If your fall look is a little under the weather, check out my remedy for an effortless and chic way to survive the season without having to shop for a whole new look. Simply buy an item from the following six categories and you’ll be ready to face the fall in style. And the best part is, you don’t need to blow your budget; most pieces are under a $100.

1. Special Black Sweater
A noir knit number will be one of your best layering pieces for fall that instantly boosts your outfit’s excitement level. Instead of going for the basic black, take a risk and opt for a pull over sweater or cardigan with special details like bows, statement sleeves or sweet rockstar influenced studs.

2. The All Occasion Platform
It’s the all occasion shoe that works for just that…all occasions. Whether you’re wearing office trousers or a sexy mini for a cocktail party, the platform is going to be your killer shoe for the season. If you’re a true busy bee, put extra shoe padding in them for added comfort and longer wear time.

3. The New Pant: Leggings
I never thought I would say this, but I love leggings – the new and improved legging, that is. They are like ultra comfy fitted pants with edgy details like zippers and stirrups. The key to looking slim in leggings is to wear them with a stacked or platform heel, and a top or blazer long enough to cover the fullest part of your thigh and bum.

4. A Wool Skirt
Don’t be confined to wearing pants all season. You can also take the chill off by sporting a wondrous wool skirt. Whatever flatters your body type the best: a pencil, mini, or A-line are all equally fabulous, just as long as your tush feels toasty.

5. Something Shiny
Mix a conversation metallic piece into your survival kit and sparkle your way through a fall fix. Gold is the new neutral, easily paired with all of your warm hues like chocolate brown, mustard yellow, heather grey, and winter white.

6. A Pop Colored Coat
You will steal the spotlight in a bright pop colored coat. Instead of limiting your options to black or brown, be bold in a strawberry red, cobalt blue, or even citrus yellow. Colored coats have no boundaries in your survival kit, as long as the fabric is suitable to brave the windy days and brisk nights.

Let’s cut to the chase. In a short 5 days you will be back home and surrounded by every category of person to ever cross your path. Ever. In your life.

The people you never really talked to, but now feel obligated to acknowledge and chat with. The people you didn’t like then and surley don’t like now. The girls who were bitches to you (and now, because of your cool job, want to kiss your ass). The guys who never gave you the time of day. Your old high school crush. New cute boys you never knew existed (or were too old for you when the age difference was 13-18 but now it’s totes okay to make out with someone 5 years older). The list goes on…

Oh yeah, and you’re gonna run into all of them in. one. place.

Yes, I’m talking about Thanksgiving Eve, AKA the biggest bar night of the year. And, yeah, vodka helps. But you know what else helps to make this awkward/but still fun night so kick ass? Knowing you look DAMN good.

Depending on where you’re from and where your pre-Thanksgiving party scene is, there might be a different dress code. So, I kept one thing in mind (looking hot) and created three insanely awesome outfits that will surely leave you looking sexy and feeling confident. So go ahead and bat your eyelashes at the cute guy across the room (who you are pretty certain was in your geometry class in 10th grade – wow he got GOOD LOOKING), and give a big “EFF YOU, biatch” to that girl who made fun of you in gym class. Because, girl, you’re gonna look HOT.

Yeah that’s right. Look at you now. Shasay across that bar, sister.

The Skirt:
Show off that bod in a form fitting skirt (that looks like our designer friend, Herve Leger but without that obscene price tag).  Tuck in the sparkle tank, add some opaque tights and heels (and a push up bra) and those bitches from high school won’t be able to keep their eyes off of you.

Skirt: Lulus, $29
Top: Lulus, $38
Shoes: Forever 21, $19.80
Tights: Hue, $10
Purse: Urban Outfitters, $34
Ring set: Forever 21, $3.80

The Jeans
More casual with a low cut front and, even better in my opinion, a low cut back. Throw on a bold necklace and call it a day.

Skinny Jeans: Forever 21, $27.80
Black Top: Urban Outfitters, $38.00
Patentt Pumps: Forever 21, $24.80
Sparkle Bag: Forever 21, $13.80
Necklace: Forever 21, $14.80

The Leather Leggings
Not just for the bold (and genetically blessed). Throw on the long tunic and anyone can rock this look with confidence.

Tunic: Bloomingdales, $58.00
Liquid Leggings: Bloomingdales, $58.00
Booties: Jessica Simpson, $69.95
Clutch: Target, $16.99
Bangles: Forever 21, $5.80

Lace is easily one of the most popular fabrics this season. No longer just for your undies (though there are many, many pretty lace-y underthings available), Lady Gaga’s VMA outfits, or your Grandma’s doilies, lace has found it’s way onto every type of clothing and accessory imaginable this season.

Whether you wear lace tights or a lace trimmed top, there is a way to add a little lace to your everyday look.  In stores, lace is appearing in unexpected places adding an unexpected touch of sex appeal to your basic t-shirts, tanks and jewelry (!).  But lace is doing more than turning up the sexy;  lace patterns found on fabrics this season add texture and visual interest. And simply adding lace – at the neckline, for example – adds a touch of playfulness, covering you up but still letting a little skin peek through.

No matter how you want to wear lace this season, there is the perfect piece (or many, many pieces) out there for you. I’m lace-obsessed and here are a few of my favorite things. [Click on each photo for shopping info.]

[America has more name brands than Law and Order reruns and while you may want to go unload your entire check at GAP or Abercrombie, you don’t want to buy something that you thought was cute and unique and later have buyer’s remorse when you see something identical for less.

I’m not encouraging you to start buying knock off Jimmy Choos from Payless and wanna-be BCBG dresses at Walmart (although, just throwing it out there, you may find some very GOOD knock offs). All I’m saying is you should know that EVERY store is competing with another store and when you shop competitively, you save money. Money that you can use to stimulate the economy…or your wardrobe.

So I thought I’d help you sift through the proverbial mall and figure out which stores are best for your budget. Each week I’ll be comparing apples to apples (or undies to undies) to give you the real deal and arm you with the knowledge you need to make the wisest wardrobe choices. Ready. Set. SHOP.]

New York & Co. and Express both sell clothes that most would consider “Business Casual/Professional Wear” and “Evening Wear.” And while you may not by your ridiculously sexy homecoming dress there, if you want to look sophisticated, sexy and like a grown up, these two stores are contending for your money.  Going to an interview? Don’t know what to wear to your job’s “Grab Bag/Potluck” Soirée? Still haven’t quite decided what you’re packing for thanksgiving dinner? Read on and win.

First up, Express.

Express
* Colorful, bright and super emaculate, Express gives you a chance to be sexy while still maintaining your adulthood. In 1980, the parent company of “The Limited” created Express to call out to a younger crowd. Then, in 2003, they created Express Men (a great place to find guy-gifts) and finally, in 2007, they became their own brand, after being sold by “The Limited”.

* The store was first launched in Chicago and has since grown to be a favorite amongst young women everywhere, with more than 550 stores across the country. Selling everything from sweaters, to handbags, to denim, this store has everything and is what they call the “must-have sexy, sophisticated fashion brand for work, the weekend, or going out.”

Let’s look at the numbers:
Dresses: $38.00 – $128.00
Lip Gloss: $7.00 (or 2 for $12)
Going Out Tops: $29.50 – $49.50
Everyday Tops: $29.50 (BOGO on some)
Cardigans: $39.00-$69.50
Sweaters: $29.50-$69.50
Denim: $29.00-$88.00
Pants: $41.60- $79.50
Undies/Bras: $7.50-$15.00
Other Accessories: $15.00-$40.00

Ok, so I never said they were cheap.

And now for the competition…

NEW YORK & COMPANY
* New York & Co. (which I’ll call NYC) was founded 1918 to  dress the more sophisticated young women. Selling everything from sweaters to slacks with warm colors, a modern feel, and boisterous patterns, NYC is (as they say of themselves) “rapidly becoming synonymous with modern, sexy style.” And it’s true; NYC brings looks straight off the runway and makes them available for everyday America. And since they’ve been around for more than 90 years, they have managed to become a trendsetter in women’s fashion.

* NYC is simply fashion.Walk in here and you are guaranteed to find fashions “ripped from the runway” that will not rip your wallet.

Here are the numbers:
Dresses: $13.97-$56.00
Make-Up/Fragrance: $12.50
Going Out Tops: $6.00-$45.00
Everyday Tops: $5.97-$39.95
Cardigans: $12.00- $60.00
Sweaters: $12.00- $60.00
Denim: $29.00-$69.00
Pants: $8.97-$49.95
Underwear/PJ’s: $15.00-$25.00
Other Accessories: $45 ( at the most)

And one last thing: NYC sells their clothing in Petite and Tall, which may speak to some of you who have issues when it comes to fitting those extra long (or not so much) legs.

You be the Judge
When polled, this is what you said:

78.6% of you prefer New York & Co. over Express
92.9% of you mostly buy sweaters at either New York & Co. or Express
50% of you guys said you spend $25-$75 a month in either New York & Co. or Express
50% said that you buy whatever is on sale when you shop at New York & Co. or Express (me too!)

When Asked what you hated or loved about NYC or Express this is what you said:

“I love that NYC has a wide range of sizes and that I can have a complete outfit to rock at work!”
“Love Both. I just prefer NYC for business attire.”
“Sometimes I hate NYC prices, they can be a bit steep.
“Express is a little on the pricey side for me and the sizes are a little sketchy”

In conclusion, both stores basically sell the same stuff, so if I were you, looking for holiday attire and possibly even gift buying, I would first create a budget for the outfit and then figure out which store meets the requirements. And don’t be afraid to mix and match! Both stores are offering holiday promotions and there’s nothing wrong with wearing an express camisole under a New York & Co. cardigan. Try it!

Mmm. Afterbirth...

I’m all for living an organic lifestyle. There’s simply no reason not to. But I draw the line at smearing birthing excrement on my face.

Gross, I know, but Hollywood is telling me that the new fountain of youth comes from the very beginning of youth itself.  So alert the media: the new craze for the beauty-obsessed is placenta facials.

Just to make sure we’re all clear, placenta is a temporary organ joining the mother and fetus. It transfers oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the fetus, and permits the release of carbon dioxide and waste products from the fetus. But don’t worry, the facial itself is “ordinary-smelling.” Phew, because I smelling like afterbirth and fetal waste is the real problem here.

Although it may be vile, placenta is rich in proteins and zinc, so it can’t be discredited just because it came out of someone’s birth canal.  And it’s not like weirder things haven’t happened.

I blame Victoria Beckham. She told the world she was rubbing bird poop on her face and the next thing you know people are scraping fresh droppings off their windshields and saving it for a nighttime facial treatment. I believe this was at the same time people were using bull’s semen as a leave-in conditioner. That just leaves me wondering how said semen was protracted. All kinds of nasty.

Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if there is a rash of Placenta Snatchers showing up bedside at the birth of children everywhere, led by none other than Joan Rivers. Protect your placenta, new mothers.

Oh, the things people will do for beauty.

It’s really no secret that Payless carries a bevy of cute, stylish and affordable shoes these days, especially with designers like Lela Rose, Alice + Olivia and Christian Siriano designing for them.

But did you know they also carry a slew of frugalista-friendly accessories?  No? Well now you do, and with their current BOGO (buy one, get the 2nd one 1/2 off) sale you can’t go wrong. Shoes, bags and accessories all under $20? Payless, you are my new BFF.

With the holidays (and many a party) fast approaching, a cute evening bag and some sassy red heels are definitely in order.

This necklace will be a great statement piece with its darling charms and lovely jewel-tone scheme. Layer it on over a simple white t-shirt for class or a sexy LBD for New Year’s eve.

Skinny belts are a must-have this season. Throw one on over a long cardigan to add some shape and a little bit of fun to your look. Getting two for under $10 is hard to beat (especially when one is an adorable zebra print).

These leopard print flats are ooh-la-la, but if you love the style but don’t want to take a walk on the wild side, they carry these in black, silver and grey as well.

Cold weather makes bundling up essential, but doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. Payless has a selection of inexpensive gloves, hats and scarves that’ll keep you cozy without looking frumpy.  Here are a few of my faves…

The fair isle print and pom-poms make this hat a winter must.

It’s time to trade in those boring black gloves for something a little more fun. I love the color scheme, stripes and buttons on these ones. And the extra long cuffs will keep your wrists warm, too.

This scarf is a great solution to keeping your neck/face warm and will also add a nice pop of color to those winter neutrals.

Ever since the beginning of Gossip Girl (pre and post threesome) and the sensational style of Blair Waldorf, hair flair has rocked the fashion world. What is hair flair, you ask? Um…only the most vital/amazing/and necessary accessory any woman can own, obvi.

Hair flair can transform an entire outfit and conceal your unwashed hair on days when you just don’t have time to shower (i.e. after a particularly long Tiki Tuesday). More importantly, unlike those expensive skinny jeans you picked up at the Nordstrom half-yearly sale, hair flair will always fit regardless of those holiday pounds, the freshmen fifteen, or the beer belly you’ve been sporting since football season (curse you keg stands and beer pong).

Well, if you want the same accessories as the Upper East Siders but don’t have the same cash monay, don’t worry.  Here is a thrifty way to get the fabulous look without paying the big bucks. And if this particular style isn’t for you, something is wrong with you we’ve got another awesome DIY hair flair project you can do instead.

What You’ll Need:

Stretchy headbands/headwraps: You probably have one of these lying around, but if not, these are super cheap and you can pick them up at drug stores like CVS, Long’s, Duane Read or at any beauty store. My favorite brand to use is Scunci No Slip-Hair Grips because they come in packs of 4, are comfortable, and easy to decorate. Use a black headwrap to keep it classy or a bolder color to add some extra pop.

Fabric: A foot or two of any type of cloth fabric in any color/design you want! Most craft stores sell fabric squares meant for quilting, which are perfect for creating your hair flair, as your fabric needs to be cut in a square shape before you begin. Bonus: Many craft stores (Michael’s or JoAnn’s) have tons of leftover fabric scraps that you can get for super cheap. Just ask one of those ladies with the scissors!

The fabric color/design you choose can make your headwrap traditional and classy (think colors like Ivory, Champagne, Black, Grey, Red, etc), or have a little more funk (think designs like zebra, polka dots, stripes, or neon!).

Beads, Rhinestones, Buttons, MORE FLAIR!: These are optional materials, but will add that extra spunk to your homemade headband.

Hot Glue Gun/Glue: Every crafter’s best friend and sometimes lover. You’ll need this for a few steps throughout the DIY process.

What You’ll Do:

1. Cut fabric into a 6×6 inch square piece. Cut another 4×4 inch square piece. (Really, you can cut these two pieces in any size square you want [depending how big and bold you want your headwrap to be]. Just make sure one piece is bigger than the other.)

2. Lay the fabric face-down (so the design/color side of your fabric isn’t showing) and grab it in the middle. Using your other hand, twist the fabric around the finger holding the center. The twisting will swirl the fabric to create a ruche-like effect. Hold finger in place, then fold and hot glue the four corners of the fabric to the center. Repeat with the smaller piece of fabric. You should now have two bubbly looking pieces of fabric!

3. Add a small button, rhinestone, or bead in the center of the fabric if you want to add some extra glitz.

4. Now, hot glue the two ruched fabric bubbles to the headwrap, side by side. Let dry. Once the pieces are glued to the headband, take some leftover fabric, cut out a small strip and glue it behind the fabric pieces (inside the headband). This will make your headwrap look more polished and be more comfortable for you to wear!

5. Wear your new hair flair! Wear like a traditional headband or pull it low across your forehead for a more bohemian look.

6. Take all compliments modestly, direct all admirers to CollegeCandy, and tell them, yes, you are a fashion visionary and trendsetter.

I think diffusion lines might be the best thing to ever happen to us college girls, after happy hour and delivery food, of course. We can only do so much drooling as we click through the Bloomingdale’s website until we need something tangible to hang in our closets. It is this online window shopping and my empty wallet that had me anxiously awaiting Jimmy Choo’s new line for H&M.

What could be better? The red carpet looks I have been ogling on my favorite celebs at a price that even I can afford. So I raced down there to see it, the entire time trying to contain the excitement that I may leave the store with a brand new outfit for Friday night’s party that will have everyone asking, “where’d you get that dress?” To which I could reply with five words I never thought I would be able to say, “Oh, it’s by Jimmy Choo.”

Apparently everyone else had this same idea because the crowd was ridiculous. I could barely make it past the doorway before hitting the traffic jam of women accosting the Jimmy Choo display. Eventually I fought my through and got my hands on the dress I’d been eying since this collection was leaked online. I was ecstatic, elated and ready to slip it right on and work the mall like a runway when I spotted the price tag. I felt my heart sink into my stomach. The dress cost over $200.  I started sifting through the rest of the collection (and fighting to keep those other crazy girls from tearing it all right out of my hands) and it was the same story.

As much as I tried to justify the items to myself, the sad truth is: the line is still way too expensive to fit comfortably in my budget between Ramen and Starbucks Lattes. So I left, a giant scrape up my arm and my head held low.

But while this line was more expensive than, say, any of the GO! International lines at Target, the pieces are beautiful and high quality, meaning they are worth the price. I couldn’t afford them, but if you can, there are definitely some pieces you should invest in. If you haven’t seen them yet (because you weren’t willing to battle the bitches for a slice of Jimmy heaven), here are a few of my favorite items from Jimmy Choo’s line for H&M.

And if you’re feeling generous, I love the shoes the best. Feel free to overnight them to me.

[Photos courtesy of FabSugar.com]

I love clothes. I have a closet full of them. And 2 dressers. And an under-bed storage thingy. Yet, when it comes to getting dressed I tend to go for the same things every time. I don’t know if it’s laziness or just a lack of creativity, but I always find myself in the same outfit: a black shirt and jeans.

It’s boring, I know, but I just never feel the desire to try a bunch of things on or mix and match what I’ve got to create a new and more exciting look. I tend to spruce my outfits up with a fun bracelet or a cute clutch; basically, the easiest things I can find.

And I’m 100% confident there is no better way to add some cool to my boring looks than with these Belted and Buckled Booties from Anne Michelle. Buckles are huge this season and I know why. Just adding them to this basic black bootie takes it from just another black shoe to a total fashion statement.

These boots scream “I’m cool and, damn, I look good!” They’ll turn up the volume on my weekend uniform and they’ve even inspired me to bust out those cute skirts and tights I’ve got crammed into my drawers somewhere. (I mean, for real, look how hot they look with lace tights!)  I can pair them with skinny jeans for Thanksgiving dinner with the family or I can toughen up that sparkly little dress I picked up for New Year’s Eve. Whatever the outfit or occasion, it is impossible to look boring or blend in with the crowd with these booties on.

Looks like I’ll have to find some room in my closet because I’m going to make these mine. Watch out, black flats; you’ve been replaced.

Lace tights can break up the monotony of a solid-colored outfit and add a feminine touch to your look. They look chic with dresses, shorts, skirts, and boots. Here are three things to keep in mind when styling lace tights:

1. Mix delicate lace tights with tougher fabrics like tweed and menswear-inspired pieces.

2. Wear skirts, dresses and shorts with shorter hems – long pieces will make an outfit too old lady-like.

3. Pair lace tights with over-the-knee boots so just a little of the pattern peeks out.

[For more fashion and beauty fabulosity, visit StyleBakery.com.]