Orange for October

In the month of October, nothing makes me feel quite as festive as the color orange. And it's everywhere too!--in the leaves, in the pumpkins on display on front porches, in the seasonal cuisine at restaurants and bakeries, the color of the house I so desperately want to buy... With orange all around us, it's no wonder that you can find it in fashion too.

All of this has made me quite resolved that orange is the official color of October. So, with only a few days left in the month and with Halloween just around the corner, I thought I would embrace the spirit of the season by offering up some of my favorite orange options and suggestions on how to wear orange without overdoing it.

1. Orange for the toes: It's no secret that orange is a bold color. Hello, it's used for traffic cones! Clearly, wearing orange can be tricky, and determining the right shade of orange is half the battle. Which is why I'm loving this pair of peep-toe heels from J. Crew, where orange makes an appearance in a more subtle form, deliciously deemed "glazed pecan." The textural contrast of the soft flannel with the asymmetrical velvet bow is even further emphasized by the contrasting colors. While I typically hesitate to pair orange with black for obvious reasons, this burnt shade of orange allows for a tasteful bending of the rules.

2. Orange for the nails: Remember when I mentioned traffic cones? Believe it or not, there is a place in the world of fashion for those ridiculously bright oranges too (and you know how I adore neon!). From Essie's Fall 2009 line comes Bright Tights, an outrageously orange pop! of color that is somehow reminiscent of both candy corn and highlighters. For the sake of practicality, I recommend using it on your toes, as orange isn't necessarily the most versatile color choice.

3. Orange for the arm: If you're one of those fashionistas that has trouble committing to a color, a handbag offers a fashionable solution. A brightly colored handbag is a perfect statement accessory, and it can conveniently be swapped for something else if the mood strikes. Although, if I were the proud owner of this gorgeous Marc Jacobs orange leather bag, I would be hard-pressed to trade it in.

4. Orange for the bod: If you're feeling daring, I fully support the plunge into orange apparel. As far as wardrobe goes, this brilliant color is amazingly suited to navy. For a casual day, this means yes! to your dark wash denim. For a working gal? Navy suit pants or a skirt would really play up an orange top, such as this blinged out cardigan from Marc Jacobs. You're sure to dazzle in this statement piece, with a playful combination of thin navy stripes and thicker stripes made of sequins. It should go without saying that this is not for the pattern-phobic.

5. Orange to stay warm: Last but not least, let us not forget that it's coldddd outside! Stay warm in style with boldly colored outerwear, like this soft wool coat from Kate Spade. Not to brag, but a coat like this is made for a brunette, as dark hair is accentuated by the rich orange. This stunning coat is all about the details, with a high-waisted fit, princess seams, and unique gold domed buttons. Plus, an added surprise is the adorable lipstick print lining. How much cuter can you get?

Have I made a case for orange yet? Even if you're staying in for Halloween this year, you can stay in and stay fashionably festive by adding orange to your October. I'm not one for tricks, but orange is quite the treat!

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Pumpkin, photo by me!; (2) Molly Flannel Platform Peep Toe in glazed pecan $200, from J. Crew (www.jcrew.com); (3) Bright Tights $8, new from the Fall 2009 collection by Essie (www.essie.com); (4) Marc Jacobs Elise Leather Bag $895, now on pre-order from the Cruise 2010 collection, from Nordstrom (www.nordstrom.com); (5) Gina Beaded Sweater Cardigan $278, Marc By Marc Jacobs, available from Bloomingdales (www.bloomingdales.com); (6) Beacon Hill Deborah Pea Coat $645, from Kate Spade (www.katespade.com).

Style In Spades

Just last week, this fashionista counted herself lucky, with a visit from her favorite Washington-born friend, Annie Rose. A fashionista in her own right, Miss Annie can always be counted on for a shopping date. There are few people about whom I can say this, but I think the lovely Annie Rose enjoys shopping as much as I do! One of the many reasons we're such good friends. But I digress...

With shopping ranking high on our to-do list, we ventured to Newbury Street--where a stop at Kate Spade was absolutely mandatory. Now, let it be known that I could digress further (about how dear Annie also appreciates etiquette a la Kate Spade and all things nautically inspired--a kindred spirit for surrre), but I'll try to stay on track. Inside the store, I felt transported to a well-mannered fashion mecca. From the blatantly Jackie-O inspired dresses, to the irresistibly cute mittens, to the rows upon rows of heels and handbags that I would kill for (were I not a law-abiding lady, of course)--it was an honest miracle that my wallet didn't go up in smoke!

Fortunately, while some Kate Spade fashions can err on the pricier side, as a brand, they are also hip to the times and offer a range of more affordable accessories that also have style in spades. Like tights. Simple? Yes. But this one article can go a loooong way towards polishing and perfecting a look.

Personally, I was immediately drawn to the Tonal Argyle Tights in coral (don't let the name fool you, this color is RED--pure and simple). I wore them just yesterday with a simple black pleated skirt, black cardigan, and black ankle boots. The pop! of color beneath the pleats of my skirt made an otherwise basic outfit so much more. Not for nothing, Kate Spade's tights are "one size" so I was worried that they wouldn't be long enough for all 5 feet and 11 inches of me; fortunately, they are designed to stretch so they would easily fit a petite fashionista as well as a tall girl like myself (sorta makes me understand that whole Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants concept).

If textured tights aren't your thing (gasp!), there are other options. Kate's Solid Opaque Tights come in a bold teal that offers a lovely contrast to the more traditional fall colors. Also, her Drop Needle Tights are made from a comfy cotton/spandex blend and feature a darling polka-dot print. Pick from grey with bright pink dots or brown with soft blue dots; either way, they couldn't be more fun.

Whatever you do, give those boring nude pantyhose a rest already. This season, add some snap to your look (and stay much warmer, added bonus!) with a few go-to pairs of multi-colored/patterned tights. I guarantee it: even if you wore the same black dress every day (not recommended, unless we're talking about The Uniform Project), swapping tights, shoes, and accessories would make you look entirely different. BUT...with great patterns and colors comes great responsibility so use it wisely, little grasshopper.

Psst: Right now, enjoy free shipping on ALL orders from http://www.katespade.com/!

Tonal Argyle Tights $28; Drop Needle Tights $38; both from Kate Spade (http://www.katespade.com/).

brand.L for the Holidays!

From freak snowfall to balmy October days, with the crazy weather Boston has seen recently, it's tough to determine what season we're in! That said, Halloween is indeed next week; followed by Thanksgiving next month; and then we arrive at the most wonderful time of the year: the holidays! AND, in a manner totally unlike my usual self, I actually jump-started the gift-buying a few weeks ago. Are you shocked? Well, you should be.

In the spirit of giving, allow me to bestow some of my fabulous preparedness upon you. Look no further, the perfect gift for the little ones in your life is here. Debuting just this fall, my own beloved brand.L from lolly.brand has launched a new tee-shirt style for the little littles in your life--or, in the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, those curly dimpled lunatics. In a mischievous red, this tee features the brand.L signature skateboarder on the front in white. While the brand.L line is home to home to fashion for boys who just want to have fun—without any frills, let it be known that brand.L is certainly not a boy's-only club. At the very least, I count myself as a girl who loooves my skateboarder tee. So, while this tee-shirt for little dudes was originally created with a few adorable nephews in mind, any little skateboardess would be a total rockstar in her own red tee.

Ahhh, the beauty of one-stop shopping. If only skateboarding was as easy...

Image: brand.L skateboarder tee $15, available online! Just click here.

Smoke Signals

I was pleasantly surprised to see Kristen Stewart on the cover of next month's Allure. It wasn't the fact that she was on the cover that was surprising--she is a celebrity. Rather, it was the fact that she was looking so fresh-faced and pretty! Not to be a hater or anything, but she does seem to channel an unfortunate strung-out look on the regular--and heroin chic is sooo passé.

I attribute the New Moon star's new look to her fantastic eye make-up. Instead of subscribing to the school of smokey eye most often embraced by all MAC employees and the Taylor Momsens of the world, Kristen's eyes are softer, more subtle. This look is all about the earth tones. Fortunately, the beauty gurus at Allure have provided a convenient DIY guide so that readers can achieve the same irresistable eyes that make-up artist Dick Page created for Kristen. As you'll see, it's as easy as 1, 2, 3...

1.) With your color palette in hand, use a gentle sweeping motion to apply the bronze to your lids. I love Lancôme 's Color Design in mannequin.

2.) Then, using a pointed brush (I like Sephora's own Professionnel Platinum Smokey Eye Brush #24), lightly apply the grey shadow in and around the corners of the eyes. I'm partial to Urban Decay's gunmetal.

3.) Finish with a fine line of black pencil around the upper and lower lash lines, and polish with a coat of mascara. As far as liner, nothing can part me from Chanel's Le Crayon Kohl in noir, and I feel just the same about Dior Show Iconic mascara (also in noir).

Yet another pleasant surprise: this look isn't so hard to recreate! With just a few basic tools, Kristen's come-hither eyes can be yours. And if you're lucky, maybe you'll find your own Rob Pattinson/Edward Cullen too. Such is the beauty of smoke signals.



Psst: For more information on how to recreate Kristen's complete look, click here.

Image: Allure November 2009 cover, featuring Kristen Stewart (www.allure.com).

If You're A Barbie Girl...

If you're a Barbie girl, then this will be the ultimate tease: Christian Louboutin and Barbie have joined forces in celebration of Barbie's 50th birthday. If turning 50 means special treatment from Monsieur Louboutin, then count me in.

According to Stephanie Cota, Senior Vice-President of Marketing of Barbie at Mattel, it is a match made in runway heaven, for Barbie has a long history of working with various designers and artists who use Barbie as a muse. It was a natural for Barbie, not only with her fashion heritage, but also because of her passion for shoes. She has a billion shoes and we needed to do something special for her shoe collection.

It may be time to dust off the old Barbie collection--even if you chopped all their hair off before realizing, sadly, that Barbie's hair won't grow back (but I'm not speaking from personal experience or anything). The Barbie Collector site dishes that the premise behind the Louboutin line is that Barbie (international fashionista that she is) spent a year in Paris with Christian himself, exploring his favorite places and experiencing his fashionable world. What's more, Christian Louboutin has actually designed three new Barbies, soon to debut. As part of Barbie's Louboutin-inspired makeover, she also gets four pairs of itty-bitty Louboutins to call her own--equipped with their own little boxes and shoes bags.

No doubt, these limited edition dolls will go like, well, limited edition Louboutins! And the VIP pre-sale list is already closed so it looks like we're just going to have to be patient. Be sure to stay tuned for details, and click here to sign up for the exclusive designer update from Net-A-Porter. Ahhh, life in plastic--it's fantastic.

Image: Louboutin for Barbie, email from Net-A-Porter (www.net-a-porter.com). Quotes and additional information from Barbie Collector (www.barbiecollector.com) and M.I.S.S. (www.missomnimedia.com/).

Where the Wild Things Are

With Halloween barely a week away, I've been thinking a lot about costumes. This year, my husband and I have the privilege of attending a Halloween wedding, where festive attire is encouraged. Despite my best efforts to talk my beloved into a theme costume, he has decided upon Max from the infamous Where the Wild Things Are, Maurice Sendak's childhood favorite that was recently adapted for the big screen. And while I will not be dressing as a wild thing, that doesn't mean I can't incorporate a little wild thing into my day-to-day fabulousness.

So where are those wild things, you wonder? Allow me to introduce a few of my favorites--and don't worry, they're friendly...

Within the animal kingdom, I'm partial to leopard print. I love the way the warm golds and browns contrasts against black. I'm especially in love with these leopard print leggings from Marc by Marc Jacobs. As functional as they are fun, they are pictured here with a sporty blazer, white tee, and basic black flats--but could just as easily work underneath a little black dress with a pair of heels, or with a chunky sweater and a pair of high boots. The possibilities are indeed endless. Unlike my man Tim Gunn, who professed his dislike for leggings on Project Runway a few episodes back, I am all about the versatility of leggings. Especially these.

But as you can see, there is more than one way to play the wild card. This stunning animal print dress from Chloé allows you to truly embrace the animal within, while amping up the elegance factor by way of ruffles and silk. As an alternative, Stella McCartney's ankle boots offer a fresh take on zebra print. Made of black and blue canvas, they are nothing if not edgy. With a less-than-sky-high stiletto heel, I envision wearing them with skinny black suit pants for the ultimate in high-power business/fashion.

The moral of the story is that there is a wild thing inside each and every one of us. In the world of fashion, this is fairly standard, but we all know that life off the runway can be a little different sometimes. Not so, in this case--at least, not with an arsenal of animal print in your wardrobe. So now, in the words of dear Max, Let the wild rumpus start!

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Image from Where the Wild Things Are, from Warner Brothers Pictures, 2009; (2) Leopard Print Leggings $68 from Marc by Marc Jacobs, available at Nordstrom (http://www.nordstrom.com/), photo from Cool Spotters (http://www.coolspotters.com/); (3) Animal Print Silk Dress $1,920 by Chloé, available from Net-A-Porter (http://www.net-a-porter.com/); (4) Animal Print Ankle Boots $675, by Stella McCartney, also available from Net-A-Porter.

Sugar Coat the Cold

Winter has come early this year--at least in Boston! I could hardly believe that it was actually snowing when I awoke this morning. Is this some sick joke? Perhaps. Whatever the case, it's official: the cold weather wardrobe is in full effect.

Growing up in New England, my siblings and I spent years braving the cold in massive, shapeless--yet totally warm (thank you, Momma)--winter jackets. In fact, my sister and I even developed loving nicknames for one another (Cherry and Periwinkle) based on the colors of these trusty puffer jackets. It wasn't until years later that I realized it was possible to protect myself from the elements and retain my fashionable dignity at the same time. What a relief!

For the past several weeks, I have been donning blazers and cozy sweaters to keep me warm against the early morning chill, but with the first dusting of snow on the ground, it's time to bring out the big guns: hello, winter coats! Fortunately for the weather-conscious, these days, there are dozens of options out there to help you sugar coat the cold.

Winter Coat 101: When investing in a stylish winter coat, remember that it needs to last you alllll through the season. This means two things. First, it can't be a total snooze fest--that would defeat the whole point of being a fashionista! That said, you don't want to go too crazy either; versatility is the name of the game. In an effort to find middle ground, I've come up with a few favorites...

1. Stadium Cloth Winnie Jacket: Brighten up the dark days of winter with this cozy canary yellow coat, equipped with crest-emblazoned metal buttons for an added military flair.

2. Short Didi Coat: Straight off of Diane von Furstenberg's Fall 2009 runway collection, this oversized cocoon coat is made of a cozy wool/mohair blend to keep you warm as the temperatures plummet. The classic lines are made playful with the multi-colored plaid pattern, for a city-chic reinterpretation of classic lumberjack.

3. Indina Jacket: If subtlety is not part of your vocabulary, this is your jacket. Made of Mongolian fur and leather, it is pure glamour and completely fierce.

4. Wool Ruffle-Front Coat: I adore this lovely wool coat, which is taken from traditional to flirty with the addition of the bias-cut ruffle at the center-front placket. The subdued color is ideal for day or night, work or play--but with the ruffles, it's anything but boring.

5. City Cape Coat: This winter cape is a breath of fresh air among racks and racks of your standard coat. With sharp military inspiration in the double-breasted silhouette and button belt in the back, you'll be certain to stay warm and chic beneath the oversized collar and front slant pockets.

6. Puffer Jacket with Faux Fur Collar: For those who like to stay sporty, this puffer jacket ups the ante with a faux fur collar and hood. Yet,the true allure of this jacket is hidden in the details, with its zippered cuffs, ruffle trim and elbow patches--because sporty and posh should always be in the same sentence.

Decisions, decisions! Admit it, you're feeling a teensy bit excited about fabulous outerwear, aren't you? With endless possibilities promising endless fabulousness, soon you'll be singing, "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!" But until then, you've got some shopping to do...

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Me!; (2) Stadium Cloth Winnie Jacket $248, from J. Crew (www.jcrew.com); (3) Short Didi Coat in plaid multi $585, by Diane von Furstenberg (www.dvf.com); (4) Indina Jacket in black $725, also by Diane von Furstenberg; (5) Wool Ruffle-Front Coat $268, also from J. Crew; (6) City Cape Coat $695, by Elizabeth and James, available from Bloomingdales (www.bloomingdales.com); (7) Puffer Jacket with Faux Fur Collar $378, by Juicy Couture, also available from Bloomingdales.

To Heel or Not?

Dear Fashionista Friends,

As you may have already read, the editors of the New York Times recently posted commentary on Why We Love the Shoes That Hurt Us. The issue was one that appealed to me, a faithful lover and wearer of heels (the higher, the better). So I've been thinking...

What do your high heels mean to you?

Do you wear heels or not?--and why? Please send me an email or post your comments. I'm dying to answer the question on every good fashionista's mind: to heel or not?

XOXO,

Lolly

Image: Francois Guillot/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images, Francois Guillot/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images, Valerio Mezzanotti for The New York Times.

Designer Crush: I Heart Karen Walker

Of all the great TV one-liners out there, my favorite by far has to be Tim Gunn's polite Make it work. I love this saying because, in three simple words, he is onto the crux of the matter: some designers know how to make it work, while others don't--and therein lies the difference between good and great. Hence my designer crush on Karen Walker. She is a designer who totally works it.

Back in 2008, aptly encapsulating the go-to style of this New Zealand born designer, The New York Daily News reported that Karen Walker has always been a go-to label if your idea of sartorial bliss is cute balanced with a dangerous edge. With a look that is classic and understated, yet simultaneously much too cool for the country club, Karen Walker's designs are fit to covet. Her most recent collection for 2010, entitled The Village, was inspired by a 1960s British television series. Navy, yellow, and gray abound in a montage of looks that are nautically inspired without being trite, as they are contrasted with quirky prints and splashes of color.

BUT... As I am lacking, among other virtues, patience, I simply can't wait for the new year. This season, I'm in love with the Karen Walker twist-front dress. A more traditional piece, this frock's appeal is part librarian and part cocktail party--a blend that speaks to Karen Walker's signature aesthetic. As fashion writer Cat Callendar has said, Walker has hit on a clothing formula. The kind of look that provides a means of appearing cool but no trying-too-hard, cute but not saccharine, alternative but not self consciously so. The fact the these clothes are so totally not ‘fashion’ is what appears to make them so now.

For the gal on the go, her work is able to transition easily from day to night--while also passing my personal fashion test: Would Jackie Onassis wear it? I venture to say that indeed she would. Which is why I crush on Karen Walker for her bravery as a designer who understands that life--and fashion, for that matter--exists both on and off the runway.




Images: (1) Karen Walker's designs for The Village, image thanks to House of Aroha (http://www.houseofaroha.co.nz/); (2) Twist Front Dress by Karen Walker $405, available from Gargyle (www.gargyle.com). Quotes about Karen Walker from the Karen Walker website, http://www.karenwalker.com/.

Sparkle Bright!

Surprisingly, of all the fashion-related emails I received last week, perhaps the most inspiring came from Free People, reminding me to add a little sparkle. The truth is, sparkle is exactly what I need. Allow me to explain...

Just the other day, while trying to get some work done on the computer, I rewarded myself by simultaneously watching Sex In the City in another window. I was struck by the scene of Carrie running through the icy streets of New York on New Year's Eve, trying to get to Miranda's apartment before midnight. Having watched this movie countless times before, I prepared for my typical response to this scene: Carrie, is it really necessary to pair your pajamas with high-heeled booties and a sequined beanie just to make a mad dash across Manhattan in the middle of the night? However, during this particular viewing, I was surprised by my own reaction. Instead of my usual skepticism, I recognized that there are times when a dash of sparkle can make a bad situation that much brighter.

Clearly, Free People gets this concept (as well as the concept of marketing), and they have taken it one step further by offering up selected bling for your wardrobe. As a girl who shamelessly plays favorites, I predictably have a few:

1. Confetti Sequin Tunic: Over the past year, my sister has been on a quest for the perfect gold sequined dress, and this tunic has her name all over it. Given her supermodel frame, I'm guessing she would rock it much like it's shown in the photo. However, I am less about strappy and more about layers, so I would put a black long sleeved shirt underneath and add a few ropes of pearls to really up the ante.

2. Black Sequin Blazer: My affinity for menswear is no secret so my love for this blinged out blazer should be somewhat obvious. As I've said before, when menswear is worn by a woman, there needs to be that added element of femininity to make it work--and loads of sequins obviously get the job done. At the same time, if there is such a thing as subtlety when the item in question is a fully sequined jacket, because this jacket is black rather than silver or gold, it's a close call; at first glance, all you see is a black blazer, but when you catch the light--pow! In this photo, the model wears faded black skinny jeans with her blazer, but if it were me, I would match it with sleek black suit pants to work the elegance factor.

3. Gemmed Converse: Even fashionistas need to take a break from heels sometimes, and I'm all about my Converse on my days off. While the pair in my closet is your standard black, these bedazzled high-tops add a funky flair to any casual day. These chucks have been hand-embellished with brass nail heads, Swarovski crystal, and glass beads. Now, if Kristen Stewart was going to rock her Converse on the red carpet, she could have at least picked a pair like this!

Oh, thank heavens for bedazzlers! The reality is that we are grown-ups, and life can sometimes get tough. Though the right shoes or the perfect skinny jeans won't cure cancer, sometimes you have to bear it--and it's the little things that can make you smile. So as far as personal disaster preparedness is concerned, when your world begins unraveling, remember to sparkle bright.

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Confetti Sequin Tunic $78, from Free People (www.freepeople.com); (2) Black Sequin Blazer $ 168, also from Free People; (3) Gemmed Converse $128, also from Free People.

McQueen for Halloween

With Halloween just a few weeks away, macabre infused images abound--which I love. It is difficult to trace my love affair with morbid iconography back to its origins, but it was most likely born from the happy marriage of The Phantom of the Opera, the art of Gustave Doré, the crystal skull earrings my mother gave me when I was little, The Goonies, my Daddy's paintings, and my general fixation with all things slightly melancholy.

Since then, the illustrious Jolly Roger has skyrocketed in popularity, becoming the go-to punk/pop/prep symbol. These days, it seems that skull and crossbones are everywhere--but not necessarily done right. In my view, less is almost always more, and the incorporation of skull imagery in fashion is a precise art, most effective when contrasted against traditional silhouettes and luxurious fabrics. Some have done it well, and still others have done it better, but this Halloween, nothing--and no one--does it quite like Alexander McQueen.

Alexander McQueen is what some might consider a fashion prodigy. After dropping out of school at the age of sixteen to pursue a career in fashion, his degree collection from Central Saint Martins' Masters program was instantly snatched up by fashion icon/editor Isabella Blow. Since then, the McQueen label has become renowned for its glamorous statement pieces and signature attitude of sophistication and, sometimes, darkness. Not surprisingly, his recent collection is no exception. Especially in the handbag department.

This Halloween, all I want in my goody bag is McQueen's striking Knuckle Duster Clutch. To the best of my recollection, I have never seen a handbag that is simultaneously so functional, yet so completely and totally rockstar. In fact, the functionality of this clutch is the most rockstar thing about it: little bit of bling (check), brass knuckles conveniently doubling as a handle and clasp (double check), and a few skulls for good measure (triple check). Come October 31, with this clutch in hand, you wouldn't need--or want!--a costume to feel like a new person. So give me tricks, give me treats, but--pleeease--give me McQueen for Halloween!

Image: (1) Knuckle Duster clutch $,1595 by Alexander McQueen, available at Net-a-Porter (online at www.net-a-porter.com); (2) Alexander McQueen, photograph thanks to This Is Not A Paradox (charleybee.wordpress.com). Background information on Alexander McQueen, thanks to New York Magazine (www.nymag.com).

Metro Chic for Fall

For my birthday back in August, my lovely friend, Miss Annie Rose, sent me a package containing of a few of her favorite fall items. One of these fall fashion gems was a bottle of Sephora's own Metro Chic nail color. With fall very much underway, I found myself inspired to paint my nails during last night's episode of Gossip Girl. The result was so very metro chic (how appropriate) that I simply had to brag!

Probably the best thing about this color is that I've never seen anything quite like it before. Typically, every brand has it's own version of a given nail color. But not in this case! Made exclusively for Sephora by O.P.I., this autumnal shade is a smokey mix of brown, purple, and grey. As I've mentioned before, I keep my nails very short and very square--and this color works perfectly. It's dark without being too dark, and neutral enough to match nearly an ensemble. Versatility, versatility, versatility!--it's like gold in the fashion world.

Though I was hard pressed to abandon my black polish, I'm all about fairness so I simply had to take Metro Chic for a test run. And you should too! I mean, who doesn't want to look metro chic for fall?

Image: Metro Chic nail color by O.P.I. for Sephora $9, available online at www.sephora.com or in stores; photo thanks to Style Bakery Beauty (www.stylebakerybeauty.com).

ban.do--Puts Blair Waldorf to Shame

Ahhh, autumn! Hot apple cider, New England foliage, finally getting to wear boots again, and--OMGG!--Gossip Girl is back on. I may be twenty-six, but that doesn't mean I can't find guilty pleasure in the fictional lives of Manhattan's teenage elite. Serena van der Woodsen, Dan Humphrey, Blair Waldorf... And how do I love thee, Miss Waldorf? Let me count thy headbands...

As a girl with an unhealthy arsenal of my own power headbands, I can identify with Blair Waldorf--and the source of her conniving powers of manipulation. Obviously, Dan had no idea what he was talking about when he suggested that headbands have no place in college. I am walking proof that headbands have an important role in college, the workplace, and beyond. However, I have a sneaking suspicion that New York's Queen B doesn't make it out to the west coast very often, and so I can do her one better. My happy online discovery of ban.do puts Blair Waldorf to shame! Imagine.

Born of two LA stylists in 2008, ban.do is an empire of gorgeous headbands--as well as collars, corsages, and belts that define "wearable art." Despite their So-Cal studio location, their line lacks even a hint of the LA hipster vibe. Rather, working with classic materials like feathers, velvet, rhinestones, and silk, ban.do is the ultimate in elegance. They even have a special selection of delicate headpieces for blushing brides who wish to channel a bygone age.

With so many striking pieces to choose from, I find myself rather indecisive. But you know that I'm a sucker for feathers and sparkle and satin (oh my!), which is why I'm leaning towards the Vintage Cover Girl. This thin satin headband boasts a delicate cluster of peacock feathers, neatly fanning out from a vintage rhinestone brooch. It's exactly the kind of statement headpiece that any girl should have in her collection.

Yet, if handbands aren't your thing, all of the power of a Queen B can be yours with the likes of ban.do's Gracie Corsage or the Aristocrat Collar. I mean, hello!--how much more powerfully prep can you possibly get? And to think: Georgina puts so much effort into shaming Blair, when all she really needed to do was shop ban.do!

Images, in order of appearance: Leighton Meester as Gossip Girl's Blair Waldorf, photo from In Style (http://www.instyle.com/); (2) Vintage Cover Girl $200, headband by ban.do (online at www.shopbando.com); (3) Aristocrat Collar $165, also by ban.do.