Last week I popped into the Fifth Avenue Forever 21 store to assess the late summer/early fall offerings. While concise trends were hard to pinpoint, it's clear there's something for everyone, from preppy collegiate to California surfer, glam-rock, boho, gypset and everything in between. If the kaleidoscopic colors and quirky styling on the mannequins leaves you confused or overwhelmed, my advice: Hone in on individual pieces. Maybe you're dying to try a feminine bow-tie blouse or a cool, sleeveless trench. Check and check. Maybe you just need some colorful twill pants or a punch of leopard print. Done and done! Forever 21 is never boring and with a little patience, you can always find a piece or two to update your wardrobe on the cheap. Here, some highlights that caught my eye - see anything that's worth a trip to your nearest store?

My sister is having surgery on her head in two weeks. I imagine she will have a small to medium area shaved on the top of her head. What fashionable ideas do you have to keep her shaved area covered while she's waiting for her hair to grow back? She has short hair and so it should not be a really long time. She likes scarves and hats but not turbans. —Concerned Sister

Your sister is lucky to have someone as wonderful and caring as you in her life. I think that finding a fun and stylish head covering together will help boost your sister's morale, and that quality sister time will have her feeling better in no time. Plus there are dozens of stylish options to choose from - head coverings from hats to head scarves make the ultimate fashion statement. Here's some inspiration to help give you some ideas:





1. Oversized headband: Shows like Gossip Girl have made headbands a must-have accessory, and there are plenty of fun options to choose from, many of which are oversized or feature unique bows, flowers, feathers and other embellishments that might camouflage a small section of the head. Check etsy.com for handmade options under $10.

2. Head scarf: One of Nicole Richie's signature accessories is the head scarf, which she's often been spotted wearing either as a wide headband or tied to cover her entire head. Look for affordable options at stores like Target or Forever 21, then google "how to tie a head scarf" for step-by-step instructions on how to achieve this simple yet uttering chic look.

3. Casual hats: I rely on my straw fedora to amend bad hair days, shield my face from the sun and add interest to simple outfits. You'll find plenty of adorable options at stores like Urban Outfitters and H&M for under $30.

4. Dressy hats: Rachel Bilson wore this hat to a Chanel party paired with a cute blazer and dress combo, proving that hats can work for day or night. A pretty brooch or ribbon can also dress up a hat if the occasion calls for it.

Here are some cheap-chic head coverings I found online, most are under $30. Thrift stores are another place to score inexpensive and unique head scarves.

More Forever 21...

Wishing your sister a speedy and stylish recovery! xoxBB

Dear readers, what did I miss?

Essie has revealed their new "carry on" fall collection, a collection of six nail polish colors inspired by handbags of the 1940's and 1950's. The fall color palette is all about classic sophistication and ladylike glamour, and includes the colors Carry On, a mulberry-merlot; Glamour Purse, an almond blush; Case Study, a rich camel beige; Power Clutch, a dark green; Very Structured, a burnt sienna; and Lady Like, a soft pink.

I haven't had a chance to try any of these just yet but if I had to pick just one (because Essie can be kinda pricey), it would probably be Power Clutch, which I've heard is a dark gray that has striking green undertones once it's on. I refrained from becoming an Essie groupie for a long time but I just can't resist the chic packaging and perfectly nuanced colors.

Which color is your favorite from the Essie Fall 2011 collection?

Shop it online:
Essie Fall 2011 Collection

Although most of the buzz this fall at Target will be aimed at the Missoni collaboration, let's not forget about old standbys like Merona. The fall 2011 lookbook is out, featuring warm tones and bright hues in florals, abstract animal prints and colorful plaids. A variety of tailored skirts and pants are easily mixed-and-matched with utility tops, lightweight wovens and embellished knits. I love a good leopard cardigan, and the plaid-skirt-and-turtleneck look is totally cute, too. Prices range from $9.99 to $64.99, and you can shop the looks you see here beginning now through October.

See all the looks after the jump. I know it's not groundbreaking but it's definitely wearable. What do you think?

The Banana Republic "Mad Men" collection is now available in stores and online, and earlier this week I attended a press event at the company's Fifth Avenue store to celebrate the launch. Guests were treated to mini makeovers of bright red lips, wingtip liner and retro up-dos. Then, we got to play dress up. That's my look above, channeling Betty Draper - gin Gimlet, anyone? I had a "moment" when Janie Bryant (@JanieBryant), costume designer for the award-winning show, retweeted one of my tweets. Giddy!