Love this Look: English Countryside

Riding boots are obviously a must-have this fall (or every fall, in my opinion), but check out these riding pants (retail: $365), or jodhpurs, from Rebecca & Drew, a line known for their excellent quality and tailored styles. The "Wendy" style is basically a fancy, new alternative to wearing boring everyday trousers, and I absolutely love it! Inspired by the horse shows of Kentucky and the city of India of which they were named, these fancy pants certainly put equestrian chic on the list.

I have my own pair of jodhpurs and can't get enough of them. This is the second season I've worn them and I like to pair them just like this. Sexy boots and a turtleneck look so pulled together with them. Add a cropped tweed jacket as done here and your outfit is anything but ordinary. You're a countryside queen!

Bonus tip: It's all about brown, brown and more brown. This creates such a nice, rich, fall look, you can't go wrong. It's classic, chic and screams English Countryside.

Shops are only located in Houston and New York, but you can shop online at rebeccaanddrew.com.

[Photos Courtesy of Rebecca & Drew]

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Weekend Beauty Banter

Beauty's SPOT returns to the weekly web tour with a hot salt scrub body treatment at Bliss San Francisco. You must try - DIY instructions included.

Viva Woman shares with you three ways to counter UV damage on your skin.

Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog finds jeans for real women who eat!

Beauty411 introduces you to the stunning Chanel Holiday 2008 Makeup Collection

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Fabulous Over Forty discusses the importance of winterizing your skin .

Smashbox Cosmetics backstage at Caroline D'Amore Spring 2009 Fashion Show-Talking Makeup!

The Makeup Divas reviews Smashbox's Limited Edition Ultimate Beauty Palette.

Boutique Flair offers Sephora-inspired Bootiful Tricks For A Haute Halloween!

Frappelattes gives her review of NARS Lip Gloss in Female Trouble, a beautiful dusty pink lip gloss for the season!

CaliforniaCosmetics gives you a close up view to MAC Passions Of Red.

Beauty Anonymous reviews Shiseido's Majolica Majorca Trick On Eyeshadow Palette .

Glossypink brings you some old Hollywood glamour with one of the most beautiful actresses of the time!

Alison of the Advice Sisters is blogging about Spa Magazine's 11th Annual Media Event Massages, Makeup and more!

Head on over to Beauty in Real Life and find out more about Avon's Beauty Breakthrough Tour. While you're there, enter the giveaway with Avon (valued at $100!).

Beauty Junkies Unite asks you-- What is pink, pretty, and has your name all over it? Hint: It's NEW!

AHS shares how she uses Evian Moisture Mist & it's not how you are expecting!

This Gloss is IT! Beauty Blvd. shows off her new favorite lip gloss! Bet you can't guess the brand!

Yellow is THE Color! I Heart Heels brings you the latest yellow hues seen on your favorite celebs! Check out who’s wearing it!

Hot Beauty Health says to stay beautiful with This Works Travel Kit while flying this holiday season.

The Jet Set Girls are giving away a Lilyette In-Motion Sports Bra

Visit Spoiled Pretty and enter the Talk
Is Chic giveaway, sponsored by Stila. $204 worth of glam goodies
is up for grabs. Is it in your reach? Enter to find out!

Meredith at Daily Dose of Coffee reviews the book Marie Claire Makeup. Find out if it's worth adding to your library.

Monique at Beauty Girl Musings met Young and the Restless star, Michelle Stafford at L.A Fashion week, and was granted an interview to find out about the star's personal style and beauty secrets! Read it here!

Amber at Beauty Blogging Junkie thinks the new Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream 1950s Vintage Set is the most, to say the least.

Indian Girl at An Indian's Makeup Blog ! is offering an exclusive 25 % discount on Thevi Cosmetics for all her readers. Find more details on this exciting offer here

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Yellow is THE Color!

Your favorite celebs are turning up in yellow everywhere - from London to Hollywood. In town for a show at the Hammersmith Apollo, teen queen Miley Cyrus was seen out and about sporting a bright & yummy lemon yellow swing Kinicki coat by French Connection. Not only do I love the cheery hue, but I love the classic toggle style. Great for warmth - and style!

Christina Milian wore her yellow on her sleeve at a T-Mobile party in West Hollywood. In fact, her embroidered sheath is also by French Connection, from the Spring 2008 Collection (see a connection here? sorry couldn't resist) and the outfit really speaks for itself. No need to pile on fancy jewelry or add anything - except for a sleek pair of strappy heels!

Check out this super-cute belted pea coat from American Eagle. Love the double-breasted style and button epaulettes on the shoulders - so military chic! Not to mention, Disney princess Selena Gomez owns one of her own. Turn up the notch and slip it on over your most muted outfit.

















And I am looooving this Jules Smith BFF bracelet in yellow/sterling silver. Talk about wearing your heart on your wrist. Lindsay Lohan and Sam Ronson were actually spotted wearing the Jules Smith Infinity Lock bracelets, a similar style. Hmmm...more than BFFs I guess?












[Photos Courtesy of American Eagle; Courtesy of Jules Smith]

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The Sweater Dress (Turtleneck Included)

For the last few seasons, we've seen celebs sporting the sweater dress. See Kim Kardashian, Hilary Swank and Jessica Simpson as examples. What I like about this trend is you can wear it with the chicest riding boots and tights and it's so flattering (granted you don't buy one size too small and have a back end like Ms. Kardashian). The straight, simple line of the dress (which must be solid, might I add) elongates the body from head to toe. Slip on a long necklace or two if you like, or just keep it simple with nothing at all. Pumps work here too, but the boots take the focus off the legs a little. Tights are a must in cold weather and classic hoop earrings add charm.

Added bonus: Strap on a wide belt for instant curves.Try it in the same hue, but a different shade.

Label Lust While most of us can only treat this one as eye candy (sigh), this Stella McCartney was too sweet to pass by. It breaks the bank at more than $1,000, but isn't it just irresistible? Find it at Net-a-Porter.com - a great shopping site for all you label lusters like me.





















[Photo via CelebLook.com]

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New Hair Dryer Makes All the Difference

After a week (yes, that's all I could stand) of my hair lying limp and lifeless, I decided to embark on a hair dryer-buying journey. I knew my old one was a dud when in the middle of my drying (it usually takes me about 15 minutes, and this time has decreased dramatically (!) since I bought an ionic dryer previously) a huge spark set off and nearly made me jump, and I examined my locks later to make sure they weren't on fire. It continued to run for the rest of the work week, but completely half-assed (by Friday, I think we were on the same page). So, my trusty pink Conair was tossed aside and into the dungeons of my "under-the-sink" products I use as back-ups, just in case.

My new dryer? Oh...I love it! Pictured here, The Infiniti Cord Keeper by Conair is a sexy hot pink number with tourmaline ionic technology. This means it's better for your hair cuticle and the result is a much shinier, healthier looking blow dry. Other pluses include less static (super important as winter approaches), a retractable cord that retracts with the push of a button and most importantly a quicker blow dry. I love the 1875 watts of power, the different heat and speed settings and the diffuser. (By the way, I am determined to figure out to create the perfect Kate Hudson wave by using this darn thing, so will let you know the results when I do.) For now though my stick-straight hair looks as healthy and shiny as ever. And I think it only took me 10 minutes! Oy!

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Blazers + Dresses = Super-Hot

I am loving this look seen on more than one High School Musical darling this month. Blazers thrown over a short dress with crazy-cool accessories. I can't take my eyes off Vanessa Hudgens' outfit she wore to MTV's TRL recently. The dress by Erik Hart paired with the tuxedo-style blazer is a match made in heaven - so slimming, so cute! I love the way she rolled up the sleeves and added a long necklace to pull everything together. She's wearing thigh-high socks which amazingly I find so chic! I was actually just thinking about buying some of these - what a great alternative to tights and leggings. Just pair with your favorite heels!

And Ashley Tisdale's shorter version of the blazer by French Connection complements her body shape because it cuts off at the perfect spot - just above the hips at the waist. Florals are also a hot trend this fall, but I just can't come to grips with it.

Here's a super-affordable version of the blazer at Forever 21 (just $27.80!). Just make sure there's enough room to roll up the sleeves a bit - you don't want to look like
you're all work no play!

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Essie Fall Collection: Chic & Sassy

Since summer's gone and fall's now in full swing, I must admit I've been neglecting my toes. Bye-bye flip-flops - bring on the boots! They've been covered day after day with tights and athletic socks, so why bother with Essie's new fall collection, you say? There's something about painting my toes a new shade that excites me, plus a girl's gotta wear peep toes, right?

Essie's by far my absolute favorite nail line (although OPI's a close second). What, with the adorable names each season and the colors are always so classic and versatile. There's usually a shade in the bunch for each and every one of your outfits. While I opt for bare nails most days, I wouldn't doubt how stunning these might look. Let's review the lineup:

Forever Young...A fiery tango red, perfect for a night on the town.
Lacy Not Racy...A velvety vintage burgundy for those craving a darker look.
Big Spender (my fav and pictured above!)...A divinely lush red-violet shade - so hot with fall's plum hues!
No Boundaries...A juicy passionate plum - right on trend with the season.
Swept Off My Feet...A dusky rose seduction for your most feminine side.
Tomboy No More...A red currant truffle to bring out your inner fashionista.

P.S. Don't forget Essie's base and top coat for a flawless at-home manicure and pedicure. It really works!

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Colored Tights (Purple, Red, Yellow & More!)

Today as I put on my purple DKNY tights (see below - my infamous Plum tights were just $14.50 - to buy, click here!) I felt like singing Duran Duran and strapping on my hot pink slap bracelet. When I first saw models strutting their stuff down the catwalk at Fashion Week in shades of electric blue, sunshine yellow and neon orange on their tiny gams, I thought to myself - oh great, here's another hard-to-pull-off fad. And I was right. It is a fad and it is tricky, but you know what? It's fun! Sometimes fashion should just be a good time and you should enjoy what you wear, so pick your favorite color and go with it.

I'm a little reluctant on the red pair Leighton Meester's been wearing. It's a little over the top and the red is so harsh - neon colors are so much cooler (and retro!). If you're going to rock the colored tights, I say keep everything else neutral and forgo the matching. Such bold colors call for an otherwise muted outfit. But that doesn't mean you can't crank up the Duran Duran on your iPod.

[Photo via ShopStyle.com]

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Total Beauty Network

So...here's my long-awaited big news. I Heart Heels has recently been selected as a member of the Total Beauty Network. Click here to visit Total Beauty at Totalbeauty.com now, or click on the button in the top right of the site. I absolutely loooove this site, and since you're likely a beauty lover yourself reading this post, you'll definitely love it too. It has beauty advice like you've never seen anywhere else - updated daily. And as a Total Beauty blogger, I'll be bringing you the latest and greatest hot products (before they even hit the shelves!) as both giveaways and exclusive product reviews - so you'll know which hairspray you should buy before anyone else does. And as always more of what you love with the cutest celeb looks seen on the street and how you can make them your own.

Pretty soon, you'll also notice new advertisements from some of the best beauty brands around, and daily polls in the righthand sidebar on what others like you think of this month's trends. Comment and let me know what you think. I'm so very excited to keep bringing you what you love! I Heart Heels hearts its readers! xoxo

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Kings & Queens Giveaway Winner!

Congrats to Deanna for winning the set of Kings & Queens body care last week!

And there are tons of new giveaways coming soon, so keep reading for all the products you crave this fall and into the holidays (wow, time flies!).

Peace, Love & Lipstick!
xoxo

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The Royal Treatment...Plus, Giveaway!

Ready for the royal treatment? Pamper yourself like a queen with a new & fun body care line from Kings & Queens, found at select Nordstrom locations. Shown here is a member of the Royal Family of Body Butter ($15) and a member of the Royal Family of Shimmering Body Milk ($11). Mmm...delish! The shimmering body milk gives you a beautiful (& noble!) glow with Hazel Seed, Grape Seed, Sunflower Seed and Avocado Oils. And with the holidays coming up, I can't get enough of the "Caspar Myrrh" scent. It smells just like a delicious apple cider.

The body butter is perfect for reviving tired, overworked skin. The Shea Butter, Beeswax and Coconut Oil moisturize and smooth skin, and the exotic scent in "Nerfititi Honey" is to die for. The entire line of products are mineral oil- and paraben-free, enriched with "The Royal Mix" of decadent fruits and extracts like Pomegranate and Blue Egyptian Lotus, a flower and ancient Egyptian symbol of glory and eternal life with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. You can't get much better than that - even for a queen!

Others in line for the throne include: The Royal Family of Showergels ($9) and The Royal Family of Body Milks ($11).

Giveaway!!
P.S. Now's your change to score BOTH of these. Send your name and address to iheartheels@hotmail.com, and if you're first, you win! Good luck!

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Red High-Heel Booties

Hot, hot, hot! I am loving me these red-hot booties Jada Pinkett Smith wore in NYC this week. Not only do they carry forward the high-heel bootie trend, but the red is electric paired with jeans and a black crewneck. Isn't it funny how the simplest of styling can create such a standout look? I love how the jeans are straight leg so you can actually see the shoes too. Don't get me wrong, bootcuts are great and flattering, but so many times, you can't even get a glimpse of the shoe. And this pair is definitely worth showing off!

Check out this (sure-to-be-less-pricey pair) by RSVP from Zappos.com. Just $99. I love the mix of patent and suede textures - what a scene stealer!

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Lauren Conrad Collection Spring 2009

If you've been reading on my site long, you'll know I absolutely adore Lauren Conrad's style (love how she's braiding her hair now). I've heard rumors here and there, she's not selling her stuff at Intermix or at Bloomies - yada, yada. The fact is - it's cute stuff and I think it will be around for awhile. This week she showed her Collection at LA Fashion Week, not quite all that like NY, but in my opinion is the perfect audience for the brand. Laid-back California chic is what the line's about. No frills, just chill. It has a sweet, yet sophisticated edge to it. And the colors and silhouettes are so timeless, you could wear any of the designs year after year (I'm still wearing a few shirts from high school - if that tells you anything. Love timeless!). Basically with the collection we got nothing shocking, nothing groundbreaking. But we got pure Lauren Conrad and creations I think will translate very well to young budding fashionistas. Lots of solids, some silk, a few new floral prints and my fav trend - the belted dress/skirt.

Here's one of my fav looks from the collection. I love blue and black together, and I am addicted to tanks with high-waisted skirts. The white freshens up the entire ensemble and the belt? So chic!

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Heels: How High is Too High?

I came across this great article today in the Wall Street Journal Online.
"Women Fall Head Over Heels for Shoe Makers' Arch Designs." Did you know Salvatore Ferragamo invented the stiletto or that two models actually fell down at Prada's Spring 09 show in Milan? Fell down! In the past, most designers have topped out at 5 inches, but this year many have added a 6-, even 7-inch heel to their collections. Oy! And I thought my 3-inch heels were painful. So, I ask. How much is too much when it comes to heel height? There are those days, I know, when it's impossible to muster enough energy to put anything on but a cute and comfy ballet flat. But heels do add that extra oomph to your image, that extra embellishment. They slim the legs and overall physique. And they just look too-darned sexy!

But when do they get to be not so sexy anymore? When you can't actually walk in them and you look like you're about to fall face forward stumbling to your car in the parking lot? When you get home and find you have huge blisters all over the balls of your feet? Trust me, heels may be sexy, but once you reach a certain height (4 inches?) is it really worth that extra pain?

[Christian Louboutin via Barneys.com]

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American Apparel: My New Fav

This weekend I went shopping (big surprise, I know), but at a store out of town I only get to visit maybe once a month or less. So when I go, I like to discover new items I can make my "new favorite" or turn into a trend back home. I've been seeing celebs turn up in American Apparel tees for months now, I just didn't catch on about why until now. It's an LA-based company, so I should've realized how comfy and laidback the label would be.

I bought the Tri-Blend Light Weight Raglan pullover in a beautiful teal (they actually call it Evergreen) hue. This is possibly one of the most comfy tees I've ever laid my hands on (it's made of a soft blend of Polyester, Cotton and Rayon). I love the long sleeves and especially the way it drapes. You can wear it as shown here, or even by pulling one side slightly down off the shoulder. It's such a great look with jeans too (I wore a side-swept ponytail with mine to give it that "all-American" look.) The best part is it only cost me $32, and the durability of it seems like it could last me forever.

P.S. This is just one of many, many styles. Check out americanapparel.net for tons more.

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Redheads Rock Green

I looooove green - it's my favorite color. There's just something so pure and earthy about it. And the right shade can make anyone look absolutely fabulous (i.e. Debra Messing entering the Late Show and Nicole Kidman at the Elle Women in Hollywood Tribute). I myself am a redhead just like these women, so can't help but gravitate to the color. Yellow? Washes me out. Red? Too harsh. Gray? Does nothing for me. But green? Oh the radiance and perfection. Now, find something that shows off a trim figure and embraces your milky complexion and you're set. Debra wears DVF and Nicole Prada, but find something in your own price range (or maybe those are?) for your own sleek, chic look.

Secret tip: Pair a green dress with heels of another stunning hue, like pink. So sweet!

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Kelly Ripa for Intermix

Kelly Ripa is my girl crush of the moment and here she is again looking like her cute-as-a-cupcake self. Everything seems to look good on the girl (props to her stylist Faith Cromas!), and now she promises to look even better on Live with Regis and Kelly with a new partnership with Intermix. If you haven't been to Intermix, go! This store is one my absolute favs. Last year I had the chance to partake in the Intermix warehouse sale at the Metropolitan Pavilion in NYC - what a madhouse! Girls were trying on Lanvin flats and Ella Moss tanks every other which way. I was tearing through the racks like a madwoman myself (bashful face). I also had a great run-in with Kate Beckinsale at the Intermix in LA several months ago. (Yes, the rumors are true. She IS super skinny with beautiful hair and a great acccent.)

I love how the designs are all grouped by color and style, so it makes shopping so much easier! You can get something very affordable (Splendid tee) or something a bit more pricey (Catherine Malandrino dress). But with so much cute stuff, you're bound to find something. If you're not near one, go to Intermix.com and check it out!

P.S. Keep up with Kelly's outfits with the Live with Regis and Kelly daily blog at Fashion Finder.


[Photo via Offtherack.peoplestylewatch.com]

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Nude Skincare=Silky, Smooth Skin

I've been using this moisturizing body polish from Nude Skincare the past couple of weeks and my skin thanks me for it. I have pretty oily skin, but since summer, it's been a little more parched. (Plus, I must admit I love to take hot showers, which can zap a lot of your skin's moisture!) Enter UK-based Nude Skincare (Bono is an investor). I've tried lotions, sprays, creams (all of them!) in the past and nothing really gets down and dirty like this polish. It's gritty to the touch (it's made of actual sugar granules that dissolve into your skin) and exfoliates like crazy! You just smooth it on dry skin (it's messy, so use your bathtub for this) and then rinse right off with warm water and pat dry.

Once you open the jar, your bathroom will instantly fill with the most delicious-smelling scent I've ever encountered! It's a mix of hibiscus monoi and organic sugar and it just melts into your skin when you rinse. My legs have never felt smoother, and I'm telling you, the tropical scent is out of this world!

Retail: $52

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Pencil Skirts Steal the Show

Isn't Katie (or Kate, as Tom calls her) one hot mama? I must admit I've never been much of a Katie Holmes fan, but her recent outfits scream fashionista all over. (I'll overlook the fact that she's worn the plaid button-down several times recently. Hey, I'm guilty of repeats!) The focus lately is the stunning pencil skirt. This is a trend I've been reluctant about for awhile. You know how you weren't sure to buy a pair of white jeans? Same with me with the pencil skirt. Katie's tall, thin and, wow, those gams! Needless to say, I must try this look immediately. Heels are a must here - you don't want to look dumpy. And I love the way the strictly business style of the button-down and cardigan pair with the sex-kitten look of the skirt and heels (Louboutins no less!). Secret tip: Nude heels always, always make your legs look long and fab. Try it!

And check out this denim pencil skirt from J.Crew for $98. Sooooo cute with the belt and argyle!



















[Photo Credit: J.Crew.com]

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The Classic White Button-Down

Cameron Diaz knows how to rock it. A classic white button-down (with a couple of buttons undone for sex appeal, no less), dark skinny jeans by 7 for all Mankind (dark is the key to chic here) and red heels to match her red lips. Tres chic, no? I like the nice clean lines, the simplicity. Why do so many celebs have to overdo it? There's no frills with her. You don't see her sporting some big accessory in her hair or throwing on a jacket that makes the look all wrong. She could've had this look in her closet some 10 years ago and pulled it out. Why? Because it's just that classic. 

Everyone, and I mean everyone, must invest in (a) a great white button-down (b) dark jeans (they don't have to be skinny!) and (c) red shoes (they go with tons of stuff and just make a neutral outfit pop!). 

Might I add, Cameron hearts Target and so do I? Check out this Richard Chai

For Target® tailored shirt I found on sale for $12!

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Raspberry Buttercream Frosting Collection by Jaqua...Yum!

It's been a long week and it's time to indulge yourself. Jaqua Beauty's new Raspberry Buttercream Frosting Collection is oh-so-delicious (although not meant to be eaten, I must say). I've been using the Shower Syrup for the last month or so and love it. It smells so good and makes me feel so refreshed. I'm not one to skimp on shower gels and this one's a definite keeper because a) I love the scent and b) it's made of vitamins A, E and B5, so my skin's left feeling healthy as can be. Fruit and aloe extracts and macadamia and evening primrose oils make it rich and creamy. I know the shower is my retreat to another world and this scent turns it into my very own paradise! 

Retail price is $18 and you can find it at Ulta and Bath & Body Works. 

Other products in the collection include: Lip Gloss Ring, Lip Whip, Hand Creme, Sinfully Rich Body Butter

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Wear Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness

Estee Lauder have teamed up again this year with a Limited-Edition World Pink tank top as a part of their "World Pink. World Without Breast Cancer. Wear a Pink Ribbon" campaign. Isn't it soooo cute? I just got mine today and can't wait to wear it tomorrow. This month, Splendid (a popular comfy tee brand I absolutely adore!) will donate $5 from each sale of the tank top (retail: $42) and up to $20,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation - isn't that amazing?? What a great way to stay stylish AND contribute to finding a cure. Pair it with your favorite pair of jeans and smile a little easier knowing you've helped in the effort to fund research for the devastating disease.

You can find the tank at specialty retailers like Barneys, Bloomies, Nordstrom and Saks.

And check out this limited-edition wool coat designed to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Fund as well. Co-Founder Elisa Dahan lost her mother to breast cancer at a young age and this project is in honor of her and to of course raise awareness and funds. The style name is HOPE and it will retail for $695, $100 of which will be donated directly to BCRF. Lined with pink ribbons and pink piping, this classic black style is simply chic and is perfect for most any occasion. Sleek, chic and dedicated to the cause. You can't get much better than that.

This coat will be available exclusively at Saks in Manhattan.

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