If you want a mod knit that kicks you in the stomach every time (and I mean that in the very best of ways), try the Deco baby doll dress from Alice + Olivia ($242). Miles of leg and a bold pattern make it a brave choice, but one that will pay off in double takes and free drinks. For a showstopping look that needs little thought and less accessorizing, throw it on with bare legs (or black tights - it's chilly out there), some lip gloss and a quick hair shake. And you're ready to rock the world. Or at least the restaurant.

Labels: dresses

Are totally growing on me. Kenneth Cole Boxed In booties on sale (today only) for $137.

Coats have drama these days. Architectural flare. Big pouffy sleeves that once made me laugh but now totally work.

Exhibit A: Martin Grant coat from his fall collection.


Exhibit B: Nanette Lepore embroidered velvet coat that does double duty as a coat or a dress ($780).


Exhibit C: Mike & Chris Bailey coat ($286)

Labels: stay toasty, tops

London-based Gwendolyn Carrie moved from high finance to shoe design a few years ago. Her line has developed into a blend of striking and beautifully wearable, whether you're in a board meeting or attending the opera. Or flirting with the bartender. (Note to self: stop that.) Only thing you won't want to do in these shoes is hike the Himalayas.

The Bice wedge is a daring silhouette wedge covered in fluffy fish skin ($585). Gorgeous with slim jeans or a bubble skirt.


Flashing red under a business suit or offset by a white dress, the Vari mary jane in red silk satin ($395) is gorgeously simple.


Too shy to go head-to-toe metallic? (Good for you, that makes my eyes water.) Go for the Waterlily in platinum laminated suede ($450).

Labels: indie design, shoes

My favorite party outfit is a simple dark dress with a pair of killer red heels. I think white is even more stunning with a pair of signature red shoes, but not if you're even thinking about hitting the red wine. Nothing murders the party buzz like a big red blotch on your chest.

With flirty cap sleeves and a flattering skirt, the crepe de chine dress from Miu Miu ($920) is sweetly elegant.



Less flirty but more classic, the Celine wide-neck dress ($777) will have a shelf-life beyond that of your credit card bill.



What really makes those black dresses say "party" is the red shoes. My all time favorite red heel is the patent mary jane from Manolo Blahnik ($515). These are the first shoes I would buy, would buying shoes like this suddenly fit into the master plan.


For more saucy red zing, take a look at the Saphir patent slingback from Ferragamo ($360). Sleek legs ending in these babies will set any party on fire. Plus they're just demure enough in style to take you home to the grandparents. (Grandma's cataracts will blur the foxy red straight into prim.)

Labels: dresses, holiday, shoes

The sky is gray. Your sweater is gray. Santa can kiss your ass. (You do like his coat though.) Time to add a little red to your wardrobe.

Manolo Blahnik red patent slingbacks ($565) make me happy. They would also make me poor. While looking oh so dashing with a black dress.


Nothing like a red cashmere scarf ($89) to lift the mood when it's time to sally forth into the gray morning. Looks nice with your winter coat too.


Chloe Edith pocket satchel in red ($1020). I just swooned.

Labels: bags, holiday, shoes, stay toasty

Minnie Wilde has the kind of clothes you would try to borrow if you found them in your best friend's closet. When she doesn't let you because she knows you'd return it with red wine on the collar (just a little!), you'd sneak it out under your coat. She would notice and you would be busted.

But now you can have your own Minnie Wilde. Minnie Wilde and cupcakes! San Franciscans rejoice. From 7-9:30 tonight, there will be music, cupcakes and, best of all, 15 percent off the clothes. Everyone else can shop her collection here.

Labels: bargains, indie design

If only. Oh, if only I had $800 extra dollars in my back pocket right now.

Chloe's Edith Satchel is on sale at Neiman Marcus for $808. That's half off. Simply gorgeous.


Any cash-laden men out there? Who can get past this whole mistaken train of thought: "Who needs an $800 bag to carry around a day planner and a wallet? Wouldn't a Trader Joe's tote do just as well? Why do you even need a day planner? Just do what I do and guess." If so and if you have a girlfriend who gives a flying fish about fashion, buy her this bag for Christmas. She'll love it. Guaranteed.

(I can say such a thing with a clear conscience because 1. My gift-giver doesn't read this blog. 2. I don't think any other men do either.... This doesn't mean I'm wrong.)

Labels: bags, bargains, holiday

Nothing makes me shout an inappropriate "Hallelujah!" faster than a sweater sale. Especially a cashmere sweater sale. All my picks are sleet gray, because I believe gray to be a lovely color for a sweater. Timeless and relatively low maintenance (who wants to take their sweater off to eat soup?), gray also looks gorgeous paired up with this season's red accents.

Magaschoni's long cashmere sweater has a beautiful asymetric design with shawl collar and button detailing. On sale at Neiman Marcus for $149 (previously $254).


Luxurious Italian weave on this deep V cashmere sweater from Adrienne Vittadini makes it an excellent staple. On sale for $149 (previously $298).


Theory's striped cashmere sweater is on sale at Bloomingdale's for $159 (previously $265).

Labels: bargains, stay toasty, tops

The great and mysterious They (you know the ones, they're always saying something) declare (rather smugly) that it's better to give than receive. Perhaps. But isn't it even better to both give AND receive?

I thought so.

Here's an example of how the "one for you, one for me" shopping plan might look. Not that I would know or anything. Ahem.

Your charming younger cousin is always perfectly turned out. Rarely being perfectly turned out yourself, you hesitate to buy her something she would...not scoff at, she's too polite, but perhaps toss in a drawer, never to see the light of day again. Nixing jewelry, clothing, saucy hats and rubber boots. Lip gloss - maybe. But lip gloss is so subjective. There are so many options. Most of which are bound to be too sticky, glossy, garishly colored...or not sticky, glossy, garishly colored enough. So... how about bath paraphernalia? Barring the ever-tacky fistful of cash, that might be the best option.

Prime disseminator of tasty bath products, Philosophy's special blends don't instill the fear of "what if she doesn't take bubble baths?" because these suckers are bubble bath, bath gel and shampoo all in one. Oh yes. And everyone bathes and washes their hair. Well, most of everyone, and certainly the well-turned out cousin.

My seasonal favorite is Philosophy's double rich hot cocoa. What could be more decadent than sudsing up with something that smells just like hot chocolate? (Though it doesn't work so well as shampoo and I found it disturbing to loll about in brown bath water, it's still just delicious as bath gel, therefore....) Buy one of these for me ($16)...



...and one of these for the cousin. Philosophy's Ski House gift box comes with hot cocoa bath/body/shampoo goo, marshmallow body souffle and peppermint lipshine ($35). She will love it. So will virtually any woman who bathes.

Labels: holiday, skincare