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In case you missed it, Vogue editor Anna Wintour and designer Marc Jacobs were on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon last night, and much like last year’s appearance on David Letterman, Wintour drew laughs with her uncanniness. Watch her diss Lady Gaga and discuss Fashions Night Out.

By Francesca Claybrook

After reading our fall fashion preview with fantastic stylists Nicole and Lori (if you didn’t catch it, you can read it here), I’m sure that you, like me, are feeling inspired and ready to work on your fall wardrobe. Here I’ve compiled a bunch of products that our stylists have assured us will be hot for fall, so consider this a one-stop shop for the biggest trends of the season. Ready? Let’s go!
Shearling looks to be a big trend, and that’s something you probably want to wear as an outer layer – check out a motorcycle jacket or a hooded jacket from Aqua. Joe’s Jeans offers a casual cropped jacket in one of the season’s hot colors: gray. Think shearling on a jacket is too predictable? Try Elie Tahari’s clog booties with shearling – although I’m admittedly iffy on clogs, these are pretty stylish.
Sweater dresses are also a great fall option. You could never go wrong with a classic piece like Ralph Lauren Black Label’s gorgeous, camel-colored dress – another hot color for fall! (However, if your budget is telling you that dress is not an option, check out Victoria’s Secret. You can get the same buckled look in a long sweater for a significantly lower price.) And speaking of good deals, Victoria’s Secret also has a sweater dress with an asymmetrical neckline that’s also very cute. Want something a little funkier? Nanette Lepore’s “Bellezza” sweater dress has some beautiful embroidery – not much jewelry required to jazz that one up!
Leggings are hanging around to keep your legs warm as the seasons change, but this season the emphasis is on the unusual. Marc by Marc Jacobs and Alice + Olivia offer tuxedo-stripe style pants that blend knits and leather – hot! Alice + Olivia also has some faux leather leggings, but you can get a shiny metallic look for much less at Forever 21 (only $12!) James Jeans has some corduroy leggings, and M Missoni has some black and white space dyed ones, but my favorite are the knit and ribbed styles like these from Tory Burch and – my ultimate favorite – these cashmere leggings from Donna Karan New York.
And finally, shoes. Want ankle boots? Just click this link and go crazy! Want tougher, biker-chic boots (or just some with flatter heels)? You will be in heaven. What more do you need? Happy Almost Fall!

With the approach of fall, it means it’s time to update our jewelry. Gunmetal, chains, stacking and converseley Victorian jewlery will be big this season. More power to you if you can find a look that embraces all three themes. When it comes to necklaces think long and layered. This draped necklace from Overstock.com is a good example. Stacked bracelets will remain big this fall, the more the better. Unlike other seasons, these don’t have to be similar looking bangles, but mix and match your bracelets in terms of textures and colors. Try pairing up gold bangles with leather bracelets like this and this. Finger bling? Check out cocktail rings like this one.

By Francesca Claybrook

Red carpet bling is always noteworthy (and drool-worthy, for that matter!), and last night at the Emmys the jewels looked seriously amazing. Let’s check out two stars, both of whom wore Bulgari on the red carpet.
First up: Olivia Munn, the newest Daily Show correspondent, has also appeared in Iron Man 2. She wore mostly yellow jewels: a pair of yellow sapphire and diamond earrings, a yellow sapphire and diamond ring, and two yellow gold and fancy sapphire bracelets. Gorgeous!

We also have Gugu Mbatha-Raw, a British actress who scored a gig as the female lead in new show The Undercovers. This gorgeous star chose a platinum and diamond bracelet and pink quartz and diamond earrings. Absolutely stunning! If anyone wants to lend me such amazing jewelry to wear out for an evening, let me know…

All Emmy’s we’ll be bringing you the best dressed celebrities from the Red Carpet and Award show. Here are some of our faves

Jayma Mays looks radiant in this navy gown

Dexter’s Julie Benz went with a Grecian look

Glee’s Lea Michele seriously always looks flawless. She sported an Oscar De La Renta gown for the awards.

Va va voom. Modern Family’s Sophoa Vergara looks gorgeous in this Carolina Herrera number

Claire Danes all blinged out in an Armani Prive number

By Francesca Claybrook

Eat Pray Love is officially a phenomenon. Unless you’ve been living in a cave, I’m sure you’ve heard about (and probably read) Elizabeth Gilbert’s memoir of self-discovery in Italy, India, and Indonesia, which is now a film starring Julia Roberts and Javier Bardem. But as Eat Pray Love takes over the world – or at least HSN – a number of products inspired by the story are popping up everywhere, such as Sue Wong’s collection (in partnership with Sony Pictures – the cynic in me is rolling her eyes right now) of clothes that were inspired by the film. You can check out the collection on her website, but there really isn’t a whole lot to it. In my opinion, the embellished sheath dress is the only potentially wearable piece. But, full disclosure ahead: the Italian part of me was slightly offended the designer decided not to take any inspiration from the Italian segment of the book, only the Indian and Indonesian parts. So I might be somewhat biased, and thus I need your opinion. Tell me what you think of the clothes, and in the meantime I might have to console myself with some Eat Pray Love lipgloss from Lancome.

By Francesca Claybrook

Ladies, we’ve made it halfway through August and, believe it or not, that means fall is right around the corner. This is always a big time in the fashion world (September issue, anyone?), and it’s also an exciting time for planning your fall wardrobe. We’ve been lucky enough to score you some assistance: here to help us out are two New York stylists who collaborated with BellaVitaStyle to bring you a fall fashion preview. Nicole Gulotta works in fashion, music, and television, and has just branched out with a company of her own. Lori Messerschmitt works with musicians and photographic artists and collects vintage jewelry. Let’s see what these dynamic ladies have to say about what we’ll be wearing this fall.

BellaVitaStyle: What are the major trends we should keep our eyes open for this fall?
Nicole Gulotta: Sweater dresses, major. Monochromatic outfits. Lots of layering. 
Lori Messerschmitt:
1) Shearling, wonderful shearling, but more modern and lightweight than our mothers would recall.
2) Brocade me. Gimme gold! ?3) Prints, prints, prints

BVS:  What kind of shoes and boots are going to be popular?  
NG:  The loafer is making a comeback; it’s kind of a twist on a proper or Annie Hall type thing. Wear them with something unexpected like a short little frock or with cool, rolled up slouchy pants – to de-conservative-ize them. The brogue/lace up is still happening, both high heeled and flat. Ankle boots and motorcycle-ish motifs are still popular, too.
LM: Call me crazy, but the strappy sandal is hanging on for winter, just pair her with a heavy, heavy sock. And don’t forget her dear friend, the caramel colored clog!

BVS: What kind of feeling did the fall collections have?  How does that translate into clothes we all can wear?
NG:  Casual and Modern. Which is easy to wear, it just takes some courage to loosely pair things together.
LM: For me fall was an exercise in acceptance. It has all been out there, but the modern twist is unlike those before us – beautiful sleek cuts in neopreen or the aforementioned shearling, thinner and sleeker. The best throw backs are the A-lines with the skinny belted waist. For every day, this translates into a big break for those professional gals looking for something fashionable they can wear every day, but also for us street beats who love layers but don’t want the bulk.

BVS: Is there a particular color or two that are really going to be big this season? 
NG, LM: Camel. Grey.

BVS: Are there any articles of clothing or accessories that we should definitely be putting away for now?
NG:  Put away the Uggs, pleeeeeeeeese.
LM: I agree with Nicole on this one. Trash those f-ugg-lies.

BVS: If you had to narrow it down, what’s the one item that everyone needs to have this fall?
NG:  Some kind of unusual, textured, possibly sparkly legging.
LM: Give me shearling or give me death! But I’d settle for the bloomers from a detacher.  

BVS: Any final words of wisdom to help us construct our fall wardrobes?
NG:  Think about looseness, layers and varying lengths – and the ease of clothes on your body. Then put a tiny jacket on top. Then, when winter hits, put a loose coat on top of that!
LM: Silhouette! Shape, volume, tailoring. Don’t be afraid to go oversized with light fabrics and layer under and over for some warmth. Then cinch it in with the slim belt. Roll up your sleeves, roll up your trousers, and throw on something woolly on the legs and feet and never forget that smile.

Want to learn more about our stylists? Check out Nicole at www.nicolegulotta.com and her new company, The Nomadic Trading Company (a collection of beautiful bits inspired by her travels – traditional textiles are culled from artisan collectives and local bazaars around the world, and then transformed into chic gear and home paraphernalia) at http://nomadictradingcompany.com. More information about Lori can be found on her website, www.lorimesserschmitt.com. Thank you ladies!

So on our second leg of our European tour we encountered a few trends — so, we loved and some we were not too fond of. First things first, let’s dish wish the bad. Seemingly everywhere we went in the Riviera be it Nice, Monte Carlo or Cannes, women were sporting harem pants — think of a mix between Princess Jasmine and AC Slater. The pants were usually rouched at the hips and then baggy at the waist and either ended at capri length with a tapered leg or at the ankle. Its a completely unflattering look that I pray doesnt catch on in the States although Stella McCartney and Jean Paul Gaultier have similar designs. Even the stick-thin French women had a hard time making the look work.
The second trend we saw repeatedly, but liked, was summer boots, usually at the mid calf height. Admittedly I at first found it hard to stomach women prancing around in leather and suede boots while I was basking in the Meditteranean in sweltering heat, but these girls made the look work. They paired them with loose-fitting dresses, over skinny jeans etc.
Thirdly, whites and naturals rule the Riviera. Women sported white hot dresses with matching stilettos and tans, light browns and other shades of neutrals.

I’m not sure how I feel about this trend, but it’s our duty to share all things fashion-related with you and let you decide for yourself. So in the latest innovation to stilettos, some designers are adding a patch of rivveted rubber to the bottom of the toe and sole, creating a claw look. Camilla Skovgaard was first spotted with the design with her “Saw” pump, but collections from BCBG, Jil Sander and Jeffrey Campbell also feature the look. What do you think? Would you rock the claw?

By Francesca Claybrook

Breaking news – Megan Fox has just been named the face of Giorgio Armani Cosmetics, replacing model Lara Stone. This comes as no surprise to anyone who follows the brand (or the actress) closely, as Ms. Fox is already the face of Armani Jeans and Emporio Armani Underwear, where she and soccer stud Cristiano Ronaldo (hello – did you see those abs?) replaced Les Beckhams as spokesmodels for the brand. We’ll keep an eye out for the campaign, which is scheduled to begin in the fall. Want to get a jump on purchasing the makeup that Megan will be modeling soon? Check out the official Giorgio Armani Cosmetics US online shop here.

Italian Vogue´s August issue is creating some controversy. A spread inside the magazine inspired by the BP Oil disaster titled “Water and Oil” features model Kristen McMenamy covered in oil with an oil-slicked bird spitting up water. Editor-in-chief Franca Sozzani has defended the shoot saying: “The message is to be careful about nature,” while admitting that the spread can be difficult to look at. Whats your take? Is this an environmental message or is Vogue trying to profit from a horrible tragedy?

By Francesca Claybrook

Apologies for the “Barbie Girl” reference, but I couldn’t resist. It’s true though – young, trendy celebrities like Kim Kardashian and HSM cuties Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale love hip label Plastic Island. (In fact, Ms. Kardashian loves her Plastic Island blazer so much she’s been photographed in it multiple times – shocking! Check out the pictures above for proof.) Not familiar with this brand? Plastic Island has a trendy feel to it, and luckily a price tag to match – while you probably won’t find any of the classic pieces you’ll treasure for decades here, you can find some fun on-trend items you can wear for several seasons, and without paying the price of a classic Burberry trench or Chanel suit (thank goodness!)
So where can you score some of these celebrity-approved pieces? First, check out their official website, plasticisland.com and click “shop online.” (Or, just click here to get there directly.) Shopbop.com also has a large collection of Plastic Island clothing, and right now some of it is on sale!

Greetings from Barcelona, land of the beautiful people. Ive only been here a little over a day but have some style news to share with you all. From the looks of it, low-slung leather belts will be big next season. All the women here wearthem below their hips, so we may (finally) see the trend of high-waisted belts disappear. Another big trend among Barcelonians — leather boot sandals with open feet. I have to admit, at first I found the look too harsh, but it´s growing on me. In terms of purses, they are big on the cross-body bags here. The women here also wear a lot of jewelry — one trend is loading up on bracelets, sometimes as many as ten, on one wrist. Not bangles, but a variety of beaded, rope, leather and other styles.
Next up, we travel to the French Riviera and Paris, expect posts from both places.

By Francesca Claybrook

Well, now you can get her to do it without being embarrassed on national television – kind of. London is launching a personal style business called Style for Hire, which will employ fifteen stylists at the time of its launch (scheduled for September 13th). Eventually, she, along with business partner and friend Cindy McLaughlin, hopes to expand the business to over 2,000 – 2,500 stylists with locations in New York, LA, San Francisco, Chicago, and Boston (among others). Ms. London has announced her intentions of hand-selecting each and every stylist, whose services will go for $100 an hour. So what can you get at that price? The stylist will go through your closet, getting rid of items you shouldn’t have in there and mixing and matching to create new looks from among what’s left. Personal shopping services are also available. So you tell me – for $100, would you spend an hour with a Stacy London-approved stylist? I know I’d love to have someone edit my closet for me, especially if it meant not having to appear on What Not To Wear!

By Francesca Claybrook

My love for large shoulder bags has been well documented, but now I’m feeling the need to diversify, and the plethora of adorable crossbody bags available now has really caught my eye. Celebrities like Reese Witherspoon, Jessica Alba, Kirstin Dunst and Minka Kelly have all been photographed with this style of bag recently, and I really like both the way it looks and how easy crossbody bags are to manage. Plus, a lot of designers feature this style so there’s a lot of variety. Linea Pelle makes both a gorgeous larger sized messenger-style bag (which is very similar to the one Reese is rocking here) as well as a smaller studded style. Speaking of studs, Nordstrom has a Badgley Mischka crossbody bag that’s on an amazing sale for the next few days, and Tory Burch has both a large leather bag and a small purple one. What do you think? Do you like the style? I personally think my diversification should start sooner rather than later…

By Francesca Claybrook

Lately I’ve been practically living in my white jeans. Just last weekend, I even wore them two days in a row (shhhh). To me, white jeans are a perfect summer item – they can be dressed up or dressed down, and their color makes them seem so much lighter than regular jeans for some reason. I recently updated my white jeans to a pair from H&M, which I’d really love to show you, but sadly H&M doesn’t have an online shop. (Take my word for it – they’re comfy. I would highly recommend them if you’re in the market for skinny white jeans.) Instead, I can point you towards shopbop, which has a rather impressive selection of white jeans. Need inspiration for how to wear them? I love the way all white outfits look, so you could consider pairing a pair of white jeans with a simple white tee or tank and sandals. I love Sam Edleman’s “Gigi” sandals in silver or gold for that outfit – chic and comfortable. For a night out, try them with nude heels and a cute top like this Trina Turk one (I like the sequins!)

By Francesca Claybrook

Ciao a tutti! I just got home from Italy (the land of style itself), and I thought I’d share some of the popular trends I saw there with everyone here – some are similar to things we’ve already seen, while some are still on their way. Andiamo!

Two popular shoe styles in Italy this summer are wedges and foldover sandals. Foldover sandals (for lack of a better word – is there an official name I don’t know about for these styles?) look like this, and can be paired with shorts or dresses for a comfortable, casual look. I also saw tons of shoes with much higher shafts like these in the stores as well, although not as many on people – probably because Italy was suffering through an intense heat wave and people didn’t want to cover up that much of their legs! Wedges were very popular among the Italian ladies; I bought some very similar to these in Rome. Espadrilles were also common.

In terms of clothes, one of the more popular items I saw are pants that cinch at the ankle, similar to harem pants. Think these from Juicy or these from Free People but, if you’re feeling more daring, try these from Theory. The best part is, they’re comfy! As far as colors go, I saw a lot of muted blues, grays, and purples in the stores, although fall clothes are right around the corner – for that, I think a softer version of biker chic could be big.

And now, a trend for your man: skinny ties have hit Europe and Hollywood, and now they’re poised to make it big here. Make sure to get him a skinny tie (and please, ladies, make sure he also has a well-cut slim fit suit.) For dress shirts, check out Camicissima – their shirts are fantastic, and the deals are pretty amazing too. (My husband might have gone a little crazy in one of their stores – luckily, his birthday is coming up!) So far, their only US store is in New York City, but the “Shop Online” section of their website is under construction, so maybe other buyers will be able to purchase there soon.

Vanity Fair’s 2010 Best Dressed List features some inevitables: Diane Kruger, Michelle Obama, Carla Bruni, Tori Burch, Ed Burns, David Beckham
And some shockers: Martin Scorcese, Alec Baldwin, Lady Gaga, Helena Bonham Carter
See the entire list and slideshow here
The list also features some royals (The princess of Denmark), financiers (Loews Hotel CEO, Hotelier Andre Balazs and Financier Arki Busson)
What are your thoughts? Who do you think should have received the honor that wasn’t included? Who do you think was undeserving of the 2010 list?

I’m all for simplification. Want to simplify my bill payments system, social networks or electronics devices? By all means go right ahead. I just never put my bra in the same category. That’s why when I first heard of Barely There’s Smart Size Bras I was reasonably skeptical. I mean women are notorious for wearing the wrong bra sizes and 2-inch difference on the size of your back or cup could cause your boobs to look less than perky.
This new line of bras reduced the number of bra sizes from 16 to five: extra small through extra large. I received my Smart Size Bra last week, and having a larger chest I was skeptical, but I have to say it fits really well. The bras have less of a “cup” shape that you would typically see on a Victoria’s Secret bra for instance. They almost remind me of a cross between a traditional bra and sports bra. It’s really comfy – no rigid underlining – and still really supportive. Overall I’d say I’m happy with it. Better yet, the bras are priced at $24.

By Francesca Claybrook

Boots are one of my obsessions. I could look at them for hours and at any given time there are usually at least one or two pairs I am craving. So let me share some of my current favorites with you: lighter boots that are perfect for the end of summer and the transition into fall clothes. These boots usually have a smaller shaft than full-on winter boots, hitting somewhere between the ankle to mid-calf (although there’s no written rule saying it has to be that way, with the weather being so warm to me knee-high boots just don’t make sense right now). No matter what your style is, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. I pulled all of these examples from Piperlime.com, but there are many other retailers with many other boots out there for you to find!
Buckles and other details that allude to a biker-chic kind of look are going to be popular this fall, and if you like that style then check out boots from Nine West, DV by Dolce Vita, Hive and Honey, and Mia. Also keeping with this kind of edgier style are boots with stud detailing, like these from Sam Edelman, Report, and Mia Limited Edition (those have studs AND buckles!). Cowboy boots (and cowboy-inspired boots) are also popular now, and you can find a bunch of options like these from Bronx or these from Donald J. Pliner. Last but not least in the cowboy category, no one does them as well as Frye (Pictured). And finally, if you’re looking for simple and chic, you can’t go wrong with boots like these from Cole Haan. Classic style combined with Nike Air technology? You can’t go wrong.

By Francesca Claybrook

Well, recessionistas, I’ve searched all over to find you bathing suits, sandals, hats, cover-ups, and more at reasonable prices and for our last “Recessionistas at the Beach” post we arrive at my final task: finding you a bag to put it all in. Let’s take a look.
Canvas bags are always a good choice as a beach bag, since they’re durable and usually big enough to hold all your necessities. Get in the beach-y mood with this nautical bag – it’s big enough to hold your towels, magazines, and sunscreen, and the rope handles are adorable. Old Navy also has a bag with similar rope handles, which comes in a bunch of different designs and colors. Want something that could more easily double as a purse as well? Check out this bag from Target, or this tote from the Gap (it also comes in denim!)
If you’re in the market for a less structured bag, Old Navy has a cute leopard-print tote that’s currently on sale for $10 – you can’t beat that! And for the eco-conscious, Target even has tote bags made of recycled material in some really cute designs, like a cement sack or an ocean-themed bag. And finally, nothing screams “classic beach bag” more than a straw tote like this one, which comes in neutral, warm AND cool tones to suit everyone’s tastes.
I hope you’ve found some beach basics you love at recession-friendly prices over the past few weeks. And don’t stop sending us your tips, because we love to hear them!

By Francesca Claybrook

Gwenyth Paltrow, Rihanna, Charlize Theron, and Katie Lee Joel (among others) have all been seen out wearing cocktail shorts, a trend that’s taking over Hollywood these days. Cocktail shorts are basically what they sound like – dressy shorts that can be paired with heels and taken to a red carpet event (or, for those of us who aren’t celebrities and don’t attend events with red carpets, out on the town). Big name designers like Prada and Marc Jacobs have all produced pairs (and you can click here for InStyle’s slideshow of other notable designers’ cocktail shorts).
Want to get a pair for yourself? Make sure to pay attention to the material; dressier fabrics like silk or brocade are more appropriate for nighttime and/or dressier occasions. And if you want some suggestions on how to complete the cocktail shorts look for yourself, check out this post!

By Francesca Claybrook

So I’m just now becoming aware of what is apparently a growing trend in wedding gowns: the convertible dress. These dresses are exactly what you may think – they start out as a full-length ball gown for the ceremony and then, voila! The long skirt detaches just in time for you to party the night away at your reception. Morgan Boszilkov also has an eco-friendly dress that goes from long to short – see it here and then let me know what you think. I’m not crazy about it, to be honest. Something about the ruffle in the middle of the long skirt just looks weird to me. David Tutera by Faviana is another designer with a convertible dress . And even really big name designers are on board this trend; Carolina Herrera has a convertible wedding dress that you can check out for yourself here. The David Tutera gown is the most successful in my opinion, but I can’t say that I would ever have considered a convertible dress for myself. Although, remembering how hot my heavy satin dress was in North Carolina last August, maybe these designers are on to something….

By Francesca Claybrook

I’ve never really been a watch person – I’ve had a couple over the years, but nothing has ever stuck around after it broke or the battery ran out. However, after getting a look at Bloomingdale’s selection of colorful watches, I might need to rethink my opinion. I really like the white ones, because they go with anything. And the oversized watches keep catching my eye. I think I could really wear this Emporio Armani all the time – very chic, and without the astronomical price tag of some other watches that I liked. But this summer is about bright colors as well, and you can find some great options in watches, especially for those who don’t want to invest in a ton of neon clothing. You want pink? You got it, from Juicy Couture or Michael Kors. Orange? How can you not like something called the Jelly Bean Watch? Purple? Adidas and Marc Jacobs have got you covered. DKNY jumps on both the colorful and the clear plastic trends, with adorable watches in turquoise and green. But nothing says pure summer more than this watch – it looks like a watermelon!

What do Stephanie Pratt, Giuliana Rancik, Pink, Emmie Rossem and Michelle Trachtenberg have in common? They’ve all been spotted out sporting dresses by Voom by Joy Han in recent days. I’m no stranger to the collection. A few years back I coveted her anchor dress. This summer’s collection is equally stylish and femme. Stephanie is pictured here wearing the Devon dress which retails for $195. The dresses are perfect for a night out or dinner and drinks and i love how she meshes girly and edgy together through details like hardware and rivets.

Dainty is back in a big way in this season’s bathing suit and cruise collections, and that leaves me with no complaints. Everyone from Victoria’s Secret to Shoshanna and Juicy are adding ruffled layers to bikini tops and bottoms. I personally think the look is very feminine and flattering but it also serves a dual purpose. The ruffles embellish the breast area, and give the appearance of more ample cleavage. This is the perfect look for you ladies who want to enhance your assets. Check out some of my favorite looks: This Thayer Ruffled bikini definitely plays up the boobs. Ruffles on the bottom are also a trend this year, like this Shoshanna suit and this Juicy suit. Ruffled bandeau tops are also a big trend this season like this Seafolly top.

By Francesca Claybrook

Hats are catching on, big time, and the beach is a great place to wear them, especially if you’re looking to keep the sun’s harmful rays off your face and out of your eyes. These accessories can range from a classic floppy beach hat to this year’s trendy item, the fedora.
When it comes to big, floppy straw hats, Anthropologie has a great option if you’re looking to add some color to your beach wardrobe: this sunhat comes in coral and turquoise. They also have a great smaller hat (see it here) that’s a little more dressed up, and comes in a neutral straw color if you’ve already got enough color going elsewhere, or a navy option that’s a more in-between size. Bloomingdale’s offers some good choices as well – you can get this fun hat in either black and white or red and white. For a really economical buy, check out our old standby – Target. You want floppy? They’ve got floppy.
Fedoras are big this year as well, for those of you who want the beach-y feel of a straw hat without the volume of a big floppy hat. And for these, Target was once again my first stop. They have straw, they have linen (I really like that one), and they’re all reasonably priced. Want something with a little more spice? Bloomingdale’s has a pretty good fedora selection. I like the color of this blue and white one, and the striped ribbon on this straw hat.
No matter what, make sure you protect those eyes out in the bright sun – squinting can lead to wrinkles! And what better way to shade your eyes than with one of these adorable hats?
See our entire Recessionista series here!

By Francesca Claybrook

We all know that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, right? But while most people think of a traditional clear stone when they think of diamonds, there are actually a lot of different options, such as pink, blue, and yellow diamonds. But black diamond rings are currently in the spotlight, mainly thanks to Sex and the City 2, where Carrie receives a gorgeous black diamond ring. Get a good look at her ring – which is, it goes without saying, gorgeous – and then if you’d like to own one for yourself, collect $10,000 and contact the jeweler, Itay Malkin, because a limited number are going to be made available for sale (each is numbered with a limited edition serial number and comes with a certificate). But Carrie isn’t the only celeb wearing black diamonds these days – Carmen Electra’s engagement ring from Korn guitarist Rob Patterson is also a black diamond set in white diamonds. And Brangelina has even gotten in on the game, designing these black diamond cufflinks to benefit the Education Partnership for Children of Conflict (EPCC). So what’s your verdict? I love the black diamonds, but when it comes to engagement rings, I admit I’m a traditionalist. What do you think? Are black diamonds just a fad or are they here to stay?

By Francesca Claybrook

We’re seeing more and more shorts in more and more places you wouldn’t expect shorts to be: nice restaurants, nightclubs, even the office! So how do you make this look work? It’s simple. Start with a pair of tailored shorts (for either work or play, something classic from Banana Republic is perfect – to make it office-appropriate, a longer length is key. If you’re not trying to wear these shorts to work, something shorter like these from Marc by Marc Jacobs is great as well). Then, make sure you pair the shorts with a cute, but appropriate, top. Something classic or with a little twist is always a great choice, because when paired with a cardigan these ensembles are casual-Friday-appropriate, but can go straight to après-work cocktails or dinner just as easily. On the other hand, something a little sexier and with a little more pizzazz is perfect for a night out. And of course, you have to finish the look with a sexy pair of heels – there’s no way you can miss out on making your legs look long and lean! Some espadrilles add interest to the look, but I think I’m in love with these hot Pelle Moda heels.
So get out your shorts and start constructing outfits! Just remember that in this instance, proportion is key. Showing more leg than usual? Then stick with a looser blouse, or one that doesn’t show as much cleavage. Wearing longer, Bermuda-style shorts? Then feel free to show a little more skin up top. But wearing ultra short and ultra low-cut together is a definite don’t!

By Francesca Claybrook

It has happened. We all knew this day was coming, and here it is. Lady Gaga’s extreme fashion choices have finally extracted revenge on her, as the singer took a fall in London’s Heathrow Airport. And the spill she took? We’re not talking a delicate trip. This was a full-on, down on your hands and knees fall. I can only imagine that this little tumble occurred due to Gaga’s choice of footwear: she was wearing what appears to be 12” platform boots that are either thigh-high, or are covered by some kind of pleather chaps. To top it off, there appears to be some kind of half-skirt/leg cape situation that most likely didn’t help matters. Keep in mind; this was the outfit she chose for a transatlantic flight. But in the end, it’s nice to know that she is human, after all. Because I think every one of us would probably have fallen over even sooner if we were to put on that outfit (I don’t think I would have made it two steps without capsizing and probably breaking something in the process)! I’m just surprised she hasn’t fallen sooner, given her recent favorite heel-less boots.