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!

at least once during the holiday season, i have a wardrobe crisis.  the year i was wearing a beautiful ivory cashmere sweater that i spilled a diet coke on while getting ready, or the red sequined skirt that i put my heel through when i foolishly put shoes on first.  so with the holidays getting close, i need an emergency holiday outfit (e.h.o.) in my closet. 

this satin top from old navy is a perfect choice - at $20, if the only place i wear it is the local wine bar, i can live with that.   the colors are perfect for the season - in this lovely shade of wine, it guarantees no one will notice my tendency to spill my cabernet.  but it’s also a standout in deep blue, and a classic in black.  a few other things i love?  straps wide enough to wear a regular bra, and cinching below the bust line to slim my waist.  one word of advice:  the top runs big, so order accordingly. 

oh, and with the friends & family discount going on this weekend at old navy, that $20 top is actually only $14…at that price, you can afford to buy this one in all three shades!  have fun at those parties and remember when that wardrobe crisis hits, don’t panic -  just have an e.h.o. at the ready, and you’re set!

~ j

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?

ever since i spied this gorgeous silk top (via splendora) last week, i honestly cannot get this stunning petrol hue out of my mind.  the color would be incredibly flattering on just about everyone - i can see this working so well on a blonde, redhead or a lovely brunette such as myself.  and the styling is a nice transition for those of you missing your babydoll/empire-waist tops from last summer.  add to that the very on-trend pleated sleeves and silk tie, and you have one very stylish wardrobe addition that will take you seamlessly from work to cocktails (and even the office holiday party) - all for less than $80.  

the days of yore may actually have returned at jcrew!  30% off what were already pretty decent sale prices, and no final sale nonsense to put you off.

use code EXTRA30 at checkout to score whatever strikes your fancy.  my picks:  

• with the gorgeous violet hue of the greta coat (down to $220), i won’t mind winter’s grey skies one bit.
• i am so in love with these metallic two-tone mary janes, i can hardly stand it - if you’re a girl that likes your high heels, these are a fantastic shoe - especially at $89.
• and this italian silk deco-print dress (down to $140) is so fantastic, no one will believe it came from jcrew.  what an amazing statement piece to add to your wardrobe!

happy hunting!

every so often, an email hits my inbox and i just exclaim “yes, exactly!” when i open it.  such was this email i received yesterday from kirna zabete.  kz is every new yorker’s secret source for the latest and greatest in fashion lovelies, this fantastic store is finally offering its designer wares online.

i think each and every one of their picks is a flawless, investment-worthy choice…and, if you can swing it, you absolutely should.  if nothing else, you should at least spend some time playing on their site…there are so, so many lovelies to ogle.

but i love this look so much that i’m going to give you some budget-friendly ways to get the look…so that you can look as hot as this picture without walking the streets begging for spare change to finance your fashion.

i love this version of the tie-neck blouse from banana republic (in the lovely purple, not that blah tan color), and it’s just $69.  equally lovely is this version from marc by marc jacobs, marked down to $78 at nordstrom.  but best of all is this stunner from roberto rodriguez, which i may even prefer to the original, on sale for $200.

and if those loooovely lanvins just don’t fit the budget, i’d swap for this version from bloch london for $163 - gorgeous (and a perfect match for the banana republic top above!)!  for an even better steal, i have to admit that i would never have thought to check here, but plus-size site silhouettes has a quite lovely satin cap-toe flat (in sizes 7-12) for a cool $40.  i’d go for the wine color, i think…perfect for this time of year!

the clutch is vastly more complicated, as i adore their choice and hate to mess with it.  so…how about if i find the exact same alexander wang clutch for you at 50% off?  yep…$325 at shopbop.  don’t say i never did anything for you!

this is exactly the leather jacket i’ve been craving all season, and it’s 40% off today.  part biker chic (the cropped, narrow styling) and part girly girl (the pleat details and standing ruffle collar), this butter leather jacket from tahari (don’t you just love the name?) works in all the right ways.  love the idea of it layered over a long, tissue-weight sweater and narrow jeans…and, of course, a gorgeous scarf.

it’s still not cheap at $600, but it’s much better than the original $1,000.  and, with styling this hot, it’ll be in style long after this season’s trendier biker jackets bite the dust.

designed by lynne hiriak, CARDIGAN has taken the fashion scene by storm this season.  her signature, not surprisingly, is ultra-cozy knitwear, including super-thick wool sweaters, and gorgeous cardigans.

i’m determined to add at least one piece from her collection to my wardrobe this season, as i have no doubt her prices will double by this time next year.  it’s a tough call…and i could use some input from my dear readers.

there’s this gorgeous 3/4 sleeve open cardigan ($195) that i positively adore for its draping.  it also comes in a stunning royal blue and a classic black, but i think the heather grey really shows off the silhouette, which is special enough to deserve center stage.

i happened upon this striped boatneck sweater ($245) in a local boutique, and it was love at first sight.  once again, it’s the detail of the silhouette that makes this special.  i love the wide boatneck that drapes perfectly over your shoulders, making this actually quite sexy for a baggy wool sweater.  it’s perfect to throw on over jeans for a dose of effortless style on even the most frigid day.  you can also pick this up in white with royal blue stripes, or in a lovely sweater dress/tunic style.

for something a little more uptown, i almost can’t believe i’m so in love with this cardigan with the built-in scarf detail ($250).  button up and tie it in a bow, or leave it open and drape the scarf casually around your neck - either way, you’re roasty toasty warm, and right on trend this fall.

hard call, don’t you agree?  keep your eye out for more greats from this up-and-comer but, in the meantime, which of her current pieces is your fave?

my prayers have been answered - even the mighty shopbop has finally ponied up a 20% code.  use code TREATS2008 to save 20% on all full-priced merchandise, today only!

how to treat yourself?  sky’s the limit.  those fingerless glove/mitten thingies i showed you a while ago are a no-brainer.  i’ve been dying to pick up a new coat this season, and this might be just the excuse i’ve been looking for to splurge on something truly fabulous from diane von furstenberg.  or these crazy cool blue suede boots from marc jacobs.  or i might take this opportunity to pick up this gorgeous silk top from t-bags that i would otherwise have been far too cheap to buy - the print and ruffle details will be amazing under any number of blazers and cardigans, and i can pair it with anything from trousers to a pencil skirt to jeans.

so, what will you be splurging on?

i’m much overdue for some basic layering pieces for fall/winter, and to be honest, all of the offerings from my normal standbys (j.crew, gap, banana…) are leaving me yawning.

but a couple of weeks ago, i stumbled upon lulu’s closet, and now i know exactly what i need to rouse me out of my fall fashion slumber.  these jersey staples have classic styling with special touches that make them anything but dull - i love the big, flounced sleeves, impeccable draping, and cheeky details (check out the screenprinted sunglasses on the lucia top).  each piece manages to be classic and unique at the same time, which is exactly what i need right now.

the only potential catch:  this site is based in spain, and while they do ship to the US, i have not the faintest idea what the cost will be…but i’ll look into it and post back here.  still, even in euros, the prices are fantastic, and the styles are unique - i can’t wait to get a few of these beauties into my fall rotation.