Need to shake things up? Start with footwear...

First things first, HOORAY for daylight savings. Sitting in old man sweatpants and UGG slippers at 1:15 in the afternoon watching an under-rated chick flick (Made of Honor), is slightly less lazy and worthless than if it were 2:15 in the afternoon.

Do I need to spice things up? Some would say yes. Ok, that's a unanimous yes. The funny thing is I've been thinking the same thing -- about my wardrobe. I have been trying to invest in classic pieces that will last forever, but lots of "classic" can tend to be... bland. I've found myself really drooling over some of the more bad ass booties from the Fall 2010 runways. Buckles, shearling and platforms, I can't get enough. So should I take the plunge or wait for the longing to pass?

Even Tory Burch has abandoned preppy4ever with the Oren bootie, that was featured in just about every fashion magazine:

Who put that twig in such a gorgeous Burberry shearling boot??

And of course, Alexander McQueen went for more biker chic:
By some cosmic coincidence, I happened to stumble on three pretty fantastic look - a - likes, all on the ALDO website, all around $100!!
This one might by my favorite! Sure, the shearling and open toe doesn' t make a ton of sense, but the two-tone, buckles, zipper, and shearling combo makes it a perfect hybrid of all three booties.
Almost identical to the Alexander McQueen! Maybe with new tough-girl shoes, it will whip the rest of my butt into shape...

Fall Lust List

After I was recently shamed by one of my boyfriend's friends about the lack of Sass Class activity, I decided to spend my day off (working Saturday, don't be too jealous) writing a long over due post!

There are so many things that I have fallen for this fall: a gifted Tibi candle that smells like heaven, Cupcake wine, and a serious addiction to milk dunked oreos. But as far as fashion goes? Here are some of my absolute FAVORITES:

One: Oxford Lace Up Booties

Spicier than a plain jane pump, and more lady-like than a platform bootie, I am in love with these oxfords! And depending on what you wear them with, these shoes can be super preppy (skinny jeans, turtleneck, and a chunky plaid scarf) or really trendy (patterned tights, floral dress and a utilitarian jacket)

My absolute favorite are these Air Violet's by Cole Haan, using the Nike technology. And with my new job, the $298 price tag wasn't an issue!! Yes, I had to wait and wait and save many store credits but with one wear it was totally worth it!

For those of you who aren't as convinced by the trend, try this version by Nine West, which are just around $100. The peep toe makes the lace up less dramatic, while still right on trend.

Two: Leather Shorts

I am a huge fan of cold-weather shorts, a fresh alternative to the mini skirt for nights out on the town. And with this fall being so leather-crazy, you can imagine my excitement when I saw this sassy pair on Olivia Palermo:

And then on one of my other favorites, Rachel Bilson:

My absolute favorite are these by Rag & Bone -- the higher rise and paper-bag waist makes them look more tailored and slouchy, less hot pants hoochie mama. The only reason these are on the lust list and not on my bod? The $500 price tag. On sale. If any of you see a great copycat let me know, as I am still searching!!

Three: Navy & Black

One of my favorite parts of fashion is how the rules of fashion continuously shift and change. Pairing navy and black used to be one of the ultimate faux-pas, but recently when paired together have looked the epitome of chic! Maria Sharapova caught my eye in this gorgeous Hervé Leger mini dress:

And January Jones was my go-to girl for this trend as she flawlessly pulls off both the navy & black cocktail dress:

As well as pairing navy & black Luis Vuitton separates... if I didn't obsess over Mad Men I would really resent the clothes this broad gets to wear.

To try the trend, I think I would start with a single piece that already incorporates the two colors. And since I have a massive weakness for party dresses, these were my two picks! If you can splurge, I can't tell you how long I've been drooling over this Joelle dress by Milly. We have it at the boutique I work at and the fit is impeccable, with adorable detailing of little satin black buttons down the side, as well as a keyhole in the back. Sigh, gotta start saving again...

For immediate satisfaction, try this sexy number from Lulu's -- it's under $75! Love the pockets, love the sheer cut out, this one might just have to walk itself into my closet as well...

Four: The Capelet

SO chic and classic, why has the capelet not come into the spotlight sooner??

Dream purchase: This capelet jacket by Burberry. The perfect amount of feminine flair, classic silhouette, but the sash keeps it from being too costume-y.

Reality: If you can't commit to the capelet as outerwear, there are also tons of options for sweaters!! This my favorite that I have come across, and it's from.... Old Navy. I. KNOW. Someone over there must have finally done some research and decided to be on trend! Sadly the only size left is XXXL but there are other colors available. So if $35 is more your budget, get one before they completely sell out!

Five: Red Winter Coat

Just as I was singing Old Navy's praises, I came across these pictures of Kristin Cavallari and Anna-Lynne McCord both wearing this bright red coat from Old Navy!! Now do you believe me their fall inventory is insanely good??

I love bright winter coats, and for some reason, red has stolen my heart this season. If you have saved up for a fabulous new outerwear piece, this should be your go-to: the Bastille Coat by Milly is classic, chic, and absolutely flawless.

What are you lusting after?? Hope you enjoyed the random post, and I pinky promise not to wait so long bring you some more Sass Class...

EPIC.

Hopefully you are all anticipating tonight's epic television event as much as I am...

An All-Britney episode of Glee might set the bar TOO high. How could any episode of Gossip Girl, Modern Family, or even Thintervention on Bravo ever excite me again??

Hats off to InStyle who obviously got the memo, and posted a lovely montage of some of Brit's fabulous ensembles. It's unclear if these really are "stylish" outfits, or just epic. Either way, I'm loving it. Link here.

Newest Obsession: Army Jackets

So with a lean budget and constant torture of staring at clothes all day, I decided to really do my homework before jumping at fall trends. That said, one trend I can't stop talking about is army surplus jackets. Anyone who knows me I am a HUGE fan of the jean jacket, but understand they are a tad juvenile, not necessarily chic with a capital C... Like more Miley Cyrus than Sienna Miller. But come on, they're perfect for transitional weather, match with just about everything, and make an outfit look casual and effortless.

So could the army surplus jacket be a more trendy replacement?? They're a neutral color, perfect weight for fall, and the olive color looks great with jeans (Bonus!! No Canadian tuxedo!) I also like the way the masculine cut and color looks with one of the feminine dresses you've been wearing all summer -- the perfect way to maximize your wardrobe through fall!

Rachel Bilson was one of the first lady's I loved this trend on, and word on the street she got her's from the boys section of the Gap...UGH petite people.

With heels, soft hair, and heels, Whitney's jacket is the perfect balance of masculine/feminine:

Scared to commit to a jacket? Try more of a heavier weight shirt like Alexa Chung, oversized and cuffed to add some coverage with short shorts and a pretty lace shirt. (Socks and platform sandals are still a personal fashion aspiration... hats off to you, Alexa)

Olivia belts hers and pops the collar, making the jacket work with her polished, classic style. (Over the knee boots post coming soon...)

Scared the coat could be too hipster? Kate Moss found a fabulous, fur trimmed one (are you shocked?) she rocks here:

As obsessed as I am? Here are some great ways to try the trend, all of these options are less than $100!!

Lulu's.com

LOVE this BB Dakota one, available at modcloth.com

Forever 21

This seems like the perfect light weight, available at American Eagle

So sorry trusty jean jacket, but you might be forced into retirement. It's been real.

Labor-less Delight

Nothing like celebrating the end-of-summer Labor Day Holiday by ironically... working?

But luckily I got to duck out early, and spent a lovely afternoon spent on catching up on The Rachel Zoe Project. After the third episode, I started craving something sweet, cold, and caloric. What did I have in mind? This masterpiece, that was whipped up earlier this summer:

That's one big, fat, no-bake oreo cheesecake. That's right - this masterpiece was created without ever even turning on the oven. Now wipe the drool off your keyboard, and check out the recipe here. ENJOY!!

I'm baaaaaack....

And with any luck, better than ever!!

Apologies for the inappropriately long absence, hopefully you all haven't completely given up on me in the mean time.

I started a new job that happily does not include being in isolation at a desk all day, with only the cyber world to entertain me!! Good for me, an added challenge for Sass Class. I started working as an assistant manager for a boutique called Monkee's in Davidson, right outside of Charlotte. I was always a big fan of the store as a shopper, as it was a stylish refuge in the small college town.

Starting the job has been a whirl wind, trying to learn everything from ringing people out, steaming (sooo LC from the Hills), all the different marketing campaigns, and the most fun... unpacking new clothes!! I swear it's like Christmas every day, making our UPS man Chris Santa Clause.

Confession: working in a boutique has made me second guess my online shopping habits. Yes, online shopping is quick and easy, but there's something about the actual experience of touching and trying on clothes that is irreplaceable. An added benefit of boutiques is that you are likely to stumble upon different items and new designers that are similar to ones you already enjoy. The weeding out process is already done for you!

I was thrilled find some adorable (and affordable!!) new designers coming into the boutique, some of my favorite pieces below:

A dress from one of my favorite new lines, GLAM. Their forte is bright blousy tops and dresses, perfect for summer and into the fall. The cut of this summer dress is totally reminiscent of Carrie Bradshaw's Halston Heritage dresses in Sex and the City 2. And that colorful ikat print? Sign me up.

A "tween" jacket - named not for the awkward age group, but for the knit material that is more like a sweatshirt than a heavy coat. Ideal for the mild Southern falls. The designer is called 525 America, and has great well-priced knits and separates!

Another affordable line that we carry is called Theme, and I died when this dress came in. The picture does not do it justice, so click for a larger view. It's a thin sweater material in navy (duh) with this gorgeous beaded collar - perfect for when you can't be bothered with jewelry!

Another dress by Theme that we carry, in an amazingly comfortable fabric. The draping and wrap is so flattering, and the heathered gray is a perfect new staple color for fall.

Now as much as I preach sales, deals, and savings, sometimes you just can't control what you fall for, am I right? And Milly's fall line is AH-MAZING. It's like she watches Gossip Girl religiously and decided to design a line for all us Blair Waldorf wannabes. Her dresses are classic, chic, and fit like a dream. So naturally, they also are $300-500 a pop.

But a girl can dream, right?

So the internal battle continues... buy fun new fall clothing now? or save up for one of these gorgeous dresses....

F is for FRAZZLED

Hello Everyone!! Just wanted to let you know that I have not fallen off the face of the earth, or been kidnapped by gypsies. In the past week I have finished a job, traveled to DC, started a new job, and (hopefully) secured a new apartment!! In other words I'm a hot mess.

Bear with me while I try to organize the life, new posts coming soon I promise...