Today was so humid, my glasses actually fogged up on a morning walk. Despite the strange weather, I know fall is just around the corner, so I stopped by Old Navy yesterday to scope out the early fall offerings. From lightweight cardigans in the latest animal prints and popular polka-dots, to stretch cords and skinny jeans in updated hues like mustard, plum and gray, I found myself wanting a lot of these wearable pieces. Highlights include a dark denim jacket, the aforementioned stretch corduroys, and front pocket blouses in sleeveless and long-sleeve (although I have a feeling these rayon pieces will look like a used tissue after they're washed). I still have trouble with the fit of the Rockstar jeggings, otherwise I would have scooped up a pair in dark purple; next time I'll look for the Sweetheart as recommended by a couple readers. I ended up splurging on a striped faux-Crew blouse ($29.94) and a polka-dot chambray shirt ($24.94) which had a nice weight to the fabric and will go with just about everything.

More pics after the jump...what have you bought at Old Navy lately?

'Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion' by Elizabeth L. Cline is a book about the toll that the fast fashion industry has taken on the environment, workers, our wallets and our personal style. The author argues we'd be wise to think twice before buying a cheaply constructed $10 skirt from Walmart or Forever 21 and consider the following: Where was the skirt made and under what conditions? How was the skirt produced so cheaply? Do I need another $10 skirt? Does it make me look good? And where will said polyester skirt end up when I'm bored with it (which will probably be by the end of next week)?

I think Cline is absolutely right. We should think carefully and thoughtfully about all these questions. What we choose to buy and choose to wear matters, and the ramifications go far beyond the trite Instagrams we might post about the fashions we so often carelessly buy at a voracious pace (myself included).

At the same time, I tend to take a big picture view of the world and it looks a little something like this: Change and growth are almost inevitable in any industry. Cline recognizes this fact, too, citing many historical examples where technology and innovation fundamentally changed the garment industry, from the advent of the sewing machine to cheap labor in emerging markets such as China. I don't see this as inherently good or bad, just an inevitability of life.

Cocktails and fashion go together like Carrie Bradshaw and Manolo Blahniks...or studs and leather...or polka-dots and pleats. In other words, a perfect match made in stylish-living heaven. So it's no surprise that Stolichnaya® vodka is creating a fun fashion show during New York Fashion Week that expertly blends fashion and fabulous cocktails.

In partnership with ELLE, Stoli has enlisted a top-tier NYC costume designer to create two looks inspired by each of nine Stoli flavored vodkas. All the looks will be uploaded to stoli.elle.com, where fans can vote for their favorite looks. The winning looks will be then be created and walk the runway during an exclusive fashion show in New York City on September 11 - and you could win tickets to the show!

Just head to stoli.elle.com where you can share your own Stoli cocktail recipe. The best mixologist will win tickets to the show! Get creative with Stoli's delicious flavored vodkas, like Stoli® Salted Karamel™, the world's first salted caramel flavored vodka. Inspired by the ever popular confection, Stoli® Salted Karamel™ offers the perfect balance of sweet and savory - golden brown caramel delicately enhanced with salt. The liquid's aromas include a harmony of rich caramel candy and perfectly toasted sugar. Yummm.

Head to stoli.elle.com for all the details and your chance to win. Cheers to that!

Please note: This is a sponsored post.

Last spring I took you guys behind the scenes at the Fall 2012 Target press preview in New York City, and you loved the cropped tweed jacket, leopard pants, and tan trench with black piping (among other things). Now, we've got the full lookbook from Target, showcasing key trend pieces from in-house brands like Merona, Mossimo, Converse One Star, and Xhilaration. I've already picked up a few pieces, including a plaid blazer, leopard pencil skirt and leopard slipper loafers. Let these photos inspire you to go ladylike, colorblock in new ways, mix prints or try a new hue like yellow ochre or oxblood. If you have questions about specific pieces, let me know in the comments and I'll get you the deets.

Click through for lots more photos.

As we bid farewell to summer's tank tops, shorts and sandals, designers are already deciding what we'll be dying to wear next spring. I've asked Tracy Reese what she'll be sending down the runway in just a few short days at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City. Here's what to expect:

"For Spring 2013, Reese combines a variety of textures, patterns and details for an effortless collection of versatile silhouettes. Inspired by the rich range of hues found in David Hockney landscapes, Reese's palette focuses on foliage-inspired greens, complimented by cool blues, lilacs, tangerines and neutrals.

'I played with the juxtaposition of organic and technical, soft and structured and sporty and feminine for an unexpected and refreshing collection,' said Reese. 'A quilted silk jacket in pert layered over a black burnout gauze shirt and a mentholescence stretch linen trouser, and paired with fringed sandal and clutch, creates an effortless look that is sophisticated yet relaxed.'"

See my coverage of the Tracy Reese Fall 2012 runway show.