Happy November, everyone! I hope your October was splendid and you’ve officially busted out your winter wardrobe pieces. I’m always particularly excited about this time of year because that means digging out all of my coats. I’m such a coat whore and pick up a few new ones every season to add to my collection. One thing that’s missing, however, is a cape. I’ve tried plenty on, but never had any luck finding a great one. Browsing the other day, I found this beauty and think it may be the answer to my prayers!

Welcome the Modcloth Look in the Letter Box Cape to the column! This cherry red cape is totally traffic-stopping and perfect for the gal who wants to make a statement. And if you were wondering, brightly-colored coats were all over the Fall 2011 runways, so this is definitely on-trend.

Made of a 50/50 wool-poly blend, this cape closes with snaps, but features a gorgeous belt in the same fabric that adds real class. It hits just at your hips and features semi-sleeves, so you won’t freeze!

I decided to show you how to wear this one to class and also for business purposes. Let’s start with class.

The bright-red of this cape is definitely center stage in this look. Choose a pair of dark, flared jeans and a neutral sweater to wear as your base. Add black flats (bonus if you can find ones with a dainty bow!), a black beanie for added casual-ness and a structured tote like this camel and black one. I skipped jewels on this one; a necklace wouldn’t be seen and earrings may get lost in your hair with the beanie.

And now a business look.

Now, first things first. Yellow pants may not fly in your workplace, but they do in mine. If you can’t get away with bright pants, choose black and a classic-colored blouse like cream or forest green. But I’m sticking with my yellow trousers here! Obviously, you’re going to want to stick to neutrals for the rest of the outfit, with black pumps and a black sheer tie-blouse. Simple, but geometric earrings are an interesting touch. Finish off with this two-tone leather and suede tote from Zara.

And there you have it! How to incorporate a bright cape into your everyday wardrobe. If this one tickled your fancy, it’s available for a steal-of-a-deal: $99.99 at Modcloth.

ModCloth is known for their vintage and retro-inspired clothing. I personally love their selection of unique dresses and shoes – they have perfect outfits for anything from parties to work (and everything in between).

Another great feature of ModCloth is the amazing selection of quirky and standout accessories. ModCloth offers lots of cute and unique accessories to add the perfect finishing touch to any outfit. And the best part? Lots of ModCloth’s accessories are less than $20 each – like all of these great choices!

Click on any accessory to get started!

Tweed might make you think of a stereotypical professor - the old man (who doesn’t know how to use email) with elbow patches on the tweed blazer he wears every single day, the one that looks like he’s wearing since he started teaching 30 odd years ago. Well throw this image out the window, because tweed is a gorgeous fabric that should be in every college girl’s (and guy’s for that matter) wardrobe.

This gorgeous textured fabric is perfect for fall, especially for the college girls. It’s a thicker fabric that will keep you warm. It comes in several neutral shades, making it the perfect compliment to your rich colored tops. And while the tweed blazer is always a classic, if you feel too stuffy in one, there are many alternatives to work it into your wardrobe. Think winter shorts, dresses, bags, and even the knee-high socks that are so popular this season.

So forget about Professor Boring McTweed and embrace the new tweed of 2010.

[Click the image for all the shopping info!]

Every morning when I get off the subway to go to school, I have to walk right past Forever 21. And it’s torture.  School been in session for three weeks now, and there has been this super hot navy lace dress (I think it’s a dress, but you never know with that store…) every time I walk by.  Seeing as I don’t REALLY need another dress (remember how I bought 3 in the spring?) I’ve been trying really hard not to go in and buy it in all its gorgeous, lacy glory.  So far I’ve been successful, thanks to the fact that my classes start before the store opens (which might be the only redeeming thing about 9am class).

The good news for me and every other girl out there with a closet full of frocks: dresses aren’t the only way to incorporate lace this season. This dainty, feminine fabric is on everything right now (both in and out of the bedroom), even showing up in some new and unexpected ways. Our girls over at CollegeFashion have even put it on their Back to School shopping list; do you even need another reason to stock up?

Oh you do? Well here are 15.

(And if you do happen to find and purchase that little navy lace dress, let me know so I can live vicariously through your closet.)

[Click on the pics to shop!]

Leather is one of the biggest fabrics for fall 2010.  It is also one of the easiest to embrace because EVERYTHING can be made in leather: bags, shoes, leggings, shorts, jackets, skirts…the list goes on.  And I love it all. Leather is sexy. It’s edgy. And it makes everything look cool.

Leather items are almost magical in their ability to transform an outfit. Just add one leather piece and you’ve got an entirely new look. Pair your favorite floral dress with a structured leather belt or a moto-jacket and you’ve got a totally different style. Or add some edgy, buckled boots to a pair of skinny jeans and your favorite camisol from last season and – bam! – your look in updated. (That being said, make sure not to go overboard; you want to look edgy, not like a member of Hell’s Angels.)

Even those opposed to wearing leather (or meat dresses….) can get in on the trend, as many designers and chains are offering up a variety of faux (and fabulous) leather pieces. Seriously, there is something for everyone, and you should definitely get out there and take advantage. Not sure where to start? Here are 15 awesome options to choose from.

[Click on each image to get all the info.]

If you haven’t caught on by now, it’s official: I’m smitten with all things military-inspired.  Despite the short summer season, by the time fall clothes begin to hit shelves, I’m already swooning over cardigans, boots and fall jackets.  After spending all summer trying to dress in ways to prevent heat exhaustion (and hide pit stains), I crave layers and structured clothing.

Sure I love cute summer dresses, strappy sandals and bright colors, but right now all I want is olive (and not just garnishing a martini).  Olive is technically a shade of chartreuse – meaning it’s partially between yellow and green. When it is closer to yellow, it’s referred to as ‘olive’ and when it’s closer to green it’s called ‘olive drab.’  (There, that’s your color lesson of the day!)  Olive drab was the standard color of fabric for American military uniforms in World War II – hence the association with the military trend.

This year there are many pieces, both military-inspired and otherwise, made in olive, meaning you have one more neutral to incorporate into your everyday life. One of the best things about this color is that since it’s quite similar to the color of dirt you can wear your olive goods one more time before you have to wash them. (Score!) And if the structured pieces with masculine details aren’t your choice of garnish, try an olive colored jersey top or maybe an accessory, because there are so many choices out there!

When moving into either a dorm or an off-campus apartment, your wardrobe will face two major challenges:

1. A major lack of funding (to add more to it).
2. A major lack of storage space.

For these two reasons alone, maximizing what you do own becomes essential.  And that’s why I’m bringing back the Shop Your Closet series. Each week, I’ll show you how to wear 1 item 3 ways – with the stuff you most likely already own! – to get the most out of your purchases.  With the growing popularity of 6 Items or Less it can’t be that difficult to remix one item, right?

My favorite clothing item this fall is the utilitarian military jacket.  Originally popular in the grunge era known as the ’90s, a utilitarian jacket in your closet is not only on-trend, but necessary. The military jacket – thanks to its neutral color and shape – is incredibly practical and versatile.  There are very few things that can’t be worn with one and its the easiest way to completely re-style the staples that are already in your closet. Check out Who What Wear to see how the celebs are embracing the army jacket.

Look 1:

Jacket, Dress, Shoes, Bag.

Add edge to a sweet dress with a military jacket.  The toughness of the jacket juxtaposed with the femininity of the dress are the perfect contrast.  As this dress is fairly simple, the studded detail on the shoes add some visual interest along with the pop of color.  This is an easy everyday look, as the jacket makes the overall feel of the outfit more casual.  Add a contrasting shoulder bag to incorporate even more color (and fun!) into your look.

Look 2:

Jacket, Top, Jeans, Sandals.

Instead of throwing a cardigan or boyfriend blazer over a feminine top and jeans, try the utilitarian jacket for a completely different feel.  If you’re heading to a bonfire party or football game, the base of this look is very cute and feminine (and similar components are already hanging in your closet), while the jacket adds an hint of ease and a masculine spin.

Look 3:

Jacket, Top, Cardigan, Belt, Leggings, Boots.

After spotting Oliva Palermo’s military-inspired look, I just had to recreate it. Belting an army jacket tones done the masculine feel as it draws attention to your feminine figure. A ruffled top (or even just a graphic tee) under a longer cardigan is a cute and comfy way to layer under the jacket and make the look a little more personal.  Leggings that mimic leather (standard leggings work too!) worn with over-the-knee boots is a perfect and chic way to finish this outfit.

One mom approved must-have for both fall and college is a chic fall jacket.

The perfect fall jacket is neutral, goes with all your favorite clothes and fits just right.  Not to mention, it “keeps you warm on those walks to class. You don’t want to catch a cold!” (Thanks, ma.)

This year there are lots of options out there regardless of your style: denim, military, leather, oh my! With so much variety at so many price points, why choose a favorite?

A fall jacket will take you to the field to watch football, on a walk home from an evening class when the air starts to feel crisp, and even out at night.  Though if you’re going to a party, and don’t want to lose your coat, see if you can find a hot yet chivalrous boy to lend you his oversized jacket. If you’re wearing a feminine outfit underneath you’ll instantly achieve the “Cardellini effect” and have an excuse to find Mr. Hottie another day!

Ladies, it’s time to embrace the plaid.

OK, before you former uniform-wearing girls get all “I spent the last 12 years of my life in plaid, why on Earth would I wear it once I can finally pick my own clothes each day?!” let me explain. Plaid is so. much. more. than the pattern of choice for schoolgirl kilts; it’s classic, it’s versatile and it’s probably one of the easiest ways to incorporate a multicolored pattern into your wardrobe.

Plaid is one of the 10 Modern Pieces Every Girl Should Own and the plaid shirt has become a uniform for both male and female college students.  It’s easy to wear with jeans, super comfy, and looks good even when it’s been balled up on your floor and you only have 10 minutes to make it to class.  It’s also been super popular for a few years, and appears to have major staying power.  If the plaid shirt isn’t your thing, or you want other ways to incorporate your new favorite pattern into your wardrobe, there are lots of coats, bottoms and accessories out there for you! And each one is cuter than the other.

Another bonus about plaid?  If you’re ever in a bind about what to wear to an ‘I love the ’90s’ party, a plaid shirt is your best bet… Take that, solids!