Labor Day is my all time favorite holiday. Since 1894, the nation has been celebrating the achievements of American workers by not working for three days. And – drum roll please – it’s the gateway to fall fashion. What better place to get caught up on celebrity gossip and peek around the corner at fall trends than at one of the locations that inspired designers this year? The country house of course!

Remember the fox hunt in Mary Poppins and Mary wins because the fox is in her jacket? I’m not sure if PETA would approve of that hunt, but they’d be in favor of the jacket, traditionally called a pink. Wear it with everything and be supercala-fragilisticexpialidocious this fall!

Prune the boxwoods, check the irrigation system, deadhead the rose garden…Maybe you’re just walking a dog on a drizzly morning instead of mucking about in a garden. A pair of wellies will keep you high and dry, and a fun color will keep you smiling.

August is that tricky transitional time- still summer, but fall is on the horizon. Luckily some of the upcoming looks are based on spring fashion. The metal trend is running strong this season and hardware continues to been seen in fall. But since we never want to date ourselves, the key is finding pieces that transcend the trend.

If Grace Kelly had gone to a gladiator show at the Coliseum, she’d have carried this purse. Metallic leather and chain mail are the perfect blend of refined taste and raw style.

From Joan of Arc to Rosie the Riveter, women have played a crucial role in tactical maneuvers. Promote yourself to fashion dictator in a military inspired coat.