i admit…i have a splurge problem when it comes to coats - i figure it’s the first thing people see on me for half the year so i want it to be fabulous.  if i had my way, i’d have a different coat for every day of the winter (i admit - the coat-throwing scenes in the devil wears prada were my absolute favorite).  one of the highlights of fall fashion this year are the really lovely coats i’ve been seeing everywhere, and i can’t help but covet more than a few.

this shawl collar coat from mara hoffman ($695) looks amazingly cozy, but manages to remain chic.  i love the idea of looking great while bundled up in a big, warm blanket!

so many lovely coats at anthropolgie this season, i hardly know where to begin.  but their gorgeous floe and current coat ($498) combines just about everything i’m looking for in a winter staple.  i love the sculptural styling, the bright & cheery color, and check out that lovely butterfly lining (you can see it in the model pic)!

of course, with our credit cards aching this week, i have to give you at least one budget option, don’t you think?  this red wool coat from old navy is a steal at $99, and the styling is a great blend of modern and classic.  that high funnel-neck collar is right on trend this year, but truly, when is a double-breasted wool coat not in style?  the red is a gorgeous shade, and that nipped-in waist will keep you looking tailored and trim no matter how many layers you’re wearing.

we recently got a reader question about the dreaded “work-to-happy-hour” transition.  and truly, it is a serious fashion challenge.  so, we called in our resident hipster expert for some advice on pulling off the after-hours look seamlessly.

sometimes, an after-work cocktail is simply a must, whether you’re meeting your girls or that hot guy from accounting.  but how do you leave the office without looking like you just left the office?  i try to plan ahead if i am going to happy hour and wear something that’s easy to transition.

for me, a cute dress, like this knot print wrap dress from banana republic, is perfect.  at the office i would wear tights and a lower heel. after work, make a quick change (a la lynn, in girls just wanna have fun on the bus):  lose the tights, add some big hoop earings and higher heels.  you’ll be the hottest girl there!

for those who aren’t into dresses, rather than wearing a basic white blouse under your black suit, opt for a ruffled purple tank instead.  once you arrive, just remove your jacket and you’ll be right on with the purple and black trend.   

if you are dying to wear that white blouse, skip the suit in favor of a chic, high-waisted black skirt.  once you leave the office, layer a few long necklaces.  just make sure to add tights if you don’t want to look like a naughty secretary…you can always slip them off pre-cocktails. 

those are my best tips…what do you all wear if you are going out right after work? 

~ j

that’s right, dear readers - i take columbus day pretty seriously, so i’m off for the weekend to visit my family in the frozen tundra.  it’s supposed to be 40 degrees…can’t wait.

so, i’ll see you back here on tuesday with something truly fabulous.  for now, i’m sharing a few things i think i’ll be needing this weekend, and some links to other sites i thought were particularly lovely this week.

(above:  mouton shearling coat by la squadra, $2,875; bop basics fingerless cashmere mittens, $65; giraffe print cashmere scarf by janavi, $375)

*  decor8 alerted me to a site called tas-ka which sells some fantastic euro home goods and accessories.  i’m particularly loving the brooches.  they’re based in the netherlands, but shipping to the US is frighteningly reasonable.

*  this week’s DIY on design*sponge is so cute, i may actually be forced to break out my glue gun.

*  and yeah, i’m pretty sure i’m going to have to order these barack obama barrettes for myself…

happy columbus day!

i am not a boot girl, or a heels girl, or a (gasp) athletic footwear girl.  i may love them all in theory, but the reality is that i wear flats.  every day, rain or shine, my go-to shoe is the ballet flat.  however, now that i’m living in a much brisker climate, i think it’s time to admit that i may have to turn in my flats for the winter, in favor of something a touch more weather-friendly.  but, as i’m also living in a much less fashion-forward climate, none of my heeled boots are going to do the trick either.  so, i’m faced with the dilemma of purchasing potentially very expensive footwear that i know may never actually leave my house.  but i want to give it a go.

what i want:  these amazing taupe riding boots at barneys (left, $480) are calling my name oh-so-seductively…as are these equally stunning grey belted boots (center, $480) from coclico (the pics at shopbop are vastly superior, but the price is lower at piperlime, so they win).

what i bought:  for now, i’ve taken the hubs’ advice, and picked up a pair that’s more budget-friendly (cough, cheaper, cough) to test my fashion flexibility.  these cognac suede boots (right, $133 after discount) remind me a lot of the classic campus by frye, but at less than half the price (especially when you factor in the $25 discount AND the free vogue subscription with purchase promotions at endless right now).  this way, if i manage to make the style work for me, well, it’s splurge-city, baby. 

i’ll keep you posted on whether my attempt at a recession-friendly fashion decision paid off…

a little confession:  i’m loving this economic slump, if only because we’re getting great deals from stores that are generally notoriously stingy with their discounts.  now through sunday, take 20% off any and all jackets and sweaters at shopbop with code SHOPBOPSECRET.  since i’ve been lusting after some new outerwear since i first saw the fall runway pictures, i’m viewing this as a sign from above that it’s time to invest.

i hardly know where to begin.  i love the structured, military styling on this overcoat by alice + olivia, and that flash of fuschia on the belt and buttons is a perfect touch of color for drab days.  but i’ve been after those amazing exaggerated collars since day one, so i’m pretty sure this amazing black felt trench from dolce vita is going to win this time (especially since it’s only about $250 with the code!).  shopbop has the best coat selection i’ve seen this fall, hands down - and a really broad price range, which is a nice feature in this category. 

the sweater options are a little more challenging for me - unlike a coat, there’s no way i can tell myself i only need one.  i look forward to fall all year long - you can take your sun and surf, i’m a sweater girl at heart.  this slouchy v-neck is the ultimate weekend sweater, and one i know would spend very little time in my closet.  for the week, there’s one 80s trend i’ve been embracing with gusto:  the sweater dress.  simple, chic, and perfect for fall, my closet will be filled to the brim with these by january.  i’m starting with this charcoal wrap dress from DVF, which is classic enough to survive the trend, and cozy enough to remind me of my favorite cardigan.

whatever you’re after for fall, now’s the time to max those credit cards - code SHOPBOPSECRET is only good until sunday!

if you’re looking for a few pieces to up the ante on your fall wardrobe, the answer is simple:  head to brooklyn.  i honestly can’t remember where i first came across brooklyn industries, but lately, it’s become my favorite stop for hip, trendy digs that don’t break the bank - nearly every piece is under $100.

this fab peacoat jacket ($88) is actually a fleece - and comes with a detachable hood.  trust me - this is a piece that’s going to be in constant rotation in my closet this fall.  they also make a wool version, but i actually prefer the way this one drapes, and it’s $90 cheaper, so this one is an easy choice. 

speaking of easy, this gorgeous printed silk swing top ($98) is an ideal transition piece for those of you that aren’t ready to give up those figure-hiding styles just yet.  it’s a bit more tailored than a babydoll, and the silk fabric and mod graphics make it a very on-trend take on a style my tummy is having a hard time bidding farewell.

i’m also loving this berry-hued tailored blazer, which is a perfect go-to piece for fall’s trends.  the contrast trim makes this piece look much more expensive than its $128 pricetag, and the styling will be perfect for everything from work to weekend.

unlike my esteemed colleague, jessie, i’m not entirely sure about the plaid trend this fall.  however, i think i’m going to buy into it just enough to pick up this fun buffalo check scarf ($48). with that bright violet hue and trendy checkerboard styling, it will be the perfect perk-me-up for fall.

and lately, i never miss if i head to brooklyn for my basics.  they add seriously thoughtful details, like ruching at the neckline, and a just-right v-neck, to their basic tees - and they’re marked down to $10 (or the long-sleeved version, marked down to $29).  and even at full price, the sailor-inspired denim trousers are a perfect choice that’s still half the price of your fave designer denim.  they have a great, laid-back chic that i just love.

if you’re ready for a shopping detour to brooklyn, consider signing up for their e-newsletter.  discount codes roll in pretty frequently (including $5 off your first order for signing up), and you’ll get first dibs on sale items.  as with all of my favorite bargain sources, markdown season at brooklyn industries is a beautiful thing.

wow, that is some serious title alliteration…but i digress.  we’re test-driving a new feature here at SMC, in which we ask buyers at our favorite shops to tell us what they’re lusting after this season.  i love getting a new perspective from time to time, and there’s no better source than the people that get to see absolutely everything out there, and are then forced to narrow their picks to a very select few.

today’s “buyer’s buys” is with the lovely andrea denes of basic boutique.  basic is one of my favorite stops to check out established favorites like madison marcus and loeffler randall, as well as new faces like lorick and castle starr.  the online-only boutique has recently gotten loads of fab press, but i love being able to say i knew them when!  anyway, without further adieu, these are a few of andrea’s fave picks for fall:

Ulla Johnson Edith Blouse - This blouse is absolutely gorgeous and super lightweight so you can start wearing it now! The print is unique yet subtle, and will be the perfect compliment under a cardigan or vest this fall!

Velvet Sarill - Using a Rachel Zoeism…”I’d die”. Yep, that basically sums up this little number by Velvet. The fit, color, and need I mention price are all just dead on!

Vena Cava Casio Tank - Vena Cava is known for their unique prints, and this one doesn’t miss the mark. The cut of this tank is flirty and feminine, but the zipper front gives it just the right amount of edge. Perfect for layering under fall jackets.

Dorothy Lee Cardigan – Well, we obviously know sweaters and fall go hand in hand, but this one is actually making me look forward to cold weather! I plan to make this sweater my fall uniform, along with my skinny jeans and brown high boots.

Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Bag Mini – We’re no strangers to this staple bag by Rebecca Minkoff, but I’m obsessing over the neutral hued color of this season’s MAB mini!  The perfect compliment to those fall jackets and sweaters!

Loeffler Randall Ruffle Collar Jacket – If you’re looking for a statement piece to invest in this season, then you’ve found it.  This gorgeous jacket by Loeffler Randall can be dressed up OR down, the color goes with everything, and it looks amazing on.  Can we say “necessary!”?!

no big shock that we’re in love with every one of andrea’s picks.  if you are too, she’d like to help you score some of these fab digs. just use code CardioTop5 to save 20% sitewide (that includes sale items, folks!).  work those credit cards now…the code expires sunday.  and of course, let us know what you end up bringing home!

since we normally focus on one trend at a time here, i couldn’t resist sharing my condensed take on the fall ‘08 trends, via diablo magazine.  not that i’m in love with every piece that made it past the powers that be, but it’s definitely a fun, colorful look at what’s in store this season.  and you get my witty, charming commentary as a bonus…what else could you possibly hope for?

plaid was one of the hottest trends we found on the runways for fall.  given the fact that nirvana and pearl jam were at the height of popularity when i was in high school, i am all too familiar with the plaid shirt grunge trend of the ’90s.  as a rule, i think you should never re-visit a trend that you have already lived through…but, in this case, i think it might be worth taking a chance on a more refined version of the classic.

while my plaid shirts in high school were, in fact, men’s shirts (often stolen from my dad or grandpa’s closets), the new generation of plaid boasts girly details like ruffles, feminine buttons and darts.  i had my eye on the elizabeth and james bonfire shirt, but it is sold out everywhere!  fortunately, there are still options that would be fun additions to your fall look - even better when the look comes at under $50.  i love a trend you can try without a big commitment!   

i love the gathered waist and puffed sleeve details on fire’s plaid ruffle shirt (in red or purple).  added bonus:  the short sleeves make this a great transitional fall top. 

leave it to topshop, the UK-based fashion megaship, to pull off the plaid in a big way. this big check shirt in red has the look of the elizabeth and james shirt, without the price tag.  sadly, it is missing the gorgeous back button details of the original, but you can’t beat the price (and they do ship to the states!).

just remember:  if you decide to rock the plaid this fall, leave the doc martens and smeared red lipstick (a la courtney love) at home!

sequins can be a tough look to pull off, unless you’re heading down a red carpet.  but they’re all the rage this season, so when i spied this tank by chan luu ($285), i couldn’t help sharing.  what i really love about it is the amazing versatility a piece this unique brings to your wardrobe, as evidenced by the myriad styling options being shown over at ron herman’s website (one of my all-time favorite resources for creative layering ideas - their stylist is pure genius).

available in walnut (a deep gold) and sheik (my personal favorite - a greenish pewter), this might just be the perfect piece to add a little sparkle to your fall wardrobe.  i love that you can take this piece from denim to cocktails, and with the proper layering (see the center pic above, possibly with a long scarf around the neck), i think you could even rock this look at the office.  or, try using it as a vest, with a sheer white button-down underneath - gorgeous.

i firmly believe in at least one seasonal splurge item to update your wardrobe, and this piece is a perfect candidate.  it’s sure to make all of your basics from last year look brand new, and it’s an easy fix for those holiday parties you’ll be thinking about before you know it.  pick it up at ron herman, and let us know all of the new ways you find to wear it!