The Day Payless Paid Off

For the most part, I’m not really a Payless ShoeSource kind of a girl. It’s not that I’m above budget-friendly and low end footwear – in fact, it’s often the best option for playful party shoes. After all, for how many times occasions can you really pull off the strappy sandal with the butterflies or the canary yellow boots before putting them into semi-retirement at the back of your closet?
My issue with Payless, however, is the general absence of glamour in the store and the fact that when I do find an attractive show online, I am usually severely disappointed by its real life quality. But I believe in second chances. When my friend posted an Oprah Winfrey promotion to Facebook that promised 50% off everything at Payless, it was time to take another look.

Now shopping discount stores is always a bit of fashion safari, but with hundreds of Oprah fans swarming the small store, it was literally survival of the fashion fittest. Boxes were everywhere, sizes were all mixed up and pairs were separated from their significant others. Despite this, I am thrilled with the little treasures I dug up. These two pairs of party shoes are the perfect complement to holiday season style. While neither are Christian Louboutin quality, I have to say they both look absolutely elegant in real life.

The Great Eight for Fall!

As much as I adore the summer and die a little death with each falling leaf, fashion is definitely one of Fall's most redeeming qualities. For many of us, Fall is the psyche’s true 'New Year'- a time to start fresh after the dalliances of summer. We take on new projects, start new classes, and shift greater attention back to our academic and career goals.

Fall fashions mirror that shift. Store displays boast more structured, serious clothing. The flirty and whimsical styles of summer evolve into more striking and impressive looks. Whether the look is casual, artsy, career-focused or night life, there is an essence of "I'm going places" that underlies the best Fall styles.

Fall also means colder weather...and that means more clothes. As we cover up greater amounts of skin, coordinating our look becomes increasingly challenging. With extra layers, cardigans, jackets, gloves and scarves added back into the mix, putting a great outfit together is a lot more work than before....and that's why a well executed Fall ensemble is one of the miracles of the season.

Here's my Great Eight must haves for Fall 2009:

1) Tall Boots - Just because the weather is getting ugly, it doesn't mean your footwear has to. A fitted to-the-knee boot (or even better, an over-the-knee boot) is one of the sexiest staples of Fall.

2) The Long Cardigan - This must have item is appearing everywhere from the catwalk to the mall. The perfect transition piece, it can help bring your warm weather favourites up to season and will help construct the perfect outfit for months to come.

3) Opaque Tights - They can be used to bring skirts and dresses into Fall, or to create a distinct look of the season worn alone underneath a long sweater or tunic. While funky patterned and bright coloured tights are hot on the catwalk, they can be dangerous in the real world. You can't go wrong with classic black though!

4) Waist Cinching Belt - Whether you're svelte or curvy, the hourglass shape is where it's at. Flaunt it if you have it, or create it if you don't. Waist shaping belts look great over many of the season's top trends, including long cardigans, sweater dresses and tunics.

5) Knitted Hat - A great knit hat tops off the Fall outfit while protecting you from cold winds. Whatever you may think of The Hills cast, Audrina Patridge has been absolutely rocking this trend lately.

6) The Structured White Blouse - A fitted dress shirt rules the boardroom. It means business, but likewise shows off an awesome shape. Take the time to find one that skims your curves - most on the market lean towards being boxy and shapeless.

7) The Fitted 3/4 Length Jacket - There are so many hot jackets in the malls these days, it's just about all I can do to fight off the urge to buy another one. They look absolutely fabulous with high boots, tights, and a white collared shirt poking out from underneath!

8) Long Gloves - A long glove tells the world you're embracing the colder seasons with grace and elegance. They add a splash of the 'Mad Men' sixties influence while polishing off the trends of today.