Every year around this time, I experience a nervous feeling in the pit of my stomach. I think to myself, another year has come and gone, and I get further and further away from being that jittery little girl bouncing from door to door with my neon pumpkin bucket. Halloween used to be one of my favorite holidays, where I would hoard all the candy and make it last for months, but now the excitement is often diluted with stress of getting older (and a conscious effort to not eat so much candy).

But this year, I'm celebrating. I'm going to revisit my childhood with another bright orange pumpkin bucket and a great costume. Guess what I'm going to be? Hello Kitty! If there's anything that's going to remind me of being 8-years-old, it's this iconic kitty who is celebrating her 35th birthday this year! So, what better time to pay homage to her, right?

I true Hello Kitty fashion, I'm going to wear a little red bow in my hair and throw on a pink dress, and maybe draw some whiskers on my face and paint my nose yellow. But I realize that I probably still won't look like Hello Kitty, which is why I'm picking up these Hello Kitty Rainboot (pictured) and a Hello Kitty Raincoat. That way, everyone will know exactly who I am.

And though I may never wear the raincoat without the pretense of it being a Halloween costume, I still think it's a pretty good keepsake--who says grown women can't enjoy a blast from the past every once in a while?

So happy birthday, Hello Kitty, and happy halloween to all of you, fashionistas! How are you celebrating this year and what are you dressing up as?

--Venus Tsang

Mango, our favorite Europe-based, fast-fashion chain, has just given us even more reason to drool over the fruity brand. In addition to serving up great pieces at super-reasonable prices, it has recently launched "Think Up" (a low-cost fashion concept). Think Up is, above all, a proactive and optimistic philosophy to fashion and life from a collection of looks from among Mango's existing seasonal pieces that will be offered to customers at incredibly low prices--starting at $24.90!

This awesome fashion campaign is Mango's solution to the recession that's affecting shoppers around the globe. Hopefully, the Think Up collection will provide customers with an even more affordable solution than previously suggested in their price points, so that they can still find high-quality pieces and stay stylish season after season.

Customers can stay informed by logging onto MangoThinkUp.com, a blog that will be updated with product 411, as well as include a forum where budget-conscious fashionistas can discuss fashion, trends, and events.

We don't know about you, but we're embracing the Think Up spirit. Stop by a Mango store to find the specially-marked pieces... Sounds like a treasure hunt for the fashion maven!

--Venus Tsang

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

In the mood to do a little pre-fall shopping, but don't want to buy things that will be outdated by the time the leaves turn into gorgeous shades or orange? We were thinking the same thing!

So we picked 5 key pieces that you can wear for the rest of the summer, but that will stay in heavy rotation even when the fall rolls around.




A flirty pop of color, this peachy ruffle dress will be perfect for sexy summer nights, and can be paired with tights and a cardigan later. ($135 at Topshop.com)

This rich blue cardigan will work over a tank now, but are the perfect layering piece when the air gets cooler. ($19.90 at Forever21.com)

Peep-toe ankle booties are the perfect versatile shoe. Pair with neon toenails and rock it as a shoe during the summer, then wear with socks or tights and show off as cool booties during the fall! ($48 at Endless.com)

Sleek cropped pants are season friendly and office-friendly, as none other than style icon Michelle Obama has shown us. Wear them at an event with flats, or while frolicking with your tots. ($55.50 at TheOutnet.com)

Finally, a denim jacket never goes out of style. They're the quintessential summer accessory, but when the fall comes, you can personalize it with studs, chains, and whatever else you feel like! ($29.99 at Delias.com)

--Venus

The king of pop will live on, in our hearts and in our memories... And, now, in our closets too! Because we're tired of the "RIP MJ" tee's sold all over the sidewalks and are in search of something more fashionable, creative, and optimistic, we're so excited about these commemorative Michael Jackson montage tee's.

They are unisex designs created by architect and graphic designer Kobe Saki to celebrate the legendary Michael Jackson, and cost $27-$32 for regular athletic or fitted forms, and from $60-$90 for special edition versions (think bedazzled and original versions).

Saki also makes MJ montage posters, and you can find those along with the various t-shirts at his eBay store. We think it's a unique piece of history for a reasonable price!

--Venus

The Silhouettes Swim Solutions collection launched a few weeks ago--and we just found out that some of the suits are on sale, and everything's under $79!

Silhouettes, a plus-size company that serves women from sizes 12W-36W, recently announced their new swim solutions. It focuses on creating swimsuits to flatter every body type, so that you can flaunt your curves and love your body no matter what size you are.

With swimsuits featuring ruched sides, skirts, and sweetheart necklines, ladies can get all the support that they need and still be super comfortable, so your beach day can be all the more fulfilling.

Hurry over and check out the suits at Silhouettes.com!

--Venus