Autumnal

[shopbop.com]

Shopbop's e-mail this morning was titled "Wear Fall Color Now: Transition Pieces in Autumn's Signature Palette." Oh, I do love the rich tones of fall.

I immediately picked out this dress by Haute Hippie. It's kind of an odd shade of brown, but that's what makes the 'Take Me Now Ruffle Dress' ($475) so unique. The color is called brick, and I'd say that's a pretty accurate description.
Also, how gorgeous is this Lela Rose strapless dress? At $1,295, I won't be purchasing this dress, but I do really like the color and style. It'd make a lovely bridesmaid dress for a fall wedding.

Madewell's new site

J.Crew's sister store Madewell recently launched their Web site, madewell.com. They currently have 17 brick-and-mortar stores. I will have to check one out next time I'm in NYC! Their site features a lot of basics with some flare.

[all photos madewell.com]

Apparently the company has been making denim since 1937, so it's fitting that their new site features a denim bar with a wide selection of styles and washes. Denim prices are quite reasonable, too (around $95). I like the 'Rail Straight' jeans in white wash. They also come in two lengths!
I'm such a dress person that I was drawn to the 'Floaty Floral Dress' ($158) in poppy. They also have a nice selection of leather bags. The fringe on the 'Canyon Mini-Bag' ($98) is super-cool, and I love the parchment color.

Now, if Madewell will just have good online sales like J.Crew does, they'll be all set!

Lust: A luxe beach bag

[couture.zappos.com]

Every summer I use those beach totes that you get from Victoria's Secret for free with a swimsuit purchase. Sure, they help haul all of my stuff down to the beach for one season, but after that they're kaput. I would love a sturdy and slightly luxe beach bag this year.

I love the vibrant Marc by Marc Jacobs' 'Misty Pool Mabel Tote' ($188) from Zappos Couture. Plus, the Marc Jacobs logo on the straps reminds me of his graffiti collection for Louis Vuitton. This tote is made of beach-safe canvas and has a zip top which helps keep the sand out.
[couture.zappos.com]

Another great option is the lemon-printed Juicy Couture's 'Beach Tote' ($148), also from Zappos Couture. It also comes with an accessory bag - perfect for lip balm and a snack!

I just found out about Zappos Couture. I had no idea that Zappos.com had a more upscale sibling! They sell women's and men's clothing, shoes and accessories with brands including Alexander McQueen, Delman, Ports 1961, Prada, etc. They also offer free shipping, which is always appreciated in my book.
[piperlime.com]

I also like Kate Spade's 'Take a Dip Tote' ($195) from Piperlime.com. It's a bit steep for a canvas tote (hellooo, L.L. Bean), but it's a classic bag, and the hardware is 14-karat gold, afterall.
[piperlime.com]

Lily Pulitzer's 'Original Tote' ($88) from Piperlime is the ultimate Palm Beach-chic. It looks like something Pulitzer could have created in the '60s.

Methinks I need one of these for my honeymoon!

Summer leather?

[whowhatwear.com]

Who What Wear just had a post on Go Buy Now "All Weather Leather." I was skeptical since I generally stick to leather purses and shoes in the summer since anything else makes me sweat just thinking about it. I know that leather shorts are in too, but I just don't know if I would do it. However, I'm in search of a dress for my bachelorette party, and I like the one that they featured.[saksfifthavenue.com]

Elizabeth & James makes the 'Stiletto Sheath Dress' that's similar to the leather-and-mesh Veda version on WWW for $385. The E&J dress is on sale for $327 right now from $528 at Saks Fifth Ave. It's not real leather either (nylon/polyeurethane) - it just looks like it. I think it could stand to come down in price some more though. [saksfifthavenue.com]

I also love E&J's yellow 'Zip-Back James Blazer' ($395) over the fun 'Juliet Dress' ($465). The blazer is such a fun color. It's almost getting too hot outside to wear anything like that though. Perhaps by the time they're affordable, I will be able to wear them!

Shop La Garçonne

[lagarconne.com]

I'd seen La Garçonne cited in numerous magazines and wondered what it was. The Connecticut-based company's motto for the Garçonne girl is "she side steps the spotlight and prefers the warm glow of her multifaceted heart." They sell ultra-chic designers like Lanvin, Thakoon, Opening Ceremony, Alexander Wang and Boy Band of Outsiders.

Though most of their stuff wouldn't qualify as bargain prices (though they have some sales), it's a great place to go for style inspiration or to splurge on that special piece you've been wanting.

La Garçonne is carrying Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony. The actress is wearing her design, the 'Western Buckle Wedge' ($625). Those shoes are pretty quirky yet fabulous.

They also carry handbags. I adore Alexander Wang's 'Donna Hobo Bag' ($820) in distressed grey denim printed leather; it's the perfect everyday purse. I also love the 'Zadie Purse' by Rika ($265). The distressed leather clutch with antique brass studs is great for a night out. Nail polishes by Uslu Airlines (Berlin-based makeup line) and Bernhard Wilhelm are also sold. I like this turquoise color, GWW. I hope this polish stays on like glue though because it's $31.50. The site carries Moleskine notebooks too - how cute is that?

Fab Fred Flare finds

[fredflare.com]

It's hard to believe that Christmas is ONE week away. While shopping online, I rediscovered Fred Flare. They recently opened their first-ever brick-and-mortar store in Brooklyn - NYCers have all the luck! I found some great gifts under $30 at their fun site, fredflare.com. They also have a helpful application with hints with people (like your mom, co-worker, etc.) and price limits.

This Holly Golightly mask ($14), inspired by Audrey Hepburn's character in Breakfast at Tiffany's, is just precious. It's perfect for a chic traveler who likes to get some shut-eye on flights.

The Cheeseburger Phone (on sale for $19.99) as seen in Juno is pretty cute for someone who still has an actual land line - even for a vegetarian like myself.

Owls are super-trendy right now, and this Dual-Time Owl Watch necklace ($28) is adorable. My sister would love this thing.
A domestic diva would adore this Mini Eiffel Tower Grater ($20). Shoot, I rarely cook, and I'd love to have this thing.
Jane Austen's most beloved novel Pride and Prejudice ($16) comes with illustrations by Ruban Toledo, a renowned fashion illustrator. I'm really wondering why I don't already own this book. The Mini Robo Vacuum ($20) is perfect for someone's cubicle for those pesky lunch crumbs that always end up all over the desk. It's also available in gray and black.
For the eco-friendly person in your life, this Xmas Tree in a Can ($12) is perfect. They can watch it grow all year then decorate it next Christmas.
In addition to all of these affordable gifts, they also have a nice clothing selection. They sell the ubiquitous Bella's Twilight jacket by BB Dakota in blue and olive, graphic tees, snazzy dresses and other chic finds. Right now, they're offering free shipping on orders over $75.

Leopard print mania

[thehollywoodgossip.com]
[whowhatwear.com]

I love me some leopard print. I'm even wearing the print on my Diane von Furstenberg dress as we speak in a color that occurs nowhere in nature (as seen on Jessica Simpson and Paris Hilton, oy!).

One of my favorite sites, WHOWHATWEAR.com recently dedicated their trend report to leopard coats. Another favorite site, refinery29.com declared leopard print a runner-up top trend of 2009.

[zimbio.com]
[InStyle.com]

Kate Hudson has been representing the leopard print lately. She wore this silky leopard print romper for a taping at MTV on Monday. Hmmm, love the print, hate the jumpsuit. It would've worked as a dress!

She did get it right last night in Chanel Haute Couture for the New York City premiere of Nine. Though it's not technically leopard print, it does look sort of like it is, right?

Fun jewelry site: Charm & Chain

I've always been a jewelry girl with a penchant for anything from David Yurman to flea market and Forever 21 baubles. Imagine my excitement when I stumbled upon the jewelry site Charm & Chain. The site features lots of great designers from Alexis Bittar, Sequin, Erickson Beamon, Kenneth Jay Lane and many more.

Each item has a clever description, too. As a copywriter, I definitely appreciate that. Here are a few of my favorite things on the site... [charmandchain.com]

The 'Black Leather and Gold Sunburst Cocktail Ring' ($45) by House of Harlow, Nicole Richie's new line, is fabulous. I love black and gold together, and this design has an Egyptian feel. Plus, you don't see tons of cool jewelry featuring leather.

The 'Drop Bangles' ($60) by Amanda Rudley are so pretty. I'm obsessed with gold right now - too bad it hit $1,200 an ounce today, aghhh! These bangles are 18K vermeil (which I recently learned is a mix of sterling silver, gold and other precious metals) and you can choose your stone - green amethyst, smoky topaz, rose quartz or blue topaz.
I adore a statement necklace. The 'Layered Ball & Chain Necklace' ($150) by Tuleste Market is a delightfully layered piece. Oh my goodness, Tuleste Market has some amazing pieces. The 'Millie's Bow Drop Earrings' ($75) by Rachel Leigh are lovely. They look prim-and-proper, yet slightly edgy with the stud posts. These would be perfect to wear to a Christmas party.

Charm & Chain also has a personal shopper feature where someone will help you pick out gifts after filling out an online questionnaire. Use the code peopleholiday for an extra 20% off through December 25 courtesy of people.com.

Fab holiday gifts at Fishs Eddy

[fishseddy.com]

I first heard of Fishs Eddy after my New Yorker sister bought a fabulous wedding gift from there. I didn't think about it again until I discovered that they have an online store for those of us outside of the NYC area...just in time for the holidays!

I'm particularly fond of their gift boxed sets - adorable and affordable (ranging from $11.70-$33). I love the gift set of eight 'nut bowls' (or olive, mints, etc.), and they're only $19.95. There are tons of patterns to choose from for dishes, mugs, platters and more including Alice in Wonderland, Brooklyn, NY Skyline, Happy Birthday and Birds on a Wire. There's even a pills pattern and pharmacy mug.

Need a gift for a winter wedding? They have cake stands, crystal champagne flutes and wine glasses galore. Everything is put into a fun gift box too. Other gift items include umbrellas, tote bags, postcards, t-shirts, linens and 'special finds' like the very cool 'Chrysler Building Lantern' ($64.95).

Fishs Eddy is located at 889 Broadway at 19th Street, New York, NY 10003. I'll definitely be making a stop there on my next trip to NYC. Check out the site here.