1. J. Crew The Great Caper, $398; jcrew.com

2. Milly Suede-trimmed tweed cape, $575; net-a-porter.com

3. Rachel Zoe Ava knit cape, $450; shopbop.com

4. Bird by Juicy Couture Leather-trim cape, $428; Neimanmarcus.com

5. Joie Tyra wool blend toggle cape, $548; Bloomingdales.com

Keep in mind that you have to balance the fullness of this style. So unless you are like my bff – a skinny bitch of 5’9″ – you will need to pair it with a slim pant and heel. Wide bottom (not leg) pants in a dark wash worn with heels would also work and slim, ankle-length pants worn with pointy-toe flats is another acceptable pairing.

I am not talking about the sexy bras you wear for a couple hours (or a few minutes), I am talking about the ones we live in. The ones we have to wear from morning until night, from a breakfast meeting to a cocktail party or from the morning drop-off at school to dinner with family. Some of you smaller ladies can get away with a bralette - the kind of bra with no underwire and soft straps. I’ve found some, through much time and investigation that support my size 34C frame but the argument can be made (and has been by numerous female friends and relatives) that I need more support and as I get older I feel I must acquiesce.

Also, and I am reluctant to share this, I’ve put on a few pounds recently and, thanks to genetics, they went right to my cleavage. This recent “development” was the impetus for my visit to the lingerie department at Saks two weeks ago where I discovered the Spanx Bra-lellujah collection. Hear me all female family and friends who have scoffed at my unwavering reluctance to wear an underwire – I have been converted. Bra-lellujah!

Here is what I love about these bras: they have almost NO hardware. You know, all those plastic and metal pieces that dig into your skin and constantly remind you that you are wearing the torturous thing. All the straps, including the back strap, are made of the incredibly smooth, gravity defying Spanx material and expand or contract to adjust to your shape so they don’t strain or agitate your skin and muscles. I made my cousin try one and she said she forgot she had it on! I currently own two but plan to purchase more in some of the other styles in the line – racerback, contour, non-padded, wireless and hosiery (their version of the bralette).

You can find them at Saks and I would guess most other major department stores but you can also buy them online at spanx.com. They fit true to size and I promise will be the best gift you’ve ever given your breasts.

I am sucker for lace but this is also embroidered! The bodice is lined (so no extra tank necessary) and the shape and detailing are so pretty. Check it out at shopbop.com. Direct link: http://tiny.cc/t5tt2

Asos Square Patterned Blanket Wrap $70 – Ok, so the  model needs to put on some pants but that aside I like the idea of layering this over a white turtleneck or tee. The dark color tones down the trendiness of  the tribal pattern. Add some bell bottoms and a pointy-toe heel or black skinnies and wedge booties and you are set. Buy at asos.com.

Topshop Knitted Tweed Cocoon Jumper $80 – The quintessential oversized slouchy sweater. This style is very popular this season and that is good news for us because it’s so comfortable. Pair this with a skinny-leg pant or just leggings and boots. Buy at topshop.com.

Urban Outfitters byCORPUS Popcorn Sweater $68 – I own two of these (it comes in four colors) because the price is amazing and it’s super versatile. I throw it on as a jacket until it gets really cold and then pair it with leggings, a long tee and boots throughout the winter. Buy at urbanoutfitters.com.

Dolce Vita Ruju Moto Sweater $176 – A sweater that looks like a motorcycle jacket is just supercool. I love the styling by shopbop, but you don’t need silver pants to pull off this look. Dark or black jeans or even a creamy cord would be a perfect pairing. Buy at shopbop.com.

Aqua Cashmere Hooded Cardigan $198 – This cashmere cream cardigan will be a workhorse in your winter wardrobe and I love the hood. Buy at bloomingdales.com.

Topshop Chunky Knitted Fleck Zip Pocket Jumper $80 – Zippers and contrasting flecks of fabric make this a standout. I’d wear it with dark or black skinny jeans and biker boots. Buy at topshop.com.

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Reversible Navajo Blanket Sweater $495 – Just a gorgeous reversible sweater you will have forever. The heavy weight will allow you to wear this now as a jacket. Buy at singer22.com.

Wren Stripped Hoodie $239 – Stripes and a hood make this the perfect winter-weekend uniform. Buy at singer22.com.

Free People We the Free Navajo Cardigan $168 – Another on-trend print in an unexpected color. This can also be worn as a jacket until its gets too cold. Buy at nordstrom.com.

Do you have any favorites? Leave me a comment and let me know.

Talula and I don’t give up on our fashion aspirations easily, so just because I won’t rock a Chanel jacket now doesn’t mean I can’t look the part. The beauty of  this classic silhouette is that it can be copied quite well.

There are a few requirements – a boxy shape, cropped length, preferably made from tweed but wool and boucle are acceptable, and some embellishments, such as chain details, frayed cuffs, zippers, leather piping or anything metallic. I picked six great options at a variety of price points that can be worn just like the original – with skinny jeans and flats, heels and a dress, heels and dark-wash bell bottoms, or even a miniskirt.

Milly “Gabrielle” Wool Crepe Jacket $525 - Buy at nordstrom.com. / Iro Raw Edge Tweed Jacket $497 – Buy at asos.com. / Tory Burch Petula Multi-Tweed Jacket $475 – Buy at bloomingdales.com.

Free People Coco Tweed Jacket $198 – Buy at shopbop.com. / Top Shop PU Trim Tweed Cropped Jacket $135 - Buy at Topshop.com. / Ann Taylor Tweed Jacket with Chain Detail $148 – Buy at anntaylorloft.com.

Aren’t these cute? No matter what your budget, you should find one to incorporate into your wardrobe. From dressing up a dull casual outfit  to adding polish to your prettiest looks, you will get a lot of use out of this one piece. And, let’s face it, you can’t go wrong taking style cues from Kate Moss.

Cooper & Stollbran for ASOS Shooting Jacket $337 - Sessun Military Peacoat $313

Urban Code 80′s Fit Leather Bike Jacket $202

If you’ve never heard of Asos.com, you are about to. They recently began promoting their US site and ads are popping up in American Fashion magazines (see Lucky’s November issue). Asos is strictly an online fashion store and while Shopbop and Net-a-Porter still set the standard, Asos boasts an equally impressive volume of merchandise.

Whistles Sofia Dress $210 - Whistles Petra Print Eyelet Dress $252

Whistles Mini Camo Dress $210

The self-proclaimed “world’s biggest wardrobe” means 1,500 new items a week and over 800 brands. They offer free shipping both ways, on all orders. Yes, the merchandise is coming from the UK so it takes longer (8 days for free shipping), but if you want to spend an extra $12 they can get it to you in 4 days. The clothing selection is quite different, with brands you don’t see often here in the states like Karen Millen, Minkpink, Whistles and Sessun. They also partner with institutions like high-end UK outerwear manufacturer Cooper & Stollbrand.

Minkpink Velvet Oversize Square Top $84 – Free People Lace Shoulder Chambray Shirt

ASOS WHITE Cashmere Mix Sweat Top $77

Their in-house labels are a real value for the design. It took me about 2 hours to fill my virtual cart but I still have more to see. I never even got to the Beauty department and only browsed the shoes. But I think you will agree that having access to these brands is worth the time it takes to look.

ASOS Square Pattern Blanket Wrap $70 – Vila Slouchy Spot Intasia Knit Top $58

Reiss Pippin Oversize Sweater $185

I am so excited about this new site and the variety it will add to my own wardrobe. It’s my birthday this weekend so I might be treating myself to a few items featured in this post. Do you guys have any favorites?

Asos Premium Leather Macrame Knotted Oversized Clutch $117 - Bertie Simone Key Hole Shoe Boot $160

Paul by Paul Smith Helena Cuffed Heeled Boots $421

Leave me a comment and let me know what you like. I need a bad influence!

Dear Scoop – You know that I love you (I have the credit card bills to prove it) but you need to do better. So I am going to assume this site is just a start. I am very glad you are back, after such a long hiatus, but I’d like to see a few more brands (including more from your fantastic private label) as well as some better search options and category filters. You have so much to offer, don’t hide your light under a bushel. Love, M

Now that my dose of tough love is done, let’s start shopping. It’s no secret that Scoop is pricey but that makes it a great place to pick up a few special pieces. It also has a curated collection of wardrobe staples that are both on-trend but sophisticated enough to survive many seasons. Here is what I would buy right now:

1. Loeffler Randall Double Jacquard Combo Jacket $625 – Ok, so this is a super splurge but it’s so perfect I couldn’t help but add it to my wish list. The only practical thing about this jacket is how much use you would get out of it. Dressed up or down it will make any outfit a standout.

2. Scoop Washed Silk Anorak $225 – All you need for a perfect casual-cool look. Add skinnies or leggings and a simple boot or flat and you are done. The military style is on-trend but the cut and color make it staple worthy.

3. Sold Super Skinny Pull On Jean $98 – We featured Sold jeans in our bell bottom post on Monday and this is the brand’s skinny version. The same benefits apply – faux pockets and zipper in a super soft material make the fit and feel of these like second skin. They are the perfect tucking-into-boots jean.

4. Sigerson Morrison Fold Over Bootie $795 – Holy cow these are gorgeous and, I know, expensive. But these are as close to perfection as you can get in a boot. Just think of how many ways you could wear them – the possibilities are endless.

5. AG Stilt Corduroy $160 – The new skinny jean is actually a cord. I am loving this twist on the trend. These come in black too – a good way to mix up your black pant basics.

6. Theory Adelson Wideleg Pant $255 – You will wear these uber-flattering pants all season. The wide leg and cinched waist paired with a pointy-toe heel and just about any top will always be a showstopper.

7. Rebecca Taylor Bloomie Dress $345 – I love the navy print of this dress and it’s a perfect fall to winter piece. Wear it now with boots and bare legs and later with dark tights and a wedge bootie.

8. Nightcap Cape Cardigan $290 – This will quickly become your comfy, go-to piece for a casual Friday or low-key weekend. The sophisticated tailoring takes the cotton fabric up a notch (there is an unexpected pleat running down the back seam).

Scoopnyc.com is currently offering a “Shop More, Save More” promotion from now through September 28^th. Spend $250 – $499…save 20%. Spend $500 or more…save 30%. They are known for these helpful seasonal incentives. Thanks Scoop!

Leave a comment and tell us what you love on scoopnyc.com.

Xoxo Melina

If you are anything like me, you have a significant collection of jeans. That means you probably have at least one pair of each of the following styles: trouser, skinny, straight-leg, boot-cut, distressed, and boyfriend. Variety is the spice of life, right? So let’s all cheer for the revival of the bell-bottom because unlike some of the recent, less forgiving styles shoved down our throats (you know who you are – cargo, motocross), bells actually enhance a woman’s figure. They hug the hips, rear and thighs and widen just below the knee. This allows our natural curves to shine while still creating a long lean leg.

My latest obsession is the Sold Design Lab, Houston Bell Jean because it is a perfect fit and so damn comfortable.  The pull-on style with faux front pockets and zipper eliminates bulk, making your waist look super tiny without any of the uncomfortable snugness. Yes, you can actually enjoy a meal in these jeans and still look fabulous.

To ensure you always look sexy in this style – wear them long, with at least a two-inch heel and keep the wash on the darker side. This will make you look tall and slim but with curves in all the right places. When I first wore my Solds, Randy (the husband) was very quick to comment. “I like those jeans”, he said. “They make you look like a woman.” No, I didn’t respond asking what I normally look like. Maybe a monkey? I knew what he meant.

Here are my three favorite bell-bottom styles available online now:

1. Sold Design Lab, Houston High Bell Jean $118 – The price is so right on my new favorite jean. I wear them now with heeled sandals or clogs and a flowing, sexy top. Come winter, they will look great with boots and a fur vest. Buy at piperlime.com.

2. J Brand Love Story Jean $179 – Inspired by 70s beauties Ally McGraw and Jane Birkin, these are the quintessential bell-bottom style. Buy at jbrandjeans.com.

3. 7 For All Mankind, The Rachel Bell Bottom $169 – Rachel meaning Rachel Zoe, as these are her signature jean sold at Piperlime. These have a higher waist and run a little snug so go a size up if you are unsure. They are a very dark wash, which makes them more dressy and great for wearing with blazers. Buy at piperlime.com.

Do you have a favorite bell-bottom brand/style?  Leave us a comment and let us know.

xoxo Melina