Get the Look: Nicole Richie's Hat

Carry the free-spirited bohemian feel of summer into fall with an easy, cool floppy hat. This is the perfect hat to add to your closet for fall!

70s-inspired looks remain on trend for fall 2011. Adding a cool, casual hat, like the one Nicole Richie recently wore (pictured on left) to an event, to your wardrobe will instantly transform a look from boring to boho-chic!!

Stylist Rachel Zoe, known for her bohemian/West Coast cool style, wears floppy hats.

Supermodel/fashion icon Kate Moss has also been spotted wearing a black floppy hat. Wear your floppy hat with a sophisticated shirt and flare jeans this fall.

Get the look for under $25 with this fun, retro-inspired black felt floppy hat (pictured below).

Spend a little bit more and get a wider-brimmed floppy hat, with a velvet ribbon around the edge of the crown of the hat.

At under $50, ASOS' 70s black floppy felt hat will go with all your outfits, and you'll look beautifully bohemian.

For the designer pick, I am crazy about Hat Attack's chic 70s-inspired burgundy hat. This burgundy round rim hat has a hot pink trim- keep in mind that rich, deep colors, like burgundy, are so popular this season. While basic black will go with everything, the burgundy colored hat is more unique and looks striking in my opinion.

Runway Inspiration: Tibi

Photo Credit: via style.com

The Tibi fall collection left me wanting pretty much everything, especially this gorgeous Tibi blouse. See the entire collection here.

If you like the tuxedo jacket pictured above, read Get the Look: White Tuxedo Jacket.

The collection balances pretty feminine pieces out with a masculine edge (in the form of leather jackets, 90's-reminiscent beanie hats, etc.). For example, Tibi stylists paired an ethereal dress with a shearling leather bomber jacket, achieving the right mix of modern feminine style in the last look pictured above.

Look for Less: Leopard Print Dress

Photo Credit; via stylebistro

Rose Byrne wears this sexy, sophisticated Dolce and Gabbana green leopard print dress, accessorized with a skinny belt and black pumps.

Want to get her polished, pretty look on a budget? Spend around $130 on this black and white leopard print Vince dress. For around the same price, this Velvet by Graham & Spencer's Safari leopard print dress is another great option. The ruched sides and rounded hem give this look a little something extra.

Crazy about the green leopard print like the Dolce and Gabbana dress? Then, go for this fabulous and fun green leopard print DVF dress.

Finish the look for less with the shoes by snatching up these black pumps for less than $50.

Look for Less: Zoe Saldana

Photo Credit: via onsugar

Want to buy the exact same dress that Zoe Saldana is wearing in the photo above? For less than $50? While that might sound too good to be true, it is true: you can actually buy the same dress as a stylish celeb for under $50 from Express here.

The red and navy striped dress is effortlessly chic for summer, and celebs like January Jones and Amanda Seyfried have also worn this simple dress. The red and navy color combo is no longer available. I prefer the classic black and white striped dress over the red and navy color anyway - it has a timeless elegance. Add a skinny leather belt to give the dress some shape and polish. Soak up the last days of summer in easy, affordable looks, like this dress.

End of Summer Style

With all this talk of fall fashion, you may be wondering, "hey, isn't it still summer?" And, you'd be right: there are plenty of summer days left before Labor Day.

Take out your romper and pair it with a chic pair of brogues. Add a neutral cardigan or kimono, on top of your romper to add interest.

Speaking of brogues, read the Young Sophisticates' article on "Chic Brogues for Every Budget" here to get some great ideas on how to wear these stylish shoes.

Now is the time to wear that fabulous hat you bought earlier in the summer! If you have a chic hat in your closet, wear it this weekend during the day. Read the Young Sophisticates' article on Summer Hats for Every Budget here.

Reach for simple casual end of summer pairings, like the jean shorts with a white t-shirt combination Rachel Bilson wore earlier in the summer, or a solid-colored cotton dress. Or, try a white classic shirt with a pair of pretty coral shorts (like the ones pictured below).

Photo Credit: via FashionVibe; via tumblr

What pieces are your end of summer staples?

Get the Look: Ashley Olsen

Photo Credit: via zimbio

Everyone knows the Olsen sisters have a massive influence on American Fashion. Personally, I have always preferred Ashley's personal style to Mary Kate's more avant-garde looks.

Ashley Olsen walks around NYC, wearing a python print short-sleeved top, simple black pants, and a neutral long scarf. Ashley finishes off her look with The Row Collection for Tom's shoes. Ashley wears a basic black pair of Tom's, called The Row's Alexandria Classics - available here.

The Row shoes in the capsule collection range from $140-$150. My personal favorite for fall is the gray Hayden Classics. Snatch up these semi-affordable slip-on shoes, and you'll be stepping in Ashley Olsen's shoes.

Hair Accessories for Every Budget

Photo Credit: via ASOS

Love it or hate it: Kim Kardashian's diamond headband caused quite a stir. While none of these options include diamonds, these hair accessories make their own style statement!

I have good news for you: the graphic print head scarf (pictured above) can be yours for less than $5. How's that to kick off this week's Accessories for Every Budget?

For those fashionistas who prefer smaller hair accessories, like clips and barrettes, check out Anthropologie's twined barrette. It's understated glam, and I love the red color!

Spend a little more and snag the very fun ban.do contrast headwrap. I pictured it styled with boho chic meets girly clothing and lots of bracelets.

Look for Less: Bright Pants

This season, you have numerous options when it comes to pant shape: flares, skinnies, cropped, etc. Regardless of the pant shape you favor, a bright-colored pair of pants is versatile and statement-worthy, and works for day or night.

Bright pants were seen on the runway as part of the collections from Emilio Pucci (pictured on left) and 3.1 Phillip Lim.

Get the look for less with a chic pair of J. Crew capri pants in bright dahlia (pictured below). These pants are practically the same splendid color as the runway look, but at a far more reasonable price.

Fashion darling Blake Lively recently wore a pair of cobalt blue pants by Tibi with a stunning gold sequined jacket on the set of her hit show. See the fun, fashion forward ensemble here.

For those of you that are fans of Blake Lively, you can copy her recent look that will soon be featured on Gossip Girl, with these bright blue skinny pants for only around $25!! Such a steal!

Photo Credits: via style.com; via jcrew.com

Do you plan on giving bright pants a try this fall?

Westward Handbag Collection

Photo Credit: via purseblog

Emily Current and Meritt Elliott, the design team behind the denim label Current/Elliott, teamed up with Kate Spade to create a compellingly fashion forward capsule collection of handbags.

The collection blends together West Coast cool and East Coast elegance, for an exciting, sophisticated collection called The Westward by Emily and Meritt for Kate Spade New York. One of the most memorable items is this sparkly duffle. The Westward Wanderlust Satchel (pictured above) is absolutely gorgeous. I like pretty much every single bag available in the ostrich embossed leather from the collection. See the entire collection here.

High-Heeled Loafers for Every Budget

Photo Credit: Jak & Jill, via workchic

Time to start talking about fall shoe trends! Try to ignore the weather around you, especially if you live somewhere blazing hot, and start thinking about fall fashion.

One of the biggest shoe trends for fall is high-heeled loafers. Loafers have been in style for the past few seasons, but loafers with heels are now a new and interesting twist on this style.

Shoe lovers might recall seeing these modern, preppy heels on the fall runway at Alexander Wang and YSL. High-heeled loafers are just the right balance of masculine and feminine style.

Stay on budget without sacrificing style with a classic pair of ALDO Heeled Loafers for less than $50. These loafers will work well as an everyday heel. Whether you choose the almond color or black is up to you - either one will work fabulously.

Grab the very pretty Botanist Heeled Loafers (pictured at left) for under $200. These Anthropologie leather heels are special and chic; and if you look closely, you can see the unique laser-cut leaves on the heels.

The designer pick is DVF heels in cranberry. These suede stunners will complete your look, and would look fantastic with dark wash flare jeans or a minimalist black dress.

If you are looking for something specific with regard to trying this trend, I'd recommend browsing over at Shopbop, Zara and check out this unique, cool pair of heels on sale at Neiman's.

Don't be afraid to try high-heeled loafers with tassels, or heeled loafers in a bright color or jewel tone.

Look for Less: Lucite Desk + Mirror

I’m thrilled to introduce our newest contributor Marche' from the blog EyeCandy! Marche' will be writing a monthly interior design column for Young Sophisticates. To get more of her style and design tips, read her blog EyeCandy and look for her interior design column here.

Whenever it came to interior design, I was always Ms. Traditional. Classic pieces and conventional layouts always appealed most to me. Recently, I found that my taste has slightly evolved. While I still love timeless design, there is something to be said for adding a little something unexpected. I guess my new name is Ms. Traditional-With-A-Twist.

You can imagine my excitement when I found this gorgeous entry way (pictured above). The floor length mirror behind the console table is divine! I’ve seen a thousand foyers with a table and mirror before, but not like this. I can totally imagine getting one last look at my outfit in that mirror before leaving home. Both pieces compliment each other. The acrylic table adds a bit of glam but also layers seamlessly without impeding the view. I could even see this as a vanity in a bedroom or large closet.

I will admit I’ve been having a love affair with acrylic furniture lately, so I was really excited about trying to find a great option to recreate this look. Luckily, I found an acrylic console table that is nearly an exact replica.

For those of you who don’t share my adoration for acrylic furniture, I found a cool alternative. This table brings the same shine while adding a little more interest.

Ikea offers a great mirror option. It would work with either table option beautifully. For those of you looking to push the envelope a little more, try the orange frame instead of the black/brown. Add a vase of fresh flowers or a stack of pretty books and you’ll make a great first impression on your visitors.

I’m definitely looking forward to recreating this look in my own place.

{Photo Credits: Interior Design by McGill Design Group, via DecorPad; Viva Modern desk via amazon.com}

Get more of Marche's tips on interior design, fashion and more at her fabulous blog, EyeCandy. And, remember to look for her interior design column here on Young Sophisticates!

Spotlight on: Hammocks & High Tea

It's time to start to think about changing up your beauty routine for fall. Changing up your look with new makeup in warmer hues for fall is a great way to alter your style.

Want an ever better way to update your beauty routine? Buy a new makeup bag to store all your beauty essentials. And, I have found the perfect cosmetics bag for you!

The Hamman Dopp Kit (shown in black, pictured at left) is beautiful and budget-friendly for under $50.

This chic, modern makeup bag by Hammocks & High Tea, a line of organic textiles, is quite spectacular and the perfect size for traveling. I am totally obsessed with this bag.

The black and white zig-zag print is totally on trend for fall. If you love the print, but don't need a cosmetics bag at the moment, there's also a majorly cool tote, pillows, scarf and napkins in the same print.

So what are you waiting for? Hurry and snatch up the bag featured in this post here.

Hamman Dopp Kit, c/o Hammocks & High Tea

Look for Less: Freida Pinto

Photo Credit: via vpqv

As you start to add key pieces to your closet for fall, keep in mind: plum purple is one of the new "it colors" for fall. The rich purple hue was all over the fall 2011 runway including designers like L'Wren Scott and Michael Kors.

Actress Freida Pinto wore a pretty plum purple Lanvin dress a few days ago in NYC. She accessorized the look with a pair of strappy Manolos and a Tod's snakeskin bag. The ruffle front dress is beautiful and sophisticated.

You can get the look for less with this gorgeous plum purple gathered cowl neck dress. This dress is around $100. The budget-friendly dress is sleeveless, and shares the same sheath-like shape of the Lanvin. The look for less pick features chic draping, gathered at one hip, and doesn't have any ruffles. Think of this as a sophisticated translation of the Lanvin masterpiece.

Get the Look: Anne Hathaway

Photo Credit: via stylebistro

Anne Hathaway wore an elegant black and gold Alexander McQueen dress to the premiere for her new movie, One Day. Anne completed her look with gold pointy Louboutins and a sparkling gold clutch also designed by Christian Louboutin.

You can get a similar look with this black and gold Rachel Zoe sequin shift dress. The dress is designed by none other than Ms. Hathaway's stylist, Rachel Zoe. The shift is cut differently than Anne's strapless dress, but the black and gold color palette packs the same glamorous punch as the McQueen gown.

Runway Inspiration: Alice + Olivia

Photo Credit: via style.com

The fall 2011 collection from Alice + Olivia includes dazzling dresses and sophisticated separates. These three looks from the collection shine with sequins, as if designed with the glamorous party-girl in mind. See the rest of the fabulous collection here.

Inspired Living Room

Photo Credit: Interior Design by Caroline Robert, via Lonnymag

Never underestimate the power of strategically placed pops of color.

Get the look with these apple green geometric pillows.

Chic Brogues For Every Budget

There's no denying that brogues are still in style. Adding menswear-inspired shoes to your otherwise girly-girl outfit gives your look an instant dose of sartorial style. Wear your pair of brogues now, or later in fall - this is the perfect transitional shoe as the seasons change.

Olivia Palermo rocks her black leather skinny pants with a modern white top and blazer combination. She accessorizes her look with an enviable black Hermes Birkin bag and silver brogues.

Fashion trendsetters like Sienna Miller, Emma Watson and Heidi Klum all seem to love wearing brogues.

Spend around 60 dollars on a pair of mint green suede brogues. The mint green color adds an unexpected feminine vibe to an otherwise androgynous pair of shoes.

Add a neutral colored pair to your closet for less than $75 with these brown Free People brogues (pictured below). The perforated detailing is interesting and unique.

Looking for a fun and quirky designer pair? There's a pretty pair of cream and black leopard print brogues by designer label Tibi on sale right now for around $100.

The splurge pick is a pair of chic two-tone leather brogues. N.D.C.'s sand and light brown brogues have a preppy meets Annie Hall vibe.

Look for Less: Hailee Steinfeld

Exuding a sense of youth and simplicity, actress Hailee Steinfeld wears a sweet, chic Tory Burch dress. Navy and white paired together creates a perfect color palette for the month of August.

All month long, you can reach for navy pieces in your closet and pair with white to create a chic end-of-summer look.

Need some ideas on what to wear to nail this nautical look? Style a sleeveless, solid-color navy top with an A-line white skirt. Finish the look with a cool pair of wedges or sandals.

Get the look for less with this Topshop navy silk pocket dress, topped off with a playful Kate Spade white necklace (P.S. it's on sale!!). The architectural elements of the necklace contrast with the simplicity of the dress to give you an effortless and interesting look.

Beat the August heat in a fun and flirty navy playsuit for around $100. With endless options, navy and white will get you through the final days of summer in style. Photo Credit: via stylebistro

DO YOU WANT TO BE A NEW CONTRIBUTOR AT YOUNG-SOPHISTICATES.COM?

Do you think you have a sophisticated sense of style? Obsessed with fashion? And, you are a talented writer or streetstyle photographer? If so, please send your contact information to Rebecca at youngsophisticates@gmail.com. Young Sophisticates is adding new contributors now!!

A Dash of Sparkle

Photo Credit: via sweetjacobs; citified pinterest

dazzling Valentino heels, the City of Light and a pretty embellished dress.

Sunglasses with Style

Photo Credit: via vogue diaries

As you transition from summer to fall fashion, grab a pair of sexy, stylish shades. The right pair of sunglasses can elevate your overall look and give you an extra boost of confidence.

How amazing are these Oliver Peoples Wilder sunglasses, worn by Ashley Tisdale?

And the latest IT Bag is...

Photo Credit: via upscale hype

The always-chic Reese Witherspoon and sophisticated beauty Katie Holmes have been spotted carrying the same bag: the Marcie hobo. Hollywood trendsetters, including it girl Emma Stone, Chanel muse Rachel Bilson and Jessica Alba have all been spotted with the Marcie tote. Whether you prefer the hobo style or the tote version, one thing is clear: the Chloe Marcie is the new it bag!

The Chloe Marcie braided hobo, shown above in whisky, is the perfect combination of modern and classic, with a touch of a bohemian 70's vibe. The bag is certainly expensive, at $1,695, at Neiman's (for the hobo style). Follow in the style footsteps of Young Hollywood fashionistas, and opt for the more structured Marcie tote here. The Marcie bag will bring additional sophistication to your daytime look.

J. Crew Fall Looks

loving these two J. Crew fall looks

{see the rest of the looks here}

Style Q&A: Color Blocking for Fall?

Dear Young Sophisticates,

Is color blocking still going to be trendy for fall? What pieces should I buy so that I can wear this trend?

Let me assure you, color blocking is here to stay for fall 2011! The color blocking trend was all over the runway for Spring/Summer 2011 and happily the trend will remain as the weather turns cooler.

It seems hard to think about fall when it is blazing hot in most parts of the country right now, but it time to start thinking about key pieces to add to your fall wardrobe.

You can wear your color-block clothing or accessories now or later in the fall months as well.

Olivia Palermo wore her long color-blocked dress with a hot pink clutch.

Get the look with Alice + Olivia combo dress - the 70s inspired blouse with a deep plum skirt is the perfect way to rock the color-block trend into fall.

Embrace the trend with a color block cashmere sweater - this navy and mustard yellow sweater is completely cool and delivers an unexpectedly sophisticated color palette.

If you don't favor bright colors, but want to try the color-block look, check out this Yigal Azrouel graphic cream and gray silk-blend sweater. A neutral basic that will become your fall must-have piece.

Get the look for less with ASOS bright and fun carryall for around $35.

{Photo Credits: via fashionfame; via ASOS}