Too much TV? Nah....

Fashionistas! Fall has brought so much fun that I have not even had time to write to you lovelies. The change of seasons marks many occasions, including the completion of my summer book club (see below for a two more delicious reads), more reading, as I catch up on all the fall fashion magazines and then go find the fabulous trends in real life, and perhaps more importantly – the return of fall television – THANK GOD.

First things first – true fashionistas are tuned into Project Runway, now on Lifetime, which is already about halfway through the season. Now comes the good stuff. The crazies have been filtered out, and we are left with a group of, though self-proclaimed, “true” designers who really have “talent.” Hmmmmm… questionable? Absolutely. But that’s where the fun is! The husband, who has watched the show in years past but was suddenly too good for it this year, even tuned back in when he saw the insanity coming down the runway in episode 2. If you’ve missed it so far; it’s not too late. There have been 7 episodes, and at about 42 minutes each, you only need…. Well, like 300 minutes. Which is… 5 hours-ish? Totally worth it. Why? Because Logan from Seattle is still on, and yes, his designs are decent, but he himself is worth looking at twice! Watch full episodes for free here.

Next, I am THRILLED that Brothers and Sisters is back on with that darling Calista Flockhart. Her character, Kitty, is often spotted in designer duds, and guessing “who” she’s wearing often keeps me busy on commercial breaks throughout the show! For more double duty as an audience member/trendspotter, watch Desperate Housewives the hour before. Those ladies are always decked out in everything from Dolce and Gabbana to Michael Kors.

My friend Addison (Kate Walsh) on Private Practice is also a fellow fashionista. Last season, Addison loved her Gucci. This season… I’ve only seen her in scrubs. But there’s only been one episode! So I’m not worried. Both her and Naomi, her BFF on the show, always have the best designer shoes and handbags too. I appreciate this, because as doctors, I feel like they can afford it, and should be dressing to the nines. Little details like this really affect the authenticity of television!

Finally, my goal (in all my spare time – as you can see my evenings are really booked up with this tv schedule!) is to really get into Gossip Girl, because it is a fashionista’s HEAVEN. The most recent US Weekly featured a small spread on the show’s wardrobe closet, and this thing was basically a WAREHOUSE of the most beautiful, expensive, fabulous pieces. The show has really become a walking runway, and is nearly a must-see for people in the industry. Oh darn. I’m forced to watch another show….

I hope this gives all of you a good guide to follow fashion from the most comfortable place… your couch. Please let me know if I’m missing anything!

*yes, I finished my (individual) summer book club! Here are my final must reads:

“Bringing home the Birkin” by Michael Tonello – a TRUE story about a funny, funny boy fashionista who travels the world to buy and sell the coveted Hermes Birkin handbags. Michael’s writing is fun, fresh and the tales of his adventures make me not only want a bag, but I also want to be his friend!

“Little Earthquakes” by Jennifer Weiner – so hysterical, I started following Jennifer on Twitter and she is funny on there too! In this novel, her humor extends beyond single girl life and into motherhood.

gooooo team FALL FASHION!

This fashionista spent too much time shopping and not enough time sleeping these last couple of weeks, because yesterday I caught the most dreadful cold. I came home from work early, ready to rest up, but first catch up on all my favorite shopping websites, sales, blogs, you know the drill. I opened my precious Mac to find the desktop a complete mess… filled with fantasy websites popped up here and there, freaky spreadsheets of NFL players and their stats, and all kinds of “very important information” that I promptly closed. Why? Because it was in my way! As is basically all of football season, which, oh so blessedly, began this week. And, as the chubby hubby was quick to point out – will last all the way until January.

At first, this sounds like an ideal opportunity: more time for the girlfriends, the spa and of course the shopping. Even better – every time I do come home, he will either be at boys’ house who have DVR and every channel under the sun, or he will be so glued to our (lame, cable-less tv) that he would never notice me bringing in bags (and bags) of new purchases. But then, things get tricky. Apparently, I’m actually expected to PARTICIPATE in this insane season! The trickier issue is this – what do you wear to hang out with a bunch of boys drinking beers, Sunday after Sunday? Not to worry. I have solutions for us fashionistas who would rather NOT live in their pajamas from now until January, even though their significant other… will.

Let’s get exited for a teeny, tiny second: the best part about football season is that it marks the beginning of our FAVORITE fashion season: FALL! Fall is when all the best collections come out; each and every designer – from the high to the low – really pours their heart into the fall wardrobe. But even if we’re not buying designer, everyone can still appreciate the chunky knit sweaters we cuddle up to as the leaves change, the luxurious cashmere scarves we wrap ourselves in, those fabulous coats with the loveliest buttons that keep us warm but also darling… oh how I love them all! So, let’s embrace these faves for our football lives too. I just stocked up on my pre-season wardrobe this week, and here are my must-haves:

Long-sleeve tees – this crew neck is my favorite basic, and super affordable.

Chunky knit open sweater

(this is waaaaay cuter on in person - take my word for it. get it in "briar" and wear it open - not buttoned - over a black tee with denim and black flats - adorable.)

This one is also a great neutral and easier to layer with. Plus, it's super soft and comfy - perfect for snuggling on the couch and watching your team win!

Scarves in every color (maybe even to represent your favorite team? That might be going too far…) I think these ones are perfect, because you actually could rep a team, but still look adorable. For solid colors and more lightweight ideas, check out BP at Nordstrom. They have TONS of options, and most are around $18ish.

The perfect boyfriend jean - try it in grey for fall!. I recently picked up these ones by Cookie Johnson, Magic Johnson's wife! I had the chance to meet her, and not only is she a lovely, humble person, she also happens to design great denim, in coordination with the designers for Rich and Skinny. I am especially loving Love it!

So, after picking up all of these, I am quick to reprimand myself. Football season IS fun!

{pictures courtesy of... you know who. the football-happy husband.}

Don't be late for KATE!

In my job as a fabulous fashionista, (yes, I actually get paid to work in fashion, and I also get the privilege of describing myself that way) I recently had the opportunity to launch the Kate Spade apparel collection for the first time. For those of you who don’t know Kate like I do (but as an educated fashionista who reads her monthly magazines you should), it is a delectable collection of many entities; she originated with handbags, and has since expanded to shoes, sunglasses, and recently jewelry. Most, most recently though, Kate Spade New York (that is the official title, as it is now actually owned by Liz Claiborne – minor detail – and it’s ok because Tim Gunn from Project Runway is Liz’s creative director, so it’s still all in good hands) launched a delicious line of apparel.

The fall 2009 collection is the first to hit major retailers, including select Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Bloomingdale’s doors nationwide. Designed by Deborah Lloyd, formerly with Burberry and Banana Republic, Kate Spade apparel is all you would expect… but then more.

A cheeky little blouse (which has a cheeky little name to match - all pieces in the collection have girl names, so I am just waiting for the "Erin" to emerge!) has hot pink lip stick prints all over it with the most adorable peter pan collar… and then on the inside, near the label, is the phrase “live colorfully.” A Chanel-like grey and black tweed jacket has chiffon trim and a grosgrain ribbon belt, and then, when you unbutton it to put the precious little thing on, you’re surprised with… pale, pale lovely antique-looking pink silk lining. It’s the little details like that which make this collection so high quality, but also so much fun. And there is so, so much more - I'm not even going to get INTO the sequin cardigan - you must see it to believe it - GORGEOUS! I want to buy these yummy little pieces and wear them to death! Why? Not just because it’s something new, but because it’s something special.

And that – I believe – is the beauty of fashion. Pieces are supposed to be special, and they’re supposed to be fun. Someone very wise once told me – after I cried about an important Coco crisis – “its just clothes.” Just yesterday in the elevator, I heard a woman say the same thing. Yes, we may live and eat and breathe fashion, and fashionistas, you know I love that attitude! But, we must remember – fashion is OH so much fun. Which is why, if you hurry, I’m going to let you do something realllllllly fun – shop the exclusive, 4-day-only Kate Spade Sample sale!! Click HERE now, and don’t say I never gave you anything!

My Philosophy

Ever since I started living with a boy (some might say MAN, I would still say BOY), my big brown eyes have been opened wide to the blissful blessing of… PRODUCT. You know the product I’m talking about – all those miraculous lotions and potions that make a girl swoon just at the scent. The beautifully designed bottles that house the concoctions to make our skin soft, our hair silky, and ourselves… even more lovable then before. It’s true!

Now, before I tell you my favorites, we need to stop and breathe in the beauty for a second. BECAUSE, if I didn’t have my lovely shelf of perfumes, my basket of lotions and hair products, and my shower caddy full of delicious body washes and bubble baths, my world would be, well, sad. And, it would smell like a man! I find it so disappointing that when the husband takes a shower, he has the choice to dowse himself in oddly-named bottles of AX or Old Spice. First of all, the brand names are disappointing at best. (AX? What is that? And why is it the only thing on the shelf besides Old Spice, which obviously = old man?) Second, the options within are disturbing! You can make yourself smell like “Pure Sport” (Does that mean sweat? Or locker room? Gross!) or other bizarre scents such as “Surf’s Tide” (Perfect. Now he can smell like salt water.) To make it worse, the bottles are hideous (bright reds and blues, which totally clash with my bathroom’s color scheme), and of course, since they are made for lazy men, they are always industrial sized, no matter where you buy them.

Then, on the other side of the bathroom, in a precious corner of the bathtub, you find… Hope. And Grace. And Purity. And Love. No, no; I am not making a metaphor. I am being literal! All in delicate pastel pinks and purples, soft whites and ivories, my body wash and lotion are called Grace, my face moisturizer is called Hope, my face wash is called Purity, and there is a delectable little number on my wish list named Love. Philosophy Cosmetics make all of the above, and I kid you not when I say these products really do make you believe in miracles (which is, sweetly, the product line’s own “philosophy”).

If you want product that gets the job done, look no further. I started using this on my honeymoon when my best-maid-of-honor ever so graciously sent me off with some travel sizes, and I got hooked for life. Gorgeous presentation for your powder room shelves, and even better results for your beautiful body. Plus, a perk for the mind: all of the bottles share inspirational words of encouragement. I read my Grace bottle in the shower all the time, and find it a perfect way to start my day:

“life is a classroom. we are both student and teacher. each day is a test. and each day we receive a passing or failing grade in one particular subject: grace. grace is compassion, gratitude, surrender, faith, forgiveness, good manners, reverence, and the list goes on. it’s something money can’t buy and credentials rarely produce. being the smartest, the prettiest, the most talented, the richest, or even the poorest, can’t help. being a humble person can and being a helpful person can guide you through your days with grace and gratitude.”

And, then, I lather that all over my green loofah (the husband has the purple loofah, which I was incredibly angry about, because I bought myself the purple and him the green, but he said something dumb about "real dawgs wear purple") and poured that nasty Pure Sport all over it, so I was stuck with the green and begin my GRACEful day. Take your pick - and find your own philosophy...