The phrase "leather skirt" may conjure images of biker babes in black minis, but this Fall, the leather skirt is getting a toned-down twist. Sure, there are some short styles, but these earthy skirts are anything but trashy, with brass buttons, flared bottoms, and supple, soft leathers. Plus, the sturdy styles are a great option for cold weather. Here are my favorite leather skirts in stores right now.

Lafayette 148 Leather Skirt, $798, available here.

Banana Republic Heritage Snap-Front Leather Skirt, $298, available here.

Diesel Leather Mini-Skirt, $182, available here.

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Sneaker collecting is a very male-dominated hobby, but shoe designer Ce Ce Chin wants to change all that with her 80%20 brand. Unlike the usual Nike Dunks and limited-edition Pumas, Chin's artful designs—sold at Urban Outfitters, Alloy, and other stores—are delightfully girly, adorned with images of birds and unicorns and decorated with bows and shearling trim. Here are some of my favorite 80%20 sneakers.

Unicorn Sneaker in Army, $70, available here.

Rocky Mountain Sneaker in Starry Night, $70, available here.

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I pride myself on being a light packer, but I'm also a beauty-products fiend. For that reason, I'm always delighted to find cool new travel-sized toiletries to take on trips. My latest obsession: The new Apivita Weekend Spa Skin Firming Treatment, which includes a great selection of pampering packets all in one cute box.

The travel-friendly kit includes a few must-haves, like a Deep Face Scrub and Cleansing Tissues, and some nice-to-haves, including a Firming Face Mask and a Tired Feet & Legs Mask, which would be amazing on those vacations where you end up walking everywhere. The package, which costs just $20 and is available here, would also make a great gift or even a favor for a girls' weekend away.

If Hollywood's hot young starlets are any indication, black is the new black. Everyone from Jessica Simpson to Mary-Kate Olsen to Jennifer Love Hewitt are jumping on the all-black bandwagon, donning moody, rock-inspired pieces from head to toe. Here are some great finds to help you get the stars' all-black look.

Mike & Chris Dylan Leather Hoodie, $660, available here.

Citizens of Humanity Avedon Stove Pipe Jeans, $147, available here.

Skull Print Cotton Scarf, $60, available here.

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Ceylon Black Boots, $649, available here.

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As if the great clothes at Ann Taylor Loft weren't cheap enough already, Shop Etc. magazine is offering a special 20 percent off discount on all full-priced merchandise on Thursday, Oct. 12. Yes, that's tomorrow, but the sale is one day only! I'm telling you now so you can start scoping out all of the clothes and accessories you want to scoop up. (To get the discount, just enter the promotion code 10601230 at checkout.) Here are my picks (and their non-sale prices).

Ann Cuffed Herringbone Gaucho, $59, available here.

Distressed Leather Tote, $79, available here.

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As easy as it is to buy cosmetics and clothing online, seeking out more obscure luxury brands on the Internet can be tough. That's why I was excited to discover Beauty Exclusive, a high-end boutique specializing in, well, exclusive beauty brands. In keeping with its luxurious mission, the company also offers pretty packaging and an amazing fast turnaround on orders. It's a fun place to discover cool new brands, and the gift ideas section is also a great resource when you're stumped. Here are some of my finds from the site.

Icy Beauty Ice Source System Lifting Treatment, $300, available here. This well-reviewed anti-aging lotion has a cooling effect on contact.

Philip B. Chocolate Milk Body Wash, $32, available here. A relaxing bubble bath with a nostalgic kid-friendly scent.

Buddha Nose Girl Balm, $22, available here. This soothing salve is designed to ease menstrual cramps and grouchy moods.

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Going out to dinner with your significant other's boss is a tricky proposition. You want to look chic and professional but also like you have some personality. After all, it's your mate who has the business relationship with the boss, not you. I recommend choosing tailored pieces that are evening-appropriate and just a little bit adventurous, like this Twinkle by Wenlan Twisted Balloon Skirt, available for $348 here.

So let's all go Fab Finding to complete the outfit, with a sweater or dressy top, shoes, and a handbag. Try to be creative but not too flashy; after all, we don't want the boss to think your significant other doesn't need a raise! Be sure to come back and tell us that your Fab Finds are up, or just tag your Fab Finds with the phrase "Boss Dinner." To learn what a Fab Find is and how to make one, click here. To see some of my favorite online stores, read more

Berets are back, and they're coming in all patterns and colors, not just the raspberry ones like Prince sings about. This French-inspired look is a very cool option for cold-weather, whether it's made from wool, fur, or shearling. Here's a look at some of the more current berets out there.

Scoop Wool Beret, $38, available in black or camel here.

Dolce & Gabbana Lambskin and Shearling Beret, $475, available here.

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I don't know about you, but I'm already sick of hearing about wide belts. Sure, they look good on some people and with some outfits, but occasionally don't you just feel like tossing on a good, old-fashioned belt with a big embellished buckle? If so, don't worry, because they are still very much in style. Here are a few fun twists on the good old decorative belt buckle.

Nikki Jaggs Black Honeycomb Belt, $98, available here.

Lo-Fi Vintage Belt, $230, available here.

Motif 56 Leather Waist Belt, $150, available here.

Leather Rock Studded Cross Belt, $166, available here.

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