J. Crew Collection for Fall Classic Cool

We're coming off a heat wave and the LAST thing you want to think about is long pants, long sleeves, wool, jackets and coats. I'm sweating just thinking about it.

But I can't not post J. Crew Collection's fall offerings because they are just awesome. Think: staples like pencil skirts and cashmere sweaters in rich jewel tones; warm coats with unique cuts; and super cute strappy satin heels. It's pretty preppy stuff, but it's pretty cool also.

My shopping hiatus should end just in time to pick up some of these beauts. That navy coat has my name all over it.

Via FabSugar

For more J. Crew fall goodness, check out this post at Elements of Style.

Designer Crush: Rachel Zoe?

You read that right. When I heard that Rachel Zoe was designing an apparels and accessory line, I couldn't help but think: LA's famously skinny stylist makes for great TV and puts together a killer outfit, but can she design?

Color me pleasantly surprised. Rachel Zoe's new collection is really, really cute. It's effortless trendy and luxe, but you still see hints of Zoe throughout: bell-bottomed pants, warm furry vests and boho maxis. There are pieces of all kinds: fun party dresses, a gorgeous black halter gown, pants, shorts, tops, coats... You could put together a great wardrobe with these pieces.

Any stylish woman of any age would look classic and sophisticated carrying her purses. I'm not mad about the velvet and furry trim on some of the pieces, and the heels, while they have Zoe's signature uber-high heels, are fabulous but nothing new.

The highlights:

Faux-Fur Vest, Tie-Neck Plunge Blouse & Zip-Cuff Skinny Jeans: $295, $225, $175 (My favorite casual ensemble - this blouse should probably be mine)

Tailored Tuxedo Jacket, Tie-Neck Plunge Blouse & Boot-Cut Tuxedo Pants: $425, $295, $275 (if you've been reading my twitter, you know I'm obsessed with white suits, and this one is exactly what I want - easy, breezy, boot-cut!)

Blouson Metallic Maxi Dress: $550

Wrap-Collar Cape & Cuffed Tuxedo Shorts: $695, $195 (it's so hot out, I know it's impossible to think about wearing a coat, but this one is sort of makes me want to wrap up in it... sort of)

Crocodile-embossed back pump: $295

Zoe snake-embossed tote: $650 (a little Birkin-esque, but I wouldn't kick it out of bed)

Remind me why I'm on this shopping hiatus again?

Pre-order Rachel Zoe's collection at Neiman Marcus now.

To Buy or Not To Buy: Chanel Peridot Vernis

(via Style.com)

I'm on the fence about purchasing Chanel's fall nail collection. These rich, luxe metallics will perfectly complement fall's jewel-tones, and Chanel's nail colors tend to become staples for each season season. The collection includes the bronzed green Peridot, silvery-beige Quartz or the silvery toned Graphite. I'm a big fan of Peridot (it is my birth stone after all), and it might be a good way for me to ease into the green polish trend (I just couldn't bring myself to buy Jade a few seasons ago).

But I wouldn't say that Chanel's polish is worth the $25 price tag. It find it quickly wears down at the tips of my nails. But you do pay for what is most certainly the best and most trend-setting color palette out there. Mimosa, Particuliere, Paradoxal - these are all essential colors in any polish-lover's "wardrobe."

All Lacquered Up recently featured Peridot, which, when photographed, reads a bit more like a gold with a mossy hue. Is it too green for you? Would you rather wear a more neutral metallic?

Or is Chanel polish all together overrated?

Luck be a lady

It's no secret that ladylike looks were back in style this season. And how! In fact, FabSugar readers just called it the trend of the year!

From "Mad Men" inspired wiggle dresses, to full skirts, to kitten heels, to my favorite trend, structured satchels, we saw this look everywhere.

I, for one, loved donning a dress over grungier skinny jeans. To me, the ladylike look will never go out of style... So this trend is worthy of investment!

As the year winds down, I thought I'd display some of my favorite ladylike bags.

Jil Sander Madame frame top handle bag, available at Saks: $1375

Topshop burgundy leather boxy bag: $100

Marc by Marc Jacobs Ozzie Square Smith, available at Zappos: $358

Fendi Mini Peekaboo, available at Barneys: $1650

Melie Bianco ruffled bow satchel, available at Target: $69.99 (A great knockoff of this Valentino)

DVF Lytton Minaudiere: $295

Wardrobe Must-Have: The Trench

The trenchcoat: Always modern. Always classic. (via The Sartorialist)

I challenge you to find a list of wardrobe staples that does not include a trench coat. Everyone from Rachel Zoe to Victoria Beckham agrees that the trench is a sophisticated, timeless way to add classic pizazz to your look - and keep you warm during the transitional weather months.

When I slip on my trench coat, particularly over a great fitting dress, I feel instantly chicer. Sometimes, a trench makes me feel more mature. Sometimes, a trench makes me feel preppier. And sometimes, all a trench does is make me feel warmer - but at least I know I look good while I'm shivering.

Alexa Chung mixes trendy Valentino flats with a classic Burberry trench. (via Stylespot)

The other great thing about trenches is you can find them anywhere. Like I said, I got mine at Zara. Gap, J. Crew, Banana Republic, any department store... all your standard mall stores will have a trench. But you should scour outlet malls and off-price retailers like TJ Maxx. For instance, my fiance bought a Burberry trench for $250 at Nordstrom Rack - that's a $400 discount!

Need some help finding great trench options for your budget? Look no further:

Gap: $79.99

London Fog, available at Macy's: $99.98

Banana Republic: $198

See by Chloe, available at The Outnet: $312.75

Burberry London, available at Saks: $995

Want to find out what to look for when buying a trench - price, fit and quality?

Pencil me in

Over the summer, it's hard to get me out of a dress, but now that it's fall, I'm ready to get back into separates: pretty blouses that look great layered with cardis, skirts with thick, opaque tights, and pants to keep me warm on a chilly day.

Every fashion editor and stylist will tell you that a pencil skirt can be universally flattering. Just make sure the pencil skirt fits well (nothing too tight - we all know how tacky VPL can be!). A skirt that hits just above the knee is the most flattering length on most people.

Looking for the perfect pencil skirt? Whether you want basic, bold colors or fun patterns, try one of these gorgeous options:

Banana Republic classic pencil skirt: $59.50

J. Crew double serge pencil skirt: $118

BCBG ribbed pencil skirt: $118

Anthropologie Hortulan pencil skirt: $128

J. Crew sterling jacquard pencil skirt: $198

See by Chloe metallic wool-blend pencil skirt, available at The Outnet: $78

Milly black pocket pencil skirt, available at Stylebop: $230

Burberry Prorsum lace pencil skirt, available at Net-A-Porter: $995

A chain will do you good

Credit: FabSugar

Sometimes, an accessory makes the outfit - or the lack of one. In this fall Yurman ad, I barely noticed a nude Kate Moss - I was focused on that amazing necklace!

Isn't there something so upper-class about this look? I know I feel so expensive when I wear my gold chain-link inspired necklaces - even if it's just one I bought at the Eastern Market flea market for $8.

Chains are being incorporated in more than just accessories these days. Designers are flocking to this luxe look to add texture to basic pieces like sweaters. You can even find chain-inspired patterns, if you don't want to rock the heavy metal.

Here are some great pieces from which to draw inspiration:

Milly chain-trimmed wool-silk cashmere cardigan, available at Bloomingdale's: $375

If you love that piece but hate the price tag, H&M has something similar for under $30. It also comes in black.

Milly's designer Michelle Smith found lots of inspiration from the chain look this season. I love it on this otherwise basic sweater dress.

Milly chain trim sweater dress, available at Nordstrom: $375

You can also easily incorporate chains in your accessories. Kenneth Jay Lane makes tons of necklaces so you can rock this look with the greatest of ease.

Kenneth Jay Lane large link chain necklace, available at Charm & Chain: $337

And lots of other jewelry designers use mixed size chains with other materials, like crystals, for a chunky accessory, like this bracelet:

Janis by Janis Savitt crystal chain bracelet, available at Bergdorf: $500

Chanel and Marc Jacobs purses aside, chains have been found on purses for decades. Though most of the nicest purses (see above) are unattainably priced, I found a couple bags that utilize chains but won't leave your bank account high and dry:

Deux Lux Mercer clutch, available at Kitson: $58

Kate Landry chain shoulder bag, available at Dillard's: $48.30

You can also take the chain look to the next level - with tights:

Spanx, available at HerRoom.com: $42

Sunday Lust List

From September into October, it's all about loading up on transitional pieces - pieces that don't scream summer but will work their way from the warmer temps of September but stay fresh (and warm) when you add tights, leggings, cardigans, etc. in October and beyond.

Here are some transitional pieces that I am dying over:

Velvet is a lot of look, but in small doses, it can be gorgeous. That's why I love this dress.

Winter Kate velvet minidress, available at Nordstrom: $395

Lace is huge for fall, and I just adore this J. Crew T. It's worth the price because it can be casual or dressy.

J. Crew lace tee: $11

Sherling is huge for fall. This is great because it's not going to be too hot and uncomfortable since it's a vest! I also like the idea of this belted.

Juliette Jake hooded sherpa vest, available at Intermix: $295

Lace like this is perfect because it's dainty and girly but can be totally edged out with the right accessories.

Modern Vintage lace dress, available at Piperlime: $152.99

Happy shopping!

Fall trends I'll avoid

The most important thing you can do when buying clothes is stay true to your style and your body type. Just because a look is trendy does not mean you have to wear it. Hate leopard spots? No need to buy any. Do nautical stripes - which were oh so big for spring and summer - accentuate your ample hips? Skip them altogether.

There are lots of great fall clothes and trends that I can't wait to wear, but there are some I will never try. Why? Because they are bad, bad bad - in my opinion.

1. Patch made in hell

Arts and crafts-inspired looks were all over the F/W 2010/11 runway, for whatever reason. Crocheted dresses that looked like sweaters from a grandma's couch were shown by Paul Smth and Missoni, to name a few. Patchwork, a weird take on the mixed patterns trend, was big too. I typically love See by Chloe, but...

See by Chloe dress, available at ASOS: $530.78

Just no.

2. Fur the love of God

Just because an item is covered in fur does not make it luxe or expensive-looking. It only takes a little fur in the wrong place to ruin a perfectly great item. And a lot of fur in the wrong place, well...

Credit: The Shoe Playground

Just because Chanel made these does not make them OK.

3. Skipping desert

Unless I'm trekking through the Sahara, I will avoid these desert boots. They remind me too much of orthopedic shoes.

Marc by Marc Jacobs

4. A load of crop

Who dug crop tops out of the early 90s? A lot of runway look only look good on models - you know, people with BMIs of 18, and .1% body fat. Crop tops look good on very, very few people, and I am not one of them. We saw glimpses of crop tops in the summer months, when people artfully paired them with slouchy pants, great wedges and flat stomachs. But crop tops remain in style for winter. How can you wear cropped clothes in winter? Ask Timo Weiland:

Timo Weiland runway F/W 2010, via Refinery29

This doesn't look so bad on the model. Average Jane cannot pull this off. Also, know what it reminds me of?

If you can't tell from their horrible screenshot, that's Cher rocking a cropped sweater in Clueless. Cute in '94. But so was Bill Clinton. If you can pull it off, more power to you, but I will be steering clear of this look.

5. Trending h-to-t

Does anyone other than me watch America's Next Top Model anymore (besides on Oxygen during hungover Saturday mornings)? It pains me to admit I love Tyra's vanity project, and I've watched every cycle. Last season, Tyra introduced modeling h-to-t - head-to-toe. Well, you can model h-to-t, but do not, whatever you do, cover yourself in trends from the tips of your toes to the top of your head. This goes from all-over leather to full-on military ensembles:

Credit: Style.com

I don't know but I've been told this olive look just leaves me cold. (Like that? I've got more where that came from.)

Just pick one piece with the trend, and stick to basics and cool accent pieces otherwise. This is true in all seasons.

Are there any trends you'll be skipping this season?

The Comprehensive List of Fall Style Basics

We talked about what's hot for fall, but it's important to have the basics in your closet so you can actually wear these trends.

Basic pieces:

1. Blazer

Hugo Boss Black Juicy blazer: $650

Invest in a good one. Last spring, I met with and was styled by a Vogue fashion editor at Hugo Boss in NYC during a W Magazine shopping event, and she put me in the most amazing $650 blazer. She said it was better than any of the cute dresses or stylish bandage dresses - I'd get much more wear out of it. I was so tempted, but I knew that would break the bank if I bought it - even though it was a totally great investment piece. But then, by a stroke of brilliant luck I found it on Gilt for one-third of the price, and the rest was history. A good-fitting, high-quality blazer is a must-have in your wardrobe.

Boyfriend blazers may be en vogue, but nothing is more flattering on more people than a fitted blazer. Nipped at the waist, it accentuates a woman's curves and might conceal any trouble areas. Find the perfect blazer for your body top - don't get one with accentuated shoulders if you're broad in that region. Likewise, if you are long in the torso, make sure your blazer is long enough. This, you can wear with anything: mini skirts, pencil skirts, leggings, jeggings, jeans (any cut), yadadada... The list goes on. Now, speaking of leggings...

2. Skinny pants

Paige Verdugo jegging: $158

Jeans, leggings, jeggings... Whatever your fancy, a girl needs a pair of fitted, slim pants to wear with the bulkier sweaters and coats of the season. Even though those of us with a little junk in the trunk can  be glad - nay, relieved - that flared pants are back in style, we can't deny the sass the skinny allows us to exude. Don't shy away from skinnies, no matter your body type. If you have bigger hips/thighs, opt for a straight leg with a bit of flair at the ankle so you don't make yourself look like a carrot. If you don't like the way skinny jeans fit, try jeggings - they are a bit more substantial than leggings, but are a bit less restrictive in the knees. Skinny pants look great with...

3. Riding boots

Modern Vintage Benta boot, available at Endless: $296.96

Riding boots look so luxe in the colder seasons. I love this style of boots because it can vacillate between hard rock and classic preppy. I would invest in a wide range of colors and materials, but the staple would be a black leather flat boot or a chocolate/cognac leather flat boot. From there, invest in suede, platforms, heels, slouchy...

4. Long-sleeved T you love

Gap supersoft long-sleeved T: $15.00

This is an obvious must for layering purposes. Need I say more?

5. Awesome tights

Spanx tight-end tights: $26

Tights will take almost any dress from summer to fall faster than you can say "opacity." Tights don't mean bad old lady pantyhose. They mean black, opaque tights, or ones in a color, or even a simple pattern (avoid anything striped - you'll look like the Wicked Witch of the West). These Spanx are amazing for a variety of reasons: perfect thickness, great shade of black, high-quality and super-slimming. Also, there is no shame in using a little shapewear to smooth out any lumps on your ladylike silhouette. We can't all be Gisele, but these tights can help you look a little more like her.

6. Cardigan

J. Crew cashmere crewneck cardigan: $158

Cardigans are actually a good staple year-round, particularly in the super-powered office A/C. But, like the long-sleeved T-shirt, this is a great piece for layering and is ultra-versatile. It can be belted or not, worn buttoned-up for a straight-laced look or loose for a more casual look. The possibilities are endless, but isn't that what wardrobe necessities are really for?