On the Cover

The New Tweed, pg. 93
Think tweed is the uniform of bookish librarians and frumpy professors? Think again. Get schooled in these sleek and modern dresses, jackets, and accessories.

What’s Eating You?, pg. 203
No matter what your bad habit — mindless snacking, the office candy bowl — a few basic changes can help you eat better every day.

Classic Combinations, pg. 290
Fail-safe fall ensembles that transcend time and trends. Mix and match all the pieces for a sophisticated, effortless style.

The Chicken Handbook, pg. 302
Tastes like…chicken. Roast it, broil it, grill it. The complete guide to buying, prepping, and cooking your favorite fowl.

Fast Friends, pg. 312
When was the last time you made a new friend? These pairs all met in times of crisis and forged lasting bonds they had never expected.

Room Service, pg. 320
From eclectic to traditional, seven top decorators show how simple, low-cost ideas can pack a punch and lead to a sensational room.

Plus the Best...

Slipcovers, pg. 233

Boots, pg. 261

Foundation, pg. 269

In This Issue

Style

The truth behind fashion mysteries, pg. 107

From embroidery to sequins: Make a statement with embellished accents, pg. 117

Life

Small, helpful gestures that can have a big impact, pg. 135

How to break out of those relationship ruts, pg. 147

Money-etiquette issues, solved, pg. 157

Beauty

Keep your brows in line, pg. 169

Tool kits for every hair type, pg. 177

The fastest way to dry your nails, fix a fake tan, and more, pg. 193

Body

Seal the cookie jar. Easy ways to break nine bad eating habits, pg. 203

Is your handbag weighing you down? Here’s how to lighten your load, pg. 213

Home

Extend the life of electronics — and learn when to ditch them, pg. 221

Slipcovers spruce up a sofa, pg. 233

Strokes of genius: Painting a mirror or a door can transform a room, pg. 241

Design secrets from the pros, pg. 320

Cooking

The Ultimate Chicken Handbook, pg. 302

Fake It, Don’t Make It: Sloppy Joes, pg. 333

Five Easy Dinners, pg. 337

Keep knives sharp, pg. 349

Refreshing chilled desserts, pg. 357

Shopping List/Recipe Index, pg. 367

In Every Issue

Simple Solutions, pg. 63
Poisonous houseplants lurking within; starch keeps sneakers clean (and other new uses for old things); Internet lingo unscrambled; and more.

Road Tests

Boots, pg. 261

Foundation, pg. 269

Pretzels, pg. 275

Glue, pg. 279

Real Inspiration, pg. 43
You don’t need a degree in geology to appreciate beautiful rocks. This earthy element can solidify the style in your home.

Your Words, pg. 51
What was your most embarrassing fashion moment?

Life Lessons, pg. 83
Ann Patchett discovers the pleasures — and the payoff — of flexing her mental muscle.

The Organizer, pg. 253
Finding the right necklace was like finding a needle in a haystack — until Real Simple detangled a jewelry lover’s collection.

The Motivator, pg. 283
You have the power to change yourself and your world. So what are you waiting for? Life coach Gail Blanke wants to know.

Real Life, pg. 376
Meet Real Simple reader Simone Pratt, a Brooklyn newlywed with a weakness for French fries.

Why Not?, pg. 18

Thoughts, pg. 10

Contributors, pg. 24

Editor's Note, pg. 39

Credits, pg. 370

Real Simple to Go, pg. 378