Gladiator for fall

It's (nearly) time to put away those wafer-thin gladiator sandals, but don't say goodbye to the Roman coliseum attire quite yet.

Fall promises more gladiator sandals and this time they are mile high and a bit more hearty. I can't get enough of the Chinese Laundry pictured above. (Find them at Brother's on the Boulevard)

These sandals pair great with super skinny dark jeans, a floaty floral dress, a little something Grecian or a pair of bright opaque tights.

Practical Prada

Prada's fall collection in demure lace.

Take inspiration from the Prada look with this black lace dress and peep-toes.

In the spring Prada gave a show for fall looks that was drenched in lace and layered shoes.

It's a look that can be hard to pull off both financially and style wise, which is why I've given you some easy pieces that have some of the panache of Prada's signature looks that promise to be popular this fall. 

Full lace is the order of the day. If you're going to really do it ... go neck to knee in lace. Black, navy, camel, chocolate are the best colors. Anything other than neutral can quickly turn tawdry when done in liberal amounts.

This black lace dress is an I.N.C. from Macy's and the shoes are A. Marinelli from Brother's on the Boulevard.

Emmy 2008 best dressed

There were a plethora of Hollywood starlets and long time celebs who blew out the red carpet for the Emmys. So many people got it right for this event, it's hard to pick one. 

It was hard to pick three. And while I won't commit that these ladies are the abSOlute best dressed – they are three standouts in my book.

Brooke Shields proves that like a fine wine women can get better with time. The choice of bold color and unashamedly feminine excess in the form of rows of ruffles was a show stopper.

Heidi Klum is flawless. Enough said. Her shimmering gown was timeless.

Vanessa Williams is further proof that with age can come great beauty – and wisdom. Her dress was a pitch perfect pick that stayed appropriate for a warm September evening, but paid tribute to one of fall's hottest trends – the fall floral. 

Grecian goddesses

Amanda Walsh is pretty in pink and perfectly Grecian.

Christina Applegate is vibrant in a vintage blue for a look that's dark romance.

Becki Newton is a sunshine girl in rich yellow.

Mariska Hargitay is a goddess in her Roman-inspired gown.

Grecian glam continues to rock red carpets. Draped dresses in every shade and shape ruled the 2008 Emmys.

And there were one-shoulder dresses as far as the eye could see.

The flapper girl

Eva Longoria Parker in the short flapper.

Evangeline Lily rocks a long gown with 1920's influence.

The flapper girl straight from the 1920's speakeasy also made a few appearances at the Emmys. Add a deep side part and matte lipstick for a pitch perfect look that roars.

Emmy Fashion = Old Hollywood in shades of white

Felicity Huffman

Olivia Wilde

Kyra Sedgwick

Cheryl Hines

The Sunday night Emmys brought out the old school Hollywood look with soft sexy hair reminiscent of Veronica Lake.

It's a look that is only complete with a lot of bling, bold lips and slinky fabric – preferably satin or silk. These ladies rocked the look in versions of white and cream – proof that the most subtle of shades can speak volumes.

The suit gets girly

Matthew Williamson rocks bold pink on the runway during New York Fashion Week.

Richard Nicoll rocks a pink slouchy suit during London's Fashion Week.

If you're looking for a way to take the suit to the feminine side just add pink.

In both New York and London Fashion Week showings, two different designers brought vibrant pink to the suit for a look that is at once up-to-date and a bit 1980's.

The key to looking more chic and less Golden Girl's cast member is to keep the shape sharp and the color fresh and bold.

Fade into fabulous

Ombre is great now for accessories (as featured in September's issue of FACE Magazine) and this fall promises to be a must have when pulling off all things effortless and boho.

Claire Danes (in Zac Posen) rocks a unique use of ombre (fading or degrading color) while Herve Leger and Naeem Khan rock it on the runway in their Spring Collections.

Danes, Naeem Khan and Herver Leger are proof that the almost trippy ombre we now know and love can easily go polished and chic thanks to innovation in design and shape.

This fall keep your eyes peeled for patent ombre shoes.

The R's have it

Gleaming gold pants at Rodarte are spot on.

Rag & Bone perfects the Friday night look (left) and the cas Saturday ensemble (right).

Rock & Republic is black and white and fabulous all over. Edgy feminine with masculine influence is Saturday night hot.

In poring over the Fashion Week photos from New York the folks at Rock & Republic, Rodarte and Rag & Bone certainly got it right. 

Rodarte's golden ensemble is a beautiful color of warmth and shimmer and feature what is likely to be v hot this year: skin tight gleaming pants.

Rock & Republic screams chic on a Saturday night with a few pieces that could actually go to work. Ruffle-embellished tops are sure to be fierce from fall through the spring. Skinny pants will be a got to have shape. A short black gleaming dress is seasonless.

And Rag & Bone does the easy Saturday look with a slouchy blazer and jean skirt while doing the Friday night rocker chic thing with leopard pants and a one shoulder.

I've purchased but a handful of fall items and I'm already geared up for spring!

Fashion Week

Ghostly silver at Calvin Klein

Springy coral at J. Mendel

Yellow polka dot one-piece at Michael Kors

Few events are as thrilling as Fashion Week. And while we are miles and months away from wearing the spring looks revealed in New York recently, we've gotta take a good look at what's to come.

Three colors struck me as recurring through several lines: varying shades of coral, silvers and grays and yellows.

Stay tuned for more Fashion Week analysis. There's a lot to digest!

So much tragedy at the VMAs

At the risk of sounding like a Mamaw, what are these kids thinking at the VMAs?

MTV's Video Music Awards equal fabulous red carpet action thanks to the rock and roll/hip hop vibe that can marry beautifully with haute couture.

That was not the case in 2008. It was a bit more Dancing with the Stars costumes meets 1980's figure skating outfits. And the cleavage? Oh my. Terrifyingly low was the cut of the evening.

To that end, I have two celebs on display who got it right Monday night. Shockingly, Paris Hilton, who often is a display of the tawdry, looked the part of the lady. And Miley Cyrus, while still looking edgy and youthful, managed to make a more mature move than many of her older VMA goers.

In fashion one thing is certain – you never know who will pull it off ... and who won't.

I heart NYC

I recently headed to New York for my first trip ever to the Big Apple. 

It was fabulous.

The experience left me inspired for fall's newest looks (nothing beats a window display on 5th Avenue).

As the leaves turn (I swear they eventually do even in south south Louisiana), look for a lot of purple, pants in every fit and flare (super skinny, mega flared, wide leg, high-waisted and super low) and lots of jackets.

Word on the street is that the jacket will be this season's dress. In other words, all things will revolve around the jacket. I've seen a lot of leopard from shiny satin trenches to abbreviated furs. And if your looking for some extra drama in the jacket look for a voluminous collar.