Down-filled, fur-lined, quilted or knitted, puffy vests are so warm and snuggly that you can't help but love them. Layered over a fitted sweater, puffy vests stand in as substitutes for jackets. Worn beneath a lightweight coat, they provide extra warmth and mileage as temperatures drop. If you're worried they'll add extra visual bulk, pick a more streamlined version in a dark color. With so many styles to choose from these days, there's sure to be a perfect poofy for your wardrobe. Here are six budget-friendly suggestions...



[1] Bitten SJP Navy Puffer, under $20
[2] Gap Camo Hooded Vest, $34.99
[3] Old Navy Frost Free Vest in Oxygen, $39.50
[4] Delia's Fairisle Sweater Vest, $54.50
[5] Forever 21 Safari Vest, $37.80
[6] Forever 21 Plaid Wool Vest, $29.80

Imitating an outfit you love doesn't mean you have to copy it to the letter. Here's our spin-off of a lovely layered look for fall...



A look for fall from See by Chloe (left), with a more affordable rendition (right)

What caught our eye: In the look on the left, we loved the layering—an oversized tunic dress worn over a pleated gray sweater provides warmth, comfort and movement. The eye-catching scalloped skirt gives you just the right amount of additional length.

Color theory: The gray turtleneck, tights and muted olive dress provide a neutral base; yellow, green's neighbor on the color wheel, is used as an accent and really pops against the darker shades. Finally, the ochre of the shoes ties in with the skirt and pulls the outfit together.

Our (affordable) take: We maintained the layering elements and the color relationships. The gray sweater and tights form a foundation. Next, we swapped eggplant for olive, and fuchsia for yellow (because green is to yellow as purple is to pink...sounds like an SAT question, no?) Flirty, retro sandals flaunt both magenta and purple tones, which we think adds a nice touch to the overall look.

Et voila: Perhaps this is already a fine-tuned strategy that you employ with your own wardrobe. But if not, next time you spot an ensemble that speaks to you, try creating your own version. It doesn't have to be exact—just break it down and built it back up again...on a budget, of course!

Items: [1] sweater, [2] tunic, [3] skirt, [4] tights, [5] shoes

Jodhpurs, or what we think of as horseback-riding pants, are galloping into shops for fall.


Jodhpurs by Balenciaga and Roberto Cavalli (center); Style.com

Like the jodhpurs worn in and around the city in India after which they are named, modern interpretations of these trousers are similarly baggy around the thigh and tight-fitting through the calf.

We think the unique pants look pretty cool on models who prance like ponies down the runway...the question is: Will the silhouette they provide translate well for normal women?

If you decide to saddle-up to this trend, look for pants with smooth pockets placed on the front, rather than the sides. Avoid any other equestrian accessories. You'll also probably want to tuck in your top, so consider a belt and blazer or cropped jacket to balance the look.

What do you think? Will you rein in the jodhpur look for fall or leave it in the stable?

Buy one pair of pants, get a second pair half-off...

...for a limited time at New York & Company.
We recommend trying their wide-leg pants, one of this fall's most fashionable silhouettes, as they are both flattering, sophisticated and comfortable. Wide-legs fall straight from the waist and are as wide at the thigh as they are at the hem (which should fall below the ankle, just barely grazing the ground). A welcome relief from skinnies, which have dominated the bottoms scene for quite some time now!


(left) Grand Central Pant in Beach Pebble, $29.95
(right) Grand Central Pant in Black, $34.95