Watch out

There are trends that give me a Rachel Zoe "I die" moment and the men's watch on a woman is one of them.

There is something very chic about a dainty dame with a clunky gold watch. But, like all trends you aren't supposed to just grab your boyfriend's old timepiece. Instead find one of a million women's watches that are supposed to look like men's. But, of course, no self respecting man would wear one of these watches.

If you're one of those ladies with a knack for style, you can easily borrow a man's watch and get the look. Pair the big watch with super classic prepster attire – think a pair of sleek trousers and a snug button up top – and uber feminine makeup and hair.

Perfect Puffer

Puffer coats are a must when cold weather hits and you're in the mood for Uggs and a super casual look.

Instead of the classic shape, opt for one like this Jessica Simpson one, which remains totally relaxed with just a bit more polish than the usual puffer.

Boho babe

If you're a fan of 1960's bohemian duds, you're in luck this season with over the top fringe and suede.

A simple sweater and jean combo goes instantly boho with the addition of a fur item, a sloppy scarf and fringe boots.

The boots above are in at Hemline in River Ranch.

Not so country CMAs

The Country Music Awards brought out Nashville's brightest stars in frocks that were anything but country.

The three truly chic looks of the night came from crossover star Jewel, teen queen Miley Cyrus and Jennifer Nettles (and two of those were Roberto Cavalli).

Miley's Cavalli dress is fresh and young and at one sophisticated without looking like she's playing dress up.

A simple navy Cavalli dress is pure class on Jewel.

Jennifer Nettles dress is a dreamy white with a shape and details that have a boho vibe while remaining polished.

Great skinny jean boot

Steve Madden boot found at Shoe La La in River Ranch on Settlers Trace. (Check out FACE November to see this shoe.)

This slouchy variety from Madeline is at Shoe Fits on Kaliste Saloom.

I fell in love with these slouchy boots recently. Both of which will work fantastically with a skinny jean or sweater dress.

Country chic

I'm a big fan of the print of Hillary Duff's scarf.

It's a great way to give an outfit that country casual vibe while remaining polished. I have a silk top in red and black in such a check print and love it with a slouchy cardigan.

It's also a perfect match for fall's hottest boot variety – the riding boot.

Plump it up

I've always been a bit skeptical of lip plumpers and I've also never been a fan of something that causes even the least bit of sting. Then I finally tried Buxom from Bare Escentuals.

It's officially my new favorite lip gloss, which is hard to achieve.

It's great when used with MAC's lip gloss liner. I'm in love with Buxom in Trixie and liner in Pink Edge.

The perfect day to night

Tis the season of events. Beginning in November it seems there's always some kind of after work gathering and what's a girl to wear when she doesn't have time to change after work?

Victoria Beckham's vest combo is a great day to night look. For a day look keep the shirt all buttoned up with the sleeves down and the vest open. Wear a pair of sensible shoes and basic jewelry.

For an evening roll up the sleeves, pop the collar, undo several buttons and button up the vest. Don a pair of serious shoes – think super tall patent, animal print or a surprising color like red or purple.

Sandals and hose? Really?

Wearing hose or tights with sandals or open toe shoes may seem like a faux pas. But, it's really alright.

And it's a great way to keep wearing those summer items throughout the fall and winter months.

Kate Hudson does it right with a fall hue in rich mustard and platform shoes.

THE soap

I'm always on the quest for the perfect face soap. And I have tried about a million.

My issue? I tend to have oily skin, which can breakout if I don't really get the grime. But, simultaneously, am fast approaching 3-0 and want to prevent the first signs of aging.

I've also been on an organic kick, which is why I was thrilled when I came across Organique . (Check out the October issue of FACE for more info about this Lafayette business and their fabulous products.)

The peppermint soap is THE BEST for my face. It keeps my breakouts at bay while not drying me out. And the bonus is that it's fantastic for the entire body. 

The essential transition piece

As the first subtle chills of fall show up each year I peruse my closet perplexed by what I wore last year.

My closet never seems to have anything worthy of wearing from last year and I'm still in love with my summer frocks. Enter the perf transitional piece – the blazer.

Vanessa and Ashley pull off the look without looking like they simply misplaced part of a business suit. The shape is key and both of these girls hit the nail on the head.

Vanessa is a great example of the traditional almost 80s blazer that's a bit sharp. Roll up the sleeves to make the look more relaxed.

Ashley shows off a tuxedo-inspired jacket, which works thanks to a rocker belt and bracelet that are studded out.

The Carrie shoe

The affordable Steve Madden gladiator

Carrie rocks a higher priced pair.

So Sex and the City: The Movie might feel like old news. But, Carrie's gladiators are far from out of the fashion headlines.

All things gladiator-inspired continue to be hot, which is why I was thrilled to find her killer heels redone by Steve Madden, which means a price point even us unpublished fashion lovers can afford.

These heels can work with a flirty floral dress or a more severe structured look. When cooler weather arrives try them with opaque tights in a surprising hue.

The perfect combination

I can't get enough of combinations that are unexpected, contrasting and bold. To that end, I became a bit of a Vanessa Hudgens fan (although I've never actually seen High School Musical) when I saw her spot on fashion combo.

Everything about this look works. A flirty dress with tulle peeping out, a rough motorcycle jacket with an abbreviated length and wicked heels with double ankle straps.

A long earring and hair away from her face are a great compliment. 

Gucci, gucci aaaah

Gucci rocked Milan with a Ready-to-Wear collection that flowed with silk and a luscious color palette. 

Low slung belts with abbreviated lengths equaled sexy/effortless.

The more formal pieces were a study in fluid sophistication with draping silks and soft lines. They are the kind of dresses that could go with flat gladiators or mile high sexy strappy footwear.

Military jackets get a salute

I am a lover of the jacket and perhaps my favorite is the military-inspired and rivaled by that is the 70 rocker jacket.

To my delight, both can be found at Balmain's show in Paris. While I'm not quite in love with the jeans that are so distressed they might have been worn to a New Kids concert, the look does work. I'd be more likely to do the embellished black pants.

More Balmain

The combination of tough girl (check the belts and shoes) glamour and chic ballerina/salsa dancer create the most delicious of dresses at Balmain's show in Paris.

I could wear the white dress every day. 

Coveting is a sin

There are things I love, things I adore and then there are those fashion items that go one step further. These are the ones I covet. And in during Fashion Week in Paris Balmain delivered a whole bevy of covet-worthy items.

In fact, there are so many that I'm going to have to divide them into three categories: the jacket, the fabulous dress and the high drama fancy dance fabulous dress.

The green and pink that wove throughout the collection were so rich and pitch perfect I could hardly stand it. And the asymmetrical lines are divine, especially in combination with the strips of fabric that are like the most glamazon of bandaids. The spiderweb of shimmer running through some of the dresses and the beaded embellishments are the touch that will keep me dreaming of these dresses.

Gladiator for fall

It's (nearly) time to put away those wafer-thin gladiator sandals, but don't say goodbye to the Roman coliseum attire quite yet.

Fall promises more gladiator sandals and this time they are mile high and a bit more hearty. I can't get enough of the Chinese Laundry pictured above. (Find them at Brother's on the Boulevard)

These sandals pair great with super skinny dark jeans, a floaty floral dress, a little something Grecian or a pair of bright opaque tights.

Practical Prada

Prada's fall collection in demure lace.

Take inspiration from the Prada look with this black lace dress and peep-toes.

In the spring Prada gave a show for fall looks that was drenched in lace and layered shoes.

It's a look that can be hard to pull off both financially and style wise, which is why I've given you some easy pieces that have some of the panache of Prada's signature looks that promise to be popular this fall. 

Full lace is the order of the day. If you're going to really do it ... go neck to knee in lace. Black, navy, camel, chocolate are the best colors. Anything other than neutral can quickly turn tawdry when done in liberal amounts.

This black lace dress is an I.N.C. from Macy's and the shoes are A. Marinelli from Brother's on the Boulevard.

Emmy 2008 best dressed

There were a plethora of Hollywood starlets and long time celebs who blew out the red carpet for the Emmys. So many people got it right for this event, it's hard to pick one. 

It was hard to pick three. And while I won't commit that these ladies are the abSOlute best dressed – they are three standouts in my book.

Brooke Shields proves that like a fine wine women can get better with time. The choice of bold color and unashamedly feminine excess in the form of rows of ruffles was a show stopper.

Heidi Klum is flawless. Enough said. Her shimmering gown was timeless.

Vanessa Williams is further proof that with age can come great beauty – and wisdom. Her dress was a pitch perfect pick that stayed appropriate for a warm September evening, but paid tribute to one of fall's hottest trends – the fall floral. 

Grecian goddesses

Amanda Walsh is pretty in pink and perfectly Grecian.

Christina Applegate is vibrant in a vintage blue for a look that's dark romance.

Becki Newton is a sunshine girl in rich yellow.

Mariska Hargitay is a goddess in her Roman-inspired gown.

Grecian glam continues to rock red carpets. Draped dresses in every shade and shape ruled the 2008 Emmys.

And there were one-shoulder dresses as far as the eye could see.

The flapper girl

Eva Longoria Parker in the short flapper.

Evangeline Lily rocks a long gown with 1920's influence.

The flapper girl straight from the 1920's speakeasy also made a few appearances at the Emmys. Add a deep side part and matte lipstick for a pitch perfect look that roars.