I paid a visit to Old Navy last week for a much-needed shopping spree. As I walked up and down aisles, I realized I saw pieces for both summer and fall. This could prove to be a challenge, but if you mix and match just right, you can snag some amazing transition pieces that you can take from season to season. You just have to know what to pair with what. There's no sense in buying things solely for summer now with fall just a couple of weeks away.

I was with Jacki Garfinkel, a self-proclaimed clueless dresser. She tried to figure out why I picked up a purple boho-floral top with three-quarter-length sleeves and a gray corduroy vest (among other things, of course). Surely, she thought I was mad--who'd wear those two items together while it's still hot out?! But, I promised her it would look good.

What'd I end up wearing with 'em? A pair of denim cut-offs, gold sandals and my wavy long hair during a casual Saturday in Brooklyn, coffee'ing (as a verb) and vintage shopping with friends.

Ensemble success! And the best part is, I can wear the top underneath a suit as officewear, with a pair of leggings for lounging or with jeans and high heels for a date night. The purple hue is also perfect for autumn. As for the vest, I can sport that with any white button-down already in my wardrobe. The denim cut-offs and sandals will have to be put in storage until hot weather hits again. (Ladies, don't you dare wear cut-offs--unless, of course, you live in an area where it's 70 degrees or hotter all year long. In fashion, there are always exceptions to the rule.)

Here's the rundown of what I'm wearing and where I got 'em from:
* Ruffled Batiste Top ($15 at Old Navy)
* Corduroy Vest ($24.50 at Old Navy)
* Nine West "Right There" Sandals ($42.70 at Overstock.com)
* Citizens of Humanity Distressed Denim Cut-Offs ($155 at Net-A-Porter.com)
* Vera Bradley Tic Tat Tote ($40 at VeraBradley.com)

--Ysolt