When Banana Republic invited me to wear their trench capelet during New York fashion week, I was hesitant to say the least. Mostly, I was concerned about the volume and how I would style it without looking over the top. But once I tried it on, my fears melted away. A classic capelet with a belt to cinch the waist, in a neutral color, is easy and effortless and you can toss it on over just about anything. Now I'm just sorry I waited so long to try this trend, which seems to come back every season - see looks from the Fall 2012 Hermes (top center) and Chloe runways above for inspiration.

My exact BR cape is sold out online but you might still find it in stores for $150. Here are a few more affordable cape options to help you get the look:

When Lands' End Canvas invited me to style a pair of their new chinos, I jumped on the opportunity. I get the Lands' End Canvas catalog and after seeing the Fall issue, I was totally ready to try their newly reinvented chinos, which boast fresh new colors and a fab new fit. For my chinos challenge, I picked the Pleated Slim Slouch in Oro which I paired with the Wright Navy Blazer and a striped t-shirt for a dose of preppy goodness.

My raspberry Steven Madden studded tote seemed like the perfect pop of color to round out my fall-ready ensemble, plus burgundy lips and a skinny belt in the same shade. These goldenrod chinos look amazing with bright shoes, too, but I decided to go with a neutral shoe in this case to keep things clean and simple. You know me! I've been wearing my chinos a lot lately, they're so comfortable and super versatile.

Ok, ready to get your chino challenge on? Lands' End is giving away a $100 giftcard each day this week to one lucky reader, plus a $500 grand prize!

To enter: Pin my look (any photo you prefer), as well as 5 products from Lands' End Canvas to a dedicated #CanvasChinos Board on Pinterest, and submit a link to your board on Facebook. Pin images of all five bloggers participating in this week's campaign (see Tucked Style and Eye4Style) along with 5 other pieces from Canvas and the contest graphic below for a chance to win $500.

Check out tomorrow's blogger taking the chino challenge, Men In Style Society.



Good luck!