There’s something about NYC fall weather that makes us want to wear preppy outfits, even though we’ve been out of school for years and are miles away from the nearest Ivy League college. Today, Amelia, Catherine, and I were able to stay true to our personal styles, despite rocking the same back-to-school trend. Amelia made her coral dress less girly by adding her new favorite blazer, patterned tights and two-tone riding boots. She looks like the senior we all wanted to be when we were freshmen. Catherine went the casual route with dark-wash skinny jeans, ballet flats, and a chambray button-down shirt. And I can’t forget her signature cardi (in a blazer-style cut today). My outfit is kind of a fluke because everything else I tried on this morning didn’t work. Catherine and I are dressed very similarly, but I dressed my version up by rocking my animal-print pumps (now that it’s cold enough for calf hair). And yes, that’s the same cap I’ve been wearing for the past week because I haven’t had the time to wash my hair.

Any fashionista worth her wardrobe knows that she can buy trendy stuff from Forever 21, but who really has the patience to wade through all the crap and mess that plagues the actual store? We don’t, that’s for sure. So we’ll just surf the website to find all the trendy and classic (bet you didn’t think Forever 21 had “classic” in them) items to add to our autumn wardrobe. I’m really loving the Crochet Trim Sweater Cardigan because I can’t afford real Chanel, but don’t want to wear a complete knockoff. Check out 17 garments and accessories we’re loving for their design and price, after the jump.

If you’re like me, you’re probably super excited about the fall weather and on the hunt for the perfect pair of boots to wear with skirts and dresses (and pants too, I suppose). While I haven’t found my perfect boots yet, I did find this interesting pair by Colin Stuart at Victoria’s Secret. Booties and zippers are both hot trends this season, and these combine both of those elements, along with the option to wear them as taller boots that can also be slouched down. They’re perfect for girls who spend lots of nights at their boyfriends’ and don’t care to lug around multiple pairs of shoes—or spies who frequently change disguises. [Victoria’s Secret]

We have to take issue with September because, yes, it makes us all giddy for fall fashion, but it’s often still too hot to wear most of it. Sweaters, fine—you can layer and take them on and off. But it’s not like you can so easily slip your pantyhose off when you’re walking down the street. (Or maybe you do. We don’t know.) Do you have this problem around this time of year? Where it feels really out of place to wear tights because even though it might be kind of chilly today, it seems weird that you were just sweating your ass off in a sundress in yesterday’s 80-degree weather? For us, September can often still feel like summer.

When the weather turns crisp, style obsessions turn to fall coats. However, thanks to this Forever 21 design, we’re now finding the idea of the non-coat sexier for in-between weather. The heather grey color, piping, and hefty waist tie make this knit sweater-coat look like a designer number you’d see on chic Fashion Week attendees. Rock it with some biker-esque platform pumps, black cigarette jeans, and huge sunglasses to get that fashion editor vibe. Once the weather gets too cold, make it a casual indoor staple. [$32.80, Forever21.com]

We’ve already discussed The Shoe that we non-famous people are going all bats**t crazy over, but here’s The Bag of the season, according to Alexander McQueen’s Twitter feed and, um, visual proof— Freida Pinto, Kelly Osbourne, Little Boots and Sam Taylor Wood all wore his Skull Knuckle Duster Clutch to those GQ awards we were discussing yesterday. (On that note, if you haven’t witnessed Kate Moss’ temper tantrum yet, please watch it ASAP.) This shiz is smokin’ hot if, say, you’re into skulls and leather and all that crap (and I assure you, I am), but the problem is that I’m pretty sure the designer’s publicists sent these gorgeous young folks this clutch free of charge, because that’s basically how this system works. Sadly, most of us peons will never quite achieve McQueenian nirvana since the price tag of this delectable little number is no less than $1,895. Check it out here if you want to buy it and/or don’t believe me. Get a much closer look at it after the jump, because you know at least we can look forward to knockoffs coming to an H&M near us soon.

Perhaps you recall Mary-Kate Olsen stomping all over town in a pair of extra large Balenciaga platform booties that, despite their hefty price tag, sold out everywhere. That was back in 2006, but flash forward to 2009 and Sam Edelman, shoemaker to Victoria’s Secret catalogues and the Home Shopping Network, is the one enjoying all the glory (and smash sales) now. In ‘07, Edelman crafted the best knockoff out there, but since it sold out so quickly, it’s been reissued for a whopping $345 (it was originally $170) and has been dubbed the Zoe boot. Movin’ on up! And ya know what? Not only are fashion bloggers hailing it as the shoe of the season (wait, again?), but it’s already sold out on Zappos! I spotted the shoe with my own two eyes in Soho in NYC this weekend, but I’m not sure if I’m sold on it, even though I’ll def cop to sort of wanting a pair. (Mostly for the height factor, truth be told.) But all of this fawning over the shoe seems a little crazy at this point, right? If you’re interested, they’re taking pre-sale orders (!?) for the shoe here. Is this Frankenstein-looking number really covetable or is this just another case of much ado about nothing?

What do you think of the cape coat trend for fall? On the one hand, you might feel a bit like Samantha of the American Girl dolls. On the other, you get a lightweight jacket for crisp weather that’s different and chic. For the most part, merch in stores is hugely expensive—think thousand-dollar Marni and Balmain pieces right off the runways. Yet, more affordable versions of the coat are popping up. If you want to get in on the high-end look, think about altering the feel with these cute picks. You can also scour eBay, which has some nice vintage jackets at the moment. After the jump, the deets on our four more accessible picks.

1. Charlotte Olympia Striped Wedge Genie Pumps, $1,191, LuisaViaRoma.com
2. Georgina Goodman Double Zip Paris Low Boots, $1057, LuisaViaRoma.com
3. Alain Quilici Faceted Wedge Pointy Toe Low Boots, $851, LuisaViaRoma.com
4. Chrissie Morris Suede Stingray Insert Wedge Annie Pumps, $1,413, LuisaViaRoma.com

Keri Russell was spotted out and about in Brooklyn this weekend, and while we couldn’t help but notice her white canvas slip-ons (our summer obsession), we think her army green field jacket would be perfect on a cool fall day. In fact, Amelia paired one with a printed blue and maroon dress today, which toned down the dress and ensured that the jacket didn’t look too “Army.” Check out six of our favorite utility jackets after the jump.

Dum, dum, DUM. With New York shows just around the corner and the temperature already taking its first dips well south of 70 degrees, the beginnings of fall are upon us—and I couldn’t be happier. Cozy sweaters, chic ankle length pants, full skirts, booties ... OMFG. Bring. It. On. Much like every September before this one, I find myself chomping at the bit to start layering up and dragging my tights and boots out of storage. But as I envision all the new-again clothes I’m already mentally planning to wear, one very specific type of clothing is missing ... the dress. For the first time in what feels like decades, I’m not looking forward to throwing on any dresses. This is a huge departure for me. Huge. And I’m not alone…