Pleat it

I used to be anti-pleats. Well, who isn't anti-pleat a bit? You think pleats, you think: a) school girl kilts or b) bad old man pants.

But pleats are having a bit of a moment now. From shorts to pants to skirts, pleats are everywhere.  I love that the typically conservative pleats are being worn as casual and slouchy on carrot and pegged pants. Pleated leather shorts are so in vogue that fashion editors are saying they are a must for fall. And the always feminine looking pleated skirt is being made in girly colors and fun prints.

Pleats can have an effect of adding weight, but take cues from these ladies on how to wear them:

Credit: Elle Street Chic

Credit: The Sartorialist

Credit: Elle.com

Curious to try some pleats? Try these on for size:

Kate Spade Sarah cropped pants: $295

Michael Kors stretch wool-blend tapered pants, available at Net-a-Porter: $695

Tibi pleated leather shorts, available at Saks: $585

Zara pleated trouser: $59.90

Jason Wu dot-print pleated silk skirt, available at Net-A-Porter: $995

Free People mini pleats skirt, available at Revolve: $98

Forever 21 mod chiffon skirt: $19.80

Schutz satin pleated-back d'orsay, available at Cusp: $178

(I threw in some shoes in case you're not ready to commit to the pleated pant or skirt!)

Sunday Lust List: Quilted comfort

This week's lust list has a lot to do with the dreary and (gasp) almost chilly weather we experienced the past couple of days in DC.

Rag and Bone Greville sweater, available at Shopbop: $325

CC Skye Onie Messenger, available for pre-order at Stefani bags: $595

Kensie fur vest, available at Piperlime: $88.00

Sperry Top-Sider Hingham quilted shaft rain boots, available at Bloomingdales: $98.00

Rebecca Minkoff quilted MAC clutch: $360

Shopping Savvy: Cheap satisfaction

My new personal goal as a shopper is to buy fabulous, high-end pieces rarely instead of low-end chain store pieces regularly. My wallet/closet will thank me, or so I think.

And yet, even with this thought in mind - that $20 I spent at H&M is $20 I can't put toward the $300 DVF dress I'm lusting after - sometimes you can find great, quality pieces at a lower price point.

I've said it before: If you have taste, you can shop anywhere. Here are some amazing pieces that look more expensive than their price tags would lead you to believe:

J. Crew Factory Blakely bling bracelet: $14.00

Gap knit tulip skirt: $29.99

PII draped jersey vest, available at The Outnet: $37.50

Forever 21 belted wrap dress: $24.80

Steve Madden BClassic: $98

Mango dress: $89.90

Zara short-sleeved lace dress: $129

Friday's Facts: Blogs and boobies

Kiernan Shipka, aka Sally Draper from Mad Men, in Interview magazine. She's ten - TEN!! - and wearing Burberry and Valentino.

• Today is Blog for your Breasts Day. While I may not have much breasts to blog about, my friends sure do. Make sure you read WashingTina's heart-wrenching ode to her friend Karen, and Liz's October 1 pledge post. And if you haven't already, sign up for Avon's Army of Women! It's one of the easiest ways possible to help fight breast cancer.
• Another way you can show your support for the cause is by wearing pink. Lots of pink. FabSugar has some pretty pink pieces to add to your wardrobe this Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
• Refinery29 has six pieces - reversible dresses, boots with zippered add-ons, etc. - that do double duty. Then you can donate the money you save as a result to a worthy organization, like Susan G. Komen. 
• Another way to save money? Buying furniture like SavvySugar.
• Finally, a little light-hearted goodness: this interview from Vulture with Kiernan Shipka, aka Mad Men's Sally Draper. It's hard to believe that she is only 10 years old.

You're Invited: Bright Pink Cocktail Reception

Sit back and relax

Alexander Wang

Sometimes, you just need to let loose, and what better time do so than the weekends. On weekends, I love to wear skinny jeans and long tunic-y tees, or leggings, flat boots and grandpa cardigans - outfits I don't need to think too hard about.. During the work week, we are buttoned-up, straight edge and clean cut. But over the weekends, we can become unbridled, dressing for the sake of comfort and ease.

These looks from New York Fashion Week retain a modicum of high fashion while allowing for effortless comfort. From comfy slouchy pants to throw-on dresses, and from casual coats to flowy maxis, designers showed us comfort and chicness are not mutually exclusive.

Gant by Michael Bastian

Diane von Furstenberg

Gant by Michael Bastian

DKNY

Carlos Miele

Designer crush: Honor

I am just dying over this collection. It's so chic. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves

Credit: The Fashionista's Blackbook

And if Honor's collection is any indication, I need to run - not walk - to buy a turban.