If it were up to me, I would wear a totally fashionable, totally new outfit everyday. I would have a pair of hot heels or cute flats for everyday of the year and I would have at least one brand new, lust-worthy piece on every time I changed outfits. Alas, we can’t all be a tall, rich, bottle-blonde socialite, but we can still look fashionable everyday! Saturated colors, higher hems and edgy details like zippers, chains and asymmetry are still going to be hot in the Fall season. That’s good news for those of us that have a budget and are actually going to try and follow it this time! Instead of going out to buy a whole new wardrobe to suit the cooler weather and blow our meager savings account at the same time, a few basic and affordable pieces are all that’s needed to add a little warmth into our favorite summer ensembles! Add a pair of funky leggings to a mini-skirt for an uber-trendy Fall look, or keep it classic with a cardigan and some great boots that go along with that sundress you wore all summer! Leggings, boots, sweaters, tights… the possibilities are endless! Check out the slideshow for more ideas on versatile basics to help transition your favorite summer looks into the coming season.

Along with harem pants, bubble shorts (also known as balloon, puff, and in some extreme cases, bloomer shorts) emerged as a major spring/summer trend. Circus pants, you say? Anne of Green Gables calling? Enough of that, and hear out our defense:

1. As a summer item, bubble shorts are going on sale to make room for the fall merch, so you’ll find some good deals on designer versions (check out some picks after the jump).
2. They are a bit of a statement item, but easily lend a sort of Chloe Sevigny-esque sensibility to an outfit (if you’re into that).
3. A pair will make your legs look thinner. Believe us, we’ve witnessed the magic firsthand. However, these shorts might not be for the butt-conscious.
4. Best of all, they’ll take you into fall. For a chic Parisian look, pair them with plum tights and a nice, suede booties. With a set of thick enough tights, they could even take you through winter.

Click through to see some choices, then you tell us if you’re feeling bubble shorts (errmmm, borts?)!

When the harem pant trend came along this spring, many were reluctant to jump on the baggy-bottomed train. And with good reason—why go all gypsy-ass when you know people are going to stare at you, or think you’re smuggling produce or drugs in your crotch region?

True, true, the garment is one tricky trend. But, there are some wonderful things about them, too. Consider the following, and you may find yourself having a big old pants party before you know it.

They call it the “butterfly effect”—the theory that a butterfly can flap its wings in Chile to create a windstorm in Central Park (not to be taken literally, of course). Regardless of the power the butterfly’s wings have, it’s obvious that they’re a trend to watch out for! Names like Diane von Furstenberg and Juicy Couture have embraced the butterfly, so it’s no wonder these beautiful creatures have translated well into clothing and accessories. Consider it a happy medium between ultra-feminine floral prints and sultry animal prints. You can go small and subtle with a butterfly print scarf or go big with a skirt that looks like butterflies are resting on top! Remember, with all printed apparel, it’s best to keep accessories simple. This summer, stand out from the crowd of floral prints and reach for the butterflies instead! Take a look at the slideshow for a selection of butterfly prints.

As the humidity and temperature spike, so do our chances of heat-induced fashion problems. Every time I step onto a bus or subway or slide into a steaming car, my body sticks to the plastic on the seat and my clothes cling to my legs, delivering me to my destination stinky, clammy and busted-looking. But, no more! Here are a few ways to stay fresh and sweat-stain free.

I sort of have a packing problem. In theory you don’t need all that much for a weekend away, it’s only two or three days after all. I always start out very organized and plan my outfits to save space by avoiding redundancy. This forces me to think of what I will need, and that’s where I go wrong. How can I possibly pack for all the potential occasions, weather, activities, meals? There so many possibilities I just can’t plan for. I don’t know where to begin, or more appropriately, I just don’t know where to stop. That’s why I am doing a serious inventory of what one actually needs for a summer weekend away… scratch that, what a slightly obsessive fashion lovin’ gal “needs” to pack for a weekend away.

We normally put away our boots in favor of flip-flops and sandals when summer comes, but ankle boots have made their presence known on red carpets of late, and we’re trying to decide whether we should keep our feet ensconced in leather for the next few months.

“There are certain women who are just over wearing dresses with delicate shoes,” designer Alexander Wang told The New York Times. “They enjoy the irony of pairing something heavy with something short and sexy.”

Theory is synonymous with impeccably fitted items that have a look that is fashion-y, but at the same time simple and clean. Keeping in mind Theory’s emphasis on fit, quality and polished/chic look, I asked Theory’s Women’s Design Director Istvan Francer a few questions on how to wear this spring/summer’s hottest looks.

It’s hot. It’s sunny, and you have a job interview. You must look savvy, chic and like the job candidate any company would be so lucky to have. But you don’t want to sweat through your three-season suit you rely on through the fall, winter and spring. Solution? Something crisp, airy and modern, like the Banana Republic collarless linen jacket paired with their white cotton-blend sheath dress. You’ll be comfortable and look totally put together. Shoes are a tough act, because most sandals are too casual. To avoid any possible offense, either stick with a classic pump or a peep-toe heel like this DAVIS by Ruthie Davis patio peep toe hidden platform pump. Check out the slideshow for more great summer job interview pieces!

Do you ever leave the house in an outfit that looks fine, but by the time you get to work you’ve convinced yourself that you’re the worst dresser ever? You want to run home and change, even though you have 5 minutes to get to your desk. Or you’ve spilled coffee all over yourself as you run for the elevator? Or maybe you’ve been invited last minute to after-work cocktails, only to realize your jeans aren’t swanky enough? We’ve put together the emergency outfit for you to keep in your bottom desk drawer at work for these moments. You won’t be confident unless you feel your best, so skip the bad outfit days.

We’d seen the round glasses trend creeping up slowly for the last couple years. It became especially apparent the circle shades would blow up at some point when Mary-Kate Olsen, always the trendsetter, began wearing John Lennon-style wireframes on a regular basis. And then goggle-like pairs were paraded down the runways of Proenza Schouler, Lanvin, and Marc Jacobs. Now, the New York Times has declared this the summer of round-framed sunglasses, and we’re aghast.