When I was out yesterday I noticed fall items in several stores. Living in Texas I find it ridiculous to put out leather items when it is 99 degrees outside but then again maybe it will go on sale sooner.

I REALLY need to start watching for Fall/Winter items...I accidently got rid of about 90% of my cold weather clothes and Im in Mn! I was getting totes ready for consignment, donations and storage...somehow everything went! Didnt notice they were *all* gone for about 2 weeks, so by then it was too late. I had several unique sweaters I'll miss, but a lot were basics so that's ok. I had my coats hanging up, so I still have them, thank goodness-lol!

I received a couple postcards for fall merchandise the past couple weeks. I was confused since spring hasn't even started here...I was actually thinking that they were clearing out LAST fall's merchandise. But yes, I have noticed that the retail "seasons" are speeding up/happening sooner!

I think the early start to the buying season is simply because it's paying off in spades for the retailers. Just the way Christmas holiday items start showing up in stores well before Halloween. Retailers do what helps them get the most sales, and they've studied exactly how extending the buying season into earlier territory works with shoppers. I remember reading a year or two ago how back-to-school shopping promotions were taking place around the 4th of July. Well here in New England summer is barely getting off the ground!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE autumn and have been looking at all sorts of tall leather boots as they've gone on sale with an eye towards fall, but I don't want to walk into a store full of tweeds and overcoats right now. I want to see summery, airy frocks in bright and breezy colors all around me. After all, we only just cleaned up the patio furniture and polished the grill! I feel I'm still waking up from hibernation!

That said, when I'm ready to think of fall clothing, it sounds like there will be lots of neat stuff to look at.

No Autumn/Winter clothes here yet, Angie. The big Summer sale starts on July, 1, and usually the first Fall items start popping up by the end of the sales (end of July). Not sure why you are already seeing so many items for next season - loving the sound of it though, right up my alley!

Over here, it wouldn't be all that illogical, Winter lasted for ages, we've only had a few days over 20°C here since May, and soon it will start to get chillier again;-) I'd understand if retailers wanted to concentrate on clothes that actually work for the weather we're having, but with all the different climates in the US, that's a different story.

Biscuitsmom: oh dear, you must have panicked there for a moment (sad about your sweaters-(. But stocking up on new basics will be fun!!-)

Inge, How nice of you to comment! I sure was... about tore the house apart! lol...I know I'll be a lot more choosy this time (that I NEED to do) Just hope I can afford to get a few nice things...I really live in cardigans, so I know I'll need to get several- I like the lighter-weight ones the best. I'll be looking here for styling inspiration!