Featured in September 2007

See what was in this issue of Real Simple.

On the Cover

The New Tweed
Think tweed is the uniform of bookish librarians and frumpy professors? Think again. Get schooled in these sleek and modern dresses, jackets, and accessories, pg. 93
 
 What’s Eating You?
No matter what your bad habit―mindless snacking, the office candy bowl―a few basic changes can help you eat better every day, pg. 203
 
 Classic Combinations
Fail-safe fall ensembles that transcend time and trends. Mix and match all the pieces for a sophisticated, effortless style, pg. 290
 
 The Chicken Handbook
Tastes like…chicken. Roast it, broil it, grill it. The complete guide to buying, prepping, and cooking your favorite fowl, pg. 302
 
 Fast Friends
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, pg. 312
 
 Room Service
From eclectic to traditional, seven top decorators show how simple, low-cost ideas can pack a punch and lead to a sensational room, pg. 320
 
 Plus the Best...
 

• Slipcovers, pg. 233
• Boots, pg. 261
• Foundation, pg. 269

In This Issue

Thoughts, pg. 10
 
 Why Not?, pg. 18
 
 Contributors, pg. 24

 Editor's Note, pg. 39

Real Inspiration
You don’t need a degree in geology to appreciate beautiful rocks. This earthy element can solidify the style in your home, pg. 43
 
 Your Words
What was your most embarrassing fashion moment?, pg. 51
 
 Simple Solutions
Garlic press to crack coriander seeds (and other new uses for old things); poisonous houseplants lurking within; Internet lingo unscrambled; and more, pg. 63
 
 Life Lessons
Ann Patchett discovers the pleasures―and the payoff―of flexing her mental muscle, pg. 83
 
 The Organizer
Finding the right necklace was like finding a needle in a haystack―until Real Simple detangled a jewelry lover’s collection, pg. 253
 
 The Motivator
You have the power to change yourself and your world. So what are you waiting for? Life coach Gail Blanke wants to know, pg. 283
 
 Credits, pg. 370

Real Life
Meet Real Simple reader Simone Pratt, a Brooklyn newlywed with a weakness for French fries, pg. 376
 
 Real Simple to Go, pg. 378

The Guide

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

Road Tests

• Boots, pg. 261
• Foundation, pg. 269
• Pretzels, pg. 275
• Glue, pg. 279

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