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.

TBONTB: A thing of beauty

Ok, obviously this isn't a real To Buy or Not To Buy since I just declared my shopping hiatus, but I need to share this glorious Preen dress with the world.

Perfection costs $1646.40 at Net-a-Porter.

This black crepe dress with a beaded taupe chiffon bodice rocks that ladylike trend in the guise of a cocktail dress. It feels like an updated Mad Men look with on-trend midi length but demure aesthetic.

I so, so want it.

And it can be yours for nearly 50% off the original price. So can someone please buy it so I can live vicariously through you?

Shop stop

In my blogging hiatus, I mayyyy have done a little shopping. Ok, I obviously did more than a little.

I thought I'd share some of my favorite purchases of the past few months:

Kate Spade Dotty Heels - These heels are great for a night on the town or dressing up a simple work sheath. Note: Beware wearing new satin heels on dangerous Georgetown brick sidewalks!

Trina Turk Nubia Beaded Halter Dress - I spotted this at a boutique in New Orleans in red pepper and I had to have it - but I needed an excuse. Fortunately, a Bermuda-themed party provided me with the perfect one!

Leifsdottir Rainbow Confetti Dress - This is my new favorite going out dress. I bought it a bit big so it's swingy and fun and loose on hot summer nights. It goes with so much, and the asymmetrical hem (hard to see in this picture) frames my legs fabulously.

J. Crew High Tide Tunic Dress - Because... have you met me? Hey, I'm just proud it's not navy stripes.

ASOS pleated maxi skirt - So this just came today, and I like it a lot. BUT it's super sheer. Do I keep and wear it (as seems to be trendy)? Or send back (free returns)?

So I had a little bit of fun. Maybe too much fun.

A few days ago, I realized I really need to go on a shopping diet (and a taxi cab diet. And a regular diet, but that's another issue all together). I have numerous things to save up for, not the least of which is my wedding (and a fabulous wedding/honeymoon wardrobe).

So the shopping hiatus began last week.

I don't necessarily want to put a hard and fast deadline on my shopping hiatus, but my birthday is in early August, and birthday=presents+parties=new clothes... Makes sense to me! But in actuality, the shopping will be severely restricted for at least three month. It's not a punishment, it's just a lifestyle diet.

I'll miss you, credit cards.

Sunday Lust List: Blog-Found Fun

This week's lust list highlights some fun pieces, fab shoes, and darling dresses found on some of my favorite fashion blogs.

1. Giles & Brother Archer Hoop Earrings: $95 (via Refinery29)
2. Joie Sashay Heels: $198 (via The Cut)
3. Splendid Shadow Stripe Dress: $110 (via Capitol Hill Style)
4. Prada Baroque Sunglasses: $290 (via FabSugar)
5. Apple and Ivy Bettingen Circle Button Bracelet: $15 (via Whipped Style, a new DC FABB friend!)

Get It Fast: Red Denim

Have you been lusting after those J. Brand red jeans you've seen everywhere? Surprisingly, I think this trend is totally wearable on most people. Nothing wrong with a pop of color in an outfit - especially on your pants.

That said, I'm not anticipating to see people wearing bright red denim in the seasons to come. So don't go shelling out nearly 200 smackeroos on some jeans you'll wear maybe six times.

Instead, head over to my new favorite online shopping emporium, ASOS, and pick up these Vero Moda bad boys for less than $30. You read that right. And you're not at Forever 21 or H&M! Shocking, I know.

Vero Moda Denim Legging: $25.86

The jeans are available in sizes S/M and M/L, so hurry over and snag your pair ASAP.

ASOS is having a huge end-of-season sale right now, so be sure to gaze at the massive discounted selection. And, if you're new to ASOS, they have free shipping and returns. So if the jeans don't fit, no harm, no foul - just send 'em right back.

You're welcome.