A Coat of Many Hounds

A great coat can compliment any outfit, and this season's array of colorful and uniquely shaped ones are no exception. This whimsical houndstooth pattern is one such addition to the ever-growing collection of chic outerwear.

Designer Look

Houndstooth Coat, $2395, Michael Kors


Bargain Look

Wool Houndstooth Coat, $95, fredflare.com

The Fabric of Our Lives

Cotton knit ensembles are coming out of the shadows of casual-wear and appearing in the fashion spotlight for fall. You no longer need excuses for wearing knits -- now they can be worn for comfort & style.

Designer Look

Pleated Sweater, $530, Scalloped Skirt, $340, Tunic Dress, $410, See by Chloe


Bargain Look

Puffy-Sleeve Turtleneck, $27, Love Lola


Sweater Dress, $19.80, Forever 21


Tie Dye Skirt, $41.01, MICHAEL Michael Kors


Flow Slide, $56.95, Two Lips


Totals
Designer Look: $1280
Bargain Look: $137.75

Show Us Your Ankles

Another new trend for Fall is the ankle bootie. Sophisticated and stylish, they are a quirky take on the conventional boot.

Designer Look

Fringe-Front Ankle-Booties, $1145, Christian Louboutin


Bargain Look

Ego Bootie, $60, Rampage


Tammy Ankle Boot, $134.95, Sam Edelman

Plaid Passion

Certain fabrics epitomize different seasons. Tweed is winter, pastels are spring, seersucker is summer and plaid is fall. When I think of plaid, I often associate it with school girl uniforms and preppy yuppies. These two looks below offer a mix of conservatism and sexiness -- a style, I have to admit, fits me to a "T."

Designer Look

Piccolo Plaid Dress, $325, Nannette Lepore
(Very un-bargain like of me, but I bought this!)


'Lizbeth' Pump, $109.95, Linea Paolo


Bargain Look

Plaid Empire Dress, $129, Liz Claiborne


'Naomii' Pump, $79.95, Steve Madden

Totals
Designer Look: $434.95
Bargain Look: $208.95