Anthropologie Floreat Cormorant Button-Up

I bought this Cormorant blouse to wear as part of my Halloween costume. I went as Snow White, and layered this top under a cobalt blue Banana Republic tank and paired those with the J.Crew yellow Nicky skirt and red patent heels. I also wore a giant Blair Waldorf red bow headband and carried an apple-shaped purse that I got from Target for $7. It was a big hit and super comfortable, plus I know I'll definitely get some more use out of the blouse. It's a great top to wear with a cardigan, since you can pull the neck and bow-tie detail to the top of the sweater.

J.Crew Slub Cotton Embroidered Flowers Tee

Okay, I still think this J.Crew tee is overpriced, but I just couldn't resist. It's made from their line of supersoft slub cotton with abstract-flower print on front and silk chiffon taping outline detail. I paired it with a long v-neck black cardigan, skinny jeans, and black flats--perfect for a day at the office after a late night out.

J.Crew Pearl Cluster Necklace

I eyed this pearl cluster necklace when it first came out, but I couldn't justify the $125 pricetag, especially considering J.Crew's shipping rates. My desire was satiated a few weeks ago when the fates aligned--the necklace went on promo for $75, and I had a 20% off code and was one of the lucky few to get free shipping on all orders. At more than 50% off the original price, I had to give it a try. The pearls and beads are lovely, but I especially like the 12K shiny gold-plated brass chain--the large linking circles have an almost art deco feel and help to balance the jumbled embellishment.

Nicely Done: Jennifer Garner

Jennifer Garner wore this stunning Temperley London cobalt gown with jet black beading to the UK premiere of The Kingdom, and this photo showcases the dresses easy style. I love the way the dress sits at the tips of her shoulders and the fantastic color combination. Her unfussy updo complete the look perfectly, and kudos to Jen for skipping a necklace.

Acquire It: Milly Peter Pan Collar Coat

Milly Peter Pan collar coat, $236 (originally $590) at theoutnet.com

Admire It: Tory Burch Lisbet Coat

Tory Burch, $695 at Bergdorf Goodman

What Did Blair Wear? (Episode 3.06: Enough About Eve)

Gossip Girl seems to be less about outfits now and more about $1,000+ dresses, but I get a lot of emails about these posts and I am a completionist at heart, so the recaps continue! This episode begins with another Blair dream sequence, albeit a non-Audrey one. She wears a deep plum Reem Acra pre-fall 2008 collection dress with heavy black beading, accented with sheer elbow-length gloves.

Awaking from the dream, she's still pretty snazzily dressed in a taupe silk nightgown with lace trim and a jeweled pendant necklace.

At NYU, she plots with her minions on how to topple Vanessa. (Really? Vanessa is rival material? Honey, no... ignore and move on.) The seaming on this Elie Saab dress is throwing me off, as it's creating some strange lines on her body, but I like the colorblocking and bold silhouette. It almost seems like something Blair would borrow from Serena.
Blair is really into booties this year, and she paired the dress above with a black peep-toe pair with ivory laces.
I can't even talk about this weird and frankly ugly combination. The Oscar de la Renta embroidered stretch cashmere/silk sweater could work with another skirt, and the pink floral print skirt would be best served with a lighter, softer top. B also carries a dark gold quilted satin Chanel flap bag.
This lace Luisa Beccaria Fall 2009 dress is fabulously accented with a bold purple glass beaded multi-strand necklace and a thin black belt.
After her plans fall apart, Blair slinks off to the college coffee house in a Grace Sun zipper front sheath dress in a beautiful emerald shade, Nicholas Kirkwood suede platforms with fraying, and a yellow ostrich lunchbox by Paige Gamble.
My favorite part of her outfit, though, is this completely covetable David Aubrey vintage glass cabochon necklace.

Gilt Groupe Sales

More sales! If you need an invitation for Gilt Groupe, click here to join.

Monday, October 26: Assael Jewelry, Judith Leiber, Black Fleece by Brooks Brothers Women's

Tuesday, October 27: Donna Karan, Juice Beauty - Organic Skincare, Filippa K, Grey Ant and More, Lulu Frost Jewelry

Wednesday, October 28: Jewelry by Amedeo, Vendoro and Arunashi, Marc Jacobs Handbags, Doo.Ri, Hanii Y, Becca Cosmetics

Thursday, October 29: Adrienne Landau, J Brand, Twenty8Twelve

Left Bank Look from The Sartorialist

The woman in this photo from The Sartorialist look like she lives a completely glam life, but what really caught my attention is the ease of her look. She seems so comfortable in front of the camera, and her bold red coat, tousled hair, and strappy sandals have a relaxed sexiness.

Jayma Mays in Glee (Episode 1.08 Mash-Up)

Emma wasn't in episode 7, but she kicks off this episode in a Milly cashmere cardigan teamed with a white blouse, black pencil skirt, and blue enamel flower brooch.

She wears a ridiculous Lady Di-inspired wedding gown before thankfully deciding to purchase another dress.She decides to buy this lovely J.Crew silk gazar Nanami gown and accessorizes with a double-strap jeweled headband. It's all very Audrey and perfect for Emma.

Later, Emma works in her office. She's attired in a blue J.Crew Jackie cardigan and the Anthropologie milky beaded coral custer necklace.

Nanette Lepore Cheshire Dress

I've been stalking this dress since I saw it on End of Beans and it popped up on the Saks sale last week, so I pounced. Nanette Lepore for 60% off? Yes, please. I don't think I'll be able to wear this until spring, but it's a beautiful bright blue that will look great with white, yellow, or black accessories.

J.Crew Ribbon-Front Top

My favorite outfit of the week was based around this J.Crew ribbon-front top, which I paired with a hip-length black merino wool v-neck cardigan, toothpick jeans, and black patent flats. It was exceptionally comfortable and I loved the Blair Waldorf/Coco Chanel way it made me feel.

LAMB Oxford Pumps

These hot little LAMB oxfords were a gift from a friend and I've been obsessed with them this month. The coverage is between a classic pump and a traditional bootie, and the color-blocking and vintage style makes me feel sassy. I wore these out last weekend with slim black pants and a black cashmere sweater, and the combination made me feel as though I should be slipping into a speakeasy with a beatnik beau. They run slightly large, but not big enough to size up, and the heel is fairly comfortable. I realize I've been saying that a lot lately, so either I've gotten better about choosing shoes or I've deadened the nerves in my feet. Whatever works...

Nicely Done: Emmy Rossum

Emmy Rossum showed up at a party in this awesome LBD--click on the picture below to check out the beautifully subtle knotted detail on the front. The beaded filigreed sleeves are gorgeous, and Emmy wisely forgoes jewelry and chooses simple accessories to let the dress shine.

Acquire It: Ann Taylor Bistro Jacket

Bistro jacket, $260 at Ann Taylor

Admire It: Luella Wool-Blend Bouclé Jacket

Luella wool-blend bouclé jacket, $1,090 at net-a-porter

What Did Blair Wear? (Episode 3.05: Rufus Getting Married)

Blair and Chuck are colorfully adorned for brunch with Nate and Bree. I think B's dress is by Walter, and her pearl handbag is Chanel.

Of course Chuck know how to give a good massage, which B enjoys while wearing a v-neck black robe.

When you need to plan an event a hurry, who you gonna call? Blair Waldorf! She wears a muted plum silk sleeveless dress with front pleats and a printed skirt, accented with a brooch.
This Red Valentino 3/4 length dress got mixed reviews, but I like it--it's a big statement but I bet it would be fun to wear, especially to a wedding where you could spin that twirly skirt like it was meant to be spun.

Andrew Gn Spring 2010

I love the combination of rich blue and black, and this Andrew Gn gown would be lovely for a night at the Joffrey. The fabric has a beautiful watercolor texture while the black obi sash lends a dash of modernity. (I went to college with a kid who said the word "modernity" every single day, so it's become a joke with me and Mr. MC.) The dress also appeals to me because it kind of looks like something a sexy mermaid would wear to a wedding. I like that.

Banana Republic Plaid Full Skirt

I bought this Banana Republic skirt during one of the million promos they've been running lately, and it's a crosshatch black-and-white pattern with a touch of purple woven through it. Unlike some of the other BR skirts, the pattern on this one matches up in the back, which looks more expensive than one with mismatched seams. I'll wear it with black or white tops, my purple patent Kate Spade Kelley heels, and OPI's Domestic Goddess polish, a fab bright grape that's a perfect match for the skirt.

Anthropologie Stormy Sea Necklace

I picked up the Anthropologie Stormy Sea necklace a few weeks ago and wore it yesterday with the J.Crew Jackie cardigan in weathered stone, a scoopneck tee with tulle sleeves, and Gap Always Skinny jeans. The jeans are exceptionally comfortable, but the necklace was the real hit--it elicited lots of compliments and was incredibly fun to wear.

Colored Tights

It's getting cold in Chicago, which means it's time to pull out the tights. I happen to love tights and stockings and garters and all those fun bits of lingerie. It can be a search to find the right tights--I'm partial to Spanx, Falke, Wolford, and Express--but a great pair can add warmth and a stylish edge. While black is classic, colored tights can be a great look if they're paired with the right outfits. This snippet from Lucky showed off some more unusual combinations.

Nicely Done: Sienna Miller

Sienna Miller made an appearance on The Tonight Show in a pleated blue Brian Reyes dress, Alexander McQueen spiked necklace, and black patent Christian Louboutin heels. The vivid color and loose wavy hairstyle contribute to her unfussy, happy look.

Jayma Mays in Glee (Episode 1.06: Vitamin D)

Miss Pillsbury eats lunch in this bow-tastic yellow Alice & Olivia Bridgett blouse, paired with (surprise!) a J.Crew bow-waist Tiffany blue pencil skirt and her J.Crew yellow beaded ladybug bracelet.

Emma sports the tan J.Crew Jackie cardigan from the second episode, matching it with a finely detailed white blouse, pearl sweater guard with black flowers, and the white, black, taupe, and yellow printed Calligraphy skirt by Tibi.

She's only onscreen for a second as a celebrity judge for the mash-up contest, but I think this outfit consists of the J.Crew orche cashmere cardigan and violet Banana Republic blouse she wore in the pilot.She continues her string of fashionable lunch scenes in a blue Ann Taylor Loft cardigan with a tie-neck blouse.
Emma has a very unpleasant encounter with Teri, though Miss Pillsbury looks darling in a collared ivory sweater and Trampoline skirt by Anna Sui for Anthropologie.
She agrees to a very odd marriage arrangement with Ken, though she looks super cute in a Dusky Dolphin blouse by Odille for Anthropologie and a coral J.Crew bow-waist pencil skirt.
She and Will exchange a longing look, no doubt because Emma looks sweet in a ruffled striped blouse, coral skirt, doubled-up J.Crew ladybug necklace, and a J.Crew yellow patent skinny belt.

Acquire It: BCBGeneration Tinas Platform Pumps

BCBGeneration Tinas platform pumps, $89.90 (originally $98.95) at Nordstrom

Admire It: Stuart Weitzman Swoon Platform Pumps

Stuart Weitzman Swoon platform pumps, $298 at Endless.com

10% Off Tuesdays

Use your Banana Republic card in-store or online at Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy and Piperlime and save 10%. Enter code TUESDAYS at checkout when you shop online. Valid now through January 31, 2010.

What Did Blair Wear? (Episode 3.04: Dan de Fleurette)

Blair shows up way overdressed for a Masters of the Universe meeting in what looks like a Burberry Brit ruffle-edge shirtdress, black double-strand beaded necklace, red bag, and thick black bracelet.

B sadly reverts to her Constance Billard persona, though she manage to look amazing in her Rebecca Taylor Make Me Skinny jacket, matching mini, white blouse, and silver brooch.Blair is bringing the color with this mustard yellow Tibi silk beaded dress. This is a bold choice for B, especially since this palette is usually associated with bumblebees. I would have preferred this style in a jewel tone--it would have been especially elegant in sapphire blue. The drop waist with zig-zag beaded is a nice touch, and I love the short split sleeves.Queen B sets out to reclaim her crown in a subtly printed ruffled v-neck shell, a red skirt, and colorblocked slingbacks. Chuck, however, has a different sort of uniform in mind for their date that night.

Gilt Groupe Sales

YES! Gemma Redux will be on Gilt on Friday, and if you're not familiar with the line, I highly recommend checking it out--gorgeous pieces with an edge. If you need an invitation for Gilt Groupe, click here to join.

Monday, October 12: Alexander McQueen, Yarnz

Tuesday, October 13: Rich & Skinny, Azaara Jewelry, Paul Morelli Jewelry, Warren Tricomi Haircare, Wolford

Wednesday, October 14: Heather Moore Jewelry, Gucci Watches, Halston Clothing, Halston, Nina Ricci, Devi Kroell Accessories, Lorick

Thursday, October 15: Cynthia Steffe, Leonello Borghi, Marc Jacobs Collection, Heidi Weisel Wraps, Gerard Yosca Jewelry

Friday, October 16: Tocca, Ranjana Khan and Gemma Redux Jewelry, Bally, Valentino Roma

Tapestry Bag

I've featured this awesome girl on Wear Palettes before, and I love her simple vintage-inspired look. The tapestry bag adds the perfect touch of color and texture to her jewel-toned outfit.

Banana Republic Casual Button-down Shirt

Despite the somewhat unwieldy name, this Banana Republic shirt is a great comfy basic. I ordered it on a whim last week during the 40% off promo, and it's a definite keeper. I'm planning to wear it with my gray J.Crew Lexington blazer, Martin + Osa slim jeans, and flats. I've been on a big white blouse kick lately, and this one fits slightly big, but that's the style of the shirt--I definitely wouldn't size down.