every so often, i heave a little tiny sigh of nostalgia for my carefree, single days….days when i could buy an absurdly expensive chair covered in flowers, without it being vetoed by my darling hubs for being either (a) way too girly, or (b) completely, irresponsibly expensive.

and when i have those days, i invariably go overboard, looking for excessively girly ways to decorate my office – the one room in my house over which i have total, girl-i-fying control.

if i could eliminate the “way, way too expensive” portion of the equation, i’d almost certainly be bringing this beautiful chair home to rest. i love the cool, sleek 70s vibe, balanced against the almost-eccentric floral crewel work (see the november issue of martha stewart to verify that crewel is, apparently, back). i think it would be the perfect thing to add some color, without dipping a toe into the very dangerous laura ashley territory.

and while i’m at it, i’ll buy a handful of these gorgeous vintage italian fashion sketches (check out those fabulous green shoes!), some insanely decorative frames in which to hang them, and paper the walls with girly.

well, at least, in my head, i will.

spied these in the september issue of lucky, and haven’t stopped thinking about them a month later. by designer erica weiner, who i’m seriously loving more and more every time i check out her website. her pieces are unique, fun, quirky, and stylish….and ridiculously affordable.

seriously. the earrings? they’re only $30. i should really just stop obsessing and order the darn things already!

snap ‘em up here, and while you’re at it, check out the other goodies. i love the twig necklace (and, for that matter, the twig earrings) and the rhino, which i know would make me smile every time i caught myself in the mirror. i’m also thinking (you know, since you’re already ordering), you should pick up these gorgeous gold mesh bracelets. layer them and wear together, or put one away to gift for christmas. at $20 for two, that’s math i have no trouble doing.

much as i love heels, and admire them from afar all the time, the truth is that i’m a flats girl. i have a closet full of them, and they’re always what i reach for. (which doesn’t explain why i insist on keeping my pants hemmed for heels…but i digress.)

so, i’m always on the hunt for that elusive, perfect, “goes with everything”, magical pair of flats. i’d pretty much resigned myself to believing that metallics were as close as i could get, until i spied these gorgeous beauties from french sole. called the “rebel,” these really are about as close as you’re going to get to perfect, i’m thinking. darling with jeans, perfect for work – and look at the colors – if these don’t match 70% of your closet, i’d be pretty shocked (not to mention impressed by the variety!). they remind me a lot of the tory burch serena i’ve been lusting after, but you get the bonus of not wearing the same shoes that everyone else has this fall.

pick them up for $205 over at barefoot tess, and your morning footwear drama will be a thing of the past.

…then these are they. plus, they’re only $200 through lucky magazine’s “lucky shops” event (hosted this year by bluefly). helluva deal for a quite gorgeous michael kors boot that will be a no-brainer this fall & winter.

the weather’s finally turned cold at my house – a sure sign is that i’m reaching for my scarves and my favorite ugg slippers (still can’t quite stomach the boots, but i’ll admit the slippers are dang comfy).

the problem i’m having is that, while i’m super excited to pull all of my yummy fall sweaters out of storage, i still have a few things from summer i’m not quite ready to say goodbye to yet. fortunately for me, layers are everywhere this fall, and i’m ready to hop right on the trend.

first stop has to be a great turtleneck – throw one on under the right summer dress, add tights and ballet flats, and you’ve got a perfectly darling fall look. t-necks are so very hard to get right, though. you want fabric that isn’t sheer (it is nearly winter, after all), but is still really thin so it layers easily – nothing sucks like that overstuffed feeling you get when your layers start bunching. and the neck is really important – you definitely don’t want that uber-thick chunk of fabric around your neck like you used to sport back in grade school.

my two favorites this fall are by juicy couture and zooey. the juicy version has a nice low-ish neck, which is great for those of us with shorter necks, or who just realize that covering the whole thing up isn’t exactly the idea. and it has such a very flattering cut! the zooey is perfect for those of you who normally hate t-necks…the neck is really loose (though doesn’t venture into cowl neck territory at all). plus, nice long sleeves, which is a major perk for me when layering.

i actually got the idea for this whole fall layering trip i’m on when i saw a pic in the october vogue (page 425 in your hymnal, if you’re curious) showing some of summer’s sweater dresses layered under horizontal striped tees. now i’ll admit, i’m terrified of horizontal stripes. seriously. even ankle boots don’t disturb me as much. but under a dress (or a cute t-shirt, or maybe even the right vest), when all you see is the arms and a bit at the top, all of a sudden, stripes are more than okay – they’re covetable! i’m loving this striped cashmere tee by autumn cashmere. the colors are perfect for fall, and will layer with just about anything, plus it’s nice and thin, but still cuddly soft. i think the trick is to make sure the chest & tummy areas are covered by a solid color…as long as you stick to that, i think the look is really chic. something tells me this piece is going to be in major rotation in my closet this fall.

i will admit to one peeve about layering, and that’s the layers sort of…well, not staying where they’re meant to stay. nothing i hate like spending all day tugging on a shirt that’s under another shirt. but, i had a brainstorm: what about a dress under a dress? take, for example, this darling cowl neck dress by james perse. alone, it’s perfectly cute (though maybe a little thin to wear solo, i think). but i tried layering it under a few different things (specifically, a BCBG sweater dress and a jersey knit tank dress from old navy), and it was adorable! plus, no tugging, and no bunching at the waist, since the dress has roughly the same hemline as the other layer.

really, though, i think my best layering advice for fall is to experiment. i had a blast in my closet this weekend, just throwing things on top of each other, even if i thought they made no sense together whatsoever. sure, there were some disasters that will never see the light of day….but i definitely found a few fabulous new looks i’ll be psyched to sport this fall.

i knew i liked benefit cosmetics - really, they’re kitschy, fun, clever…what’s not to like? but it wasn’t until they helped me drop 3 lbs. in 30 seconds that i really, really fell in love.

i recently got a chance to check out their new justine case (which i admit i prefer to think of as “just in case”…since i know no one named justine). most of the “best of the best” product packages you get these days are really only about 75% of the best, and 25% of stuff you didn’t actually want or need, but end up toting around anyway, because they fit in the package. so, imagine how thrilled i was to realize that each and every item in the kit is actually something i’ll use every single day! there’s a trusty mini-bottle of the classic benetint for lips and cheeks, a minty fresh clear lip gloss, a concealer that actually isn’t cakey and manages to work with my skin tone, and a little tube of eyecon, for those days when you need a little extra help with the eye puff issue.

so, how’d i drop all that weight i mentioned? i dumped all of the zillion containers of lip stuff, compacts, and various other products out of my handbag, and replaced them with this kit and a pack of bobbi brown blotting sheets. my chiropractor would be so proud! plus, there’s an outside chance i can actually carry a clutch without constantly panicking that i’ve left something behind.

because my sweet puppy is having the roughest of rough weeks, she gets her pic in the blog today. she’s coming home this morning from emergency surgery, and is looking more pathetic than i care to admit. so, here’s a pic of her from one of her better days.

and if you’re feeling at all bad for me (or, more specifically, the massive vet bill i’m still too scared to look at), maybe click on an ad or two while you’re here – jezebel says thanks!

(ooh, and if you want to see how this post actually is fashion-related, check out the photo spread starting on page 286 of your october issue of in style. my pup is definitely cuter, though!)

it pains me to mention this, but the reality is that the holiday season is fast approaching. seriously – i walked into a linens-n-things not long ago (don’t ask) and found that the entire front of the store had been taken over by fake christmas trees and dancing santas. i was, to say the least, disturbed. i mean, it’s not even halloween yet!

anyway. holidays are coming up, which means all of those holiday parties are also coming up. the work party, the significant other’s work party, the friend’s party, the parents’ party…the list gets pretty long. by the end, i’m more than a little sick of my favorite LBD.

so, this year, i’m thinking that the thing to do is to pick up this gorgeous gold tunic by loeffler randall. it’s as comfy as a t-shirt, as easy to style as a dress (i can think of at least 4 different ways to wear it without even breaking a sweat), and so glamorous, no one will ever suspect you’re actually comfortable. plus, it has that floaty, non-skintight quality that is oh-so-important after your third glass of eggnog.

at $225, it’s about the most reasonably-priced piece of high-end fashion i’ve seen in a while. grab it now, before everyone else realizes they have nothing to wear.

sigh…i just love getting emails and questions from you all more than i can even begin to tell you. it gives me a sense of purpose in a complicated world. (okay, that’s pushing it – but it definitely gives me the warm fuzzies!) anyway, as i was saying. reader mail = awesome. liz sent in this lovely question a few days ago:

Hi, I just discovered your blog and I think it’s fabulous. I was wondering if you could help me with a tricky fashion issue. I attend classes all day and after that I manage the costumes for my school’s theatrical productions. I would be perfectly happy in jeans and a t-shirt, but many of the older people I’m supposedly in charge of don’t take me seriously when I dress that way. I need clothes that are comfortable to work in and low key but also show that I can be taken seriously. Any ideas? – Liz

definitely! (and what a fun job, by the way!) given your line of work, i’m guessing you spend a lot of time moving around, particularly bending, squatting, and all of those other uncomfy things. so, i’m not going to suggest any skirts or dresses for you, despite my general affection for them – if you have a job in which you’re occasionally going to need to plop down on the floor to fix a hem last-minute, you probably don’t want to be doing it in a miniskirt.

i’m also sort of assuming that if you’re a professional costume designer, you probably want your clothes to be creative and fun – not the basic black/white/tan wardrobe that’s incredibly easy but incredibly dull.

when i want to look professional, but i still want to be comfortable, i head for layers every time. a t-shirt might not look professional, but put a contrasting tank under it, top it with a great sweater or jacket and a scarf, and suddenly you’re looking completely professional…but you’re still wearing that comfy t-shirt.

wide-legged pants are finally back in style, which is fabulous, because they’re incredibly comfortable and easy to move in. add to that the fact that higher waists are back as well (meaning you won’t be showing any posterior cleavage when you have to bend over to check the hem on a skirt), and you have a formula that’s actually pretty perfect for your needs. i love these gorgeous velvet trousers at boden – the texture is incredible, and perfect for fall. my vote goes to the grey color, which is everywhere this season. (tip: apparently, british women are shorter than american women – so, when shopping at boden, if you need more than a 31″ inseam, order the long).

i’m also completely in love with these
helmut lang trousers. the cream muslin insert at the waist will give you amazing definition (which you’ll actually want, since these hit at your natural waist, not at the top of your hips, where most of us start to widen out), and the cut is just fantastic (not to mention the price!). these are definitely a good ‘investment’ piece – i literally can’t imagine these ever being less than stylish.

for tees that i want to pass as career wear, i tend to spend a little more than i would on weekend gear. i’m looking for pieces that won’t stretch out and become shapeless as the day wears on, won’t pill in the wash, and that are designed to be flattering. tall order for a t-shirt, i know. but take, for example, this long sleeve v-neck tee by nation ltd. yeah, it’s $60. but you throw that on with those helmut lang trousers and a gorgeous necklace, and you’ll be turning heads all day long. but, since i know we all have to pick and choose our splurges, i’d also suggest checking out american apparel - their cotton tends to be longer-lasting than most, and while it won’t be that butter-soft version you’ll get from higher-end brands, they’re cut very well for the price. check out their 3/4 sleeve boat neck tee, and their sheer rib tee, which would be perfect for layering.

to top it all off, you’re going to need something fun and eye-catching that still says “yes, i’m in charge here.” i, for one, am so thrilled that long cardigans (formerly known as “sweater coats”) are finally back – they’re a fabulous substitute for a blazer, they cover our bums when we’re not feeling particularly showy, and they keep us warm. why these are ever unpopular is honestly beyond me. i adore this version by nanette lepore – it has the perfect mix of style and substance – the cut keeps it professional, but the purple detailing really makes it unique, which should be ideal for your line of work.

jackets are also huge this fall, and i adore this cropped version from twelve by twelve (a grown-up version of forever 21). it has all the style of a piece ten times the price, but at $39, you’ll have plenty left over to splurge elsewhere. the catch with these jackets is they only work if you’re on the thin side. they’re going to emphasize the waist, lower tummy area…so if that part of you is more or less flat, this is going to look fantastic. but if you’re like me, and you were oh-so-grateful for those tunic tops that were all the rage last year, just skip this recommendation entirely. layer a longer, slim-fitting top in a contrasting color underneath, and you’ll be looking sharp in no time.

i also love this cardigan by elizabeth gillett, which is a variation on the swing jackets you’re seeing everywhere this fall. i love it because the color is fantastic (and much more neutral than you think it would be), and the styling is more classic, which means (a) it’s more universally flattering, and (b) it’ll be in style much longer.

last but not least, accessories are really going to make these layered looks into something fabulous and professional. statement jewelry is oh-so-hot right now, which means your options are practically endless. and this is really the place you can save your pennies – there are some amazing accessories out there for next-to-nothing. check out this gorgeous retro links necklace. picture it with a black turtleneck and black slacks (another no-thought-required career-worthy ensemble). stunning, right? it’s $6 at forever 21. really! if you want something a little more understated, check out the scattered locket necklace at j.crew, which i really love – it would be gorgeous over just about anything.

you might also consider picking up one or two inexpensive silk scarves & trying that look out. it’s not for everyone, but if you can manage the “effortless, tossed on” scarf look, it’s a great way to add color and sophistication to that t-shirt and trousers look we’ve been talking about. best place to start is probably ebay, actually – i love the silk scarves by missoni and vera, and you can pick up vintage versions for next to nothing on ebay. if you need help on how to pull the look together, here are a couple of places to get ideas.

now, for shoes. if you want comfort, you probably want flats. i really do think the place to splurge in your case is on a jacket and a fabulous pair of slacks, so i’m going to suggest these gorgeous little gold ballet flats , which are just $40 at gap – so you won’t mind if you get them scuffed up running around a theater. plus, they’ll go with darn near anything.

whew! i’m exhausted! but your work is just beginning liz, thanks so much for the question…i hope some of these ideas hit home for you!

speaking of handbags, you all know by now that i’m a huge fan of gryson bags. the quality really is amazing for the price point…especially now. gryson just launched their online store, and they’ve put a number of bags up on sale – at a truly amazing 50% to 75% off! it’s well worth a look.

my picks would be the gorgeous heidi bag in blue (which i was lusting after this spring, and still think would be an amazing work bag) or the woven jasper in blue jean - so unique, people will definitely be stopping you on the street to check it out. even their signature skye and olivia bags are half price.

this sale is definitely making me wish i hadn’t already blown my fall budget on shoes. but since i can’t partake, you all definitely should!