Ride em' Cowgirl.

Be comfy and stay warm in western-inspired knits.

Sure college sweatshirts are great (I have a TON of them) but you can stay warm and attain weekend-chic simply by pairing a more fashionable sweatshirt with leggings (oh, the power of leggings!). How easy is that? You don't need to go crazy with a stylish outfit, let that comfy sweatshirt do it for you!

I love the fringes on this Sam & Lavi piece and covet the dangles on the back just as much as the sleeves. Kim K. was recently spotted wearing the sweatshirt in gray.

This Elizabeth and James pullover is pricey but that won't stop me from lusting for it! 

 bop



Drapery.



(Top: Madewell, Skirt: So Low, Bracelets: J.Crew, Madewell, Shoes: Trouvé via Nordstrom, Socks: Hue)

 Already putting great use to my new poncho/cardigan/sweatshirt. I usually don't like to pair a loose fitting top with a loose fitting bottom; your frame tends to get lost in it when you do. For some reason, I think this defies that notion. I like how the poncho and the skirt both drape and hang similarly. I wore knee highs and wedges that blend because who doesn't:

1. Like their legs to appear longer with this illusion trick?
2. Relish a little bit of Britney Spears circa 1998?

Now I just need a better camera. I know- I'm aware!

bop

inVEST.

Scenario 1: You walk into a store, let's say, J.Crew for the sake of argument. Okay, so in the store you spot a piece that has just come in, and instead of waiting for it to go on sale (which, let's be honest, most items do before they are out of season) you buy it right then and there, full price. You love it. You can't wait to wear it even though you know you will inevitably be slightly pissed when you go back in a month only to see someone buying that same item for a hell-of-a-lot less than you did.

Yes, I have definitely fallen victim to this exact situation (and have also been on the other side of this exact situation) and knew what I must be getting myself into when I bought a twill utility vest this past May. It was green, a bit masculine and had Cargo pockets and a hood to boot! But I loved it!

Scenario 2: (personal experience) Flash forward 4 months later and guess what? I walk into J.Crew just the other day and BOOM: Same twill utility vest, same price! I knew it was a great purchase and was one of those items that completes an outfit. I tried to find it online to share with you, however, it is unfortunately sold out for the time being. To take J.Crew's words verbatim, "This item has been so popular, it has sold out."

In the case of scenario 2, I love when that happens!

Lesson Learned
The next time you are in a debate as to whether or not to get something because it may be on the pricier side think about:

1. The amount you will wear it
2. How it will complement or perfect the pieces and outfits you already own
3. If it is considered classic or super trendy (trendier items tend to be omnipresent and replicated in stores like Forever21 for a fraction of the price)

As for an inVESTment
Vests in general can act as an accessory to an outfit or as a light jacket, so there are tons of ways they can be worn and thrown on to an outfit. If it is a bit more masculine, add it to a feminine dress to create a casual look.

bop

Be Not Afraid...

Of greatness; (for it was thrust upon me).

I might mention Madewell too often, but no matter what piece I get each season, that piece always becomes a staple in my wardrobe. This past weekend, I purchased something that can only be described as part cardigan, part poncho and part sweatshirt — A hybrid if you will. What happens when you are dealing with a hybrid? Sheer greatness.

Now, although I'm not a fan of how the model sports this hybrid, I promise I will find endless cool and interesting ways to wear this piece.

Face-Off.

High End Vs. Normal
What if I claimed one of these heels was five times more expensive than the other, would you believe me?

As mentioned earlier, Mary Janes are a great way to spice up your shoe collection and are very versatile. But you don't need to splurge to get the look. A couple of minor differences separate the two heels below but one huge difference stands out: The pair on the right is by Vince Camuto and at $119, is 1/5 the price of the almost identical Miu Miu's at the left! Steal? I think so.

Weekender.

Bag

It's hump day and I'm already on weekend mode. Since I completely destroyed my old (let me be clear, 6 months old) travel bag clunking it down the streets of Manhattan, through subways and to the shore all summer, I am in the market for a new bag. This Mulholland Brothers weekend bag is exactly what I'm looking for but for $540? Not exactly. What is really so great about this bag besides the fact it's visually pleasing, is the fully open top that stays open. No more sifting around and ultimately disorganizing your perfectly thought out piles of clothes.

I'm on the look out for its (less expensive) doppelganger. Stay tuned.

Editor's Picks.

Trend Forecast:

1. Mary Jane Platforms
A platform pump with a mary jane strap adds sleek height and sophistication to any fall outfit. Ladylike by nature, wear mary jane platforms with colored tights to create a modish contrast (think close to black). The strap makes it easier to walk in 5(+) inches too!


2. Asymmetrical Sweater
This piece works as a standalone sweater or as a great layering piece. The versatility makes this a guiltless wardrobe addition. Balance out body-hugging skinnies or elongate with a floor length skirt.


3. Colored Denim
Mix up your denim collection with fall-inspired hues. Not ready to go super bold? This deep purple is exactly what you're looking for.


4. Bow Blouse
Reminiscent of 70's fashion, this shirt looks great with high waisted pants or jeans. For a more professional look, tuck it in to a high waisted pencil skirt.


5. Pleated Maxi Skirt
Attains comfortable, casual, and elegance all at once. Wear with a heavier, chunkier piece on top to stabilize the lightweight maxi. Opt for a gray version to break up a predictable black on black outfit. 

Superman.

Now that it's getting cooler out, will you sport a cape this fall?

Who

Rachel Bilson.

Where
You will start to see more of these (and less expensive versions) pop up in department stores and shops this season. Click here to see what's out right now.

Go Naked.

What
Nude pumps.

3 Reasons Why You Should Own a Pair of Nude Pumps:

1. Since they blend with your skin tone, nude-colored pumps automatically create the illusion of longer legs.
2. Nude pumps can seamlessly be added to any wardrobe because they go with everything!
3. You already own black. If you haven't already, go nude!

Who's Wearing Them?

Everyone.


Megan Fox.


Khloe Kardashian.


Victoria Beckham.

Where to Buy
Splurge
Steal

#White.

White after Labor Day? Absolutely.

RT

White doesn't have to be saved for just summer months. If done correctly, you can wear white jeans through winter.

Pull it Off
Marie Claire Senior Fashion Editor, Zanna Roberts Rassi, pulls this look off by accessorizing with typical fall pieces.

I LOVE this look because the white denim isn't so much the focal point of her outfit. What our eyes are drawn to are the pops of black in her biker booties and Chanel purse. It also looks effortless.

When wearing white jeans, you don't want it to appear like you were trying to get the look right, it just looks right. Now, wearing white with flip flops in the fall- that's stretching it.

Get the look
Don't own a pair yet? You'll wear them much more than you ever thought you would! Opt for a skinny jean rather than a boot cut. Get some here.

High School Confidential.

Watch
Madewell’s Fall Collection pulls pieces reminiscent of high school:

Behind the Scenes.

Get the Look
Start with Madewell’s Shrunken Boy Shirt. The fine check brings sophistication to traditional larger checkered shirts and the deep maroon color will make you itch for some apple cider and a football game on a fall afternoon. To stay warm, layer this piece with a light sweater such as J.Crew’s Tippi Sweater in Heather Graphite.
Pair with your favorite jeans or black pleated mini to complete the back-to-school basic look.

Retro.

DKNY Fashion Show. 70s hippy style is channeled throughout the collection.

Donna Karan isn’t the only designer who revisits the retro era. Check out some of these looks on singer22.