Gift Guide: The Cool Girl

She's your cool co-worker/cousin/best friend and you're always asking her "where did you get that?!" Get it for her this year.

The pop of color in this faux leather backpack will give her winter coat an instant makeover.

This cuff manages to be both classic and a little badass at the same time.

She probably already has a closet full of chic sneakers but these python print slip-ons via Madewell are sure to be her new favorite.

These cat eye metal tipped sunglasses will have the it-girl in her squealing with delight!

This oversized plaid scarf from ASOS will quite literally go with everything in her closet.

The classic fisherman sweater gets a modern update with directional cables and an asymmetrical hem.

xo

And the countdown begins ..

Something struck me as I was walking past the Macy's at Herald Square today .. CHRISTMAS IS NEXT MONTH! The signs are kind of hard to miss .. the weather's cooling down, stores are starting to play holiday music (!) and I've heard Santa is starting to show his face at some of the local malls. Maybe a little early, but exciting nonetheless. People might think I'm crazy, but I love to Christmas shop year-round. My theory is, the longer you wait, the more you panic and start shelling out cash like there's no tomorrow. And I also prefer to truly enjoy the weeks leading up to the holidays. While people are out scrambling for gifts at an already crowded mall, I'm usually happily (and elaborately!) wrapping thoughtful presents. I think my friends and family deserve fabulous things, and with a little effort and planning, I give them just that!

This is the first of a few gift guides for the holiday season. First up, my picks for Mom.

If your mom doesn't already have a pair of cashmere gloves, get her a pair!  In bright fuchsia, these will make her smile on even the most bitter winter day.

LOVE this take on a Mongolian fur gilet. It's more glamorous than a down puffer vest and just as warm.

This tote with clean lines and texture mixing is a weekend must for mom. And at this great price, you could even use it for a gift bag.

For all the trips to come, a chic passport cover is a must.

This linen robe will make every day feel like a spa day.

xo

The (almost) Big Chill

I am so excited to finally be talking about winter accessories. It is slowly but surely cooling down here in New York, so that means bundling up with some fabulous new cold weather must-haves. Again, plaids are everything this season. And if you're not comfortable going all-out in a plaid shirt or dress, a scarf is the way to do it. Oversized proportions and classic tartans are everywhere and at every price point. While I almost always prefer a natural fiber (wool, cashmere or cotton), the acrylic scarves I've been seeing this season have been blowing me away. They're soft, drapey, and CHEAP so you can stock up and not feel guilty if you leave one in a cab!

xo

Currently Coveting ..

Today I just wanted to share with you a few finds I've been coveting for the last couple of weeks. As these are all pretty basic items that I can get a lot of mileage out of during an East coast fall/winter, I can rationalize paying full price for some of them. Right? First up, this fabulous wool-blend leopard print coat from & Other Stories. Haven't heard of them yet? That's because they just hit the states! Another brainchild of the geniuses at H&M, & Other Stories channels H&M's more sophisticated, approaching-investment-clothing-level shopper. You're not going to find any $9.95 sweaters here, but most items are under $100 high-quality, high-fashion shapes and fabrications.

Their shoes are also to-die-for. Classic shapes with a twist, I'm all for their ankle boots in embossed leather. Don't forget to check out their accessories and jewelry, too!

As you may know, I've been on the hunt for the perfect wool fedora/panama hat hybrid since August. I thought I'd be able to find a better deal than the hats over at the Madewell x Biltmore collaboration, but I really haven't! The lower price points look inexpensive and as something you could potentially wear every day, a hat should be somewhat of an investment. This navy hat is big but not too big and the navy color is just perfect. I'll take a size small, please!

Speaking of navy, this sea-hued vegan messenger bag from Zara could by the winner in my fall bag search! Croc-embossed with zipper detailing and just enough room for a MetroCard, IPhone and my favorite Nars lipsticks, this bag would add just enough polish to my cold weather looks.

And finally, I've been wanting to jump on the overalls train for the last few months, but haven't found the perfect pair (especially hard since I don't want to pay $250!). H&M has once again pulled through with a wallet-friendly but still fashion-forward pair in black skinny denim. I have about 6 pairs of black denim/coated black denim, so this would definitely be the perfect addition to my collection. I would throw a comfy sweater under this pair and wear everything else in this post for a seriously killer fall look.

xo

Sale Alert!

For the next 3 days, Neiman Marcus Last Call  is offering an additional 40% off of any single item on their site. They are yet another one of the online discount department stores that have improved their offerings dramatically over the last few years. AND they're opening a new location in my neighborhood next month (in addition to the TJ Maxx and Nordstrom Rack!!), so Brooklyn girls stay tuned for a locals-only discount. While Vince, Joie and James Perse are some of my favorite brands to score major deals on, don't forget to check out their handbag selection. It is not unusual to get over 70% off of retail (especially during these additional 40% off sales!) on brands like Botkier, Ash, and Furla. Not to mention the shoes ...

Fabulous and Vegan

I've been looking for a new fall/winter handbag for the last few months and have inevitably come up empty. And a big reason for that is price. On-trend quality handbags can be expensive (even for a discount shopper like me!) so sometimes the wallet-friendly (and ethical) way to go is vegan. Luckily, Zara has been putting out really beautiful, well-made vegan handbags for a long time. And this season, I can't seem to pick my favorite! Bucket or structured? Studded or classic? Which one is your favorite?

Fall Wardrobe Essentials; Day 10

Whew! It only took over a month, but we're finally at the last day of our fall wardrobe essentials! Today is all about the anchor of all of the looks we've been talking about, and probably the biggest denim trend over the last year, relaxed denim.

From mom jeans to boyfriend jeans to high waists and dropped crotches, "relaxed jeans" run the gamut. If you're new to this trend, I suggest keeping the wash clean and on the dark side and adding a heel to balance out the extra volume. For those of you who've been on this trend for the last few years, have fun with destruction, exaggerated proportions and color.

xo

Sale Alert!

One of my very favorite boutiques, Calypso St. Barth, is having an additional 25% off of their sale over the next few days. While there are a TON of gorgeous buy-now, wear-later summer dresses and blouses, there are a few pieces that I want to wear this-very-second!

Get them while you can!

xo

Fall Wardrobe Essentials; Day 9

If there's one bag that's been talked about the most this season (thanks to Mansur Gavriel and YSL), it's the bucket bag. 70s icon and it-girl accessory du jour, the bucket bag is the epitome of casual cool. Black and heavily studded, it works downtown for drinks. In soft caramel leather, it channels a more collegiate vibe. Preppy or edgy, there's a version out there for everyone. This is not a new silhouette. There are a lot of versions out there at a lot of different price points. Thrifting for this bag could be the best deal out there.

xo

Fall Wardrobe Essentials; Day 8

Basics are tough. To me they're like a great pair of jeans- you really have to try a lot of brands and decide what works best for you and your lifestyle. Do you wear a suit to work? A formfitting, luxe tee in a rayon blend is probably your best bet. No rules? Creative types have more freedom here and can play around with shape, texture and pattern. At the end of the day, you have to be mindful about what you're wearing your basic tee with and what purpose it will serve. Below is a round-up of both layering pieces and tees that stand on their own.

xo

Sale Alert!

Run, don't walk over to H&M to check out their early fall clearance. Things I've been coveting for the last few months can now be found at 50% off or more! Check out my picks (and purchases) below.

Fall Wardrobe Essentials; Day 7

For today's post I'm looking to one retailer who does statement necklaces better than anyone else (and does it affordably!) J. Crew. Pretty colors and sparkly rhinestones balanced by chunky hardware keeps them from looking too pretty. Give it a street-style spin and wear one over a buttoned-to-the-top blouse in white, denim, or even plaid. I've also included some lovelies from Zara and Loft.

xo

Daily Deal

Before I'm off for one last beach weekend, I wanted to share these 2 great (and way marked down!) coats. First up from McGinn is a feminine take on a military inspired coat. Great detailing, a flared fit, and what might be the perfect shade of green make this one a must have! All that and it's only $100!

This wool-blend moto coat from Sam Edelman with faux leather and shearling trim has such a high-end look to it. If I didn't know any better I might think it's Helmut Lang or A.L.C. This is definitely one for the downtown girl!

xo

Mad for Plaid

Adding my own "fall wardrobe essential" today- the plaid shirt! Oversized, tailored, tunic length or sleeveless- I can't get seem to get enough plaid shirts season. I just couldn't keep these Velvet Heart via TJMaxx goodies to myself! In soft tencel and rayon, they all originally retailed for $100. On TJMaxx they're all under $30. It's going to be really hard not to buy them all...

Fall Wardrobe Essentials; Day 6

The shirt dress is the epitome of versatile. Wear it in warmer temps with bare legs and later with tights, add a belt, or even wear it open as a jacket. The latter definitely works best in plaid and stripe patterns. Appropriately, the fashion world continues to have an obsession with 90s grunge and I couldn't be happier. Something about this time of year brings memories of back-to-school shopping and makes me mad for plaid, flannel, and boyfriend jeans (hello Wayne's World!). These dresses totally fit the bill.

xo

Fall Wardrobe Essentials; Day 5

Nothing says fall like a good ol' crunching-leaves-through-the-park cozy sweater. I can just picture all of the outfits I'll make in the upcoming months; an oversized sweater with leather leggings, a cropped sweater with a floaty skirt, a cable knit sweater with destroyed boyfriend jeans .. And any of these outfits paired with boots from yesterday's post is basically the perfect fall look. In sweaters I always gravitate towards novelty stitches, an interesting shape (asymmetric hem, high-low hem, oversized, etc) and a marled texture. I think all of these things add up to an expensive looking sweater. Which, of course, you didn't pay full price for.

xo

Fall Wardrobe Essentials; Day 4

The ankle boot is probably the most versatile of shoes. They pair equally well with a rolled skinny jean or a flirty dress. They can even help transition summer pieces into early fall. Shorts or a summery maxi dress suddenly seem September-worthy with the right ankle boot. The ankle boot is also universally flattering. The ankle shaft height is key; it doesn't visually cut off the leg. In a caramel shade ankle boots can even be leg-lengthening!

From moto to chelsea, here are some of my faves!

xo

Fall Wardrobe Essentials; Day 3

A coat isn't just a coat these days. No longer purely utilitarian, a coat is now considered an outfit-maker, a topper, a finishing piece. Coats should be fun! Color, novelty fabrics, leather trim and hardware make a basic coat something personal and unique. The thought of having something special to put on during the upcoming cold days makes me insanely excited. But that's not to say I won't be whipping out my floor-length North Face puffer at the sight of the first snowflake .. 

Fall Wardrobe Essentials; Day 2

Day 2 is all about the oversized, cozy scarf. Ribbed, cabled; wool, cashmere.. it doesn't matter as long as it covers your face! A ton of this season's newest coats have open necklines, so what better to fill them up with than a big fat scarf?

Fall Wardrobe Essentials; Day 1

Every season, Shopbop puts together a list of "essentials" for the upcoming season. But as their list tops out at well over $4,000 I thought it would be way more fun to do a daily round-up of each essential item at deep discounts. Let's try to get every item on the list for under $1,000! 

First up- the moto jacket. A wardrobe staple in the cool months, leather jackets add a luxe-tough element to your look. Go tough girl head-to-toe with black jeans or wear it with a flippy, feminine dress. Either way you're sure to be mistaken for an ingenue. 

Vegan, leather, suede and even novelty fabrics (seen here), there's a version of this fashion editor favorite for every wallet.