Perfection in a tube

There is nothing quite like having a good hand lotion by your bedside stand!  This hand cream from L'Occitane has a heavenly smell, and with a full 20% shea butter, a wonderful feel.  I love slathering it on right before bed and waking up to soft, silky hands.  I have tried an obscene number of hand creams, and this is the one I return to time and again.  L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream comes in a mini size for $10 (just right for purses) and a huge tube for $26.  This would make a wonderful teacher gift, get-well gift, baby shower gift (you get the picture!).  Available at Sephora.

Oh so comfy and sweet...

Look at this adorable sweatshirt from Anthropologie.  It is SO comfortable...the inside is that fuzzy sweatshirt material we all love.  I adore the soft pink bow detail at the shoulder.  Such a clever and special detail!  I think this would look perfect with army green cargo pants (they are tres chic right now), or with a pair of boyfriend jeans.  I couldn't believe that at $68 I could get an extremely flattering, fashionable and comfortable sweatshirt.  Almost too good to be true!

Anthropologie finds...

Well, it certainly isn't a stretch that I found some great items at Anthropologie!  I can barely walk into this store without feeling compelled to buy something.  Today was no exception!  Here are two particularly cute finds.

The "Coin Purse Cardigan" by liaMolly is as sweet in person as it is in the picture.  I think this is a very special sweater.  It just puts a smile on my face!  Check out the adorable coin purses attached to the sweater.  Look at the unusual color combinations...the turquoise with the orange, browns and golds.  Ingenious.

The "Herringbone Sweater Jacket" is so flattering.  It would look amazing on a woman with a slimmer waist.  The scarf detailing adds visual interest up top and makes this jacket truly unique.  I love the ivory color, but it also comes in a tweedy black/gray combination.  Pair this with either trouser jeans or skinny jeans with your riding boots.

Beautiful coats at Johnston & Murphy

Today I was perusing the fall offerings, and saw a beautiful coat hanging in Johnston & Murphy.  Historically Johnston & Murphy has been quite conservative (and some may say stuffy) in its' women's fashions.  I think they are turning a corner!  I found not one, but THREE coats I adore (and a scarf to boot!).

The ombre faux-beaver coat is $268 and an absolute stunner!  This coat begs to be worn over an evening gown or cocktail dress.  It is elegant and classy, yet comfortable and effortless.  If you are in need of a dressy coat, look no further.

The ivory faux curly lamb coat is $228 and is as comfortable as a fleece.  It would be beautiful dressed up or dressed down.  It is infinitely wearable!  Its greatest asset is the slightly-larger-than-average sleeves.  A sweater would fit nicely under this coat without bunching up in the arms.  Bonus!

Warm winter coats can be so cumbersome and bulky, but I LOVE the look of this casual ivory down jacket.  It is $248 with a detachable hood.  The toggle detail at the pockets are a special touch.  I did not get to try this coat on, as it was not in the store (on in the catalog/website so far), but I will be checking back regularly!

Faux fur is HUGE for fall.  Infinity scarves are HUGE for fall.  This scarf is a faux fur neck ring...the best of both worlds!  Gorgeous color, gorgeous feel, gorgeous price ($48).  Love it, love it, love it!

Hoping and longing for...

Every fall, there are a few things for which I absolutely flip my lid.  This does not mean that I can get them, but a girl can dream!  This year, I am hoping and longing for the following:

1)  Autumn Cashmere sweater -- Oh this sweater!  I am not sure if it is the fact that it is cashmere (my favorite), the beautiful wheat color that goes with EVERYTHING, or the adorable double placket...but I am sold.  Love it!

2)  Kooba Greta convertible bag -- Kooba makes a beautiful bag, and their leather is sumptuous.  This crossbody is large enough to hold all that you need (money, cell phone, lip gloss, powder, etc) but not too large that it is cumbersome.  I have been looking for that perfect crossbody, and I think I've found it!

3)  Kooba Cinched Leather Shoulder Tote -- My love affair with bags is never ending.  I would spend all my money on purses and live in a car if it were reasonable!  This bag, in a surprisingly versatile mauve-colored snake skin, is perfection.

4)  Bobbi Brown lip gloss in Black Chocolate -- Red lips are BIG for fall.  Since I am so fair, I shy away from bold red lips...but I loved this sheer red lip gloss from Bobbi Brown.  It was punchy enough to add color to my lips, but didn't overpower my face.  Plus, I am a sucker for anything Bobbi Brown.  Her makeup is sensational!

AGLs on sale at Nordies

If you have not had the pleasure of wearing Attilio Giusti Leombruni shoes (also known as AGL) I implore you to try them on!  These flats fit like a dream.  They are truly the most comfortable shoe I have ever worn.  AGLs are hand-crafted in Italy and are exclusive to Nordstrom.  If you are looking for the perfect ballerina flat, that you can LIVE in, look no further.

Now, AGLs have a hefty price tag, but every so often you can get them ON SALE!  That time is now!  They are regularly $289, but a few styles are on sale at nordstrom.com for $198.

If you have a $400 budget for all your fall clothes and accessories, I would say it would be worth it to pay half your budget for these high quality shoes.  You will wear these over and over, making the cost per wear very low indeed.

Fall must-haves

Hello lovely ladies!  I've had many people ask me what are "The Buys" for the season.  There are so many great trends for fall, that I had a really hard time choosing!  After much thought, here is my short list.

1)  Gray jeans:  Why?  I have never thought blue jeans look good with navy, teal, turquoise and french blue tops.  I just think these colors fall flat when wore with denim.  Gray denim is the answer!  These jeans look GREAT with blue tones on top.  My new favorite!  Kut by the Kloth Diana jeans in Ominous Wash, $69 from Nordstrom.

2)  Crisp white shirt:  Tailored white shirts have always been a universal wardrobe staple but I've yet to find one that works for me.  Mission recently accomplished!  I found one at Express that I really like (and don't worry...if white isn't a great color on you, this top comes in a wide variety of colors).  It has a slight v-neck (very flattering for bustier women) and is nipped in at the waist.  It would look equally good for work or play!  Essential Stretch Military Shirt $49.90, express.com.

3)  Boots:  You just have to own a pair of calf-to-knee height riding boots.  These boots are so versatile and have never been "out" to my knowledge!  They look great with skinny jeans tucked in, with skirts and tights, or under pants.  Buy either black or brown...whichever color works best for your wardrobe.

4)  OPI Nail Polish -- Ski Teal We Drop.  I can't believe how much I like this teal nail color!  So surprising!  

My favorite fashion book

I have a host of fashion books on my bookshelves, but this is the book I turn to again and again.  It's called "Style Clinic" by Paula Reed.  The subtitle, "How to Look Fabulous All the Time, at Any Age, for for Any Occasion", really sums it up.  I am all about dressing appropriately for the occasion and she goes into this in detail.

In this book, Paula talks about wardrobe basics and classics that every girl needs.  She discusses the perfect pants, the ideal dress and skirts, and how to dress for your body type.  The pictures are fabulous and well edited.  I hope you enjoy this great book as much as I do!  This book is $19.79 at amazon.com.