What to wear: YSL Burnt Orange Trench

We just got in this YSL trench and it's fabulous. Worn as a dress or topper, the volume and tailoring are just right. Clearly it's a color you can take back to neon yellow, royal blue, and fuck me red. I love the different styling ideas from Polyvore members.

Leap Year: The Perfect Proposal Outfit by desireh featuring Christian Louboutin shoes

Items in this set: Stella McCartney Spring linen-blend dress, $1,195 DOUBLE BREASTED COTTON BLEND COAT, 1,150 GBP Amy Adams’ counterfeit jeans - BostonHerald.com Christian Louboutin | Gressimo 140 suede pumps |, 580 GBP Sequin satin bow bag, $175

bright yellow! by sasoula featuring Yves Saint Laurent coats

Items in this set: Cream Vestale Tunic Dress by Paul & Joe Sister, 155 GBP DOUBLE BREASTED COTTON BLEND COAT, 1,150 GBP HOT PINK WOOL SKIRT, 275 GBP Brian Atwood Riva patent leather sandals, $205 Jimmy Choo Bag

fire of desire by Dejavu featuring Yves Saint Laurent coats

Items in this set: Bottega Veneta Soft jersey dress, 495 GBP DOUBLE BREASTED COTTON BLEND COAT, 1,150 GBP High Heels - J Lo 'Delorice' - Funky Ankle-Strap Pumps Alexander McQueen Red Ornate Skull Clutch, $405 Vivienne Westwood Heart watch pendant, $175

Untitled by pocahaunted featuring Kenneth Jay Lane jewelry

Items in this set: Maxmara dresses, 280 GBP DOUBLE BREASTED COTTON BLEND COAT, 1,150 GBP Osman Yousefzada Sculptural suede shoe, 280 GBP Candy Pratts Price's Spring 2010 Accessory Report Kenneth Jay Lane Wood/Shell Insert Bangle at Zappos.com, $56

What to Wear: Scallop Chloe Top

I bought the below Chloe scallop top in black and have been at odds for the right look. Layered over a sexy, lacy bra, graphic tights and killer shoes - it comes to life. I was also thinking about it tucked into high waisted pants with a leather or blazer...

I'll post my look next week...:)

my ashtray heart... by Etch featuring Miss Selfridge tights

Items in this set: Chloe Scalloped silk sheer top, $340 Chloe Gathered velvet skirt, $870 Elastic Wedge, $525 Black Sheer Bow Back Tights, 6 GBP Vintage Plastic and Aluminum Women's Rhinestone Eyeglass Frames

Lusty, Musty Leathers

I've got leather on the brain. Lately every outfit for clients and myself has incorporated a vision of leather. I don't own a good leather yet, although it's high on my list.

Ms. Lively (one of my favorites) is sporting a very cute cropped slate grey leather with skinnies, nudie mary janes and a tee. Predictable, comfy and chic. A few looks I love and jackets to lust over. Enjoy!

Blake Lively

Olivia Palermo

Ashely Olsen (She looks a little Valentino w/that tan, but nevertheless paired with a white shift or vintage slip, her leather jacket looks chic and fun.)

From AllSaints, $400

Miu Miu, $2315

A piece you'll never fatigue

Spring 2010 trends shows a strong march toward military influences in jackets both in color, fabric and style.

If you love the look, but on modest budget: do not fret. Main stream designers like Ann Taylor, Gap, Club Monaco, and Banana Republic put out inspired pieces at a fraction of the cost. For example, Ann Taylor's Long Ripstop Anorak below is bargain at under $100.

More looks from Style.com to inspire your perfect piece hunting:

Marc Jacobs Spring 2010, above

BurberryProsum

Balmain Spring 2010

John Galliano Spring 2010

Buyers Laud Paris Men's Shows, Boost Orders

Great news from WWD.com. Hopefully we can take this as a positive up tick in business...:O

Buyers Laud Paris Men's Shows, Boost Orders

Suits You A Little Sassy

Love the pop of color these pants bring, add a blazer and you're good for work.

Love the oxford, trench combo - so chic and classic.

While on Oprah.com, a few other outfits caught my eye. Essentially because they are solid outfits that can be assembled from even a small budget. It's easy to fall into generic, blah blah corporate suit girl. I used to work in the Ren Cen and some days it's like a sea of zombie suit ladies. Devoid of personality, playfulness or imagination. Basics with style... who knew?

navy jacket (Esprit, $160)—in a seasonless cotton blend—and gray flannel pants (Express, $80) top striped (Kate Spade New York, $225)

Petite Cheat Sheet

Was on Oprah.com today and found tips for petite dressing. Everything above is pretty basic, easy breezy basic. Remember: proportion is everything with your small frame. Be picky with fabrics and evaluate prints for scale and color. Keep bags and accessories bold but not overpowering. Heels, even a kitten heel, is a good one. That little bit of height lifts the bum and adds length to your legs - elongating your silhouette.

• A high-belted top makes legs look longer, as do the heels.
• Dark-wash denim always elongates the leg more effectively than the lighter kind; it's dressier and more versatile, too.
• Show some part of the body so you don't get lost in your clothes.
• "Too much fabric will overpower your figure." Think balance: Volume on top means slim on the bottom, and vice versa.
• Avoid ankle-strap shoes or short boots; they break the leg line.
• A blazer that hits at the high hip is flattering; pass up anything boxy (looks squat) or shrunken (looks faddish).
• The trousers—fitted on top, widening below the knee—suggest fuller styles that might be trendy without being too big.
• Tailoring can't fix everything: "If a garment is too big in the shoulders, forget about it."
• Empire waists raise the focus to bust level, so your torso and legs suddenly seem much longer—that's one reason this dress works.
• Size up prints by holding your fist against the fabric. If the pattern is the same scale or smaller, okay. If it's bigger, it will overwhelm you.
• The classic wrap dress is very friendly because it paints a vertical line on your body.
• Monochromatic dressing—one shade, head to toe—is always flattering. Anytime you chop up your body with color, it's not going to be good.

A date with luxury...literally.

Christen Dior Couture Dress 2009-2010

As Couture Fashion Week begins in Paris today, I'm feeling slightly unglamorous in wintery Michigan. While it seems a tad unfair 95% of us will never see such magnificent creations in the flesh and tulle, I'm soaking it all up on Vogue.com and the twittering of VogueParisLive amongst other real-time updates.

The esteemed fashion tribes are busy bees these days. Moving on from the Men's shows wrapping up in Milan and Paris to Couture Fashion this week warming us up for ready to wear in NYC starting Feb. 11.

More from Vogue France:

The week kicked off yesterday with formerBalenciaga helmer Josephus Thimister, who has returned to the couture fold under his own name after almost a decade as a ready-to-wear creative director. Today the shows begin in earnest, with young gun Alexis Mabille occupying the first spot in a day's schedule that also includes warring fashion heavyweights Christian Dior and Giorgio Armani Privé (read about Armani's Dior fight here).

Tuesday sees Cheryl Cole's couturier of choice, Stéphane Rolland(read our exclusive collection preview here), show his collection along with Givenchy and possibly the most anticipated show of the week: Chanel. Wednesday rounds off the couture offering with Elie Saab, Jean Paul Gaultier and Valentino all presenting their collections - and taking us ever closer to the beginning of ready-to-wear in New York on February 11.

More Magazine, celebrating you after 40

I do have a slight smirk on my face writing this because while I'm turning 30 this year, I haven't thrown in the towel quite yet. But it's true, I did pick up More Magazine today because its February cover girl, Mariska Hargitay (her website is well done), is styled wearing a fabulous sequin Norman Ambrose cocktail dress.

Relevant to me because Ambrose is an up and coming American couturier in NYC who nabbed his first main stream magazine cover and because I have the pleasure of doing business with him every season. One of my clients is in love with his lady like creations. Personally, I think him lovely and visionary in his classic, ladylike old Hollywood inspired dressing. His made to measure business is second to none with fabrics and craftsmanship reminiscent of true couture. I'm glad to see him getting well deserved ink.

On another note, while flipping through More, I was interested in their take on life advice for ladies reevaluating their lot after life change: divorce, new career path, empty nest onset, or retirement. More does a decent job, with the help of Tim Gunn, providing tips and how-to's in creating a polished look for those celebrating themselves after 40. You can see the before and afters above of Barbara Newman who clearly is gal up for anything, but needs a sprinkle of sophistication to bring it together.

Relevant and insightful for women who aren't obsessively turning the pages of Vogue, but see the value in a well edited closet. Advice to think about below...

Does This Make Her Look Old? - MORE Magazine

Is Your Closet Too Young? - MORE Magazine

First-Date Dressing - MORE Magazine

96 episodes, Six Seasons, Four Friends, One Amazing City

Imagine my joy upon receiving the complete Sex in the City DVD box set today.

Every Sunday for six years, I plugged into HBO to marvel in envy at the unfolding lives of four friends who were everything I wanted to be: smart, funny, and fashionable. Like Carrie, we all have our John James Preston and what was so appealing was that Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte were lovelorn and love seeking too. Just like us.

And, it's true, I'm falling in love all over again. STC will always hold a special place in my heart; it's like my coming of age TV series.

If it works for Amelia...

Karin Nelson called out the aviator hat as a stand out accessory this season. I couldn't agree more. She says:

WHILE the film “Amelia” may have flopped, Amelia Earhart’s fashion sensibilities have taken off. Aviator caps, the slick leather toppers worn by old-timey high-fliers, have been turning up on the runway and around town. For the real deal, U. S. Wings, a company that supplies the military, offers a handmde sherpa-lined and unlined version, named the Snoopy flying cap (left).

Jessica Simpson Teams With Jones New York

Jessica Simpson Teams With Jones New York As a celebrity brand, I think Jessica Simpson appeals to a younger, hard working, somewhat in touch female consumer. Simpson is pretty and accessible, not so over the top that the average female consumer can't connect with her sense of style. Sexy mixed with a bit of innocence and playfuless. Certain on trend if not to a fault. It seems like a smart move on Jones New York part to appeal to a younger, yet somewhat concerned consumer. Fashion Markets News - WWD.com

Alexa Chung to Collaborate With Madewell

Alexa Chung to Collaborate With Madewell - WWD.com

Madewell has signed Alexa Chung to create a fall collection, in the brand’s first celebrity collaboration. Madewell, which is part of the J. Crew Group, and Chung both exude downtown casual cool, with Chung bringing a “sexy tomboy, Sixties girls’ band” and Victorian aesthetic to the brand, or as she also put it, “things you wouldn’t mind getting dirty in and things that I actually wear.… I love how their vibe is a mix of vintage and new — it completely clicked with me.”

Retail's Technological Revolution Takes Off

Retail's Technological Revolution Takes Off Retail Store and Industry News - WWD.com

DL on Denier

I pulled this information from Mytights.com. Superb 101 for anyone with a hosiery fetish.

Deniers: What does it mean?

Technically denier relates to the weight (i.e. thickness) of the yarn from which hosiery is woven, (in case you are interested, 1 denier means that 9,000 meters of yarn weighs 1 gram). Generally the lower the denier, the sheerer the appearance and the more fragile the product. Certain products however have an appearance that is sheerer than would be expected for their denier - this is good news as it means that a product is stronger than it looks!

Almost Bare Nylon/Ultra Sheer: Less than 10 denier

Ultra sheer hosiery is ideal for achieving a bare leg look. Available in a wide variety of deniers and shades to suit your skin tone, ultra sheer hosiery smoothes out blemishes and keeps your legs cool during the hot summer months. Very Sheer Nylon/Sheer: 10 to 20 denier Sheer hosiery is a must-have summer item for every woman’s hosiery draw. Much like ultra sheer, sheer hosiery is available in an array of colours, deniers and finishes but, being a slightly thicker denier, will be a little more durable for everyday wear. Opt for matt finishes for a natural look and go for shine for a more noticeable appearance. Sheer hosiery can have both sheer LINK toes and sandal LINK toes, which again is great for wearing with strappy sandals or open toe shoes.

Classic Nylon/Semi-Opaque: 21 to 40 denier

Semi-Opaque hosiery is stronger and longer lasting than sheer. It will give your legs more coverage but your skin will remain quite visible. We have some great semi-opaque hosiery available in an assortment of bright and everyday colours from leading brands including Jonathan Aston and Pamela Mann.

Almost a Tight/Opaque: 41 to 69 denier

Opaque hosiery will give your legs great coverage and unlike semi-opaque, your skin will be far less visible. We have an extremely wide selection of opaque hosiery available in lots of colours from brands such as Emilio Cavallini and Falke. Perfect for winter, opaques are also great during springtime weather teamed with shorts and skirts.

Classic Tights/Thick Opaque: 70 to 99 denier

Thick opaque hosiery is a god-send during winter, especially if you want to keep your legs warm when wearing your favourite LBD to all those Christmas parties! If you don’t like wearing trousers in the winter months, thick opaques are ideal for keeping your legs protected from the elements, plus they’re extra durable. Also due to their thickness the colour on your leg will be strong and give a clear outline to your legs.

Almost a legging/Mega Thick Opaque: 100 Denier Plus

Every woman needs mega thick opaques for winter! Mega thick opaque’s are great alternatives to leggings and woolly tights. They give your legs complete coverage at all times. They are also great if you want a strong and solid colour on your leg. Perfect for making your legs stand out or alternatively go for a classic black.

Get a handle on your hoseiry

Yesterday I was at a client's dress fitting for the Hospice Ball this Saturday at the Ritz Carlton Dearborn. My client is not an event chair, but always likes to look her very best for black-tie events. Because for her knee length cocktail dress (classic black shift w/ a very cool Zac Posen fur collar) and our shoe choice, the topic of hosiery was a BIG one.

NOTE*** Research is my secret weapon; here are pics from last year's Hospice Ball. A mix of both long and short dresses with bare legs and some hosiery wearers. Know these things when dressing for an event: location, time, vibe, co chairs, people involved, dress code and event prestige. Every element provides intel into the best look for my client based on his/her role in the event and personal style.

General guidelines to noodle while picking leg wear...

• Age - those born around 1980 often don't wear leg wear ever (that includes me.) My grandmother and mother always wear leg wear in the winter for dressy and evening events.
• Time of Day - Morning, day or evening. Depending on your age, evening dressing is a bare leg DO NOT. Sometimes I think it's weird to have bear legs during that day... hosiery makes more sense
• Shoes - Open toed, sandal, depending on your look and age, open toe/sling back doesn't always look that great with tights, nylons, or hosiery.
• Weather - is it below 50? comfort may win here and hosiery could help keep you warm.
• Event - Casual, formal, black tie? Is it more formal? Can you get away with a bit of daring i.e. gallery opening or an event with less stodgy undertones - kids charity fundraiser, birthday party at a restaurant.
• Work Wear - Are you working aka not black-tie or event related? Wear hosiery in the winter, NO QUESTIONS ASKED. Don't event think about wearing bare legs. Summer is a different animal and that event depends on your employer.

The best advice I can give is to wear what's comfortable for you and be aware of modern convention - doesn't mean you have to follow it. As with most things fashion, the world's your oyster. Prepared to stand your ground if you are the trend setter or black sheep in the crowd.

Wisdom from others:

Do I have to match my legwear with my shoes?

While matching your hose with your shoes is leg-lengthening and an easier option when you're getting dressed, don't be afraid to have some fun with color and texture. And remember, the old-school rule that you shouldn't pair brown and black no longer applies, so achieve an ultrachic look by donning rich browns with your black footwear. From iVillage

1.) White tights – NO. NO, NO! Unless you are three years old and gearing up for Easter Sunday, you should never, EVER wear white tights.

Forget the days of drab, nude pantyhose, ladies. First of all, you are not 80. Second of all, there are so many more FLATTERING and stylish patterns and colors to choose from! Unless you feel that you need to wear them in the workplace (we don’t want you feeling under-dressed- literally!), leave them at home. From Fashion Friday

Soho Personal Shopper Video - New York City Travel Videos - Tripfilms

This my job but just as a little smaller fish in a smaller pool.

Soho Personal Shopper Video - New York City Travel Videos - Tripfilms

Have A Knit Day

I love shopping where you walk out with a story in a bag. Funny sales person, nabbing that item you've been patiently waiting for, a store that is doing something different or makes you feel good about spending your hard earned money.

Wool and the Gang is no except to feel good shopping. When I think of knitting I think of two people: my grandma and good friend Sarah Lapointe. WATG is geared more for the latter - it's certainly a more modern hip take on an old ass hobby.

Timing is everything; I wish I uncovered this gem BEFORE x-mas. You can knit a ton of stuff yourself and for a gal under a tight budget this year, just about everyone on my list would be covered... coffee warmers, beanies, scarves, vests, ties. You name it.

Plus they have the snood (see my next post for the gravy on this accessory).

Two peas in a pod

I couldn't help it... this picture of Debbie Harry and Joan Jett on Style.com totally reminded me of my best friend, Jen. Blond and brunette always make THE best friends and party pals.

asian furisode

I'm sorting through my photo archives to find the Midwest version of this Asian coming of age photo... stay tuned.

daily devotional: asian fashion

I stumbled upon Made In Girl magazine and love it. See fun/cute/playful/original fashion below. It's not a secret that I have a HUGE-O crush on asian people...especially their fashion taste. Check out Tokyofashion.com for more street-spritation.

Tights?!

Does anyone else struggle with finding the right tights during cold weather? That's why I prefer warm weather dressing... No f****** tights to find because you'll never seem to find the right color or pattern that speaks best to your selected look. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

I love blogging by mobile!

bunny chic

Look at Ms. Kate doing her thing in Aspen. I love her tone downed, accessible glamour. If this were True Blood, that look would have me in a spell. Uou can recreate this for yourself VERY easily. One pinch skinny pants, a dash of vintage fur and a faux skin bag = cold weather chic.