Halloween Costume High/Low

I love Halloween costumes. And I'll even admit that I love Martha Stewart's fantastical, creative takes on Halloween costumes. The only issue I ever buy of Martha Stewart Living, just to relish in the fantasy that this year I'll craft away my October weekends and throw together one helluva DIY costume.

But let's get real. Most weekends it's all I can do to check off the "must do" errands and chores. And so, if I'm going to dress up for Halloween, I'm going to have to go store-bought or risk going yet again as a "punk rocker" or Janet Reno (better when I had short hair). But I refuse to do a fall-back again this year. Now that I live in a neighborhood with children aplenty, I vow to do better...even if it's just to scare them a wee bit when I open the door to hand out candy.

For those of us on a budget (or who are dressing up to stay home, as I plan to), I'm totally loving Costume Couture, the new Target capsule collection from Simon Doonan, author and window dresser extraordinaire. Simon's pithy (and punny) wit is all too evident in these costumes, from Candace Corn to the Chow Hound. Even better? It's all under $30. Oh Target, how I love thee...

If you're willing and able to shell out a little more dough (which may be worthwhile if you're attending a full-fledged adult Halloween soiree or have children who practically live in dress-up clothes, as my sister and I did), might I suggest Chasing Fireflies? The children's site has the best selection of costumes -- for children, adults and pets, might I add -- that I've ever seen. I particularly love the array of historical and mythological costumes. In fact, if that Medusa outfit came in an adult version, I'd be all over it.

P.S. - Have you ever noticed how dog costumes are so often modeled by bulldogs? Perhaps it's because a bulldog, let alone a bulldog in a tutu, is inherently funny.

{6} accessories I'm craving this Fall

{L.A.M.B., fall 2010 runway}

This fall I'm so inspired by the grown-up take on rock and roll that so many of the designers (like Gwen Stefani, pictured above) displayed on the Fall 2010 runways. It's all leather, plaid, studs and black, but with a more tailored approach that suits someone about to enter her third decade instead of her second. Sentimentally though, the trend appeals to my inner-rock child -- the adolescent who a decade ago frequented rock concerts (highlights include Smashing Pumpkins' last tour and Radiohead's OK Computer tour) -- and, of course, my perennial retreat to black whenever the temperatures drop. This season though, I'm focusing on picking up just a few key accessories to refresh and update my existing wardrobe, rather than picking up a whole lot of clothing that (frankly) I just don't need.

So without further ado, here's what I'm longing to add to my wardrobe this fall:

I was not an early adopter of the bootie trend. In fact, it's taken me months to jump on that bandwagon, and I do so now only hesitantly, with the caveat that only a fraction of the booties available on the market are flattering and/or appropriate for anything other than pants-only pairings. That said though, I love these. The cut outs, the charcoal gray patent (and I've never been able to resist patent leather shoes), the way they dip below the ankle for maximum leg-lengthening capabilities....but best of all? They're super duper comfy.

Swallows are often associated with rock-n-roll and I love how Marc Jacobs incorporated them into the hardware of this adorable cross-body bag. In college, I had a nylon cross-body bag from Kate Spade and I wore it to death -- I even had a friend memorialize me with it in a cartoon for the school paper. Since then, I've been favoring shoulder bags and satchels, but I can't deny the appeal of a hands-free bag like this for weekends antiquing, sight-seeing or even just trolling the mall.

Any girl trying to pull of a sophisticated rock-n-roll look has to have a pair of studs like these.

Love the ombré effect of this cozy sweater. Boyfriend cardigans, drapey sweaters and ponchos are all big for fall and I love their casual, comfy look for cool fall weekends. These pieces also, of course, make wonderful travel companions.

I'm quite fond of the look of multiple, messy chains all tied up into one, easy to wear piece (I'm not so great at layering on my own, I'll be honest). I particularly like this piece for its mix of metals as well as its feminine touches. It's tough, but delicate. And I love that contrast.

So while these aren't exactly "rock 'n roll," I can't help but want these graphic pieces to inject a little color and whimsy into my new, tough chic look:

Perhaps it's my height or my low blood pressure, but I've always had very cold feet. In the fall and winter, that typically means that I pad around the house (and sleep) in socks -- and the cuter those socks are, the better. Knee socks are also a great choice for boots as they avoid chafing. But if unlike me you're brave enough to don them with heels and a mini-skirt, then I say the more power to you.

I love an oversized, gauzy scarf. It's perfect for layering on cooler days and for pulling out of your purse at work or at the movies when you find yourself the victim of an overzealous a/c unit. I love the pink and gray color combo of this scarf as well as the geometric print, which has a slightly '80s vibe that's very in this season.

So what about you, what are you craving to this fall?

Out of the Powder Room and into the Closet...

While browsing Nordstrom's accessories department with my mom and sister yesterday, I spied Kate Spade's cheerful summer bon shopper ($175) with its playful, leaping zebras. If you're as fanatical a reader of shelter magazines as I am, then no doubt you are also struck by the similarity between this print and Scalamandre's popular zebra wallpaper. While the lack of arrows (which I'm not a big fan of anyways -- it takes the safari-theme too literally) and the different colorways make this print not an exact replica of the wallpaper, it nevertheless bears an uncanny resemblance to the iconic paper.

To refresh your memory, here are a few examples of the pattern in question being used by two of my favorite designers:

Massucco Warner Miller

Miles Redd

And lest you think the similarity is purely coincidental, check out Jack and Kate Spade's very own guest bath (via Habitually Chic), which sports the wallpaper in a cheerful green:

I should add that it's entirely possible (even likely) that Kate Spade had permission from Scalamandre to use this print; I have no idea. Rather than making any legal accusations, I'm more interested in generating some discussion around whether or not you like the increased interrelationship between fashion and interior design in recent years. So what do you think? Is what's good on the runway good in the home?

While I love the fact that runways and design showrooms now speak to each other (both literally and figuratively), I'll admit that I think the line isn't completely permeable. After all, fashion is (or at least should be) much more about trends and seasons: the "It" bag, the hot new colors for fall, etc. Interior design, on the other hand, should perhaps be more timeless and more impervious to trends. I think we've come a bit too far with disposable decorating, which is both fiscally and environmentally irresponsible. But I'd love to hear what you think on this one....

Palm Springs-Inspired Soiree

{iomoi}

Today Catherine has invited me over to The Shiny Pebble for a smashing summer soiree -- and I'd love for the rest of you to join me over there for the festivities. In honor of the occasion, I thought I'd throw together a bit of a pre-party before Catherine's formal event. To celebrate the onset of summer, I'll be throwing Palm Springs-inspired outdoor party (preferably by a beautiful pool).

So I do hope you'll drop by before the big event and join me for a bit of the best of Palm Springs, inspired by a few of my favorite designers:

Kelly Wearstler {Viceroy Palm Springs}

Jonathan Adler {The Parker Palm Springs}

Trina Turk {and her fabulous sense of style}

So let's get this party started, shall we?

Let's start with the (not-so-basic) basics, shall we? For the ultimate in poolside lounging, we'll forgo awkward outdoor chairs for the types of pieces you can really sink right into -- and you can't get much better than this comfy and modern sectional from West Elm and several canopy beds (yes, beds! there's just something so incredibly indulgent and sensual about using a bed as seating, don't you think?). Plenty of free standing white umbrellas will keep us shaded from the harsh desert sun. We'll continue the clean and modern look with tall white planters full of native grasses scattered around the pool. At night, when the desert breezes drop the temperature, we'll stay pleasantly warm with this ethanol-fueled fire pit, the dark boxy shape of which echoes the shapes of the sectional and bed rather perfectly. For pops of color, why not a few of these lovely turquoise and lime capiz garden stools from Pier1? These stools can perform double duty as tables or extra seating and are easily movable around the yard.

And now for the real fun: the decorations and accessories! I'd like to keep the poppy colors going with plenty of Trina Turk's gorgeous outdoor pillows in an array of sherbet-y, sunshine-y hues. We'll pick up those same colors again with Jonathan Adler's paper lanterns, which will look good day or night and bring a wonderful touch of pattern to the scene. Of course, we'll be wheeling out the bar for plenty of pool side refreshments (including pitchers full of our signature drink, white sangria) to be served in colorful acrylic glassware and crisp cocktail napkins. (Even when entertaining outdoors, I love to use real cocktail napkins -- it's just so much more appealing than paper.) We'll keep away an uninvited guests with citronella candles, cleverly disguised as paper lanterns.

The dress code is Palm Springs casual. As for me, I'll be decked out in these classic, comfortable -- and colorful! -- pieces (from left): J.Crew Marin dress ($128); dv by Dolce Vita "Owen" sandal ($24.90 at Nordstrom); Roberta Roller Rabbit big cata yellow beach hat ($50); Kate Spade Pitrizzia Dot Louis bag ($295); Ray Ban "New Wayfarers" ($95 at Bluefly.com); Casseterite Earrings ($158 at Anthropologie); and La Blanca by Rod Beattie bandeau swimsuit ($109 at Nordstrom).

I hope to see you there!

All a Flutter...

When Camilia posted this room from domino last week over at High-Heeled Foot in the Door, I was struck by how very current it felt. Sure, design trends turn over at a slower pace than fashion trends (and, if I recall correctly, this room is circa 2008), but whomever designed this room must have been reading her tea leaves correctly as it's got Spring 2010 all over it. This season is all about shades of turquoise, painted floors and ceilings and feminine florals and butterflies (think Liberty prints) and, between the robin's egg blue floors and ceiling, Schumacher's Birds & Butterflies wallpaper, this room hits all the right notes. The graphic black and whites brought in through accessories (the Madeline Weinrib zig zag rug, the greek key pillow and the silhouette pillow) bring in a nice graphic touch that helps tone down the sweetness of the butterflies and aqua.

In memory of domino's much-beloved "Turn this Outfit into a Room" feature, I thought I'd try my hand at turning this room into an outfit:

I wasn't familiar with Ted Baker until I saw his latest collection at Nordstrom and I'm absolutely in love with all of his pieces for spring, but most especially this gorgeous butterfly print dress. My sister actually purchased it to wear to some of her bridal showers this spring and it's incredibly stylish on. [My one complaint about Ted Baker though is his sizing: he stops at a 10, alas.] In any case, the colors and print are a dead-ringer for the Schumacher wallpaper (sans the little birds) and the easy, flattering cut makes this a versatile, wear anywhere dress. To make it work-appropriate, I'd throw on a tailored leather blazer in a gorgeous grayish brown. The 3/4-length sleeves make it the perfect transitional piece for spring and the leather toughens up the sweetness of the dress while the tailoring keeps it office-appropriate. I'd then layer on some tough, but sweet, pearl earrings and necklace. The necklace has just the palest hint of lilac in it, which will nicely pick up on the lilac in the print. For shoes, I'd go with Botkier's conical-heeled sandals in a nude-ish brown. I love a sturdier-looking sandal with a sweet dress; so much more current than a delicate sandal or heel. For an extra shot of color, I'd throw on this aqua satchel. The style is simple, yet still special and it's a great price for a quality leather bag.

Source list (clockwise, from top left): 1. Ted Baker London "Debbs" butterfly print dress (Nordstrom, $245); 2. Botkier Alexis sandal (Piperlime; $425); 3. Glass pebble and fringe necklace (J.Crew; $69.50); 4. Pearl stud (Banana Republic; $22); 5. Classiques Entier "Cool Chintz" jacket (Nordstrom; $268); 6. B. Makowsky "Belted Y Tab" leather shopper (Nordstrom; $258).

Beige, but not Boring.

As we continue to slog our way through an unusually cold February, I can't help but look to the new Spring 2010 collections for some warm weather inspiration (and escapism). One huge runway trend last fall that's sure to make a splash this spring is fleshtone shoes -- and I promise, they're not nearly as unappealing as they may initially sounds In fact, shoes in nude, beige or champagne have a wonderfully flattering, leg-lengthening effect and are a fresh (and just as versatile) alternative to white shoes for spring and summer. Take a cue from classic American designers like Donna Karen and Calvin Klein and keep the overall palette subdued by pairing these with soft and romantic neutrals for an altogether ladylike look.

On the other hand, pairing these shoes with Spring's bold brights works just as well by keeping the focus on the bold outfit and grounding all that color. Beige shoes are also more day-appropriate than a metallic shoe, making them the perfect choice for the office. Despite this office-appropriateness, there's also something undeniably sexy about beige footwear -- after all, they are nude. Bottom line: any way you wear 'em, you're sure to be right on trend.

In my own quest for the perfect pick-me-up from the late-winter "blahs", I've pulled together some of my favorite beige shoes below. I'm currently torn between the Michael Kors sandals with the lucite heel and the buttery-soft suede Chloe flats in tan and blush. Be sure to let me know which your favorite is in the comments below.

Source list (from top left): 1. "Henry" by Moschino Cheap & Chic from Piperlime ($300). These would be great with a girly summer dress or casual, loose-fitting khakis and the hot pink lining is such a fun jolt of color. 2. "Randee" by Badgley Mischka from Piperlime ($215). The perfect wedding shoe and the soft gold tone is ultra-flattering. 3. "Cammie" by Kate Spade from Piperlime ($295). The ideal spring and summer office shoe in shiny patent leather. 4. Zipper Ruffle Heel from BCBG ($250). The blush hue, zipper-detailing and frills are a feminine, ultra-sexy take on the trend. 5. See by Chloe from Zappos ($249). The type of shoe you'd live in all summer long. 6. "Belize" by Kelsi Dagger from Piperlime ($135). A budget-friendly alternative to Prada's resort 2010 sandals (see Prada runway shot above). 7. "Alecia" suede platform peeptoes from J.Crew ($265). I'm not normally a fan of booties, but the cut of these are incredibly flattering. 8. Giuseppe Zanotti from Zappos ($825). I love how the large rose is butched up a bit with gold-tone studs and a wooden heel. 9. "Private" Cuff Patent Leather Sandal by Jimmy Choo from Nordstrom ($950). This bandage-style is impossible sexy. 10. "Penelope" by Maloles from Barneys ($415). As an avowed fan of lower heels, I'm so excited to see midheels and mini-wedges coming back in style. 11. Platform Floral Slingback by Prada from Neiman Marcus ($650). A sturdy, sensible heel made more fun with a cartoon-like flower. 12. "Wrap Up Heel" by Tory Burch ($325). I can't resist a gladiator sandal. 13. "Clayton" by Kors Michael Kors from Nordstrom ($225). The lucite heel and beige leather get you two big spring trends in one shoe.

Colorful Wardrobe Pick-Me-Ups

As Houston continues to enjoy the drizzly, cool weather that I thought I escaped from when I left Connecticut back in 2003, I'm starting to rethink my choice of outerwear. After all, wet wool can start to take on a rather unpleasant, notsofresh, smell. A classic alternative would be along the lines of Audrey Hepburn's smartly tailored trench in Breakfast at Tiffany's (wherein that final rainy scene ranks as one of my all-time favorite scenes in cinematic history). But, if you're looking for a more modern, 21st century take on the trench coat, there are plenty of colorful, fashion forward options that are sure to chase away the winter blues.

From top left: 1. King Street Twill Bow Trench Coat by Kate Spade ($645). 2. Michael Michael Kors short trench ($100). 3. J.Crew ruffled gamine trench ($178). 4. Burberry packable trench coat in blush pink ($595). 5. Nick & Mo Topstitched Trench ($78) 6. Scallop Trim Coat from Boden ($198). 7. Indigo Trench from Banana Republic ($175). 8. Into the Wild trench from Marc by Marc Jacobs ($498).

Crystal Renn: A New Kind of {Role} Model

For most Americans, the start of a new year heralds the start of yet another diet and/or exercise regime. And I'm no different. Indeed, losing weight has been at the top of my annual resolutions' list for much of my adult life. While I manage to lose (and then gain) the same 15 pounds that I've struggled against since high school, I've never managed to keep said pounds off for more than a year or so at a time. So we beat on, boats against the current....

But I'm not hear to discourage you from your fitness goals, whatever they may be. In fact, I'm here to offer you a new and different kind of role model, one who might help you put your goals in perspective, focus you on being healthy (and not merely skinny) and, above all, inspire you to work with what you've got. If you're looking for that sort of role model, then you may find her (as I did) in Crystal Renn, the current "It Girl" of plus-sized modeling. In the "One Size Fits All" fashion spread in the January issue of V magazine, Crystal goes head-to-head against a "regular" model and proves firsthand that you needn't be a size 0 (or 2 or 4 or even 6...) to be a top model. In case there was any doubt, Crystal is the model who appears on the right in all of these photos by famed fashion photographer Terry Richardson.

In September Crystal published an autobiography called Hungry, which chronicles the story of her modeling career, first as a size-0 model battling anorexia and a flagging career and later as a size-12 "plus-sized" model experiencing unprecedented editorial success. I don't typically read biographies of popular figures, much less self-help or body image books, but after seeing Crystal's spread in V magazine, I had to pick it up for my holiday reading.

I'll also admit that I was initially attracted to this book for personal reasons as well. While I have never battled an eating disorder, I've nevertheless had ongoing battles with my body image (as I suspect most women do). I am, unarguably, a big woman: I stand just over six feet tall and wear a size 14. And you wouldn't believe how many years it's taken me to acknowledge the simple fact that I am "big". I remember in 9th grade how distraught I was after a male friend indelicately referred to me as "big" in passing conversation. In retrospect, I think he might have actually meant it as a compliment.

As women we are conditioned to equate "small" with "good" and "big" with "bad" (and, even worse, "fat"...or what my father years ago termed the "f-word"). But since leaving college, I have learned that the terms "big" and "small" are just adjectives to describe one physical mass in relation to other masses. Big is not a pejorative. I have also learned that being big has its advantages: I am strong, powerful and easy to find in a crowd. And yet, like most women, I waste countless hours bemoaning the size of my waist, thighs, real (and imagined) back fat...and well, just about all the rest of me. I am embarrassed to admit how often I've confused being skinny with being worthy....worthy of love, a relationship, success...everything. In short, I really identify with the pressures that made Crystal initially succumb to anorexia and really respect her ultimate refusal to keep playing the game.

Crystal's book -- and indeed her modeling work -- is a wonderful reminder of how much we stand to gain when we cast aside society's notions of what we should look like and instead embrace our own version of beauty. When Crystal finally stopped starving herself, she gained much more than 70 additional pounds; she gained the confidence and poise necessary to be a model (and a role model). I find it incredibly inspiring that Crystal's career has only taken off once she found the confidence to say "enough". While the writing is uneven in places (particularly in the beginning as Crystal recounts her childhood), the book is nevertheless an engaging and inspiring reminder that weight ain't nothin' but a number -- a number we shouldn't let run our lives or dictate or self worth. Crystal touches on some sociological and gender issues that I would have liked to see her flesh out a bit more, but ultimately this is not that kind of book. It's meant to inspire, not preach.

{Crystal in Jean Paul Gaultier's Prêt-à-porter Spring 2006 show}

Ultimately, like Crystal, I wish that both Hollywood and the fashion industry would embrace the ideal of "healthy" rather than "skinny" and the wider spectrum of ages, ethnicities, and dress sizes that go along with that paradigm shift. Crystal's success represents a great step forward in that direction, and I hope that in 2010 we continue to see more plus-sized (aka regular-sized) models on the runways as we work our way back from the super-skinny ideal that has completely dominated the industry in the past 15 years. And of course, if more designers started selling their clothes in sizes larger than a size 10, that'd be great, too.

{Elle Canada, January 2010}

And so this year, while I'd like to hit the gym a little bit more frequently, continue to play tennis and incorporate more fresh veggies into my diet, my resolution is above all to stop focusing on the scale and stop chasing some imagined ideal of what women are supposed to look like. I resolve to be healthy and, above all, to be happy with just being "me".

Twinkle Toes

Kate Spade

Right now I can't get enough of all the sparkly flats that are popping up just in time for the holidays. Bedecked in sequins, rhinestones or even ornate broaches, these shoes are all on trend and perfect for holiday parties -- especially if you're playing hostess or know in advance there won't be much opportunity to sit down and rest your heels. Try them in shades of gray, plum or in metallics to update last season's outfit. Dress them up with a cute party dress or down with jeans and a casual top. Whatever you decide to pair them with, you're guaranteed to be the life of the party with your cute (and comfortable) twinkle toes.

Source list: 1. Belle by Sigerson Morrison Charm Ballet Flats ($225). 2. Vera Wang Lavendar Label Lisa Ballet Flats ($295). 3. Miu Miu Studded Bow Ballet Flats ($450). 4. Pour la Victoire "Janise" flat ($199). 5. Dolce & Gabbana Sequin Stripe ballerina flat ($495). 6. Banana Republic Presley Bejewled Flat ($120) 7. Kate Spade "Harper" sequin flat ($275).

Source list: 1. Chinese Laundry Good Times flats ($70). 2. Steve Madden "Kazler" flat ($59.90). 3. Jessica Simpson Belta flats ($75). 4. Jeffrey Campbell "Jewel 2" flat ($109.95). 5. Kate Spade Nicolena flat ($298). 6. Lanvin Embellished Ballet Flat ($640). 7. Juicy Couture Alleah Velvet Ballet Flats ($225).

And don't miss the Kate Spade online sample sale, going on now until Friday at midnight. It's a great opportunity to pick up some great gifts (or just a treat for yourself) at a fraction of the price.

Happy Halloween!

May you have a glamourous (but still a little bit ghoulish) day!

For more gorgeous fashion photography, go HERE.

Harvard {Yard} Sucks: A rant

I'm not entirely sure why, but I find the idea of an internationally-renowned university signing on to "design" its own fashion line to be fundamentally distasteful -- and a little bit sad. Rather like seeing a formerly A-list celebrity sign on for his or her own reality show, Harvard's new mens' clothing venture, the uncreatively named Harvard Yard, is tantamount to a public admission that money is its prime motivator (reputation be damned).

Of course, just about every college in the country has licensing agreements with a host of clothing and accessories' manufacturers. These days, you can buy just about anything emblazoned with your alma mater's name, insignia or mascot (longhorn cufflinks, anyone?). In truth, these traditional licensing deals are more akin to sports merchandise: in other words, they're catering to their own fan base, their own students, and their own alumni. It's not fashion, it's a t-shirt. But I'd argue that Harvard Yard is fundamentally different.

Not only does Harvard's forway into the fashion world smack of opportunism, it also appears to champion (in potentially unflattering ways) an image that Harvard and its rivals have been battling for decades. Like many fashion labels, Harvard Yard is selling a lifestyle just as much as its selling a shirt or pair of slacks. And, with its prepster/Gossip Girl style and its higher price point, this lifestyle is precisely the type of elitist, prep school image that Harvard and its peers have been trying to shake for the past few decades. While Harvard, Yale and the like have made great success in the past thirty years or so transitioning from blue blood, mens' clubs into true meritocracies, these institutions still carry with them a reputation for being elite (for all the wrong reasons). Besides, if my experience (at Yale in the early 2000s) is anything to go on, most Ivy League students dress as casually as any other college students. T-shirts, jeans and flip-flops are the order of the day, not smart plaids, trench coats or loafers. In short, I find it incredible that Harvard is willing to cash in on this somewhat unflattering (and in many ways unfair) reputation simply because being elite and preppy carries a certain cache for a subset of the über-trendy.

But I'll get down off my soapbox and get down to the heart of the matter: is Harvard Yard any good from a fashion perspective? As is the case with most celebrity fashion designers, Harvard Yard is fairly ordinary and unoriginal. It's also predictably preppy --almost to the point of caricature. Sockless penny loafers? Check! Seersucker? Check! Plaid? Double Check! All in all, you could find just about all these pieces at your local J.Crew (and for a good bit less, to boot).

So what do you think? Am I being overly sensitive? Or lacking in vision? Is this really just a genius move by Harvard that other schools will be sure to follow? (In my mind's eye, I'm currently envisioning what great fun schools with partying reputations could have with their own fashion labels....)

The Wedding Diaries: The Dress

As most of you already know by now, my second major extracurricular activity (after decorating the new house) is preparing for my younger sister's wedding next May wherein I am the matron (ugh) of honor. After Jane set the date, booked the church and reception location and hired the photographer, the next task on our "to do" list was to find the dress -- and we managed to make quick work of it last Saturday.

Bright and early on Saturday morning, my mom, sister, cousin, aunt, friend and I all headed into town to check out the dresses at Priscilla of Boston. After a rather ho-hum (and slightly frustrating) experience at Louise Blum a few weekends earlier, I wasn't sure if we'd find what Jane was looking for at Priscilla either. Fortunately though, after only the trying on two other gowns, Jane managed to find "the dress" -- a gorgeous ivory gown covered in Chantilly lace by Melissa Sweet. You could just see by the way she lit up that the dress was precisely what she was looking for and I think, given her slightly bohemian, slightly vintage style, that it suits her perfectly. In fact, I'd argue the dress looked better on her than on the model (I think this dress calls for a more hourglass figure). Regardless, you'll have to wait until the wedding to see the dress actually on her -- after all, I don't want to spoil the surprise for her fiance (or the wedding guests, for that matter).

As luck would have it, I also managed to find a bridesmaid dress that we all could agree on. This dress reminds me a lot of the Erin dress from Vera Wang that I blogged about a few weeks ago, but the color choices for it better suited a spring wedding. The color I'll be walking down the aisle in is called Nectar, and is really a brighter coral than the picture above shows. Sure, it's not a color I'd necessarily pick out on my own (that'd be the peacock blue I tried to talk everyone into), but it's a lovely color for a May wedding and it works well with Jane's ivory gown.

And last, but certainly not least, the flower girl (or girls -- I believe that's still under discussion) will be walking down the aisle in this dress. Isn't it just the sweetest?

Next up, we'll be tackling (or rather tasting) the wedding cake. I expect that to be my favorite part of the job.

Runway to Reality: Fall 2009

Nanette Lepore

Fall is without question my favorite season -- and not least of all because of fall fashion. While I'm digging quite a few of this season's biggest trends (though I'm still saying "no" to shoulder pads), my favorite trends for this fall have to be the feminine plaids of Nanette Lepore and the bold, oversized houndstooths of Alexander McQueen and Preen. Random factoid: Houndstooth is a wool pattern traditional to the Lowlands of Scotland while the pattern Americans call "plaid" (but which is properly called "tartan" as plaid is the woolen cloth itself) is, quite famously, a wool pattern traditional to the Scottish Highlands. So one could argue that these two Scots' patterns are really just one related trend. But enough history, let's get on with the pretty, shall we?

Mad for Plaid

Perhaps it's because I came of age in the '90s, but I have a real soft sport for all things grunge. And so, while I may have hung up my flannels and Dr. Martens years ago, a small part of me is still really excited to see that plaid is back. This time around though, I won't be resurrecting my old shapeless lumberjack shirts. Instead, I'll be going for a more feminine take on classic tartan and will be trying a frilly blouse (whose sweetness is nicely tempered by the plaid), a fitted blazer, and maybe even a fun, flirty dress.

Alexander McQueen

Obviously, McQueen's runway show was more spectacle than reality (which is as it should be in my book), though if you remove the headgear and kabuki-style make-up, the clothes themselves are actually incredibly wearable, especially if you mix these in with some more subtle pieces in your wardrobe. What I love most about these looks is how McQueen has taken a very conservative and traditional fabric and turned it on its head by enlarging and distorting the pattern. Instead of stuffy, houndstooth suddenly becomes graphic and mod, but the conservatively cut suits and jackets still reference houndstooth's roots.

Preen

Preen takes a decidedly different take on trend, as the huge houndstooth featured in their fall collection strikes me as very British mod. The simple cuts of the clothing and the paired down styling of the models here are also quite lovely and really let the bold pattern take center stage.

Bold Houndstooth

Another great way to play with houndstooth is to do it in color, as Nanette Lepore does in her fantastic cobalt blue houndstooth skirt. For a more subtle look, why not try incorporating some houndstooth in your accessories -- I absolutely adore those Gap ballet flats and Michael Kors' gloves.