In this just-released video, Lauren Conrad talks about the inspiration behind her new collection, LC Lauren Conrad—going into stores 9/16—and shares fall style tips.

You can also shop some of the items now at www.kohls.com/lc. (Thanks to reader MK for the tip!!)

I had a ball trying on the latest designer collection for Target by the great Anna Sui, which launched in stores and online yesterday, perfectly timed with tonight's season premiere of Gossip Girl. The color palette reminded me of Halloween: Pumpkin orange, yellow ochre, lots of cat black, dark purple and splashes of blood red.




Fabrics ranged from flowy, chiffon-like polyester blends, some jacquard, some silk, even mohair for the wrap sweaters, cotton tees, to stiffer tweed and brocade-like fabrics with metallic threads running through two of the dresses. Lace trim, velvet ribbon, tassles, and beads added fun and unique embellishments. The theme running throughout the collection was inspired by the main characters in the popular teen drama Gossip Girl: Vanessa, Blair, Serena and Jenny. (But you don't have to be a fan of the show to fall in love with this collection!)




Styles ranged from a Downtown-cool puffer vest to a prim-and-proper Uptown dress with a high-collar, long cuffed sleeves and bow detail (my favorite piece in the collection!). I also loved this herringbone dress for its versatility, and this seersucker dress, an utterly unboring LBD that could pass for designer.




However, I was sorely disappointed by the price tags! There is no reason why the dresses in this collection should cost more than a typical GO collection, since by all measures, the quality was the same. As you've probably seen online, dresses range from approx. $44.99 to $69.99. Gulp! Despite my enthusiasm, I decided to wait a while before making any purchases.

Which pieces do you love? What did you buy?

Coats, jackets and blazers that reference a military or band look are really big for Fall 2009. We've been seeing a lot of this trend in the wake of Michael Jackson's death, as well as following Balmain's Spring 09 collection (not surprisingly, Balmain designer Christophe Decarnin was influenced by the late King of Pop and other '80s icons). If you don't own one already, scoop up an affordable military jacket to spice up a simple t-shirt and jeans combo, or to toughen up a cute dress. I feel like these never go out of style as long as you stick to a clean design that isn't too costumey. I'm a fan. Are you?

Here's a stylish girl-on-the-street (to borrow a phrase from Lucky Mag), who graciously allowed me to photograph her casual yet chic ensemble. I think it's a smart, city look that's perfect for the college student or a casual work environment (think research assistant, tutor, web designer). Black leggings add an arty element, not to mention they're comfortable and perfectly slimming, especially when paired with a draped black skirt—something in soft jersey looks polished but more laid-back than a stiff pencil skirt. A structured button down shirt is both flattering and more professional than a simple tee (swap in something with a ruffled collar or plaid print to make it more trendy for fall). Updated moccasins are super comfortable, but still help you look stylishly pulled together. What do you think, would you give this look a try?

[1] Shirt [2] Skirt [3] Bag [4] Leggings [5] Shoes

Browse these and similar looks below…


Payless BOGO - Buy One Get One Half Off Everything.

Some of you just aren't feeling the faux leather jackets this fall, so I've rounded up a list of some of the best places to shop for an affordable (though not cheap) genuine leather jacket. Most of them are still full price and cost between $200 and $300. Like I said, not cheap, but if it's real leather you want, here's where you can get it for less than, say, Shopbop, where designer leather jackets average around $700:

Where to Buy Real Leather Jackets on a Budget

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  Zara: On the plus side, Zara's leather jackets look borrowed from the runway. Downside: There aren't many locations in the U.S. and you can't shop online.
  


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  H&M: If luck is on your side, you can find real leather jackets at any one of H&M's many locations, also with a high-fashion vibe.
  


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  Topshop: This is where Topshop really shines, IMO, for those unique, hard-to-find pieces that no one else is making. Fierce leather jackets fall into this category, like the belted leather blazer above.
  


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  AE.com: I'm loving their brown leather bomber (see above). Though described as a moto jacket, I think it's very Amelia Earhart chic.
  


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  Urban Outfitters: Great selection of faux leather and a couple real leather gems to boot. Close proximity to many college campuses make UO a back-to-school shopper's paradise.
  


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  Victoria's Secret: Serves up styles to suit both your soft side and harder edge, like this luscious aviator jacket. Wait for their great sales and always use a promo code.
  


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  Asos.com: It's worth the wait and shipping cost when you can get a Balmain-inspired leather jacket like this one for under $200.
  


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  Spiegel: I've said it a million times: If you can look past the cheesy styling, you will be rewarded with designer-looking pieces at really low prices, including this ruched leather jacket.
  


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  Bebe: Designer-inspired shoes and clothing make Bebe an important resource for fashionistas on a budget. Where else can you find an of-the-moment leather military jacket that won't break the bank?
  


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  Club Monaco: How I wish we could shop this store online. But we can't, so visit a store near you (usually located at upscale malls) for an affordable, modern-classic leather jacket.

Personally, I'm loving my faux leather jacket from Forever 21. It wipes clean and doubles as a rain coat!

Some of you have also had luck at places like eBay, Nordstrom Rack or during clearance sales at department stores like Saks. Fashion blogger Wanderlusting just opened a store where she's selling some hot leather jackets for as little as $30.

Keep posting your leather-jacket success stories in the comments, these are going to be hot all season long!