It's basically time for the beach (oh wait, there's still finals). If you want to feel beach chic anyway, try these Rainbow 301 Leather Sandals in Dark Tan, available for women at Journeys stores for $48.99. They're comfortable, casual, and just overall awesome!

Youthful Vans shoes

Here are some casual sneakers from Vans. The Distressed Era shoes are in the Women's section in the Vans line, and are cute in the blue denim color. They actually look better the older they get, and start out cute with that head start in wearing down. Vintage at its finest (see title link) and just $55.

The Hunger Games boots!

For all of you Hunger Games fans, I found the boots Katniss wears in the movie! The Frye Melissa Tall Lace boots are one of the most durable pairs of women's boots I've found yet. They're dramatic, and are securable with a zipper on the side (no real lacing necessary!). Made of leather with a rubber outsole, with a 3/4" heel and 15" shaft circumference and 15.5" total shaft height. Retail for $398 (see title link).

Couture Headbands?

Thick headbands are all the rage right now, but I actually prefer relatively thin ones - they give you a beautiful, delicate look. A quarter-inch might be too small, but try half an inch for width. The Dalis from Jennifer Ouellette has two curving candy stripe spines and side loops on the skinny band. It costs $130, but is followed by celebs (see title link).

Meow!

Katy Perry just released a second fragrance called Meow! With the catchphrase "Be the Cat's Meow!" the Eau de Parfum is so feminine and is available at Nordstrom for $45-$60 (see title link). I love their Beauty section, and the stuff they have for women is phenomenal. Lots of vanilla and amber, with that true Katy Perry energy.

Cool party dresses from JCP

The lastest in women's dresses is this adorably cool party dress available at JCPenney from I 'Heart' Ronson, called the Lurex Stripe Dress. It's on sale now for just $23, what a steal! Love the metallic stripes, round banded neckline, chiffon skirt, and side zipper for easy self-dressing. It's even washable (see title link)!

It's workout time! Try Dick's Sporting Goods

I need some incentive to go to the gym - maybe some shopping will indulge my New Year's Resolution? These Under Armour Micro G Split Coldgear Running Shoe is made for women's feet. The footwear is only $89.99 at Dick's Sporting Goods, and they are so comfortable with their sleekness! I don't run outside, but they're built for all weather, with excellent shock absorption, fleece lining, and great traction for speed on all surfaces. I love the cushioning for my time on the elliptical, and they're only 8.5 oz (see title link).

Nike workout gear

I love Nike clothes for workouts but am not always crazy about giant logos advertising everywhere. Surprisingly, Nike makes plain, blank clothing as well. This AD Rib Women's Tank Top is a great sleeveless piece, and I love the black color as a contrast on skin! It's only $22 (see title link), and has a nice slim fit that's very classically Nike. Features interior taping, machine wash ability, and general awesomeness!

Lancome's Midnight Treasure

Lancome Paris' Tresor Midnight Rose Eau de Parfum Spray (see title link) is definitely on my wishlist this season. I just wore it to a sendoff party but felt so confident and great wearing it! I've never used a Lancome fragrance before, but the quality definitely lives up to its reputation. And who wouldn't want something Emma Watson stands for? She's so charming and desirable to all. The fragrance includes notes of raspberry, rose, and musk. The motto: "Catch my heart if you can!"

Nike for Women

On one hand, I hate endorsing Nike products here because of their inhumane practices in the manufacturing process. But in terms of practicality, their athletic clothing for women is top-notch. The Nike Pro Hyperwarm Crew Training Top is excellent for this time of year, with soft, dri-fit spandex to keep your sweat off and fitting snugly, so you have a full range of motion and retained heat. Love the long sleeves! Purple is my favorite color so I chose the Bold Berry/White combo, but there are several to choose from for $50 each (see title link). No chafing!

Luxe Perfume

Want to feel like a celebrity but don't have the same cash inflow to make it happen? Hate knockoffs and actually want to own something made by a high-fashion designer? Check out your fragrance section at a local Sephora. I love the fragrance created by Fendi. Their women's fragrance, called Fan di Fendi Eau de Parfum costs anywhere from $56-$92 depending on size (see title link) and smells like the ultimate fantasy. It's got hints of leather, warm jasmine, and general insistence, elegance, and allure. I am addicted already, and it's completely irresistible. Almost haunting, really.

Made for an electric night out, with notes of rose, tangerine, pink peppercorn, and patchouli.

Classic Chucks

Thanksgiving break is all about the autumn, the holiday season, and chillin' with your friends. I love being casual and comfy when I'm having a fun dinner with old pals, and Chuck Taylor All Stars from Converse are the perfect example. The chocolate shade is different but still matches with everything, goes with the autumn palette, and is a great women's shoe. Costs $50 and is such a classic canvas sneaker (see title link), especially in that tans & browns realm!

Adidas goes wild

Check out these sneakers from Jeremy Scott x Adidas Originals (see title link)! I saw Heather Morris of Glee wearing them in a magazine and thought they were adorable. The fuzzy pandas combined with the black-and-white classic Adidas Originals by Originals is a great addition to the world of women's shoes.

Sports storage in style

Check out the Dizzy Barrel Bag from Puma! The Women's Accessories are all stylish, but this is a great tote that doubles as a bag. Comes in 4 colors, but the Dark Shadow Silver Viridian Green Graphic is by far the funkiest version. Super flirty to take to the gym or for a day out. Significant room inside with lots of pockets for practical storage, but feminine at the same time. 100% nylon, two-way zipper, and nicely-designed handles. Retails for $50 (see title link).

Cords for Petite girls

O'Neill has a cool collection of women's pants and jeans. Jeans can be found in many places, but it's really difficult to find a good pair of cords. Some look like you just woke up and are coming in pajamas, while others in funky colors just make you seem like you're trying too hard. Gray cords with a fairly skinny fit do the trick. That's what I found here (see title link). For petite girls, these $50 corduroy pants help show off slender legs while adding definition. Looser shapes should just not be done!

Nike's comfy sports bras

When I work out, I like to wear a sports bra to give me some extra support. Some women can rock just those without shirts, but I'm definitely not jacked enough to do that. So I need a bra that feels good, rather than just looking good. Nike's bras are great for that, and provide a great top to your workout clothing (see title link).

Volcom's cream of the crop

Sweaters can be so versatile, and when I found this Volcom Women's Late Night Convertible Sweater, I had to mention it (see title link). On sale now for $41.70. The cropped sweater fashion will definitely be in, I'm guessing, after the crop top fade. It has a great shape as well. You can wear it upside down!

New Sneakers

Labor Day weekend was the time to shop. I found some great sneakers on sale at the New Balance store. The Women's New Balance 80 is a fixture in their Lifestyle & Retro department, and they're on sale now for just $48, down from $60 (see title link). Suede and nylon upper, reflective detailing for walks in the dark, and solid rubber outsole. They're super lightweight, too! I'd like the colors inverted, but that's all they had online.

Purr!

Katy Perry's Purr Eau de Parfum is actually quite nice-smelling. Not crazy about the packaging OR advertising (the new fragrance for women should not have Katy dressed with a tail) but the whole "Earn My Affection" thing is cute yet sexy. From $45-$65, available at Nordstrom (see title link).

Converse future!

The Converse All Star Slim Slip for Women in Black Mono is very multi-purposeful. Just $55 (see title link). A friend of mine even wore them to her wedding!