Photo: Thinkstock

Oh, the wedding dress. When else in her life does a sane, non-millionaire woman spend hundreds, if not thousands, on a totally impractical white dress, for what (it's easy to forget when you're in the thick of wedding planning) is really just one day? I was interested to learn recently that the lacy, fancy-shmancy white bridal gown is actually a relatively new phenomenon, inspired by Queen Victoria's own lacy, fancy-shmancy white bridal gown in 1840. For decades, civilian brides stayed too sensible to really latch on to the trend (white gowns are hard to clean, for one), but eventually latch on we did. Nowadays a bride is making a noticeable statement if she gets married in anything other than a fancy-shmancy white dress.

But what about those who really, really don't have money to plunk down on a gorgeous gown they'll only wear once? One woman, faced with this ridiculousness, decided to give away her wedding dress after her wedding to a bride in need. The bride, who wishes to remain anonymous, is offering her lovely ruffly confection of a Cambodian silk gown through Huffington Post Weddings. Head on over to see photos of the dress and find out more. I can't think of a better way to start off a marriage than by sending some kindness out into the world, can you? After all (as it's easy to forget when you're suffering satin-blindness in the middle of David's Bridal panic attack), this getting married thing, it's not about a day, or even a dress -- it's about starting a new life together. A life, one hopes, of giving, and sharing, and good vibes all around.

Read More:
Don't Tell the Bride...
The Beginner's Guide to Wedding Planning

Those lips, those eyes, that...purse? I love these accessories inspired by surrealist art, à la René Magritte's Scheherazade, 1948 (above). Don't worry about being too bold—these pieces are meant to be conversation starters.

Photo: Courtesy of FEED Projects

You don’t have to be a gourmet to love the latest bags from Lauren Bush Lauren’s FEED Project. She’s partnered with specialty foods chain Dean & Deluca to create two new totes filled with tasty treats: The Pantry Tote contains essentials like Fruite Mur extra virgin olive oil, acacia honey and French roast coffee, while the Snack Tote features caramels, mints, pretzel bites and my personal favorite, New York chocolate espresso beans. (I could not stop eating them!)

Proceeds from the sale of each bag provide 15 nutritious meals to hungry children through the UN World Food Programme. So you can indulge and give back at the same time. ($120; available Sept. 17 at deandeluca.com)

This may be the more advanced version of color blocking, but it's easy to pull off: Pair graphic pieces with a solid item that matches the darkest color in the print. You want to ground the look with rich fall shades, not summer brights. 

Clockwise from top: Jaclyn Smith, $25, kmart.com. Kate Spade New York, $288, katespade.com. Lafayette 148 New York, $498, lafayette148ny.com.

I saw tons of styles with tiny faces at the Basel watch fair this year. They're a delicate alternative to the oversize boyfriend watch, and perfect for layering with bracelets. 

From top: Miami Beach by Glam Rock, $195, nordstrom.com. Burberry, $750, burberry.com. Hermès, $2,150, hermes.com for stores. DKNY, $195, macys.com. Coach, $398, coach.com for stores. Citizen Watch Company of America, $325, amazon.com.

This is the bag shape of the season. I especially love these neutral colors, which work with everything—think of them as the purse equivalent of a nude heel. 

Perfect for "fat days," this strategically paneled dress makes you look ten pounds lighter. 

This is a coat that makes an entrance: The metallic fabric, quilted inner layer, and on-trend anorak shape are so gorgeous, it doesn't matter whether you're wearing jeans or sequins underneath. And at $215, this is one high-fashion garment that looks much more expensive than it is. 

Whether you're wondering what to wear this fall or trying to figure out the best pieces for your shape, now's your chance to get personalized style advice straight from O's creative director Adam Glassman! During the month of August, he'll be answering some of your burning fashion questions.

Jocelyn asked: What's the hottest color for fall?

See Adam's video response:



Do you have a question for O's beauty director Val Monroe or O's creative director Adam Glassman? Ask away here!