Humor is Always in Fashion

Head here to read WWWWD, a hilarious parody of WWD that is just making the rounds. Sink your teeth into stories of Andy Warhol's reaction to the changes at Interview, Steven Meisel's new reality show on Oxygen, and drug smuggling via this season's dhoti pants.

Style Source: The City

Okay, okay so this isn't the most inspired of sources, but for better or worse I find myself tuning in on Monday nights to see what Whit, Erin and Olivia are donning to roam about Manhattan. And I'm not the only one. Elle just profiled the ladies (plus friend Samantha) in their latest issue, modeling basics their way - the perfect spring blazers and LBDs.

For the girls of The City, it's all in the accessories - particularly when it comes to the hair. Hats and headbands make their rounds more frequently than Adam spins a yarn to Allie. Headbands in particular are worn in many, many ways. Sometimes pulled down over the forehead, sometimes worn more traditionally, but jazzed up with plumage and other times thrown together with a high, messy ponytail (I'm looking at you, Whitney). The beanie has also been a favorite of both Erin and Whit, pulled back and worn with a thoughtfully mussed head of hair.

Rosette Headwrap, $24 and Silk Flower Headwrap, $18 (both available at Urban Outfitters).

Beaded Applique Headwrap, $24 (available at Urban Outfitters); Jennifer Oullette Velvet Flat & Narrow Bow Headband, $60 (available at Jennifer Oullette); Ribbon Wrapped Feather Headband, $24 (available at Urban Outfitters).

Pointelle Beanie, $7.80 (available at Forever 21).

When it comes to wardrobe, bright colors and layers are also a must. And let's not forget a great blazer - and of course a little DVF!

Here are a few looks, inspired by our leading ladies, aimed to help recreate their signature styles (but for way less).

This first look has Miss Port's West Coast vibe. I love this long, flowy layered dress and think would look really fresh layered under this white sleeveless blazer. Add this chunky necklace, wrap belt in a pale dove gray and tough black heels to add a little more edge and personality to the look. I also like the idea of pairing these cool, muted tones with a punch of color in the form of neon nail.

Clockwise from top left: Richard Nicoll Jacket, $160 (available at Topshop); Dision Heel, $100 (available at Aldo); Braided Snake Chain Necklace, $12.80 (available at Forever 21); Diane von Furstenberg Flutter Chiffon Dress, $325 (available at Intermix); Essie nailpolish in Mini Shorts (available at Essie); Skinny Patent-Leather Double-Wrap Belt, $58 (available at J. Crew).

This casual look is all Erin. A simple pale gray skinny jean layered with a sheer tee and long cardi all punched up with bright, urban accessories. Think a slouchy red leather bag and matching beanie, a slim, studded leather belt and a flat, fringed bootie. Perfect for grabbing coffee on the weekend or strolling around the LES with one of your boyfriends (Miss Erin loves variety!).

Clockwise from top left: The Soft Satchel, $198 (available at Madewell); Light Grey Skinny Jeans, $59.50 (available at Gap); Sheer Tee, $10.50 (available at Old Navy); Merino Michelle V-Neck Cardigan, now $69.50 (available at J. Crew); Warli Ankle Boot, $39.95 (available at Steve Madden); Gold Dome Studded Hip Belt, $125 (available at Linea Pelle); Heavy Knit Beret, $11.50 (available at Wet Seal).

Olivia's more polished look can be recreated with chic accessories and a well-edited color palette. I love this feminine mint-colored silk dress paired with a classic blazer, strealined clutch and vintage-inspired costume earrings. Throw in some edgier oversized rings and peeptoe laceups (by DVF, natch) and you are ready for some uptown antics.

Clockwise from top left: Silk Frill Dress, $90 (available at Topshop); Bacall Earring, $208 (available at Elizabeth Cole Jewelry); Blazer, $330 (available at A.P.C.); Goddess Shoes, $225 (available at Diane von Furstenberg); Resin Bar Clutch, $335 (available at Tory Burch); Luster Linked Ring, $2.80 and Jeweled Rows Ring, $5.80 (both available at Forever 21).

Chic of the Week

Who: Kate Bosworth, actress.

What: In a crystal-encrusted Alexander McQueen gown with gold sandals by the designer and a gold minaudiere.

When: Sunday, February 22, 2009.

Where: At the Vanity Fair Oscar's party in Hollywood.

Why: Looking chic, polished, modest and sophisticated while bedazzled from neck to knee is a nearly impossible feat, but Kate makes the impossible possible with this look. She wisely keeps hair, makeup and accessories simple and lets the dress, in all its Swarovski glory, be its own accessory. I think she looks utterly elegant and still sort of avant-garde and cool.







Photo courtesy of Celebs Gossip.

Just What We Need (eye roll)

I am always up for mindless fashion-oriented entertainment (most likely more than the next girl!), but I have to admit that even I think the addition of Style Network's Running in Heels to my DVR is overkill.

That said, even though the "interns" aka teenage girls wanting a career in reality tv are ridiculously immature and annoying, Joanna Coles, the Editor-in-Chief, is pretty amazing to watch and has some great lines (example, "don't let the interns do drugs in the foyer").

The first episode is below for you to check out and decide for yourself if you have room in your DVR for another show featuring Nina Garcia.

Oscar Style and Takeaways

I know we have all seen a million best dressed lists from Sunday's Oscars, and yes of course we all agree the SJP looked amazing......but what does Oscar style mean for those of us who cannot afford "pale mint Dior haute couture?" Let's check out some of fb&f's favorite Oscar looks and figure out how they can inspire our Spring 2009 closets. First up, the aforementioned Ms. Sarah Jessica Parker.

Celeb Style: Layers of mint tulle pulled together with a bustier-style top and a matching wide belt. Sarah Jessica Parker in Christian Dior Haute Couture.
FB&F Takeaway: Play up your shape this spring! Buy at least one belt - preferably a wide patent one or a double leather one - and show off your curves.

Celeb Style: Natalie Portman in a fuschia Rodarte column gown. The strapless neckline plays up Portman's graceful shoulders and neck, and allows the bright color to really "pop" against her skin.
FB&F Takeaway: Look through your closet, figure out what color you are lacking (pink, orange, yellow....), and buy one item in that color for spring. Play it down with basic shoes and accessories and pick a shade of that color which flatters your skin tone.

Celeb Style: An almost bridal-looking Penelope Cruz in vintage Balmain. Cruz said she saw the dress years ago but didn't buy it, and when she was nominated for an Oscar went back and the dress was still there!
FB&F Takeaway: Visit a thrift store, consignment shop, auction house, or your mother's closet this spring and get one piece of very cool vintage you can incorporate into your wardorbe. This can be almost anthing, but some suggestions are a chain link purse, a 70's or 80's blazer (with or without shoulder pads), or a poufy dress from the 50's.

Celeb Style: Historically I tend to find her style choices sort of boring/safe, but Amy Adams changed my mind on Sunday night by pairing her bright red Carolina Herrara strapless gown with a gorgeous Fred Leighton bib necklace of rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and 39 carats of diamonds.
FB&F Takeaway: Sort of an obvious one....buy a large piece of jewelry. If statement necklaces scare you, start small with a large cuff or chandelier earrings, but I bet you will work your way up to necklaces quickly when you see how a chain, cluster, or bib necklace can instantly transform you into put together chic.

Celeb Style: Both of these ladies took a chance with their Oscar gowns and it paid off in a huge way. Marisa Tomei stunned everyone in a structured assymetrical Versace gown covered in a waterfall of cascading pleats. Anne Hathaway was radiant in an Armani Prive strapless gown made of hundreds of paillettes and crystals - not only did this gown flatter her phenomenol figure, it also made it impossible to look away.
FB&F Takeaway: Do not shy away from drama this spring. Whether you choose something sparkly, structured, or completely avant-garde, give yourself the room to take a risk this spring. The runways were full of "out there" ideas, so choose one and embrace it. Some suggestions - sequined dresses, harem pants, hot pink, neon, mix & match prints, statement jewelry, and the 80's.

The best fashion advice I have ever received is "Always wear your clothes with confidence," so that take advice and a little inspiration from Marisa, Anne, and the rest of the Oscar darlings, and update your wardrobe for Spring.

Chic of the Week

Who: Model Poppy Delevigne.

What: In a Matthew Williamson gown topped with a black leather jacket.

When: Sunday, February 15, 2009.

Where: At the opening of the new Matthew Williamson boutique in New York.

Why: I love how Poppy takes this long, colorful, printed gown and makes it seems totally relaxed and unfussy by pulling on this shrunken leather bomber and opting for a simple pulled-back hairstyle and sheer makeup. This is the new evening look.

Photo courtesy of InStyle UK.

[Belated] Chic of the Week

Who: Model Helena Christensen.

What: In a Salvatore Ferragamo sleeveless sweater and silk skirt with a copper clutch by the designer.

When: Wednesday, February 11, 2009.

Where: At a New York screening of Two Lovers, hosted by The Cinema Society and Salvatore Ferragamo.

Why: Pastel shades like the pale pink and white worn here by Christensen are one of the hottest trends for the season and look great against the model's olive skin. I also love the soft folds and drapes of this top and skirt and the selection of copper-colored accessories. Pale shades can be hard to accessorize, but I think this muted metallic works perfectly.







Photo courtesy of Superiorpics.com.

Vote for Coats

Zari Knit Jacket, $27.80 (available at Forever 21); Asymmetrical Leather Motorcycle Jacket, $298
(available at Gap).

Punxsutawney Phil declared that we are in store for six more weeks of frigid weather and I couldn't be more bored of my winter look. Dismal weather calls for desperate measures, and my chic factor has certainly been suffering thanks to all too shocking low temperatures. I've been looking like a cross between a little kid in a snow suit and a lumberjack for the past few months. I love my Barbour jacket and the L.L. Bean and Hunter Boots I've had on rotation, but so much British hunting apparel has made me look like, well, a hunter. Not really my intended look.

I've been fantasizing about a chicer cold weather persona, one that looks cute and feminine, polished and chic. These daydreams have been pointing me in the direction of a new jacket.

Moving into February, we are thankfully close to putting below freezing temps behind us, but it is not quite time yet to shelve our coats altogether. Not time to say goodbye, just about time to bid farewell to bulk. In other words, it's just the right moment to look into lighter, more stylish options that are just a little bit more fashion than function.

These are some of my favorites that can help us all move a little more stylishly and spiritedly out of the winter doldrums and into spring.

Large Bow Back Coat, $190 (available at Topshop).

Wool A-Line Coat, now $149 (available at Victoria's Secret).

Weekend Inspiration

After reading countless articles these past few months on what I should "buy now to look chic and save money," which sounds like an oxymoron to me, I have decided to spend this weekend shopping in my closet. I am cleaning it out and putting everything in to three categories: what can go, what can stay, and what can be worn in a completely new way.

I often get stuck in a style rut. I'll buy something, wear it a few times in a few different ways (ie: with a belt vs. without a belt, with a statement necklace vs. big earrings, with skinny jeans vs. high-waisted, black pants vs. pencil skirt, etc...), decide which way is easiest and then only wear it that way from then on. However, with my credit cards currently being kept under lock and key I need to get creative again and mix things up - rediscover some old favorites and mix and match those with standards.

How am I coming up with new ways to wear my old items? Take a look at some of my recent inspiration. Hopefully it will help you come up with some new options too!

-Boys with Birkins - it's nice that a man in heels and a belted suit jacket looks perfect, like it was meant to be that way
- J.Crew - their styling and color combos have been fantastic lately (when the site is working that is!)
-The Sartorialist - as always
-ShopBop Lookbook - shorts with leggings? Done.

p.s. The picture above is not of my actual closet - thank god!

Chic of the Week

Who: Actress Ginnifer Goodwin.

What: A Bottega Veneta strapless dress paired with a necklace, clutch and shoes by the same house.

When: Monday, February 2, 2009.

Where: At the Hollywood premiere of the new film He's Just Not That Into You.

Why: She looks bright and young and fun and we need to talk about how great this color is. It's so rich and so refreshing to see bright and unusual shades on the red carpet - especially during the winter.










Photo courtesy of GossipGirls.com.

All Things Bright and Beautiful

An ad for Dior Joallerie's Milly Carnivora Collection.

No, I don't need diamonds, but jewelry certainly is my best friend. Anything bright and shiny and sparkly never fails to catch my eye. The most eye-catching of jewels out there are indisputably those created by Victoire Castellane for Dior. These brill baubles are cartoons and comic books meet glam goddess - bugs and flowers in the brightest of bright hues. Every ring looks like a living, breathing, heaving entity from the lushest gardens and some from galaxies beyond. Unfortunately, these gems are well out of my budget, but doing a little research I've been able to find some fun facsimiles at more palatable prices. Shall we say Dior on a dime?

Oh and I highly recommend checking out the Dior Fine Jewelry website for not only the 14K eye candy, but the gorgeous videos created for each collection.

Various looks from the Milly-la-Foret, Milly Carnivora and Incroyables & Merveilleuses collections, Dior Joallerie.

Clockwise from top left: Kenneth Jay Lane Purple Rose and Pink Rose Flower Rings, each $90 (available at Electric Couture); Flower Ring, $3.80 (available at Forever 21); Roberto Cavalli Bicolor Enamel Snake Rings, each now $128 (available at Vivre); Flower Ring, $3.80 (available at Forever 21); Roberto Cavalli Cabochon Octopus Rings, each $335 (available at Vivre).

Golden Bird's-Nest Ring, now $50 (available at J. Crew).

From top: Neon Enamel Flower Ring, $40 (available at Topshop); Elis Ring, now $37 (available at Erika Pena); Lucy Ring, now $37 (available at Erika Pena).

Chic of the Week

Who: Actress Kyra Sedgwick, pictured with husband Kevin Bacon and daughter Sosie.

What: Vintage Chanel and a necklace by Fred Leighton.

When: Sunday, January 25, 2009.

Where: At the 2009 SAG Awards in Los Angeles.

Why: This gorgeous black and white vintage Chanel perfectly highlights the actress's slim and toned physique and allows the necklace to really stand out and make a statement. I think this look is elegant and ageless - it just couldn't be better.










Photo courtesy of NY Mag's The Cut.