Melody Gardot

I don't do drugs; I let music and fashion turn me into an insane person bursting with mind boggling melancholy or exuberant joy. Both do very powerful things to my psyche. A good dress and/or song can frame up a kick-ass state of mind fairly quickly. Hell yes, I raise my left hand when Beyonce's "All the Single Ladies" comes on...

Melody Gardot is my new favorite drug. Her rich sultry voice sends chills down my spine. I listen to her second album, My One and Only Thrill, constantly. First heard on Ann Delisi's Essential Music, I learned that Gardot was hit by a car while bike riding when she was 18, leaving her badly injured. After a long, painful recovery, she still suffers eye problems and has to wear sunglasses most of the time.

Her look is as sexy and sultry as her voice. Word on the street is that she's a big fan of Alber Elbaz at Lanvin. Makes sense. She is certainly rocking a vintage, understated glam look.

Top 10 Collections of Fall 2010

Posted today on WWD. Take a look, tell me what you think. Hard to imagine two days after hanging up my shorts, we are already onto Fall. More this week about the fashion calendar, style revolts and why my boyfriend hates slouchy pants.

Top 10 Collections of Fall 2010

Low Hanging Fruit

Missoni Wooden and leather kitten heels, Net-A-Porter

The low heel movement in fashion has my full support (my favorites above.) As someone who spends large portions of the day hauling bags, lifting boxes, heaving arms of clothes, and running up and down stairs, 4inch heels are no friend of mine. Love'em to death, but honestly, they kill me and my feet by the end of day. Bloody heels are never really worth it.

I do find heels sexier for times not spent working my ass off, but a smaller heel with plenty of interest perks up simple trousers or a skirt.

Variations on the low heel: Stella, Chloe, Marni, Marc Jacobs

Matt and Kim

This song has me dancing around my apartment like a lunatic. I love it. If there was a surgical operation to permanently pipe it into my brain for 24 hours of play time, I would go under in a second.

buy off the beaten path

Etsy is one of my favorite spots to troll for cool jewelry and gifts. Supporting small designers like jewelshine30 and her Wings of Horus necklace above I believe creates good juju in the fashion world. Plus, you get karma and style points for buying off the beaten path. The idea of having something not recognizable to everyone who walked into F21 or Nordstrom's gives you a cute little story to share when everyone wants to know where you found such a cool piece.