The boyfriend blazer gets bedazzled with sequins just in time for the holidays, as seen on this sequin jacket by Diane Von Furstenberg. $795 at shopbop.com


If you've been lusting after this look but seek it for less, consider this sequined PYT blazer, $84 at fredflare.com.


You'll find yet another sequin blazer for $88 at ardenb.com. Stalk your nearest Arden B. store and you might find this alternative on sale, never know!


Finally, Urban Outfitters offers this amazing sequin blazer for $98. Wear this blazer to all your holiday fetes and you are bound to draw attention. The good kind.

Being one of your younger readers, I'm looking for a nice dress for an upcoming winter dance. Obviously my budget is pretty low (under $100 at the max, but even preferably under $50). … I am an XS and it gets pretty hard to find stuff that fits, but I'm hoping you can do it! —Amanda

Have I mentioned how much I love Twelve by Twelve, Forever 21's "luxe," fashion-forward line? Look no further:



Some of the styles are kinda out there but the site updates their inventory every couple days so keep checking back. If you can make it to a larger Forever 21 store, you can try these frocks on in person (the smaller Forever 21s only have a few pieces from the Twelve by Twelve collection, but the big stores dedicate an entire section of the store to it).

Thanks to Twelve by Twelve, you can score an almost one-of-a-kind, designer looking, luxe, feminine fabulous dress for under $50. And you won't have any trouble finding a dress that fits as sizes range from XS-L.

Now, go work on those dance moves!

The Fall/Winter 2009 season is well underway, but I've received a number of requests for a wardrobe checklist from readers (and honestly, I needed to put one together for myself anyways), so here goes! Let me know what I missed in the comments.

Your Fall/Winter 2009 Wardrobe Checklist

• Long sleeve layering tees in neutral hues with different necklines, ie. scoopneck, v-neck, turtleneck. These will go under everything from button down plaid shirts to dolman sleeve sweaters to blazers.
  
  
• Cardigans: Look for the latest shapes like open front, cascade (really drapy), cocoon, or boyfriend.
  
  
• Jeans: As long as you have some great dark skinnies and dark bootcuts, you're covered.
  
  
• Jeggings: Denim leggings, great for pairing with short dresses, tunics and tucking into boots.
  
  
• Chunky scarf: Infinity scarves (aka circle or loop scarves) are big this season, as are stripes, subdued animal prints, antique florals, faux fur and paisley.
  
  
• A warm coat you love that fits great: A wool peacoat or trench looks sharp, flatters all figures, and you can wear it to the office then out to dinner afterwards. This season, consider something with military detailing, an interesting collar, or even a ruffle.
  
  
• For going out: A sequin tank; any top with an embellished neckline or ornamentation on the shoulders; a statement necklace. If you have these items, you can wear them a million ways. Pair that sequin top with jeans, heels and a blazer. Ditto with the embellished top—or, tuck that tee into a pencil skirt and toss on some ankle boots. Lace tights are another budget-friendly way to get dolled up: Add these to your fave LBD from last season, and you've got yourself a whole new look.
  
  
• Already in Your Closet: You should already own a fab white blouse, fab pencil skirt, black blazer (velvet, tuxedo style or boyfriend) and black platform pumps to reach for when creating new combos.
  
  
• On Your Feet: One pair of riding boots, one pair of black knee-high "dressy" boots, one pair ankle boots.
  
  
• On Your Nails: Dark polish, like pewter, indigo, green.
  
  
• On Your Shoulder: Saddlebags, big bags, studded bags, faux-croc, faux-snakeskin, chain details—whatever catches your eye!
  
  
• Wild Cards: On-trend pieces to try out this season may include a faux-fur vest, leather pants, sequin leggings, zipper embellished anything, something red, something leopard print. Be brave and pick at least one thing that's outside your comfort zone!

What's on your fall must-have list? What did I miss??

It's time to announce the fabulous winners of our T. J. Maxx Maxxinista Giveaway! Readers were asked to upload a photo of themselves showing off their Maxxinista style, and to leave a comment on this post. There were so many amazing entries that it made picking just 3 winners unbelievably difficult, but the following three ladies truly shined—and they'll each be receiving one $100 T.J. Maxx giftcard!

#1 Marley Pugh
#6.1 Rebeca
#10 Laura

Congratulations, ladies! Special thanks to T.J. Maxx for supplying the prizes and a HUGE thanks to everyone who participated! Keep reading for more details about each winning look…

Cardigans make the perfect winter cover-up and they needn't be boring. This season there are so many styles to choose from, including this Wide Rugby Cozy Cotton Cardigan by Splendid, $87 at Shopbop.com.


Need another option? ShopBarbara.com also carries a striped jersey cardigan with a similar vibe for $49.