What I'm Wearing: Grey Denim

I have a confession to make: I'm a denim addict.

My latest obsession is this pair of J Brand jeans that I luck-fully scooped up at Nordstrom Rack for $17. (...Yeah, really!) I almost passed 'em up, being initially uncertain whether or not they'd be very versatile, but au contraire! This universally chic shade is a trendy alternative to your basic blues and a must-have in my closet.

Grey jeans come in a variety of washes, from charcoal to graphite to washed-out heather, like I'm wearing here. Though they're grouped with the likes of black and white as a classic color, in denim, their claim to fame is an edgy kind of unconventionalism.

You can style them multiple ways: from smartly androgynous (think genderless basics: blazer, jeans, oxfords) to casually chic (with a pink blouse or basic white T-shirt).

Wearing: Jeans, J Brand (similar) / Top, Old Navy (I wore it earlier this week, too) / 

Tank, Anthropologie / Ring, H&M / Shoes, Tory Burch (also worn here)

If you're up for trying this trend and are not feeling completely daring, give darker shades a go - they tend to be more forgiving and flattering. If you're feeling bold or nostalgic for sunshine and a crisp white pair of jeans, go for the lighter shades!

As with all denim, the possibilities are endless! Just remember to consider the cut: If you want a relaxed, casual look, pull on a pair of boyfriend or bootcut jeans. A straight-leg is always classic, and skinny styles tend to work best on us petite gals.

Don't the trees look amazing? There are a few lingering signs of summer here in Chicago, so I'm taking full advantage before open-toe shoe season (sans tights) is officially over.

Okay, let's browse! Do you own colored jeans? How do you style them? Here are some of my favorite styles as of late: 

Shop (top): All Saints / True Religion / J Brand / Victoria Beckham

(bottom) Topshop / Citizens of Humanity / Old Navy / True Religion

Almost the weekend!

What I'm Wearing: Boots with the Fur

Today's post has Flo Rida's chart-topper 'Low' stuck in my head (ugh!), but the boot(ie)s I'm wearing are less "apple bottom jeans" and more "affordable faux-furific."

I love that these richly-hued boots are simultaneously timeless and modern, and that they lend an unexpected edge to this tribal-print patterned frock.

Wearing: Blazer / Dress, Shop Sosie / Shoes c/o Blowfish

One thing I love about the brand of shoes I'm wearing, Blowfish, is that I've never had  to go through that painful "new shoe" break-in period with them, and these cute booties were no exception. (And yes, this is my true personal opinion!) 

This particularly cozy pair will take you through fall and into winter - just turn down upper flap to reveal its cozy interior. I'm planning to rock these time-and-time again with tights and with my skinnies nestled neatly inside. 

Tell me: Would you wear faux-fur on your feet? We've seen it on scarves, hats and handbags, so it's only naturally that the trend has crept down to our shoes.

Shop: (top) Chinese Laundry, Miz Mooz, Blowfish,
(bottom) Elizabeth & James, N.Y.L.A., Guess

Gossip Girl Fashion Copycat: Season 5, Episode 6

We're baaaack! In case you need reminding, here's what's in store for us on the Upper East Side tonight:

Blair auditions her minions, and... Charlie? ... For the coveted bridesmaid spots in her royal wedding. Wait, how did Ivy Dickens score an invitation to Blair's Bridesmaid Boot Camp?

This week, I'm still dying to know: Will Nate and Diana continue to keep their relationship a secret? What will come of the Therapist-Chuck-Louis triangle? Will Serena close the movie deal on Dan's book rights? And finally, why is Charlie still on the show?

Okay. Enough chit-chat. Let's get to the fashion! 

Shop Blair's Look: Moschino tunic (actual top on B - it's on sale!)

pencil skirt, headband, shoes (left), shoes (right)

Shop Diana's look: 1 Stella McCartney / 2 BB Dakota / 3 Modcloth / 4 MJ / 5 Paul Smith / 6 MAXMARA

Shoes (from left): 1 Michael Kors / 2 Bebe / 3 Enzo Angolini

Shop Blair's Look: (left) Oasis Dress, Nine West mary-janes, Intermix cuff, Marc Jacobs wrap bracelet

(right) Modcloth dress, Vince Camuto pumps, Marc Jacobs link bracelet

Don't forget to tune in tonight at 8 EST/ 7 CST! Let me know what you think of tonight's episode on Twitter. 

Shoe Sale! 20% off at Urban Outfitters

Too many shoes? No such thing. Today, tomorrow and Tuesday, Urban Outfitters is offering 20% off all full-price shoes!

Urban usually offers a shopping spectrum of extravagant to functional, and this season's shoe selection is no exception.  Let's get shopping!

Put your best foot forward in these sparkling statement-makers:

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9

Strut with sophistication in these architecturally-clad booties:

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9

Use code THESHOEFITS at checkout. Offer ends 11/8/11 at 3 a.m. PST. Happy shopping!

What I'm Wearing: Fringe Boots

If a bohemian vibe strikes you as you're getting dressed in the morning, don't question it. Just reach for textured anything. Feathered earrings, suede handbags or layered fringe boots will dress up just about any outfit, whether it's a white T-shirt and jeans or cozy leggings and an olive-toned blouse:

Much to my (closet's) delight, fringe has remained a major fashion feature this season. These Minnetonka boots are one of my favorite purchases. They are so comfortable! I bought them last year and they still retail at the same price, so don't wait for the cognac color to go on sale - snatch 'em up!

What I'm Wearing: Minnetonka Boots  / Old Navy Blouse / BCBG clutch (similar)/ H&M jewelry

I've been stocking up on this hippie staple - here are some of the pieces I'm coveting right now. A note to my CHICagoans and other cold-weather-climate-prone ladies, though, don't wear your Minnetonkas' in the rain! Brrrr... (wear these instead!)

Shop: 1 modcloth bag / 2 juicy couture necklace / 3 pacsun shorts / 

4 tylie malibu clutch / 5 brian atwood ankle booties / 6 earrings

7 h&m t-strap sandals (sold out in the US, similar style here) 

8 minnetonka boots/ 9 koolaburra boots

Happy FRIDAY! Have a great weekend! x

My Offline Life >> October Photo Review

Today's post is a day late (sorry!), but I was too eager to introduce our latest giveaway yesterday. Here, a look at my offline life in October through the lens of my cell phone: Hallowed holiday spirit, lingering sunshine and indian summer style. 

Sunshine on the lake

with bare legs

or chiffon and sandals.

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A new humble abode...

with hallowed holiday decorum

... but a lack of kitchen appliances. Stove-top toast!

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Post-it memories in remembrance of an innovator. 

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Romping around in Nine West python pumps

new Chanel shades

and Essie Decadent Diva. 

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Sample sales 

and restaurant openings

call for lots of caffeine. 

November, you've got a lot to live up to. How was your month? x

Giveaway! Win an Item of Your Choice from Elegantees

Today, I’m really excited to announce our giveaway with Elegantees, a super-chic, affordable clothing brand whose mission is to end sex trafficking in Nepal.

To enter, simply:

1. Visit Elegantees and comment below with your favorite shirt style and contact info
2. For an additional entry, follow and write about your favorite style on Elegantee’s Facebook page.
3. For another additional entry, follow and write about your favorite style on corals + cognacs's Facebook page

If you can’t wait ‘til this weekend to find out if you’ve won - or you just want to support this incredible cause  - Katie is offering corals + cognacs readers 15% off your first online order. Just use the code ‘corals15’ at checkout. I’m stocking up on Sandra to wear with leggings and boots!

Giveaway ends Saturday, Nov 5 at 11:59 EST. Winner will be selected via Random.org. Good luck! After you’ve entered the giveaway, get to know Katie and her awesome luxury T-shirt line:

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Tell us a bit about Elegantees.

I started it in 2010 after learning of sex trafficking in a class I was taking at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. Elegantees is a small business today, but I’m saving up 100% of all sales profits to set up sustainable sewing employment in Nepal for an organization that is rescuing women from sex trafficking.

Wow, that’s awesome! How did you develop a passion for helping women in Nepal? 

I learned about sex trafficking at school in New York . It broke my heart and I wanted to do something to help. Now, I have the chance because I’m building a business - and making affordable style!

How do you manage the time to create such cool clothes on top of working a full-time job? 

One day I’d love to take an income doing Elegantees, but for now, I am happy because this is my dream and great things are going to happen in Nepal very soon!

Is there a type of woman you have in mind while designing your pieces?

Oh yes! She’s an inspirational, confident in herself, and loves selflessly. I am lucky to be surrounded by many praiseworthy women, and I tend to name my designs after them.

Is there a particular starlet or style icon that you would like to see wearing one of your pieces someday?

Demi Moore. She’s beautiful, modest and I love her heart to fight sex trafficking too!

What are your favorite pieces to wear from your collections? 

I love them all, of course! But, lately, I’ve been wearing Sandra and Sarah Jessica.

How do you style them? 

Sandra is great to wear with jeans or leggings, a long chain necklace and a belt worn low on the hip. Elegantees are elegant styles made out of comfy tee-shirt fabric, so they’re all easy to wear!

What advice do you have for aspiring designers? 

It’s hard work and lots of dues have to be paid. But if this is what you’re called to do and you believe that calling, you will make it!

Check out Elegantees and do some feel-good shopping to support Katie and her dream of using100% of the profits from her brand to put an end to sex trafficking.