{Fall 2011 trending topic} a dress cut up to there...

Man repellers, they are not. Dresses and skirts with daring slits were bringing some serious sex appeal to the Fall 2011 runways in New York, London, and Milan. We'll have to wait and see what Paris Fashion Week has in store, but I think it's safe to say we have a high-cut trend on our hands, er, legs. A thigh-high slit is not for the sartorially bashful, but you can certainly play down the flesh factor with tights - a la Ralph Lauren and Moschino - while still showing off your killer quads. (L to R, top then bottom: Ralph Lauren, Jason Wu, Gucci, Michael Kors, Moschino, Matthew Williamson)

tis the season... for sale shopping!

...And I'm looking to Madewell and J. Crew this time around. These brands (along with Gap, Banana, etc...) are especially notorious for their end-of-season deals, and this month is no exception. (Note above that on some of these items, the sale price isn't showing up (those jeans are $39.99!), so be sure to click through to the company's site.) Now is the perfect time to invest in transitional pieces that you can layer into your winter wardrobe right away, and wear long into the spring season as well. Think crisp blazers, easy silk blouses, and skirts, skirts, skirts. And by the way, how amazing would that Fireworks skirt look with the striped top and one of those blazers!? Say it with me now, just for good measure, pattern mixing forever!