Wednesday Q&A: Fall Sprucing

Q from Linda: I don't want to invest in a whole new wardrobe for fall. Can you suggest some key pieces to buy?

A from Joyce: To keep current without redoing your entire wardrobe, here is what I recommend:

Look for a three quarter sleeve jacket. One suggestion: JCrew’s felted-wool Pippa jacket ($195; it also comes in forever-classic houndstooth as well for $325)

Buy a fabulous big handbag. Handbags are all over the map for fall from xxs to xxl, but a clutch for a mom? Completely unrealistic, so go big. Tory Burch's silver crinkled leather tote is $425 or Betsey Johnson's London Dome Satchel ($295), both at Bloomingdales.com

And if you dare, the last must-have item this season a great pair of ankle boots. The choices and price points are endless, from the faux-suede Hassel at Payless.com ($29.99) to Christian Louboutin's black suede Goya booties at Saks.com ($945. I also love the Lapano loafer which juxtaposes the trendy bootie, ups the ante with a zipper, yet with a patent loafer front--very fun!). Paired with opaque hose, these will make you look of-the-moment (and if you spend at the lower end of the scale, you won't feel of-the-poorhouse).