Fall is coming, but with the price of gas as high as it is, you're probably not shopping for a whole new wardrobe. You're also most likely not looking for pieces that can only work for a few weeks out of the year; instead, you want to add one key piece that will work now and work later and work next year, too. You also want something that you can dress down for playgroup and dress up for date night.

Seems impossible, doesn't it?

Fortunately, cropped jackets are the answer. Wear over a sleek camisole or simple tank for warmer days; layer over a long sleeved tee or turtleneck when the weather gets cooler. Pair with your capris or long shorts or jeans (skinny or boot cut but NOT Mom Jeans).

Where do you find a cool cropped jacket? We've found five, in varying styles and price points -- one of them will work for you.

Why we love this: The details! Big buttons, great sleeves, fabulous color. We also love the balanced shape -- slim through the shoulders but pleated across the bust, to make room for even nursing breasts. Uncertain about the orange? Jacket is also available in ebony.

Wear it with: Khakis or jeans or wool trousers. Be sure to balance the jacket with something slim and sleek, though -- this is not a piece you want to pair with a full skirt. Let the ruffles on the sleeves be the focus.

GO International double-breasted jacket, available at Target for $44.99.

Why we love it: This is a fabulous piece for long fall days -- heavy enough to actually keep you warm but not exactly a winter coat. Traditional peacoat shape in a short sleeved alternative; made of machine-washable cotton for ease. Available in black and charcoal gray.

Wear it with: Layer over a tank or tee or a flowing feminine blouse or camisole. When the weather turns, wear over a simple long sleeved tee or a button down blouse. Pair with an A-line skirt for the office or jeans for the weekend.

Gap short sleeved pea coat jacket, $78.00.

Why we love it: Great cheery color, simple shape, and those buttons! Who wouldn't love those buttons? This jacket is a little warmer, just perfect for climates that don't ever really have the deep freeze winter -- this is an ideal coat for running errands or going to church or just driving around the block to get away from the kids.

Wear it with: Jeans or corduroys or even your yoga pants -- this jacket spiffs up your most casual mom wear.

Ann Taylor Loft half sleeve contrast button topper, $139.00. But keep your eye on this one; it might go on sale before the cold weather kicks in.

Why we love this: The collar is dainty without being frilly; the shape is flattering for a post-baby tummy; the sleeves are the perfect length for summer AND fall. We also love that this jacket is made of 100% cotton and is machine washable.

Wear it with: Walking shorts, a slim skirt, straight-leg jeans (either a boot cut or a skinny jean, if you dare).

Three quarter cropped jacket, Forever 21, $24.80.

Why we love this: The minimal shape plus the bold pattern makes this a conversation piece, but the sleek black and white color scheme keeps it from going overboard. This is also a jacket that is cut for a real mom body, with proper shaping and sizing for breasts and tummy. Made of cotton and spandex for a perfect fit; machine washable for simple care.

Wear it with: Your black pants, your jeans, your favorite white trousers. This is a jacket that can go to work or work for the weekend.

Lane Bryant short sleeved textured jacket, $54.50.

Katie Holmes may very well have the most-watched hairline in America. And recently, she cut her precision bob into something a little shorter. And maybe a little less chic. And, according to some, more Mom-like. But not in a good way.

The NY Daily News points out that since she began dating Tom Cruise, Katie's hair has gotten shorter and shorter. Of course, in that time, she has also had a baby, and there might be some correlation -- what mom has time for long flowing tresses, especially long flowing Hollywood tresses? But they don't seem happy with Holmes' newest short 'do complaining that "While the new look is fitting for a young mom, if Katie goes any shorter she'll be headed into 'G.I. Jane' territory."

So is short hair always Mom Hair? And is Mom Hair always frumpy? What do you think -- what's the easiest Mom style?

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Three-year-old Caitlin Powell is living every tot's dream: her parents have sold their home and quit their jobs and are devoting their days to taking Caitlin and her seven-year-old sister on a series of fabulous vacations. Next month the family will go to Florida; next year they are planning an African safari.

But this isn't all fun and games; Caitlin has Sanfilippo Syndrome, a degenerative neurological condition that will eventually render her incapable of caring for herself or functioning normally. Doctors have told her parents that she will most likely not live past the age of 12.

Emma and Ben Powell, Caitlin's parents, have decided to face their tragedy by turning their remaining years with Caitlin into one big adventure. They have sold their home and quit their jobs and are planning to travel with Caitlin and her sister for as long as they can. "'I can't think about the future with Caitlin, it breaks my heart," says Emma. "She won't be with us for very long so myself and Ben have made a conscious decision to make every day special for her from now on."

Caitlin's story is truly heart wrenching, and her parents seem to have found a way to cope with their inevitable loss. At the same time, though, there is an element of irresponsibility to their plan. According to Caitlin's father, there will come a point where she needs full-time care, which is costly. I can't help but wonder how the Powells are planning to pay for Caitlin's care after all those years of vacations.

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Handbags are a great purchase: they are practical, for starters (think of all the stuff you have to lug around with you every day) and they're an easy way to upgrade even the most basic Mom Uniform. And unlike your jeans, a handbag ALWAYS fits, no matter how many Goldfish crackers you've been swiping from the kids.

But there are some simple secrets to finding the perfect bag: look for one that is proportional to your figure, for starters. A tiny bag will get lost under a big chest, and a gigantic bag will overwhelm a petite frame, so choose something that is in keeping with your own size and shape. Choose a fabric and color that will work with your existing wardrobe, but don't skimp on color and texture; your bag is an accessory, after all, and you should treat it as part of your outfit, even if you are going to stuff it full of things for the kids.

Here are recommendations for five handbags, for diapers and daytime, work and weekend -- all for under $50.00 -- and one splurge bag that can cover all of those things.

Diaper bags are such a bummer -- they never look like real bags, just like these gigantic utilitarian things. Oh sure there are cute diaper bags out there, but really who wants to spend THAT much money for a bag that has a limited lifespan and is going to wind up with apple juice spilled inside it?

Vera Bradley to the rescue.

Bradley's line of cloth totes is perfect for the Diaper Bag Years; her prints are bright and cheery and whimsical, and while they are a bit Preppy, they're not duckies and bunnies; these are grown-up bags, not baby bags. Each tote is roomy enough for diapers and wipes and a change of clothes and a supply of snacks, and each comes with handy interior pockets for your lip balm and cell phone. And because they are cloth, you can clean up spills with a little Woolite or a Tide Stain Remover pen.


Vera Bradley tote, $30.80. Available in a nice range of colors and patterns, these bags can also be monogrammed, with your initials or the baby's.