Last week I was invited to the LOFT Fall 2010 Holiday Preview event at a gorgeous design studio in NYC to see what's in store for the upcoming holiday season, a time for parties, gift-giving and fashion! LOFT's aim was to provide real women the types of stylish, versatile, wearable pieces they'll need to carry them through the season—for work and play—and I think they did a great job.

Once again, we'll be seeing lots of faux fur accents, military-inspired coats, knits and jackets, lots of stripes and lots of layering. Same goes for statement jewelry—big necklaces, bracelets, broaches—which are a fabulous affordable way to update your look on a budget. And much like last season, feminine flourishes will once again make their way onto pretty tops, skirts and dresses in the form of watercolor florals, ruffles, sequins and warm colors like pinks, corals and purples (with plenty of black, gray and white to keep things sophisticated and easy to mix-and-match).

Most pieces are priced under $100, and range from $9.50 for over-the-knee socks; to $98 for a floral jacquard dress; to $188 for a military melton coat. Nothing's over $200.

I'm glad these trends are coming back because it means you don't have to overhaul your entire wardrobe to look current. I'll probably hone in on a new pair of boots, military jacket and some fun baubles to update things I already own. Which pieces would you buy?

Click through to see 40+ more pics!

Just in, Norma Kamali's fall suiting collection is now available at Walmart.com, and includes suiting separates like pants, blazers, vests and skirts all priced under $20. If you're looking for an interview look on a budget or just need some more professional pieces for your wardrobe, check them out—and use your imagination, the stark styling and mostly gray palette isn't exactly inspiring but it's what you do with these pieces that matters. Click through to see three more looks.

A little while back, the folks at Lands' End Canvas sent me a $100 giftcard and I have been living in my Lands' End Canvas duds pretty much all summer. Their summer sale is going on now so I thought I better stop holding out on you guys and let you know about my fantastic finds. (Not really holding out, I just like to thoroughly road test clothing before I recommend anything!) Here, I present to you my summer wardrobe staples:

Forever 21 just launched Love21 Maternity, a new super-cheap, super-chic maternity line! The fledgling collection currently offers tees, tanks, camis, cardigans, leggings, jeans and yoga pants, with nothing priced over $19.80! Browse my 5 favorite pieces below, then check out the rest of the collection at Forever21.com.

In June 2010, JCPenney invited 10 Style Coalition bloggers (including myself!) to share their favorite moments and the outfits matching them, as part of their "Made For" campaign.

The result was 10 short personal videos, featuring Jennifer Davidson & Beth Herbst/ Style Bakery, Carol Calacci/ Second City Style, Dianna Baros/ The Budget Babe, Gala Darling, Jennine Tamm/ The Coveted, Jessica Schroeder/ What I Wore, Jordana Bruner/ Clutch 22, Zephyr Basine/ College Fashion, Kat Griffin/ Corporette and Nichelle Pace/ StyleMom.

For my moment I chose "shopping at the farmer's market," something I love to do with my boyfriend on the weekends during the summer. We can bring our dog, chat with neighbors, get amazing local produce and then cook it all up afterwards!

For my look, I paired a laid-back pair of linen cargo capris by American Living with a white tee, fedora and espadrille wedge sandals. Easy, cool and totally me.

Stay tuned for the videos release during the month of July and visit JCPenney to shop the affordable pieces!


The video series are sponsored by JCPenney and produced by Style Coalition.