Lust: Leoparddddd

[instyle.com/Talbots]

You may have spied the ads in the September magazine issues starring supermodel Linda Evangelista wearing a fabulous leopard coat. Then, if you're like me, you were probably shocked to see that the ads are for Talbots! The brand, most popular amongst an older crowd, has undergone a rebranding effort. [saksfifthavenue.com] [net-a-porter.com]

Leopard is one of the hottest trends of the season. This is great news for me because I generally don't stow away my leopard print items anyway. If money wasn't an object, I'd buy Christian Louboutin's 'Kathena Pony Haired Satchel' ($3,495) at Saks Fifth Avenue. Is this purse glam or what? I love the chain detail and the patent straps. It'd be the perfect bag to carry to work. There's also an equally fantastic clutch on net-a-porter.com for $1,795.

[net-a-porter.com]

These Lanvin 'Leopard Print Ballerina Flats' ($795) are truly an investment. They also have a concealed heal to elongate the leg. Genius![leifsdottir.com]

Another more affordable leopard item (they call it horse print, but to me it's more leopard) that I want is Leifsdottir's 'Aficianado Cardigan' ($288). It looks great with black pants and a printed blouse as shown. OK, now please go on sale!

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...

Genie in a bottle

[usmagazine.com/J.Crew] [jcrew.com]

J.Crew has some interesting (for lack of a better term) sparkly harem pants in their fall collection. Katie Holmes sports them for the J.Crew catalog along with her other castmembers, including Josh Duhamel, for the upcoming film The Romantics. J.Crew is apparently a marketing partner for the film.

Now, back to those genie pants. I actually kind of like them. They're a whopping $650, but I guess that's to be expected with hand-applied sequined pants. I like the slouchy look of them.

If the harem pants are too much, there are other sparkly items that I am digging. I love how J.Crew pairs something as glam as sequins with utilitarian basics like a burnout baseball tee, striped cardis and brown belts.'Metallic Sequined Bell Skirt' - $275 'Sequined Jersey Bloomer' - $95'Sequin Pencil Skirt' - $138

'Galaxy Tote' - $595

Lust: Halston Heritage Pleated Clutch

[chickdowntown.com]

The gorgeous gunmetal color of this Halston Heritage 'Alice Pleated Clutch' ($245) from chickdowntown.com is what immediately drew me to it. At a roomy 7" x 14," it'd work equally as well for nighttime as it would for everyday. The lightly textured leather and gold logo makes it look rich, and the pleats make it look different from your standard silver handbag.

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!

J.Crew fall arrivals

[all photos jcrew.com]

Fall clothes are hitting stores despite the sweltering heat, which means that there are some amazing summer sales to be found. I swear that everytime I got into J.Crew I find a bargain. I love fall though, and J.Crew's newest arrivals definitely have me wishing for chilly weather!

The collection includes a lot of muted tones and neutrals, plus there are some stripes, military, chambray and sequins thrown in. I adore the motorcycle jacket-esque 'Rimini Cardigan' ($98) featured in both the e-mail blast at top and in the photo in the nutmeg color. I could easily see that becoming a fall wardrobe staple.

An interesting item is the very-Rachel Zoe 'Mongolian Lamb Vest,' which is going for $800. Wowzer. Or, there's always the lamb tote and purse.

Hopefully when the time rolls around to actually wear these items, there'll be some good sales going on. Here are some other pieces I'm loving...

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

Red, white & blue picks

[sephora.com]

I can't believe that July 4 is this weekend. Where is the summer going? Anyway, here are some of my patriotic and budget-friendly red, white and blue picks for the holiday weekend.

I'm loving Sephora by O.P.I.'s Midnight Mambo nail polish ($9) from their Havana Nights collection. It's a pretty light blue color with chunky glitter - just like fireworks for the nails!
[anthropologie.com]

The 'Guatemala City Sandals' from Anthropologie are quite festive, and they look comfy. They're on sale for $29.95, too.
[anthropologie.com]

Also from Anthro is the nautical 'Know the Ropes Dress' by Moulinette Soeurs. I bought this dress a few weeks ago, and I love it. It's hard to tell in the photo, but it has a slight cowl neck. I think I'm going to wear it to a boat party with a red belt. It's on sale for $69.95 from $148.
[jcrew.com]

J.Crew's white strapless 'Ginny Dress' is a classic summer staple. I love the eyelet design. It looks great with a belt as shown. It's on sale for $79.99 from $148. You could probably find it for cheaper too since my store is offering 20% off all sale items. [llbean.com]

I'm going to the beach this weekend, and my weekend bag of choice is always the extra-large 'Open-Top Boat and Tote Bag' from L.L. Bean. These canvas bags are so durable, and they hold a ton. I like the extra-long handles. Prices range from $17.95-$30.95, and they're monongrammable for an extra $6. They're available in 12 different colors. [nordstrom.com]

Ella Moss's 'Monaco Dress' is 60% off at Nordstrom for $55.90. This bright dress would be fun for a night out.