Haute Gossip

To be honest, I have never shopped on Bluefly.com. This is not because I once looked into Bluefly and decided I didn't like the site, but rather this is because of an irrational hatred of the weekly plug they receive on Project Runway when Tim Gunn says, "don't forget to use accessories from the Bluefly accessory wall" and their annoying commercials (I mean, really? Who goes to the airport naked?). I know it's ridiculous, but it's true.

I think this may change today though because I just stumbled onto the Haute Gossip section of their website and fell in love. Haute Gossip is where Bluefly selects items either actually worn on Gossip Girl (like Serena's Gucci Hysteria bag for 20% off, but still out of this fb&f girl's price range at $1,196) or items that fit within a character's personal style (like the Shoshanna beaded LBD for 40% off within Blair's wardrobe).

So today I'm embracing my inner Serena, and just like Serena and Blair made up last week, I'm letting go of my old negative feelings for Bluefly and purchasing this Nanette Lepore tuxedo jacket for 40% off in the process!

Chic of [Last] Week

Who: Thandie Newton, actress and FB&F favorite.

What: A dress from Chanel's Resort 2009 collection and a pair of classic Louboutins.

When: Thursday, October 23, 2008.

Where: A screening of W. during the BFI 52nd London Film Festival, at the Odeon Leicester Square in London, England.

Why: Thandie looks effortlessly elegant and has brilliantly updated the Old Hollywood look with this Chanel LWD (Little White Dress). It is hard not to let comparisons swirl in one's head to Ms. Audrey Hepburn when laying eyes upon Ms. Newton in this get-up.










Photo courtesy of Instyle.com.

SHOP from bottom to TOP

Pick up some floaty dresses, shorts and skinny pants or opt for items from Kate Moss's collection, all at highly discounted prices, right now at Topshop. Click on the above image to visit their sale.

Urban Sale

Take advantage of discounted prices on men's and women's clothing, shoes and accessories as well as items for the home at Urban Outfitters. The sale is taking place online and in stores, so get out of the house and shop or stay on your couch and click here.

One, Two, Buckle my Shoe

The buckle shoe, once equated with pilgrims and small children, has undergone a fashion makeover as of late. From flat lace-up boots to strap and buckle-wrapped stilettos, I've compiled some different variations off this tough yet chic style. Moving from high, flat boots to ankle and midcalf heeled boots and finally pumps, these are some of my favorites.

DKNY Combat Lace Up Boot, $475 (available at Shopbop); Frye Engineer 15R Boot, $250 (available at Frye).

Cuzza Boot, was $149, now $109.99 (available at Nine West); KORS Michael Kors Mogul Lace-up Patent Leather Boot, $395 (available at Bloomingdale's).

Ash Liason Pump, $179.95 (available at Nordstrom); L.A.M.B. Finsbury Pump, $404 (available at Zappos.com).

A Pretty Penny

While walking around and shopping the other day, as I passed by the Cole Haan store I was struck by a sudden impulse to go in and look around. Not one of my usual haunts - I never really think to look there to curb my footwear cravings, but for some reason the stars aligned and I walked through that door. As it turns out, it is the label's 80th anniversary and they have put out a penny loafer-inspired collection to celebrate. I've always loved the look of a classic penny loafer and was thrilled by the offerings in the store. I instantly fell in love and started to wonder what other designers were doing with this style.

I knew Dolce & Gabbana sent sturdy-heeled library meets sexpot versions down their Fall 2009 runway, but wanted to conduct a little research as to what else was out there. In addition to this luxury purchase - a little steep for my budge - I was able to hone in on a variety of other styles, from modest flats to saucy slingbacks, at nearly every price range.

I've provided the looks, but you'll need to provide the bright, copper penny.

The Splurge:

Dolce & Gabbana PDNY Loafer Pump, $750 (available at Nordstrom).

The Heels:

Circa Joan & David Alison Pump, $98.95 (available at Nordstrom); Pura Lopez N253 Loafer, $294 (available at Zappos.com).

The Flats:

Clockwise from top left: Tory Burch Clayton Leather Penny Loafer, $275 (available at Bloomingdale's); Cole Haan Penny Air Loafer, $265 (available at Neiman Marcus); Me Too Berkley, $79.95 (available at Shoebuy.com).

The Update:

Penny Air OT Sling, $350 (available at Cole Haan).

The Classic:

Bass Wayfarer, $89.95 (available at OnlineShoes.com).

Chic of the Week

Who: Sienna Miller, actress.

What: Genetic jeans paired with black patent flats, a blue v-neck, printed scarf and a Chanel jacket.

When: Wednesday, October 15, 2008.

Where: The Frieze Art Fair in London.

Why: Sienna, who's been keeping a bit of a low-pro recently, nails the casual-chic look perfectly with this ensemble. A casual tee, flats, jeans and laid-back wavy hair are pulled together with her silk scarf and classic (perfectly fitted) black Chanel. A completely well-played art opening look.









Photo courtesy of InStyle UK.

Reality Double Take

Did anyone else have the same knee jerk reaction I did last night during the Project Runway (no worries I won't spoil who wins for those of you who DVR'ed it!) finale of wait a minute....isn't that model from America's Next Top Model? Well for those of you who let it go and didn't rewind for a double take (like I did), the answer is yes!

Last night's finale featured not one, but two ANTM alumni. Dani, whose accent Tyra may have gotten over, but I never fully did, and Bianca, who unfortunately is now more well-known for fighting the girl from Hairspray in an airport than modeling, but no matter.


So, do you think all fashion-related reality shows have a secret pact to help each other out? Will we soon be seeing ANTM alumni being styled on the upcoming Stylista or see girls from Fashionista Diaries assisting Rachel Zoe in her Bravo show? Or do you think the girls on ANTM actually have modeling careers after Tyra teaches them the art of smiling with their eyes and being fierce?

Smells like Teen Spirit

Thanks to the summer premiere of The Wackness (MK's most recent movie) and the major '80's overload in the past few years, fashion is moving on to trends from the '90's in today's styles which means....plaid. Yes, the same plaid shirts you may have worn under overalls (so embarassing!) or tucked into a culottes (even worse!) are back and are now high fashion that you can afford.

Designer Thakoon says, "For fall, masculine plaids and tweeds are being tempered with feminine elements and witty mixes." This means, the rules are slightly different this time, so make sure to take these into account when bringing plaid back to your wardrobe (ie: stay away from culottes and overalls).

1) Bring plaid highlights in with scarves, tights, and hats

Forever 21 tights $5.80, American Eagle scarf $18.50

2) Mix and match different plaids in one outfits

Forever 21 high-waisted skirt $22.80, pair with a white American Apparel t-shirt $18, and add Beckerman's Charlotte blazer $341 at Shopbop

3) Pick a theme for your plaid - feminine or structured

Urban Outfitters dress $48, Urban Outfitters vest $58

Shopbop Sale

Today is the first day I am actually acknowledging fall's presence (and the impending doom of winter), so what a perfect day to also acknowledge Shopbop's fall sale! Hundred's of fabulous items are marked down 30, 50, or 70%. Now is the perfect time to buy items you been holding off on such as a wide leg jean, a statement blouse, or a waist-cinching dress.

Dittos wide leg jean now $79.50 from $159

Juliana Jabour Ruffle Blouse now $147 from $274

Opening Ceremony patent leather pumps with detachable bow now $99 from $330

Theory Adrianne Dress now $192.50 from $275

A March Made in Heaven

Clockwise from top left: Large Shoulder Bag, $49.98; Medium Python Satchel, $44.98; Tote Bag, $49.98; Medium Satchel, $44.98; Clutches, each $19.98; Large Shoulder Bag, $49.98 (all available at Target).

Anya Hindmarch, beloved by Britain for her upscale handbag designs, has just launched her capsule collection for Target. Available to the public starting Sunday, her lesser-priced line at the mega-chain reflects the simple, architectural and almost Art Deco aesthetic that can be seen in her current collection, but retails for about one twentieth of the price. These bags are sure to sell out just as fast as her uber-popular "I'm Not a Plastic Bag" canvas totes from 2007, which caused a fashion frenzy across the globe. For those of you who missed out - or decided to pass - on last year's surprise hit by the designer, now is your chance!

Claudia Schiffer carrying the Perry ($995), from Anya Hindmarch's Autumn/Winter 2008 Collection (photo courtesy of Anya Hindmarch).

Chic of the Week

Who: Courteney Cox, actress.

What: A vivid silk Alessandro Dell'Acqua dress with strappy silver heels.

When: Monday, October 6, 2008.

Where: A the 15th annual Women In Hollywood Tribute hosted by ELLE Magazine at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills.

Why: I have always been a fan of Ms. Cox (she was always my favorite Friend) and never really understood why people gave Jennifer Aniston so much more praise and attention. Courteney looks so chic and most of all comfortable in this classic frock - the color is perfect with her dark hair and blue eyes. The necklaces are a great pick and add a little interest and sparkle to the otherwise simple, clean style, while the choice of silver looks absolutely modern and just right.

Photo courtesy of People.com.

Waist Not

Nogoy Stingray Wing Belt, $329.69 (available at Brown's Fashion).

I have recently become enamored with belts - I think it truly started last spring, and hasn't shown signs of stopping since. Therefore, I am always on a quest for new belts to add to the close-to-overflowing basket housed in my closet. Thin belts, wide belts. Cheap belts, fancy belts, fun belts. Classic belts, pleather belts, leather belts, patent belts, fabric belts. I think I've made my point clear.

This belt by Nogoy has just moved to the top of my list. I think the shape is so different and interesting and I love the touch of stingray added to the "wings." It's so cool and architectural, but still looks slightly romantic. I would most likely pair it with all black - perhaps a thin, delicate black blouse with black pants, wide or skinny and a killer gold heel.

Fringe Benefits

Fringe Messenger, $535 (available at Tory Burch).

A front runner for my favorite handbag offering this fall is Tory Burch's Fringe Messenger. I love the luxe Bohemian feel, which is totally in keeping with the vibe of the fall runway offerings from Frida Giannini at Gucci and Roberto Cavalli. I'm also digging the rich milk chocolate shade, rugged whipstitching and messenger shape - I can't wait to throw it across my shoulder (in my fantasy world, while clothed in a great pair of vintage Chloe jeans, navy turtleneck and an anything-but-subtle fur vest) and head out the door!

No argument here

Click on the above image to save 25% on all new merchandise at Active Endeavors, including new dresses by Lorick (whose designs are stand-ins for Eleanor Waldorf's on Gossip Girl). Simply enter 'greatdebate' at checkout and save. Sale ends at midnight.

Free Shipping = Free Shopping

As far as I'm concerned.


Enter code 'HARVEST' at checkout when you spend $150 or more between now and 11:59 Eastern Standard Time on October 8 at J. Crew and receive free shipping. With the economy looking more than a little shaky, we all need a little 'free' in our lives somewhere. Click on the above image to visit their website.

Chic of the Week

Who: Leighton Meester, actress.

What: A dress by Brian Reyes, paired with ankle-strap peeptoes.

When: Thursday, October 2, 2008.

Where: At Marshall's "Shop 'Til It Stops" event at Union Square Park in New York.


Why: Her hair and makeup are both fun and flawless, while the dress is a bit structured and tough, but still manages to be totally feminine. B. achieves the girl Holy Grail of pretty and cool.











Photo courtesy of Just Jared.