Wish I Were There: Roaming the Streets of Paris

I suppose this is fashion escapism. Imagine yourself in this parisian appropriate outfit that will transition through a full day of soaking in the sites: morning at the Rodin museum, afternoon leisurely strolling along Ile St. Louis eating Berthillon ice cream, and an evening enjoying the view atop the glittering Eiffel Tower. Bon Voyage!

Fashion Essentials: Denim for Evening

Exude stylish sexiness while dancing the night away in this evening look that is reminiscent of a young Diane von Furstenberg at Studio 54. Dark denim is dressed up with an embellished tank, drapey knit cardigan, and lots of shiny accessories.

Fashion to Last: LBD Cocktail Chic

The LBD goes cocktail chic with bold, streamlined accessories. Play the femme fatale in this darkly sophisticated and sensuous evening look inspired by Man Ray's "Observatory Time - The Lovers."

Seasonal Essentials: Fresh as a Daisy

This summer ensemble is very much like the MJ Daisy scent: youthful, playful, and refreshingly carefree. This look recalls both the breezy silhouettes of the Twenties and the mod playfulness of the Sixties. It definitely makes one want to frolic in the crisp summer grass without a care in the world.

Fashion Inspiration: Belle de Jour

I must confess that Luis Bunuel's 'Belle de Jour' does not stand out as one of my favorite films, however, the breath-taking fashions designed by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Cardin, and iconic buckle shoes by Roger Vivier have been permanently imprinted in my fashion consciousness.

Fashion to Last: Little Black Dress Goes to the Ball

Let them eat cake...I'd rather have couture.
Channel a modern day Marie Antoinette in a gorgeous little black dress and show-stopping accessories. This evening look is regal, ethereal, pretty, over- the-top glamour... definitely fit for a queen.

Fashion History 101: Mondian Muse

The legendary Yves Saint Laurent designed the iconic "Mondrian" dress (inspired by artworks of Piet Mondrian) in 1965. More than forty years later fashion designers continue to be inspired.

Fashion Muse: YSL & Betty Catroux

This look is inspired by Yves Saint Laurent's iconic "Safari" tunic and thigh-high boots that French fashion icon and YSL muse Betty Catroux made her own in an androgynously sexy and deeply Parisian "I could give a care" way.

Fashion Inspiration: La Boheme

Although all fashion trends come and go (it is the nature of fashion after all), some inspirations resurface much more regularly, such as the bohemian trend. This is very lucky for me because regardless of whether it is the current trend, the bohemian style has a hold on me. The inspiration for these looks is equal parts Americana folk, traditional European folklore, luxe Bohemian, gypsy, and hippie. The classic palette of black is accented with garnet, earth tones, and gold. Have fun with bold prints, Tyrolean style embroidery, fringe, and luxe furs.

Trend Watch Spring 2009: Come as You Are... in Grunge

Grunge was a major inspiration for fall '08 fashion and continues to be going strong for spring. I've interpreted the trend as a slightly more sophisticated and polished version of the 90s grunge, but the essence is still there in the dark plaids, somber grey and black tones, ripped denim, knits, loose, slouchy silhouettes, lots of layering, and boyish accessories (combat boots, converse). There are two looks that would work in a formal setting and two that are casual. Either way, "You Know You're Right" in these looks.

Fashion Inspiration: Well That's Just Dandy

My inspiration for this look is one of my favorite writers- Oscar Wilde, who was an equally talented writer and dresser. I love the juxtaposition of the severity and opulance of this Victorian fashion.

Fashionably Political: Runway to Change

Fashion and politics have seemed like strange bedfellows until now...

With the elections nearing I have been far more concerned with politics than fashion. However, it was a pleasant surprise to discover that several leading fashion designers have designed a selection of merchandise ranging from tee shirts to bags in support of Barack Obama (all proceeds go to the Obama campaign). I am especially excited about the shirts designed by Nanette Lepore, Tory Burch, Alexander Wang and Maria Cornejo and the tote bags designed by Derek Lam, Rag and Bone, and Marc Jacobs. Now I can get my fix of fashion and politics at the same time. What better way to show that being political is fashionable?

From top: Tory Burch tee shirt ($60), Maria Cornejo tee shirt ($60), Nanette Lepore tee shirt ($65), Alexander Wang tank top ($45), Derek Lam tote ($75), Rag and Bone tote ($75), and Marc Jacobs tote ($75).

All items available on the Obama website.  http://store.barackobama.com/  

Career Chic: Woman in Charge

When it comes to dressing for work, who says a woman can't retain her femininity and stylishness while being in a position of ultimate authority?

Seasonal Essentials: The Weather Outside is Frightful

With fall and winter soon approaching, frightful weather is inevitable. But I'm one of those "the glass is half full" people when it relates to fashion. I choose to see miserable weather as an opportunity: oh, the weather outside is frightful, but (the fashion) inside (your closet) is so delightful! It is the ultimate fashion test to look chic in spite of rain, wind, snow, and severe chill.

Fashion Inspiration: Gamine

I have a fascination with gamine chic... I think it is the simple lines, unconcerned attitude, and the coexistance of elegance (the ruffle detail on the pumps) and awkward discordance (skulls on pashima) that makes this gamine look so covetable.
This is a versatile look... I could see a carefree girl wearing this in Paris (perhaps roaming the Picasso museum in the Marais district)... or, now I come to think of it, Sophia Coppola (who just happens to be the patron saint of gamine chic).