1. J.Crew Ponte Peplum Shirt ($78) // 2. Hunter + rag & bone Wellington Boots ($295) // 3. 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Cami Set ($30) // 4. Reiss Drape Skirt ($170) // 5. Rebecca Minkoff Knocked Up Baby Bag ($550) // 6. Mossimo Junior’s Vest ($35) // 7.  Joe’s Laney Pump ($135) // 8. Wendy Mink White Onyx Tube Necklace ($198)

One. Peplum tops in soft fabrics are everywhere this fall.  In addition to this ponte J.Crew top, I fell hard for the lace insets on this ultra-chic Rebecca Taylor blouse.      I also like this Ronny Kobo peplum top in a gorgeous emerald-green, and this inexpensive square neck blouse from The Limited.  If you thought peplum tops were on their way out, you were mistaken.

Two. I am so glad that people are embracing the navy blue and black combination.  It’s been one of my favorite pairings for years, but people are usually so hesitant about it.  But with beautiful pieces like these rag & bone for Hunter Wellies on the market, who can resist?  They’re the kind of item that make you wonder if paying $300 for rain boots sounds like a really good idea.

Looking for clothing pieces in this color combo?  Check out this impossibly gorgeous Madewell blouse with a contrasting black placket.  Plus-size?  Have a look at this DKNY navy and black dress with faux-leather accents.

Three.  The bags from Target’s collaboration with Phillip Lim were certainly high on every budget-fashionista’s must-have list.  I, however, am smitten with the sweet satin pajama sets he created.  Pretty pjs make every morning a little brighter.

Four. I’m always in search of black skirts that offer more style than your basic pencil, and this pleated tulip skirt from Reiss certainly delivers in that department.  I love the sophisticated style and the way it floats away from the body while emphasizing your shape.  If you’d like a similar look for less, try this Tulip Tango skirt from Modcloth or this faux-leather skirt from Dorothy Perkins.

Five.  My love for Lo & Sons is well documented, however, sometimes nylon just won’t do.  If you need a large leather bag to hold your work laptop and files, check out the Knocked Up Bag from Rebecca Minkoff.  Oh, and if you’re having a baby, since it’s stated purpose is baby bag.  It also comes in nylon for a slightly more palatable $395.

Six. Everyone is raving about the J.Crew Excusion vest for fall.  Personally, I think it’s a little insane to pay $120 for a tech vest.  Mostly because I bought their uber.must.have Herringbone Vest last fall and wore the thing twice before passing it on to my Mother.  So why spend three-figures when this vest from Target is twice as chic and cool as can be?  Just remove the faux-fur hood; it’s overkill.

Seven.  The slick styling on these Joe’s pumps is so freaking good.  I love the tiny studs holding the strap in place and the sophisticated navy color.  The shoe also comes in black, camel and oxblood.  That’s a lot of style for under-$150.

Eight.  I was looking for a necklace that made a statement, but was also really light.  This necklace from Wendy Mink mixes white stone and black onyx to create a versatile piece that can transition from day-to-night with ease.  If you’d like the same color combination for less, this long station necklace from Fornash tips the cash register at $48, or go ultra-modern with this Aldo Genievre plaque necklace.