With towering spikes taking center stage this fall, how can busy women look great while avoiding a fashion casualty?

1. Naturalizer Motive Wedge Boot $149

2. J.crew MacAlister Wedge Boots $198

3. Banana Republic rouched ballet flat $89

4. Cooperative Suede Platform Wedge $58

5. Coach Lynn Stacked Heel $228

6. MICHAEL Michael Kors Bromley Flat Boot $198

Celebs moms–polished and sporty–may look like they stepped from a photo shoot as they breeze from Walgreens to playground in People Magazine. They have a sartorial trick up their kimono sleeve.  THE SECRET?  They approach fashion formulaically by reworking versatile basics and layering them with groovy accessories.

So how can the average woman channel the effortless je ne sais quoi of Nicole Richie, Gwen, Heidi and Rachel Zoe? By investing in quality basics and strategically layering with compelling accent pieces.

Here’s how to do it…

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BASICS

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THE  DRESSES

GAP denim tie back dress, $69.95 \\ VICTORIA’S SECRET jersey wrap dress, $49.50 \\ BANANA REPUBLIC maxi dress, $89.99 \\ JAMES PERSE crepe maxi dress, $225 \\ ISABELLA OLIVER jersey bandeau maxi dress, $159

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THE TOPS

LA MADE knot tank, $33.99 \\ LANSTON loose knot oversized tee, $50.99 \\ SPLENDID vintage whisper boyfriend top, $58 \\ VINCE striped double layer sweater, $99

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THE COMPRESSION  LEGGINGS

SPANX cotton compression leggings, $62

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THE JEANS

GAP 1969 real straight jeans in dark wash, $69.50 \\ GAP 1969 curvy jeans in white wash, $59.50

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ACCESSORIZE

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STATEMENT JEWELRY

KARA ROSS gold hoops, $150 \\ SEQUIN enamel bangles, $30 each \\ HOUSE OF HARLOW knuckle duster ring, $50

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KICK UP A NEUTRAL WITH A POP OF COLOR

JCREW featherweight cardigan in gauguin orange, $62 \\ MADEWELL electric scarf, $58 \\ THEODORA & CALLUM ikat scarf, $175

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GLAMMIFYING ACCENTS

TOMS red stripe canvas wedges, $69 \\ COACH jazlyn wedge, $99 \\ HENRY BEGUELIN pietra sandal, $430
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CARLOS FALCHI ombre python clutch \\ DVF printed tote, $150 \\ CHEAP MONDAY telekenisis glasses, $30

Is you work look getting stale?

Glam up your office duds with five easy pieces

YOUR TOOL BOX:

1.  Eye catching gold earrings bring light to your face and adds a touch of drama

KARA by Kara Ross Eclipse Drop Earrings $150, Tasha Triple Hoop Drop Earrings $28, Wendy Mink Gold Teardrop Cutout Earrings, $73

2. Timelessly chic tote bag

Alexander Wang Emile Tote $650, MICHAEL Michael Kors Hamilton Chain Tote $328, Foley + Corrina Mid City Tote $348

3. A scarf adds a pop of color

Sir Alistair Rai Love Raja Wrap $98, Theodora & Callum Pink Multi Ikat Scarf $175, Gap Bobble Stripe Scarf $29.95

4. A fabulous wedge elongates your silhouette

Coach Jazlyn Wedge $99, Vince Camuto Edon Wedge $47.50, Calvin Klein Blaire Wedge $93.50

5. A graphic print jacket brings life to your look

Marni Printed Jacket $740, Zero + Maria Cornejo Blanket Cardigan $598

Since the Holiday twitter party was so successful, I am partnering with Moms Fashion File once again tomorrow night at 10 EST for a night of style and over $1000 worth of fab giveaways. Here’s what we will be tweeting about:
 
 “New Year, New You!” Style tips and tricks to have you looking and feeling your best in 2011
- Getting YOU organized so you can spend more time doing things that YOU enjoy
- Creating OF THE MOMENT LOOKS with existing staples and au courant accessories
- LOOKING YOUNG, FRESHER and more radiant with NEW beauty products and OLD home remedies
- Tips and tricks TO REDUCE STRESS and live in the moment
- BUTT & THIGH BUSTERS: How to BOOST METABOLISM and look longer and leaner without going to the gym

RSVP at MOMS FASHION FILE (click here)

Kara Ross: Pocket Watch Necklace, $260

Philosophy: The Microdelivery Peel, $65

Duracell: myGrid USB Charger, $34.99

Footpetals: Stiletto Stylist Kit for Moms, $44.95

CARGO: Smokey Eyes Kit, $43

Laura Mercier: Bonne Mine Healthy Glow Palette, $48

Tide to Go Mini, $3

Ann Taylor: Swarvoski Crystal Bracelet, $69

COACH: Colette Hobo Purse, $298

High Flavor, Low Labor: Reinventing Weeknight Cooking, $14

Bubby’s Brunch Cookbook, $20

Now Eat This! by Rocco Dispirito, $14