In Wonderland

My muse this month? None other than the Adventuress of Wonderland, Miss Alice.

Alice's classic combination of blue, white and the sweetest of Mary-Janes is just right for spring and moving into the summer.

Topshop makes an updated version of Alice's LBD (Little Blue Dress), that's just a bit sleeker, but stays feminine with subtle pleats, bows and frills. Or pair their white sundress over a blue top as a modern-day pinafore. Top off with classic black Repettos and a black satin headband, but steer clear of the thick white tights, which are never flattering to the leg.

Dresses not your style? Slip on a pair of straight-leg white jeans, a blue top with just the right amount of puff, and try these faux-snake peep-toe ankle-strap flats in lieu of the traditional ballet slipper. Top off with a black silk ribbon tied around the waist (we need a bow somewhere!) and you are set to conquer any urban wonderland you might call your own.

I know I'm ready to jump down the rabbit hole. Are you next?


Topshop Silk Dress in Aqua, approx. $88.

Topshop Button Front Sun Dress, approx. $49.Full Tilt Satin Bow Headband, $4.99 (available at Tilly's).

Repetto Basic Ballet Flat, $210 (available at Bird).

Gap Puff-Sleeve Chambray Shirt, $49.50.

Snake Peeptoe, $28 (available at Urban Outfitters).

White Cropped Matchstick Jean, $85 (available at J. Crew).

Black Silk Satin Ribbon, starting at $3.98/yd (available at M&J Trimming).

PS I love you...

...Chanel Iman!So divine in 3.1 Phillip Lim (pictured with the designer, at right), complete with calf to shoulder ruffles and a C-emblazoned belt, a cute and stylish wink at the Costume Institute gala's superhero theme. Cocktail hour never looked so chic.

We are in a major state of adoration.

Photo courtesy of Style.com.

On a Roll...

Gwyneth Paltrow, former and self-proclaimed style icon, has been laying low as of late, keeping her red carpet appearances relatively limited and her awe-inspiring style moments even more few and far between. She has been spending time across the Atlantic being a hands-on mom to her kids, which is a very refreshing move for an A-lister to make. I am very impressed by this and have a great deal of respect for this choice, but the lover of glamour in me missed red carpet Gwyneth. I missed the Gucci velvet suits and simple, modern Calvin Kleins of her style reign (end of the 90s/beginning of the millennium).

There has been something in the air recently, however. Ms. Paltrow has been getting it oh-so-right. From Jay-Z's wedding to her whirlwind press tour for Iron Man, GP has not missed a beat. With her incredible haircut to her newfound embrace of her killer gams, she is looking amazing. Great short frocks that are simple with a touch of edge (white for night, embellishments, super brights, cut outs, asymmetric hemlines and necklines) paired with the simplest yet spot-on choices of jewelry and her now ubiquitous sky-high heels have become her latest staples.

Gwynnie was just our Chic of the Week, but just one mention did not seem like enough; a tribute was more in order. And we are not the only ones to take notice of the actress's sexy new incarnation--her transformation is being hailed from the smallest blogs to the largest fashion mags and newspapers across the world.

Go, GP, go!

In Proenza Schouler at Beyonce and Jay-Z's wedding on April 4th.

Wearing super-high (seven inches!), black McQueen heels, jewelry by H. Stern and a lacy Balmain mini on April 24th.

In Sonia Rykiel, black Louboutin stilletos and a Chanel clutch at the Berlin premiere of Iron Man on April 22nd.

Gwyneth in vintage YSL and black leather Givenchy sandals in New York on April 7th.

Pretty in pink in Dior at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation "Hottest Pink Party" in New York, April 8.

























Ms. Paltrow sporting a black Preen mini and Giuseppe Zanotti lace heels (at left) in Rome on the morning of April 23rd.








Photos courtesy of Dotspotter, OK! Magazine UK, People.com, Marie Claire UK, Celebutopia, The Fashion Spot and Sawf News.

Style Source: Take Flight!

PSA (Pacific Southwest Airlines), 1973-76

American Airlines, 1974-77

Left to Right: Pan Am, 1969-71; Pan Am, 1970s

Right now, I am feeling very inspired by flight attendant uniforms from the 1960s and 70s--really, the golden age of high altitude fashion. Signatures of this era include brightly colored, psychedelic scarves, crisp blouses and bold, striking color combinations. Flash forward over thirty years to today and these touches--prints, colorblocking and feminine shapes--are easily found. No, not in the friendly skies, but at the hottest e-shops and poshest department stores around. Flight Attendant Chic is ready to take flight.

Diane von Furstenberg Mondrian Patchwork Mini Dress, was $375, now $224.90 (available at Saks)

Tory Burch Amandine Top, $285 (available at Tory Burch).

Lux Linen Hi-Waisted A Line Skirt, $58 (available at Urban Outfitters).

Emilio Pucci Falling Stars Oblong Scarf, $185 (available at Saks).

Left to Right: Broome Shift Dress, $149.99; Marnie Dress, $109.99; Prince Striped Shift Dress, $149.99. All Abaete (available at Bluefly.com).

Marc by Marc Jacobs Alessandra Dress with Bow, $428 (available at Nordstrom).

Flight Attendant Photos courtesy of Dark Roasted Blend and Uniform Freak.

Style Source: Murder She Wrote

Anyone who knows me well, knows that this 1980s program is one of my favorites. I have spent many an hour figuring out how to get a Murder She Wrote ringtone onto my phone and many happy Super Bowls watching A&E's Murder Bowl (note to A&E: please bring that back).

Gotcha! Nice scarf, Jess.

Most recently, I had been getting my fix thanks to the Hallmark Channel, only to have the channel soon ripped away from my lineup by RCN. Not pleased. But during this small but beautiful window of time, I really started to take note of Jessica Fletcher's style while appreciating her mystery solving abilities.

Her casual style is all about a crisp but comfortable collared shirt, a great-fitting crewneck sweater, a jaunty scarf and slacks. Let's not forget the classic windbreaker (Land's End here I come), trench and gold button earrings.

I'm totally sold. Book me a ticket to Cabot Cove.

Looking sharp in a white trench and silk scarf

Very all-American in the Cabot Cove harbor

Finding clues in a very stately ensemble

Get the Lansbury look:

Go for broke: Hermes silk scarf, $355 at Hermes.com (aka where I pretend to buy various Hermes bracelets and beach towels).

Or save: Ann Taylor Silk scarf, $42.

LL Bean (Ladies Love Bean) Style--clockwise from top left: Bean Boots Rubber Moc, $59; Double L Cotton Sweater, $29.50; Boat and Tote, $17-30; Double L Cotton Sweater, $29.50.

Kenny Jay Lane Shell Earrings, $75.

Flip that collar up just slightly: Ralph Lauren Striped Parker Shirt, $79.50.

How to modernize and personalize the look? Belt the classic cotton sweater to update the shape or add an unusual brooch near the collar. Pair up the Bean Boots with some skinny jeans or an interesting skirt (Topshop has some fantastic styles right now) and American Apparel over the knee socks--I just picked up an amazing dark gray pair there last week. Use accessories your advantage to add a little quirkiness to this conservative yet oh so inspirational look.

If only we could all grow up to be like Jessica Fletcher.

Style Source: Mogambo

A couple weekends ago, I watched the John Ford classic, Mogambo, starring Clark Gable, Ava Gardner and Grace Kelly. The film itself was phenomenal--love triangle, Africa, wild animals, great dialogue, Clark Gable's fantastic hair. Almost even better? The clothes.

The costume department for the film was headed by Helen Rose, who designed the wardrobes for fashionable films such as Butterfield 8, High Society and The Swan. So, clearly no slouch in the industry, working with the glammest of glam Liz Taylor and Grace Kelly.

The Mogambo look is all about a jacket with a nipped waist, a collar popped and skirts either full or pencil. In two words: easy elegance. I loved the impracticality and glamour of the flawless red lips and penciled brows while on safari in Kenya. Not to mention the strands of pearls, heels and perfect chunky gold link bracelets.

A rolled sleeve and perfectly popped collar has my name all over it.

Pearls in the wilds of Africa? Genius.

Beautiful, soft skirt suits with the teeniest waists.

From Oscar de la Renta's Spring 2008 Collection

From left: Skinny Lizard Belt, $24.50; Three-button Shrunken Blazer, $69.50; Striped Gored Skirt, $49.50.

Clockwise from top left: Old Navy Women's Button-Tab Safari Shirt, $24.50; Miss Sixty Logo Buckle Belt, $102.65 at Asos.com; Banana Republic Flat Link Bracelet, $28, Pinstripe Wooden Bangle, $24 and Narrow Wooden Square Bangle, $28; Ann Taylor Wool Melange Skirt, $108.

Oscar clearly fell in love with this flick when creating his Spring Collection. My interpretation? Add wood elements, pops of color and gold accents to the earth tones of this safari look for a more modern, updated feel.

Style Source: Chuck Bass

While I love Blair's vast array of headbands and very serious lingerie (not to mention Mama Van der Woodsen's Birkins), I'm craving a different wardrobe altogether. I am having major wardrobe envy of Chuck Bass, everyone's favorite leering teenage millionaire on Gossip Girl.

There is something about Chuck's style that is completely inspiring and instilling a great deal of jealousy in yours truly.

Now, I'm not going to start wearing tux and tails or suits and ties, but Mr. Bass's ensembles are making me wish I could. Short of cross-dressing, we can all learn a thing or two from Chuck.


1. Boat shoes
I love a top sider, I can't deny it. Chuck's blue pair is just right--I love navy blue for spring and summer. I personally am a Sperry girl, but they only make their navy version for men. Plan B? Sebago also makes a great, classic boat shoe in an array of shades (navy included).

Women's Docksides, $80 (available at Sebago.com).

2. Burgundy-Pink-Pinstripe Combination
I'm not going to promote wearing a a full suit, pocket square, button-down and ascot ala Chuck, don't worry. But I do think we can take a cue from his look at Blair's birthday party, translating it into something wearable for us girls. I love the idea of wearing a great fitting white v-neck (Hanes for boys 3-packs are wonderful--not too tight, not too loose), some wide leg pinstripe pants and a pinstripe vest worn unbuttoned. I've put together a widely striped pant with a thin-striped vest, which I think is a little more interesting and less matchy. For accessories, I've added a pink patterned sash as a belt (complete with a cocktail shaker design that is very Chuck), burgundy patent peep-toe oxfords and some layered gold lockets.

Clockwise from top left: Forever 21 Pinstripe Career Vest, $19.80; American Apparel Unisex Fine Jersey Short Sleeve V-Neck, $15; Urban Outfitters Secret's Safe Locket, $18 and Toujours Locket, $24; Vince Camuto 'Maran' Peep Toe Lace-up Oxford in dark red, $129.95 (at Nordstrom); Victoria's Secret The Carmen Fit Wide Leg Pant in pinstripe, $39.50; Vineyard Vines Cocktail Shaker Sash in pink, $65.

3. The Khaki Raincoat
I adore Chuck's patterned cotton raincoat, but the large, boxy shape is definitely not right for the female figure. A way to grab this style, but still look feminine, is with a short trapeze version. The flared shape gives it interest and volume and I love the trench detailing. This is the perfect spring jacket--would look as fabulous thrown over a dress as it would some wide leg jeans and a tee.

Kenneth Cole Reaction Short Trapeze Jacket, $98 (available at Nordstrom).

4. The Patterned Silk Scarf
Chuck knows that there is nothing wrong with a man in a scarf. So I say, there is nothing wrong with a woman in a man's scarf. If there is one thing to take away from his wardrobe, it would most certainly be his silk patchwork scarf. It's so Jazz Era yet thoroughly modern. Try the Breuer scarf (I love the pattern and the extra warmth from the wool side) or the debonair McQueen style, adorned with yellow skulls. For a more exact version, Brooks Brothers has a patchwork tartan that is very sophisticated (and would look beautiful paired with a camel hair coat).

Breuer Wool/Silk Scarf, $225 at Saks.

From left: Alexander McQueen Fringed Skull Scarf, $185 at Barneys; Brooks Brothers Patchwork Double Faced Tartan Scarf, $223.50.

Style Source: Arden Wohl

There's something about socialite/filmmaker (filmmaker/socialite?) Arden Wohl that I kind of adore.

Left (At Center, with Holly Dunlap): I love the overt sexiness of the Herve Leger mixed with the marigold headband and long Stevie Nicks earrings. She wears the label so differently and in such a less obvious way than anyone else.

Below: First of all, the dove gray shade of this dress is incredible. I am a sucker for gray. The simple dress all of a sudden reads luxe and Mediterranean thanks to the headscarf and printed clutch. Very 1970s, somewhere like Cap D'Antibe with a strong drink.

Above: Somehow the vest, electric blue dress, sheer black tights, socks and neon green shoes work.

Below (With Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler): Same shoes, totally different look.

Above: Normally I am not one for animal print anything, but she's convinced me that leopard tights are the answer to all my questions. The look is exotic safari gone cocktail party, topped off with tan sandals, a blousy black dress and beige printed headscarf (if you hadn't already guessed, headwear is her thing).

Below (with Lazaro and Jack of Proenza): Roaring Twenties meets 80s Aerobics. Giving me new inspiration for how to wear my Erin Fetherston for Target.

The combination of this loose, rose-hued dress, thick chocolate colored tights and tan, lace-up peep-toe boots is genius. Crazy but totally spot on. I am dying over those boots. So wrong they're right.

Suggestions? Tights where you wouldn't expect to see them and in unexpected shades and textures. Think lace, floral, animal print, cableknit. Pinks with browns, grays and blues. A surprising bare leg. Shoes? Something strappy or peep-toed, no matter the season. On the body, it's all about blousy and loose mixed with tight--body conscious but never obvious. Always, always, always something on the head. A headband pushed down across the forehead in a bright or unusual color, a long silk ribbon, or a major scarf. Jewelry is irrelevant. It's all about your eyes being captured by combinations of color (and by what's going on above the neck), not by carats or cut.

Style Source: My Nalgene

Nalgene, $8 (available at Moosejaw)

Inspiration can come from unusual sources. My most recent, and most surprising, muse is the nalgene my boyfriend just ordered for me from Moosejaw to bring to work. Not only is it great because I am obsessed with drinking gallons of water during the day, but there is something about its perfect purple hue has me all a-twitter. I want to spend the rest of my days dressed in this, the preferred shade of Miss Violet Beauregarde. I don't care if people think I'm batty or acting on some type of dare, I am daydreaming of all things plum.

Wide Ribbed Beret, $24 (available at Urban Outfitters)

I want to pull this knit beret from Urban Outfitters onto my noggin right away, careful to give it that much needed push slightly to one side. I am quite serious about going purple head to toe.

Riley jumper, originally $410, now $205 (available at Shopbop)

I think this purple patterned jumper would look great layered over and under a million and one things. And will be a great winter-to-spring-to-summer-to-fall-to-winter...piece.

Tights by Hue, $6.99 (available at Nordstrom)

Purple tights? A necessity. This pair by hue is just right--not too light, not too dark. And Hue makes wonderful, long-lasting tights that are so budget friendly, it doesn't even matter if they have the lifespan of a Mayfly.

Made by Elves 1920 Oxford, $68 (available at Urban Outfitters)

Okay so they aren't purple, but I thought they'd look awfully fetching with my gloriously grape ensemble (I love the idea of the bright purple of the tights peeking through the cut-outs in the shoe).

Abaete for Payless Bing clutch, $24 (available at Payless).

I think this wallet/clutch will do a stand-up job holding my essentials (Jack Black lip balm, credit card, phone and ID), and providing that last, must needed touch of purp.

Style Source: Agent 99

Oh, Saturday night. Time for revelry? Not so much for this gal. Where to find me? Considering the fact I'm 24 going on 84, I'm at home partaking in my absolute favorite show of all time, Get Smart. Thankfully, the most random channel on TV (aka MeTV, channel 14) plays two episodes of Get Smart every Saturday from midnight to 1 am.

For those of you who apparently did not enjoy a little thing call Nick at Nite when you were growing up, Get Smart is a little gem about spies in the 1960s starring Don Adams (as Maxwell Smart) and Barbara Feldon (as Agent 99). I'd be lying if I said I didn't love the show for its use of sight gags and prat falls, but what I truly adore are Get Smart's exquisite wardrobe and wild use of color--for example, Max's apartment is covered in royal blue carpeting throughout (heinous and genius!). And, let's face it, there are few things better than watching people smoke cigarettes in ridiculous and inappropriate situations on mid-20th century programming. But back to the wardrobe.

Every time I watch, I die a little inside thinking about how I will never attain the consistent chic-ness of Agent 99 (nor the tall model frame). Everything is just right. The thick bangs, the curls, the blunt bob (which have been taken over since the 60s by Anna Wintour and now Katie "Kate" Holmes). And only Agent 99 could make me seriously consider dressing like a technicolor chaffeur.

But I love the trench with the dramatic popped collar. The burgundy beret and jaunty scarf that look mysteriously sexy and dangerous ala Faye Dunaway in Bonnie and Clyde. And all I can think about these days is how I can get my hair to do that bouncy American Girl Samantha Doll half-up look (answer: I can't).

I am obsessed and you should be, too. Here are a few little ways to unleash your inner swingin' spy, all at prices you don't have to be covert about (a $33 trench coat makes me personally want to shout out from the roof of a high rise).

Clockwise from top left: J. Crew scarf, $38 (available at J. Crew); Black skinny tie, $12.95 (available at Today's Gentleman); Conair Satin Finish Ceramic Curling Iron, 1", $19.99 (available at CVS, Walgreens or Drugstore.com); Wool beret, $9.99 (at Berets.com); Mango trenchcoat, $33.99 (at mngshop.com).

Serena's Closet

After watching this week's (truly amazing) episode of Gossip Girl, I can't stop wondering a few things, but the most important two are could this show be anymore addicting and who has the amazing job of picking out Serena van der Woodsen's clothes?

While I don't know the answer to my first question, although I think the answer is no, I do know the answer to the second. The envied job of stylist on Gossip Girl belongs to Eric Daman, a former assistant of Patricia Field. This means that Daman also had the coveted job of helping to dress one of our other favorite skinny NY socialites with long blond wavy hair - Carrie Bradshaw on Sex and The City. Eric worked on SATC for seasons 2, 3, and 4 which gave us some of Carrie's best looks such as:

Looks seen in episodes : (l to r) Top Row: The Real Me (2001), La Douleur Exquise! (1999), The Chicken Dance(1999); Bottom Row: Time and Punishment (2001), Ghost Town (2001), and Was It Good For You? (1999).

While Gossip Girl may have the same low style retention rate as Sex and The City, Daman says, "we were [in] New York and it was Sarah Jessica -- something would be in one minute, and one show later it wasn't," he has given Serena a different look than Carrie. There are striking similarites - their ability to throw anything on and look fabulous, to mix and match high and low fashion, vintage and couture, and their penchant for amazing designer accessories and shoes a la Fendi, Manolo, and Gucci to name a few - but Serena is more casual and conservative than Carrie (meaning we probably won't be seeing her in a bare midriff anytime soon), although she also knows how to push the envelope like Carrie (like when she wore just a long t-shirt to Blair's birthday party).

Looks seen in episodes: (l to r) Top Row: The Wild Brunch (2007), A Thin Line Between Chuck and Nate (2008), A Thin Line Between Chuck and Nate (2008); Bottowm Row: Blair Waldorf Must Pie! (2007)Bad News Blair (2007), Pilot (2007), Pilot (2007).

About dressing Serena on Gossip Girl Daman has said "I feed off of the East Coast socialites -- Tinsley Mortimer, Lydia Hearst. They're different than the L.A. girls, more cutting-edge. They go after the up-and-coming designers, like Alexander Wang and Vena Cava. Of course, you mix that up with the bigger houses like Chanel and Ferragamo, but these debs are getting the newest stuff all the time. It's all still very Upper East Side-y, but just not old fogy socialite-y." In addition to the East Coast influence, Serena's style seems similar to that of Kate Moss as well - lots of layering and somewhat of a rocker chick meets couture look.

For those FB&F girls who are a little more fabulous than flat broke, you can follow Daman's lead and shop like the socialites on Gossip Girl "often skipping Fifth Avenue for New York's Meatpacking District and such stores as Opening Ceremony, Jeffrey and Stella McCartney."

Special Note: Eric Daman quotes are pulled from Ginny Chien's article "Primetime Couture" from L.A. Times August 8th, 2007; picutres courtesy of CW.com and HBO.com

Selma Style

Blair wearing "the new classic"- a Chanel mini-trench and jeans- at the 19th Annual Independant Spirit Awards in Santa Monica (2004).

Who: Selma Blair

Where You Have Seen Her: Acting in movies as eclectic as her fashion sense—Legally Blond, Hellboy, A Dirty Shame, and Cruel Intentions—and splashed across fashion magazines and tabloids alike on the red carpet, at fashion galas and awards, and with her equally stylish friends or gorgeous model boyfriend Matthew Felker.

Favorite Designers: Marc Jacobs, Issac Mizrahi, and Chanel, both current and vintage couture (in 2005 she was named the face of Chanel).

Style Trademarks:
-mix-and-match fashion that combines her love of preppy pieces and country club style (suits, tweeds, cardigans, sweet dresses) with electric or on-trend touches like skinny jeans, vests, layers, opaque tights, and platforms.
-reinventing her style through various hairstyles—long and demure with thick bangs, pixie cuts, cropped cuts, underbuzzes, and platinum dye jobs.
-a poise and elegance that enables her to pull off virtually any colors or styles she chooses

What We Can Learn:
-have confidence in your style to carry it well, no matter what critics may say
-try anything once
-try mixing vintage clothing with your current pieces
-you can never go wrong with Chanel
-keep jewelry, makeup, and bags classic and simple, to balance out experimental clothing or hairstyles

The actress in Chanel Haute Couture at the Costume Institute “Anglomania” Gala at the Met in New York City (2006).

October 2005- Blair looking effortlessly chic in Issac Mizrahi at the launch of the Mont Blanc jewelry line in New York.

Channeling Audrey Hepburn in a Behnaz Sarafpour gown at the Costume Institute’s “Goddess” Exhibition in New York City (2003).

Quintessential Selma: classic, simple, and edgy all at once. Seen here in skinny jeans, snakeskin flats, a navy blazer, and a Chanel quilted handbag (2007).

Putting Issac Mizrahi back on the map in his colorblock frock at the 2004 CFDA Awards.

With Marc Jacobs at the Marc Jacobs store opening and after party in London, wearing a dress by the designer (February 2007).