As if we needed another reason to shop at Forever 21: Our favorite purveyor of perfectly-priced fashion has a new section on their website called Brilliant Buys, which features over a dozen hot items under $20. Check back often, as this section is updated frequently with super deals.



While we're on the subject of Forever 21, here are some tips for the wear 'n' care of their apparel, which we think has an undeserved reputation for shoddy workmanship (you gotta shop smart, no matter what the price point!):

• 
  Pick items that look good on the rack. If it's wrinkled or covered with lint on the hanger, it ain't gonna get any better when you take it home.


• When shopping online, use the "Search" feature to find items made with higher-quality fibers. For example, a search for "cashmere AND cotton" returns 8 items, including a 92% cotton, 8% cashmere scarf and sweater. It's not a lot of cashmere, but it's just enough to make these items soft and warm, and c'mon, we're talkin' Forever 21 here, not Saks.


• 
  Go for dark and/or neutral shades. On the one hand, Forever 21's prices are so low that you can afford to take risks with bright colors and quirky styles which were hitherto impossible for frugal fashionistas. On the other hand, sticking to dark, neutral shades (including red) ensures minor flaws in the stitching or fabric go unnoticed.


• 
  Always layer a cotton tee beneath any blouse or sweater to prevent perspiration from touching the outer garment, thereby buying you additional time between washes.


• Drape garments over an armchair and let them air-out overnight. Don't stuff them back into your closet or into a dresser drawer as this can trap moisture and odors.


• Machine wash (or better yet, hand-wash) clothes inside-out in cold water using baby shampoo or a mild detergent like Woolite, or eco-friendly laundry soaps from Seventh Generation or Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day.


• 
  Lay garments flat to dry (or hang items such as jeans or cords to air-dry). This will not only increase their lifespan, it will also save energy and money.


• 
  Don't just dump your clothes when they no longer suit your fancy. Donate them to charity, sell 'em on Ebay, or recycle/repurpose them for crafts.

Shop the cashmere event at Bloomingdale's...Click the pic for details.


P.S. This Deal du Jour is strictly editorial...just stuff we like and think you'll enjoy, too!

Nordstrom's Half-Yearly Sale has arrived...Click the pic for details.


P.S. This Deal du Jour is strictly editorial...just stuff we like and think you'll enjoy, too!

We weren't always "mad about plaid" as the sartorial expression goes. (Too preppy? Played-out? Not quite sure.) Rather, our feelings toward the tartan cloth were lukewarm at best—lukewarm, that is, until we spotted this stylish young lass (right) strutting her plaid stuff down the street on a brisk, autumn morning just a few days ago.

Not only was she rockin' a red checked plaid skirt, but she had also dared to pair it with PRINTED tights! Mixing prints?! Shocking. And yet (at least in our humble opinion) she pulled off the brave look with finesse…and so we felt inspired to seek out some sassy plaid of our own.

What follows are the affordable fruits of our labor. Check them out...






[1] Victoria's Secret plaid wool coat, $158 $138
[2] Mango plaid skirt, $69
[3] Forever 21 plaid pea coat, $34.80
[4] Banana Republic plaid skirt, $88, $59.99
[5] Nordstrom cashmere muffler, $88
[6] Lauren by Ralph Lauren skirt, $139 $82.90

New arrivals for the Simply Vera by Vera Wang collection at our local Kohl's store exude casual elegance in relaxed cuts and subdued gemstone hues. More details after the jump...



Left: Striped Top, $58 $34.80; Right: Charmeuse Camisole, $54 $43.20


Left: Orange 3/4-Sleeve Blouse, $64; Right: Colorblock Tank, $54 $43.20

The Skinny: There are a bunch of new items for the Simply Vera collection at our nearby Kohl's, including dresses, tanks, blouses, sweaters, skirts and lightweight coats. All the items can be mixed 'n' matched and dressed up or down with ease.

After recounting our search for the perfect sweater dress in an earlier post, some readers suggested we photograph ourselves wearing the items—so what you see above is our compromise! And it's a good thing, too, cuz almost all the latest Simply Vera styles were flouncy and full, so it helps to see them on. We love how everything draped, but we'd probably cinch the waist with a thin belt for an evening out.

Good Stuff: All the straps on the sleeveless tops expertly covered our bra straps. Genius. Also loved the little details, like the tulle covered gemstone designs around the necklines, or the interesting colorblocking patterns with fabrics in various hues and textures (satin, stretch velvet, jersey). Love it.

The Downside: Nearly every item we tried on was made of 100% polyester. You'd never guess by the touch alone, but really, what gives? Clearly, not all poly is created equal but we're still confused by all the synthetics...

Prices were a tad steep (ranged from $54 for a dressy tank top to $138 for a black brocade car coat), however, everything was 20% off at our Kohl's store (as well as online), and of course, you get additional discounts if you use your Kohl's charge.

The Verdict: You've got to try this stuff on, especially if you're looking for something different for the holidays. It really comes to life when you put it on. Just don't pay full price and you won't be disappointed!

Find a Kohl's store near you. >>