Madewell's burgundy and black varsity-style jacket is $298. The look for less? Just under $35. See if you can spot the real from the steal by clicking either image below!

It's time for another edition of Style Coalition TV, a new YouTube channel featuring original fashion and beauty programming by independent bloggers - such as myself! In this episode of Retail Bootcamp, I share tips to help you think like a merchandiser (that is, the people who decide what a store sells and how to sell it) so you make smarter shopping decisions as a consumer. Find Retail Bootcamp and more from SCTV at stylecoalition.tv.

Past episodes:

• 
  Shop Like A Stylist
  


• Shopping Game Plan

Well this is a little late for Halloween, but I had to post it! Orly sent me some of the hottest colors from their limited-edition Halloween collection and I'm giving away two bottles each to three lucky readers!

The prize:

• 1 bottle Orly "Liquid" Vinyl - a super high shine true black polish that goes on smooth in just two coats. Wicked!
  


• 1 bottle Orly "R.I.P." - a clear polish with mixed-size pumpkin orange glitter. Fa-boo-lous!

Take it away, Rafflecopter...

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Shown above: Two coats of Liquid Vinyl topped with two coats of R.I.P.

I am a 26 year-old SAHM to two little girls (3 & 8 months). My wardrobe consists of yoga pants and ill-fitting t-shirts. I am in a fashion rut! I want to be stylish, but practical, and I'm certainly on a budget. I'm not really sure what my "style" is. I prefer flats versus heels and I'm loving the riding boot trend. Also, I'm not super skinny so I feel like a lot of the trends aren't geared towards my body type (i.e., the skinny jean) even though I love the look of skinny jeans! I would love to have a stylish yet age appropriate look while also being practical. Is this possible?? —Brittany W.

The short answer: Yes, it's possible! The long answer: Finding your personal style is a life-long, ever-evolving process, so go easy on yourself and take baby steps.

Here's how I'd start: What you need is a uniform - just ONE head to toe look that makes you feel stylish and confident. A look you can toss on in a hurry and wear anywhere (okay, almost anywhere). Once you nail that look, you can start mixing things up a bit.

Need inspiration? Rip out pages of looks you like from your favorite magazines, or use Pinterest to create a personal style board. This is probably one of the best ways to figure out what you really like.

Regarding budget: You don't need to spend a lot to look good. But it helps to have a good eye - if you're shopping at Forever 21, for example, look for your more classic, timeless pieces in neutrals or black. Black always looks good, modern and usually more expensive. I'm not saying don't wear color, but it's easier to mix and match when you have a solid foundation of classic neutrals.

Ok, now for some ideas!

Uniform #1: Cardigan, cotton top, dark denim, tall flat boots
This foolproof outfit is perfect for moms on the go. Every piece is comfy and stretchy yet totally stylish. Just don't forget a couple accessories to add personality. Maybe stud earrings that your baby daughter can't tug on, and a sparkly belt to keep your cardigan in place when you're doing dishes or lugging laundry baskets around. And by the way, curvy girls can totally wear skinny jeans.

Cardigans
Boots

Sergio Rossi's opulent "Uptown" blue velvet pumps are $650 at saksfifthavenue.com.

Sergio Rossi Uptown Velvet Platform Pumps

Get a similar look for a lot less with LC Lauren Conrad platform pumps instead, just $41.99 (down from $59.99) at kohls.com.

Lc lauren conrad platform high heels - women