13 Going on 21

We know Kate Young would totally back us up in our love of Delia*s, whose cheaper than cheap versions of trends win for overall ability to execute sharp style on a pre-teen's borrowed budget. The $548 price tag on last entry's adorable fall coat means it won't be in my hands anytime soon, so in the meantime, I can placate my unreachable wants with some attainable alternatives. Sure, the quality isn't the highest, but considering the turnover of most of the things in my closet, I'm not necessarily gunning for permanence with any of my purchases here.

Where Delia*s excels is in catering to their tween clientèle's lust for cute while managing to style them with the appropriate level of sophistication. What results is a mish-mash of 2*for graphic waffle tees that no self-respecting woman over the age of 15 would consider, and youthful, inexpensive pieces that totally hit the mark. Here are some of my picks from their new Autumn catalog.

This cropped jacket demonstrates a stylish twist on the traditional sailor's box shape. It narrows at the waist, but retains its nautical intelligence. Shoulder details and big black buttons feminize the look, but keep it sporty. I can see this working in all three of the colors.

This long number comes in such a fun plaid. At $88.50 is delivers a lot of style for your dollar. I would love to mix this with a brown and white floral blouse and a great rugged messenger bag.

I don't know how I feel about this style in Kelly green, but it is striking and rather fresh. The funnel neck is sure to be flattering. Anchor this with navy and crisp white. I would even try replacing the belt with something from your own closet. An easy jacket to wear with jeans, a crisp scarf and just about anything.

An unexpected find! A khaki capelet at Delia*s? Sure! This look is unique, but classic enough to wear with anything simple and ladylike.

Plaid is unavoidable this time of year, and who would want to? Delia*s has a ton of plaid coats, but these two coats do the job in tartan and buffalo. You'll never want to come indoors.

You can never have too many cardigans! The heart-shaped buttons may be going a little overboard, but I love the puff sleeves and this timeless color. It's cropped, so it it will go over all of my high waisted bottoms perfectly.

A precious dress that bridges summer and fall. It's such a sweetheart look, I can't get enough of the metallic buttons and the dainty buckle belt.

Such a sharp but cute fall blouse to wear with anything. This blouse will pop like no other under a men's jacket or over slouchy trousers.

A trapeze oxford is positively breezy for fall.

The square neckline is universally flattering and the waist-level pleating anchors the whole cut.

The bubble sleeves are very chic, as is the houndstooth pattern. Another tent top with an adorable yoke. I'd layer the jewelry on this one. It can take it.

Black oxford pumps are essential. These nude pumps are like life-size versions of that classic Barbie doll shoe shape, but not as plastic. Sleek boots let you take the hemlines higher and show off fun tights. This buffalo plaid bag has so much potential.