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.

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.

the lovely always instyle has featured a look today for her “street beat” section that i just can’t get out of my head.  can you believe this woman just got up, went to her closet, and came out looking like that all on her own?  so chic i can hardly stand it…

head over to always instyle to see more pics of this fantastic look, as well as their super-helpful tips for achieving the look yourself.  

what?  i’m not too proud to blatantly copy…er, imitate…

happy breast cancer awareness month, dear readers.  no doubt you’ve been seeing BCA-related products everywhere already…like christmas, it starts earlier every year.  nonetheless, the official “BCA month” is october.  and in celebration, i like to pick a product or two to purchase that i’d love to have but otherwise might not splurge on.  after all, it’s for charity!

my cosmetic splurge of choice will be darphin’s predermine corrective wrinkle serum, available at my favorite source for all things beauty:  bluemercury.  this might be the closest i’ve ever seen to botox in a bottle…the stuff is simply amazing.  at $205, it’s a luxury i’d normally have to forego…but this month, $20 of every purchase goes to the breast cancer research foundation.  that justifies it completely.  of course, if you’re looking for a little less splurge, i’m always looking for an excuse to buy a gorgeous candle, and red flower’s wares top my list.  this month, every purchase of their gorgeously floral japanese peony candle ($34) includes a donation to the breast cancer awareness foundation.

fashion choices are tougher, as the options are practically endless.  i’ve been after these celeb-designed tees at shopbop since they were introduced.  sure, i’d normally balk at spending $88 on a t-shirt, but when 50% of the purchase price goes to charity, it’s practically my social obligation to buy one, don’t you think?  i’m especially loving sophia bush’s version, which boasts a perfectly retro, wonder woman-inspired graphic.  or, if you’re looking for a more serious splurge, coach has released a limited-edition watch for the occasion, complete with a sleek updated face and a fuschia-hued snakeskin band that has me all aflutter.  sure, it’s $398, but when you factor in the $100 donation they’re making to the breast cancer research foundation, it’s suddenly much easier to justify.

and, whether you’re a supporter or a survivor, erin condren’s sweet personalized notecards come in three ultra-girly designs perfect for impromptu notes of all varieties.  you get 20 cards, envelopes and address labels for $40, and half the proceeds go to sponsoring women participating in various BCA-related fundraisers.  these would be an amazing gift to a survivor, or just a great way to show your support for the cause.

or, if you’d rather see 100% of that money go to a BCA charity, just go the old-fashioned route and send a donation.  there are dozens of wonderful organizations out there, not to mention the millions of people participating in awareness events across the country and looking for sponsors.  a dear friend of mine walks the 3-day avon walk for breast cancer every year…i admire her more than i can say, and i show my support with my checkbook.  if you don’t know someone who’s participating, i can’t recommend my friend’s team highly enough!

whatever you choose, just choose something this month…whether it’s big or small, it’s a step.

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.