It's about that time again — classes are almost in session, so I'll pose a question: Is your wardrobe cool-ready? To start you off, I'm revisiting a fave. I could've watched Troop Beverly Hills on repeat just to see Shelley Long outfit her troops and kick some ass. I love an underdog. But more importantly, I love that Shelley's wilderness crew never compromises the chic — utilitarian khaki, sweet little scarves, pumps, not to mention tailored silhouettes. Take a cue from the Beverly Hills princesses cum wilderness trailblazers and get campy in neutral-hued separates, like J Brand's Houlihan Cargos ($231), olive accents via Elizabeth and James Explorer Blouse ($244), and just a hint of luxury in details like this Michael Kors Mother of Pearl Watch ($250). Shop the look by clicking on the items above.

Leopard prints come in all sizes. There are tiny leopard dots, midsized ones, then there are the latest hottest magnified prints a la Chloé's Resort '10 blouse Heidi Klum wore on the second episode of Project Runway. If you're digging this oversized leopard motif, then get yourself this ModCloth Stealth Style Cardigan ($50) as an alternative to the expensive Chloé top. Pair it over a white V-neck tee with skinny green cargos, cinch your waist with a skinny brown belt, and you have yourself a designer look for less!

Photos courtesy of MyLifetime.com

There are many different inspirations for nail polish names. China Glaze's classic, For Audrey, for instance, is a tribute to Audrey Hepburn. And then there's the newly announced Mad Men line, inspired by the TV show. There are even loads of polishes named after cities. Recently, OPI launched its Swiss Collection, a tribute to the fine country of Switzerland, that includes a rich ruby hue dubbed From A to Z-Urich ($7). And there are plenty more where that came from. Find out more about these city-inspired polishes above when you read more.

We flashed forward by showing you a stylish Fall transition outfit — now let's rewind back to right now. This Kenneth Cole New York Epaulet Silk Dress ($79, originally $119) is a safari-chic place to start. But to keep it from looking too muted, we opted to give a pop of color via Luichiny Yellow Bootie Sandals ($92, originally $220). The Prophecy Embroidered Waistcoat ($21, originally $43) adds a cool layer, while the MICHAEL Michael Kors Vanilla Braided Grommet Bag ($117, originally $168) finishes it nice and softly. Love the look? Shop it by clicking on the items above.

Seems like all the secret shark fans come out of the woodwork (or coral reef?) come Shark Week. Sure, I've tuned in for some of the programming then got a bit sad that the sweet species would fade away 'til next year. So what do I do when I get sad? I go shopping!

First off, I'm loving the tank ($39) patterned just like endangered whale sharks or the printed vest ($47) to make an even brighter statement. Since I can't get enough of accessories, the shark's jaw ring ($28) is an alternative to the dare to dream necklaces featuring several teeth ($210), several strands ($300), or a solid gold tooth ($975) instead. Find out more about the items on my wish list and where to buy them by clicking on the Polaroids above!

If you're looking for a trendy shade with great wear on the cheap, you've come to the right place. Each of the polishes above is a standout deal in its own right:
Mood Stuck Color Changing Nail Polish in Turquoise ($5) is a cool special-effects polish in the season's most popular shade, Bourjois Nail Varnish False Nail Effect ($4) is a high-quality classic creme red, Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color in Brisk Blue ($5) is the fastest drying one-coat polish we've seen lately, Charlotte Russe Metallic Nail Polish in Pewter ($3) is a super-trendy gunmetal that looks a lot more expensive than it is, and Maybelline Express Finish Nail Polish in Grape Times ($4) is the perfect transitional color. And they'll all have you covered for under a fiver — just click on the images to check them out.

After a bike ride with friends, everyone is coming back to my place for a delicious Indian-inspired dinner in the patio. I'll turn on the fountain, light some candles, and play festive music. Before the ride, I'll set the table; that way I won't have to worry about it when my friends are over. White plates and white cloth napkins, like the ones seen here from Williams-Sonoma ($42) and Dansk ($12), are ideal for showcasing the meal. A colorfully printed table runner looks chic down the middle of the table. I'll serve the food on large platters — I love this gold rectangular one by Mamma Ro ($35) — and the mojitos in a clear pitcher. A vase with flowers finishes the look.

What's in your bag? Momma's Brand New Bag comes to us from the OnSugar blog Work It Momma.



I am finding that the contents of my purse and my "essential items" list has changed along with my parent status. For all my fellow on-the-go mothers out there, I thought it would be helpful (or at least amusing) to share my new little survival gems. Who knows, maybe together we can one day assemble the new mother's survival kit.



So here goes item #1: MAC Moisturecover Concealer ($16.50)



Before I had Thomas my go-to item in my purse was my lip gloss. It was really the only touch-up I needed to freshen up and add a little color to my face. Now, if I am going to leave the house with one and only one item of make-up, it is my MAC Moisturecover Concealer. It hides the up-all-night mommy eyes, covers up mommy acne and discolored skin, and gives me an instant 5 year rewind on my face. Plus, it has an easy applicator that makes it as easy to apply with your finger as with any sponge, and it comes in many skin colors. What can I say, I love easy with big impact. Luckily, my purse still has room for my beloved lip gloss too – right next to the wet wipes.



What is your make-up bag essential? Has it changed since you had kids? Tell us below! Want to see more? Start following OnSugar blog Work It Momma, or start your own OnSugar blog. We may just feature your content on LilSugar.

With Fall around the bend, we're prepping for that semiawkward transition period. You know, when it's not too hot, yet not too cold. During this time, Rebecca Taylor, Catherine Malandrino, and Diane von Furstenberg's take on layering is exactly what we're striving for. Lux knits, cozy prints, and kick-ass booties are perfect semicold staples. Want the look? Click on each item to start shopping . . .

I may be a geek, but I'm also a girl who loves to shop. And with so many cool gadgets and accessories made especially for us geek gals, spending the day online shopping isn't hard to do. Here's a peek at what I'm crushing on right now. There's always room for another ereader case ($25) and laptop tote ($98), and I can't get enough of this bright blue throwback watch ($32). Top everything off with a funky science geek shirt ($25), some nerdy glasses ($103), and a pair of Skullcandy earbuds ($30), and I'm all set. Find out more about the items on my wish list and where to buy them by clicking on the images above. Happy shopping!

When hosting a canning and pickling event, be sure your kitchen is spotless! Most of the action will take place there, and if you plan on having a large crowd, don't be afraid to use a folding table for more counter space. Set up stations around the room: one for snacking, one for jamming, one for pickling, and one for the cocktail. Then, add everything you need to accomplish each task in the designated area: serving platters and chip and dip bowls in the snacking zone; pots, jars, and bowls in the canning and pickling area; cocktail shaker, glasses, and measuring glass in the drink station, etc. When guests arrive, assign everyone a task and let the fun begin!

Have you hosted a preserving party or are you familiar with canning? Share your suggestions below!

There are certain pieces that automatically remind you of something else. Like when I discovered these Nine West Mohawk Sandals ($90), images of Givenchy — particularly the Fall '09 Haute Couture collection — came to mind. So if you can't afford the real thing, might as well go for these gorgeous chain-embellished beauties. They'll go with everything from casual tank dresses to cool denim cutoffs to sexy skirts.

People ask me how to get into rock climbing, and my answer is always the same: sign up for a beginning rock climbing class, or have an experienced climber teach you. For safety reasons alone, it's not something to start naively.

Once you decide that climbing is for you and you feel comfortable using the gear that the gym provides, you'll want to invest in your own. The above products are what I call an "indoor rock climbing starter set" — solid gear made from reputable brands that are perfect for a newbie (and beyond). You need chalk to keep your hands dry, an all-around climbing shoe, and the basic devices needed to manage the ropes. And of course, a harness to keep you safe and sound. Wear loose-fitting clothes like you would to yoga — I especially love climbing in moisture-wicking clothing — and you're pretty much set. Find out more about these climbing must haves and where to buy them by clicking on the images above. See you on the ropes!

Jennifer Garner knows how to keep her fellow airline passengers happy – by keeping her girls occupied in the air! The mama of two was spotted leaving LAX Airport with a very happy Seraphina, 1, in her arms. Perhaps it was her Travel Activity Kit ($14) that kept her daughters busy during their transcontinental flight from New York. Families headed out of town can keep their own lil ones occupied with our free downloadable travel games.

Take advantage of the cool shade provided by a canopy of trees and take a hike. Ascending those steep hills not only works your heart and lungs, it tones your backside too. Hiking is also a mega calorie burner — over 350 in an hour. Sporting the right gear will make you a happy camper on the trail. I consider wicking-wear essential (sports bra, undies, and socks) for staying dry and comfortable, and have highlighted my favorite hiking gear above. Find out more about these hiking must haves and where to buy them by clicking on the images above. See you on the trail!

A wise man once told me that he didn't believe in the walk of shame, because there's nothing for which to be ashamed. And while I agree with his sentiments, sometimes there's no avoiding feeling a little less than put-together after a fun night out. Since "unshowered and stale" isn't the kind of Facebook status update you probably want to have, I've put together a clever kit of products, all in sizes small enough to stay inconspicuous without cluttering up your purse. To find out more about these goods, just wave your cursor over each one.

Estelle's new video for "Falling in Love" has her hanging out with Nas and John Legend while rocking some of the sweetest purple lipstick we've seen in a long time. Like last year's black lipstick trend, purple is extremely striking, but unlike its darker counterpart, it can look cool and edgy without being severe. It's also a neutral shade, so it works on lots of different skin tones. Depending on how bold you want to get with it, you can wear anything from a tinted balm to a creamy aubergine lipstick. Above are three of our purple picks.

Thanks to Proenza Schouler's Spring '10 collection, surf has married fashion. And there're no divorces here! The love just keeps getting stronger. Further proof is in this editorial in June's Marie Claire Italia. We are majorly crushing on Erin Heatherton's sexy surf look — everything from the pink Prada shades, to the silky tie-dye Prada top, to the beaded necklace, to the striped bikini bottoms. Do you love it too? Get the look by clicking on these items!

Jessica Biel saw things in shades of gray on a bike ride with beau Justin Timberlake on Friday. And even though we love Jessica's outfit, we think that she's missing one thing: a helmet. Keeping with her color palette of the day, we styled her out with a cool gray and blue helmet from Bern. If you're loving Jessica's look, click on any item to buy it for yourself.

If you're looking for a silvery ride, enter our contest to win a Giant Escape hybrid bike. It's a sweet, sparkly ride.