Forever 21 is showing off some sweet new looks that seem to say spring is on its way. If you live in a cold clime, as I do, you know temperatures won't start to climb for another couple of months, but you can still start to scout out fresh items to spruce up your wardrobe during this mid-winter season. Pick up the Striped Anchor Sweater to get a leg up on Spring's nautical trend. Bright Erika Super Skinny Jeans ($29.80) in yellow will have you in step with the citrus shades that are also huge for Spring. And, the navy Pleated 3Q Chiffon Tunic ($17.80) shown below is also available in eye-catching aquamarine, another hot hue for Spring.






>> See all the looks here.

J. Crew's notoriously pricey duds are now on sale and at prices we can afford! Take an additional 20% off FINAL SALE items at the preppy-chic retailer, now through Sunday January 20. Here are some deals we spotted...

Save big on a fantastic selection of elegant dresses - if you're a fast-acting bride-to-be, this Sophia short silk dress would be a stylish option for your bridesmaids. Now just $139.99 (plus an additional 20%), it's still available in sizes 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10!


Heck, if you're a bride on a budget - or simply a bride with better things to spend her hard-earned cash on than a dress she'll wear once - this Goddess Long Dress is gorgeous and looks like it was meant to be a wedding gown! It's on sale for $159.99, plus an additional 20% off when you add it to your cart.

And, remember our earlier obsession with the Balenciaga blazer? Well now you can get J. Crew's version, the Double-faced wool Lexington jacket, on sale for just $99.99 (plus 20% off).

Take your pick of gray or ivory. This piece will never go out of style.

Here's another great buy that will always be fashionable: classy and comfortable Brewster leather high boots, on sale for $99.99 (plus 20% off). Also available in extended-calf sizes, these boots were made for walkin'.




There are a ton more great deals, especially on cold-weather must-haves like cashmere sweaters, cable-knit cardigans, plus cozy hats, gloves and scarves - so be sure to check it out - the sooner the better!

Someone must have been an especially good girl in 2007, because this past Christmas, the man in the red suit gifted me with a gorgeous red coat. While red is perfect for the holidays, it's also a classic, eye-catching shade that never goes out of style and looks fabulous on every complexion. Try the look for yourself this chilly winter season by bundling up in one of these affordable options.


What to wear it with: Everything! Red actually acts like a versatile neutral. Pair red with basics like white, black, camel or cream for a timeless look. Or take an unconventional approach and mix red with colors like pink, purple, or teal. Houndstooth and plaid pashminas or scarves look especially posh with a red coat. Share your styling tips in the comments.

[1] Mixit wool belted coat, sale $36.99
[2] Mango wool coat, sale $73.99
[3] INC International Concepts ruched-collar coat, $139.00
[4] McQ By Alexander McQueen wool toggle coat, sale $289.99
[5] Ann Taylor Loft funnel neck swing coat, sale $69.99
[6] Calvin Klein trapeze coat, sale $165.90
[7] Lux Bauhaus coat, sale $39.99

Over the weekend, I went to my local Tar-zhay to run a few errands - pick up some paper towels, scope out the new Global Bazaar section, hit the sale racks in clothing and accessories, try on a few pairs of shoes, mosey through the makeup aisle...ya know, the usual chores. So much to shop for, so little time - yet with so much still on clearance, so little money was spent! Here's what we bought...

Heavily Discounted LBD: When I spotted this Isaac Mizrahi for Target Taffeta Couture Bodice Dress on sale for just $12.48 (marked down from $49.99), I tossed it into my cart without hesitation. Tried it on at home and the fit is perfect. Made me feel like a ladylike Audrey Hepburn, although I plan on giving it some edge with layers of pearl necklaces, hot heels and bold makeup.


Fond Farewell: The Erin Fetherston for Target collection seemed to fly by, didn't it? Feeling nostalgic for this retired line - as well as the pull of a great deal - I decided to give this lovely Bonjour L’amour shirtdress a home. It was the very last one on the rack, you should have seen the look it gave me ("Pleeease take me! Don't leave me here all by my lonesome!") Originally $49.99, I paid just $12.48.


Puppy-Proof Boots: My boyfriend and I recently became the proud parents of the most adorable boxer puppy ever! Therefore, I was on the lookout for some cheap boots that I could wear during our many oftentimes messy walks in all kinds of crappy weather. Thankfully, I found just the ticket: These Mossimo Gillian Riding Boots are comfy, stylish (at least from a distance), and for just $17.48 (marked down from $34.99), they can take a beating (claws, mud, rain, slush, drool, chewing) and I won't have to worry one bit.

With creative and tasteful applications of metallics such as this embellished Chloé mini skirt (left) - and its oh-so-affordable Twelve by Twelve understudies (right) - me thinks this trend is here to stay for a very, very long time. And if we're wrong? Opt for the lesser priced version and you'll only be $50 poorer.

Luxe: Chloé mini skirt WAS: $1,910.00 NOW: $1,146.00
Less (Top): Twelve by Twelve wool cowlneck dress, $49.50
Less (Bottom): Twelve by Twelve wool turtleneck dress, $49.50