For those of us on the East Coast who watched most of our summer from under an umbrella, and those on the West Coast who don’t get a “real” fall, there is no need to fret. Thanks to fall 2009’s “summer in winter” trend, there’s no need to pack away the minidresses, shorts, rompers, tanks, and peep-toes once the temps start to drop. All you need are:

1) Leggings and/or opaque tights

“Winterize” your shorts, rompers, and minis by sliding a pair of opaque tights on under them. (I LOVE these rock candy-print tights by Look from London). If you’re like Michelle Obama and not big on pantyhose, go with leggings instead. Thanks to the plethora of options designers whipped up for the great ’80s comeback — exposed zip and “scrunch” details, and fun prints — leggings have emerged as one of fall’s “star” pieces. Invest in a few and rock them under minidresses, rompers and shorts, or wear them instead of jeans with a turtleneck layered under your fave boyfriend tee.

2) A bright scarf

This flame red Christopher Fischer scarf is totally on-trend as ’80s technicolors brighten up fall’s usually dark palette, plus, it’ll catch the color nicely in one of your print sundresses. Likewise, a printed scarf like this one by Kashmere will not only look great with a summer romper and wedge heels but it’s fully in sync with fall’s ragamuffin chic/prints-on-prints trend.

Get the whole scoop »

Michelle Obama is known for her down-to-earth personality and love of affordable clothing. That’s exciting, but whenever she wears something from J. Crew or the Gap, the clothes immediately sell out. Check out my inexpensive takes on two of the First Lady’s looks:

• Dillard’s yellow dress, Arden B cardigan, Forever 21 studded belt

Get the whole scoop »

It happens like clockwork: each winter I haul out my boots and warmest sweaters and begin to sacrifice style bit by bit in favor of the comfortable and the cozy.

Part of my rationalization for not being more creative is because I know I’m going to put a coat over everything I wear. If that’s the case, why bother trying?

Well, I should bother because there are lots of fantastic (and warm) winter style options.

1. Wear this adorable toggle sweater over a long-sleeved shirt, with skinny jeans, boots and a bright scarf.
2. Most waterproof and practical winter boots are fairly ugly. However, this cute pair from Target has a tie back so you can tighten the top around your jeans (preventing snow from wetting your socks). They also have a subtle wedge heel, which will glam up your outfit a couple notches.
3. This newsboy hat has a Blair Waldorf-like bow on the side.
4. Fingerless gloves are really practical: it’s easier to drive, text and open your chapstick. These have a cool military-inspired look.
5. Shawl-collar cardigans are chic and so comfortable. They look best with a more fitted look on the bottom (either jeans or a pencil skirt, for instance) and really interesting oversized jewelry.
6. If you have the moxie to try out a funky, faux-fur hat, by all means, wear one like this!
7. A traditional holiday sweater like this looks good with more modern pairings. I would try it with dark leggings, flat-soled boots and a great pair of earrings.
8. I would really like to open these Nine West boots on Christmas morning. I can’t lie: I love them.
9. Wear a spin on the traditional Ugg boot style with these cuffed sweater boots.
10. I really like these London Fog boots: they have a little wedge and are fur-lined on the inside.
11. When it comes to scarves, you can’t go wrong with plaid.

What do you like to wear when the weather turns cold?

Start saving up your paycheck for these three stand-alone pieces. Different styles and designers for sure, but who wants to be predictable? Here are two rings and a sweater to match your mood. Keep ‘em on their toes, girlfriend.

A cozy, slouchy fancy designer maxi-cardigan is an indulgence for sure, but this Stella McCartney stone-colored sweater made of heavy cotton mixes nautical with High Street. The white twill tape forms a cool hipster crucifix in the back, while the toggle-type closures look slick open or loose. Throw it on over cargo pants for a mad dash through the airport, or toss on over your fanciest black trousers. Either way, the $1345 knit is a knockout.

Jill Platner is a surfer, sculptor and one of the hottest jewelry designers around these day. Lenny Kravitz proudly loops one of her black corded chokers around his neck, and Mandy Moore stacks rows of the organic bracelets up and down her arm — each one a sculptural masterpiece. Jill’s pieces are not cheap — this dazzling “Sprout” bracelet runs $815, but the cord is made of gortex and the silver is all but bullet-proof. Wear it while you swim, sleep shower and sprint — just as Jill would herself.

Get the whole scoop »

Ahhh, holiday shopping. It’s exciting, it’s stressful and it’s usually a pain in the…well, you know. I personally hate–really hate–crowds, so trying to navigate aggressive mall shoppers is not my cup of tea.

This year, maybe I’ll try doing all my holiday shopping online. That way I can avoid the pushing and shoving as I near Nordstrom, and I can bypass the evil fat-trap that is the local food court. (”But, it’s only one large ice cream, not my usual two!”)

Some things I’m loving for my fiance:

This chair is quite unique and modern. I could literally shop at uncommongoods.com for hours on end. The gift possibilities are endless, and I know THF (”the handsome fiance,” a nickname of his choosing) would really dig the chair. It’s on the pricier side, but would make a big impression.

THF likes a bargain as much as the next guy, but I swear to god, he would live in Target if he could. Target is on a level he can’t even comprehend: video games, DVD’s, clothes and food…one stop guy-shopping. He’s had his eye on this shirt for weeks. I love the unexpected skyline print on the front and back.

Get the whole scoop »