How To Shop Online Safely: 9 Top Tips

--Guest Post By Andrea Woroch

Americans are in love with both shopping and mobile devices, so naturally technology has helped us combine the two. According to a study by IBM Coremetrics, about 15 percent of American consumers who log into e-retail websites this month will do so using a smartphone, iPad, or other mobile device.

But that's just on the wireless end. IBM also found the number of consumers shopping online in November will increase 15 percent over the same time last year.

All that clicking and shipping means thieves will have more opportunities to steal your identity and your money. Fortunately, playing it safe isn't that difficult. Browse these nine tips to help you shop online without fear.

1. Opt for More Secure Payment Option
Federal law allows you to dispute credit card charges and unauthorized use. Many credit card issuers also offer "zero liability," which means you pay nothing if someone steals your information and uses it. As with credit cards, PayPal provides purchase protection in the form of $0 liability for unauthorized purchases. They also offer refunds for incorrect orders or items that never arrive and a process for resolving problems.

2. Use Security Software
Even if you don't shop or bank online, you should have security software installed on your computer. The big names in this area include Norton and McAfee, but there's also plenty of good shareware available. (See this cnet article for suggestions.) Make sure this software includes firewall, anti-virus and anti-spyware capabilities.

Under $100: Born Birdie Bootie

Looking for a fabulous shoe quick fix for under $100? Check out this super cute new find...

When the worst of the winter cold sets in, it's easy to fall into the habit of wearing utilitarian boots everyday. These interesting booties will let you break away from the ordinary boot, but without losing the full coverage and strong construction the winter weather demands.

The Born Birdie Bootie is made from a full leather upper with durable rubber outsole. The inside is nicely padded, which is a hallmark of the ultra comfortable Born brand. The 3.25" heel has a steel shank construction to add stability. The color -- a nice deep brown with a slight vintage look -- is more fun than a flat brown and will pair nicely with nubby wool sweaters. I'd also try out these cute boots with skirts and tights. You'll have to be a little careful because they could come off a little dowdy with the wrong skirt, but with an otherwise modern outfit they will look funky and downtown.

→ Buy the Born Birdie Bootie, $69.00 (was $115), at 6pm.com.

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Beauty 2011

Did you watch the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show last night? I have to admit, I end up watching it every year. It's not the "fashions" that reel me in, but the unique Victoria's Secret beauty looks that the team creates each year. The look of the VS model is always very bright and healthy, with a certain level of disheveled-chic that is so endearing. Really, I think it's that just right mix of off-kilter beauty that makes women just as interested in the show as men.

So, want to steal the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show beauty look for yourself? Look no further than this insanely detailed step-by-step guide. The good people at VS released this list of products and procedures, compiled by beauty expert Lauren Cosenza, before the show was even over. Seems like they know exactly why we ladies love the show. All of the looks were created with VS Beauty products, which are all available for purchase online. Check out this video explaining this year's look, and then check out the listing of all of the products that follows:

FOUND: Anne Hathaway's Grey Buckle Sneakers

Anne Hathaway, a favorite for her effortless fashion sense and ability to rock a red carpet dress (or nine) with ease, recently got engaged to her boyfriend of three years, Adam Shulman. So, of course, pictures of her are all over the celeb news sites and blogs this week. Really, it's a perfect time to do a little Anne fashion watching.

Just this past Sunday Anne was spotted out and about wearing a super relaxed jeans, sweater, sneakers ensemble. While she wasn't exactly at her sartorial best, her shoes definitely stood out as an outfit high point. They are fun and a little funky, with a certain downtown edge. Want to steal Anne Hathaway's grey buckle sneakers style for yourself? She's wearing the super popular Ash Virgin Sneaker.

This best selling sneaker is available in a range of colors, from black and grey to brown and silver. I've even spotted a pair in black pony hair. Fabulous, right? They are a great way to enjoy the comfort of sneakers with a little fashion twist.

→ But the Ash Virgin Sneakers, $175.00, at shopbop.com; shipping and returns are free.

→ But the Ash Virgin Sneakers, $185.00, at endless.com; shipping and returns are free. (greater variety of sizes available)

Top Pick: Nanette Lepore Baila Tango Dress

'Tis the season for more holiday parties than you can shake a stick at. We know how this plays out. At first the promise of all of those parties sounds like so much fun. Then, about half way through your calendar of merry-making, you decide that all the festiveness isn't quite what it's cracked up to be. You're tired, bloated and out of clothes. That's when you pull out this dress.

The Nanette Lepore Baila Tango Dress is the perfect festive dress for those occasions that call for a slightly more modest version of the traditional party frock. This slim-fitting, yet fully covered up dress is ideal for work parties or get-togethers that involve grandparents or in-laws. The body conscious fit keeps this dress from feeling too dowdy, while the super fun color adds a ton of spice.

To make a party-worthy splash, wear this dress with lots of sparkle. Try a crystal-heavy cuff like the one Kim wrote about last week. There's no need to drop a ton on your bling -- try hitting up daily online sample sales to score festive baubles at a fraction of the retail price. You can easily convert this dress to daytime appropriate by adding a neutral cardigan to tone down the color and chic work flats.

→ Buy the Nanette Lepore Baila Tango Dress, $348.00, at shopbop.com; shipping and returns are free.

Top Online Cyber Monday Deals for 2011

Fellow shoppers, I say it's time we just call it: Cyber Monday is the new Black Friday in every way. It's so much easier (and less dangerous) than trying to hit the stores on Friday, and the deals are better. Sure, you don't get all of the doorbuster deals, but the sitewide sales on Cyber Monday are so much more inclusive than those limited quantity doorbusters. Which brings me to my point... let's get our Cyber Monday shopping on.

There are a ton of deals to be had, but we thought we'd edit, edit, edit for you. Below are some of the top online Cyber Monday deals for 2011. What makes a deal list-worthy? High percent off or a really great deal, plus a selection that covers a lot of people on your gift list -- from men and women, to kids and teens, to your crazy aunt Mabel -- and a dose of reality-based gift giving (let's face it, not everyone on your gift list is getting something from Saks). There's a wide range of affordable gifts to be had here. Enjoy!

Clothing and Accessories

• Save 20% off at Piperlime.com and 30% at Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy & Athleta. Enter HUGECYBER at checkout. Online only.
• Save 20% off Women's sitewide (including Sale) at ASOS.com with code HAPPYBLACKFRIDAY at Checkout.
• ENJOY 30% OFF YOUR PURCHASE at Karen Millen! Offer valid on full price merchandise only.
• Take 50% Off Original Ticket Prices plus free shipping at The Limited! Use code CYBER.
• Spend $275, receive $75 gift card. Plus complimentary 2 day express shipping if ordered by 12 noon PT at J Brand.
• 40% OFF Sitewide at DJPremium (*Some Exclusions Apply) with code 40THX.
• 50% Off Everything + Free Shipping (No Minimum) at New York & Company with Code 2129.
• Avenue plus sizes Cyber Monday Offer 50% off 3 or more items + free shipping with code AV111322.
• Save 30% off Everything PLUS Free Shipping at Express.
• Nine West Cyber Monday: 60% Off Party Shoes + FREE Shipping.
• 40% Off Rachel Rachel Roy + Free Shipping on All Orders.
• 40% Off Everything at Anne Klein + Free Shipping!
• Save 75% On Suiting & Coats at Jones New York + FREE Shipping on Everything.
• 42% off entire site at C&C California with code CCCYBER42.

Beauty, Bath and Body

• Get 20% savings on all Bliss, Remede and Elemis product purchases at Bliss. Excludes gift card and e-card purchases. Use code THANKS20.
• FREE SHIPPING and 3 for $30 on all products at The Body Shop.
• Receive 20% off plus FREE shipping on every order, and spend $100 or more & get a free gift, at YSL Beauty. Use Code MONDAY at checkout.

Did you score an especially good deal this year? Or did you find a crazy good Cyber Monday deal that we didn't list? Leave a comment so we can all take advantage of your great find... it's good shopping karma!

Dazzling Jewelry that Holds Its Own Against Winter Fashion

--By Kim Moshtaghi

Winter worthy jewelry typically needs to be more dramatic because our thicker, layered winter clothing mutes the more subtle pieces. However, winter worthy jewelry should also be practical. So, I have selected a few pieces that won't let your winter clothes overpower your jewelry pieces.

The multi-star line bracelet is a perfect example because the multi-colored stones will definitely enhance your wrists to princess status. The different shapes and sizes give this bracelet an extra spark and a unique look. Although the colors are subtle, the placement creates a bright attraction. This statement piece will add enough dazzle to the little black dress.



→ Buy the Banana Republic Multi-Star Line Bracelet, $49.50, at bananarepublic.com; shipping is free on $50+.

Gift This: Memorable Men's Colognes

--By Kim Moshtaghi

Our sense of smell can trigger the fondest memories. Just like my grandmother's perfume reminds me of her, and just like my mom's perfume reminds me to call her, the right cologne can trigger the fonder memories you've shared with that special man in your life. So, keep your man well-equipped in the smell department. No one loves the man who thinks he can attract a knockout with cheap after-shave or deodorant, but we do love the man who wears irresistible cologne that makes the right impression. Since the holidays are right around the corner, it's a great time to update your man's cologne. Whether it's for your father, best male friend, or significant other, if they shared fond memories with you, then continue that fondness and keep the happy memories alive.

Jean Paul Gaultier knows scents, trust me. I love both his male and female scents because they are aggressive, yet gentle. These scents linger as opposed to suffocate. This particular bottle is an oversized (6.7 oz) bottle that appears exclusively online and makes a wonderful gift because its bigger than the average bottle and smells awesome. The Tonka bean, vanilla, amber and cinnamon blend will seduce and attract. It's not too spicy and not too sweet -- it's complicated. The opposing smells work wonderfully. They will take you to a great place once you get a whiff.



→ Buy Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Maxi, $100.00, at sephora.com; shipping is free on this item.

4 Fun Winter Handbag Trends

--By Kim Moshtaghi

My last few posts have been about trends that are happening now. Little additions to the closet can make a major difference in your complete look. Today I want to showcase different handbags and clutches that represent this year's winter trends. Each bag is unique, but will dramatically change the look of an outfit with a glance.

I'd like to start off with a designer label that has been around since 1925. Personally, I think the simplicity of this particular designer has kept it popular throughout the years, with slight tweaks in their designs. I keep going back to Fendi as a buyer because it has proven to be durable. I literally spilled a whole can of Diet Coke in my favorite Fendi and the bag was unharmed. The bag that I am featuring is part of the season's hottest trends: animal print. The bag's top half is the Fendi logo and the slouchy body is a jaguar print. The body makes this bag spacious enough for a pair of gloves, and your make up essentials.



→ Buy the Fendi Jaguar-Print Shoulder Bag, $960.00, at bergdorfgoodman.com.

Plan Ahead: Black Friday 2011 Shopping Dos and Don'ts

--Guest Post By Andrea Woroch

If you're looking for some guidance on how to best approach the shopping frenzy, use this list of Black Friday dos and don'ts.

DON'T

Don't Get Trampled
"Shop at your own risk" should be the official motto of Black Friday. Ever since a Wal-Mart employee was trampled in 2008, there's an added aura of risk. To counteract this kind of overwhelming rush, many merchants have announced plans to open their doors early. Both Target and Macy's will open at midnight, while Toys 'R Us plans to open at 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving. Target also has a plan to cut down on the chaos by allowing only 30 shoppers to enter the store at a time.

Don't Drown in Numbers
Tags with multiple markdowns, added coupon savings and clearance items with an additional percentage off can confuse even the most brilliant mathematician after hours of deal hunting. Ask a sales associate to clarify any discriminating discounts and don't assume the final price until you crunch the numbers. Download the Sale Saver app which features a price calculator that factors in all discounts, including store-wide or product sales, along with coupon savings and any other promotional offers. The app saves items in the mobile cart and calculates the total savings, while factoring in tax to show just how much each Black Friday deal costs.

Steal: Zara Skirt With Front Pleat $35.90

As much as I love the ladylike look that has been so prevalent the past few seasons, I've been reluctant to make a major investment in the trend. I'm just not sure how much play the look will get in my otherwise downtown, slouchy wardrobe. So, I've been on the hunt for low cost options for trying on the trend that won't look, well, cheap. This skirt fits right in with that idea.

The Zara Skirt With Front Pleat has a clean, simple look and dark blue color that help it to look more expensive than it really is. Big hint for bargain shopping: dark colors and simple design nearly always look more expensive. I'd wear this with a bow blouse or silk button front shirt for recreating that vintage look that's so popular now. For a look that's a bit more modern, try a slim sweater or cardigan. For a relaxed, thoroughly modern approach, a slub tee is a perfect match. You could even take this skirt to a funky place with a unique jacket. At just $35.90, you really can't lose with this great find.

→ Buy the Zara Skirt With Front Pleat, $35.90, at zara.com.

Review: Burberry Body Fragrance

I'm always intrigued when iconic brands come out with new fragrances. It must be a tough job to be the person charged with coming up with the new scent. How do you embody an already well-known look and feel in a perfume? The latest fragrance from Burberry – Burberry Body – brings to mind these questions. The refined, yet relaxed luxury of a timeless Burberry trench is such a distinct feel, I wondered how this new scent might stack up against the Burberry "feeling" that's already ingrained in my memory.

Truthfully, it does a pretty great job. I got a chance to try the new Burberry Body scent last week. When I first applied the scent, I found it to be a little powdery and soft for my taste. But, it didn't take long for the fragrance to transform into a very likeable scent. The lingering fragrance is warm and rich, but not overpowering, with a slight hint of vanilla. It has some floral notes, but definitely doesn't register to me as a true floral scent, and comes across very clean. It's not one of those rich scents that starts to give you a headache after a while – it wears well without coming on too strong.

On the whole, this fragrance made me feel warm and relaxed. It conveyed the subtle, casual luxury I've come to expect from the Burberry label. It's definitely a great special occasion fragrance. The warmth is perfect for a night out or a holiday party. But, it's also one of those scents that is comforting for the cooler winter months. It makes me want to curl up in yards of cashmere, right in front of a roaring fire. I think it would be an ideal holiday gift, or new scent for making the holiday party rounds.

BURBERRY invites you to discover the new fragrance for women.

BURBERRY BODY is a feminine and sensual floral woody fragrance with an eclectic combination of luxurious, refined notes. The scent has top notes of fresh green absinthe, illuminating elegant peach and refined freesia. The floral bouquet of natural rose absolute and iris blends gently with subtle warm tones of sandalwood to form the heart notes. Woody cashmeran, creamy vanilla, sensual amber and musk compose the base notes of this unique and seductive fragrance.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Burberry via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Burberry.

FOUND: Rachel Bilson's Black and White Jacket from Hart of Dixie

Have you all been watching Rachel Bilson's new show, Hart of Dixie? It's a cute little show, and seems to be getting a bit better each week. One of the things that strikes me the most about the show is that Rachel's character, Dr. Zoe Hart, seems to have pretty much the same fashion sense as Rachel herself. I wonder if that was planned, or if Rachel is styling her own character. Either way, it makes watching just to see what Dr. Hart will be wearing kind of fun.

In a recent Hart of Dixie episode, Rachel as Zoe wore another very Rachel outfit -- cuffed boyfriend jeans, boots and a fun black and white jacket. Want to steal Rachel Bilson as Zoe Hart's style for your own? She was wearing the Veda Max Classic Jacket in Tie Dye.

This jacket has a very unique look and construction. First, the outer layer is 100% suede with ribbed insets at the sleeves, and it has a tie dye stripe design. This is the first time I've seen tie dye leather, so that makes it stand out to me. The body lining is silk, with added details in a variety of fabrics. The funnel neck can be worn open and folded over, as seen here on Rachel, or zipped up into its funnel shape. As styled on Rachel's character, it creates a polished version of casual that has that relaxed California vibe that Rachel has become so known for. Love.

→ Buy the Veda Max Classic Jacket in Tie Dye, $825.00, at singer22.com; shipping is free on $250+.

Top Pick: Mother The Straight A Skirt

The midi-length skirt has become newly popular, and ladylike styles in this just-prim-enough length are easy to find. But, a midi-length denim skirt that doesn't look like it belongs at a conservative Bible camp is much harder to track down. This new arrival from denim line Mother combines the sought-after midi length with a color and shape that is more punky than conservative.

The Mother The Straight A Skirt is crafted from a generous cotton/ tencel/ elastane blend that creates some nice movement and stretch (there's a video of the skirt in action if you click through). It has a super dark wash with classic 5-pockt styling and fraying at the hem. This skirt is available in sizes 24 to 32.

Wear this skirt with your favorite sweaters for fall. I've also really liked dark skirts styled with chambray button shirts for a more polished look. A tee and cardigan will create a more laid-back look for weekends.

→ Buy the Mother The Straight A Skirt, $190.00, at shopbop.com; shipping and returns are free.

Under $100: Bruno Magli Gretta Pump

The mid-heel, point-toe pump is one of the most versatile shoes in any woman's closet. It's equally appropriate for work and for a night out, and it seems to never go out of style. For those reasons, the pointy toe black pump is one of the shoes I find myself most often recommending as an investment shoe. Buy the highest quality version you can afford -- you'll have it for years, with proper care, and you'll never regret the purchase.

This new bargain find from high-end Italian shoe label Bruno Magli is a great quality black pump. It's an investment-level shoe at the price of a standard mall find. The Bruno Magli Gretta Pump has a leather upper and leather sole with a moderate 3.5" covered heel. It's a classic point-toe pump shape with leather lining. It's available in whole and half sizes from 5 to 10 -- a huge range, particularly given the great deal. This shoe normally goes for $285.00, but is currently on sale for just $99.75.

→ Buy the Bruno Magli Gretta Pump, $99.75 (was $285.00), at 6pm.com; shipping is free.

Girly Bow Accessories -- They're Everywhere!

--By Kim Moshtaghi

Girly bows are everywhere nowadays because they are feminine and all-age appropriate. For example, in the ad that inspired this post, a lady wore a blazer with a huge, silver bow chocker. Her look stunned me. Until this moment, I never realized how a huge, bold bow tie necklace could make such a fashion statement. I guess the best gifts do come wrapped and with a bow.

Just like tying a ribbon to a holiday gift spices up the gift, tying a ribbon to ourselves spices up our outfits. This is especially true if worn with your winter bulkier clothes, because a ribbon can establish that important waist line. I found a stretch bow belt that looks great if worn over a plain old jacket or over a simple dress. I love the belt's stretchy part. It's black and glossy, and the patent look would provide additional spunk if worn over a fur vest. But, best of all, I like the mixed textures. The actual bow polishes off the patent look nicely. This belt exudes sophistication and you never go wrong when you exude sophistication.



→ Buy the White House Black Market Stretch Bow Belt, $48.00, at whitehouseblackmarket.com.

FOUND: Katy Perry's Purple Skinny Jeans

Colorful skinny jeans are definitely one of the most fun new trends for the year. They really burst onto the scene in spring, then stayed popular through summer, and are still going strong for fall. Along the way the color palette available in stores has shifted a bit. Spring was all about powder pink skinny jeans, while the cooler weather has brought more jewel tones and rich neutrals.

One of the coolest colors for fall is a deep royal purple skinny jean, just like the one recently spotted on Katy Perry. Just last month, Katy was snapped on a bike ride with hubby Russell Brand wearing purple skinny jeans with flats, a long coat and whimsical winter accessories. Want to steal Katy Perry's purple skinny jeans style for yourself? She's wearing the celeb favorite Bleulab Detour Reversible Skinny in Plum.

So why all the celeb love for this Bleulab jean? The same reason you're going to love them -- they're reversible! Seriously. These standout coated purple denim skinnies reverse to a more subdued grey washed denim without coating called French Chalk. So, no matter what your mood, this single pair of jeans will serve your needs. This same super popular reversible style has also been spotted on Kourtney Kardashian, Victoria Justice, and Michelle Trachtenberg.

→ Buy the Bleulab Detour Reversible Skinny in Plum/ French Chalk, $215.00, at revolveclothing.com; shipping and returns are free.

Loehmann's Online Shopping Starts Today!

This has the makings of being one of the best online shopping developments to hit all year. Loehmann's online shopping starts today!

For those of you not in the know about Loehmann's, or without a local Loehmann's to call your own, let me educate you. Loehmann's is a discount shopping store that stocks out of season and overstock items. Sounds like of like half a dozen stores floating around right now, doesn't it? But, Loehmann's is different.

They only stock top end labels that you actually recognize and want to buy, but marked down as much as 90% off. I know, it's madness! I was just at my local Loehmann's bricks-and-mortar store over the weekend, where I browsed labels like Theory, Helmut Lang, Vince, Valentino, Missoni, Rag & Bone, Marc by Marc Jacobs and See by Chloe. They are much more akin to a Neiman Marcus Last Call or Off Fifth Saks Fifth Avenue than a Ross or TJ Maxx.

So, back to this new development. Starting today, Loehmanns.com will offer online shopping. They are being awfully tight-lipped about what the store will look like and what labels will be included from day-one, but I'm hopeful. I'll be back with a more in-depth review after I get a chance to online shop. In the meantime, why don't all of you check it out too and let me know what you think. Keep your fingers crossed that it lives up to the in-store experience!

Web Snob: Expert Skin Tips, Fall Fashion Under $100, and More!

The best posts you may have missed this week, from the web's top fashion, beauty, shopping and entertainment blogs. Are you a Web Snob? Check out this week's finds:

• Stiletto Jungle found 5 gorgeous coats, in styles ranging from classic to architectural, all priced under $200.

• Allie is Wired has the details on Lady Gaga's new charitable venture, the Born This Way Foundation.

• Clutches like this Helmut Lang at Bag Snob don't come around often - this isn't for your usual dressy evening attire, but nights you'll be pounding the pavement and making some moves.

• What's chicer than an Oscar de la Renta cocktail ring is one that opens to a delectable perfume solid that allows you to discreetly "freshen" up anytime, anywhere, without missing a beat at Beauty Snob.

• Coquette talks skin health with skin care expert Kate Somerville.

• Fashion Pulse Daily attends the debut of the much-needed plus-size fashion forward line eloquii by The Limited.

• The Jet Set Girls take a sneak peek at the new Girl with a Dragon Tattoo collection at H&M.

• Second City Style asks, what’s not to love about this trend? Trending: Black & White & Our 12 Picks.

• Shopping and Info loves this amazing DKNY Black Shearling Coat for the holiday season.

• It's Cheap Chic Week at StyleBakery.com! All week long, they're hunting down the best fall looks under $100.

• Janet Jackson is covering the November issue of Harper's Bazaar Arabia. The Beauty Stop has the gorgeous pictures.

5 Stunning Must-Have Coats Under $200

When I was younger, I pretty much refused to wear coats. I hated the idea of covering up my carefully orchestrated outfits with an outer layer. Clearly I had yet to embrace the fashion potential of the well-chosen coat. Luckily, I've lived my whole life in the valleys of California -- we don't get much inclement weather here.

But, over the last year or so, I've become a bit of a coat freak. I've discovered the transformative power of a fantastic coat and, I admit, they are kind of handy for keeping warm. I've generated quite a little collection of coats and I'm always looking to add more. Thankfully, the cost of acquiring a really special coat doesn't have to be super high. I've found 5 stunning, truly must-have coats in a range of styles, all of which are priced under $200! Check out my finds:

It's the color of this funnel-neck, wool-blend coat that makes it stand out. The gorgeous green is a showstopper, but still quite classic looking.



→ Buy the ASOS Coat With Fold Over Collar, $115.01 (was $143.76), at asos.com; shipping and returns are free.

Iconic Fall Tweed for All Budgets

--By Kim Moshtaghi

I grew up in awe of tweed. Although I cannot completely explain my fascination with tweed, my mom wore tweed skirt suits so maybe her fashion sense rubbed off on me.

The first tweed jacket I bought was a Bebe tweed jacket. It was pink, purple and white. I wore the jacket with random accessories because I wanted to combine it with my entire wardrobe, even if it the combinations didn't make sense.

When my taste for clothes became more sophisticated, I bought my first Moschino tweed skirt and blazer. Until this day, I adore that outfit, although I rarely wear it. Seeing tweed more and more in fashion magazines reminds me that tweed is a perfect durable texture for the rainy season. Tweed keeps me warm because it's a wool fabric and it's moisture resistant. Furthermore, since more fashion magazines display sexy, form fitting skirts than in the past, it's easier to find a nice wool fashion piece.

This Zac Posen tweed jacket is super sexy. It's a very chic jacket with enough flair to set a building on fire. However, if you are a busty gal, I recommend you pass on this stunner because it will not likely fit correctly. The black and white tweed jacket is uber stylish because it combines cutouts accented with black lace. If that doesn't get you to your credit card fast, then nothing will. This jacket is the fashion statement of the season.



→ Buy the Zac Posen Tweed Peplum Jacket, $1,990.00, at neimanmarcus.com.

Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale 2011 Kicks Off Today!

Where did the year go? Last time I checked it was still summer. I feel like I blinked my eyes and it's time for the Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale again! The 2011 sale kicks off today -- Wednesday, November 2 -- so be sure to set aside some quality Nordie's shopping time... online or in store. I've found that this particular sale is worth both the online browse and the in-store visit.

The Half Yearly sale features new markdowns in apparel, shoes, and accessories from favorite brands such as Diane Von Furstenberg, Cole Haan, Calvin Klein, Kate Spade, Tory Burch and many more. It really is the best clearance sale of the season, and the really good stuff tends to sell out fast. This year's sale is made more fun by the fact that Nordstrom recently started their new policy of offering free shipping and returns on all orders. That's fabulous. What are you waiting for? Get to shopping:

→ Browse the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale for Women & Kids online now.

Steal: Selected Simple Mohair Mix Coat

The coats are calling. Their siren song luring unsuspecting fashionistas into deep racks filled with rich wools, luxe cashmeres and faux-furs that cost more than the real thing. If only I had the bank account to handle snapping up two or three of those multi-thousand-dollar confections...

Ok, back to reality. Gorgeous, unique, fashion-forward coats can cost a pretty penny. You know, the ones from labels like Helmut Lang, Opening Ceremony and Maison Martin Margiela. This new steal find has a similar architectural look as those pricey brands, but at a fraction of the cost.

The Simple Mohair Mix Coat from Selected features a high funnel neck collar and concealed button front -- both hallmarks of the vibe cultivated by the above-mentioned designer labels. The construction is a grey-black polyester/ wool blend that they evidently believe looks like mohair. Personally, I'm tres allergic to actual mohair, so I'm digging the basic poly/ wool blend. The coat is accessorized with a leather belt that has a silver pin closure, yet another fabulous detail. And, all of this fabulousness can be yours for under $300. It's a coat dream come true.

→ Buy the Selected Simple Mohair Mix Coat, $287.52, at asos.com; shipping and returns are free.

Top Pick: Marc by Marc Jacobs Standard Supply '70s Flare Jeans

'70s-inspired jeans have been popular for quite a while now. All types of higher-rise, wide-leg denim have graced the store racks. But, there's something really special about these new jeans from Marc by Marc Jacobs Standard Supply that make them just a little more interesting than the rest of the pack. More than anything, they remind me of the long, dark, high-waist jeans my mom wore in the late '70s and early '80s. It's that sleek authenticity that has really captivated me.

These Marc by Marc Jacobs Standard Supply '70s Flare Jeans are made from a 70% cotton/ 30% polyester blend dark denim with slight whiskering that looks more like a well-worn pair of jeans and less like an overly-manipulated decoration. The backside is simple and free of the "signature" stitching and detailing that has become so common these days. I think the plain, simple look, which really lets the shape of the jeans shine through, aids in the authentic vintage look. Pocket decoration wasn't so big back in the day.

Wear these vintage-look jeans with a ladylike bow blouse or snug sweater to carry through the vintage look. Add a tee and blazer, or a slouchy cashmere cardigan for a more updated look. Either way, let these well made, well designed jeans take the spotlight. They definitely deserve it.

→ Buy the Marc by Marc Jacobs Standard Supply '70s Flare Jeans, $228.00, at shopbop.com; shipping and returns are free.