Best Things to Buy in September

Though waves of heat come and go throughout September, it's time to face reality: Summer is practically over. While it's sad to think about putting the grill in storage and covering up the pool, consider all the positives associated with autumn. You've got a gorgeous change in scenery, crisp cool weather and an entire season of holidays to look forward to.

Also something to look forward to? Awesome autumn bargains. As always, we're here to help guide your purchases -- and non-purchases -- throughout the month of September.

Denim Apparel

If there's one thing we know for certain, it's that denim will never go out of style. It's especially in season during the fall months, mostly because denim apparel is comfortable and keeps you warm, but not too hot. To usher in the fall season and help move denim that's flooding both real and virtual store shelves, companies put their denim on sale. That means good deals -- and a stylish fall season -- for you.

According to fashion stylists and experts alike, all women should have a few denim go-to pieces hanging in their closet. That list includes a well-constructed and flattering denim jacket and a pair of classic, non-embellished jeans (the mini bootleg is currently in trend).

Hot Prices
Old Navy Women's Cropped Denim Jacket, $39.94
Rock & Republic Denim Jeans, $39 (Retail $78)
Blank Denim Bootcut Jeans, Under $50
Freestyle Denim Womens Jacket, $36.99
Paper Denim & Cloth Denim Skirt, $29 (Retail $35)
Adrianna Papell Stretch Denim Double Breasted Shirtdress, $44.97 (Retail $118)

Next Summer's Shoes

A change in temperature always brings with it a necessary change in shoes. After all, you want to keep your tootsies warm and protected from chilly air and, yes, elements like sleet and snow.

Though most fall-appropriate shoes are not on sale yet since they still have months of buying potential left, prices are slashed on shoes like sandals, flip flops, open-toed heels and similar. And with all those clearance tags practically begging you to buy, who can resist stocking up for next summer?

We recommend neutral-toned shoes that are to pair and are least likely to go out of style. Remember: the simpler a product is, the longer its fashion live will be. If you buy soon, you'll be able to get a few weeks of wear out of them this year.

Hot Prices
Bandolino Precious Open Toed Sandal, $24.99 (Retail $69)
J.Crew Jeweled chiffon flip-flops, $9.99 (Retail $26.50)
Steve Madden Cabezza Sandal, $29.99 (Retail $79.95)
Vince Camuto Amaze Sandal, $49 (Retail $169)
Talbots Metallic T-Strap Wedge Sandals, $31.99 (Retail $129)

Sunless Tanning Products

You don't have to revert back to the palest version of yourself just because summer's over. Now's the time to stock up on inexpensive sunless tanning products to help you maintain a little summer glow throughout the cold months. And while pale skin is beautiful in its own right, a tiny hint of sunkissed skin -- faux or not -- makes you look healthy, happy and fresh.

If you're hesitant to try a full-blown sunless tanner, try a facial bronzer that'll wash off at the end of the day. You can also try lotions that gradually give your skin the faintest golden sheen.

Hot Prices
Mystic Tan Perfect Tan Kit Body, $54 (Retail $66)
Neutrogena Build A Tan Gradual Sunless Tanning Lotion, $9.50
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad Tanning Towelette with Vitamin D, $18- $32
Ulta Daily Moisturizer Body Glow, $6.99
Beauty Rush® Luminous Bronzer, $7

Cardigans

Cardigans rank very high on most people's "favorite things about fall" lists, along with lower humidity, autumn foliage and football.

Right now is an ideal time to jump on the cardigan bandwagon, as prices are reasonable and you'll be able to wear your purchases from now through mid Spring. If you wait until the middle or end of September, prices will begin to drop in order to make way for apparel like heavy sweaters, coats, mittens and scarves.

Striped or polka-dotted cardigans are especially trendy at the moment. Also trending in the cardigan department include those in rich and vibrant hues such as eggplant, fire-engine red, deep blue and burnt orange.

Hot Prices
Mossimo Women's Open Cardigan Sweater with Tab Sleeves, $22.99
Talbots Dream V-Neck Cardigan Sweater, $19.49 (Retail $79.50)
Sejour Three Quarter Length Sleeve Plus-Sized Cardigan, $44.90 (Retail $68)
Mystree Shirred Shawl Cardigan, $21.97 (Retail $55)
Old Navy Open-Weave Cropped Cardigans, $18 (Retail $36.94)
Michael Stars Chantilly Lace Long Sleeve Drape Cardigan, $58 (Retail $128)
Old Navy Women's Shawl-Cardigan, $39.94

What Not to Buy

We know it's tempting to splurge on the following items, but we urge you to hold out for just a little bit longer. Doing so will save you money and the frustration of finding your recently purchased item on clearance.

Winter wear
Though stocking up on apparel like coats, scarves and gloves seems like a good idea now, prices are at their highest and you don't really need them. We suggest wearing last winter's stuff until prices drop in November and December.

Perfume
Don't even think about splurging on a costly perfume right now. Companies are gearing up for the holiday shopping season, so bargains are nil. Wait until post-holidays to treat yourself to a new fragrance.


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