Sarah Palin’s “elusive” stylist for the 2008 presidential campaign revealed herself to The New York Times, and no, it’s not Rachel Zoe.

Lisa Kline usually sticks to dressing high-powered female executives and news anchors, but now she’ll be best known for transforming Palin from a country girl into a national attention-grabber. With all the hoopla surrounding the former Alaska governor’s recently released “tell-all” book, it’s no surprise Kline felt the time was right to set the record straight regarding Palin’s rumored $150,000+ shopping spree. Apparently, Sarah didn’t do any of the shopping herself, but Kline did enough damage for the both of them.

Although I disagree with pretty much everything Palin says, it’s hard to disagree with some of what she’s worn.  Colorful British brand Boden specializes in politico-worthy clothing (it’s even piqued Michelle Obama’s interest, a fact we can get on board with) and we like their ravishing ruffle jacket and retro-inspired sixties style.

For more Washington-appropriate wear without any Alaskan baggage, check out our guides to the best in Michelle Obama style and pencil skirts. We promise you won’t need a Lisa Kline of your own to get the look right.

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The designers behind Anne Klein are definitely not giving in to the season’s baggy-boyfriend look. They’re sticking with sleek, feminine lines on fitted blazers and jackets, and we appreciate it, just like we appreciate these big discounts on very cute styles.

Dress up this winter white two button jacket ($112.50 from $450) with slimming black pants and a blouse for a very urban-chic ensemble.

We’d wear Anne Klein’s retro-styled long jacket ($131 from $525) in citrine green with skinny pants and a chunky belt wrapped around it.

Lace texturing, a chic cinched waist, and popped-for-you collar make this blazer ($285 from $475) a distinctive, ultra-feminine power jacket.

For more stylish outerwear, shop our guides to the best in blazers, denim jackets, and trench coats.

More Sales and Deals:

YOOX: Up to 20% off fall-winter collections from top designers

Smartbargains.com: Save 12% site wide and an extra 25% on American designer handbags

Pacsun: Up to 45% off printed scarves, cotton tees, and more

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Faster than you can say Joan Collins, the shoulder pad is making a comeback. Sharp and pointy, inflated, or simply hulking, this ’80s mainstay is a major fall trend in outerwear. To avoid looking like an unstoppable linebacker as you rush to work, go subtle with small pads or achieve a similar look with layering and large collars.

Try balancing shoulder pads with a cropped fit.  This American Retro blazer ($264) gets the modern silhouette right.

This contemporary take on the classic cropped jacket by Jaeger London ($371) has peaked shoulders and will go with everything from jeans to dressy slacks.

Get volume with a vintage feel in this plaid, fitted jacket with a large collar from Vivienne Westwood ($793).

We like this Shapes Study Jacket ($98) for its combination of puffed sleeves and shoulder pads.

Two trends — the boyfriend blazer and shoulder pads — come together in this jacket by Elizabeth and James ($395).

Get more of the look with our guides to blazers and leather jackets, both of which will look very of-the-moment paired with a good pair of black jeans.

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In episode four, Project Runway contestants got right down to business. The challenge: It’s Models’ Night Out. Designers were on their own again, and had to design an outfit for their models to wear at an industry event that would allow them to stand out and make a statement.

The hardest part for most designers was meshing their models’ tastes with their own design aesthetics. Epperson, coming off a bottom-two appearance from last week, faced a big challenge with his model, who wanted something elegant and punk, with an animal print (?!).  But Epp pulled off a dress that showed his sewing skills and eye for detail, impressing guest judges Marc Bouwer (sitting in for Kors) and celeb stylist Jennifer Rade. Marie Claire editor-in-chief Zoe Glassner, a chattier, more approachable version of Nina Garcia, was also loving the zebra-inspired mini.

However, Logan didn’t fare as well. His model had an equally challenging request for 50s and lace–a little rock and roll look with an evening aesthetic. The result was confusing, as was the styling, which Heidi described as “prom-inspired.” Still, his risk taking saved him, whereas Qristyl’s “safe” black dress sunk her. Heidi said the dress aged her model, and models age in dog years in this industry. Ouch!

There were a couple favorites on the panel – including Carol Hannah’s asymmetrical tank dress with applique skirt – but Althea’s three-piece-suit-inspired evening look wowed everyone. Jennifer wanted to take the outfit after the show for one of her clients.

One thing that judges liked about Althea’s design was that the separates can be worn together, or mixed into the wardrobe. The stretch wool Ediona Blazer ($385) from Theory can literally go from work to dinner over Banana Republic’s fitted Pima cotton tank ($20), which in dark gray is the color essential of the season. And although the weather’s turning chillier, the black  stretch silk Butterfly Short Shorts ($187) by Alice + Olivia will be cute into the fall, and even next spring.

If you need to play Project Runway catch-up, be sure to check out our past show coverage.  And for more Althea-esque separates, see our guides to blazers and evening tops for jeans.

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For fall, an understated but chic J. Crew jacket goes with everything - from those cute leggings you’ve been working overtime at the gym to wear, to that new pleated skirt, these jackets are the final touch you’ve been looking for.

A self-professed J. Crew lover, Michelle Obama would definitely approve of this retro-inspired cropped jacket ($140 from $350). With its neutral tone, it exudes the low-key elegance we’ve come to love about our First Lady.

A casual jacket in a pale gray shade is always a smart buy for fall – this versatile jacket ($50 from $148) can be worn equally well with a pair of skinny jeans or a fitted pencil skirt.

Made of super-soft merino wool, we’d warm up our slinkiest black dress by throwing on this sophisticated blazer ($180 from $230).

For the outerwear we love, peruse our picks for the best trenches, denim, and leather jackets.

More Sales and Deals:

Express: Take Up To 50% Off Women’s Apparel

Bloomingdales: Up To 20% Off Handbags

Nordstrom: Save 33% (or more) On Women’s Shoes

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We’ve barely had the chance to take our fall shoes out for a test run and trendy outerwear is already on sale. Clearly, we’re thrilled. After all, you can never have too many autumn jackets and blazers in rotation.

This cute Marc Jacobs blazer in khaki ($158 from $328) is an easy way to dress up that white blouse you’ve just about worn out.

A lightweight swing jacket like this comfy design from Generra ($85 from $185) is adaptable for fall’s ever-changing weather – you can wear it solo on warmer days and over a heavy sweater when those cold winds kick in.

Elegant and sophisticated, this fitted Elie Tahari jacket ($160 from $358) will look great with the fall denim and boots you’ve been waiting to whip out.

For more fall outerwear, shop our guides for the best trenches, leather jackets, and rain gear.

More Sales and Deals:

Couture Candy: Save Up To 70% Off Of All Summer Items

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eDressme: Save Up To 90% On Designer Dresses

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While at $11,000, Beyonce’s Balmain is a bit out of my range, I can’t help but love this incredibly chic military-inspired look.  Military jackets not only provide a welcome alternative to the basic blazer, but with their structured shapes and slimming cuts, they can be even more flattering.

Check out our three picks below for some wearable options that won’t leave you looking like a member of The Lonely Hearts Club Band.

1. An ideal denim jacket or blazer substitute, Express’ double-breasted military jacket ($79.50) is super flattering and trendy without being over the top.

2. This military jacket from McQ ($550) adds modern flair to a classic angular military shape.

3. Banana Republic’s Heritage military blazer ($152) serves up the trend in an understated, almost preppy manner.

Browse more outerwear in our guides to blazers, leather jackets, and trenches.

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Over the weekend The New York Times addressed its own article from freelancer Cintra Wilson, covering the new Manhattan J.C. Penney.  The original article was more or less universally viewed as a particularly New York brand of condescension, a rude attack on the store.

The rebuttal, by Clark Hoyt, notes the level of insult: Hoyt quotes the Times’ managing editor, Bill Keller, who mentioned that his mother was a Penney’s shopper, and she would have found Wilson’s review “snotty.”

While we don’t particularly feel Wilson’s pain about not being able to find a size 2 anywhere in the store, the reason we most agree with the Times’ rebuttal is that, hey, Penney’s has indeed been stepping up its game.

Just check out the great blazer we found.  It’ll get you into the second article’s camp in no time.

There’s more out there to get you in the mood for fall, from J.C. Penney or not – peruse our guides to the best leather jackets, trench coats, and foldover boots.

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In the latest summer (semi-chick) flick, Post Grad, Alexis Bledel plays a perfectly nice girl who graduates from a nice school, but can’t find a nice job after college. Her character’s wacky family and her sartorial choices in coats are two bright spots in the movie, and the latter is definitely worth copying.

As a recent graduate from Cali, you’d expect Ryden’s style to be fresh and original, mixing current  trends with some well-worn classics. And she does it perfectly when it comes to her little leather coat.

It dawned on me over the course of the movie that I really need to get one just like it, and this MICHAEL Michael Kors Leather Quilted Detail Zip Jacket ($267) would be an ideal choice.

On her mission to get back the perfectly nice boy she didn’t know she wanted to be with, a cropped plaid blazer like this one from Theory ($445) with skinny jeans, knee-high flat boots, and a perky scarf couldn’t be more perfect.

I think I’ll get one of those too.

Browse more cinema fashion from this season’s other top flicks: The Time Traveler’s Wife, 500 Days of Summer, and, of course, The September Issue.

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Test your fashion skills with other Taste Tests.

And browse more fall fashion, along with skinny jeans and on-trend shoes to wear come September.

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