02/02/10
The Grammys are a bit less formal for celebs. They can choose a short or long dress. I love this short number on Lea Michelle. I think it strikes the perfect chord (ha) of dressy, kicky, flirty. It reflects her personality. Lady Gaga was a showstopper, no surprise. But her sparkly shoes and nylons are quite remarkable. First the heel! Then all the Swarovski studs. Amazing!

Photo: Getty Images

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01/28/10
I'm thinking spring. It's only February, but I'm dreaming of my spring wardrobe. What should be on my shopping list? One trend that isn't sticking around: the 80s. Say goodbye to those oversized shoulders. What's on tap? Here are the hot trends to look for:

- Optimistic prints, tye dye
- Color, brights
- Textured romance, details, flounces
- Minimalism with personality
- Construction details, slashes, architectural looks
- Sexy hair
- Turquoise, lime green, berry

See examples via video here.

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01/27/10
Model weight is a huge controversy right now. Plus size models have been in the limelight lately with Glamour mag and other glossies featuring them in spreads. Too skinny models have been banned. Brazil is getting a little heat right now for this shot of models at Sao Paolo Fashion Week. There must be a happy medium for models. Thin is fine, but bone thin isn't healthy or pretty or fashionable. Read more at nymag.com.

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01/26/10
Simon Doonan, the creative director at Barney's, is a genius! I love his optimistic windows. Those are fortune cookies spelling out 2010. How darling!

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01/18/10
Award season is upon us. Uber fashion fun! The dresses were pretty last night. But I saw several things that I'd change. See if you agree:

Cameron Diaz's neckline is crying out for an encrusted choker:

January Jones needs an earring. Something small with a short drop.

Kate Hudson's platforms are a bit too extreme. They look cartoon-ish.

I always love a belt, even on eveningwear but this leather one on Meryl Streep is too casual.

Tea Leoni's cotton button down is too workplace-chic for this type of event. Kudos for the knotted pearls though.

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01/08/10
Chanel temporary tattoos...these are the first things I've seen this year that made me say "wow." Fresh. Kicky. Instant wow factor. I'm imagining choosing the right necklace to strategically overlay the tattoo, intensifying the affect. This is truly fashion as a canvas. See more on Elle.

photo: Imaxtree

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2010
Welcome to twenty ten!

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12/20/09
Swarovski teamed up with Henri Bendel this Christmas. The result is festive and sparkly. Of course!

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I love the end of the year with all the BEST lists. This is end of the decade so the best lists are huge! Jezebel went through all the past magazine covers to find out which cover models scored the most covers. None are models. All are celebs. Here are the top 5. See pics and the rest of the list here.

5. Renee Zellweger
4. Jennifer Aniston
3. Nicole Kidman
2. Angelina Jolie
1. Drew Barrymore with 26 covers in the last 10 years.

I'm surprised that Drew has the top spot. I feel like I see Jennifer Aniston on the most covers.

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12/19/09
I just voted for the Best Dressed of the Decade on Vogue.com. It's an interesting exercise to see a) which dresses you remember and b) which ones you like best. I think it says a little something about your personal style. Below are my choices. I'm drawn to a strong silhouette. I love an exotic detail like the fur cuffs or the bust ruffles. And the lady-like looks always attract me.

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12/16/09
She's a hoot.

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12/2/09
Christmas windows are feast for the eyes. The detail and execution is impeccable. The creativity, endless! I love the wonder. It warms the heart and puts us in a holiday mood. Some of the best windows are in NYC. Here's a great slideshow of the best.

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11/10/09
I have a secret passion: wedding photos. I love looking at picture galleries from weddings. It's fun to see what brides and wedding planners choose. I also love seeing folks in their finery. I love the pretty dresses. And weddings are usually colorific...which I love. One of the most interesting recent trends are patterns on bridesmaid dresses. Here is a gorgeous example from Thread Social. I would totally put my bridesmaids in these. It looks lush and luxe.

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10/29/09
For about 10 years or so, I've been wanting to see bridal gowns with sleeves. Seems I'm not the only one! Ivanka Trump may have started this new trend. I think a strapless gown is super pretty and very bride-like. But for the most important day in your life before a minister and God and your 85 year old grandmother, a little sleeve sounds appropriate. It can be so elegant, as shown by Ivanka's Vera Wang dress. What do you think. Join the debate at my fave blog.

photo: EPA/Fred Marcus Photography

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10/28/09
I love everything about this cover. Darling! Read more here.

credit: Glamour Magazine

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10/6/09
Wouldn't you invite Prince to your front row?

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9/30/09
The beauty trends at Fashion Week are stunning and dramatic: white liner, no mascara, tribal tattoos, day-glo lips. All fun inspirations. I cannot do without mascara but I might try out the white liner and a bold brow. See all beauty 8 trends at W Magazine.

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9/21/09
What a necklace! Not sure how to wear it. I would totally wear the cuff though!

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Emmy fashions were all about glitter, shoulders and color: red, purple, neutrals. Some of the prettiest are shown on The Daily Beast. I liked Drew Barrymore's strapless, pale peach tuffet-y gown. She also has the perfect accessory...her gorgeous smile and radiant demeanor. Fun.

photo: WireImage

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9/18/09
Mad Men inspired style is one of fall's strongest trends. How to work it into your everyday style? Look for an hourglass silhouette. A jacket with a nipped waist. A gorgeous silk daytime blouse paired with a pencil skirt that hits an inch below your knee. Classic black pumps, closed toe, strong heel. You probably have a piece or 2 in your closet already! Oprah is on the bandwagon...she's doing a Mad Men show on Monday. Check out this great photo from the set. How great does she look in that style? Tune in Monday!

photo: Harpo Studios

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9/13/09
Fashion's Night Out was a success. Gobs of shoppers, celebs, models, designers, and media joined together in amazing in-store celebrations. Barbara Walters, SJP, Bette Midler and Oscar de la Renta sang with abandon. ALT referreed a fashion board game. The Olsen Twins bartended. Anna smiled and shopped and wooed her fans. Amazing. Check out the best party pics at nymag.com and read about the intriguing bicycle escapade of designers Shipley & Halmos.

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9/9/09
Tomorrow is Fashion's Night Out in NYC. And then the next day begins Fashion Week. Style abounds! Here's a great sneak peek at all the bests from Style.com.

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9/4/09
Duct tape dress? NoNoNoNoNoNoNo...not even for a fashion stunt.
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9/3/09
What are the top trends for fall? According to Vogue, the current issue:

-Red (try a significant piece in red, go for broke with a pant, coat, or dress)
-Boots (the taller, the better)
-White Shirt (always a classic, try one that is architectural)
-Coats (either sleek or embellished)
-Fur (think fur trim on your gloves, handbag, boots, scarf, etc. fake is fine!)
-40s (nipped waist, strong shoulder, glam floor-length dresses)

Here's a great Vogue video showing all these trends.

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9/2/09
I love the way SJP looks here. SATC is now filming part 2 in NYC so we're going to see a lot of pics from the set. Fun stuff. This outfit is fresh and modern. But not really up to par, I think. We love SATC for the extreme fashions and over-the-top accessories. This looks too regular...great but regular. Hmmm. I'll look forward to seeing more photos from the set before I make a final judgement.

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9/1/09
Anna Wintour goes to see The September Issue like a regular person! Love that she has on an expertly tailored FNO tee.

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8/31/09
Fashion Week in Chicago is a great way to see local design talent. Chicago isn't New York, but we've got some great work being done here in the Chicago manner: open, fresh, DIY, creative. If you're in town, please consider coming to some of the events. One of the nice things is that you can actually meet the designer and learn about their inspirations and so you can appreciate their work. And any purchases you make helps support the local economy. In my small business, I have 5 people who help me in a variety of ways: as interns, on commission, on part-time salary or on contract. With that support, they can pay their rent or childcare or continue to grow their own businesses. It keeps everyone moving.

Fashion Focus Chicago is October 22-25. Here is an events calendar.
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8/30/09
The September Issue doesn't open here in Chicago until September 11. I can't wait. Until then, I enjoyed reading an interview with Grace Coddington on Vogue.com.
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8/27/09
Found this cute vest on Vogue.com. It's from the Gap. I want it. It's a cute layering piece. I might put a long graphic tee under it. Or a bright white shirt. When it's colder, I have a darling grey/pale blue/ecru striped scarf (that my Dad bought me!) that'll look cute with it.

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8/26/09
Rachel Zoe is either loved or hated. I think she should be enjoyed for her style and over-the-top personality. If you ask me, she's a hoot. She's got great taste and hysterical assistents. Have you signed up for her daily newsletter, The Zoe Report yet? It's worth a quick read. So is this 5 minute interview with her on the W website.

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8/23/09
I heart NYMAG.com! Here are some of the best features from the past few days:

Swacket, Jegging, Shootie...do you know what these are? Here's a cheat sheet to fashion's hybrid words.
What did Anna wear to the premiere of The September Issue? Oogle the fashions on this slideshow.
The best, worst and laughable photos from the August fashion mags. Worth a looksee.
Polka dots, BIG shoulders, red red red, and boots boots boots. Here are the trends you need for Fall.

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8/5/09
Casting call for extras for Sex and the City 2: how fun! I've seen some pics of the people who showed up. Some of them are dead-on, style-wise. I can just imagine the outfit-preparing! I wish I was in NYC to have witnessed the line.

photo: Talaya Centeno

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7/27/09
I'm obsessed with color. So I loved loved loved this outfit on Michelle Obama. The combination is fashion forward and she takes a risk with it. But the tones are complimentary and the colors are contrast-y enough so it works.

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7/26/09
Remember when you were a kid and all you had to shop from was Sears? Then Target came along with well-designed home goods at similar prices. It was "design for all" and we loved it. In the fashion world, fast fashion retailers brought us high fashion looks at a nice price. Now long-standing name brands like Ann Taylor and JC Penney are bringing high fashion styles to their shoppers. It's a smart move to draw new customers and lure back ones who left. They have some great pieces at affordable prices. See a few of the best at NYMag. I love this cowl neck dress.
 

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7/23/09
Take 5 minutes for extreme fashion. You'll see headdresses on men, American flag pants, Bruce Willis totally creepy, a leather bodysuit and a windmill. NY Mag puts together a slideshow of the "best and worst of July magazine spreads" and it's delightful! Here are a two of the bests:

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7/21/09
I love the LWD. Varying styles of little white dress can be perfect for a breezy daytime look or a polished Sunday brunch look. Do you like it tailored or casual? Both are good...just depends on what you're doing that day. Celebs love the LWD too. Check InStyle.com out for inspiration.

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7/20/09
Big week for Objets. 3 events: Chicago Sidewalk Sale tomorrow and Wednesday in Daley Plaza and Pretty in Pilsen on Saturday. We're featuring new items and secret discounts at both events, so try to stop by! We'd love to see you.

On another note. I'm wondering when the "layering" trend got started. I feel like it was 10 years ago. Was it more? I remember thinking, great, now I have to figure out what to wear underneath a cute top. I was right. I feel like I've been doing that for more than a decade. I can't believe every cute top I pick up at a store needs an under-garment. I've adapted. I now have tees, tanks, beige bras, etc. But really. Can't designers make an opaque top for crying out loud?

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7/15/09
Ever wonder about couture production? Why does a dress cost so much? Because every single bit of the dress is made by hand. These master seamstresses created detailed perfection. Watch this video from Chanel showing a dress from sketch to runway. You'll be awed at the intricacy. I love seeing the patterns created from hand-sewed sequins. Truly an art form!

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7/14/09
Christy Turlington is my all time fave supermodel. I love her arched eyebrows, amazing cheekbones, full lips, gorgeous wavy hair. Her grace is inspiring. I also like that she seems completely normal. And smart...she's studying for a masters degree at Columbia University. Check out 25 years of Christy in Vogue.

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7/9/09
Lucky! Lucky! Lucky! We love Lucky Mag and Lucky Mag loves the Citron necklace!

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7/8/09
I'm a color girl. I soak it in. I want to drink it up. Any bold color draws my eye and holds my attention. So I was mesmerized by this photo by M.A.C. Wow. See it large here. Their colors are rich and intriquing and I always desire them. This is over the top, color-wise and I love it.

Mark your calendar for August 27th. That's when these new M.A.C. nail polishes come out. They're expected to sell out. I love the army green one. And the khaki. Very interesting looks for fall.

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7/6/09
Have you checked out the Look of the Day quiz at Vogue.com. It's a quick hit of fashion fun. Today they're featuring pretty blues. I voted for the Moschino dress. Which do you like best?

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6/30/09
Anna Sui is doing a collection for Target based on Gossip Girl. Great concept. Some cute looks. It's a little too youthful for me, but these two are my faves. See the third pic below...the worst. Wow.

Best:

Best:

Worst:

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6/29/09
It seems that summer just started. But I'm already onto Fall. The new Cachet collection has a feeling of disco glam. I think it will be well received. We've already got some great interest (a couple accessories editors are buzzing about it!). Here are a few sample pieces that I sent out today.

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6/25/09
Anna. Wintour. Vogue. Fashion. Icon. Can't wait to see the movie The September Issue. Watch the trailer. It looks a-ma-zing!

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6/23/09
If only I had an extra $2490 in my pocket. I'd totally buy this coat. Oscar de la Love! Perfect for a summer evening over a simple shift. I'd make it my signature piece. See more Vogue must-haves. The shoes are pretty fierce too.

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6/21/09
I wasn't so interested in the Jimmy Choo/H&M collaboration. Until I saw this. Love. Seriously.

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6/19/09
Pretty in Pilsen was a great event. We gave away lots of free earrings. And sold many wonderful pieces to the glam attendees. So happy you all came out! If you missed it, don't worry! We're going to do it every month. Details on the July Pretty in Pilsen will be announced soon!

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Simon Cowell should dress up more often.

photo Getty Images

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6/17/09
Oh to be on the red carpet! Which red carpet? The Oscars...mais oui! The Globes...of course? The CDFA...yes! Luckily Vogue gives us a look at all the designer/model/celebrity action from the 2009 CDFA Awards. What a delight Simon Doonen is. It's easy to see why everyone adores the Rodarte girls. Molly Simms' dress is a showstopper. Marc Jacobs is, well, Marc Jacobs. Steven Kolb speaks eloquently about the significance of the evening. Vera Wang is nervous. Alexander Wang is the favorite (and wins). Check out this red carpet video and live vicariously!

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6/16/09
I am sucked in by "5 minute hairstyles." I always read those articles. I'm constantly in pursuit of the best and easiest messy updo. I'm not so great at actually doing the updo, but I love trying. And I love looking at them. Check out these from Glamour.

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6/13/09
Who wore it better? Michelle or Carla. I think both outfits are flattering, classic and fresh. Very interesting that they both chose white. Read the commentary at NYmag.

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6/12/09
A little more about the fall collection. I have it on the brain. Thought I'd share it with you!

Cachet Fall/Winter 09
In this season of “more is more,” Objets d’Envy brings you Cachet...a jewelry collection that is flashy but memorable. It’s got looks that are disco glam, rock n’ roll edgy and uber sexy. The color palette includes bursts of technicolor with Goldenrod, Lime, Scarlet and Violet. Eighties hues like Flame and Mirror make a guest appearance. And the classic neutrals of Caramel, Frost, Silver and Smoke are the go-with-everything shades. There are dramatic earrings that will compliment shoulder pads and updos. Statement necklaces are flamboyant enough to accent the one shoulder frocks. The theme this season is embellished eveningwear and over the top luxury. Compelling styles beg to be touched. There are hard-edged chains with pops of crystallized color to create an intriguing contrast. Many pieces are defined by the multitude of crystals...that’s classic Objets d’Envy: an extravagance of Swarovski riches.

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6/9/09
I'm still on the purple-kick. I love all the shades: lilac, berry, violet, grape. I feel like you have to wear it smartly: a flowy cornflower top or a regal purple sheath dress or a patterned skirt in purple hues. One easy way to flaunt the purple is with make up. I love this look from Glamour. Try a berry lip gloss. Smooth on a little amethyst eyeshadow. What the heck? It's summertime...a great time to push your personal style. Try something new and purple-y!

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6/8/09
Today I named my fall collection. It's called Cachet. It signifies a distinctive quality. I like the thought of that. When I was designing Cachet, I thought about that special piece of jewelry you have in your possession. When you put it on, you feel different. You feel special. That's the feeling I wanted to evoke with these pieces. Each one has an unusual quality that will set you apart from other women in the crowd. You'll have that certain, indescribable sense of cachet.

For the names of the pieces, I look at each and think about it's qualities. Then I brainstorm, research, source names. Sometimes I make up the names. Sometimes I find lists of French words on the internet (French food, birds, flowers). Sometimes I pull names from my "list of favorite words." Yes, I keep a list of words that I like. It gives me a headstart when writing.

Some of the names are: Fringe, Perle, Shift, Absinthe, Crinoline, Ingenue, Garconne, Froncé, Lumiere, Amuse, Bouquet, Eclore, Circue, Carré, Pintail, Starlet. Look for them to debut in August 09!

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6/7/09
Gisele is flat out gorgeous. Her favorite swimsuit? Of course the Calezodonia bikini! That would be my favorite too, if I had a figure like hers. Read more of Gisele's faves on Style.com. I love getting insight like this about an uber-celebrity.

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6/2/09
Are you wearing more cardigans since Michelle Obama has been on the fashion scene? I've always been a fan. I suffer from the "always cold" affliction. So I always try to have a cardigan on hand. But in the last 2 years I've switched to large scarves/pashminas. They're easy to throw in my big pocketbook or over my arm. But LOVE the cardigan! Fashionable and sensible!

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The photo shoot was great! Here are a couple snaps of the pretty models:

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5/30/09
Big day tomorrow! We're doing a photo shoot for the Fall collection. Cynthia, Carla and Kate have all volunteered to be my lovely models. I'm excited to show them the new designs. Then we'll start showing the line to the fashion press and boutique owners. And it will debut on the website in August. I can't wait!

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5/28/09
I love working with brides. It's especially nice when a bride chooses my designs to be part of the biggest day of her life. Quite a complement!

The Rock Candy Collection is perfect for a wedding. Why? It's oversized so you can see it from afar. It comes in 14+ colors so there's a perfect hue for any color theme. The intense sparkle adds to the beauty of the wearer. And Swarovski crystal has long been a favorite of brides for dress accoutrements, clutches, headpieces, jewelry, and footwear.

I was so happy to help Katie Schaefer (thanks Katie!) with the jewelry for her sister Heather's wedding! We've decided on Mini Cluster earrings in Bordeaux for her bridesmaids and in Frost for Heather. Plus Katie gave Heather the Something Blue Bracelet for her shower gift. It looks lovely on Heather and it looks like she likes it! Heather...best wishes for a wonderful wedding and a happy life ever after!

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5/26/09
Be a fashion voyeur. Check out The Selby for a sneak peak into the home of Julia Roitfeld, the uber-stylish daughter of French Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld. Can you imagine being Carine's daughter? What an incredible upbringing in the fashion world. She has many elaborate and ornate shoes. I love this fur ball and vintage crystal bag. 

photo: The Selby

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5/23/09

"Simply put, these items make me feel classic. And there is no substitute for feeling this way. Ever." Nina Garcia is a fashion force. With her work at Elle and Project Runway, she has influenced how women style themselves. I've heard her speak about fashion...she's smart, thoughtful and fun. In her recent book, The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own, she lists the things everyone should have in her closet. It's a fun and practical way to assess your style. I read it like a checklist: yes I have that, no I don't have that. Here's a few of her suggestions. I'm missing the Peacoat, the Pucci (been wanting a piece FOREVER), and the Striped Sailor Shirt. What are you missing?

Pajamas
Peacoat
Pearl Necklace
Pencil Skirt
Perfume
Plain White Tee
Polo Shirt
Pucci
Push Up Bra
Quality Champagne
Red Lipstick
Robe
Silk Scarf
Slippers
Spanx
Statemen