It has become apparent to me that fashion--the kind of fashion that is about finding your own style and being fabulous and a unique snowflake who marches to the beat of her own special drum--has a lot to do with mixing, with matching, with layering pieces. And by layering, I don't mean a camisole under a low-necked shirt. It is so much more deep and complicated than that. It is all about how you put things together: hats and jewelry and scarves and tights and shoes and jackets. Can I just wear, say, a top and here are some jeans? No! I must layer! Every strata adds that much more depth to my Fashion Personality!

It all sounds very exhausting to me. But then I see very, very pretty jackets in sassy colors and elegant shapes, and I realize, in a flash of insight, that jackets are like the cherry on the outfit sundae. They make you look all classy, emphasize those curves that you are proud of, and keep you warm and cozy in this, the shift between seasons. A jacket is, for real and for true, a so-easy way to dress up an outfit and make you feel pulled together with practically no effort. I approve of little to no effort. Plus, bonus layering points which get you into heaven, where Coco Chanel waits to give you air kisses and tea.