Fall in Love - 2 Days Only

From now until Wednesday, October 1st at midnight, save 20% off all new items at Active Endeavors. Simple enter the code 'hellofall' at checkout and save on new fall clothing and accessories. Click here to visit their site and start shopping - before it's too late!

The FB&F Girls do D&G

D&G Fall 2008 Runway.

Dolce & Gabbana and D&G Fall 2008 Runways.

D&G Red Flannel Pencil Skirt, $575 (available at Intermix).

Clockwise from top left: J. Crew Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater, $158 (available at J. Crew); Lauren Ralph Lauren Tessi Floral Skirt, $139 (available at Ralph Lauren); Topshop Curly Sheepskin Jacket, $300 (available at Topshop); ASOS Leather Skinny Boyfriend Belt, $27.90 (available at ASOS).

Splendid Plaid Blouse, $128 (available at Shopbop).

Check Girly Trench, $135; Check Skinny Trouser, $70 (both available at Topshop).

Clockwise from top left: Colin Stuart Spectator Oxford Pump, $88; Report Signature Two-Tone T-Strap Pump, $225; Colin Stuart Patent Loafer Pump, $88 (all available at Victoria's Secret).

Plaid Tights, $28 (available at Free People).

Autumn Garden Silk Scarf, $78 (available at Echo); Mongolian Fur Scarf, $70 (available at Topshop).

The strongest Fall 2008 collections - most photographed, most talked about, most copied - are by far those of Misters Dolce and Gabbana. Both their Dolce and Gabbana and D&G runway looks have been everywhere. Now that the weather is starting to actually get appropriate for layers, tights and plaids, we can begin to turn these looks we last say on the runways earlier this year into our own wardrobe possibilities.

Unfortunately, both labels' price tags don't totally mesh with the sorry state of my checking account, so I have looked into some ways to achieve the look on an FB&F budget. Greys, reds and blues dominate the color palette and plaids obviously rule the roost. Patterned silk scarves, heeled loafers, t-straps and plaid or colored tights also take top billing. As far as outerwear, think Mongolian. Whether you go faux or real, stay warm in this fun, rocker-y fur in the form of vests, scarves and coats. The overall look is elegant and polished while still maintaining a very present level of offbeat, funky appeal thanks to mixed and matched prints and fabrics.

Runway photos courtesy of Style.com.

Chic of the Week

Who: Bee Shaffer, socialite and daughter of Anna Wintour.

What: A Chloe Spring 2008 multicolored silk frock with striped peep-toes.

When: Thursday, September 25, 2008.

Where: A New York screening of Rachel Getting Married, hosted by the Cinema Society and Lancome.

Why: Bee looks her age (19) in this short-sleeved knee-length dress, worn with simple makeup, glossy hair and pretty, feminine shoes, rather than the seemingly ubiquitous teetering heels, plunging necklines and faces full of dramatic more-suited-for-the-stage-or-a-marionette-doll makeup that her contemporaries (and those just trying to look 19) favor. The look is chic, easy and it is more than refreshing for us mere mortals to witness Anna Wintour's own offspring wearing seasons old looks! And still looking phenomenal!


Photo courtesy of Zimbio.

The Triumphant Return...

I apologize to those of you who tried to log on to our site the past few days - we were experiencing some unexplained issues with our server. We might have a few gray hairs now and have undetermined damage for having to utter the phrases "URL," "domain" and "CNAME Alias" more times than we ever hoped to in our lifetimes, but all problems are now solved and we are back. We just couldn't stay away!

Photo courtesy of Bestblogsite.org.

My Main Squeeze

Nicola de Main Printed Mini Dress, $176.70 (available as ASOS)

I am always on the lookout for the holy grail of dresses - versatile, flattering, interesting, innovative, wearable...I could go on and on - and have just found my favorite of the season (although let's admit, fashion love affairs can be fleeting). This Nicola de Main dress has it all - great pattern, fit and fabric and price. To quote Ms. Rachel Zoe - "I die."

I would wear it right now in the couple weeks left of summer weather with a pair of metallic sandals and then add a long cardigan, black tights and pale hued ballets or flat leather boot a little later in the fall. The possibilities are endless - tights and a peep toe, a turtleneck underneath, sky-high heels, a large cocktail ring... Therein lies the brilliance of the perfect dress.

Fifty Off Fifty

Shop Active Endeavors' Fifty Percent Off Fifty Percent Off (a mouthful, we know) Sale today only - sale ends at midnight! Click on the image below to head to their site and take advantage of this great, albeit brief, sale.

Chic of the Week

Who: Former model and current British TV Presenter, Alexa Chung.

What: Patterned knit dress by Louise Goldin with a weathered brown leather bag and black patent loafers.

When: Tuesday, September 16, 2008.

Where: Christopher Kane's Spring/Summer 2009 show in London.

Why: This new style icon's mix of brown leather, blue and grey knitwear and black loafers somehow works. Actually, it works very, very well. This look tows the line between geek and chic, sexy and bookish and is just kinda perfect. That being said, she could probably wear a paper bag right about now and call it a dress and it would be fashion gold.

Photo courtesy of Zimbio.

King Cole

Elizabeth Cole Three Coin Necklace, $280 (available at Elizabeth Cole).

If I were to place a classified ad right now, it would read SWFSJ - Single White Female Seeking Jewelry. I am officially on the prowl.

My latest find? Label Elizabeth Cole, discovered on a shopping trip to Intermix Saturdat morning. Designed by Stephanie Owen, this large collection of costume jewelry (named after her sister) feels very right now. From Lanvin and Balenciaga to Vera Wang, costume is one of the biggest accessories trends for fall. This largely affordable line offers ups bracelets, necklaces, rings, earrings and even charms, mostly rendered in 24kt gold plate, enamel and Swarovski crystals. Motifs such as stars, coins, animals and Art Deco pop up again and again in various forms and clever incarnations.

Santa will be receiving a very, very long Christmas list this year.

Shooting Star Bracelet, $303; Gordian Knot Cuff, $293 (both available at Elizabeth Cole).

Esmeralda Crystal Mesh Cuff, $295 (available at Intermix).

Elizabeth Cole Tiered Crystal Earrings, $125; Elizabeth Cole Crystal Leaf Earrings, $215 (both available at Intermix).

Fall Wardrobe ala Lilly

I'm all about one-stop shopping this fall. If I were to get myself all of my new fall pieces at one place, could I do it? I've explored APC and Urban Outfitters already. Next on my radar? Lilly Pulitzer. As you all probably know by now, Lilly is a bit of a guilty pleasure for me. I like the idea of throwing a little bit of a crazy Palm Beach print in with something a little edgier and fashion forward. Here are my top picks from the label's autumn 2008 collection. Visit Lilly Pulitzer for more looks and information.

Andrey Engineered Print Dress, $228 (available at Saks).

I love how Belle de Jour this patterned shift is. If only I had the Roger Vivier flats to match...

Caden Crew Neck, $168 (available at Splash of Pink).

I would wear this short-sleeved sweater over a turtleneck and with a wide-legged dark jean and large, chunky gold bracelet or large cocktail ring.

Mikaela Quilted Reversible Vest, $178 (available at The Pink Crab).

I am a sucker for anything equestrian and this vest is no exception. I'd wear this with a long-sleeved thermal, skinny cords and a slightly pointed flat.

William Printed Capri, $148 (available at C. Orrico).

I adore the subtle horse print on these capris - it looks like a beautiful blue and white porcelain pattern. I would pair these with loafers, turtleneck and a belted cardigan.

The Other Lauren

Beth Lauren Hyacinth necklace, $270; Gladiolus bracelet, $220.

Forget Ralph Lauren. The Lauren I am currently obsessing over is named Beth. A favorite of not only pop stars and starlets (namely Rihanna, Ashlee Simpson and Rachel Bilson), but magazines ranging from Modern Bride to Marie Claire, Nylon to the NY Post, Beth's baubles have been making waves.

Beth uses semi-precious stones in her designs, combining metals and shades and fabrics into her creative necklaces, earrings and bracelets. At times chunky and layered, sometimes very delicate, her looks are highly wearable and add a stylish punch to a simple tee or would create a little edge paired with one of fall's tweed frocks. Visit her website to learn more about the designer and her creations.

Shumac earring, $250.

Rachel Bilson wearing the Radicchio pendant, $210.

Chic of the Week

Who: Joy Bryant, model/actress.

What: Dress by Zac Posen for his Fall 2008 Collection.

When: Thursday, September 12, 2008.

Where: Zac Posen's Spring 2009 show, Bryant Park.

Why: Joy always looks fresh and at ease in anything she wears, whether it's a dramatic evening dress or summer frock. I love the way she wears this Zac and know other starlets who would just make it too much (think red lips, over the top heels, jewels everywhere). Joy looks calm, relaxed and comfortable in this runway look, which is the perfect complement to any ensemble.









Photo courtesy of Zimbio.

Boot Up!

Looking to get a leg up on the fashion competition this fall? Shop Pink Mascara's 72 hour boot sale to take $35 off on any boot purchase to snag a pair before the temperatures begin to drop (and all the good styles begin to disappear). Click here to shop now.

[Practically] Free

For those of you living in the San Francisco area, Acrimony is having a HUGE (75% off!) sale in-store this Saturday and Sunday on all summer items. Their loss is our gain. Click here to visit their website and learn more details.

Smart is the new black.

This is GREAT.

Enjoy today's big thought from Barney's icons Julie Gilhart and Simon Doonan. Click here to watch the hilarious video.

Private Shopper

Just in time to add a few more essentials to your fall wardrobe, J. Crew is offering 20% to any purchases over $175 for the next 3 days. Click here to shop this private offer.

Oh Canada!

I was just along the gorgeous, mountainous, tree-lined coast of the St. Lawrence in Canada for a week vacation. As my little plane made its way back to the States, I was filled with not only the longing to stay and transform into a more countrified version of myself (who spends more time hiking than on the subway), but also really craving a closet full of tweeds, plaids and other more woodsy apparel.

Upon my return stateside, I started looking for my ideal fashion meets French Canada looks for fall. From Patrick Robinson's wonderful collection for Gap and slim cords from J. Crew to Fair Isle and plaid looks poached from Land's End's and Ralph Lauren's boys departments I had no trouble finding exactly what I needed to suit my mood.

Accessories also proved inspiring. Boots took many fantastic forms, both casual and dressier incarnations, by LL Bean, Minnetonka and Tory Burch. The icing on the cake? A true hunting bag in a gorgeous amber leather (featured in September's Lucky!) that somehow seems to be the chicest handbag offering I've seen this season.

And don't count out evening looks just yet. Mix a buffalo plaid blouse done up in ruffles and silk with a satin pleated skirt and heeled boots with more than a hint of hiking style and you can achieve a look both rustic and romantic, right now and ready to wear.

Clockwise from top left: Boy's Fair Isle Sweater Vest, $29.50 and Women's Regular Solid Interlock Turtleneck, $15 (both available at Land's End); See by Chloe Holes Beanie, $120 (available at Shopbop); byCORPUS Skinny Jean, $98 (available at Urban Outfitters); Minnetonka Moccasin Women's 3-in-1 Calf Hi Boot, $79.99 (available at Shoes.com).

Clockwise from top right: Plaid Fringe Scarf, $29.50 (available at Gap); Opaque Pantyhose, $14 (available at American Apparel); Tory Burch Claudia Boot, $495 (available at Nordstrom); Brown Plaid Popover Dress, $58 (available at Gap).

Clockwise from top left: Woodland Bag with Beavertail Flap, $179.95 (available at Dixie Gun Works); Boy's Whitfield Twill Workshirt, $50 (available at Ralph Lauren); Stretch Vintage Matchstick Cord, $79.50 (available at J. Crew); Camden Wool Jacket, $149 and Bean Boots, $59 (both available at L.L. Bean).

From left: Colin Stuart Buckle Bootie, $89 (available at Victoria's Secret); Pleated Satin Skirt, $29.50 (available at Old Navy); Tartan Silk Blouse, $34.80 (available at Forever 21); Fogal Touch Tights, $69 (available at Barney's); Mesh Flower Headwrap, $16 (available at Urban Outfitters).

Glamourous Encounters

Receiving Glamour in the mail every month reminds me of an encounter with an old friend. I always seem to forget how helpful, funny, and fabulous it is until it is right in front of me. Today I am sharing that same opinion of Glamour.com. Granted this was my first visit to the site, but I think it will be considered a good friend from now on.

This article on fall finds for under $50 blew me away! I especially love the satin blouses in fall's hottest jewel tones (see below) for $15 from Old Navy.

Isn't it time you reunited with this old friend?

Old Navy Satin 3/4 Sleeve Top in Bordeaux and Stainless Steel, $15 each

Today's the Day

Today only, save an extra 10% off on already marked down items at Pink Mascara by entering in 'EXTRA10' when you check out. Monday just got a little brighter.

There's a mouse in my house! There's a frog on my blog!

Marc by Marc Jacobs Mouse Flat, $250 (available at Shopbop).

Marc Jacobs' Alice Bag, $850 (available at Nordstrom).

See by Chloe Animalia Keychain, $160 (available at Shopbop).

Channel your inner Snow White and make friends with the things that squeak and hop in the form of accessories this season. The creative brains at the wildly popular diffusion labels Marc by Marc Jacobs and See by Chloe, seem to have woodland creatures on the mind. Mice and frogs are particularly holding court in the form of leather keychains and a new take on Marc's now-iconic mouse shoes.

Not to let the kids have all the fun, Marc Jacobs' main label adorns a recently released carryall (available in classic fall grays, deep plums and rich blues) with a silver metal frog on a black leather luggage tag. The perfect touch to this sporty meets chic tote.

Pom Wonderful

Siri Tollerød and Karlie Kloss on Zac Posen's Fall 2008 runway.

Clockwise from top left: Marc by Marc Jacobs Pom Pom Ballet Flat, $245; Marc by Marc Pom Pom Two Piece Pump, $350; Pom Pom Open Toe d'Orsay Pump, $355 (all available at Shopbop).

Pom Beret, $9.99 (available at Christa-Taylor).

Fairtrade Pom Pom Scarf, approx. $27.97 (available at Topshop).

Large Pom Pom Necklace (visit Be Sweet for more information and where to buy).

Gimme a P! P! Gimme an O! O! Gimme an M! M! Gimme a P! P! Gimme an O! O! Gimme an M! M! What does that spell? Pom Pom! I say a big rah, rah, rah to the movement of pom poms from cheerleader's energetic hands to fashion. We saw it last spring in a very Mickey Mouse meets Matador kind of way on Zac Posen's F/W 2008 runway and now on brightly colored flats and heels by Marc by Marc. For more budget-minded options, look to a fall-friendly beret in a deep shade adorned with an oversized pom or a black scarf from Topshop decorated with countless mini-poms. I also adore this multicolor knit necklace, which would look phenomenal atop a simple gray tee.

Dying for a little DIY? Head over to MJ Trim to purchase luxe, yet cheap (at only $2.98 a pop) mink pom poms in hot pink, burgundy, black, royal, white, gray or camel. Use a little hot glue to add these to a clip or pin for a Posen-esque addition to a slick bun or adhere to a shoe clip for a temporary upgrade to a pair of flats or d'Orsay's already in your closet. The possibilities are endless. And worthy of your loudest cheer.

Top Shopping

God Save the Queen. God Bless America.

Chic of the Week

Who: Anne Hathaway, actress.

What: Dress by Atelier Versace, jewels by Bulgari.

When: Wednesday, September 3, 2008.

Where: The Venice premiere of Rachel Getting Married.

Why: I'm not always for an assymetrical ball skirt, but this looks modern and glamorous. And somehow Anne manages to make the sometimes way too glitzy pairing of Versace and Bulgari look very cool and understated.











Photo courtesy of People.com.