talk about love at first sight!  now, on its face, this little boot is about as far from my comfort zone as i can imagine.  to begin with, i have a pretty serious phobia of short boots (for some reason, the idea of the top of the boot showing above my jean hem renders me catatonic, plus short boots with skinnies flatters roughly 15 people on the planet).  and again, styling the brogue was vexing me a bit.  but these beauties just called to me, and i couldn’t resist (a big thanks to simply soles for agreeing, and sending these over for me to experiment with!).

i think the secret to these boots is threefold.  first, they’re a bit dressier than the classic oxfords that i’m seeing everywhere (including on a 60-year-old mom yesterday, argh!).  so, rather than wearing them with shorts and cuffed boyfriend jeans, i’ll be wearing them with more tailored pieces, a much better fit for my style.  second, the short boot doesn’t scare me nearly as much here.  with the menswear-inspired styling, the side goring i’d normally steer clear of is a perfect choice.  plus, there’s no skinny vs. wide leg debate here – a boot or wide leg is the only option here.  and third, the color is insanely beautiful. it’s the perfect distressed-but-polished grayish taupe (not quite as brown as the photos would have you think) that’s going to go with nearly all of my favorite winter looks.

so, what will i be wearing these with, exactly?  i’m so glad you asked!

that outfit on the right?  that’s my winter uniform, right there.  trouser jeans, a great tweed jacket, tie-neck blouse and the perfect long pendant necklace (and those earrings from the temple st clair collection for target…love!).  and i can hardly wait for the weather to turn cool enough to try them with a pair of wool flannel trousers.  add a long cozy cashmere cardigan – in just about any color, really – a chunky hoop earring (love these by acanthus), and a great bag, and it’s perfection.

but these boots can play the casual game too, if i pair them with a simple v-neck sweater, my favorite boot-cut jeans, and a scarf.  maybe i’ll add my leather blazer for a bit of edge, or play around with a straight-leg jean (no skinnies here, please!).  and with that incredibly neutral color, don’t be scared of mixing in other neutrals.  black, brown, grey…the options are endless.

i will caution that this particular style runs a bit on the narrow side (they’re made in brazil, after all).  but a little $6 visit to my cobbler for stretching, and they were an absolutely perfect fit.  and truly, they’re just so pretty in person, i would have done just about anything to make them work.

if you love them too, you can nab them from simply soles for $225, a bargain in the boot world these days, i think.

for today, at least, i’m taking a step forward and showing off the pieces that have made the top of my must-have list for fall.  i fully expect additions to this list, but i know beyond a shadow of a doubt i’ll spend the next few months searching for the perfect version of each of these.

first up, it’s all about this outfit for me.  the slouchy heather grey v-neck, the camel skirt, and even that perfect waist-cinching corset belt.  as always, michael kors is classic perfection, and this look is the one i’m most excited about reliving for fall 2010.  (particularly since i think at least half of us already have the components in our closets!)

michael kors fall 2010 runway look 6, image from style.com

second on my list is the perfect pair of leopard flats.  true, leopard accessories are just about every “must have” list this fall, but i’d just like to say i’ve been on the hunt for these for months now.  to say i’ve searched high and low so far wouldn’t even come close.  it’s been agonizing.  i’ll share all the gory details later, but for now, just bask in the utter versatility and edgy chic of these little numbers.

image by garance dore

next up is the perfect (and i mean perfect) camel hair coat.  my mom bought a maxmara last year, and i nearly died from the sheer wonderfulness.  this year, there will be even more styles to choose from, what with camel being the color of the season.  this is definitely going to be a splurge (though nothing like mom’s maxmara indulgence), but one that will last a lifetime.  cost per wear, my friends.

maxmara fall 2009, look 1 (currently in my mother’s closet), image from style.com

finally, i’m so, so thrilled that classic, beautiful, wide leg trousers are back.  i can’t wait to dive into a pair in gorgeous charcoal wool, and maybe a second pair in that luscious camel i keep coming back to.  it’s not always the easiest look to pull off, especially if you’re shaped like anything other than a twig.  but we’ll come back to that, i promise.

celine resort 2011, look 14, image from style.com

and for now, that’s it.  these are the pieces i know will make my closet work hard for me over the next six months.  i have a feeling a belt or two may creep onto that list, and of course, the inevitable addition to my scarf collection.  but overall, this little handful of pieces is all i’m coveting for cooler weather.  the beauty of this year’s fall trends is that a few key pieces really can update so many things you already have in your closet.  i can hardly wait to show you how i’ll be doing it.

what’s on your wishlist for fall (so far)?

from left: cotton essential v-neck cardigan, $248 down to $48; chunky pointelle pullover, $268 down to $108; cashmere v-neck sweater, $278 down to $138.

plus, if you spend $200, you can take an additional $40 off with code 40JULY.  oh, and a $200 purchase also qualifies you for free shipping. you see how this could get out of hand quickly.

i just picked up a handful of cardigans for fall…as often as i wear them, i thought it was time to bring in a new string of starters to replace some of my very hard-working team from the last several years.

it’s time to resurrect our annual guide to the nordstrom anniversary sale, after requests from a few of our dear readers.  i was lucky enough to shop the preview of the sale a couple of weeks ago, so i’ll be able to give much more guidance on fit and choices this year, which is fabulous.

for those that don’t freakishly stalk the nordstrom anniversary sale, it actually doesn’t start until tomorrow…but it’s best to check out the sale catalog in advance and order on day 1, before all of the best pieces are gone.  since nothing’s actually available for purchase until tomorrow morning (midnight EDT PDT, technically), we’ll be using the online catalog as our hymnal for today, which you can access here.  i’ll post page numbers of every item, where possible, so you can read along with me in your book.

now, on to the show!  in general, i was overwhelmed by the great apparel choices, and thoroughly underwhelmed by shoes, bags and accessories…so we’ll be spending more time on what to wear than on what to wear with it.

outerwear: for me, the best buy of the sale was a DKNY trench, down to under $100 (check it out at left, or on page 8 of the preview catalog).  i tried on the same style in a classic black burberry trench (also on sale, for $549), and the DKNY was actually a better fit for me.  so, at 1/6 the price, i didn’t have to think long.  but if you are in the market for the tried-and-true classic, this is definitely the perfect time to nab that burberry trench (right, page 15b, $549)!

jackets: blazers were another amazing find at the sale this year.  my picks are the black rag & bone knit blazer (left, page 9), which fits beautifully (though beware – there are leather elbow patches that don’t suit everyone’s style…mine included), and two by elizabeth and james, which aren’t online yet – one in a grey flannel with beautiful pleating on the placket and shoulders (see crap iphone pic below, right), and the other is a classic black boyfriend blazer with ruched 3/4 sleeves.  both are instant classics.  all three ring in right around the $300 mark, but these are workhorse blazers you’ll pair with everything from suits to jeans, so they’re definitely worthy investment pieces.

the best bargain blazer is this red tweed cropped version from hinge (page 13, $89), which is just begging to be layered for fall.  but i would warn that this needs more than just a tee and jeans to work – you’ll want to add more texture in the way of necklaces, scarves, and maybe a contrasting tank over the tee, or you’ll look more barbara bush than kate moss.

if it’s a leather blazer you’re after, i like the two black options from kenna-t (page 15f, $299).  the military style (at left) is impeccably on-trend, but there’s something about that asymmetrical version (right) that’s just a little more offbeat, and original, making it my personal favorite.

cardigans: the ruby autumn cashmere ribbed cardi (left, page 9a, $159) felt like a no-brainer initially – it’s one of my favorite cashmere lines, and the price is a steal.  but the fit across the back wasn’t perfect…i felt like it bunched at the shoulder seam.  but if you have narrower shoulder than i (not a hard bar to clear), the lines of this one are really beautiful on, and the color is a great foil for both grey and camel, which will be huge this fall.  but the classic i’m buying in at least two colors (grey and nude) is this long-ish halogen cardigan with just a bit of sheer fabric at the lapel (pages 28-29, $49).  i’m a little worried i’m not the only one who will stock up on it, but it’s just a perfectly classic cardigan, and i’m due for a few new staples.

denim: it’s all so subjective, of course, when it comes to denim.  but i’m steering clear of skinnies for fall – i have a feeling wider legs are the future.  so, my favorite was the hudson straight-leg (page 21g, $119) – a great fit, just a bit lower rise than i typically go for.  if your waist isn’t absurdly high (like mine), these would be a great addition to your closet.

shoes: the only shoes i really fell for in the sale were the vera wang lavender rhinestone ballerina flats, in blue nubuck (page 10, $189) – but only if you’re a size 9 or smaller (in larger sizes, the rhinestone accent doesn’t cover enough of the top of the shoe).  it’s tempting to recommend the steven by steve madden covered wedge boots (page 40), but trust me, you’re going to be seeing those on every third girl you pass on the street for the next year.

accessories: all i’m after on this front is the michael kors men’s style chronograph watch, in silver (pages 16-17, $149).  still a bit of an investment, but one you’ll definitely get years of mileage out of.

cosmetics: we all have our favorite brands, of course, and nearly all have stellar offerings for this sale, if you like buying pre-packaged sets.  i’m not a huge fan as a rule, but i will say that if you haven’t tried kate somerville’s exfolikate yet, pick up the set on page 57b – you’ll never look back.

so, that’s my take.  but i’m even more interested to hear what you’re excited to nab tomorrow.  share your favorite finds in the comments, won’t you?

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!

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?

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?

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?

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?

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).