1. Diane von Furstenberg top, Forever 21 jeans, Jules Smith bangles, Steve Madden flats

2. Forever 21 skirt, Target belt, vintage pearls worn as a bracelet, Charles Jourdan pumps

3. Forever 21 dress, lia sophia necklace and bangles, Manolo Blahnik sandals

I spotted this jacket while waiting for Jen at the register one day. It was just after Alexander McQueen showed all that gorgeous houndstooth on the runway so I immediately went for it. There was only one left. It fit. So, I obviously ended up at the register too. The jacket is from Forever’s Circus line so unfortunately it’s not available online anymore.

Open Front Tweed Jacket ($24.80)

Rating: Wear It Forever

Fit: Sydne and I finally made it to a store with the Love 21 Contemporary line and while I was excited to try on some clothes that were not made for 15-year-olds or club skanks (or 15-year-old club skanks? I’m pretty sure those exist in some places), I am a little sad to say a lot of pieces in this more conservative line kinda overdid it on the frump. But we’ll get to those later–this post is about something that I liked and did not frumpy at all. No, this little tweed jacket was cute and sophisticated with its clean lines and 3/4 sleeves. Sure anything with a 3/4 quarter sleeve automatically wins my approval but this jacket totally earned it..

Versatility: This is definitely something you can wear with a nice pair of jeans and flats (my favorite look) or throw on over a LBD for dinner.

Trend Factor: Tweed is one of the reasons I love fall so much.

Demographic: Everyone

Soldierette Button Vest ($22.80)

Rating: Buy it Never

Fit: Military inspired pieces can either look retro, stylish or like a costume. This vest is unfortunately the latter. The frog loop buttons make it feel cheap and if you try to wear the vest open you won’t look cool like Nina Garcia—it will look like this.

Versatility: Halloween is just around the corner. Throw on a mini skirt, black boots and a soldier hat to star in your own Nutcracker.

Trend Factor: Military is huge for fall. But there are better options at Forever 21 to join the draft.

Demographic: Everybody—who wants to march on October 31.

Exposed Zip Jacket ($38.00)

Rating: Trendy For Now

Fit: Why do I like this? I’ve spent all afternoon pondering what it means to my identity that I like this. I am someone who dresses like a old lady and not a 24-year-old and then spends the rest of my day wondering if my 42-year-old self will be mad at my 24-year-old self for not showing it off when I could have or whatever. So I just don’t get it! Anyway, like I was saying, I would never wear this exposed zipper vest but I would love to see someone with a more edgy style really just wear the shit out of it. I’m not a fan of the belt because it makes the whole thing look more like a Project Runway “make something of these car parts” challenge but whatever. Someone put on some fierce shoes and go out for drinks in this.

Versatility: Ladies night! Definitely something you need to sex up for nights out with the girls.

Trend Factor: I think exposed zippers are supposed to be cool or maybe I’ve just seen too many celebrities like Kate Bosworth in the Philip Lim dress I love.

Demographic: 20s

Bellhop Knit Blazer ($22.80)

Rating: Trendy For Now

Fit: I had no idea this was called a Bellhop Blazer. That kind of makes me irrationally hate it which is unfortunate considering how cute it is. It’s trendy, it’s cheap and it nips right at waist to make it superflattering. Given the difficult time I have finding stuff that fits at the waist where it should, this was quite the coup.

Versatility: I haven’t quite figured out the most perfect way to rock the military look. I imagine you could throw this on with a white shirt, a pair of jeans and some boots but that just seems too easy. Soooo if you know anything a little more creative, let me know.

Trend Factor: Everyone hearts military this season. Just ask Victoria Beckham and Beyoncé (if only it were that easy to ask them…).

Demographic: Everyone. Just be aware that this is knit so it will look a little cheaper than whatever those fancy famous people are wearing.

All the leather jackets I tried on sold out online already. So I’ll just share my tips on shopping the leather at Forever 21.

1. Go for matte.
Skip anything shiny. Even though you’re wearing faux, you don’t want it to look fake. The sheen instantly cheapens the leatherette.

2. Simple is good.
These aren’t high-quality leather items from Milan. So when there are pleats or ruffles, it usually doesn’t turn out too well. Look for jackets and skirts that lay flat across your body.

3. Don’t buy this Studded Leatherette Jacket.
Spending $50 at Forever 21 is like spending $25 on a McDonalds premium salad just because it says premium. Get one of Forever’s cheaper jackets and have a DIY night or skip the studded jacket all together. A plain one goes with more outfits and you can get your punk in with these studded boots—or this studded handbag. You don’t want more than one studded item per outfit.

Melodie Knit Jacket ($32.80)

Rating: Buy It Never

Fit: It’s officially Fall! I think it might be my favorite season. It’s still in the 90’s here in LA so I’m not exactly feeling the fall yet, but stores are already rolling out their outerwear, natch. Like this knit coat that looks pretty harmless but, trust me, it’s not. The knit material is very sweatshirt like so it’s super bulky and adds fake pounds to everybody.

Versatility: This could make a good robe, but i would suggest not wearing it out of the house. Ever.

Trend Factor: Does not exist.

Demographic: Couch potatoes.

Leopard Coolie Coat ($34.80)

Rating: Buy It Never

Fit: I adore faux fur animal print jackets. They’re so very Carrie Bradshaw-cool. The only problem is it’s hit or miss when it comes to quality. While the boxy fit of this coat is perfect to wear over a LBD, the synthetic material is too shiny to look chic.

Versatility: I would say it would be great to wear to a Sex and the City party when the new movie comes out. But you might as well buy something you can re-wear and spend the 30 bucks on Cosmo mix.

Trend Factor: Fur is HUGE for fall. As an animal lover, I’m a faux-only girl. Spend a little extra and try a bomber from Fabulous Furs instead. I have a couple of their coats and they look and feel much more realistic—and they’re not too much more expensive.

Demographic: Nobody

Double Knit Biker Jacket ($24.80)

Rating: Wear it Forever

Fit: It runs true to size and feels like the coolest hoodie you’ll ever own. Just don’t take it off in public. The polyester lining is embarrassing.

Versatility: It’s a great alternative to leather. The cotton is a little more casual but you can still wear it at night. I just wouldn’t recommend pairing it with anything too fancy.

Trend Factor: In their fall trend reports, Style.com called the biker jacket this season’s “must-have topper.” Enough said.

Demographic: Everyone

Chenille Leopard Coat ($27.80)

Rating: Buy it Never

Fit: I’m so sad that the fabric feels exactly like a crappy couch because the jacket fits well and the retro shape is very chic. I’m hoping they come out with the exact same piece in a different fabric.

Versatility: Place your TV dinner on it while watching Gossip Girl?

Trend Factor: It doesn’t matter if it’s trendy because couch couture isn’t exactly in fashion.

Demographic: Nobody