CHANEL INSPIRED LAYERING

We're mixing some patterns in this look. An easy way to mix patterns and not look like a total mess is to keep all the patterns in the same color family. Here we've used mostly black and white with a bit of navy and gray thrown in. The striped tee is the base for the look with a Chanel type sweater jacket, leopard scarf and snake skin patterned belt layering the look up. We've topped the whole thing off with a cross-body chain handle bag and combat boots. Oh, and a photo of Coco wearing one of her iconic jackets - just to refresh your memory. Striped tee, leopard scarf and bag all Forever 21, sweater jacket H&M, belt Target.

CORAL, BLACK & MAYBE LEATHER

So, leather everything is quite hot right now. There were leather dresses at Calvin Klein, a leather belle curved trench-like jacket at Valentino and leather pants at Alexander Wang. Frankly, I'm still not brave enough to wear true leather pants (even though the Alexander Wang pair is to-die-for) but I did branch out and get a waxed pair of trousers from Zara that have a leather look. I feel like I still get the impact of leather without actually running around in a stifling pair of dramatic leather pants. What do you think? Still too dramatic? Would you wear these in your town? Shown here, coral blouse vintage, pants Zara, heels and necklace Forever 21, bracelets H&M, sunglasses Nordstrom.

FAVE CELEB LOOKS

instyle.com

Here are some of my most favorite modest celebrity fashion looks of late... From top to bottom Rachael Zoe in Christian Dior; Felicity Jones in Chloe; Amanda Seyfried in Marios Schwab; Liv Tyler in classic trench, stripes and black skinnies; Anne Hathaway in Valentino; Kirsten Dunst in Honor (we imagine this dress with a little lining on the shoulders...), and the Duchess of Cambridge in Amanda Wakeley. I know some of you may not like the Christian Dior look on Racheal Zoe but I love, love, love it! Very 70's cool in minimalist white. If I could, I would steal this look. Which is your favorite? If any?

LOOSE

We are playing with proportions here - long sweater with longer top, rolled jeans, sky high heels. Loose, comfy, yet polished. One could easily wear this look with flats and run to the grocery store or catch an airline flight with ease. So no more wearing matching sweat outfits in public! Just saying....

BURNT ORANGE CABLE KNIT

Cable knit sweaters are always a perennial fall favorite but this year they seem to be the go-to sweater of choice. Who doesn't love a cable knit sweater? They're cozy, warm and can be polished when worn over a buttoned-up button-down. The perfect marriage of style and function! Style.com makes a lovely suggestion on how to dress up a cable knit sweater and Urban Oufitters has some trendy options. Shown here, sweater and leopard heels Forever 21, shirt H&M, jeans Urban Outfitters, bag Target.

NEUTRAL SOPHISTICATION

Sometimes when nature's colors are bright, we feel like keeping our clothing neutral. We thought Tera here channeled similar concepts as Jason Wu with his Fall 2011 runway collection. He stayed pretty neutral with black, cream and shades of nude, but the overall effect was extremely sophisticated and sharp. Tera's outfit also falls within this neutral realm of sophistication, but she's definitely added some youthful flair with the graphic t. Also take note of the dark navy tights with the grey booties. It definitely would've lost some of its lovely neutral softness if it was black from the knees down (which most of us would have expected). Obviously Mr. Wu thought similarly when he paired navy pants with a black stripe sweater and soft patterned blouse. And yet sometimes pairing the unexpected can bring such nice results. All hail to navy and neutrals!