Welcome to my country

It's finally getting cold in Georgia which means time for sweaters ... thick, wool sweaters that is. This season Stella McCartney, Richard Chai, Burberry and Fendi have set the stage with woven knits.

The sweaters seen on the runway this season are complimented by feminine, ruffled blouses and long, cashmere scarves. The European countryside-inspired clothing of this winter encompasses all the rich history and culture of its roots. From the thick wool sweaters to the ruffled chiffon dresses, the elegance of European country is seen on the fashion runway and on the streets.

Brands to look for:

• Polo Ralph Lauren
• Burberry
• Brooks Brothers
  
• Izod

This chunky,rib-knit shawl cardigan is only $36.50 at Old Navy.






These are two pieces from the Erin Fetherston line for Target. The chiffon with velvet trim dress is $44.99 and the wool,long coat in Oxford creme is $89.99.












These two pieces come from the line Zero by Maria Cornejo. Everything from this line is a combination of English countryside and avante-garde chic.

The Anais dress is $598.
The layer shirt is $552.






The pink silk and chiffon shirt-dress by Juicy Couture is the perfect feminine, flirty dress. The hooded cardigan sweater by Marc Jacobs embodies the perfect luxe-slouchy style.

Dress: $258
Cardigan Sweater: $368

Cha ching ... Great gifts for under $50

Browsing through racks with my mom over the Thanksgiving break, I found two things to be true: great fashion and unreasonable prices.



In my opinion, fashion is better than it ever has been in my 21 years of living. With the ruffled blouses of the 60s, the statement coats of the 70s and the bright colors of the 80s, it seems history is repeating itself all at the same time this season. The only drawback is that the prices on these items aren't what they once were.



Here are some quick, fashionable gift ideas for under $50.



This gray sweater is only $39.50 at your local Delia's stores.

This brown purse is only $44 at fredflare.com.

This statement coat is only $34.80 at forever21.com.

She wears the boots with the furrrr ...

Like Flo-rida sings in his new hit song of the quintessential fahsionista, the boots with the fur are making a sensational debut this winter season. Eskimo-inspired clothing with a Native American twist have never been so hot.

From big, turquoise-gemmed jewelry to shaggy parkas, bright and bold colors are appearing on all different textures and threads. You will find thick wool sweaters and thin lace borders on neutral background tones recreating the essence of Native American couture.

Free People is the essence of outdoor, weathered clothing of the "free people" and nomads of the world embraced by cultures worldwide. Other brands such as T.O.C. Legends and Ralph Lauren Blue Label incorporate the rugged look into their couture as well.

Why so gray?

This fall and winter there's a new neutral to take the place of the classic black: gray. No matter which shade you choose, from dark gray to light gray, the not-so-cheerful tone is a sure, fashionable way to accentuate your look.

From over-sized sweaters to short mini dresses, gray ensembles will make you an instant fashion hit this fall.

Dress it up like this gray evening dress by Alessandro Dell'Acqua that I absolutely love, and pay attention to the matching gray booties. Or, dress it down like the gray sweater and black skinny jeans by Kenneth Cole. No matter which way you decide to wear it, remember gray is the new black.

Haute Look

I think Kate Walsh looked absolutely amazing at the Country Music Awards in a skirt-bustier combo with t-strap Loubs.

Where to find a similar look:
Bustier: $41.99
Bustier: $48
Pencil skirt: $118

Blinded by the shirt

Any fashion magazine you read this Fall and Winter displays an array of bright, bold colors. From golden yellow to hot fushia, the bold statement this season should be worn on the outside.

If anyone else is like me, I love bold colors on other people, but not so much on me. I want to stay in touch with the newest trends, without looking totally out of place in Athens, Ga. Style.com explained, "The look of the season: a single saturated block color contrasted against blacks or grays." I think I can do that!

Like this Stella McCartney red coat/dress in her Fall runway show and Diane von Furstenberg Graciela top, there are amazing bright buys all over the place.

No matter how bright your color of choice, settling the tone down with gray or black will make it a little more bearable to wear, even in the smallest southern town.

Other places to check out are Shopbop and Forever 21!

Classics you'll wear forever

InStyle's October issue featured an article on 10 new classics that you'll wear forever. Their list included the following items:

• a retro, simple, sophisticated dress
• a fur coat
• plain gold-hoop earrings
• a nautical-themed blazer
• a leopard print clutch
• a Cartier watch
• a black trench coat
• a gold necklace of interlocking circles
• a gold clutch/bag
• candy-apple red, rounded-toe heels

If it were up to me, my 10 classics that I'll wear forever are:

• a black pea coat
• a pair of good-fitting jeans
• a classic, tailored suit
• the perfect little black dress
• a strand of pearls
• black, rounded-toe heels
• a colored cashmere scarf
• a fitted white tee
• gold/silver dangle earrings
• a creme turtleneck

It seems like picking the top 10 items that you would wear forever would be easy, but if you really think about it's very hard to pick only 10 must haves. Try naming the things you just couldn't live without, you'll really surprise yourself.