Animal Instinct

Bold animal prints can definitely make a statement! The classic leopard print looks especially glamourous, and is totally of-the-moment. But you need to wear it right, meaning don't overdo it. I found some amazing pieces including both clothing and accessories, that are so stylish (worn separately of course).

This MICHAEL Michael Kors 'Ocelot' Pencil Skirt ($99.50) is perfectly fashioned. I love the slim cut, and worn with a black top and patent back pumps, you are sure to turn heads.

Also, this Alice+Olivia faux fur leopard jacket ($385.00) is fabulous and so on trend. It has a cape-inspired silhouette, and makes such a statement over a sleek cocktail dress. And it is prefect paired with your favorite long black leather gloves.

OR for a fun, fashionable accessory, try this leopard cross body bag by Top Shop ($60.00). It is the perfect match for your LBD, and the gold hardware and chain strap make it so elegant.

Shopista Steal: MINT jodi arnold top

I am a sucker for sales - and when I saw this MINT jodi arnold 'Ombre ribbon top' ($102 down from $340) for 70% off, I couldn't resist. I love how the teal darkens toward the bottom, and the ribbon detailing around the neck is to die for. It is made out of 100% silk, and has the most amazing keyhole button fastening in the back. This top dresses up any pair of jeans or can be worn tucked into a cute black skirt.

Leather Arm Candy

3/4 sleeved coats looks amazing, but as the temperature drops you need a worthy pair of gloves. Extra long leather gloves are the perfect solution, and look amazing! You can pull them up or scrunch them down, and totally mix and match the colors of your gloves and coats. For example, brown gloves with a gray coat or black gloves with a bright color coat all look fabulous.

I have a couple pair of leather gloves - they are soo necessary in the winter, and add a chicness to your winter-outerwear. I love the hard-edged accents on Nina Peter's "Long Studdend Leather Gloves" ($455.00). These dramatic gloves combine rock-in-roll glamour with a chic cocktail look. OR for a more affordable option, Urban Outfitters "long Leather Zip Glove' ($48.00) looks great, and I love the exposed zipper and hardware.

In the News: Two New Celebrity Shoe Lines

I know I wrote about Nicole Richie last week, but when I saw her new shoe line, set to launch in January, I couldn't resist. They look amazing, and I can't wait to get a pair. Her House of Harlow footwear collection is true to her boho aesthetic, and features chunky platforms and Navajo-inspired accents. The shoes are set to debut on My-Wardrobe.com.

Also, it is rumored that Victoria Beckham will also be adding a footwear collection to her beautiful VB clothing collection. But we will just have to wait and see!

Elegant Jumpsuits

Jumpsuits continue to amaze me, and are looking so chic this fall. I picked out a couple that I absolutely love and totally elongate your legs and torso.

If you want to make a statement, I am obsessed with Wink's "Daria" silk jumpsuit ($396.00). It has an incredible back with skinny cross-at-back straps and gorgeous ruffles.

Tibi is one of my favorite designers, and this season she offers a modern, feminine update of the iconic formal tuxedo ($385.00). The sleek strapless jumpsuit paired with bangles and patent black pumps looks fabulous!

Jumpsuits are something you just need to try on - trust me you'll love them!

Shopista On a Budget: All for Under $140!

Who said looking good couldn't be comfortable? Dress up your basic black leggings for this perfect daytime look - and it is all under $140!!!

The sweater by Urban Outfitters, 'Silent & Noise Popcorn Stitch Dolman' ($54.00), goes great with your basic black American Apparel leggings ($26.00) and is so comfortable. Then complete the look with these sleek patent knee-high boots from Funtasma ($49.95), available at Endless.com, coupled with these "vintage" bangles from Forever 21 ($4.80 + $5.80).

Shopista at the Office: Work Bags

Business attire can feel so boring and repetitive - but that doesn't mean you have to be. Having a stylish but quality work bag is essential, and it totally completes your outfit. Below I have picked a few fashionable bags that you can rock at work. Because trust me, if you feel great, you'll work great.

DKNY makes a fabulous 'antique croc work shopper' ($295.00) that looks totally lux and will fit everything, including those important work documents. I love the back patent leather, but if you really want to spice things up, it is also available in orange.

I am obviously drawn to croc embossed pieces, because I am obsessed with this Kate Spade 'Knightsbridge Lila' ($598). With a hint of Chanel, it has glamor, polish and practicality. It comes in moss (my favorite), graphite, and chestnut.

And tied as my favorite, is Dooney & Bourke's 'Dillen Leather Drop Hobo' ($285.00). It is prefect this season and can be worn two ways - over your shoulder or cross body.

Shopista at Home: Tabletop Update

If I were to describe my decorating style is would be warm, clean and modern. This weekend I decided to update my dinnerware, and got this amazing white square set from Pottery Barn (around $300 for a set of 8 full-settings). They are so durable, clean and chic and will be beautiful for entertaining - perfect for my annual pre-thanksgiving dinner in a couple weeks.

The full-setting includes a dinner plate, salad plate, bread plate, bowl and coffee mug - and all are dishwasher safe which is a must for me.

While I was there ( I could spend hours in PB) I also saw, and had to get these huge and amazing 'Sweater Knit Pillows' ($39.00 for cover). It has the same amazing cozy feel of a warm sweater... and with it getting so cold out how could you resist.

Check Out Those Curves

The bandage skirt is a great addition to your wardrobe this fall/winter - and will definitely be something you will have and wear for more than one season. Herve Leger perfected the sculpted fit bandage skirt, and now other designers are offering this flattering look as well. And you wouldn't believe the sexy curves you get after sliding into one of these skirts!

I got this amazing skirt from BCBG, the 'Textured Tube Skirt' ($138.00) in a beautiful dark regal blue. It is so figure-flattering and looks great with a fitted top and cutout pumps. BCBG also offers a similarly sexy 'Two-Tone Textured Tube Skirt' ($178.00) that I am obsessed with! (I didn't see it when I bought mine)

Shopista Look of the Week: Sexy Military Jackets

Military style jackets and coats are great this season, and offer a classy yet edgy look. I love the flattering slim cuts, double-breasted button embellishments and cool stand-up collars. They are so feminine, and a great alternative to the typical jacket.

I am obsessed with this Alice + Olivia 'Shrunken Military Jacket' ($550.00). The crystal and beaded embellishments and chains are so chic. I also love the navy cotton knit military jacket by Qi ($141.00) on BlueFly.com - the double-breasted cutaway front is so flattering.

For a warmer alternative, French Connection has an amazing 'Lark High Collar Wool Coat' ($298.00) that is a great spin in the military coat - the collar itself makes such a statement. Express also has an great 'Wool Military Coat' ($148.00) with tons of polished hardware adding some extra shine and pop.

These jackets make such a statement, and are a must-have item this season!

Mr. Mustachio

I got the coolest 'mustache' tank yesterday at the Madison Square Park October Market - seriously a tank with mustaches. It is made by this great grass-roots style apparel company called Handsome Howard - normally located in the East Village. And aside from the amazing name of both the shirt and company, they have some pretty great items including shirts, bags, ties, and custom made purses.

The one-of-a-kind designs are printed on American Apparel shirts, which both fit and look great, and pieces are limited-edition. Below is the 'Mustaches Tank' ($25.00) and 'Watertower Tank' ($23.00). I'm not sure why the Mustaches cost more... maybe it's because mustache is so funny to say.

The Statement Necklace

Bib necklaces are everywhere right now. They are beautiful and look so flattering decorated in an amazing collection of embellishments and beads. You can pair the necklace with that perfect LBD for a fun night out, or with a solid white tee, jeans and a blazer for a more casual but chic look during the day. While some can be upwards of $1000, I found a couple great pieces for a fraction of the cost.

Blu Bijoux (above) has an incredible crystal encrusted ribbon bib necklace ($118.00) - available at Max&Chole.com. The bib is covered with large smoky Austrian Crystals, and has two black stain ribbons that tie around the back of your neck.

Juicy Couture (above) also makes a beautiful 'Sequin Drama Bib Necklace' ($225.00). The mesh bib is covered with rhodium-plated beads, gray/clear faceted glass and has the prefect gray herringbone ribbon to complete the look.

Love Me Some Booties

Isn't it great to come home after long day and cuddle up on your couch in sweats and incredibly warm slippers? Well Gap has those Slipper Booties ($29.00) to beat that winter chill. Think sweater socks, only cozier. These booties are made from a heavy super-soft knit, and have sueded bottoms to keep you from slipping and sliding. They also come in all sorts of bright colors, and have a fun decorative pom pom tie.

UPDATE: I got the booties in grey, and they are sooo comfortable... I love them!

Jimmy Choo for H&M

As we all know Jimmy Choo is the latest designer to collaborate with H&M creating a collection that will include shoes, boots, handbags, belts, jewelry and a few items of clothing... And lucky for us, the lookbook has leaked its way onto the internet.

From what I have seen so far, I am pretty impressed with most of the collection which has a slightly 80s glam-punk look. Some of the pieces include dresses in luxe suede and shimmer-sequins, sheer tops, leather jackets, glamorous heels and animal print clutches. And the majority of shoes and bags are made out of real leather.

The collection is set to hit store shelves on November 14th - and it will certainly be worth a look!

The Oversized Cardigan

I love oversized cardigans and sweater coats. They are a must for these crisp fall days, and so versatile. You can throw one over a dress, or layer it casually with jeans.

This Kimono Sleeve Cardigan by Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent ($295.00) is fabulous, and gives any outfit the perfect boho look. I love how it is uniquely oversized with full sleeves, and has cute side button accents.

Or for a more affordable option try this Lambswool Rugby cardigan from Banana Republic ($132.00) - perfect for any casual look.

...and not to mention the are oh so soft and comfortable.

Designer Shoes in the East Village

This weekend I happened to stumble into a hidden gem of the East Village - Gabay's Outlet - a small designer shoe and purse discount store that gets MAJOR closeouts from Bergdorfs and Henry Bendel. Like I am talking Chanel, Louboutin, Manolo, Prada, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Mui Mui and more, all at up to 80% off retail prices! And surprisingly they even have a fair amount of men's labels too.

I got the most amazing pair of Stuart Weitzman "Nanette" suede peep toe booties for only $130!! They are so chic, and perfect for fall. I can't wait to go back!

Gabay's may not be much on the outside, but trust me, it is one of the best-kept secrets in shopping - the merchandise says it all.

Instant Heirloom Pieces

J Crew has some amazing jewelry this season that totally embodies the vintage heirloom style. Their pieces include tons of glass, pearls and crystals, twisted together for a variety of different textured looks. My favorite pieces this season includes the Antique gold manor necklace ($128.00), Majesty Stone Bracelet ($78.00), Crystal Supernova Bracelet ($98.00) and the Pearl Pebble Ring ($55.00).

I LOVE textured, chunky jewelry. You can mix-and-match and layer pieces for an amazing look, and they can be worn with anything casual or dressy - it totally glams out any outfit.

In the News: Winter Kate by Nicole Richie

Nicole Richie totally rocks the boho-chic style... and now we can too! Nicole is expanding her fashion empire, and is designing a women's contemporary line called Winter Kate (Harlow's middle names), which is set to launch in February 2010. The 37-piece collection will feature chiffon tops, long slip dresses, jackets and vests. Winter Kate will be available at most major department stores including Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Intermix and Kitson.

Nicole told WWD, "fashion should be accessible. That was my philosophy when designing House of Harlow 1960 and it remains my philosophy for Winter Kate." Prices start at $35 and go up to $598 for leather pieces.

"Perfect Plaid" at Ralph Lauren

This season's must-have pattern at Ralph Lauren is a classic heritage plaid. I picked my favorite shirts below, each made out of ulta-comfortable luxury cotton, with a flattering slim-fit.

The Suede Shoulder Patch Shirt (198.00) is so cute, and I love the accented brown suede on the right shoulder. The Taylor Tartan Crested Shirt ($165.00) is also very stylish, and is embroidered with a golden equestrian crest.

My favorite is the Davenport Flannel Tunic ($198.00). A longer tunic length, it has a nice slim fit, and looks great with jeans or leggings. Pair it with a cute belt, like the Saddle Leather Brass Bit Belt ($68.00) for a perfect hip-slung look.

These tops are a chic update to the classic western plaid shirts, and exude the Ralph Lauren heritage style.

Jegging Love

I am obsessed with Jeggings (aka jean leggings), and they are so on trend this fall/winter season. I know what you might be thinking - how could you pay jean prices for leggings? And I agree, I would not spend a ton on leggings, but jeggings are TOTALLY different!

Jeggings are pretty much skinny jeans with a little more stretch, meaning SO comfortable. They look amazing, and are great for everyday wear. Here are a couple of my favorites:

From left to right, J Brand Lightweight Denim Leggings ($168.00), Blank Knit Indigo Leggings ($85.00), Genetic Denim Shane Lace Print Jeans Leggings ($255.00) and my favorite, Citizens of Humanity Avedon Slick Skinny Leggings ($210). All are available on Intermix online.