As holiday season approaches, it’s hard not to be drawn in to the flashy dresses, sequins and sparkle in store windows. Unfortunately, it’s often easy to get drawn into the season and end up with five red, silver or gold outfits in your closet, that, when worn after New Years Eve, render comments like “I so loved that in the Neiman’s ‘08 Christmas Book!”

Instead, why not accessorize a chic black sheath with a punch of shine—a great coat, statement necklace, or even jewel tone shoes? When worn in combination, these items can form a knockout outfit for a holiday soiree … and can be re-used after the season piece-by piece.

And with Store Adore’s super discounts on many of the items featured here, you can even put those extra savings towards your holiday shopping!

This silver-plated multi strand necklace adds a dose of glam to a simple outfit. You’ll be the talk of the office party (in a good way!) ($110 at South Moon Under, $99 with your 10 percent Store Adore discount).

Sparkle and shine in this sequined jacket by Velvet, also available at South Moon Under (regularly $290, StoreAdore price $261).

You’ll feel like the Queen of England in these (faux) royal jewels. Indulge in the “tiara” crystal bracelet ($220 at Intermix) for a knockout dose of bling. Click here to save $50 on any purchase of $300 or more at Intermix.

Add pizzaz to any outfit with these simple yet chic blue flats by DC-based designer Lilybee ($165), sold exclusively at Simply Soles, where Store Adore shoppers get a free gift with purchase.

Or, bring on the bling with these dark denim pumps with pearl and diamond embroidery by Pedro Garcia, $475 at Annapolis’ Saucy Shoes. (Shhh, they’re on sale at ShopBop.com for $247.50!!)

This ain’t your grandma’s tweed. Spice up any outfit with this foil tweed “Reva” clutch by Tory Burch, a sweet $350 on ShopBop.com.

Don’t miss out on the chance to add one of this season’s key details, ruffles, to your outfit. We can’t get enough of this “Savage Lover” coat ($545 at RevolveClothing.com), in both cream and black.

It’s Halloween again. That’s a pretty big deal in my house. Actually, it’s a pretty big deal in my neighborhood. The public playground throws a party—the most attended of the year. The guy who owns the mansion on the corner hires a decorator and caterer to gussy up the entry and dining room to resemble a graveyard and haunted house, complete with fancy hors d’eouvres and libations for the parents, and goody bags for the kids. (Though at the moment, Mel Gibson’s film crews have taken the place over to shoot his latest film.) At sundown, Marlborough Street closes, and every parent and child around treks off in search of candy. The houses are decorated, some with sound effects, people sit on their porches, hand out candy and coo at the kids’ costumes. A bunch of grown-ups even get dressed up. Not I. My kids, of course, do. Last year they were FBI agents, donning blue blazers, ties and handcuffs. This year it’s all Star Wars, all the time. One will be a Clone Trooper and the other Darth Vader. See their pic above. Their friends will be various other Star Wars characters, like Babba Fett and Obi-Wan Kenobi. If I were a more indulgent mom, I’d muster up the energy to parade around as Princess Leia. Alas, it’s not happening. However, if you are looking for some galactic inspiration this Halloween, read on, because you can battle the dark side decked out in designer pieces from our best boutiques.

DARTH VADER

A tough and sexy spin on the dark side. Rick Owens Metallic Panel Coat, $3,295, at Net-a-Porter; Graham & Spencer Faux Leather Skinny Pants, $295, at Intermix, where Store Adore shoppers save $50 on online purchases of $350 or more (use code “ADORE” at checkout); Jimmy Choo Heather Patent Boots, $1,195, at Net-a-Porter.

C-3PO

Geeky goes girly, all golden and glam. Michael Kors Cashmere Beaded Dress, $2,995, at Net-a-Porter; Marc by Marc Jacobs Metallic Ankle Boots, $490, at Net-a-Porter; Accessories and Beyond Braided Cuff, regularly $187, Store Adore price, $162, at Ravinstyle, where Store Adore shoppers save $25 on purchases of $100 or more (use code “StoreAdore” at checkout).

PRINCESS LEIA

White hot, even without a weapon. Belted Shift by Milly, regularly $315, on sale for $221, at Twigs; Chloe Raised Leaf Boots, $1,495 at Net-a-Porter; Antoinette Lee Dolcita Clutch, regularly $235, Store Adore price $210, at Ravinstyle, where Store Adore shoppers save $25 on purchases of $100 or more (use code “StoreAdore” at checkout); Twinkle Whiskey Patent Belt, $154, Store Adore price $115.50, at Goldyn, where Store Adore shoppers receive 25% off full-priced items (use code “SADEALS” at checkout) and 40% off sale items (use code “SA40″ at checkout).

CHANCELLOR PALPATINE

A lady in red is all the rage. Body AMR dress (currently out of stock) at Net-a-Porter; Cluster Cuff at All the Rage, where Store Adore shoppers save 20% off a purchase of $50 or more (use code “StoreAdore” at checkout).

CHEWBACCA

Furry and so fine. Gryphon Faux Fur Vest, regularly $830, Store Adore price $780, at Intermix, where Store Adore Shoppers save $50 on online purchases of $350 or more (use code “ADORE” at checkout).

Halloween costumes from Annie’s Costumes.

Perhaps it relates to the impending political election, but the air seems to be thick these days with opposition. Republican vs. Democrat. Alternative energy vs. Off-shore drilling. Tax cuts, gun control, health care. You name it, they’ll debate it.

This season, fashion seems to have followed suit, with designers serving up their own opposing issues. Maxi dresses vs. Mini skirts. Grungy plaid vs. Rock star leather. Real fur vs. Faux.

For those of you who tend to side with Pam Anderson’s PETA pals over fur-tastic fashion stylist (and Bravo TV star) Rachel Zoe, we’ve uncovered three faux-fur finds to rival their less animal-friendly counterparts.

This rich chocolate jacket by Elijah ($627 at Revolveclothing.com) is the perfect topper for everything from denim to dresses this fall. It gets its lush mink look from a blend of acrylic and cotton…but who could tell?!?!

Make a statement with this uber-glam leopard print cropped stunner by Adrienne Landau ($298 at Intermix). It’s another great piece for the day-to-night girl on the go, and it’s oh so fierce!

Leave it to the Juicy girls, makers of all things luxe and cozy, to deliver a faux-fur jacket we would like to snuggle up to. This adorable faux-fur jacket by Juicy Couture ($478.00 at Eluxury.com) features a waist-cinching velvet belt as well as a super comfy quilted cotton lining.

Cost-effective and socially-conscious…these candidates get our vote for fab finds of the fall season.

Earlier this week I saw Madonna in her Sticky and Sweet concert in Boston.

When my friend first invited me, I thought I could re-visit teenhood with an armful of rubber bracelets, lace anklets and a pink “Material Girl” tank top. My husband convinced me otherwise. “She’s all about re-inventing herself,” he reminded me. Right. (Note: For pictures of Madonna through the years, see Vanity Fair.)

While I’ve followed Madonna’s romantic exploits as closely as anyone, I admit I’ve been a bit out of touch with her techno-rap-like tunes. So, I popped in her CD in the car. (Who buys CDs you ask? The same friend who got the tickets.) After suffering through over four minutes of dance tunes and Timberlake accompaniment, I decided I preferred the Madonna of yesteryear, at least as far as the music was concerned.

With only one day to go, I did a cursory search on Madonna Style so I’d know how to dress. In this area Madge, is much improved. Lots of shiny black, from track pants with rhinestone stripes and a cami, to satin dresses and lace up boots. OK, I wouldn’t be wearing a bustier bodysuit with fishnets (ever), but this is a look even I could pull off.

While I’ll spare you a photo of myself, here are some Madonna-worthy pieces we can all consider.

PS. She looks (and sounds) AMAZING.

Torn by Ronny Kobo Ann Lace Print Tank (regularly $70) and DVF Silk Lace Cami (regularly $198) both at Intermix, where Store Adore shoppers save $50 on an online purchase of $350 or more by entering “ADORE” at checkout.

LnA Olivia Leggings (regularly, $92) at Blondette, where Store Adore shoppers save $25 on a purchase of $100 or more by entering “storeadore” at checkout. Kova & T Latex Stretch Skirt (regularly, $210) at Intermix, where Store Adore shoppers save $50 on an online purchase of $350 or more by entering “ADORE” at checkout.

Milly Scalloped Pencil Dress ($395 at Shopbop). Lauren Conrad Elizabeth Dress (regularly $190, Store Adore price $152) at Manhattanite, where Store Adore shoppers save 20 percent on everything by entering “storeadore” at checkout.

Giuseppe Zanotti Lace-Up Open Toe Booties (regularly $995) at Intermix, where Store Adore shoppers save $50 on any online purchase of $350 or more by entering “ADORE” at checkout. Dolce Vita Cher Heel with Cut Outs, $152, at Pink Mascara, where Store Adore shoppers save $20 on a purchase of $100 or more by entering “adore” at checkout.

Alexander McQueen Lace-Up Boots ($1,555) and Giuseppe Zanotti Mirror Embelished Ankle Boots ($995), both at Net-a-Porter.

Lorelei Julie Metallic Lizard Emboss & Suede Clutch (regularly $250, Store Adore price $188) at Lorelei, where Store Adore shoppers save 25 percent on everything by entering “storeadore”at checkout). Erickson Beamon Studded Felt Cuff ($465) at Net-a-Porter.

Main photo: Interview Magazine photo from Pop Sugar.

[Editor’s Note: Check out Madonna in these Killer Gun Shoes by Chanel, and the controversy her footwear is causing.

The weather is getting deliciously crisp outside, and that means the wonderful arrival of warm, cozy fall clothing. Maybe it is the sense of nostalgia that the season always brings, but lately I have been lusting for a pair of ladylike, chic, quirky gloves a la Audrey Hepburn or Jackie O. I know, all of us are tightening our spending, but I am a firm believer that a few small, and most importantly, useful pieces can perk up any outfit. Think of your favorite sweater, dress, night-out-on-the-town ensemble and pair it with a pair of these stylish hand accessories, and voila!: Effortlessly chic outfit makeover.

Granted, they’re totally over-the-top and certainly not cheap, but these Nicole Farhi gloves could make many a simple, cheap and even t-shirt-and-jeans-based outfit (about $300). Image from Elle UK. To order call, 0207 499 8368, or go to www.nicolefarhi.com to find stores near you that carry these fabulous gloves.

These chunky fingerless Lauren Urstadt gloves are the epitome of buttoned-up chilly fall days, and you can drive while you’re wearing them ($55). Find them at Intermix, where Store Adore shoppers save $50 on a $350 purchase.

Here’s another pair of fingerless gloves from Juicy ($85). They’re ladylike with a small, and 100 percent cashmere to boot. Pair them with one of this season’s cropped sleeve coats.

I adore these slightly Carolina Amato driving gloves from high-end designer site eLuxury. They come in a range of fun, eye-catching colors, including fuchsia, apricot, peacock, yellow, green, white and the ever-classic earth (brown), but I like purple the best ($149).

Urban Outfitters has a fabulous selection of inexpensive gloves. This ruffle-y fuchsia pair is only $38 online.

Couldn’t you just see a modern-day Holly Golightly sporting these around town? This pair by Acne Jeans at Revolve Clothing has built-in cotton knit sleeves ($99).

Thought you waved buh-bye to billowy tops and flower-printed dresses when September first hit? Think again, because there are new rules for cold weather fashion this time around, and feminine florals are here to stay. The winter months are usually draped in black wool sweaters and mud-colored cardigans, but this season the style world is hanging on to spring-y symbols with flowers, pastels, and flirty shapes all coming together for the perfect chilly weather pick me up! No one wants to go through half the year in a wardrobe that looks like it’s in morning of May, so find your way to these of-the-moment boutiques and wrap yourself in a bouquet-clad wardrobe until real buds bloom again.

The best investment for any autumn wardrobe is a quality, versitile blouse. This Rozae Nichols cotton and silk top ($315 at Zoe) is the perfect addition to any closet. The flattering cut leaves room for you to nosh on the desserts you’ve skipped all summer, while the colors stay true to fall’s palette without seeming dull or mundane. We love this piece with a pair of wide-leg jeans or matched with slim work pants to brighten up your Monday trek to the office. The best part about this top is the single flowing flower that cascades over the entire garment. Everything from the romantic bud that engulfs the shirt to the soft movement of the material is complete perfection. This is a winter floral done right. Simple, elegant, and a total show stopper.

The only thing worse than walking avenue blocks when the temperature is below freezing, is walking those blocks in uncomfortable shoes. The key to a perfectly casual chilly-weathered look is a pair of fabulous flats.

These Bloom Flats ($115 at Barefoot Tess) are the perfect day-to-day shoe for this season. Not in a particularly sunny mood this morning? Thats fine because the flower detail is detachable, so you get two pairs of shoes in one!

The whimsical elegance of prom-perfect corsages and childhood’s baby breath is forged in 24 karats by Elizabeth Cole’s crystal flower cuff ($285 at Intermix, where Store Adore shoppers save $50 on a purchase of $350 or more). The perfect option for the woman who wants to rock the winter flower trend without going overboard, an antique glow and glittering Swarovski crystals make this striking accessory a must-have this season. Like a crown for your wrist, this dazzling adornment is sure to make you feel like royalty.

On dreary winter days there is nothing more convenient than slipping on a dress and heading out the door. This Flower Mini Dress from AKA New York ($318 at ShopBop) is a fabulous LBD with just the right amount of color. The shot of liveliness delivered by the electric petals at the dress’s hem is fun and funky- exactly what we want in a season of snow and frost!

So what if flowers don’t grow in December? Let them bloom in your closet! Carry the flowing flowers of spring and summer into you colder-weather wardrobe and enjoy these bright bursts of color all year long.

It’s finally fall, and I got my first taste of crisp, cool weather this weekend during a jaunt to East Hampton. The forecast? Rain, with a side of clouds and more drizzle. It was the perfect excuse to don the wellies (mine are rainbow stripes) and search for fall weather apparel.

My quest? Boots, boots and more boots. Not only are booties on of this season’s key trends, but they’re infinitely wearable in short, tall, flat or high-heeled varieties. Here are a few of the to-die-for pieces of footwear I came across during my travels:

I’m a big fan of anything I can tuck into boots, and at $371.25, these black suede flats are a no-brainer. The snakeskin trim adds a modern touch. Available at Tory Burch … they’re on sale!

They may not be the center of style in any season, but Uggs sure were on the feet of many a fashionable-looking lady in the Hamptons. After all, what can beat cozy slippers that pass as shoes? My hot pink pair is looking a bit worse for wear, so I picked up a new pair at Shoe Inn.

(Image courtesy of Zappos.com)

The fringe on these is too cute to pass up, but I like these because they look up-to-date, not 1978 revisited. $455 by JOIE, available at RevolveClothing.com.

The detailing on these L.A.M.B. booties reminds me of a Philip Lim shirt– perfectly decorative but not over the top. I love, love, love these–especially the of-the-moment grey color. $425 (also in black) at ShopBop.com.

I’m a huge fan of SimplySoles.com, the DC-based e-commerce company and sole purveyor of hot local brand lilybee. But the best part is the ecclectic mix of smaller and big-brand designers; these Chie Mihara “Dosha” boots are the perfect twist on your average black ankle boot. $525.

With an unlimited budget, who WOULDN’T want these crystal-studded Giuseppe Zanotti booties, a cool $1075 at Intermix. I saw them in the window of the East Hampton store, and made several “visits” over the course of a weekend.

(Sweet deal - use code ADORE at checkout to get $50 off any purchase of $350 or more at Intermix Online).

In case you too get caught in the rain, cheer up with these cute as a button wellies (with miniature whales!), only $60 at South Moon Under. I am, quite literally, obsessed with this store.

(Not a local? Snag free shipping with code ADORE on purchases over $100 through October 15th).

Click here to view all of the exclusive Store Adore discounts.

Announcing the latest Store Adore deal: $50 off any online purchase of $350 or more at Intermix.

Outfitting the fashion obsessed for day or night, Intermix takes the hassle and exhaustion out of scouring department stores for the latest concepts in style, concentrating them in a wonderland of sexy, sartorial innovation. Design house gods like Diane von Furstenberg, Alexander McQueen and D&G share the racks with contemporary lines like Madison Marcus, Herve Leger and Elizabeth and James . The shop’s allover impact is like a red-carpet event, but these seriously special items sing out in combination with real wardrobes. the websites, where browsing is a Store Adore staff pass time, offers shopping by trends (university-inspired and black magic are listed right now) and categories. True, the price tags are kinder to It girls than working girls, but with Store Adore’s renewed exclusive Intermix discount, proudly celebrate the flashy, confident, of-the-moment fabulousness that your closet deserves.

We Adore: this Yyigal Strapless Draped Dress (above: regularly $385, Store Adore price $335) in teal (shown) and purple. The perfect way to transition from summer sundresses this fall, this breezy piece (in a gorgeous teal color, and also available in plum) is classic shape made special with a drapey tiered bodice.

Click here to get your $50 discount at Intermix.

Click here to view all of the exclusive Store Adore discounts.

Runway trends don’t always translate to real life, but this season there are plenty to play with. The looks around town might not be as glam as the one pictured above (Philosophie di Alberta Ferretti), but the elements we shall borrow are all there, from jewel tones to draping, and opaque hose to nipped waists. Here are half a dozen top picks for fall from the owners and managers at six Boston area boutiques.

1. BOOTIES

Booties are all the rage in Boston. WIth all the snow, there can be a shortened season for such shiny footwear, so up here, we start wearing them in September. Jennifer Dziubeck at Luna Boston favors the Botkier Carrie Boot in cherry red patent, $695. They’re waiting in her closet, along with a brand, new stack of opaque tights by Wolford. Dziubeck plans to wear them to work daily, with day dresses galore.

2. EDGY ACCESSORIES

“Last fall, we saw trends like tailored looks, simple dresses, pencil skirts, subdued colors, and the tried and true greys and (always) blacks,” reminisces Jen Bruzzese at the ultra luxe Gretta Luxe, located in Copley Place and Wellesley. For fall 2008, she says you can update your look with statement-making accessories, heavy on embellishment. Bruzzese’s choice? The Jimmy Choo Ultra-Pop Star Collection: Star Clutch, $1,595 and Star Flats, $495.

3. JEWEL TONES

Sisters Keri and Brianne Barrett, who own First Date in Andover, are big into jewel tones this fall. The Dakota Martin Silk Scarf Dress, $187, is one of their favorite fall styles. Their favorite feature? The contrasting stone necklaces that can be removed and worn on their own. Style tip: For daywear, throw on over jeans. For night, add black, opaque tights and a pair of pumps for polish. Left: Brian Atwood Suede Pumps in teal, $580, and Sergio Rossi Angelika Patent Pumps in cobalt, $475, both at Intermix.

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4. FLORALS

Style pals and co-owners of Back Bay boutique Dress, Martha Hilfinger and Jane Schlueter, point to floral prints in dark colors, like gray, navy, and purple, as an easy and wearable trend for fall. Their top pick is the Vena Cava Goa Dress in “blue storm” floral silk crepe de chine, $475. It’s cute and ladylike and ready to wear right away, with it’s short sleeves and floaty skirt. Later, add a fitted long-sleeve tee underneath, opaque tights, and tall platform boots, like the Fiorentini + Baker Riff M, $665, available in black at Dress.

5. VESTS

Chelsea Orr, owner of Hingham boutique Chel Bella, is all about the vest for fall. This Citizens of Humanity Stevie Shrunken Sweater Vest, $176, modeled by Chel Bella shop girl Abby, is made from cozy wool, with a ribbed shawl collar and two black, enamel buttons at the waist. They’ve layered it with a long sleeve Michael Stars tee, $57, and paired it with jeans and boots, then added JoJo beads, $38, and Lauren G Adams Cuff, $64, for casual flair.

6. ACCENTED WAISTS

Rebecca Penner and Laura Macris, co-owners of Beacon Hill boutique Crush, applaud the return of the waistline. They’re celebrating high waisted trousers with silk blouses tucked in, and dresses with belts wrapped right round the mid-section. They especially adore this Ali Ro Belted Crepe Dress in tomato red, $204. Its simple silhouette, with skinny belt is perfectly polished for day or night.

Main image: Style.com.

In downtown Manhattan, the ripe market of indie design keeps things rich and fresh no matter what the season’s taste—but it is pre-fall, and trends abound like soon-to-be-fallen leaves. Taking a look at NYC (and online at New York-beloved e-boutiques), I’m noticing a slant toward easy luxury: simple dressing with heavy impact, accomplished on easy silhouettes with the addition of gorgeous details and new everyday standards.

1. Shirt Dresses

Always a staple of any closet, shirtdresses are sohotrightnow. Flannel weekend styles and tuxedo work-appropriate designs appear in equal measure. In the Lower East Side, Lola y Maria offers the cheeky Walk of Shame shirtdress by Red Toe Nails ($236), an affordable alternative to this amazing grey henley, shown above (be still, my heart!) by Martin Margiela from La Garconne ($395). Taking us back to 1994 (right up my alley), Leelush has the Dace shirtdress ($184), in the same family as Brooklyn Industries‘ blue plaid shirtdress ($108).

2. Drummer-boy jackets

I first spotted the drummer-boy thing on the runway, and it’s diffusing all over the place in jackets for fall. Heading up the trend is, of course, Urban Outfitters, with a BDG jacket ($88) sets the stage. Anna Thomas’ Carnaby Jacket at Elizabeth Charles (shown above, $919) gets a bit pricier, but keeps to the simpler silhouette with the requisite piping and epaulet-style belt. Finally, Sargent Pepper’s daughter Stella McCartney presents what she calls the Dressmaker coat at Intermix (regularly $2,375, Store Adore price, $2,325)—a truly stunning investment with a double-breasted closure that’s straight off Paul’s album cover. For New Yorkers psyched about the military trend, visit Johnson, a shop wih a style that always runs that way, for wool blazers and coats come colder weather.

3. Little Blue Dresses

So obvious, it’s almost unnoticeable: the LBD has turned blue this year. As a blue-eyed girl, I’m thrilled—from the simple over-the-head standards to shiny cocktail dresses, I’m seeing my favorite color packing racks of silk, cotton and wool everywhere I turn my head. Shelly Steffee’s belted dress starts it off with a look perfect for work; moving a little farther into evening comes Crispin & Basilio’s belted dress from Otte ($436); and for evening functions, Plum’s Chloe & Reese strapless cocktail dress (regularly $378, Store Adore price $322) is a flirty drink of water. For weekend brunches into October, Plum’s Thayer navy