Sarah Jessica Parker has been getting a lot of flack for the two-toned hosiery that she wore to Chanel’s Mobile Art Party. Sarah Jessica is known for being über-fashionable, and has an appreciation for supremely high fashion. So, it should come as no surprise to learn that the nylons are from the 2009 Chanel Collection. Haute Couture doesn’t always translate to everyday life. It’s about fantasy, pushing the limits, trying new things, and being innovative. Big fashion houses like Chanel have a huge impact on us, and inspire our personal style. I understand the Chanel hosiery, in fact I embrace it. I won’t be paying the $250 price tag, but I would buy an imitation. Would you?

Red is hot! It’s a symbol of power, prestige, and even danger. In many cultures the color red is thought to bring good luck. Do you need more reasons to carry a red bag? Ok, aside from what red means it’s also a great color for your wardrobe. If you’re like me, you don’t necessarily embrace red clothing. I’ve only had one or two red dresses in my life. However, I love a red handbag . It adds some spice to the basic black and charcoal. It makes jeans and a white t-shirt look classically refined. It’s a little more risky than the average bag, but it’s also a classic. So, what do you think? Do you want to get their attention? Do you want to exude confidence and strength? Can you see yourself carrying a red bag? Which one’s your favorite?

red power purses in this observation:

Get ready for sexy, glamorous goth. Yup, black is in, but this time it doesn’t stop at the little black dress. From dark lipstick and Wednesday-like accessories to porcelain pale skin, it’s time to go ‘glam goth’. We had an idea it was on its way, thanks to all of the deep dark nail polish hues that have graced the fingers of celebs and fashion icons for the past year or so. This look, in full effect, is definitely not for everyone, especially those of you who thrive on colorful clothing. But, if you’re the gal who can pull off a Batman-black outfit from head to toe then this is right up your alley. It’s a very sexy, mysterious look if you do it right. Play around with textures, but don’t overdue it because you may look like you’re going trick or treating. This is a great look for a night out on the town!

So… we’re not saying you have to emulate her, but Madonna is sporting a new trend, tethering. Chains, chains, chains! For the next few months, rest assured, you will see celebrities and fashionistas alike, wearing tons of chains. To look at Madonna in this picture one might say it’s a little over the top, but nobody does “over the top” as brilliantly as Madonna. While it works beautifully on a pop-star, it’s a bit much for the rest of us. However, don’t write the trend off just yet. You can still pull this look off by simply taking it down a notch. While you don’t have to go as far as Madonna, layer it and layer a lot of it. It won’t translate if you only wear one or two necklaces. If you’re not sure how far to go, check out some of the pre-layered necklaces out there. Dirty Librarian has great necklaces that cater beautifully to this trend. And for a reasonably priced way to incorporate the look, Forever21 has some fantastic choices.

chains in this observation:

Pull out the plaid this Fall and Winter season. It’s no longer just a fabric to be worn only around the holidays. Right now… play with it! Plaid is classic, funky, and fun. We’re showing two ways to wear a fitted plaid dress.

Look #1

To wear it from the office to dinner, pair it with a feminine coat, some lace-up pumps, textured stockings, and a clutch. Pop on some pearls before you leave for dinner, and you went from day to night in seconds. It’s classic with refreshing & current pieces.

classic tartan pieces in Look #1:

Look #2

To play up the funky side of things, add rock and roll edge. Think Gwen Stefani. Gwen has embraced plaid for years, and has given us a new perspective on how to wear it. Truly, she could be the reason plaid has a funky side. Although, I’m sure there are a few on King’s Road in London who would say they started the trend, I’m giving the honor to Ms. Stefani - she brought the look to the masses. To get her playful punk meets rock look : The plaid dress should be the center piece, try not to overwhelm it too much. Start by wrapping a studded leather belt around the waist, a vintage denim jacket, unrefined leather boots, and some bold textured stockings. This outfit is fashion forward with downtown edge.

funky tartan in Look #2:

It’s pretty fair to say that by the middle of August most of us are tired of our summer wardrobe. You stand looking into your closet feeling very uninspired as you try to find something to wear to a wedding you have this weekend. Walk Away! Go out and buy yourself a new dress that can easily work itself into your Fall wardrobe. The Julie Haus dress is perfection. It’s in one of Fall’s hottest color, Plum, and can be worn in a million different ways. When the weather gets colder you can pair it with opaque stockings and pumps. Or you can make it more funky by throwing on some boots. We’re loving this dress with layered gold necklaces; they will hang beautifully subtly emphasizing your assets. It’s sensual, rich, and sophisticated. We love the alluring quality of this outfit - it doesn’t give it all away at first glance. It will draw them in time and time again, and the wonderment will be infectious. Success!!

infectious items in this observation:

It’s time to accessorize those bright, bold items in your closet - this is your mix and match challenge! Now, don’t get overly excited and leave the house looking like you just played dress up with a trunk of grandma’s old clothes! Instead, walk out looking like you rose to the challenge of coordinating a well-rounded look. It’s not necessary to match exact colors and fabrics or textures, but rather try to think of an outfit as artwork - giving yourself the opportunity to create a piece, which emphasizes colors and textures that compliment each other. With this outfit, suede grey pumps and a red jersey dress happen to look fabulous together. Choose a clutch that is somewhere in the middle - like the detailed, grey one here with slight red undertones. Mix up jewelry, but stay within one ‘family’ - so if you are going to go with varied textures - romantic script on a cuff, a smooth, simple ring, bumpy bangles, and tiny, yet bold earrings, stay with all gold. Finally, top it off with some oversized shades that are in the same color family as the greys and browns and… Bam! You have just used clothing as your medium to create a well-rounded outfit full of complimenting texture and color!

mixed and matched items in this observation:

Jeans are considered one of the most versatile pieces of clothing in your wardrobe. They go with everything and go everywhere. In Manhattan, it’s practically a uniform to wear jeans dressed up to dinner. There are a few things to keep in mind to pull off this look. First of all, jeans are dressier looking in dark denim. Dark denim is much more forgiving, you can get away with ultra skinnies as easily as boot cut. To get a cool dressed up look, the key is to accent with dressy accessories. Wear jewels that you might wear to cocktail party. Pair it with a silk blouson top, and a fitted jacket for a finished look. The shoes and bag should stand out. We like the shine added by a patent pair of high heels and clutch. It’s a style that looks great in black and white, or with bold color popped in. Have fun with it!

Thanks to Trenny Lynn, one of our fav Twitter fashion friends for this great post idea. She’s at the DMA Showroom in New York. Find her online here

items in this observation:

Are you over the moon for stars?
Ever notice those fleeting fashion concepts? One month every woman’s got it on and the next month, that “it” thing makes itself comfortable in the back of your closet. The good thing about this month’s star trend is its impeccable timing with Memorial Day Weekend. You can be patriotic and fashion forward all at once. More importantly, we’re going to help you figure out a practical, affordable, and fashionable way to approach this shiny trend.

Over the top stars: If you want to grab on to this trend with full force, keep the price point on the low end. That way, when it’s out in a couple of months you won’t have buyers remorse. Check out the cute top from Asos. It makes a bold starry statement. Or give your stars a little color with a red strapless cotton dress. It’s a great piece for daytime or a family BBQ.

Subtle stars: Jewelry is an easy way to embrace this trend. Have the stars fall from your ears, cascade down your neck, or adorn your arm. A blouse with a subtle star print will keep you on trend, but will also stand the test of time. It’s a top that will always look great with jeans.

Funky stars: There are even stars out there for the edgy girls. Bring the stars over your knees with a fun pair of tights. Go for the gold with the YSL sandal. Or be mysterious with the Superfine tank, the stars have their eye on you with this one.

While this starry trend won’t be around for long, it’s certainly fun and oh so “au current!” So, grab a bit of it before it shoots away!

stars in this observation:

From the minute you get off the plane, you can feel the energy that illuminates the city of light. The ride to the hotel is like driving through a beautiful painting. You want to immerse yourself as fast as you can, so that no time is wasted. A group of girls away for a few days, to do all the things girls like to do in Paris. The excitement bubbles up inside you. Free in a glamorous city, shopping, eating, and enjoying life. You’ve arrived! As you walk through the revolving door at The Ritz, you are immediately reminded of a famous Princess who walked through the same revolving door hours before her death. You briefly pause, and then walk to your room to get ready for your first day in Paris. What on earth are you going to wear shopping in the most glamorous city in the world? Well, one thing to remember is that you will be doing a lot of walking. So, choose your most comfortable, stylish shoes. The fashion should be urban chic with a sense of haute couture. It should be casual enough to wear all day, and fabulous enough to stop at a random cafe for lunch. You’ll want to have a bag big enough to carry all that you will need for the day ,including maps and all information on the city. You’re in Paris, so play the part. Kick your normal fashion up with a fun piece like a knit cap, or big sunglasses. Paris is about glamour, glamour, glamour. Embrace it, live the dream while you’re there. At the end of the day, you’ll crawl into your room, order cookies and hot chocolate, and wonder what they’re doing back home.

items in this observation (clockwise):