Subtle Slouch

I love the sophisticated look of this Banana Republic Eliza Slouch boot. This versatile boot would look great with a dress, skirt or jeans.

It comes in taupe (suede) and saddle (leather) and sells for $198. BR is currently offering free shipping on all orders more than $50.

Cultured Feet

I would feel like a lady once I slipped these on my feet, even on my most unrefined days.

These Colleen Rose heels at J. Crew are on sale for $249 (down from $325), with an additional 20 percent off until Sunday, plus free shipping. Shop fast!

Trousers with a twist

I just stumbled across these fun denim trousers from Built by Wendy. They are ultra girly with the high waist, slant pockets and tied cuffs. These would look great with flats or heels. They sell for $180.

Built by Wendy is having a sample sale Nov. 27-Dec. 20. Sundays, from noon to 6 p.m., and Mondays, from noon to 7 p.m. Head to 7 Centre Market Pl. (at Grand St.) for the deals, which include up to 30 percent off fall merchandise.

These lovely trousers aren't on sale, though. Pity.

Stud Appeal

This Where stud wedge is hot, hot!

The silver ball studs add an extra umph to what would have been an ordinary wedge. And the studs are an unexpected surprise that will leave them wanting more when you exit the room.

They sell for $158 and only size 7 is available.

Cargo Boots

We've all heard of cargo pants, but cargo boots?

Ok, these aren't really called cargo boots, but when I saw them, I immediately thought of cargo pants.

If you need the extra storage space and are looking for a great pair of boots, check out the United Nude pocket mid boot for $250. The website doesn't specify how high this mid heel is, but the boot also comes in a a higher heel, black and khaki.

Gym shoes should stay in the gym

I've heard more than one stylist say that "gym shoes should stay in the gym," with the latest being a couple of weeks ago when Oprah had a shoe makeover show.

Adam Glassman, creative director of O, The Oprah Magazine, advised that women need six types of shoes. They are:

1. A black pump
2. A comfortable flat
3. An evening shoe
4. A tall boot
5. An all-weather boot
6. And a sleek comfort sneaker

I have all of these, but my sleek comfort sneakers had seen its best days. So, I replaced my Merrell sneakers with a pair of New Balance dedra shoes that were made exclusively for Nine West.

Glassman says every woman needs a cute, sleek sneaker - not to be confused with the kind you wear to the gym. "Your gym shoes should stay in the gym," he said. A dressier sneaker in a fun color is your go-to shoe. "It's like the comfort food of shoes. The comfort sneaker."

I opted for silver, not really a "fun" color, but I will get more wear out of silver sneakers.

They were a terrific buy. Originally, $89, they are on sale for $59, but right now, Nine West is offering 30 percent off all purchases. So, I got them for $48.99. And the company is offering free shipping until the end of the month! So, shop away. You can get all six types of shoes during this great sale.

The new tights

I couldn't take my eyes off of actress Portia de Rossi's thigh-highs when she was on "Oprah" the other week with her wife and talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres.

The way she paired the burgundy thigh-highs with a black skirt and black heels was so fresh and modern, and not to mention, just adorable and perfectly ladylike.

So, of course, I had to do a bit of research and find them for my readers.

I'm not sure if Portia bought hers from J. Crew, but they have them for $18.

High steppin' from Coach

Love these Gabrielle boots from Coach! They also come in black. $478.

And the bow on these Aubrie ones make them as sweet as pie. They also come in brown. $348.

Sherlock Holmes is on the case

I was at Anthropologie, my favorite store, about six weeks ago when I saw this cape - the Somerset Cape - and immediately began to lust after it. I tried it on, which was a huge mistake, because I knew then that I had to have it.

The problem was I was supposed to be on a budget and the cape was $168. Ugh! So, I left the store without it.

But I thought about that cape for days. I sent links to my sisters and friends, so they could commiserate with me. Eventually, I put the cape out of my mind. "I don't need it. I shouldn't spend $168 on it," I convinced myself.

Then, about two weeks ago, my friend Raven, who is my partner in crime in buying things we clearly don't need, sent me an email. The subject was "the cape." I didn't even have to open it. I knew the cape had gone on sale.

I went to the Anthropologie website and it was $79.99! My heart started racing. I immediately called Raven to both thank her and tell her what a bad influence she was. Then, I proceeded to get the cape. I needed a small, but there were none left online. So, I called customer service and the woman found some at the Princeton store. I called the Princeton store, which was about 25 minutes from my house, to make sure they had smalls and to ask the associate to hold one for me. I dashed to the store, tried it on and fell in love all over again.

So what if the name "Sherlock Holmes" has been mentioned more than once when I've worn the cape. And so what that my husband's first reaction was "that's interesting." I love the Somerset Cape. It's a sophisticated piece that makes me feel like a lady, even when I'm wearing jeans. I love the slight swing, the 3/4 sleeves, the exaggerated collar and the belt, so you can still have a waistline while wearing it.

Was it $80 that I probably shouldn't have spent? Yes. But do I regret the purchase? Absolutely not!

Note: The Somerset Cape is no longer featured on the website, but if you call customer service, someone may be able to track one down at a store near you.

"You are never too fat for your accessories."

This is one of my favorite Audrey Hepburn quotes. On days that I feel fat, I can still grab a great necklace or fun ring and feel fabulous!

So, in honor of jewelry and accessories, I selected some of my favorite items from Piperlime's new jewelry line.

This GS Lillian large floral cuff in teal will add a great pop of color to any outfit. My new teal color combination is teal and orange. It's unexpected and beautiful. Pair this cuff with an orange sweater or dress. $75

The look of a dainty earring is so ladylike. These are Lauren by Ralph Lauren braided knot earrings. $32

I've been a huge fan of Kenneth Jay Lane's jewelry and this 4 Row Leaf necklace explains why. Great details. And a look that you can wear hard or soft. $105

The neutral colors of this Nugaard smoky quartz bubble ring make it a match for any outfit. $109

These little Betsy Johnson frog studs are such a fun surprise. I would pair them with a formal dress for even more of an unexpected look. $25

Again, Kenneth Jay Lane comes correct with these shiny gold bangles. Clean lines that would look great with jeans or a formal outfit. $87.50

I love the simple dangle of these Kate Spade pailete earrings. $55

Really Victoria's Secret?

I'm all for creativity in fashion, but I had a good chuckle the other day when I flipped through the pages of the latest Victoria's Secret catalog.

Under the company's "Sexy Little Things" line, you can add a bit of flare to your booty. This underwear is just for show, just for the bedroom, which is fine. But hopefully, your mate won't be too busy laughing than getting the job done.

You can tickle your partner with this feather thong for $20.

What's in a name that which we call a rose? This flower and bead cheeky panty sells for $28.

I had to save the best for last. Surprise your spouse with these on your wedding night. This bridal bikini is $30.

Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery

The stylists at Essence should be flattered.

I saw this outfit in the October issue of the magazine last month and thought it was modern and stylish. From the printed tights, which you know are hot right now, to the great shoes with the suede piping. I added the grey sweater because there was a chill in the air this morning on the way to church.

Like most women, I flip through the pages of fashion magazines for inspiration. I was completely inspired by this outfit and since I already had a similar navy dress, copying this look wasn't out of reach. So I purchased the DKNY Chevron net tights for $20 from Macy's and the Harajuku Lovers shoes for $100 from Nordstroms.

I love a Mary Jane, but these are Mary Janes with a twist. The two straps are feminine and delicate. While the suede piping adds an industrial feel. The tasteful mixture of cream, grey and black allows the shoe work with many outfits (it also comes in blue/light blue). You will stand tall in these on the 4 1/2-inch heel and 1-inch platform. These are definitely the highest-heeled shoes I own, but they are comfortable and easy to walk in.

If you can't already tell, it was really the shoes that first caught my attention when I turned to the page in the magazine. These are my first Harajuku Lovers shoes. And, honestly, I had never heard of this brand before seeing the shoes in Essence. But after doing a little research, I found out that Harajuku Lovers is singer Gwen Stefani's fashion line that was launched in 2005. The idea for Harajuku Lovers revolves around the Shibuka, Toyko area of Harajuku. While Stefani's previous clothing line, L.A.M.B., is targeted to a more mainstream demographic, Harajuku Lovers focuses on her fan base.

I am now a fan!