I'm Loving...

A trend, an accessory, or a fresh fashion statement that caught my attention--and held it.

Kristen Stewart's SHORT-SLEEVE JACKET: There are infinite ways to wear a Chanel jacket. K-Stew pairs hers with the fingerless gloves (Chanel), barely there shorts, and Jean-Michel Cazabat heels.

Hailee Steinfeld's PRINTED PAIR: The designers at Suno customized this cropped top and high-waist skirt with Swarovski crystals for one of their biggest fans!

Sandra Bullock's MONOCHROMATIC LOOK: Alberta Ferretti shows how to indi-go for it: soft, shiny, and sheet top; solid, slim, and cropped below, with shoes by LAMB. (FAVORITE)

Zoe Saldana's FERN PRINT: Gucci's primly nipped peplum jacket look lush with a jacquard pattern of olive fronds stippled with rust.

Jamie Chung's SNAKE BRACELET: Temptation takes her by the hand as Gaydamak's white diamond serpent wraps around her palm. The diamond eyes are black as night. (FUN TO FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM!)

Nicole Richie'S GILDED GOWN: Dashing all preconceived notions that lamé is best left for the flashy, Marc Jacob's solid curtain of gold is serene.

Blake Lively's SPARKLY SKIRT: The pale cashmere tank is luxe enough. But Burberry heightens it with a high-beam pencil skirt encrusted with faux gems.

Trend Watch: PATTERN PLAY

Snake-Print, Dots, Plaid!

SNAKE: Make a fierce fall statement (it's the year of the snake!).

DOTS: Gray Days? Polka dots are an instant mood-lifter.

PLAID: Grunge is back. Channel 90s cool in perfect plaid.

 

 

 

The Under--$100 Sweaters

Welcome them back with everything from a sexy skirt to your prettiest dress. These are sweaters you'll wear all winter long.

Buttoned up -- but now all the way: Tap in to the seductive side of any cardigan by wearing it as a shirt.
Loft, $54.50

Make a chunky knit feminine: Three-quarter length sleeves keep away sweater from swamping you.
Impulse for Macy's, $79

Bring on the sparkle: Turn a simple work-y shirt and flats into something special with a glitzy crewneck.
Banana Republic, $89.50

Update a preppy classic: A slim fit makes this fisherman knit look fresh. Add a full pleated skirt and skinny heels for unexpected girliness.
QMack, $79

Mix up your shapes: a fitted sweater meets its waist whittling match in a full skirt.
United Colors of Benetton, $54.50

Go cozy for an evening: A grandpa cardi lens your sparkly party dress a relaxed vibe--and makes it so, so warm.
The Limited, $79.95

How to make your summer clothes work for fall

Summer Trend: Peek-a-Boo Lace

Your Transitional Helper: A Leather Jacket

Toughen up the sweet candy-colored fabric, as seen on Carven and Eva Mendes, with a leather topper. Zip up in a warm caramel hue or keep cool with straight-up classic black. From cropped bombers to moto styles, they deliver the right dose of downtown chic while covering up off-season cutouts.

 

Topshop

Summer Trend: Leather Dresses

Your Transitional Helper: A Knitted Cover-Up

There’s no question that warm-weather leather is a summer statement (Proenza Schouler and Emmy Rossum), but don’t let your investment piece stay confined to three months of the year. Introduce a textured piece, like a cozy cardigan, to juxtapose the all-over leather. For a more formal approach, pick a structured blazer in a similar soft material.

 

Milla Schon Concept

Summer Trend: Cropped tops

Your Transitional Helper: High-Waisted Pants

Midriff seemed to be theme of the summer, from the runway (Balenciaga) to the red carpet (Elizabeth Banks). You can rest easy—your belly-grazing top isn’t up for retirement just yet. Pair it with tailored high-waisted trousers in darker hues, wintry fabrics (like jacquard) and moodier prints.

 

River Island

Summer Trend: Backless dresses

Your Transitional Helper: A Long Vest

Backless dresses are great because they’re demure from the front and surprisingly sexy from the back, like on the Azzaro runway and on Kate Mara. Since skin exposure in the fall (and winter) is generally a no go, keep your back under wraps with a lengthy vest. Treat it like an accessory: Experiment with colors, fabrics and styles. Try belting it or layering it under a jacket.

 

2nd Day

Summer Trend: Pastels

Your Transitional Helper: Jeweled Tones

In the summer, pretty pale shades pair perfectly with other pastels (Nina Ricci) or even bright, bold colors (Maggie Gyllenhaal). To prep your wardrobe for fall, partner your usual lights with a rich, jeweled palette. Got a blush-colored top? Team it with an emerald skirt. Button up a navy wrap over a lilac dress or pull on an oxblood-red top to complement a lemon-hued maxi.

Zara

10 Ways to Fake a Smaller Waist

Trends come and go, but we're always looking for clever ways to slim our silhouettes!

1. Peplum Top

Ann Taylor, $49

Your first thought might be that extra volume adds bulk, but that's not the case. The key is to avoid ruffles that are too flared, which can overemphasize your butt instead of accentuating the curves in that area. Wear it with or without sleeves, depending on the season and your feelings about your arms. Either way, when the cinching happens in that perfect spot just below the waistline, it can really flatter your silhouette.

2. Colorblock Dress

Donna Morgan at Zappos, $96

It's not difficult to rattle off a whole list of Old Hollywood actresses whose hourglass silhouettes we'd love to have--but it's time to stop envying and start living it. I've always loved a colorblock dress. When you want to get dolled up, side panels emphasize the lines of an hourglass silhouette and flatter your figure.

3. Pinstripe Pants

Slim Cropped at Gap, $55

Looking for the perfect work slacks? That would be a pair with thin, vertical stripes, which  will do wonders for your body. The up-and-down stripes draw the eye from the waist and make your legs look long and lean. Just make sure they're properly cut on the rear end as a too-tight pinstripe can widen the butt.

4. Belted Trench

Loft, $128

 

There's a reason this topper has endured over the years--we attribute it to a combination of flattery, functionality, and necessary wardrobe basics. Although some women are hesitant to belt anything for the fear of drawing the wrong attention to their midsection, the controlled volume above and below the belt on a trench actually helps to define your figure.

5. Structured Sheath Dress 

Le Suit at Macy's, $69

Got curves? Excellent. This one's for you. Unlike a shift, which hangs loosely off the body, a sheath dress fits closely and hugs your natural curves. I recommend one in a thicker fabric, like a cotton twill, because the drape is more flattering and it doesn't cling to lumps and bumps the way some flimsier fabrics might.

6. Wrap Dress

Maggy London at Nordstrom, $98

 

A wrap dress is my all-time favorite look. The universally flattering, tie-it-on-and-you're-done style is my go-to as well. It never goes out of fashion, because it highlights a woman's natural curves and works with any body size. Just throw on a pair of pumps or boots for fall and you've got it covered.

7. Cinched-waist blazer

Mango, $130

 

Though slouchy cardigans are great for weekends, more polished structured blazers are the best way to pull your entire outfit together this fall. Thanks to a wide variety of options, you can choose an incredibly nipped waist or one with a subtle cinch, depending on what you wish to show off. If you're self-conscious about your belly, wear a looser-fitting blouse in a fun pattern underneath. It won't cling to your curves too much, and the pattern will mask any insecurities.

8. Pencil Skirt

Target, $27.99

Whether at the office or in the evening, this style's become ever-popular in our Mad Men age. Create your own Christina Hendricks-esque silhouette with the curve-flattering bottom, which, by emphasizing your hips, makes your waist appear smaller in comparison. Pair with a body hugging sweater or fitted blouse for an ultra-feminine look.

9. Ruffle-neck blouse

Oasis, $62
 

The best way to take the focus off of something you don't like is to call attention to an area you do. And thus goes the logic of a frilly top. It balances the silhouette by adding volume at the neckline and distracting the eye from the tummy. If you're busty, wear a shaping tank underneath for extra slimming powers.

10. High-waisted pants

Asos, $51

 

Forget sky-high stilettos. A pair of high-waisted pants with a flared leg flatters a woman's length, even when she doesn't have much of it. Whereas many pants sit at your hips, the widest point of your midsection, a high-waisted pair puts the focus on its narrowest area, right below your ribcage. If you're self-conscious about your stomach, a belly-taming foundation matters.

 

14 Of-the-Moment-Yet-Totally-Affordable Coats

Fall's crop of toppers aren't just your basic jackets--they represent big trends like military styling, ladylike looks, and it-color of the season, wine. Consider your hunt over.

Never downgrade a fancy dress with a bulky down coat again thanks to this elegant boucle and faux-fur coat. Jackie Oh So Lovely Fur Trimmed Blue Coat, $128.

Lulu's

Thanks to special insulation technology, this water-resistant jacket provides lots of warmth with no bulk--and its waist-defining tie provides bonus shaping. Quilted Insulator Coat, $119

Lands' End

The edginess of this military-style coat is balanced out by its soft curved hem and vivid deep blue color. Guess Double-Breasted Military Coat, $198.

Nordstrom

Great bold color!

Warm? Check. Cozy? Check. Stylish? Check. That's what you get when you combine a faux-fur-trimmed hood, leather panels, and split-back drawstring bottom. River Island Full Fur Collar Parka, $168

Asos

Check out the stand-up collar on this wine-colored coat--it's just begging for a great printed scarf. Wool Blend Twill Coat, $178

Loft

B-e-a-u-tiful color!!!

Wear this classic super-soft coat over all of your dresses, and say sayonara to awkwardly mismatched hem lengths. Anne Klein Coat, Wool-Cashmere Blend Walker, $179

Macy's

Must see in person!!!!

Not a natural hourglass? Fake it with a chic peacoat--the secret's in the back tab belt. VS Peacoat comes in 9 colors, $99

 Victoria's Secret

Too many amazing colors to choose from

Quilted, navy, and hitting right at the hip bone, the barn jacket is a must-have for weekend farmers market trips, apple picking, and other fun fall activities. Quilted Barn Jacket, $55

Old Navy

On point with fall's pastel trend, this pretty pink topper is a feminine upgrade to your basic peacoat. Short Woolen Overcoat, $139

Zara

Gorgeous!

The message behind this military coat is "I'm all business." That applies to you, right? Double Breasted Cotton Coat, $170

Mango

Pretty amazing

On those inevitable cold and dreary days, perk up and warm up with this magenta goose down jacket. Kara Down Jacket, $149

Eddie Bauer

I swear by this coat for cold days!!!

With zipper detailing, shiny pockets, and shaping side pockets, this is no ordinary peacoat. DKNY Double Breasted Long Peacoat, $150

Century 21

My personal favorite

Every woman should own a functional toggle coat. Make yours stand out by choosing one in unexpected orange. Sebby Hooded Fleece Jacket, $100

Kohl's

Yes, this oversized coat is a little out there, but with its of-the-moment texture and color, it's just what you need to make a serious statement. Slouchy Mohair Boyfriend Coat, $178

Topshop