A Fall staple and perhaps the most reasonable splurge is by way of cashmere. Ah, the incredible softness and undeniable elegance that comes from wearing cashmere. This season, I've abandoned some of my ninja blackness to mix in some bold colors here and there. Shocking I know, but the sweater shades are too rich to pass up this time. Am thinking of making red my new signature color.

This being Autumn and a time of slight decadence, I would top my sweater with one of Grandma's furs. Every naturally chic woman from C.Z. Guest to Liz Taylor (the early years) has one in their closet and there is no better place to find a stole or cropped fur jacket than in the closets of older fashionistas. I pillage the local vintage boutiques for mine as I'm a low woman on the Granddaughter totem pole. Buying vintage makes this classic piece a luxury you can afford.

Now for the neck. True ladies would accessorize with a scarf - silk, not wool. Am a die-hard Pucci fan and one of their vibrant scarves remains high on my Christmas wish list. Find a great print and accessorize a different way with it everyday. Interestingly enough, I read in one of my most trusted periodicals that silk scarves can now double as a handbag. Talk about a practical expense!

With our basics safely in our closet, its fun and necessary to indulge and add a little elegance to complete an outfit. It's what being ladylike is all about. After all, "luxe be a lady tonight."

she she me Sponsor: Hattie Mayfield
Knowing that your outfit is only as chic as your footwear, why do we continually pass over our fave boots and heels for our trusty tennies and easy-pack flops when traveling? It's the nightmare of packing, I tell you, and its ruined countless outfits all over the country.

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You can visit the entire Hattie Mayfield Shoe Bag collection at www.hattiemayfield.com. Now that you've been introduced to a new packing secret, it may be your duty as a fashionista to pass it on to others. Hattie Mayfield bags make perfect Christmas gifts for anyone on your list.