Payless fall designer collections

[all photos payless.com]

When I looked last week, Payless Shoesource still had the summer designer shoes on their site. I got an e-mail about the BOGO sale today, so I decided to look again, and the fall designer collections are up! I'm pretty impressed with the Lela Rose, Christian Siriano and newcomer Isabel Toledo's fall collections.

My favorite is Lela Rose's 'Suede Chop-Out Shootie' ($44.95). I'm obsessed! I need them in both the black and taupe. I love that I could wear these now and throughout winter. As for the Siriano shoes, I'm digging the 'Parisienne Exotic Platform Pump' ($34.95). I like that they're pointy-toed without looking like "witch toes." My sister described the gold insignia as ugly, but it doesn't bother me that much. I do like it much better on the toe of the eggplant 'Royalty Satin Flats' ($34.99) though. The 'Midnight D'Orsay Evening Pumps' ($44.99) are classic and elegant.

Isabel Toledo is new to the Payless scene. You may recognize her name since she designed Michelle Obama's Inauguration dress. Her shoes are interesting. I'm not as big a fan of them as Rose's or Siriano's, but maybe I'd like them better in person. The 'Toreador Pump' ($44.99) is pretty. Check out the rest of her collection here. Here are a few that I liked... The BOGO sale (buy one get one half off) is going on now through September 6. Have them shipped to your local store and pay no shipping. Also, use the code 30500 for an additional 20% off. Seriously, you can't beat that!

Gilt Groupe's Target sneak peak sale

[target.com/gilt.com]

Gilt Groupe had a sale on designer items for Target today at noon. There are still some items left! I'm so excited about all three of these collections: Tucker by Gaby Basora, Mulberry and John Derian. Everything is so fabulous, and you can't beat the prices.

I love Tucker's fun printed dresses, Mulberry's carry-all satchels and Derian's quirky and unique home goods. I didn't really want to order anything because I don't like paying a lot for shipping, but it's a genius idea nonetheless.

Derian's collection hits Target September 5, Tucker on September 10, and Mulberry on October 10. So excited! Here are a few of my favorites that I saw on Gilt today...

Just add tights

[saksfifthavenue.com]

I'm all about versatility. If I can wear something again and make it look new, I'm sold. Plus, being able to wear something to work and for a night out is important too. I'm so excited about dresses that I can buy now and just add tights to later as it gets chillier.

Nanette Lepore has some seriously cute stuff in her fall collection. One of my favorites is the 'Belleza Dress' ($348) from Saks. Sure, it's made of merino wool so I probably couldn't break it out until September, but it would look good with peep-toe booties until it's time for the tights.

[topshop.com]

Top Shop's 'Grey Bloom Bishop Sleeve Dress' ($100) feature fallish colors, but it works now since it's cotton and has billowy, non-clingy sleeves - which is crucial in August. It'd look great with a faux fur vest later or clogs. [anthropologie.com]

I love everything about the 'Parlor Games Dress' by Anna Sui for Anthropologie ($188). The silk dress features Victorian chairs. It works now since it's so light and later when paired with - you guessed it, tights! [forever21.com]

The bargain find 'Belted Artist Dress' ($22.80) from Forever 21 would be best with a different belt now and would look great with a chunky-knit sweater belted later.

[jcrew.com]

J.Crew's 'Washed Silk Shirtdress' ($148) can be paired with just about everything from wedges now to oxfords and boots. Plus, chartreuse is one of my favorite colors, and it comes in spiced chartreuse and bluegrass. A belt could easily be added, too.[bananarepublic.com]

The 'Silk Crinkle Print Dress' ($100) from Banana Republic would work to wear to a wedding or in the fall paired with ankle boots and a cardi or tailored blazer.

[hm.com]

This denim dress from H&M is a mere $39.95. I've always liked black and denim together, so I'd wear it with boots later and either long sleeve tee (or turtleneck) underneath or a leather jacket.

Lust: Mulberry Margaret Bag

[mamasarollingstone.com]

I'm obsessed with Mulberry's 'Margaret Shoulder Bag,' named after one of England's slightly scandalous royals, Princess Margaret. This bag is one of my faves from fall's ladylike handbag trend. The plum soft pebbled (far right) for $895 is definitely my first pick.
[fabsugar.com]

Kate Bosworth was seen carrying a leopard version (ugh, lucky). The collection also includes clutches, mini bags and zip-around wallets. The crest on the bags is Mulberry's "We Believe in Tea and Cake Crest." What's not to love about that? The logo is complete with English bulldogs, tea cups and cupcakes.

[asos.com]

[urbanoutfitters.com]

Now I must find a more affordable version of this bag. I haven't found anything in that vibrant purple, but I found bags that are kind of similar: the 'Suede Lock Detail Shoulder Bag' from ASOS.com ($67.38) and the 'Croco Lady Bag With Metal Closure' by Kimchi Blue from Urban Outfitters ($58). None feature that super-cool Mulberry crest though!

Dolce Vita for Target

[all photos target.com]

Dolce Vita for Target is now being sold online only. They usually make really fun shoes, but I'm not very impressed with this line. The nine-piece collection features boots, flats and oxfords in prices ranging from $29.99 to $34.99.

My favorite shoes are the studded ballet flats come in gold, pewter and black ($29.99). The 'Buckle Ankle Boots' are kinda cool though not really my thing.

Justin Timberlake's line, William Rast, was just announced as the next designer to hit stores in December. That should be interesting! I don't own anything by William Rast, but I know a lot of people love their denim.

Retro dresses

[style.com]

Wow, Mad Men fever is everywhere. Even Banana Republic is doing a marketing campaign with the AMC show. After finally catching up on my August magazine subscriptions, which feature a ton of fall items despite the heat, I am most looking forward to the fifties retro-inspired looks. I adore the ladylike dresses (bouffants optional) from Prada's and Louis Vuitton's Fall 2010 collections.

I also love the chunky-knit legwear that was paired with the Prada dresses. I can't find them online, but I just purchased some Prada-esque Hue thigh-highs at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale for the bargain price of $8!

Nail envy

[sephora.com]

My nails don't hold polish very well. I paint them or get a manicure, and 24 hours later there's a chip. Nevertheless, I don't like my nails bare, so it's the burden I must bear. There are two nail trends that I'm anxious to try out.

Sephora by OPI has created 'Chic Prints for Nails' ($15). Celebs have been a fan of Minx nails for a while (prices ranging from $30-$55). The Chic Prints are similar but more affordable. I like the tiger and fishnet print. Each package comes with 16 patches for one-time application to nails or toes. They seem kind of tedious to apply, but they'd definitely be fun to try for a special occasion.[nylonmag.com]

Another trend that I'm super-excited about is Revlon's Suede nail collection. The best part about these pastel polishes is that they're $3.99, and I'm sure there are coupons to be found, too. I'm obsessed with the beige! These are coming soon to stores.

Favorite sale of the year

[all photos nordstrom.com]

Ahhh, it's time for the best sale of the year. It seems strange because it seems like I've been pre-selecting the sale for a few weeks now, but it's definitely fun to see everything in-store. Nordstrom dramatically marks down new fall merchandise this time every year for their Anniversary Sale. Hurry because prices go back up August 2!

There are great bargains on fall shoes. According to the guys at my local store, Sam Edelman's 'Una' peep-toe bootie (see top photo) has been flying off the shelves. I love it in both colors - black and taupe suede ($129.90 from $199.95). I also asked my bridesmaids to get a pair of nude Steve Madden 'Disobey' heels for their dresses.

Suzi Chin Maggy Boutique's 'Embellished Mock Two-Piece Dress' is so fabulous because it's just as appropriate for work as it is a special occasion. It's on sale for $98.90 from $148.
I always stock up on workout clothes like my favorite Nike 'Tempo' Track Shorts, which are the only shorts I wear to run. They're on sale from $28 to $17.90.

Here are just a few of some of my favorite items in the sale...

Trouvé 'Studded Leather Motorcycle Jacket' - $198.90 from $298Splendid 'Stripe Cardigan' - $58.90 from $88

J Brand 'The Legging' Stretch Jeans - $109.90 from $178
MARC BY MARC JACOBS 'Ceramic Blade Watch' $267.90 from $400

Velvet Torch 'Lace Fishtail Dress' $35.90 from $54Betsey Johnson 'Sequin Bow Wristlet' - $69.90 from $110

Burberry 'Oversized Sunglasses' - $126.90 from $190

Calvin Klein 'Scarlet' Platform pump - $72.90 from $109.95

Tory Burch 'Verbena' Ballet Flat - $169.90 from $265

Sam Edelman 'Torin' Bootie - $149.90 from $224.95