One of my favorite Spring 2010 fashion shows this year was D&G with their western wear inspired collection.  Being from Calgary, Alberta, home to the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” I see a lot of western wear during the 10 days of the Calgary Stampede.  And most of it is tacky, ugly and ill fitting. D&G, on the contrary, incorporated chambray, ruffles, fringe, florals and much, much more, making me a western wear believer.

I even kinda, sorta wanna hop on a horse right now….

The thing everyone needs to know about goin’ western is that it’s not as scary or costumey as you think. You can do it up (like those gorgeous women in the above D&G ad) and go all out, or you can pair one western-inspired piece with more classic pieces to embrace the style without looking country.  For example, cowgirl up in a denim dress with cowboy boots and a brown leather belt, or hit city streets paired with sandals and a cute cardigan.  These pieces are super cute while being versatile! What more could you ask for?

Well, besides for a smokin’ hot cowboy on your arm. Yeehaw!

(Left to right: 3.1 Philip Lim, D&G, Versace, Diane Von Furstenberg)

[Do you ever feel like you can’t pull something off? Have trendy pieces in your closet that you would never have the courage to actually wear out? Well take those pieces out, shake off the dust, and continue reading!

In this series, I will choose a different piece that can be difficult to incorporate into an outfit and give you ideas on how to wear it. If there’s anything you would like to read about in the future, please leave a comment!]

Warm, comfy, and flattering, a sweaterdress should be in every college girl’s wardrobe this winter. They’re possibly the easiest item to wear, but also one of the most fun to accessorize. Read on to find one that fits your budget and ideas on what to pair it with.

When you’re looking for something cheap, Forever 21 is usually the best place to start. Layering long necklaces over a basic sweaterdress is a good way to make it interesting. Throw on an over-sized bag and a killer pair of boots and you have yourself an easy, chic ensemble.

Dress, $27.80, Boots, $32.80, Bag, 19.80, Forever 21. Necklace, Aldo $15.

This sweater from Arden B is my favorite – the color is fun and the shape is super sexy. It is shown on the model with jeans, but also works with leggings (just make sure they are solid not sheer!). Add a belt – thin or wide – to give the sweaterdress a little shape.

Dress, $58, Arden B. Belt, $6.80, Forever21. Boots, $198, Arturo Chiang Sol at Piperlime. Leggings, $24, Urban Outfitters.

Another way to wear the sweaterdress is layered over a tank (Express – $16.50). This sweater from Express ($59.50) would also look great with a belt, tights, and boots.

Here are some more cute sweaterdresses from Forever 21 (29.50), Express (69.50), and Victoria’s Secret (59.50 and 69).

Or, if you want to splurge (or simply just drool a little), here are a few high-end sweaters. The first one is from Catherine Malandrino available at Saks for $495. I love the cowl neck! The second is by Marc Jacobs and is at Saks for $1500. The ruffle is something different from your basic sweaterdress, so you will definitely stand out. The last sweater dress is by Tibi and is also at Saks for $325. My favorite detail on this one is the sleeves, but I also love the neck.

Save your money and forget Lasik! Glasses are now so chic that those who originally considered themselves “blessed” with perfect vision drool over their blind companions’ stylish eyewear. If you want to embrace this trend but unfortunately have no prescription for glasses, don’t worry! You can destroy your eyesight simply by staring directly at the sun for ten minutes each day.

Ok, so I’m just kidding. But if you wish you could wear glasses, wish no more. This fall, fake reading glasses are all the rage. The Michael Kors fall 2008 runway collection featured several faux eyeglass wearing models who looked HOT (as in sexy librarian hot). Glasses were also spotted in several other runway shows, including Betsey Johnson and Carmen Marc Valvo.

If you’re going to purchase a pair of glasses (fake or prescription), it is important to find the right shape and color for your face. Generally, you should buy glasses with a shape in contrast to that of your face. If you don’t know what your face shape is, or what shape glasses would flatter your face, click here for a simple guide.

After you’ve figured out what shapes work for you, here are the top five eyeglass trends for fall. Hurry up and buy them before classes start. You want to look smart and studious when you meet your new professors!

1. Thick, plastic, 70′s inspired rims – the ultimate geek chic look. This pair is Versace.

2. Fun colors! – buy several frames, coordinate them with your outfits! My Jill Stuart glasses are pink and actually look amazing when I’m wearing something pink with them. Red frames, as seen on this pair of D&G glasses, are going to be huge this year.

3. Fun and crazy shapes – try angular shapes or go really wacky with heart shaped glasses if you really want to make a statement like Nicole Richie in this picture.

4. Completely round frames – also known as “John Lennon glasses” are particularly trendy this fall. Betsey Johnson has a pretty good selection of round sunglasses, but for regular eyeglass frames Ralph Lauren is a good choice.

5. Cute details – like rhinestones or metal shapes can add a unique and stylish touch to otherwise plain glasses. For something more subtle, find glasses with a design on the inside lining (the part touching the sides of your head). No one can see it while they’re on, but when you take them off the pattern will be revealed. My pink glasses have white hearts on them, and these, which are Jill Stuart, have a cute stripey pattern.

If you aren’t lucky enough to be legally blind at night like me and don’t actually have a prescription for glasses, the fake frames can be a little tricky to find. You’re best bet would be to try Claire’s or other cheap accessories stores. You could also find them at local costume shops or iParty. Or just pop the lenses out of a cheap pair of sunglasses.

While you’re at it, why not go all out and buy a stylish case for your new glasses? Check out the huge selection of adorable eyeglass luggage at MyEyeglassCase.com and you won’t be able to resist.

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Call me stereotypical, but I love getting a new bag, a new pair of shoes, a new wallet. And for a deal? And online? Pinch me!

KateSpade.com is currently in the throes of an amazing online sample sale where you can snag anything from a new purse to a new diaper bag (hey, I don’t judge…) for up to 60% off of the retail price. And they aren’t offering up bottom of the barrel duds either.

Everything they are offering seems to be top-notch and, to this shopper who is more H&M than D&G, it’s all beautiful but not stuffy.

Some of the best pieces are found in the handbag section.

This animal print bag is small enough to carry without feeling overloaded and packs enough punch to add some spice to an otherwise simple outfit. And the Hudson bag? It’s so chic and simple that it’s an investment worth making! And at more than half off…now’s the time!

Quantity is limited so scrounge up some cash and get on it! Online sample sales are few and far between so you better take advantage of this pre-holiday convenience, ladies!

Don’t feel any buyer’s remorse either. You deserve presents this holiday season, too!