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.

3) A turtleneck (preferably fitted and cashmere)

Think of a fitted knit turtleneck as your cool weather shell. Wear it under a slouchy tee, tank or vest as suggested above. Fearless fashionistas should try rocking one under a bright/print maxi dress.

4) A cardigan and a blazer

You heard it here first: Double-breasted cardigans and boyfriend blazers are the new jacket — at least in transition weather. Go with one that’s chic enough for evening events like this white 525 America cardigan (yes, you can[!] wear white after Labor Day… what’s fly is fly all year round), and get one that will go with your more casual outfits, like this boyfriend blazer by Alvin Valley.

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

• Target Merona argyle sweater, Urban Outfitters blue skirt, Forever 21 faux pearl necklace, Nine West blue faux-croc heels

Stay tuned for more!

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?

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.

This summer, keep things simple. Wear white, white, white every day and notch it up with this mother-of pearl oversized ring. Its easy, elegant spirit is as seductive as a soft summer night. Pair with a sleek white linen tank dress or jeans and billowy peasant blouse. It’s a stand-alone accessory worth every penny of its $325 price tag.

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.

THF is a clotheshorse. This is a guy who must be dragged out of H&M. Dragged. Since he doesn’t own anything from the guys line that Forever21 offers on their website, I thought he’d appreciate this sweater: it’s 100% lambswool for less than $30. The cut, color and style all scream THF.

Restoration Hardware is always a stop for THF and I, no questions asked. Restoration Hardware inspires you to remodel, clean, dream or buy new pillows for no reason whatsoever. I love how their website has a larger range of offerings, and I think that THF would be thrilled with this high-quality “tournament dominoes” set. We like playing games together, eating popcorn and drinking coffee or cocoa on the weekends, and dominoes is a game I know he’d like.

Next post I’ll talk about what I’m getting my family and friends for the holidays.

What presents are you getting that special someone this holiday season?