Why You Need a Hot Pink Trenchcoat in Your Life this Spring

BECAUSE...
...it's a sassy way to sex up anything you wear it over, from basic jeans to your LBD
...it's a super-easy means of injecting more color into your wardrobe
...it's uber-chic combined with cheery stripes (like this Thread Social dress) and other touches of red and fuchsia/magenta
...it's undeniably fabulous!

HERE'S WHERE TO GET THE LOOK:

Cute New Shoes & Accessories from Cole Haan

Put some spring in your step with a chic new Cole Haan "Biscayne" tote and coordinating "Caprice" wedges with built-in Nike AIR technology for padded super-comfort - both available at Zappos.com.

- Lesley Scott

Bad Girls Have More Fun & Go Everywhere

This fun new biography of Helen Gurley Brown, "the original Carrie Bradshaw," details the at-the-time controversial editor's rise from Ozarks hillbilly-dom to quintessential Cosmo Girl & EIC. 

Enjoy the lady's fun bon mots ("A lady's love should pay for all trips, most restaurant tabs and all liquor"), ahead-of-its-time financial wisdom for single women ("Being smart about money is sexy"), and, of course, advice on sex ("You inherited your proclivity for it. It isn't some random piece of mischief you dream up because you're a bad, wicked girl.").  (source)

Bad Girls Go Everywhere: The Life of Helen Gurley Brown is available at Amazon.com.

- Lesley Scott

Jewelry for You, Inspired by your Diamond Dog

It was only a matter of time...fine jewelry inspired by pets such as dachshunds, pit bulls, poodles, chihuahuas, and labs (with German Shepherds, terriers, retrievers and schnauzers soon to come). Made from 18k matte yellow and white gold, and encrusted with hand-cut onyx, sapphires, and conflict-free micro-pave diamonds, the new collection from Diamond Dog New York also includes paws, hearts, and bones. Created by Suzanne Mates, a longtime recording studio exec who changed careers after getting her dog and realizing "a pet can change the world," a portion of the net profits is donated to no-kill shelters, making any of the rings, earrings, or charms perfect for fun-loving accessory hounds. Purchasing info at DiamondDogNewYork.com.

- Lesley Scott

A Mix of the American Dream, Canadian Wit & Italian Panache

Although Dsquared2 shoes for men have walked the runway since the days of their first collections in the early 90s, the cheeky Canadian twins behind DSquared didn't introduce a version for fashionistas until 2004. “The Dsquared2 woman is self-assured, vibrant and sexy," Dan Caten recently noted, "the perfect complement to our signature men’s look." Like this towering, nigh-perfect dressy summer sandal - available at Zappos.com.

- Lesley Scott

Fashiontribes Joins the Hanes Comfort Crew!

Who isn't obsessed with the $10 Hanes All Over Comfort Bra, as well as their fitted classic tees (under $10), and the uber-cute print boyshort (5 for $20)?  And now, your fab friends at Hanes are looking for ever more ways to find out what you want with their new Comfort Crew - a network of social media influencers and bloggers, one of which is yours truly.  To kick off the brand-to-consumer (and vice versa) dialogue, they've started tweeting (follow them and talk back at Twitter.com/HanesComfort), and are bringing the crew together in Florida's Disney World for a long weekend of brand-bonding, chilaxing, and exploration of the Magic Kingdom. 

Your trusty Crew members include: Consumer Queen (coupon central), Skimbaco Lifestyle (tips on La Vita Fabulous), Blissfully Domestic (what happens when moms join forces), Dad-O-Matic (parenting tips by opinionated dads), Thrillist (recommendations on the coolest stuff to do/visit/eat/booze/etc.), Totally Her (life advice from real women), The Father Life (world's best dad mag co-founded by 3 guys named Ben), Mom Generations (product reviews from mom and daughters), and Bullz-Eye (an online lad mag that even includes dating advice from cheeky pickup artist David DeAngelo of "The Game" fame).

For more-more-more Hanes'y goodness, check out Hanes.com.

- Lesley Scott

Fab Fashion Inspired by The Tudors Season 3: Pearl Statement Jewelry

The rockstars of their day, the Tudors knew how to dress to impress. However, even if your budget isn't king-sized, you can steal some inspiration from the splashy fashion-conscious show on Showtime - now in its third season - with a savvy mix of knowing where to scrimp (the basics) and where to splurge (the bling).  The large and lovely statement chokers on Mary Tudor (played by Sarah Bolger, left) and Anne of Cleaves (Joss Stone, right) are just the thing to build an entire outfit around, especially in a color palette inspired by creamy white of the jewelry and gorgeous pewter'y silver of Stone's gown.  Because all eyes will be on the stunning Carolee pearl & crystal choker, keep the rest of the outfit streamlined and neutral in tones of gray/silver and white.  A tee that fits fabulously is worth spending on, but white jeans or trendy metallic sandals not so much as they are summer staples you'll want to replace each year.  And for a surprisingly modern, unexpected touch (that also taps into the current Chanel-inspired trend of see-through accessories) instead of a predictable white summer bag, try a super-affordable clear acrylic train case.

HERE'S WHERE TO GET THE LOOK:

Slip on Your Red & Pink Dancin' Shoes and Party

In a frothy party frock, mega-girlie sandals, and piles of pink accessories - it's simply impossible not to feel lighthearted and lovely.  Although sweetly ruffled, the neutral shade of the dress and similarly toned-down makeup keep the look sophisticated and safely out of Minnie Mouse territory, while peppy punches of bright color make it clear you're feeling festive...Ms. Life of the Party.

HERE'S WHERE TO GET THE LOOK:

Handbag Therapy Reveals What the Contents of Your Bag Say About You

Unlike Retail Therapy involving the latest Chanel (or Lanvin or Miu Miu) must-have, a shopping high, and an inevitable credit card hangover, HANDBAG THERAPY is a fabulously cheap thrill ($15) which actually gives back. “It’s about providing practical insights and answers,” explains the UK's only official handbag therapist, Debbie Percy, a life coach and corporate human-resources specialist who uses her credentials to analyze the contents of a handbag, purse, backpack - or even manbag - to see what it reveals about the owner. Instead of uncomfortable probing questions and long-winded sessions on the analyst's couch, it's a more lighthearted and pain-free way to make positive changes. “It’s about helping people improve their lives or simply get more out of it … and at £9.99 (approximately 11 Euros) it’s much cheaper than traditional therapy,” laughs Debbie. “And a lot more fun!”

Find out what's in your bag at HandbagTherapy.com.

- Lesley Scott

Chanel Hosts & Dresses Stars at the Tribeca Film Festival Artists Dinner

The classic Odeon eatery in Tribeca was recently overrun with fashionistas and Hollywood types attending the 4th annual TFF Artists' Dinner held to celebrate the artists participating in the 2009 Artist Awards Program. Some of the glittery, Chanel-clad A-listers included: