Your Fave Fashion Editors: Clueless or Classy?

When Martha Stewart showed up at her 2004 trial sporting an Hermes Birkin and was roundly excoriated in the mainstream press for carrying such a pricey bag, most NYC fashionistas were puzzled by the outcry. After all, the job of Editor in Chief of any high-profile lifestyle or fashion magazine is handsomely paid, glamorous, and demanding image-wise: editors are expected to represent at all times. However, are they really the right people to recommend gifts and fabulousness in a world where the rest of us face a contracting economy and layoffs? Based on what they recommend in their December editors' letters, how do they score on the Clueless-O-Meter? On a scale of 1-10, 1 = Editrix of the People; 10 = Empress of Cluelessness (we have a tie):

LINDA WELLS, Allure "Even in difficult times, we still need to find beauty and hope – in a museum, in our closets, in our mirrors. That may mean buying only one or two key pieces and discovering the versatility of things we already own; you don't have to spend like Marie Antoinette. Keeping up appearances, putting our best face forward, is important both literally and figuratively. In other words, we still need to dream." Points for encouraging people to stay hopeful, however, has a very Pampered Princess ring to it. Clueless-O-Meter score: 6

ANNA WINTOUR, Vogue Recommends a $535 Dries Van Noten skirt. Yes, it may be the one of the least pricey pieces in that issue's editorial on gilded fashion, with its "warmth and charm" and ability to make "getting dressed fun and inspiring", but only Fashion Math could make what is almost a month's rent in many places seem like anything but the spendy splurge it is. So much for selfless holiday charm. Clueless-O-Meter score: 10...meet the Empress of Cluelessness (a tie with fellow Fashion Grinch, Martha Stewart)

KRISTIN VAN OGTROP, Real Simple Noting that the pinch could extend beyond stretched-thin wallets to one's mood, she encourages readers to give back. Extra points for "reminding all of us that, no matter what our circumstances right now, there are probably scores [of] people who would trade places with us in an instant." Makes us wonder, though, if she actually follows her own advice. Clueless-O-Meter score: 2

KIM FRANCE, Lucky By pointing out that in tough economic times, charities suffer commensurately, she gets our vote for Editrix with the Biggest Heart. "It's the holiday season again, and anyone looking for something for the most happening chick on the block might want to start with this great big rocker-girl flaming heart cuff, not only because it's kind of awesome, but because 40 percent of the proceeds from its sale will go to benefit Red Cross International." Clueless-O-Meter score: 3

MARTHA STEWART, Martha Stewart Living "This year, inspired by our wonderful and inventive Cookies book, I decided to perfect a few more cookie recipes delicious enough to be included in a sequel, if we ever publish one." In typical Martha fashion, passing off self-enrichment schemes under the guise of helpful tips. Helpful, yes...for increasing sale of her latest book. Thanks to a 5-point Uber-Grinch deduction, she has tied Vogue's Anna Wintour for the Empress of Cluelessness title with a Clueless-O-Meter score: 10

JOANNA COLES, Marie Claire Gives a pep talk based on her own negative experiences being on the wrong side of an adjustable-rate mortgage. "Never forget: You are your most valuable asset. Whatever money fears you may be facing, you will survive them, with hard work and a sense of humor." Also reminds readers to indulge in extra sleep and a hot bath, both of which are free. Good advice, but not as helpful when it comes to dressing and gifting on a tight budget. Clueless-O-Meter: 6

PAMELA FIORI, Town & Country "Maybe this is the year to celebrate the season in a quieter, more meaningful way by giving those closest to you your full attention (turn off your BlackBerry, shut down your computer, switch off the TV); by attending holiday parties, concerts and religious services in an engaged way; by listening intensely to glorious, uplifting music; by keeping the faith (whatever yours happens to be); by reaching out to others and by seriously pondering the meaning of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or anything or anyone else that gets you through the night, the day, and into the New Year." Quality tips that don't cost duckets and - extra points - are even self-improving! Clueless-O-Meter: 4

GLENDA BAILEY, Harper's Bazaar Citing Kaiser Karl's example of the Fall 2008 Chanel tweed suit with pre-worn elbows, she encourages women to relax, already. "Already on the streets, the chicest women are wearing banker power jackets with jeans – a poignant reference to our changing lifestyles... To amp up the allure at night, pair denim with jeweled jackets. After all, particularly in these troubled times, a girl can always use a bit of glamour." Yes, many of us need to cut back, but balanced against our fashion addictive tendances. She strikes the right balance, plus her Editor's Letters read like a chat over coffee with your fave stylish pal who knows knows all the tricks on getting more dash for less cash. Editrix of the People Winner! Clueless-O-Meter: 1