2013 VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT GUIDE

1 - Ladurée macarons, order some from their New York shop; 2 - St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, $29.99 on Amazon; 3 - Fleur of England Love boudoir bra by Journelle, on sale for $54; 4 - Yves Saint Laurent Babydoll, £65.00 at Harrod's; 6 - Fashion and Art Collusion: Britain Creates book and poster boxset, $55 on net-a-porter; 7 - Fleur of England Love bow brief by Journelle, on sale for $54; 5 - Bom Bom Jewelry gold confetti garnet & amethyst ring, $205; 8 - Kate Spade Mine & Yours highball set, $50.00 at Macy's; 9 - Diptyque's limited edition Amber Oud mini candle, $32.00 on Beauty Habit

I love love and all things romantic, so it's no surprise that I love the idea of Valentine's day. Whether you're single or attached, it's an opportunity to show yourself, and the ones you love, that you care. Obviously, material items are not necessary to do so, but the occasion presents the perfect excuse to treat yourself, and/or your love, to something nice. Guys, above are a few gifts that are perfect for the fashionable woman in your life. Girls, go on and treat yourself to something nice!

STATEMENT NECKLACES

t

I can't get enough of big, bold, sparkly, statement necklaces. Adding one of these gem encrusted pieces is by far the easiest way to elevate an ordinary ensemble into the extraordinary. No need for a lot of makeup and bells and whistles when wearing a necklace like the one above. Simple, monochromatic pieces work best to showcase these beauties! Interested in trying this style? See below for where to buy.

1. Tom Binns Dumont Crystal necklace - $2,670 on net-a-porter; 2. Doloris Petunia one-of-a-kind Statement necklaces starting at  $400 on Etsy; 3.Badgley Mischka's Madame X necklace, available at Charm and Chain for $495; 4. Ben-Amun's five-strand pearl and dangling pendant necklace, $695 on Charm and Chain; and  5. Suzzana Dai's ivory windsor necklace, $470 on Charm and Chain.

BOSSY

Here it is, fresh from the pages of one of the more conservative business newspapers, a primer on power dressing for the fashion conscious career woman. According to the Wall Street Journal, today's corporate fashionista is no shrinking violet. She chooses outfits that are infused with color, unapologetically feminine, bold and understated and, of course, decidedly sexy. How does one achieve this look? Don't shy away from mixing textures, embrace accents like pleats and bows, reconsider embroidery and lace, incorporate the new neutrals, and, really, does your suit have to match?

"Borrow a little from the boys, and a lot from the girls"

But, seriously, even with powerful women like Michelle Obama, Queen Rania and Olivia Pope leading the charge, can we mere mortals get away with being fashion forward in conservative corporate culture? Obvi, the lawyer in me is screaming "it depends". That's because it does! The old refrain: "dress for the job you want" is still applicable here. If powerful women in your organization openly embrace fashion, then it's much easier to tread in the path that they've already blazed, easier still if you work in an industry in which looking fab is part of the job description, but if you work with the good 'ol boys, the risk averse lawyer in me is cautioning you not to start bucking any trends. See below for elements of a stylish and boardroom appropriate ensemble.

 Earrings: Lizzie Fortunato Left Bank earrings from Moda Operandi, $270; Purse: Alexander Wang Rocco Duffel, $875; Peplum Jacket: Alexander Mqueen, $2, 815; Shoes: Sergio Rossi black suede sandals with gold frill, $447; Baroque freshwater cultured pearls, $180.

There are ways to strike a balance, and I'd like to think that I do so. Even though the words from an ex still haunt me: "You look great, but that's too much for a law firm", and this from my main gay: "I'm worried that your outfits are too fashion-y for work". So, in truth, I save fab outfits for the weekends or after work, but I do get it in where I can during the work week: bright nail polish (and long-ish nails), great shoes (in brown, black or gray), bold bags (even in bold colors) and feminine shells (always silk or satin, sometimes with lace and bows) buried under a navy, gray or black suit and topped off with double strand pearls. That usually does the trick, or so I hope . . .

Click the label below for vintage Style Trends posts!

THIGH HIGH!

Is it not every woman's fantasy to parade around in Super Hero boots? I've long appreciated that look, but let's be honest, thigh high boots prior to their popularity today (and I'm sure there was a time before ours where they were de rigueur--aside from the 17th Century when they were popularized by men--maybe in the 70's) were always a little suggestive. That never stopped me from wearing them though. My favorite pair of thigh-high boots were acquired in a little shop off the Piazza del Duomo in Milan. They are black, flat and suede and cost only £39, but that was over five years ago. Now that over-the-knee boots have made a resurgence, you can find pairs in a multiplicity of prices with colors that run the gamut from cognac, to ruby red, to milky white, chocolate brown and basic black.

Continue reading (click Read More below) for where to buy. . .

LEITMOTIF: THE LEAF MOTIF

Known for her whimsical designs -- imagine a golden saltine cracker, a fortune cookie and a lucky wishbone as necklaces--Emily Elizabeth utilizes the mundane and often overlooked everyday items as inspiration for her line. I love the leaves and flowers that appear throughout and positively swooned when I saw the Venus headband! Emily Elizabeth works primarily with goldplated brass (pieces can be customized and plated in variations of gold) and was recession chic well before some of us ever heard of a collateralized debt obligation; the price on each of these sparklers belies the ingenuity and attention to detail. Her line is divided into three collections: "Sweet and Pretty", "Cool and Kitschy" and "Elegant and Sophisticated". I think they're all Just Darling!

Adjustable Fern Leaf Bangle, $100. Brass bangle with tarnish free brass wire.

P.S. Emily Elizabeth was kind enough to send this feather leaf lariat necklace over for a giveaway. Stay tuned for more details!

HEAVY METAL!

1- Tini's Straight Up Nail Lacquer in "Amaretto Fizz", $12.00 at Tini's; 2- Bobbi Brown "Pink Quartz" nail shimmer $8.50 at Nordstrom's; 3- Chanel's Le Vernis in "Kaleidescope", £14.50 at Chanel; 4- Essie's "Steel-ing the Scene", $8.00 at Essie; 5- Nicole by O.P.I. Nail Lacquer in "First Crush Blush", $10.00; 6- Revlon Nail Enamel in Gold Get 'Em, $6.00; 7- Sally Hansen Salon Nail Lacquer in Silver Stiletto, $7.00; 8- SpaRitual Nail Color in "Sharp", $9.00 at aveyou; 9- Zoya Nail Lacquer in Lael and Freja,$6.00 at Zoya.

Wondering what Beyonce and a host of other celebs are sporting on their nails? You too can achieve that same dipped in molten metal look. Metallic nails are the perfect compliment to this season's neutrals. See the slide above for a selection of metallic nail lacquers and where to buy.

My Pick: Sephora’s gunmetal "Gothik" and I'm crossing my fingers that a P.R. person will send me samples of Minx’s gold leaf-like appliqués, they're ridiculously fabulous.

STOPWATCH

Chronographs are timepieces with both timekeeping and stopwatch functions. Produced as early as the 18th century, but not gaining popularity until the 1820s, chronographs are once again enjoying a resurgence at the forefront of fashionable accessories.

1- Forever 21's jeweled watch in yellow, $8.50; 2-Fossil chronograph champagne dial, $115; 3-Swatch men's watches suiw400-ww, on Amazon $96.56; 4-Michael Kors women's chronograph at Macy's $225; 5- gold-tone chronograph watch with crystal accents, BCBG $225; 6- Vintage Omega speedmaster professional "Moonlanding" watch, £1,695 on Asos.

These watches are not for the Wallflower. The commanding size begs to be noticed. Colored chronographs will be fun for Spring and Summer, but I'm particularly keen on the Michael Kors mens chronograph in gold and have been wearing one since I had to replace my Swatch version of same.

Click on the label for vintage Style Trends posts!

COLOR THERAPY

Letoya Luckett, formerly of Destiny's Child, on the Grammy red carpet.

The 51st Grammy awards came and went with much fanfare and drama. Of course, all of music's greatest wore fashion's finest on the big night. But, Letoya Luckett's colorful ensemble is the most memorable. It seems that fashion's response to the gloom and doom of this financial crisis is to counter with cheery colors. One look at the outfit above and I feel all sorts of endorphins being released. Letoya's sateen fuschia minidress is pretty great in and of itself, but her accessories took the outfit up just a notch. Similar finds are below . . .

Tom Binns' "Dumont" crystal necklace on net-a-porter.com, Christian Louboutin's "Rolando" python pump in aqua, available at Barney's and a colorful Angel Jackson "Rainbow" clutch, from on asos.com.

Chromotheraphy, more commonly known as color therapy is a science that uses colors to promote physical and mental health and harmony. Letoya's outfit is a sign of what's to come. I predict that lots of bold, bright, fun colors will be on the runway for Mercedes-Benz Fall 2009 Collection Fashion Week!

Click on the label below for vintage Style Trends and Award Shows posts.

RARE BIRD!

While perusing The Sartorialist (if you're not already a fan, you must get on it) a couple of months ago, I stumbled across the pic below. Sart described the outfit as '80s flapper.

I loved everything, but the feather in the hair really appealed to me. I needed to find out who made it! My search was short lived . . . as I read the comments, I came across a note from the designer, Alita (below right).

So right after going to her site and scooping up a few of her feathered headbands for me and friends, I contacted her to ask a few questions for StyleChile.

Left: Green Guinea Black White Spot Headband Alice Band Shimmer $32.00; Right: Wide Green Rippling Sea Band, $44.00

When asked about her biggest fashion influences, Alita replied: "the biggest by far was Isabella Blow, who was a great patron and muse to the avant garde hatmaker Philip Treacy". Alita has been drawn to designing and jewelry-making ever since childhood. With respect to fashion, she's most proud of "being shot by the Sartorialist" (both her and her pieces!). I die. She's clearly on top of her fashion game. Of the Sart, she says: "He's one of the most finicky sensibilities in fashion right now...and you don't find him, he finds you."

Feathers are a key trend for this fall winter. Adding a feather to your ensemble is an easy and inexpensive way to add some flair. Check out Carolina Herrera's use of feather in her Fall 2008 show here, and Michelle Obama's feather pin.

Get your own Charm School Design original by visiting www.charmschooldesign.etsy.com. You can thank me later! Order for Christmas by December 11. Tell Alita I sent ya!

DEE AND RICKY + MARC JACOBS

On Monday, tired from a long weekend of Brooklyn activities, I tagged along with fab friends Renae of Crush Media and Rasu Jilani of Coup d'etat Brooklyn to a BBQ held at the Williamsburg home of Haze...*

Dee and Ricky and me!

...a noted artist who is responsible for album cover art for the likes of Public Enemy, EPMD, LL Cool J, the Beastie Boys and the man responsible for this often imitated writing style. Watch this space for more on Eric Haze! Shortly after settling in (read: pigging out with my homie Keish and fab artist Livingroom Johnston), and after having admired all of Haze's fantastic art, we noticed the two guys pictured above...they made their entrance by careening though the door...they literally bounced in! Youthful exuberance and energy emanated from their pores.

Marc Jacobs Spring 2008 runway featuring Dee and Ricky's lego designs

Turns out it was Dee and Ricky, the charismatic twin designing and dancing duo, whose lego designs were featured--on belts, barrettes and brooches--on Marc Jacob's Spring 2008 runway! Known as "the twins" or "the soho kids" Dee and Ricky are well known for their talent for dancing--they're members of the 3 man dance group, Jackson Swinton and are also 2/3 rds of a set of triplets! Their knack for designing finally got the audience it deserves when, according to one of the twins, they met Jason Preston at a party. Preston was so intrigued with their lego belts, that he introduced the twins to Marc and the rest is history!

I asked the twins about their inspiration and plans for the future. They've just always liked working with legos and the like...surprise, surprise! They're also working with Marc on some projects and are launching their own line of products soon. The belts were sold, limited edition, by Marc Jacobs, but are available online at www.deeandricky.com. Kanye West is a huge fan of these guys...get your own and tell em I sent ya! For additional pics and an insightful interview of the twins, check out Nitrolicious here.

* Haze founded his own clothing line in 1993, which remains recognized worldwide as one of the original brands that helped create the blueprint for streetwear as we know it today. He has a Haze Brand store in the Harajuku neighborhood of Tokyo, Japan.

Photo Credit: Renae Bluitt/Crush Media (first photo above).

HOT NEW HUE: MUSTARD

According to Michael Kors, mustard is the must-have color for wardrobes this fall. It's not just your grandmother's mustard however. It's 2008, so think wasabi and/or sun-dried tomato infused mustard. "Kors says mustard yellow seamlessly transitions from summer to fall and even winter. It's that right pop of autumnal color to announce the beginning of the new season -- but it's upbeat, doesn't make you miss summer and looks great with a bit of leftover suntan." - AP

Left to right, French's Classic Yellow Mustard, Old Fashioned Mustard by Delouis Fils, S&B Wasabi, Maille Dijon Originale, Lakeshore Wholegrain Mustard with Guinness Extra Stout and Stonewall Kitchen Sun-Dried Tomato Mustard.

StyleChile readers are always on trend...add one or two (or three) mustard-y pieces to your fall wardrobe and voila! See below for my picks and where to buy, or check out previous posts with mustard choices here and here.

French's Classic Yellow Mustard: citrine cuff by Bounkit for Vivre, $1,575.00; Milly textured wool coat with gold buttons; and Bamboo wrap scarf by Echo, $58. Old Fashioned Mustard by Delouis Fils: leather gloves by, Agatha & Me, $175; skirt suit: jacket and matching skirt are $498 and $288, respectively, from Badgley Mischka Platinum Sportswear- available at Saks; and Nine West's "Galen" boots are $250.00. S&B Wasabi: Motorcross leather jacket by Adam plus Eve, $795.00 at Neiman Marcus; Liberty flower print dress, £50.00 at Topshop; and trousers available at Antrhopologie for $228.00. Maille Dijon Originale: Dolce & Gabbana satin skirt, 350 at net-a-porter; leather gloves, $125.00 by La Crasia; and Fendi's patent leather B bag is available at net-a-porter for $1,860. Stonewall Kitchen Sun-Dried Tomato Mustard: Nylon bag, $25.00 at Gap, $25; Wet Seal's, bright Skinny Jean is $24.50; and Chinese Laundry's "Annabnelle" is available at Zappos for $73.00.

It appears that Michael's color forecast is missing a few key colors! Per Pantone, which is the self described "world-renowned authority on colour", fall 2008 is a season of change, change from the traditional dark autumnal shades to purples, rose, blues (and variations of traditional mustard). Pantone lists the following colors: blue iris, royal lilac, shady glade, caribbean sea, aurora red, shitake, withered rose, twillight blue, burnt orange and ochre as the colors of fall 2008. Check out Pantone's list of Fall 2008 colors and commentary provided by the likes of Zac Posen, Peter Som, and Y&Kei here.

Click on the label below for vintage Hot New Hue and Style Trends posts!

VOGUE ITALIA: BEAUTIFUL IS BEAUTIFUL

I believe in giving credit where credit is due and will sing the praises of Italian Vogue, particularly photographer, Steven Meisel, and editor-in-chief, Franca Sozzani, for showcasing the wealth of talent and beauty that's abundant in the black community.

Vogue has been much maligned, on this blog and elsewhere, for their seemingly singular focus on perpetuating the view that lighter skin, and fine European, features are the epitome of beauty. Consider the inaugural Vogue India and Vogue China covers. I mean, we all know that beauty comes in many shades and forms, but the continual bombardment of everything but women of color is pretty annoying, isn't it? Or maybe it isn't, but if it isn't, it may be because we are so used to seeing the same images that we become desensitized (or start to accept the familiar as truth).

It's little wonder that July's Italian Vogue, touted as the all-black issue, was so widely anticipated. The blogosphere and traditional media were abuzz with talk of this groundbreaking issue--featuring Naomi Campbell, Liya Kebede, Sessilee Lopez and Jourdan Dunn as covergirls. But, I kept thinking: "What's so groundbreaking about a magazine featuring women all of the same race...I mean, we see that all the time, no?" Obviously, this issue is special because for the first time, women of color, specifically black women, grace most of the pages.

Check out the slide show below for images from Italian Vogue All-Black issue.

And, while there may be "innocuous" reasons for the dearth of women of color in fashion magazines (and on the runways) --the lack of black models may be because of a misguided focus on the color green instead of on any particular skin color--I do think that the underlying reasons all stem from the same horrible place and, as such, is not quite so harmless. It's only fashion, but women and girls are affected, on many levels, by the images that they see in magazines. So, if some women starve and continuously diet in attempts to achieve the waifish ideal that was so rampant on the runways and in magazines, imagine the damage that's inflicted on women and girls of color who (cosmetic surgery-bleaching creams-contact lenses and hair extensions-notwithstanding) will never become white.

While this issue stands as a flagrant slap in the face of traditional notions of beauty--and squashed the idea that black faces don't sell magazines--I was disappointed to note that almost every advertisement (with the exception of a couple) featured white models. Also, maybe it's just me, forgive me, I don't read Italian (or any of the European) Vogues often, but was anyone else taken aback by the blatant (hyper) sexuality? Let's just say this issue was provocative in more ways than one...

Pros: (i) black models are gorgeous; (ii) Photography is magnificent; (iii) issue was well rounded--spotlighted models from back in the day as well young talent, even featured Essence and Ebony magazines.

Cons: (i) most of the ads feature non-black women; (ii) the issue is written in Italian (duh, can't have it all; who needs to read when we can look at the beautiful photos-- see first and second romanettes in pros section above); (iii) issue is faddish, are these women mere caricatures, is it now ok to return to the status quo?

The winners of the two issues featured in the post below are: Q. Meyers from Albuquerque, New Mexico and Monique W. from Belleview, Florida--they, and many others, knew that Sessilee Lopez is originaly from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Congratulations!

THE LAST STRAW

Want to exude boho chic? Emulate safari inspired styles? Go neutral or vamp up the color? Leave a small(er) green(er) carbon footprint? Swap out last season's leather "it" bag for one of these. Prices range from $14.50-$535.00.

Clockwise. Outter semi-circle: Kotur "Natural Lind" clutch $311.00 at chickdowntown.com; Michael Kors Santorini Shopper $278.00 at Macy's; Beehive clutch purse $15.80 at forever21.com; Anya Hindmarch Basket Tote $535.00 on vivre.com; Michael Kors Santorini Clutch $126.00 at Dillard's; Straw tote $21.99 on newport-news.com; Tory Burch Women's Rattan Clutch $275.00 at Bloomingdale's; and Juicy Couture snappy wicker basket $225 on net-porter. Inner semi-circle: stripe straw oval tote bag (turquoise) £ 30.00 at topshop.com; Tory Burch's "Suzie" straw clutch (yellow) $395.00; vintage style fan straw bag £20.00 at asos.com; Straw clutch $14.50 at alloy.com; and Martha Stewart collection straw tote $39.99 at Macy's.

The straw bag may be the most versatile accessory this season. Take a woven straw bag from the office, to the beach, or out on the town. It's not your mother's straw bag--though my mom asked me for one for mother's day--these hip versions run the gamut from clutch to hobo to tote.

Mena Suvari wears an Alice + Olivia jumpsuit and oversized straw Valentino purse at SocialVibe.com's Green Launch Party at Les Deux in late March, 2008; Sienna Miller strolls along the beach in Ibiza, Spain in September 2007.

My Pick: Michael Kors' Santorini Shopper, above, and this Antik Batik Kylie tote; my mom likes Juicy Couture's version shown above.

Click on the link below for vintage StyleTrends posts!

PEEP SHOW!

Global warming is the topic du jour and designers are responding in kind. Seasonless clothing is the design world's way of adapting to unseasonable weather. Some designers are even hiring climatologists!

These open toe shoes are perfect for transitioning from the colder months to the warmer. They work well in the colder months--because there's ample coverage; yet, perfect for warm weather--because of all the cutouts! See, fashion is not all form over function! Read below for where to buy! Prices range from $22.80 to $1,395.00.

Left to right. Top: Steve Madden's "Midory" in khaki is $139.95; pricked white calfskin boot, Le Silla by Enio Silla, $833; light pink patent leather peep-toe, Report Signature, $225; and Finsk peep toe sandal in grey at TopShop for £195.00. Middle: Chloe leather shoe boots in pink and white are available at net-a-porter for £316; watersnake multi-color skin bootie, Dolce & Gabbana, $995; Nine West's "Hotpic" in coral and pink satin is on sale for $49.99; turquoise patent leather shoe, Pierre Hardy, $895; Nine West's "Hotpic" in green with turquoise satin is on sale for $49.99; Pour La Victoire "Brie" $194.00 at zappos.com; and leather high-heel sneaker, Pierre Hardy, $1,395, at select Neiman Marcus. Bottom: Steve Madden's "Merrit" in pewter is $139.95; Ralph Lauren Collection "Adley" peep toe oxford, in white with black, is available at Bloomingdale's for $595.00; tan leather boot is $179 at Nine West; Vince Camuto's "Veronica" oxford's, in brown and white, are $129.95 at Nordstom's; and Forever 21's metallic "Aston" pump is only $22.80.

My pick: Nine West's "hotpic" is burning a hole in my closet--can't wait to wear them, and I'm scheming on Report Signature's patent leather peep toe! Click on the label below for vintage Style Trends posts!

URBAN SAFARI

Whether you're roaming with the bulls and bears of lower manhattan, on the hunt for the exotic in the Village; traversing the concrete jungle in Chelsea, preparing for an expedition to the Bronx...lead the caravan in one of this season's must-have safari inspired looks. See below for where to buy!

Left to Right. Top: Banana Republic's cotton vest, $130 and Brown leather belt, Nikki Jaggs, $115; barneys.com; gladiator Leather boot Boss Orange, $495, call 800.hugo.boss; Old Navy's Women's Belted Safari Jacket only $29.50; Jeweled leather hat, D&G, $420, dolcegabbana.it. Bottom: Phillip Lim oversized safari cardigan $640.00 on net-a-porter; Max & Co. cotton jacket, $355; TopShop's high waisted paper bag shorts £28.00; Sunglasses, Diesel, price upon request, at Diesel stores nationwide; and Old Navy's women's safari romper $25.00.

Click on the label below for vintage style trend posts!

AMORE!

Last year you knocked his pants off, this year make it rain!

Left to right. Top: Red heart pasties $22.50 on Etsy; TopShop Mesh Corset £28.00. Middle: Seafoam green easy spin tassle pasties $22.50 on Etsy; Oasis' Odille Lingerie Woodland multiway print bra and g-string £24.00 and £12.00, respectively; Mimi Holliday at net-a-porter, Bra $85.00 and Thong $55.00. Bottom: Old Navy Point D’Esprit Camisole and Thong $10.00 and $6.00; respectively.; Wet Seal's mesh and lace g-string $3.50; Fig Leaves' silk frill triangle bras and briefs $53.00 and $36.00, respectively.

Update: Upon further reflection, I think it best to add a disclaimer. I do not advocate nor encourage "making it rain"; the reference is tongue in cheek. Please take it with a grain of salt.

BLACK MAGIC!

Looking for something fab to wear on New Year's eve? Or for the eve of New Year's eve, or for the night of New Year's day? Is the phenomena of having parties seemingly every night leading up to New Year's and the day after the big eve a New York thing? Not that I'm complaining, I plan to attend them all.

Left to right. Top: Lulu Lame dress $145.00 on shopintuition.com, Swarovski jeweled headband $160.00 on swarovski.com, Gaetano Perrone jeweled "Diana" shoe for Te Casan $ 375.00(heels are no longer available), See by Chloe square sequined dress $555.00 on net-a-porter.com. Bottom: Oasis beaded clutch bag, £17.00 0n asos.com; Nars glitter pencil in Area (black with gold) is $24.00 on sephora.com, Oscar de La Renta full cotton twill skirt, $2,780.00 on net-a-porter.com; Jet and rhinestone bracelet £12.00 on topshop.com.

Whether you're attending a swanky formal party, chic party at a lounge, dinner with friends, or a house party, throw a little bit of black in there. Not just any 'ole black. A number (black or not) that involves lots of shimmery, sparkly black stones, sequins, pailletes etc...It's the perfect way to add a little glam without looking like you're trying too hard.

Kelly Rowland on her way to the 2007 MTV Europe Awards

My pick, Kelly Rowland's midnight blue dress with black accents. Does anyone know who makes this dress?

Click on the link below for vintage Style Trends posts!

BRIGHT TIGHTS

Colored tights are another excellent way to spice up this winter's looks. Black tights are so last year! Take a risk or two and wear orange, purple, burgundy or blue.

Arden Wohl on her way to Vogue's 7th on Sale gala at the 69th Regiment Armory...

I really like the selection of color palette tights at Anthropologie. Urban Outfitters has great color options (see their sparkle & fade opaque tights). Check out the models and celebrities in the slide below for inspiration!

Style Tip: wear with colorful shoes; metallics also look great. Black, as always, works well too!

TIE ONE ON!

Tie-front blouses are perfect for the office and transition well to post work fun. Guys aren't the only ones who can wear ties! I love androgyny, but am a very girly girl...take this decidedly male look and flip it with these feminine colors and silky/satiny textures. Check out my picks below.

StyleTip: These shirts look great with high waisted pencil skirts and opaque tights.

Clockwise, outer semi circle: turquoise TopShop frill sleeve blouse £25.00; purple chiffon blouse-and-sweater-vest ensemble, $990.00 at Escada; blue silk Sportmax blouse $550.00, at MaxMara; red stretch charmeuse blouse, $345.00 at Miguelina; white D&G Dolce & Gabbana sheer silk blouse, $285.00 on net-a-porter; polka dotted silk lurex blouse, $308 at Tibi. Inner semi circle: yellow silk chiffon blouse, Walter, $143.00; 201-420-1665 or at Jessie James; pink silk blouse, Walter, $130.00 at Saks; black Forever 21 satin blouse $19.80.

I really like the inexpensive and super cuter tie-front shirts at Speigel -silk charmeuse for $59.00 and Banana Republic -metallic flutter sleeve top in gold and silk lame, $49.00. Click on the label below for vintage Style Trends posts!

MAYBE I WAS ONTO SOMETHING...

Get yours before it's too late! Check out the People magazine article here.

"Blake Lively is proving to be just as much of a fashionista as her on-screen alter-ego, Serena van der Woodsen. Hitting the talk show circuit, the young star impressed the host and audience not just with her charm and poise. . .but with her fancy heels from te casan! Kelly Ripa professed her undying love for the fabulous heels and even got Blake to let her try one on! And she’s not the only one — we were beseiged by readers begging us to track them down. You don’t need to be a Gossip Girl to get your hands on your own pair of Gaetano Perrone “Diana” jeweled pumps, $375, by calling their New York City boutique, 212-584-8000 or check out their website at tecasan.com "-People Magazine

Yum! Gaetano Perrone is allegedly leaving Te Casan to join Dior (can someone please confirm or deny?). These shoes are on sale (in store) at Te Casan, for $189.00. Tell 'em I sent 'ya!

Update: These shoes are no longer on sale! Crazy what a 'lil publicity will do... Update: And like that, they're gone! Sold out.

My new favorite shoe, and Blake Lively's too? Diana jewelled ballerina pumps, designed by Gaetano Perrone for Te Casan.

Thanks for the heads up Veronica! Click on the link below for vintage Style Trends posts.