i always love this time of year for bargains.  casual shoppers are worn out by the holidays, and the after-christmas crowds are gone, but this is prime time for my favorite local boutiques to induce mega markdowns in advance of spring arrivals.  fall’s pieces are always more versatile and, typically, more expensive than spring styles, so i really relish the winter sales.  i thought i’d share a few of my favorite sale finds of late, both online and off.

i picked up the minidress version of this utterly wonderful cowl neck tank from t by alexander wang (isn’t that blue gorgeous?) from frances may, a local boutique that gets loads of love from the fashion world (check out their feature in lucky this month!).  if i hadn’t been set on a tunic-length, i’d have picked up this tank version instead, as i’d probably wear it more.  $62 is as close to a steal as this line gets, and i can tell you, the cut is *un*believable.  divinely drapey, flowing, but curve-skimming…it’s sheer layering perfection, and can you imagine it with shorts this spring?  (sizing note: i’d say it runs a smidge big…i think going down a size would be totally appropriate here.)

sadly, my latest completely awesome bargain find – a military-style jacket at anthropologie yesterday for $9.95(!) – isn’t online.  but i will say in general, their (in-store) selection of coats is excellent right now – i fell hard for a buttery leather cropped moto jacket in burnt caramel, for $124.  as for online finds, this striped michael stars tee is right on trend for spring, and definitely a steal at $29.  i was utterly shocked by the flattering styling of these joe’s knit chelsea leggings (leggings, not jeans…don’t let the pockets fool you), and they’re maybe the most comfortable thing i’ve ever worn. they’re $78 for now…i’m holding out for one more markdown.

those of you on the east coast are lucky enough to be near one of my favorite shops.  CUSP is a spinoff from neiman marcus, and they’re one of my must-shops when i hit the east coast.  but don’t fret – if you’re not nearby, there are some serious steals at their online sale right now, especially in the “under $100″ section.  the fillmore moto jacket ($81) is maybe the best version i’ve seen of the classic moto – the asymmetrical styling makes it infinitely more hip, and infinitely more wearable for those of us over the age of 25. plus, that bright indigo shade will be fabulous layered over your spring floral dresses (or that striped michael stars top!).  and, if you’ve been wanting to try the sequin trend, i love their version from MK2K (i have a feeling this one’s more sleek than it appears – those microsequins never photog well).

have you been braving the weather to hit up the winter sales in your ‘hood?  i’d love to know what steals you’re scoring these days!

first, i have to say, i’m so thrilled you’re all loving this month’s giveaway prize so much!  keep those entries coming – you have until thursday night – and we’ll keep making the giveaways even better!

anyway, on to our cheap thrill.  i wandered into my friendly neighborhood target the other day, and spotted this beautiful windowpane plaid trench hanging on the wall.  naturally, i had to take a closer look.  i assumed that up close, it would be poorly constructed, oddly fitting, or any other manner of sins – it is target, after all.

but this trench is absolutely darling, dear readers – quite well made, actually, and only $39!  i love the white for fall and spring (the cotton fabric, though fully lined, won’t be warm enough for really chilly days), and if you’re going to indulge in a white coat, let it be a $39 coat from target, so that when you spill your morning latte all over it (which, inevitably, you will), you won’t have to cut your wrists.

plaids, as you probably know, are huge this fall.  while i haven’t jumped on the bandwagon, i adore this windowpane version (in fact, it reminds me of another, much more expensive, coat i’ve been loving for some time). it’s subtle enough to stay chic, without making you look like you’re fresh out of the junior’s department.  and the military detailing that comes from the button placement and that great stand-up collar is such a perfect contrast with the preppy plaid.  it’s all very audrey hepburn – proof that wearing white after labor day can make you the chicest girl in the room.

one caveat:  i took a look through the other colors in this style, and personally, i’d stick with the white.  where it looks much, much more luxe than it’s $39 pricetag, the others…well, they do not.

you might even try styling this with a black belt, for some contrast – there’s definite play potential there.  plus, of course, it would look amazing with that royal blue scarf we’re giving away…don’t you agree?

since we’re a bit behind, i thought i’d do a quick mega-post of some things i’ve come across recently and thought “i have to show those to my readers when i’m back!”

it’s finally, officially fall where i live – it’s my favorite season, and i can hardly wait to break out the scarves, cashmere sweaters and boots (yes, the flat boots have finally won my heart).  i have a respectable collection of both after last year’s gluttony, but there are a few pieces i just know i’ll need sooner than later.

i fell hard for this beautiful patchwork scarf by echo designs ($78) when i saw the above photo in a catalog recently.  in fact, i adored it so much that i honestly couldn’t believe it was the same scarf when i looked it up on echo’s website – from those pics, i’d have never given this one a second glance.  to settle the score, i asked echo to send it along so i could check it out in person (a dirty job, i know).  readers, in person, this scarf is absolutely gorgeous.  perfect color palette, great patterns, and lightweight, gauzy wool i can hardly wait to bundle up in.  trust me on this! (for better pics, go here. also, a great picture of the red & yellow version here.)

splendid actually makes a quite good cashmere, and their prices aren’t horrible ($209 for this one).  this shadow stripe v-neck breaks all of the rules about horizontal stripes – the neutral color combo is sure to keep the look flattering.  and wouldn’t you love to see this under a blazer?

this season, i’ve abandoned (or, have made up my mind to abandon) my grey cardigan obsession, and am now after a camel version*.  camel can stand up to grey any day as an unexpected, classic neutral, and it goes with literally everything. this option by brochu walker ($325) doesn’t really qualify as a cardi, as it’ only a half-buttoned option.  but i adore the soft, drapey neckline and the thumbholes on the sleeves – both seriously cozy features, which is what i’m after this time of year.

(*in a perfect world, i’ve actually found my camel cardigan…now i just need to find the $500 to bring it home!)

and, yes, boots.  so far, these are the style i’m most loving for fall.  i’ve loved frye’s paige boot for years, but this season’s distressed grey version ($345) might just be too much for me to resist.  the only thing holding me back is the fact that that gorgeous front detail will never see the light of day, as i still refuse to tuck my jeans into my boots (a trend best left to ladies without hips).

so, what are you craving for fall?

editor’s note: don’t miss out on our fab giveaway this week!  enter to win a beautiful necklace by celeb favorite tuleste market, courtesy of charm & chain!

i know i’m going to reminded of this in january, when all i can do is complain about the endless winter.  but i am so, so ready for cooler temperatures!  i’m ready for my cardigans, my sweaters…and, most of all, my boots.  in past years, i’ve had a hard time with boots, but last fall, i finally learned to embrace and even love them (i blame my completely irresponsible splurge on the holy grail loeffler randall boots).  now, i can’t get enough.

this fall, over-the-knee styles are everywhere.  personally, i won’t be going anywhere near this trend…i think it’s just too young and too much for a boot novice like me.  but, i am loving a residual trend: the cuffed boot.  take a look through some of these lovelies, and pick your favorite for fall!

ash is doing the best versions of the tall folded boot i’ve seen this season.  i love that they add a little style and edge without relying (much) on zippers and buckles to do the job.  these manage to stay sophisticated, chic and utterly unlike anything else in my closet.  plus, how can you be expected to resist blue suede?  from left: time long cuff boot in stone grey, $435; olivia tall boot in blue suede, $300; eden bellbottom boot in tmoro suede, $300.

lately, i’ve realized i’m not a person that loves neutrals, at least in the traditional sense.  i’ll almost never go for black or brown when it comes to classics.  instead, i’m drawn to greys, nudes (not khaki, it should be noted), and even navy blues to carry my brighter shades with style.  these neutral folded boots will stand out in a sea of black, but still manage to be the most versatile thing in your closet.  from left: elizabeth and james steel boot, $395; via spiga ’suri’ boot, $225 (also amazing in plum); belle by sigerson cuffed shoe-boot, $295.

so, i’m curious…what boots are you craving for fall?

i’m so very glad to see that all of that gorgeous (but severe) pleating from last fall has transformed into piles of soft draping and grecian-inspired looks this year.  besides looking sophisticated, soft and effortless, all of those flowing pieces translate to some seriously perfect camouflage just where you’d most want it.

even though i’m dreaming of the positively perfect version from derek lam’s fall collection, shopbop has very lovely (and much more budget-friendly) options, so i thought we’d indulge in a little tour.

i don’t do the mini-dress as a rule, but these are so lovely, i might have to make an exception.    what i love about these dresses (besides all of that lovely drape) is the fact that showing a little leg really is all you’re doing.  dresses that are cut low on the bodice and high on the hem can end up looking cheap, but both of these are subtle enough to stay sophisticated.  i’m definitely least bothered by the hem of the berry-hued version, which (thoughtfully) hits at the slimmest part of your thigh – i could see the hem on that lovely green gown being a challenge.  (left, $220 by rachel pally; right, $242 by alice + olivia.)

since my life is less packed with cocktail parties and late-night outings than you’d think (ha!), these lovely grecian tees are far more likely to make my fall must-have list.  kain’s version (left, $93) is about as perfect as i could hope for – i even love the color.  but i’m always a bit skeptical of the one-size-fits-all tee.  the style from monrow (right, $88) is one i think i’d have to see in person…i can’t quite decide if all of that draping on the front is flattering or maybe a tiny bit sloppy (particularly in the boysenberry shade i’d be most likely to fall for).  i’m guessing it’s all in the fit, as usual, and i do think this one has serious potential.

just remember, the trick with drapes is a goldilocks kind of thing.  too few, and the look is messy, not draped.  too many, and that camouflage turns into serious extra baggage.  and definitely keep those folds from piling up in the tummy area!  you want the look to be light, flowing and (seemingly) effortless…and, naturally, slimming.

so, will you be indulging in a little grecian inspiration this fall?

sigerson morrison debuted their new website today, and after months of serious withdrawal (sigerson may very well be my all-time favorite shoe designer), i was so, so ready to browse their lovely shoes obsessively once again.  the new site is beautiful, and i’m coveting far and wide, but i’ve also discovered a very serious love i never, ever expected to find.

i know it’s far too early to be talking pre-fall.  and i know i’ve been staunchly opposed to the bootie for a very, very long time.  but love (er, fashion) wants what it wants, and i’m head over sweet wooden heel for this version.  it’s simply, utterly perfect.  the ultra-low vamp means i actually would wear it with a skirt or cropped pant.  that stacked heel only looks to be about 2.5″, which is my ideal height.  the leather cuff and little stud snap at the back give this just enough edge to balance out the feminine heel…it’s truly fall shoe perfection.

at $295, it definitely won’t be my biggest footwear spending sin, but it’s still time to start saving (the rest of the line is amazing as well).

(photo from feb ‘09 vogue, taken with my less-than-perfect iphone camera)

for those that aren’t aware, fashion week for fall ‘09 officially began yesterday.  but rather than completely exhaust myself trying to keep you all up to date on every show happening this week, i’m going to direct you to a couple of sources i love for up-to-the-moment coverage of the shows, the trends, and the gossip:  new york magazine’s “the cut” blog and fashion week daily.  

along the way, if really wonderful things cross my path, i’ll be sure to share…and you can definitely count on a fall trends roundup from me early next week, to save you the hours of combing through fashion show stills. plus, if you subscribe to my ’shared posts’ over on google reader, i’ll be linking to my favorite bryant park posts all week.

but for this week, i’m going to spend more time on spring trends – hopefully, you’ll find that a little more helpful while the weather’s just finally getting warm enough that i can imagine a day when my boots will go back into storage.

i’ve been meaning to share this gorgeous photo from february’s vogue (page 146, if you’re following along in your hymnal).  for me, this shot embodies everything i’m looking for in spring fashions this year.  mismatched but still polished, and very pattern-heavy, but in a unique way.  look for unusual florals (dark or bright backgrounds instead of pastels, abstracts, and a resurgence of liberty prints), light and airy plaids, ikat, ruffles, and more of that fabulous bold, chunky jewelry that was so hot last fall.  also, the waist is back, in a big way – great news for those of you with hourglass figures.  the hats are optional, but the message is clear:  the more accessories, the better.

stay tuned for more hot spring trends, as always…and we’ll chat fall once bryant park has had its say.

(photos lovingly shared from shopbop, ron herman and the sartorialist)

so, i’m not normally much for new year’s resolutions – they feel a bit like exercises in frustration to me.  but fashion resolutions, those i can handle!  

last year, i resolved to be better about creative accessorizing – sure, i had the bags and shoes, but i was still pairing them with the same old ensembles, and it was getting a little tired.  and, well, the year of scarves and jewelry was born (as i’m sure you all have noticed).  i accessorized my little heart out last year, and it’s taught me a lot about how to make my wardrobe do double (or even triple) duty.

i’ve been thinking a lot about this year’s resolution, and i think i’ve found it.  in 2009, i really want to work on more creative mix-and-matching in my closet.  sure, i show you all gorgeous things day in and day out…and buy more of them than i should.  but the sad truth is that my daily wardrobe consists almost entirely of cardigans, layering tees and denim – very j.crew circa 2005.  and i’m bored out of my tree.  time to learn about creative pattern combinations, bold color-blending, and perhaps wearing something on bottom other than denim.  daring, i know.

so, i’m planning to start small.  i’ve just picked up a bunch of patterned tees from the thakoon for target collection – i think layering those under the existing cardigan-and-denim combo has potential.  i may even tack on a scarf for good measure!  by the end of the year, i’m hoping i’ll be so polished at these bold wardrobe combinations that i’ll look like any one of the fabulous combos above.

for those of you, like me, that are too scared of serious new year’s resolutions, i can’t recommend a fashion resolution highly enough.  what will yours be?  a much-deserved splurge on a gorgeous designer bag, or a really fantastic pair of shoes?  (a major jewelry splurge of some sort is also on my 2009 list…shh!)  or maybe you work in a suit all week, and want to find a way to up your fashion quotient at the office without getting fired.  perhaps you’re sick to death of your weekend basics, and want to up the ante with some fantastic designer denim?

whatever your resolution, i’m here to help.  post your 2009 fashion goals here – i’d love to see what everyone has in mind.  and who knows, i just might be able to lend a hand!

if i thought it would actually arrive in time for thanksgiving, i’d order this slouchy brown sweater from b.chyll in a heartbeat.  i love the casual styling, and the earthy tone, and i just know this cozy cashmere would be the ultimate piece to relax in when i’ve completely OD’d on turkey and stuffing…and pie.

plus, if you order a b.chyll sweater from ron herman this weekend, they’ll add on a gorgeous tie dye cashmere scarf gratis (you can see the scarf here).  i do so love freebies!

this darling little cardigan is…get this…$13.  yes.  $13.  i knew forever 21 was good, but seriously? $13 for a cute, sporty layer that will easily become a weekend staple borders on spectacular.  i have no doubt it’ll fall apart after a few months, but how long can you mourn a $13 cardigan?  especially since you’ll be buying this one in at least two different color combos?