I know many of you are on the hunt for the perfect pair of black riding boots, and with good reason: This classic style of boot with equestrian roots looks good on most every modern gal. You can pair these babies with everything from skinny jeans to skirts and take your look from day to night—all while keeping your feet warm and pain-free! A quality leather pair will last for years with a little TLC (store them with rolled up magazines in the shaft to keep the shape, and polish once or twice a season to protect the leather and help it keep its color and shine.) But there are some equally great synthetic options, too, if you prefer. Shop for affordable riding boots at your nearest Nine West Outlet store (many styles are under $100, and that's where I scored mine last season) or DSW Shoe Warehouse—which launched an online store earlier this year that's been blowing me away with their great deals and selection. Browse some of the best budget-friendly riding boots available at DSW.com using the widget below. Your perfect pair might just be a click away!

This fabulous leather tote by Rebecca Minkoff features distinctive stud-detailing along the strap, top and bottom. It retails for $695 at Saks Fifth Avenue.


Get the look for less with this Studded Buckle Hobo, just $22.99 at Charlotte Russe.

Old Hollywood jeweled bracelet, $35 at bananarepublic.com

The Deal: Free Shipping on orders $50 or More. Available at check out. Expires 12/15

What to Get: Statement-making jewelry including gorgeous bracelets, earrings and cocktail rings that will turn little black dresses into showstoppers or dress up basic outfits.

Well, I did it. I finally went to check out the Carlos Falchi for Target handbag collection yesterday afternoon and I came home with the Flap Hobo in Gray Collage ($39.99). This bag was one of my favorites from the lookbook, and it stole my heart when I saw in person. I was kinda smitten by the entire collection. I don't know why, I've never been particularly fond of faux reptile skins (and I'd never carry the real deal…even though I wear leather…topic for another post), but the Falchi bags just did it for me. Snakeskin patchwork should read ostentatious, and yet the collection's dark colors, modern shapes and simple hardware combined to create a tasteful, vintage-rock aesthetic with subdued glamour. I love love love my bag, hope it holds up although I plan on using it lightly to start (going out to dinner and stuff).

Who else is loving this line? Which bag(s) did you buy?

I loved this green satchel, too, but couldn't justify buying two bags in one trip. Sniff, sniff

My new bag (in the store)

In preparation for the fast-approaching biggest shopping day of the year (otherwise known as Black Friday), JCPenney just launched a sweepstakes on their Facebook page offering a fans a chance to win the ulitmate Black Friday shopping experience.

Five lucky winners will have the ultimate shopping experience complete with limo transportation to their nearest JCPenney store, a shopping butler for the day, a JCPenney $500 gift card, a wardrobe/stylist consultation and a personal gift-wrapping assistant, as well as a flip cam (to record the days experience and share with other fans of JCPenney).

To enter the contest head to JCPenney's Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/JCPenney