Rock All-Brown this Fall Like a Fashion Pro

A snuggly yet stylish sweaterdress in a sharp shade of brown could well be this Fall's new go-to LBD (Little Brown Dress).  If your complexion is cooler-toned, opt for flatteringly cool shades of brown (variations on bittersweet chocolate) while if you're warmer complected, look for rich tobacco and earth hues. As smart fashionistas know, donning monochrome is one of the easiest ways to elevate any outfit to elegance - casual chic included - and here we've punctuated it with a colorful print scarf to keep things interesting.

Where to get the look:

GREEN CHIC: the Best Eco-Fabulous Links of the Week

does PETA hate fat people?
nab some eco-friendly jewelry at Trunk Show Chic
take a ride that's both eco and chic
how organic fashion was meant to look
Plain Jane shoes get a high-fashion makeover
win a Prosciutto & Melon tote
just in case you didn't know:sex is good for you
grow out your tresses with Amazon Beauty's Organic Kahua Hair Care line
check out Julia Stiles's new (fake), eco-chic fashion line.
how to wear your summer dresses into fall
win a copy of Elizabeth Pantley's new book "The No-Cry Nap Solution"

The 99 Most Influential Style Blogs

 

Lifestyle Intelligence site Signature 9 recently compared the content quality, popularity and buzz surrounding 250 blogs to compile a list of the 99 Most Influential Style Blogs. Despite competing against fatly-funded and well-staffed corporate blogs including The Moment (the NY Times fashion blog), FabSugar (part of the Sugar empire), Stylelist (an AOL joint), and Fashionista.com (Breaking Media), Fashiontribes - a true indie blog - was ranked #11!  Muchas gracias! 

For the full list, check out Signature9.com.

- Lesley Scott

Donna Karan Revisits Foundation Dressing for Fall

Revisiting the 7 Easy Pieces that originally put her on the fashion map in the 1980s, Donna Karan updated the system for Fall 2009 by focusing less on uniforms and more on flexibility. "Two-piece dressing is the foundation the collection was built upon," she explains, noting that instead of one-piece dresses, the emphasis is on tops and bottoms for maximum mixing-and-matching. "Having the potential for multiple choices, to be able to have a contrasting top and bottom, or have it seamlessly matched for pure flexibility to go from day to evening." For more on her failproof system of dressing well, check out her video at DonnaKaran.com.

- Lesley Scott

How to Look Like a Pro Does Your Makeup Every Day

Celebs like Cindy Crawford and Gisele trust makeup artist Terri Apanasewicz to give them that fabulous glow...which you can now acquire thanks to her new DVD, "The Perfect Pretty Process" (aka P3). P3 is a special way of applying makeup that will have you looking your best in way less time than you're currently spending on your morning makeup ritual.  "P3 is the cure for the epidemic of purchased makeup that sits feared and lonely in your drawer," notes Apanasewicz. To become her virtual client, order a copy of her P3 DVD at P3Beauty.com.

- Lesley Scott

A Sneak Peek at PH8 ("Fate") by Bebe

In November, Bebe Sport will meet its fate and reopen as PH8, a collection of clothing, accessories, and shoes at the same Bebe Sport pricepoint but with a more sophisticated feel.  Highlights include Stella-for-Adidas'y drapey sweatshirts embellished with sequins, statement necklaces with a handmade feel, and ultra-light hardware-heavy urban backpacks.  Even the lookbook is on-point, having been styled by the edgy folk from Current/Elliott. For more, check out Luckymag.com.

- Lesley Scott

Cozy, Casual Winter Weekend Chic

 

One of the biggest fashion challenges ever has to be casual chic. Too casual and you cross the line into sloppy, while excessive emphasis on chic defeats the purpose of actually trying to chill in comfort.  To walk the line, try variations on a single hue. Why? Because monochromatic = insta'elegance. Here, the base piece for the entire outfit is a chunky alpaca duster with a matching beret in a rich shade of chocolate. Stylish tobacco-hued suede accents - such as the mocs and messenger bag - add richness to the brown color scheme, as do the studded belt, scarf, and stripes in the tee - all against the neutral backdrop of the worn-to-perfection slouchy boyfriend jean (worn cuffed as is currently de rigeur).  Finish off with with funky ombre sunglasses in navy and caramel to handily tie everything together.

About this look: 

A Super Fab Purse Hook

 

Putting your bag on the ground by your feet isn't only worrisome from a pickpocket point of view, it's downright dirty. Instead, clip one of these clever and cute Hookups onto your purse strap (meaning you won't have to dig for it), and simply twist it open to hook your bag onto any table or even a door.  It holds up to 20 lbs so you can also use it to hang coats, umbrellas, hats, in public restrooms, and even at the register when you're out shopping and don't want to lay all your shopping bags all over the floor while paying for your purchase.

The Hookup comes in gold and platinum and is available at TheHookup.com.

- Lesley Scott

Get Sexy in Back to Black by Kilian Hennessy

Not a tribute to singer Amy Winehouse but the 8th perfume in the L’ouevre noire series of fragrances by Kilian Hennessy (yes that Hennessy), a former L'oreal executive and owner of By Kilian. Dubbed an aphrodisiac...does it live up to its name?

Fall 2009 Makeup: Shiseido

For Fall 2009, Shiseido’s Artistic Director, Dick Page, found inspiration in mosaic art. Bringing together a variety of different shades - something for every possible occasion - the new Luminizing Satin Eye Color comes in 15 hues that reinterpret neutrals, pastels, and brights. Wear alone or combine for endless fun with makeup. Available at Sephora.com.

- Lesley Scott