Economists say the recession is turning around but do we believe them? Every woman I know is selling her gold jewelry and stashing stuff at consignment shops just to be able to buy fall fashion! Clearly we can't stay away from the lure of new clothes forever. The September cover of Elle with Jennifer Aniston in the YSL black leather bustier (that's on my personal most-wanted list) says it all: the power look is back only this time it's got a tougher, streetier edge. Here's what not to miss:

1. A miniskirt in black leather. You might lust for Vince's black leather mini ($595 barneys.com), but you could be happy with the Bebe leatherette style with knit back ($69 bebe.com), or the super-cute Forever 21 studded faux leather version ($17.80 forever21.com).

2. Killer black platform pumps like the coveted YSL Tribute double-platform pump ($795 bergdorfgoodman.com) would be great (if only!) but Steve Madden's suede and studs pumps ($99.95 stevemadden.com) are within reach.

3. A man-tailored pantsuit suit - skip the extreme big-shoulders and just opt for a squared off lean jacket and ankle cropped trousers that will show off your shoes. Opt for the Liu Jo stretch crepe slim fitted style ($240 yoox.com), a dead-ringer for the Dolce & Gabbana version that's $862, or go for classic pinstripes like Tahari by ASL pantsuit ($159.98 macys.com). Also an option: just add a structured blazer to your usual jeans instead of a cardigan. A good example: Free People favorite Boyfriend Blazer ($108 freepeople.com). You'll get the same bang you'd get from the Balmain tuxedo blazer at $5,717.14 without the scooped statement shoulders that look alien on everyone including runway models.