SALE PICKS

Ralph Lauren cardigan

an unusual piece I'd love to try on...

Nanette Lepore "Dinner at Eight" top

I am a big sucker for black lace.

BCBG silk dress

Perfect for holiday parties!

Abaete

Gorgeous color.

Spanx required.

A cool take on the Herve Leger craze.

IF BEYONCE WENT BARBIE

BALENCIAGA Platform pumps on YOOX
Sorry about the links instead of straight up photos. I'm on a non-Mac and totally confused.
I love love love these shoes but I know they would pinch my feet into tears within two seconds.

FEET ARCHITECTURE

MIU MIU Platform pumps on YOOX
I would snap these up in a heartbeat if they were in my size.
I have been looking for these for forever.

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN WING DRESS

80% off at outnet.com

Who else loves to browse the latest offerings at outnet.com

to feel even more depressed about life?

Maybe it's just me.

LOCAL COFFEESHOPS

I'm in my local coffee shop. They're playing the typical mix radio station, and I love it. I feel like I'm in middle school all over again. I'm nursing an Earl Grey tea, and picking at watery artichoke dip with toasted bread. They have free wifi, so I'll definitely be back now that I have canceled my internet at home. It's the best decision ever. I find other things to do, and I feel a lot freer while at home. It's been a great, relaxing couple of days. I've had time to clear my head and physically feel better. I have to leave soon to meet up with the boyfriend, but wanted to catch up on the blog. I'm looking to purchase a new camera now that a friend dropped mine and broke the lens. Any suggestions? I am researching the Nikon D90...

SMARTBARGAINS

Charles by Charles David boots, $130

Anne Klein coat, $100

Cole Haan bag, $220; just bought my first item off of SmartBargains last week. These are some of my picks...I need some pop of color bags!!

HELLO, ANN TAYLOR

Some things in my Want Cart. Is it just me or has Ann Taylor (and LOFT) been stepping it up this season? I love all these plummy colors. I'd spend my money here over J. Crew this season...

THE CRISIS OF BOREDOM

I am yet another twentysomething going through a quarterlife crisis. I am already sick of this catchphrase but it is true. At least I'm gainfully employed. But I am bored out of my mind at my desk all day. I just joined the gym, because instead of shopping I want to actually break a sweat every day during lunch. Also, I started writing a screenplay, and looking into schools for short fiction or poetry. At this point, poetry comes more easily but that has changed in the past so I am wary. Anyway, back to the quarterlife crisis. Yep, I'm having one. How do people secure these amazing jobs (book reviewer, syndicated columnist, carefree but still tenured professor, documentary filmmaker, etc)? Is it still possible this day and age, or all of these cool job holders holdovers from the previous generation?

LATEST BUYS

Any tips on how to wear the vintage segmented fish necklace?

I don't normally wear gold so this is a departure for me...

WEEKEND BROWSIN

Nine West

I was looking up Halloween costumes today. These would be perfect for any number of getups.

I may be alone in thinking this would look awesome with black opaque tights.

Banana Republic

It's hard to tell it's actually striped.

The sleeves may be too baggy; I'd have to try this on.

DVF BLOUSE

$225 now $134.90 at saks.com + free ship

This popped up on my daily shopittome email. I love silk tops that I can dress up or down.

I love the unusual colors and mod pattern.

I choose DVF over F21 because this was made in the USA.

Made of quality materials.

And it will last!

INTERESTING

SEPTEMBER VOGUE

Love the netting

Irving Penn

Reminds me of American Apparel

My future wedding dress

I love this campaign. She's the perfect model for what they're trying to convey.

SEPTEMBER VOGUE

I stalk this coat in every magazine

YSL -- could never wear these, but

Balmain -- probably too high as well

So amazing though

So Chanel-esque... I'll have to check this blouse out in person

BEADED GOODNESS

Dries van Noten dress

Sorry about the streaky mirror...I was in a rush!

Isn't the beading magical?

WHEN DO I WEAR THIS?

Vera Wang Lavender Label

Purchased at Neiman Marcus Last Call

I wish they had one of those near where I live!

Where do I wear this type of dress?

Fall cocktail party?

The office, with a cardigan?

CHLOE BOWLING SHOES

I want this entire outfit. I would live in it.

Sharply cut and hemmed trousers, a romantic blouse, a drapey lose-yourself-in-it cape, the perfect fall shoe.

The only thing I would add is a vintage belt.

Leather laceup wedge boot

net-a-porter.com

BREATHTAKING OR IMPRACTICAL?

Missoni Vaniglia Mohair-Blend Dress

I love Missoni as much as the next person, but this is one of those pieces that would just have to stay on the runway. Who would buy this thing? It may be a work of art, but it's completely unwearable. I would be stressed out the entire time. The telltale dark orange tag is a bit tacky, in my opinion. The chic hobo aesthetic of this collection appeals to me, but not at the expense of...well...being able to wear it more than once.

Let me know if you have any thoughts...

net-a-porter.com

YSL IMPERIALE WEDGE BOOT

*high pitched scream*

net-a-porter.com

SNAGGED: A LOT

Wow, this has been a bad month for me. In the space of two weeks, I purchased my first ever designer dresses. One is by Dries van Noten. It is made of navy blue silk with intricate silver beading (and other stones) at the neckline. I'm looking for the perfect vintage belt to cinch it with. The other is from Vera Wang's Lavender Label. I think I saw it on Gilt several months ago, but in a longer version. It's grey wool with sheer black neckline, shoulders, and sleeves. The back is a plunging V with a little bow at the bottom. I really hesitated buying it as I was on vacation and there would be no way to return it if I changed my mind. But I'm really glad I purchased it.

I bought yet another pair of Cole Haan Nike Airs. Talk about some strong brand loyalty. I think my CHNA shoe count is up to five. These are different from my heels and flats though -- brown laceup ankle boots that are so comfortable I could do laps in them.

Right now my apartment is a mess as I am getting some repairs done and most of my furniture is crammed in my bedroom. I'll be sure to take pictures of my finds once everything settles down (probably next week, as I am going to the beach for Labor Day weekend!). The pile of things to sell has exploded in one corner of my room, and I'm tired of looking at it. No more excuses!

I NEED NEW SHADES

Summer's almost over...

From olsensanonymous.blogspot.com, a daily haunt.

RUNWAY PICKS

Ungaro

Love everything about this.

I don't think I can pull off such minimal footwear.

Still pining for these Stellas, nude or black.

I wouldn't mind the dress either.

I love interesting collars and contrasting colors.

I have no idea how those shoes stay on.

Jil Sander makes the best shoes.

RUNWAY PICKS

Stella

Love the shoes, too.

The slant makes the legs look longer.

Mary Kate and/or Ashley Olsen has a pair of black heels with the same slant.

It's like the Louboutin Helmut, except more so.

I need someone to ID it stat!

Stella

I adore edgy lace.

Ralph Lauren

I love the dress, the coat, and the hat all together.

If I had to pick, I'd take the coat.

I've wanted a poofy skirt long before Sarah Horseface Parker.

Marchesa

I wonder how the fringe looks when she's walking.