DOUBLE TAKE: A Fall Must Have

Fall is soon upon us. Tear. And yes, boots are back. But of course, the style is slightly different from last seasons. Shucks, looks like you'll have to buy yet another new pair. The Equestrian riding boot is a must have for Fall 2011. There are dozens of great options hitting stores now. As always some affordable and some so outrageously expensive that I wonder who really buys them.

I came across these riding boots the other day at Target and thought these would be fantastic for a DOUBLE TAKE post. So here ya have it; an expensive pair of Ugg's Australia "Channing" boots in Chestnut for $294.95 at Nordstrom vs. Merona's "Manette" tall boot in tan for just $39.99 at Target. Can you tell which one is which??

I don't know about you but I personally like the look of the Target boot (LEFT) better. And the $255 savings!

DOUBLE TAKE: Adirondack Chairs

The Adirondack chair has recently made my "Love List." They've been around forever but I've been noticing them more lately in all sorts of eye-catching colors from fire engine red to canary bird yellow. They are making their appearances at outdoor cafes, around fire-pits at the beach, alongside tree swings on the front lawn. They're simple. Chic. Functional. And they even come in kid's sizes too!

As I looked into some Adirondack chairs for myself (and no I'm not talking the cheap-o beige or hunter green plastic ones from Home Depot), I learned this wooden piece of furniture comes with a very interesting history. The original Adirondack chair was made with eleven pieces of wood, cut from a single board. It had a straight back and seat, which were set at a slant to sit better on the steep, rural mountain inclines. It also features wide armrests to set food and beverages on, which became a hallmark of the Adirondack chair. Hence why we'll be seeing more and more establishments embrace the Adirondack. It's versatility to provide individual seating without tables is gaining momentum in restaurants and cafes.

So imagine yourself sipping wine, engulfed in a juicy convo with your girlfriend in her new patio chairs. Would you be able to tell a diff between the steep and the cheap? My guess - probably not.

(LEFT: $99.99 -currently on sale for $79.99, Cost Plus World Market. Available in 9 colors and kid's sizes too. RIGHT: $199.95 - currently on sale for $169.95, Crate and Barrel. Available in white only)

(LEFT: $124.00, currently on sale for $89.00. Target. Available in 4 colors and kid's sizes too. RIGHT: $249.00, Pottery Barn. Available in 3 colors and kid's sizes too.

Shocked that Pottery Barn was the most expensive? Not for a second. Shocked that Cost Plus came in less expensive than Target? I was. But that's good. Target can't always be the cheapest. And I personally like the look of the Cost Plus chair better. Soooo in short - if you're looking to make a quaint outdoor space, add a punch of color to your front porch, add a classic chic touch to your backyard patio or just want a place to curl up and watch the birds fly by, this season is all about the Cost Plus World Market Adirondack chairs!

Splurge vs. Steal: ESPADRILLE

I apologize for all the shoe posts as of late but there is no better way to celebrate the great weather than by kicking off those clunky boots and uncomfortable heels and slipping into the hottest summer footwear trends. With that being said, it's time for another splurge vs. steal, where I take an inexpensive trendy item and pair it up with a lookalike designer piece. Usually with the hope that I can show you that you don't need to spend a fortune to look fabulous.

If there's one shoe that screams summer, it's the espadrille; ie - a casual flat, but sometimes high heeled shoe that usually has a canvas or cotton fabric upper and a flexible sole made of rope or rubber material moulded to look like rope. The jute rope sole is the defining characteristic of an espadrille.

Here are two perfect examples: both in a sling-back, rope-wedge, peep-toe, flower-embellished style. Only one pair is from Andre Assous (at Neiman Marcus) and will set you back a whopping $155, whereas the other pair is from Xhilaration (at Target) and will only cost you $24.99. Wondering which one is which? The answer appears in the comments section.

To snag yourself a pair in Black (and Natural & Olive) click here. And while you're at it, treat yourself to a pair of these in brown or denim for only $19.99 (at Target).

DOUBLE TAKE: Boots

I don't know about you but it never fails that I get the most compliments on the least expensive outfits. The other day a lady stopped me to ask where I bought my shirt. Forever 21. Then asked about my earrings. Target. My scarf. Old Navy. Then my shoes. A pair I have owned for 5 years bought at Brass Plum @ Nordies. Her jaw dropped in shock that I was rockin' such an el-cheapo outfit. Back in my more "insecure" days I would be embarrassed to admit that nothing was super name brand. Humph, not anymore. There is nothing more satisfying about raving that you can look good without shellin' out serious dinero on clothes that guaranteed will be out of style next season.

Which brings me to today's DOUBLE TAKE - one of the year's hottest foot wear trends - RIDING BOOTS. Can you tell which boot are the $218 Bloomingdale's ever so popular Frye Boot vs. the $49.99 Target Mossimo Boot?

Yeah, me neither. The only real difference appears to be the $168 price difference. The Mossimo Katherine boot (LEFT) is made of real leather, has "thermoplastic" (blend of rubber & plastic) soles, a cushioned in-sole and a non-skid tread. That's a durable, stylish boot for a super steal. Of course the Frye Harness 12R boot (RIGHT) has a Neoprene oil-resistant sole, Goodyear welt construction and nicer hardware but for the price, you could buy three pairs - one in black, one in brown, and one for your sister - and still be $68 ahead. No brainer. But don't just take my word for it - check out the 305 positive reviews from Target customers online! And remember if you spend over $50 on Target.com you get free shipping so don't kill yourself searching every Target nearby for them. Most likely they'll be sold out.

Wondering how to pull off riding boots?

• Pair with skirts, leggings, skinny jeans or dresses.
• Wear with tights that match the boot.
• Keep the hem of the dress above the boot.
• An accessory that pairs well with the boot - a belt or a over-sized handbag.
• Pair with a leather or suede jacket for an ultra cool look.