new york fashion week: friday

the fashion world is abuzz for mercedes benz new york fashion week. it started this past thursday and goes through next thursday. for the designers to watch, check out (and 'like') my Q&A with simon doonan here. last night, I hopped the the 1 train to lincoln center to catch the nicole miller show. while the show left something to be desired, it was the scene in the tents that caught all of the action. and most surprisingly, despite rumours of a kelly green & citrus season, a lot of fabulous fashionistas were rocking big, bold reds. I guess valentine's day is in the air warming the hearts of the coolest. for the full photo set and behind the scenes tour, click here.

before it was barneys

I am a third generation New Yorker, so my ties to the city are true blue. My Dad, who was raised in the borough of Queens, Astoria specifically, had this hilariously heartbreaking story to share when I told him I would be interviewing Barneys New York Creative Ambassador Simon Doonan for Glamour Magazine... "Barneys Story, Funny or sad? Both are the same. I was a husky size, short and stocky. Back in the day Barney's on 17th Street always prided itself on fitting anyone. You guessed it I was in a small corridor of the store as a last resort and did not get any suit to fit my size. Is this what you want?? Humiliation and embarrassment." Thanks, Dad! To note, my Dad is still one of the hippest dressers around, always sporting the tortoise-shell Ray-Bans and Jack Nicholson-like combo of popped collar with his Brooks Brothers cashmere. And that short and stocky was passed down to me, which I love, so thanks for that too!

From Egypt, with love

You say you want a revolution? We've been watching the stir happening in Cairo, Egypt in the name of America's strongest trait, democracy. Their current President has been in office for over thirty years and it is the young people who are rising up and sayin' it ain't right. Hence, all the fighting and nasty images we're seeing on television. While the fighting is scary, the idea of students rising up together to overthrow a dictatorship is mighty. It reminds me of our 1960's when American students revolted against the Vietnam War and the staunch views of their parents generation. From this resistance, we created great art and fashion as a country; John Lennon's bed in, wide leg denim, fringe and boho chic are a few trends that come to mind. My bfriend is of Arabic descent and his father lives smack dab in the middle of Cairo. It has been scary for us here, waiting for calls, as their Internet and cell phones were shut off by their Gov't in an attempt to control the student masses from meeting. We received an email from his Dad in a temporary moment when the Internet ban was lifted and I thought it was so powerful to hear the experience from the inside, I wanted to share:

"Our Internet has been restored at least for now so we wanted to send you a quick note to say that we doing fine. We have plenty of food and drink and our neighbors have been absolutely marvelous in their nightly, all night, vigil in the streets surrounding our building and adjoining houses. They build camp fires in the middle of the streets as the nights are cold and keep contact with each other, whenever an intruder is suspected, through whistles and shouts. The neighbors and building caretakers are carrying sticks and two are carrying a 4 and 3 iron golf clubs contributed by yours truly. No match to guns but at least it offers some protection. This is being carried out throughout Egypt, especially greater Cairo. We've been making rounds to make sure that students, faculty and staff have sufficient funds to buy food as banks are closed and have been all week. Some students and faculty have accepted charter flights out of the country but most are staying put. We'll take it one day at a time."

michelle obama fashion icon

I freeeking love first lady michelle obama!! at the gym this morning, I had the pleasure of spending an hour working the elliptical on a level 12 incline (I must, I must, I must decrease my... a**!) and watching regis & kelly. on walks our first lady of awesome, michelle obama. she is class. she is sass. she is smart and substance. she has instilled in me a new level of pride to be an american. her letsmove.gov initiative is spectacular and her story of the bee hive which produces organic honey on the south lawn had me begging for more. as if anything could top that, she's got on an incredibly cool, flowy trendy polka-dot dress belted at the waist with a pop of red showing off her legs for miles. she is it! always pushing the fashion envelope, including mostly an independent designer lineup in her bevy of beautiful outfits, michelle obama is absolutely the coolest first lady ever! as jackie o. was to chic and eleanor roosevelt was to action and hillary was to smarts, the mighty ms. o embodies white house cool. I'm forever a fan.

are you on the glam list?

a few months ago, I was approached by the fine folks at driver digital, a full service production house and online distribution company. their popular web hit, digits needed a follow-up and we were fortunate enough to find one another at the right time. I created 'The Glam List', an irreverent style show from a fashion insider with an outside point of view, which I cannot wait to debut. tongue in cheek trends, celebrity guests and off the wall style segments will have you laughing in the name of le fashion. stay tuned.

the open toe and tights debate

like whoa! the comments on my latest glamour post are hard hitting. never did I think my opinion of a open peep toe and tights in the sneaux would be so hated on. I stand by the trend! I won't let the man get me down. I rise up on heels, on high, in the name of fashion. post your comments for good or bad on the glamour site here.

love the leather

elly clay is a hot handbag line. I had the pleasure of interviewing the designers behind it not too long ago. two sassy chicks living in brooklyn raising babies and making awesome, leather, grown-up rock n' roll bags. read it here: http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/50691/

online or hard copy?

mercedes benz fashion week is right around the corner so invites are swiftly making their way to the fashion elite. turns out, I'm considered included in this group, so woe! is me, my mailbox is filling up with invites of all shapes, sizes and weights. additionally, I get the online invites too, which usually come accompanied with a yes or no reply box. easy peasy. so, my question is, is it better to receive a gorgeous invite with all of the fashion week fixins in the mailbox or does an eco-friendly email pack the same fancy pants punch. you decide...

I want my JZTV!

what's up, ma? how's your day going? I uploaded a new vid to the right of this post, under press play, if u care to take a look => => =>

brooklyn boheme

I'm a big fan of documentaries. they are my favorite genre of film and with netflix and the internet, I eat 'em up like oreos. I saw something tonight that is worth giving props to. as a member of the private arts club, norwood, I am privvy to all types of fun screenings, book readings and exclusive events hosted by the artists that create them. it is my love of such artistic communities that led me to join norwood in the first place, so what a pleasure when I caught the rought cut screening of doc, brooklyn boheme hosted by filmmaker nelson george documenting the brooklyn neighborhood of fort greene and the artists it fostered from spike lee to chris rock to rosie perez to erykah badu to branford marsalis to talib kewli and beyond. it was in the late 70's, early 80's when this hood served as a hotbed of african american urban art culture like an addendum to the harlem renaissance. it home to me from 1998 - 2002 so I know its magic. if you've seen any spike lee film, you know the place and the vibe. keep an eye out for this film, rich with new york history and some brooklyn moon snaps to the producers of the piece. no sleep till.

young & posh: glamour magazine

a few months back I was contacted by the coolest magazine ever outside of the now defunct domino, GLAMOUR MAGAZINE!?! home to conde nast's vogue, anna wintour and awesome, pop-y beauty finds under $25. well, today is the day that marks their young and posh campaign on glamour.com of which I am incredibly honored to be a part of. I am one of 17 bloggers chosen and I will posting often, so please make sure to check back often, and like and share and re-post and re-tweet. it was seven(?!) years ago that I launched my blog on suggestion from my good friend, america's leading dating expert, evan mark katz and close to thirteen (?!!) years that I was "building" social media at psuedo.com. it has been a long and lovely road and I thank you for all of your constant love and support!!

if you like lady gaga, you'll love...

lost at e minor is an online publication of inspiring art, design, music, photography and pop culture. they take low brow sensibilities and mash them up with the grittier elements of high brow culture. you like steampunk sunglasses or eco turbans? yeah, they got that. lucky for me, I write for them digging up the funkiest fashion around the globe. have a read here.

joan holloway hottness

the character of joan holloway on mad men ushers in a new era of sexy. her signature neck pen is icing on my cake. quelle surprise when I came across the doodle pen from my other favorite lady, kate spade. so vintage chic.

get yo' naughty black swan on

last night's bodyrock sport event at s factor was so much fun. have you done s factor?! if you're in a major city, I recommend clicking the link and taking a class or two. once the initial embarrassment passes, it. is. awesome. works the arms, the abs, the sexy back (insert sexy wink emoticon here). and the best part is, the outfits!? seraphin, the lead instructor came out to demonstrate and wore the most adorably naughty black swan tutu to strut her stuff in. paired with a cher bra, she looked and danced for a boys night out. but for girls only!? genius. I'm a regular style correspondent on tv guide's fashion team, they came to cover the event so make sure to stay tuned for air dates on the 'out of the sweatsies and into the sexxxies' show segment.

hot off the fashion week presses

yup, what you heard about me is true... thanks fashion steals...

(NYC, New York) Now in its ninth season, Nolcha will host the Nolcha Fashion Lounge, a pop-up showroom exhibiting independent fashion designers; including complimentary pampering for fashion week-goers and an industry networking party.

The showroom setting will offer editors, buyers and stylists the option to browse the designers at their leisure or to book a Nolcha Style Tour, hosted by celebrity stylist, Jess Zaino, fashion expert for Style Network, TV Guide Network, VH1 and many more.

On the Style Tours, Zaino will provide direct introductions to each brand and pull various looks, demonstrating how to mix and match within the collections while discussing fabrics, price points, and what’s on trend. “The Style Tour is like a one-stop shop for what’s hot on the independent fashion scene, highlighting what’s in theme with what you’ll be seeing on the runway this season,” says Zaino.

you, me & a pole dance make three

For the NYC ladies out there who always wanted to try out the celeb favorite pole dance workout, S Factor NY but were a bit shy to try, tomorrow tuesday night is your 'look but don't touch' chance! BodyRock Sport is hosting a one night only pop-up shop with complimentary Nuvo Sparkling Liqueur drinks, sports bra fittings by yours truly and an S Factor demo. Come join us for a free show and cocktail. Call 212-989-8030 to reserve your spot on the list. Ladies only!

bikram no-ga

my adorable bfriend majed whose pantsless look I posted a few posts back knows I love yoga, so for the holidays he hooked up an introductory series to bikram yoga union square. have you ever done bikram yoga? it kind of sucks. its called hot yoga. and they blast 120 degree air into a closed door room for an hour and half while the dedicated students inside hold poses. everyone is practically naked in teeny bikinis. and sweating. both men and women. it's gross. I am attempting to go back in hopes that I can at least slavage a portion of my thoughtful gift. but I don't know what to wear?! I feel like when I made the gymnastics team in 9th grade and didn't join because I felt too fat in my leotard. any sporty suggestions?

boyfriend chic

last night, my boyfriend, majed and I had tickets to a broadway show. so, we thought it nice to get spiffed up for one another and hit the town proper date style. I wore my gorgeous virgin lambswool prada black dress that evokes madonna in the dolce & gabbana ads and he wore... a denim button down and structured black suit jacket. and despite my repeated attempts at offering my style expert opinion that the two just don't mesh, majed was convinced that he was experimenting with the jeans and jacket look, and this was his interpretation. adorable. what can I say? he has a great tush!

au natural

I'm seeing and feeling, as most are, a 2011 shift. I don't know if it has something to do with the horoscope change or the end of the mayan calendar, but there is a definite shift in perception. in focus. even in, color!?!? despite Winter, we are moving from black and into a chocolate-y brown. the most obvious of this trend shift is in the natural colored heels that have hit the spring 2011 market. make sure to invest an incredible durable pair and wear your nude with pride!

sneak peek into spring

I've got a Spring layout I'm on January deadline for, so it is my pleasure in this crappy Winter NYC weather to focus on flowers blooming, breezy fashion and natural product that will have our skin glowing come May. it is the former of that last sentence that I had the absolute pleasure of focusing on today. I spoke with skin guru Ole Henriksen who not only gives girls, including Charlize Theron and Jessica Alba, good glow with his amazing product line, he also glows himself, over the phone, from 3000 miles away. I can't wait to share with you all of the yummy homemade recipes he shared with me. a quick sneak peek: mummifying your face with an oatmeal cooked in milk mixture will slough off grey, dead Winter skin. Ole!

so what?

it was very cold in nyc last night. a five foot snowstorm hit the night before. and yes, I braved the wintery elements, in a pair of marco santi suede heel booties.
so what? I love to wear high heels wven in the thinck of winter. so what? even with slush on the streets and temps below 30. that's fashion dedication. and I damn good shoe.

too hot to polka dot

it's the season of the polka dot apparently. everyone who is anyone is rocking the retro trend and the fact that the cover of vogue has dots, solidifies its status. I'm still not quite convinced, as it seems a tad childish, a little bit minnie mouse. and what a strange choice for winter. that said, I had a lovely moschino number that was fitted to a T and an absolute dream of dark blue with small red dots but I've sadly, since donated the piece. c'est le fashion.

a precious stone gathers no moss

I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing ms. erica levine of ricki l. jewelry in late december, whose pieces double as fine art. her cocktail rings come live and direct from the caves of a foreign land and are bigger than your head. give this a read and give this woman some love. she is lovely and I'm thrilled her (and my) story made the trade. click here to read.

hair there

with yesterday's facebook frenzy over the posting of the $15 chinatown blowdry, it got me thinking about hair styles. as andi scarbrough, stylist to the stars, can tell you, I am obsessed with my hair style and change it as often as one changes underwear. last year I decided to go wild and had nyc stylist, meg d. at salon V weave 250 italian extensions into my hair. while I lost the extensions, I have not cut the hair, so my below shoulder hair now requires a bit of think in regards to style. and since yesterday marked my first $15 blow out at chinatown's pell hair designs, it also gave me an hour to look at the fabby UK based mags they have at the salon. and so it is my New year's hair resolution, that my next cut will be britannia cool inspired. UK girls are so bold. so on the cutting edge, setting and rocking trends that trickle to us in the US. british vogue is a perfect place to start. I'll keep you updated. here's to hair!

haute for teacher

in this day and age of fashionistas and foodies, is it coincedence that haute preceeds couture and cuisine? is it the chicken before the bespoke balenciaga shift gown?

haute   /oʊt/ Show Spelled [oht]
–adjective
1. high-class or high-toned; fancy: an haute restaurant that attracts a monied crowd.
2. high; elevated; upper.
Also, haut /oʊ; especially before a vowel oʊt/ Show Spelled
[oh; especially before a vowel oht]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Origin:
1780–90; generalized from haute couture, haute cuisine, etc.; < F, fem. of haut lit., high; see haughty

a thouroughly modern new year

the end of 2010 was spectacular laying the groundwork for an outstanding 2011! us in nyc, celebrate with dick clark, 27,000 people in times square and the rest of the world watching, so it's easy to find oneself in something fun. heading out to the gansevoort park to catch the midnite ball drop at a top secret lauryn hill show, I had the end of year pleasure of watching all of the pretty nyc ladies dressed up for the evening. and how dressed they were! at my particular 77th street stop were gaggles of girlies in tre chic flapper style. short vintage-inspired skirts, high high heels, sequins, sparkle, diamonds, rhinestones, strings of pearls, fur and lotsa party hats. looks like everyone is feeling the fabulousness of the new year. carpe diem.

dr. fabulous

my doctor is quite fashionable. I can't read if he is gay or just...well, fashionable. I'm guessing the latter. I went in for a visit last week and he was wearing the most fabulous pair of laceless shoes I've seen on a man in a long time. I asked for a cell phone shot as I was so moved by the doc's duds. while he did inform me that he bought three pairs because he loved them so much, he wasn't keen on being photographed amongst cotton swabs and bad fluorescent lighting. unfortunately, I was denied the pic request. I snuck online instead and found it to share with you. it's john varvatos, of course. and it's faaaaavulous.

blog lovin'

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lolly vuitton

j'adore the newest resortwear 2011 campaign from louis vuitton. the candy colors and striped yumminess of the accessories and swimwear are a grown up girls dream.

hola argentina

with the end of the year wrapping up, I am leaving in a few minutes on the job of a lifetime. for my newest project, me and my extremely talented lil sis, the urban grocer, may or may not have conjured up a major network television opportunity, bringing us to buenos aires for the week in search of hip, global foodie finds. I'm bringing my digi cam which means mad pix on facebook. click here to add me there and watch for more here on the top secret teevee updates. hasta la huego crocodile.

how many licks...?

I'm a high heel lover. I love my very high heels. I've got over 50 pairs of Loubies, Manolo's, Valentino's, Steve Madden's, Aldo and Jessica Simpson's that fill up my shoe rack. This lifestyle choice is not conducive to comfy feet. Especially in New York City where I walk more than five miles a day and especially in the Winter. Enter FootzyRolls. The flat with the funny name has saved my feet. A quick dash to the Subway and back now comes accompanied by these roll-up glam flats that I stash in my oversized purse before and after the big meeting. They are easy. breezy, have cute styles like snakeskin and glitter as not to take away from a girls love of g'lamour and they are available in most department stores, making them available to you. Perfect for Bridesmaids and Girls Nights Out. And of course, the dreaded winter walk to the 77th Street Subway.

color your world ; )

I was in at bliss 57 spa the other day for a quick wax treatment and sampled the new nail colors by essie. fab. fab. fab. especially the tiffany blue (that I'm rocking thanks to insipration from a new coach ad) and the creamy peach. j'adore.

love is in the air.

yesterday it was uber brand zara and today, it's director/writer/uber producer nancy meyers. this is not the first time I've been called a love bug. I love u. I love u. u love me. and today I love nancy meyers. I am a HUGE fan of her geriatric chic films "something's gotta give" and "it's complicated", her sets and stories and actor choices are beautiful to watch, eternally living in a pop culture glow. her latest "i love you, phillip morris" is a homosexual tour de force with a cinematic quirk worthy of a charlie kaufman story. If someone were to ask me what my "platform" was, what I stand for, if I was Miss America, what would I fight for? It's equal rights for all. and following the success of glee's gay friendly storyline pushing our people to see everyone as one more clearly, this film will hopefully make the masses fall in love with everyone too. brava nancy meyers. you're da man.

my newest crush

I am currently crushing on zara, the international brand that lucky for us, is in most US malls. they have everything my fashion heart desires and for most looks under $100. I snapped a pic of this luxurious faux fur wrap vest with adorable and effortless brown belt, all for $70!? They have animal prints in the chicest places and their fits equal their buyer-friendly price tag. gift certificate anyone?

#p2holidayaccessories

they say in new york that close to 45% of women between 25 - 65 never marry. that's because they are so busy kicking ass and enjoying each other's uplifting, empowering and inspirational time. last night was one of those times. style expert and ultimate cutie, pamela pekerman put together an incredibly chic holiday accessory guide party at dasha wellness in the galleria on 57th street. not only was the spa and its owner, shannon, divine, free massages were doled out amongst the guests. as were delicious cranberry detox drinks, fretzels by jill and glow gluten free cookies. then like a new oprah order, hostess pamela took the stage and showered guests with her holiday gift list which she then also gifted. little lingerie underthings from blush, dangling earrings from disney couture, my favorite, a gift card to daffy's for really great cheap chic finds, amongst a list of really fabulous style-y things that only a girl, at a girly party, who loves girly things would absolutely love. thank you pam. what a treat!

CYBER MONDAY SALES !!

According to Wikipedia, Cyber Monday is a marketing term for the Monday immediately following Black Friday, the Friday following Thanksgiving Day in the United States. The term made its debut on November 28, 2005 in a Shop.org press release entitled "'Cyber Monday' Quickly Becoming One of the Biggest Online Shopping Days of the Year"... in celebration of Cyber Monday, I want to offer my peoples (that's you!) some personal deals from me to you. Happy Online Holiday Shopping!

Autumn is well and truly upon us and so there is no better time to win a pair of toasty Whooga ugg boots. Whooga are quickly gaining recognition as a popular alternative brand of sheepskin boots with their legendary thick Thermofleece foot bed. To enter simply follow them on Twitter or sign up to their newsletter. .. .. .... .. . If you can’t wait until the end of the month for the prize draw then enter the following coupon code for an exclusive Cyber Monday JZ 10% discount (valid ONLY for the next week): 1047ZAINO

BodyRock Sport by Kelly Dooley was doing a Black Friday Buy One Get One. I bet if you're a good boy or girl, the secret cyber sale will be on ; )

Bikini Thief has the most delicious swimwear and for Cyber Monday, free shipping and free water-proof bikini bag including on all purchases. Perfect Resortwear for 2011.

30% on all purchases, ONLY, Monday, November 29 when you shop MillyNY.com.

Ann Taylor has 40% on ALL online full purchases. Coupon code: SAVE40 when checking out.

...and my absolute faaaavorite brand, Kate Spade is offering 25% off Cyber Monday sale purchase when you plug in coupon code: CYBER25 at online checkout.

Pace yourself. You're welcome. Have fun ; )
xxJZ

have a tartan holiday!

dear santa

I've been a very good girl this year. please bring me these amazeballs gold aviator chanel sunglasses, item number 4179. I know those elves do good work... xxJZ

The Exclusive JZ Holiday Giving Guide

(New York City, NY - November 2010)

There is so much to be thankful for from the leaves turning color in NYC to the Lanvin collaboration that launched this week with H&M. As the Holidays near and no doubt, the 2010 'Best Of' lists will be compiling, I wanted to write my own Holiday Guide to share with you, so that you may have your content and eat it too. As a nationally recognized Style Expert and regular Style Correspondent for TV Guide Network's Fashion Team, here is the brand spankin' new JZ Style Guide to the Holidays. Be it for media publication, if you're looking for a Holiday Style Expert or if you just need some help on picking the perfect party dress for the Holiday Party circuit. Like to read it, here it go... and THANK YOU. I am so grateful.

1. Altruistic Accessories
Trinkets are the true multi-tasker of the Style world. Jewelery and accessories can be purchased not only for you but for great gifts, Secret Santas and stocking stuffers and since the Holidays are the time for giving, take it to the next level and give some more by giving back with gifts. These key accessory brands stylishly stand for something: Designer, Attorney and Mother, Jessica Mindich has launched, Jewelry For A Cause (.net), her darling set of Blue Buddha Talismans, Family Crest wrist ties and True Prep charms with proceeds going to benefit DoSomething.org. Also, the fine folks at Lia Sophia have established an empowerment program where brand hostesses can throw a party, sell some beautiful jewlery and build their business. Be it for financial gain or fun, a trip to LiaSophia.com is a must!

2. Black and Blue
Everyone loves color and the hottest combination this Holiday is Royal Blue and Black. Think Royal Blue Dress with Black Blazer or Little Black Dress with a royal blue pashmina. So many options, so little time.

3. Cocktail Dresses for Less Coin
You have a list of invitations piling up and not enough in the closet to compensate. What's a girl to wear?! A simple shopping trip to some key stores will have you ready to dance the night away in no time. And for under $50, you'll be looking sparkly without spending the cash. Forever 21 is always my first stop in picking up a fun number. They never disappoint but if a more mature look is your thing, QVC has some beautiful and flattering finds under $50.

4. What to get the Guy
The dude in your life, be it lover, brother or friend is always a toughie when it comes to gift giving. That said, there are some very chic gifts that are a home run when it comes to style. A wallet from Jack Spade has humour but still says grownup. An Adidas watch or better yet, luxury leisure wear by David Beckham for Adidas is a great gift. Finally, grooming is key to kick off the new year with a new look and the people at The Art of Shaving are doing their best to clean up the boys in your life. A kit or better yet, a proper salon shave is a great gifty for any man, bosses and friends with benefits included.

5. Thrifty Girl
I've recently moved in to the Upper East Side section of New York City. And to each block there are at least two Thrift Stores. Which got me thinking. A great gift idea for intimate friends and family are Thrift Store books. The thought that goes into each as you customize who you are giving what to mixed with the yellow, dog-eared pages, phrases underlined in a past read is an intimate and even romantic gift to give. Some thrift shops to stop at: Salvation Army, Housing Works, Goodwill, the local Library.

And end of the year props to some brands that I have had the pleasure working with this year, swimwear line Bikini Thief and luxury sportswear brand, BodyRock Sport by Kelly Dooley both have incredible styles with terrific Black Friday and holiday sales for maximum online shopping fun!

Happy Holidays! 'Tis a beautiful season. xxJZ

button up

I came across the above candid shot of the uber cool nicole richie and I am now on an obsessivo hunt for the perfect structured navy blue with gold buttons blazer. I have a great one I picked up at barney's from theory but it doesn't quite do the job. and I have a lovely little boys school jacket but there is no curve so that too doesn;t measure up. where oh! where are you perfect casual yet structured jacket?

jess loves lanvin loves h&m

I have the fortune of living a hop & skip from h&m and a nyc one at that, ensuring that the windows are dressed beyond divine. we fashion lovers all know by now that lanvin is working the h&m collab and the adorable windows reflect it... so, with a November 20 launch date, what are you thinking? I am sucker for lanvin, placing alber elbaz's deisgns at the top of my top three fave houses but if it's between us girls, I'm minimally shocked at the prices.everything over $100, most cocktail pieces close to $250. If u recall a few past designers: lagerfeld, stella mccartney, the prices were never this bloated. and while, the pieces are perfectly lanvin, is it a wise purchase to pay out so much at h&m, while great in a pinch doesn't hold it's own on the real thing. I might be sticking to eBay for my lanvin couture. a bit more money but "the real deal" quality that pays for itself.

dietrich and dimaggio

It's Monday and I'm expressing my inner Dietrich. Strong, Structured. Menswear for women. Black trousers. Rolled up sleeves. A strand of long pearls to soften the sapphic style. Come on, Vogue.

luxury for less

a few posts back I commented on the studded shoe that is rocking right now. jimmy choo has a collab with ugg on a black boot studded out in gold and silver grommets. they retail at $800. after a quick pop in to the harlem costco today (I buy their two dozen roses for $15 that last a month!?), I peeped these pictured above kirkland brand ugg-inspired boots for $35 and decided I am absolutely going to stud them out proper for winter. so what if kirkland makes everything from tequila to toilet paper to tires. I do not discriminate. bedazzle party anyone?

cowl's are zing

chunky knits are the rage this winter season and I cannot get enough of the homemade, chunky, necky, comfy cowl to wear over tees and under winter coats. etsy is a perfect place to start.

thrift store nation

the UES is home to a sh*t ton of thrift stores. really. like one or two per block. makes one wonder how the shops stay in business in this bad economy. they stay in business coz each is PACKED!? I popped in to housing works on 77th today. random 4pm visit on a random wednesday afternoon and sure enough the party was bumping. tons of great finds including the adorable patchwork shoulder bags and nifty ombre disco dress pictured above. for a great cause as well. makes me reevaluate my holiday shopping strategy....hmmmm......

she's got l'eggs

leggings have become a closet staple in the past few years so it's important to find a brand that fits because ladies, you know, we wear them over and over and over again. my favorite legging find is not a pant, but a tight and an opaque one at that. a drugstore brand I trust is the old school egg, l'eggs in black. for less than $10 this is a perfect winter accompaniment with over the knee riding boots and heels (especially cute peep-toe, wooden soled ones). and if you're looking for a more traditional legging, BL BODY shapewear, which is the shapewear brand from NBC's Biggest Loser has some pretty great stuff at pretty great prices which tone making your assets look pretty great. legs up!

My Fall Transitions on TV Guide Network's Fashion Team

you're such a #stud

everyone from jimmy choo flats to adidas and christian louboutin sneakers to ugg boots are studding out their gear. get in the game and get yourself some serious stud. and if your into the D-I-Y, break out the bedazzler and get going on a ol' fave to bring it up to date on right on trend.