Something to go with all these coats!

I love buying shoes. We've established that. Sneakers, flats, for me even flip flops are worn all year round. What one shoe category do I save for fall and winter? Boots of course! I love boots with jeans, I think it's a great look. Unfortunately my legs do not look like Kate Moss. I don't tuck my jeans into my boots. I think that looks great, but it just does not work for me. So, when I'm looking for boots they have to be roomy in the calf area. This fall there are a lot of great boots out there in different materials and styles, so no matter what you like, you can find something!

Classic cowboy style boots, Alberto Fermani (available at piperlime.com)









These little black shoes are great for wearing with jeans or dressing up a pair of slacks. Nine West Naso suede demi boot, available at ninewest.com.








Of course, boots really are intended to keep your feet warm and dry, so I'm eying these for when we hopefully get a snowy day in January (or even if we don't get one). Merrell 'Komodo Tibet' Tall Boot, available at nordstrom.com

The other great coat I need for fall...

Banana Republic Wool-blend collarless coat, $218

Finally...it's fall!

This weekend was the first great fall weekend we've had here in Virginia - sunny, cool days and leaves blowing everywhere! It's my favorite time of year. I don't know about you guys, but once it's fall I always feel like switching my bath and body products. I put away the coconut and summery type scents and pull out what I consider "fall scents" - apple and vanilla. In my shower right now is Philosophy's Red Delicious Apple Shampoo and Shower Gel. I'm still looking for a new vanilla scent...if you've got some you like, please let me know! What do you like to switch to in the fall?

Splurge worthy bags

Coach Bleeker Tatersall Travel Tote, $398













MICHAEL Michael Kors 'Ranger Large' Slouchy Hobo















J.Crew Small suede Maddy bag $295

Boots - not just for walking

I love Target. It's great being able to pick up orange juice, razor blades, and cute wrapping paper all in one trip. They also have a decent selection of clothes from cool designers like Isaac Mizrahi and Alice Temperley. The latest line they've added hasn't been for clothes, but for health and beauty. Boots is a British based company that has high quality, affordable products ranging from shower gels to skincare to makeup.

I've tried a few of their products and I've been impressed so far. On my desk right now is their Daily Hand Therapy. My big gripe with most hand lotions is an overpowering scent (Aveda) or stickiness (Bliss) so I was happy to find this one had neither!

I think tanning beds are a horrible idea, but sometimes the whiteness of my legs scares me to the point I'm forced to take action. My favorite self tanner so far is their Botanics Healthy Glow Lotion. It has a much lighter scent than a couple others ones I've tried and it does give you a nice, non orangey tan after a few days of use.

My latest Boots purchase is their 4 n 1 Quick Thinking Wipes, for those nights when you are just too exhausted to even wash your face. Their also great for wiping off makeup before working out at the gym.

Next time you are in Target, check out the Boots aisle!

It's Clinique Bonus Time at Macy’s this weekend!

Whoever came up with the "gift with purchase" concept was a genius. Half the time I don’t even really need anything, but I spot the free mini lipgloss and a compact and all of sudden I'm at the counter, trying out a new eyeshadow. The exception to this situation is with Clinique. Not only do they always have a great free gift (love the travel size makeup bags), a good variety of products, but they usually offer a free 6 month subscription to a magazine too.

Clinique was the first department store brand of makeup that I was introduced to back in high school and I’m still a big fan. From skincare to makeup, their products are high quality and reasonably priced. Great staples include Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel (I prefer the tube over the big square bottle - better for travel) and their Take the Day Off makeup remover.

If you want to take advantage of the free gift with purchase, these are some great looking products which are perfect for fall:

Cream Shaper For Eyes in Egyptian. These eyeliners have great staying power and are very easy to apply. Egyptian is dark green with gold shimmer. The only drawback is that you have to sharpen it.

Color Surge Eyeshadow Trio. I have many Clinique eyeshadows but Iv'e yet to try these trios - I am thinking about picking up Totally Neutral.

Full Potential Lip Plump and Shine in Cream Soda. This is a nice, natural looking berry color. I don’t really believe in lipglosses making my lips bigger, but I do like the shine and texture of these glosses.

Aisle 3...beauty?

Trader Joe's has always been known as a great place for low cost, healthy food items. On a recent trip somewhere between picking up the stir fry and peanut butter I came across the beauty aisle and discovered that Trader Joe's also has their own brand of health and beauty products. I decided to try the Mango Shaving Cream. It's a great find. It's a cream formula, easy to use, and leaves your skin super soft. It smells delicious too! A 8oz. container is only $2.99 and it lasts for a long time.

Next time you're at Trader Joe's, try it out!