Yesterday I had one of those rare "I'm a great mom! I can do this!" days, and it included a little trip to Marshalls with two amazingly well-behaved boys. I wanted to scope out the fall fashion for you guys, and I was really pleased to find a ton of on-trend pieces mostly under $30 for clothes and under $60 for boots and bags. I only made it through the contemporary/juniors department on this trip, and that's where I found lots of cozy sweaters like geo print cardigans and loose weave pullovers in shades of olive, burgundy, navy and tan.

This post began as a reader request to find a more affordable version of the Marc Fisher 'Adalyn' espadrille wedge (hmm that would be a cute name for a baby girl...'Adalyn,' not 'espadrille wedge' unless you REALLY love shoes) but in my hunt I discovered that the Marc Fisher shoe is actually a budget dupe for these Chloe espadrille wedges. Sadly I couldn't find anything cheaper than the Marc Fisher pair, but when compared to the $625 pricetag of the Chloes, the Marc Fishers are a steal at $159.95 at nordstrom.com! Summer's not over yet and these beauties would look stunning with your end-of-season tan and a white dress.

Splurge: Chloe Espadrille Wedge, $625 at net-a-porter.com (also available at MyTheresa, Barneys New York, Saks Fifth Avenue & Forward by Elyse Walker)
Steal: Marc Fisher 'Adalyn' Espadrille Wedge, $159.95 at nordstrom.com (also available at Zappos, Bloomingdale's & 6pm)

Yesterday I visited a T.J.Maxx store near me to see what was new for fall. Let's start with the all-important accessories, like bags and shoes, that can easily update your look for the season. I spotted lots of cognac brown bags as well as rich colors like burgundy, dark blue and a few emerald green. Brands like Michael Michael Kors, Steve Madden and Vince Camuto caught my eye on crossbody bags and genuine leather totes. The MK bags were expectedly classic while the others had a boho vibe (think fringe and braiding). BCBG makes some really nice-looking Chanel inspired bags that are perfect for going out and just $34.99 (you'll know it when you see it!)

On to the shoes: I'm really feeling the peep-toe bootie again. This season's options aren't as edgy as previous years, which makes them more wearable for everyday - and now's the time to start wearing them, when you can still bare your toes but cover the rest of your foot in these season-defying shoes. I also am loving the lace-up block heel sandals by Steve Madden (I recently saw someone style these with a simple t-shirt and drawstring shorts and thought it was genius). Then there are the perforated ankle booties by DV Dolce Vita for $69.99...can I really justify another pair of ankle boots?! Signs point to "yes". Ghillie flats for $29.99 are another great buy in a fall-ready taupe faux suede. And if you need not-so-basic black ankle boots or the perfect leopard pump, T.J.Maxx has those, too, from Sam Edelman and Donald Pliner.

Head to my Facebook page to see what I bought on this trip! Who's ready for fall fashion?

This week I cruised through Forever 21, where new fall arrivals like moody florals, richly hued accessories and feminine lace are making these last days of summer much easier to part with. Easy updates you can try for your wardrobe would include picking up a floral tunic or long sleeve blouse that you can wear now with white jeans and ankle boots and again with knee-high boots and chunky cardigans in the fall.

I bought two pairs of the Sunset Mid-Rise Skinny Jean (in black and white) and the fit was great for those us not in our twenties anymore. I had to go up 3 sizes but I have no problem doing that with juniors clothing - just go with what fits! These come in lots of cool colors for fall.

I also thought these mini crossbody bags look adorable especially for the price, as well as the faux leather bags in hunter green and burgundy. After the heat wave we've been experiencing, fall - and fall fashion - can't come soon enough! Keep reading to see more highlights from my trip, including a luxe looking lace skirt under $25 and must-have camo jacket...

Thanks to a tip from an alert brand-name-bargain-hunting friend, I've learned that you can snag a pair of TOMS Desert Wedge Suede Booties for just $59.99 on sale at Costco! These shoes retail for $88.95 at Nordstrom (here) and have 236 five-star ratings! I know from reading other fashion blogs that these booties are super popular because they're cool, stylish, yet comfortable, too, and endlessly versatile. If you've been eying these, now's your chance to own a pair at a serious discount! The only catch: You have to be a Costco member. Pick them up in tan or black (or both!) for $59.99 HERE.

Looking for other winter boots on sale? I noticed Costco also carries these Chooka Herringbone Rainboots for $24.95 (I couldn't find any identical pairs but these Chooka rainboots are $64.95 at Nordstrom), and the UGG Australia Classic Short Boot for $99.99 (compare with these classic short UGGs, $159.95 at Nordstrom). Lots of really amazing options right now to choose from - but act quickly, I know that the last time Costco had a deal on Hunter Wellies, those boots sold out FAST!

Shop TOMS Ladies’ Desert Wedge Suede Bootie at Costco.com >>