"For the first time in a long time, you need a blanket on your bed."

New York is rainy, windy and hovering around the slightly uncomfortable temperature of 60.

I'm sitting at my desk, watching the rain dart past my window and listening to the occasional cab tear through puddles in the street.

I'm drinking some hazelnut Dunks and wearing sweatpants.

... this is fabulous.

As much as I adore summer's breezy linen, days spent sailing, sand getting everywhere, Coronas and margs and everything becoming 50% more casual... I cherish the arrival of autumn. The structure of trousers and the return of schedules and the fun in adding outerwear to clothing combinations are all things I look forward to when the temperatures begin to drop. Also on this list are pumpkin bread, wool, loafers and diving into a warm bed piled with down pillows and comforters.

I refuse to begin buying autumn clothes in July, when they're typically debuted, because I'm not the world's biggest delayed gratification fan, and I'm also still busy enjoying my summer. But after Labor Day, I'm all about embracing transitional items and giving my look slight tweaks.

Here are some things I'm loving right now...


Tan trench
I got mine from Gap, and for the price ($88) it's a great buy. I ordered online so it was a bit wrinkled when it arrived, but it's a great classic trench for a good price. The material keeps you dry, the buttons are a nice dark brown, the length and shape are good, and it has some thoughtful details, like a button closure for the belt in back, so it doesn't slide out of the loops or move around too much. Looks great on the way to work, and even better with jeans and flats.




Patterned scarves
I love summerweight scarves... but I usually get too warm to wear them for long. So I love to wear them through the fall with tees, cardigans, and simple cotton dresses.




Vineyard Vines Tisbury Tote
I hemmed and hawed over this one. As a Connecticut girl I've been buying Vineyard Vines since they started up around 10 years ago, but my style has been evolving; so I wondered if it was a bit too preppy. Irregardless, this tote is great. It's on the big size for a tote, but when you bring lunch and gym clothes and sneakers with you to work, it's a perfect size. It's comfortable, and looks great with the trench. But come November, this will be retired until March or April.




Extra-long Pearls
Another purchase I debated over. I didn't want to look like a Gossip Girl extra or Material Girl, but I love long necklaces and statement jewelry. I figured out a few creative ways to wear them, and came across a superlong strand on sale for $13 at the Macy's in Herald Square. No-brainer. The look I get most compliments on is wrapping the necklace around my neck and through itself (like knotting a scarf).


Benetint
I'm gradually getting away from bronzer, which can look unnatural after September, and getting back to my Benetint. This stuff looks so natural on almost everyone, and you can use as much or as little as you need. It's pricey at around $30, but it lasts a long time.




Twill trousers
They're as comfortable as jeans, washable, and professional. My favorite is my gray pair.




Lipstick, Clinique's "A Different Grape"
I've been a lip gloss girl for as long as I can remember, and used to only dabble in lipstick for special events. But I got this color with a free gift months ago, and opened it up recently when I was feeling black. On me, it was a beautiful rich purply-pink, and was a great pop of color on my face. I'm hooked!

And some current wish-list items...


Italian driving mocs
I saw these all over Italy, mostly with metal details and nubby black rubber grips on the soles. They look a bit androgynous, casual and chic, which I love. Mostly they would go great with jeans, but I did see some women pulling these off with skirts. I haven't purchased yet because I simply cannot decide on a color.



Boyfriend cardigan
I thought these looked sloppy when they first came out a few years ago, but now I've seen some in slimmer fits and shorter sleeves. Plus, a belt works wonders. I'd like to get one to wear with a tee and full skirt at work.




T-strap flats
I have a handful of pairs of flats, but I would like some T-strap ones, perhaps in gray. Initially they look like plain old ballet flats, but get a peek at the top and there is an added element of style.




Hunter Wellies
I adore Hunter boots, especially the black ones Kate Moss wore all over England. I think they look so autumn and classic and British... but they're a bit too expensive for me until I can figure out how often I'll wear them. They're great for rainy commutes, but then I have to deal with bringing different shoes to work and either tucking trousers and wrinkling them, or wearing big rubber boots with a sleek wrap dress. And on weekends, I generally love my loafers and heels. I'm on the fence.

What will you be buying this fall?
- H

Should I buy?

Navajo sandals?

As my Italian holiday is drawing more near, I am taking stock of my wardrobe and also being tempted by post-July 4th sales. Thirdly, I am also trying to conserve cash so I have plenty of it to dispose of while on vacation.

However... these adorable sandals, which were a fave of Jackie O, are something I've considered for a while. They are chic, seem comfortable... and are also a bit pricey at around $95 for a pair. I have been eyeing metallic ones on the interwebs for a week or two now, and am completely on the fence.

The prep inside me says, "Buy them! These will be your answer to the ubiquitous flip flops and gladiator sandals in America and beyond! They will last for years, and are a classic!"

The frugal chick inside me says, "You have brown VV flops, white Born flops, red kitten-heel sandals, wedges and strappy heeled sandals. You have enough shoes. They are too expensive right now, when you will only get another 2 months out of them, max."

What do you think, girls?

• First off, do you go with Jack Rogers or Bonannos?
• Are they all they're cracked up to be?
• Will they allow me to spend hours sight-seeing in relative comfort?
• Do they dress up AND down?
• How long has your pair lasted?
  

Thanks for the help!
Hayley

"Um, they're... bright."

One pleasure of mine that my mother has never understood is brightly colored and/or patterned shoes. True, she was an adult from the '70s through the '90s, when shoes were practical, neutral, and matched most things in your closet, and you had about 3 pairs. Same goes for purses. Those were also decades of practical, matchy-matchy fashion in which no one mixed patterns, everyone's belt matched their shoes, and hardware always matched the jewelry.

Terrible, I know.

Perhaps it was the wild shoe-fetish fantasyland of "Sex & the City," or maybe it's the easier access to runway shows and designer fashion because of the internet... but either way, it's safe to say that many of the fashion rules of yesteryear no longer apply. And thank heavens, because a bright bag, punchy heels or big colorful statement necklace dress up an outfit with very little effort. As long as you don't combine all three!

So I am home in Westport this weekend to visit the family, and I came home from shopping with many items my mother loved, but when I pulled out my on-sale, apricot-yellow round-toe flats, and told her how fun and springy I thought they were, I got "Um, they're... bright. What on earth are you gonna wear that matches that??"

So even though I've tried to take dear Mummy on shopping trips and convinced her to just try a multicolored shoe, a polka-dot pump, or a bright red sandal, she's always going to go with her stand-by shoe colors of black, brown, tan and gray. But that doesn't mean there's no hope for the rest of us! Spring is a great time to tell everyone, "Screw this wind and rain business. Spring is here. I can prove it! I'm wearing yellow shoes!"

Here are some of my favorite yellow shoes on the interwebs, all at semi-affordable prices:

Sperry, $74.85



rsvp, $99


Ralph Lauren, $108.95


Pierre Dumas, $49


Mystique, $139


BCBG, $110


Anne Klein, $78.95

The Best of Knee-High Boots

As you've surely noticed by now, we are at the beginning of the best sale time of the year: post-Christmas January sales. Every year, promptly on December 26th (or even late-night on Christmas), stores have huge markdowns on the majority of their merchandise. The beauty of this sale is the timing: we have gifts in the wrong size to exchange, gift cards burning a hole in our clutches, and a month of "do unto others" that has made us crazy to buy for ourselves. But best of all, these stores are clearing their shelves of products that will continue to serve us for a solid three more months. Maybe four, if you live further north than Massachussetts.

One sale I indulged today was at DSW Shoe Warehouse, and after going in for a pair of knee-high boots, and practicing restraint the greatness of which I haven't since my hot ex called me for a "let's catch up" drink, I walked out with a great pair of Frye knee-high, chestnut side-buckle boots with a 2" heel, as well as a pair of sweet, gray suede round-toe pumps with a heel stripe detail, all for $178.

The store had a huge selection of excellent shoes, so if you live near one, I recommend you go. Mostly I lusted over the dozens of knee-high boots I tried. They keep your shins and calves warm, they keep your tootsies dry, they add sexiness to skirts and dresses, and instantly dress up jeans and leggings. Were I a kept woman, I would have walked out with 10 pairs, easily. But for now, here are my favorite knee-high boots, on sale, and perhaps there is room in your closet for a pair or two. But there ain't no room in mine.

Apres-Ski Special

Baker's, Sedona, $69.99

Streamlined and Sophisticated

Baker's, Olivia, $69.99

Versatile and Cool
Nine West, Miley, $119.99




For the Office

JCrew, Long Rivington Leather Boot, $109.99

Extra-High, Extra-Warm

JCrew, Long Glen Brae Suede Boot, $149.99



The equestrienne

JCrew, Barkin Boot, $149.99




Best for Pants (Tucked in)

Nine West, Arti, $69.99




For nights out in the city, to wear with a miniskirt

Baker's, Alexa, $99.95

Chic and Actually Cheap: L.L. Bean

Leather Driving Loafers in Dark Tan, $49.95
Great for running around shopping, or when your feet hurt too much to rock heels at work. So comfy!

Quilted Riding Jacket in British Khaki, $49.95
Classic with jeans, loafers and a sweater. Even better: skinny jeans, tall leather boots and a long scarf.

Ribbon Belt in Raspberry, $8.95
At that price, grab Navy too. Versatile colors for any season, when you absolutely must wear a D-ring grosgrain ribbon belt.

Double L Cable Cardigan in Lake, $29.95
Make it more than a basic cardigan with a ruffled cami, or full tweed skirt, or leave it open and belted over the cardigan with a bright blouse underneath.

If you like low, chunky heels...

...try a kitten heel. Without the square toe.

That 1" heel might make you feel like your posture is better, but the fact is they're not even that comfortable, and will put a good 20 years on you.

I completely understand the desire for mobility, especially if you walk to and from work. But your heels don't need to be four-inchers to sophisticate your look. I stay away from flats at work because I feel zero confidence or authority in flats. But even a small kitten heel looks dainty and pretty, and makes your feel look much more ladylike than the rowboats you were clunking around in.

Hot New Heels from Steve Madden

Be sure to check out stevemadden.com for shoes for that upcoming wedding, cocktail party or big date. They'll make you look like sex on a stick.


In a classy way, of course.


Also, enter coupon code SAVE20* at checkout to save 20% before 9/25!

Lullaby, $89.95


Ozzy, $139.95


Vivvaa, $99.95


Sonik, $47.95



Demy, $149.95


Ensue, $229.95


Finch, $79.99


Leilana, $49.99


Lolipop, $109.95

* Coupon Code courtesy of http://www.collegefashion.net/