Phillip Lim's Cadet jacket

The other day, I was browsing through the sale racks at BCBG and found a beautiful gray jacket with ruffles down the front and fell in love almost instantly. It was painful to walk away because even though it was on sale, it was still a tad too much. In an attempt to make myself feel better, the next day I browsed my favorite online stores to look for a jacket that I'd like even better. That's when I found the 3.1 Phillip Lim Cadet jacket, which clocks in at an impressive $595. First of all, it's in my fave color red. I love the military-style buttons, asymmetrical gray ribbon panels down the front, and 3/4 quarter length leg-o-mutton sleeves. It's super chic and I'm completely crazy about it! For the past two weeks, I've been pondering whether or not it's worth the hefty price tag. I'll be monitoring it closely and crossing my fingers that it'll go on sale soon!

On Sale: Smythe les Vestes' chic coat

The most amazing deal has just come to my attention: this Smythe les Vestes tie neck coat. It is my humble opinion that this beautiful wool jersey jacket is the epitome of easy elegance. The 3/4-length sleeves keep it youthful, while the attached ivory-colored tie and funnel neck are undeniably sophisticated. From its original price of $660 to its currently sale price of $195, it's a steal. Take note of the impeccable tailoring, the contrasting colors. The model pictured looks so chic with her pulled back hair and the coat thrown over skinny dark jeans and plain black shoes. Such a perfect look for walking down the street in crisp fall weather, arm in arm with your man.

Another fantastic fall blazer

As I'm clearly a sucker for any kind of beautiful blazer, this LaRok jacket is just next in a line of many blazers I hope to acquire this fall. This one has obvious Gossip Girl connotations (side note: the show's second season starts on September 1!), such as a metal shield brooch pinned to the lapel and stylish contrasting white trim. But the scrunched up sleeves, cropped cut, and front pockets give it a decidedly modern feel, reminding me of Serena van der Woodsen's hastily-thrown-together-yet-still-preppy looks for school. Everyone knows Blair is my fashion fave on the show, but I know I could definitely take a tip or two from Serena. After all, the show's costume designer modeled her looks after Kate Moss' style! Come fall, I'd love to wear this blazer with jeans, an untucked white shirt, and messy hair, just to give off that careless, yet oh-so-fashionable vibe we all want to achieve!

Another creation from Elizabeth and James

I tried on this jacket in Neiman Marcus a few months ago, when it was still full price and I had no hope of buying it whatsoever. But now that it's on sale by about 50%, my interest is sparked yet again! Of course only the Olsen twins could conjure up this urban chic sateen jacket with six buttons, an extended front hem, and a lovely wrinkled texture. The back is cinched in with three buckled tabs and the shoulders are defined with slight ruching detail. Tip: order true to size or even a size up as this jacket--I know from first-hand experience--fits snugly.

Wanted: a leather jacket

After watching Wanted over the weekend, I was inspired by the tough girl style of Angelina Jolie's character, Fox--heavy eyeliner, leather jackets, and tight pants (though in one scene, she also gracefully pulls off a feminine white dress while lying on the hood of a car and firing two guns). Any girl who wants to imitate that tough look needs a black leather jacket to kick start her outfit. While you can buy the exact one she wears in the movie off eBay (the sale will benefit charity PLAN!T NOW), chances are you don't have $7,100 to spare and might not be able to squeeze into Angelina's size extra small. That's why this S.W.O.R.D. Volterra leather jacket, at $748, is a great alternative. While Angelina's original jacket definitely has some cool details, like the asymmetrical zippers and shoulder detail, the Volterra motorcycle jacket maintains a simpler style in washed leather. I like the shorter, cropped hem, elbow patches, and the sleek collar and overall fit. I'm sure that after slipping it on, you'll effortlessly slip into Angelina's tough girl persona. If only it were that easy!

(Photo credit to AllMoviePhoto.com)