pencils, unmarked notebooks, and walking to school on a crisp September morning in a new wool plaid skirt and thick tights - only to resent them when the temperatures soar back up towards the 70's again by the time school got out. Either way, here are my top pics for Fall must-have pieces.

The leather biker jacket. I have been hearing for the past two years that the leather biker jacket is "back". My question has always been - was it ever out? The leather biker jacket has never not been cool. I don't care what anyone says, it's an iconic item much like blue jeans that will never, ever be out of style. My personal favorite quick approach to seeing what's out there is by using this great site called shopstyle that will search for whatever item you are looking for, through multiple stores. It's kind of like having a personal shopper! Let's try a leather jacket search to see how it works.

My personal favorite is the Rick Owens Blister Leather biker jacket.

But since not everyone (including me) can afford a $2,695 jacket, here are some great alternatives.

Lulu & Veronica offer a faux leather version, for just $44.95 at Nordstorm.

Madison Faux Leather Jacket from Guess for $118

Even Target has jumped on the trend wagon with a biker-inspired vest for just $19.99!

Baggy Pleated Trousers. Now before you groan, check out Anamaria Wilson's article from this month's Harper's, and trust me, you'll want to at least try them on. Seriously! Pair them with a tight little sweater and ballet slippers and you'll feel just like Katherine Hepburn, I promise. I love Anthropologie's Marseillaise Trousers.

BOOTS! (for the adventurer: The bootie + the Over-the Knee.) I'm making these two boot styles into one category because I feel like if you don't care for both, then maybe you like one over the other. Either way, fashion is into extremes and I like the highest high and the lowest low when it comes to boots and I'm glad both are still in style this season. If you're like me, maybe you have multiple pairs of each from last season. If not, urbanoutfitters.com has an entire 3-page section dedicated to ankle boots. And you can find some version of these ones at just about any store this season. Like I said before, Target rules.

Same rules apply for over-the-knee. Look around, see what you like. I'm also a big fan of DSW on Washtenaw in Arborland.

And for fun... here are my personal "when I win the lotto" boots. :::drumroll please:::

The Balmain Zipper Bootie. Retailing at $1975.

The one shoulder dress. One of the come-back kids of the late 80's/early 90's that I welcome with open arms. So cute! So unique and interesting, while still somehow being simple and kind of classic. There are many different options too. For those still lingering weekend BBQ's or sunny September brunch dates, free people offers a jersey one shoulder that is casual enough for really almost anything.

Topshop has an entire category devoted to the one-shoulder. These are more of the "out on the town" variety.

Another idea that I had personally was to take an old dress I never wear, and cut off one of the sleeves. Don't be afraid to transform something you'll never wear again. The worst that can happen is the experiment fails, and you...well, still, never wear it again.

Tights, tights, tights. To me, tights are like the hail mary to the chilly seasons. They allow you to take clothing from pretty much every other season, and make it acceptable. Shorts, sundresses, mini-skirts. You name it, tights save it! Fishnet, Nylon, wool, pleather, argyle....the possibilities are endless. Good thing tights are still big, and each season seem to get better and better as far as creativity and color/pattern options. You can find some amazing leg wear at many local places such as urban outfitters, Moda Blue, Adorn Me (who i just learned carries Betsey Johnson and Kensie legwear!), fantasy attic (leg avenue!) and American Apparel..

The Dolman Sleeve. A beautiful sleeve that I'm glad has stuck around for a few years. Put it in a dress, a sweater, or a t-shirt - I love it all the same. It's airy, light, elegant and flattering for all shapes and sizes.

Two of my favorites -

Diane Von Furstenberg Cashmere Sweater Dress

or more budget friendly,

Express open-back dolman sweater!

Menswear Inspired Looks. From blazers to vests, structured and slouchy ala "I stole this from my boyfriend's closet" is definitely back in. Again, I blame a homage to the 80's that I am slowly starting to really warm up to. (Thanks Marc Jacobs.)

Silence and Noise makes great jackets.

So does J Crew!

Express has some adorable twill vests....

and finally,

The pop color piece. One thing that can really fight off the cool-weather blahs (or reinforce your love for all the beautiful fall colors!) is the pop piece. That can mean anything you feel comfortable adding to your wardrobe - weather it be a bright blue fedora like this one from Juicy Couture that you throw on in a whim when you notice you're having an "all black" day - to a major splurge like a red overcoat or even something more simple but fun like a leopard print scarf. A pop piece can be found anywhere from a thrift store, to a dollar store, to a department store. The most important thing about it though, is that while it's one of those accessories that you think "I don't really need this, do I? Trust me, you do! It makes clothing more fun. It's the reason why you smile when you see some yellow leather gloves or why Prince sings a song about a Raspberry Beret. It's like the dessert you eat with your meal. Make your pop piece something you really love, like an item you'd find at the bottom of your grandmother's costume trunk and beg her to let you borrow it.

C'est la vie summer! Here's to sweaters, tights, and crisp fall walks.

Kelly Tinsley is an Ann Arbor-based fashion designer who blogs about fashion and style for AnnArbor.com. You can visit her web site at Kellylynne.com, email her at kellylynnetinsley@gmail.com, become a Facebook fan of her designs and follow her on Twitter.