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.

We all have our go-to stores that we, uh, go to when we need to stock up on some new wardrobe essentials (or when we have an hour to kill and the mall reaches out and wraps us in its warm embrace). But what about all those other stores? The ones that you walk past on your way to Auntie Anne’s without a second glance? The “mom” stores, the old department stores, the stores that don’t start with “Forever” and end with “21″? Surprise! Many of those stores are filled with major cuteness that you’re missing out on! (Except Chico’s – keep walking, little lady.) We know you’re not one to pass up a cute cami, so we scoured these under-the-radar shops (Walmart, what?!) and pulled out all the goodness you never realized existed.

To me, New York and Co. was always the store I passed as I walked from Macys to The Gap. Yeah, some of the stuff in the window looked cute, but most of it looked like the stuff librarians wear to work. But one day I decided to pop in and after digging through those Mom jeans and ugly sweaters, I actually found good stuff. No, GREAT stuff.

They have everything from basics, like t-shirts and tank tops, to outfit makers, like sequined dresses and cute cardigans. They have workwear and loungewear, outfits you can wear to class, and outfits you most certainly can’t wear to class. But mostly they’ve just got some really stylish stuff. New York and Co. prides themselves on bringing women New York fashion at a fraction of the price, and speaking as a New Yorker myself, I’d say they’re doing a damn good job.

Michael Buble is engaged. <Weep.>

And Derek Jeter’s already set a date. <Double weep.>

Cupcakes too cute to eat. Almost.

The Kardashian sisters sell out. Again.

Nordstrom keeps you warm for under $100!

Is Angelina Jolie too famous? St. John thinks so.

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.

Who is Rihanna’s new boyf?

Make your own American Apparel infinity scarf!

Uh, this couple cannot be for real.

Target’s got some super cute winter coats.

Cute boots that burn calories? Sign us up.

WTF is Whitney Port wearing!?

Having problems finding the right foundation? This should help…

Get Keri Russel’s look for less!

Best value schools for 2009!

He’s Just Not That Into You is anti-feminist? What do you think?

Chase Crawford and Leona Lewis…is it love?

What about LiLo and Sean Penn?? Ew.

Lookin’ for some chic winter style? Here you go…

Sarah Palin is still talking…why?

More research being done on Gardasil for older women.

[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!]

It’s really starting to get cold out there now, but you can stay warm by adding a few furry touches to your wardrobe. Models on the fall runways sported real fur, but faux fur is a more wallet- and animal – friendly option. While it may be a little unrealistic and over the top for a college girl to sport a big fur coat, here are some ways you can subtly slip this trend into your wardrobe:

1) On the hood of your coat/sweatshirt (bonus warmth if it lines the coat too!). This is a really simple way to add some faux fur to your look. Wear it with jeans and your warmest boots.

Coat, Abercrombie & Fitch $200. Jeans, Seven For All Mankind $165. Boots, EMU Australia $90. Bag, Forever 21 $26.80.

Here are some more furry hood options. Click to learn more:

2) On your collar. This look was huge this fall and looks very chic and sophisticated.

Coat, Juicy Couture $385. Jeans, Charlotte Russe $30. Bag, Old Navy $16.50. Boots, Steve Madden $100.

Some more faux fur collared coats:

3) On your legs. Boots with the fur are always cute and stylish for winter. Tuck your jeans in, or wear them with leggings to keep your feet cozy.

All I can ask is that, no matter how cold it is at your school, PLEASE don’t succumb to this trend and wear these ugly things (I’m not even telling you where they’re from!):

4. On your head. Winter accessories are another great way to add some fur without looking crazy. Here are a few great faux-fur options.