Color Me Autumn

The beauty of autumn is in its changing colors. As August dwindles into September, the air shifts, the smells ripen and the soft, hazy colors of summer transform themselves into robust, vibrant colors of a changing milieu. Dispositions alter and a sense of wholeness sets in. Our thoughts shift to comfort and ease, and our wardrobe begins to reflect these feelings. Below are a few examples of clothes that exemplify this pleasant passage.

Designer Look

Home Stretch Dress, $148, Anthropologie


Canter and Trot Boots, $248, Anthropologie


Gathered Blouse, $545, Proenza Schouler


Puffed-sleeve Sweater, $395, High-waist Skirt, $495, Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti


Bargain Look

Cap-sleeve Dress, $44.99, Chadwicks


Melinda Boot, $79.95, Bakers Footwear


Raglan Sleeve Blouse, $24.99, Isaac Mizrahi for Target


Banded Collar Button-down Shirt, $19.99, Isaac Mizrahi for Target


Stretch Sateen Straight Skirt, $19.99, Worthington

Totals:
Designer Look: $1831
Bargain Look: $189.91

Party Dress for Less

I'm turning 30 in a week, so what better way to celebrate my foray into a new decade than with a party dress. Fall styles seems to be emphasizing classic and colorful pieces, and these two dress are saturated in both. The first is a beautiful Oscar de la Renta fuchsia dress that costs about two months salary for most young women. However, the second dress is an extremely affordable Isaac Mizrahi for Target dress that plays on a brilliant fall color and the classic style of the designer dress. Here's to my 30s, and the hope that maybe at some point in my new decade I can afford a designer party dress to ring in my 40s!

Designer Look

Faille Dress, $3,950, Oscar de la Renta


Very Prive Patent Pump, $770, Christian Louboutin


Bargain Look

Trapunto Dress, $49.99, Isaac Mizrahi for Target


Opaque Tights, $8.90, DKNY


Signature Fixation, $28.50, Naturalizer

Totals
Designer Look: $4720
Bargain Look: $77.39

Bringing Sexy Back

Sexiness can be defined in many ways. I believe sexiness is an attitude; a way of being. Of course clothes and accessories can help, but I don't believe less is more when it comes to radiating sexiness. It's all about how you feel in your clothes and, in turn, how you project those feelings to the world. The outfit below is an example of one kind of sexiness. For some, this look may seem intimidating, but for me it exudes confidence and sophistication... and that, girls, IS sexy!

Designer Look

Double-Breasted Jacket, $1595; Stretch Poplin Shirt, $325; Skinny Pants, $650; Black Leather Belt, $395; Chain Sunglasses, $225; Wrap Pump, $355. All Michael Kors

Bargain Look

Classic Tailored Jacket, $34.99, La Redoute


Cotton Poplin Shirt, $9.99, La Redoute


Black Cigarette Pants, $39.99, La Redoute


Wide Band Belt, $5.80, Forever 21


Square Sunglasses, $19.99, Isaac Mizrahi for Target


Sandals, $29.99, Bakers

Totals
Designer Look: $3545
Bargain Look: $140.75