One spring staple you might already have in your closet is the trench coat. It’s an essential in a woman’s wardrobe (and one of the 5 spring trends we HAVE to have), and if you buy the right one it will last you for a lifetime. Why does every single woman on earth absolutely need a trench?

For one reason and one reason only: a trench coat will not only get through those gross, rainy days we encounter in the spring, but it will get you through them looking chic, cute and put together.

Done and done.

This year there is an insane variety of trench coats available in every length, color, style and pattern, meaning you’ll have no problem finding one that fits into your personal wardrobe. Or one to covet for the rest of your life, like the Burberry one I included (because you can’t talk trenches without mentioning Burberry), which I would need to start a fund for now to be able to afford it by the time I’m 50. But the thing is, you really don’t need to spend $1,000 on a trench coat to get something classic and quality. In fact, I’m willing to bet most people wouldn’t even be able to pick the Burberry one out of the lineup below. [Editor's Note: I couldn't!] Read More »

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So we all know about the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. And in case you don’t know, it’s a heavenly sale that happens every July where even though it’s 90 degrees outside, you get roped in by Tory Burch boots and Vince wool cardigans, North Face jackets and Burberry trenches. With the AC blasting inside Nordy’s, it feels like a crisp Fall day only better because this time, while still not cheap, all this Fall wardrobe amazingness is on SALE.

And not just a $10 off if you spend $100 or more type sale (how ridiculous are those?!). We are talking a good sale. And if you are going to splurge on something (like said Tory Burch boots), now is the time to do it. It’s also a good time to stock up on some wardrobe staples. My favorite thing to “know” about the sale: Don’t dismiss the Junior’s department. They’ve still got really cute things at VERY affordable prices! Read More »

It might be my inner journalist talking, but I’ve always been obsessed with trench coats.

This obsession only grew when Burberry put my girl crush, Emma Watson, into their summer ad campaign – looking as lovely as always in some gorgeous trench coats.

Trench coats are classic. Buy one now and you can wear it forever; regardless of trends they will always be chic and sophisticated. There are many options this year, meaning you could splurge on a classic, neutral trench or save on a fun, bright colored coat for spring. Either way, a trench is a must-have in your wardrobe. Not only are they a nice touch over an interview outfit, but trenches are also perfect for over skirts and dresses, meaning you don’t have to freeze (or rely on male chivalry) while wearing your hot little dress.

Long or short, classic or bright, solid or funky, there is a trench coat for everyone. And if, like me, you can’t afford one of Emma’s gorge Burberry coats, there are a million other beautiful options out there that won’t break the bank.  Although, it doesn’t cost a thing to sit back in your bed and drool over the rich and Burberry-clad on the Art of the Trench. Read More »

And here I thought the discount Absolut was the best part of my Costco membership...

Chanel at Costco? STFU.

I thought the only thing of value they had there was the 40-pack of Trojans for a mere $10. Who knew that between the 80 rolls of Angel Soft toilet paper and the caskets, a myriad of designer brand names could be found at your local Costco warehouse?

New York City residents celebrated the opening of its first Costco by rushing the doors and buying out their stock of Louis Vuitton and Chanel handbags. Oh, did I forget to mention they had Burberry and Coach available for purchase as well? Shock me, shock me, shock me, Costco, with your fabulous merchandise. As if the Costco brand wasn’t designer enough already.

And it doesn’t stop there. 7 For All Mankind jeans? You got it. Michele watches?  No big deal. Paris Hilton’s latest perfume… well I’ll pass on that, but if I ever get the urge to smell like a Can Can dancer, I’ll know where to go.

Costco people are a special brand of human. We live life large. Extra large, if possible. Our carts are always filled to the brim with giant boxes of whatever we can get our hands on. And just when we thought life couldn’t get any better, Costco delivers us the crème de la crème of a shopper’s paradise.

These goodies aren’t available at all Costco’s nationwide (…yet), but I’m just happy to live in a world where it’s OK to purchase a discount case of hot dogs and a Chanel purse at the same time.

Relaxed fit pants are the must-have silhouette for spring 2009. With the correct fit, they strike the perfect balance between appearing effortlessly chic and professionally appropriate. They can be worn for a day out, a night out, or even to your summer internship.

But without the correct fit, they can also go horribly, horribly wrong.

When you try them on, make sure they are fitted in the waist and butt. They should be looser and more relaxed over your thighs, and tapered and cropped above your ankles.

Since cropped pants can make your legs seem shorter, wear heels to balance everything out if you’re on the petite side. If you’re taller, pair them with heels or wedges for a dressier look, or flat gladiator sandals for a more casual vibe. Just stay away from ballet flats.

Because you’re going loose on your bottom half, you’ll want to wear a more fitted top. A tucked in blouse works for a more professional setting. When you’re not at work, wear a slim-fitting t-shirt and belt around the pants. Click here to see an example of how to rock this trend on one of my favorite blogs, Cupcakes and Cashmere.

Here’s some more outfit inspiration: Read More »

[Normally I devote this blog to helping you take a super trendy item and make it your own. But not this week. It's holiday season, people, and it is all about the gift lists. So, instead of showing you how to add a headband to your not-so-preppy wardrobe seamlessly, I am going to show you what everyone should beg, plead and assault Santa for this holiday season.]

Most girls can claim a love for fashion, and I am one of those girls. But my love runs deep. I live and breathe the stuff. Fashion Week is the best week of my year (yes, better than Welcome Week!), the fashion magazines are my bibles and I spend my days finding new and interesting ways to incorporate runway fashions into my college wardrobe.

It is no wonder, then, that my holiday wish-list is filled with high fashion items seen only on runways…and 5th Avenue. While I probably (ok, definitely) won’t be seeing any of the following items under my Christmas Tree this year, I do want them. Really, really badly. Read More »

If there is one new trend I love, it’s the scarf. Weird that it became uber popular during the summer – as if I don’t sweat enough already in this humidity/heat combo. But, now that we are transitioning to fall I am all about the scarf.

It makes a schlumpy outfit look instantly pulled together (perfect for class) and it makes a dressy top that you would want to wear on a weekday (read: walk home from that cute boy’s place) a bit more casual (and not so obvious).

They keep you warm, spruce up an outfit and cover up hickeys (do people still even get hickeys anymore?!). Pretty much – scarves are perfection.

Jessica Alba jumped on this trend long ago and I think it’s time we all follow suit…er…scarf. I know this week I’m neglecting an entire ‘fit, but that’s the beauty of the scarf/wrap: it really goes with EVERYTHING. Read More »

Saving money is hard. You spend all your time pinching pennies and putting that money in the bank and the next thing you know you’re drunk at the bar and blowing your savings on a round of shots for everyone within a ten foot radius. Ok, maybe that’s just me, but you know what I mean. No matter how hard you try to save, there is always something to spend the money on: new clothes, a concert ticket, a hot new bag.

On one hand, you know you should hold back on all the spending because you should be saving. On the other hand, you are young, you are in school and you just want to enjoy yourself….with these on your feet.

The good news is, you can do both. Watching your budget is like watching your weight: if you deny yourself everything, eventually you are going to go crazy. For me it was a Burberry trench coat, two new pairs of jeans, and a large pizza with a side of garlic sticks (and Ranch dressing).

After denying myself any sort of shopping (or fattening treats) for months, I just couldn’t stop myself. The jacket was beautiful and the pizza was heavenly, but I definitely regretted both decisions later. Especially after receiving my bank statement in the mail. And trying to squeeze into those jeans. Read More »

Living in New York City, I’m the kind of girl who needs to carry my life around with me in one huge bag. I’m like Mary Poppins, if you need it I have it!

So if there’s one thing I know it’s come Fall weather, it’s super important to be prepared. This means a good (preferably long) sweater, a cute hat, an umbrella…and a pair of galoshes!

If you make like a Boy Scout you’ll never find yourself to be uncomfortable. Taking off layers is way better than shivering on the street corner, cursing your wet feet.

But here’s a question: why are people still buying designer rainboots? They are a huge waste of money, no matter how important you think being trendy is. It’s much easier (and easier on your wallet) to go to the shoe store–Payless works–and pick up a pair for $20.

A smarter fall splurge? A raincoat!

Picking the perfect jacket for the fall is way more important than picking out what goes on your feet…a coat is practically your outfit when the weather turns gray.

Why not buy something to last? Check out Burberry or Gucci or you just have to go the designer route, if not there are other more…eccentric jackets that will make you stand out from the masses this fall. Read More »

When I heard that Carrie Bradshaw, excuse me, Sara Jessica Parker was launching a clothing line named “Bitten” with mall-based Steve & Barry’s, I clapped my hands in glee. I imagined the cutting edge outfits and fabulous accessories I still idolize whenever I plop down for SATC marathon—sort of like Forever 21 to the next level. But I won’t be switching loyalties anytime soon, Bitten pales in compassion.

The spread in this month’s Glamour looked so promising too, all the outfits looked more or less lovely, if a little uninspired—until I read the captions. The dress that caught my eye in one shot was actually by Burberry, the striking top in another was by Oscar de la Renta, the fabulous jacket by Chanel… Only the most basic and quite frankly boring pieces where actually from the new line. Read More »