Anna Dello Russo

I am fascinated with Anna Dello Russo.

Something about her look seems as if she shouldn't be able to pull off some of the things that she pulls off. She's fearless and she has ridiculously lovely legs. I respect that.

But now, ADR has won me over with her "10 CHRISTMAS party RULES" (on her blog) which are as follows (this is exactly as written, and I find her English completely charming; I liked reading it with an Italian accent):

"Now begins the critical period for PARTIES to celebrate CHRISTMAS.

They involving not only the family andfriends, as well as formal events.

I'm going to remember you my10 RULES to be always on TOP!

1. Don't wear RED or GREEN outfits.
You will look alike a Christmas tree.

2. Forget any COATS(also if outside it's only 5 degrees).
You should make a big impactjust with your dress.

3. Choose a GOLD.
You will emphasize the ideato be a Christmas GIFT to unwrap.

4. Go to the hairdresser, facial,manicure and pedicure.
Don't be worry to be OVER-DONE!

5. Choose between HAT and MAKEUP,
if you wear a hat keep fresh faceotherwise you will looks like a transvestite.

6. Wearing lots of JEWELLERY.
the sound of JEWELLERY banishbad thoughts and bad ghosts.

7. Focus on the SHOES.
Generally at Christmas party you spenda lot of time seated on the sofa.

8. Shoes have to carry all the magicalatmosphere of Christmas:
Choose sparkling, shiny, eccentric, metallic, decorative, precious, brocade, extravagant, color-full, magnificent, enchanting, ... PAIR OF SHOES.

9. Don't be worry about your BAG,
you immediately will forget it on some chairs.

10. Don't throw yourself on the drinksand on the food.
It's not POLITE!

Particularly excellent advice in #5, birdies.

Whew, I was planning on a green and red dress to the holiday party.

Love this Amy!!

In another case of Who's Dressing You...

Here's your girl, Tory Burch, somewhere underneath a pile of ostrich feathers. This is a problem. Everything from the feather-top to the flats with the oversized bow.

I could see this top potentially working if layered over a long sleeve shirt, hot black pants or jeans and a killer pair of boots. Something more along the lines of the Aspen look; not with the office skirt and shoes as spotted above.

Ok, let's not get too carried away here Carla... I do not claim her. This looks like an animal is hugging her.

I am not sure this top could work at all. Maybe (MAYBE) with something very tight on the bottom. Her shoe choice is confusing at best.

The shoes crack me up...

Death at the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards

Minimalist style was spotted all over the recent CFDA/Vogue Fashion Awards. From Alexander Wang to the Olsen twins, it was a funeral prosession of black, from head to toe. The third duo, Peter Dundas and Joan Smalls looked smoking cool. In short, layer on the black and add the punch with accessories.

Keep in mind this is New York as well. But not many people can pull off that feathered jacket. She rocks it.

(Image #1 Alexander Wang & Vanessa Traina, Image #2 Olsen Twins, Image #3 Emilio Pucci's Peter Dundas and Joan Smalls, and Image #4 Michael Kors).

Get your goat on

Here are a couple of looks from J.Crew Fall 2010.

Loving the shorts + tights, neutrals, and the the Mongolian Lamb vest ($800). I'm going to go ahead and say that look #2 may not be the most flattering...but definitely looks interesting.

I'm into those brown legs. J.Crew always does this- puts together good ensembles, but when I go to shop, I can't sort through it all and come up with anything much. I use these more as inspiration.

You're right! That happens to me as well. I've seen some cute coats though.

Kate's final collection for Topshop

The Kate Moss + Topshop powerhouse began in 2007 and is sadly coming to an end. First Prince William gets engaged, and now this...what's the point of going to London?

Below are the preview looks from the final collection. So...most of the pieces featured in the ads are sold out, but there are a few other really cool standouts in the collection, now available for shipping in the USA: Topshop.com.

Check out the nylons vs. leggings or tights. It's a bit more elegant vs. bohemian. I haven't really worn a lot of nylons, but I think about it for winter. We're headed for stockings for sure. They've got a throwback ladylike vibe and I agree, do it.

That last look is just torturing me with its non-availability. Gorgeous. I'm headed to DC Tuesday by the way and will be looking into the Lanvin/H&M line.

Cameras as gifts:

Urban Outfitters has a fantastic selection of unusual cameras that are in every price range. Worth checking out for someone that's hard to buy for, whether you'd like instant, digital or film.

Pictured above, Holgawood flashless 120mm in white.

What do you really desire?

So sure, this is a little editorial, but I'm over it. Consumption seems so... tired.

Like Proust's Albertine, who couldn't afford new outfits on a whim like the wealthy Duchesse, we can give ourselves the gift of purchasing only the very special, very desired items, whether we have to save up for them or not.

Like every obstacle in the way of possessing something...poverty, more generous than opulence, gives women far more than the clothes they cannot afford to buy: the desire for clothes, which creates a genuine, detailed, thorough knowledge of them.

- Marcel Proust

Isn't that lovely?

Yes! I love this. Fashion is art and not every piece is made to own. I think you can really appreciate and be inspired by things when you're not thinking of buying.

Now, this is not to say that I am against Forever 21. However, it is sort of like the fast-food of fashion. I am just recognizing the beauty of the wait, the delay of the gratification, which can foster a deeper love with said objecct.

Red Lips

My Favorite Red lipstick (which is all OVER the spring runways....so we'll probably be ready for something else by then):

It Girl by Sephora Collection

An orangey-red that doesn't dry your lips out.

Carla? What's your fave?

Here is a link to a nice article on choosing the best red for your skin tone on stylecaster.

(Photo, Vena Cava Spring 2011).

Forget the Jacket...

Go with leather on the legs. Skirt. Boots. Jeans. Shorts. Whatever. Throw some leather on your legs! And keep it black.

Yes, these look good... but I think there is room for grey and brown. They can soften this look and make it easier for day, no? I will get back to you with ideas...

(Jennifer Lopez, Alessandra Ambrosio)

Roots to your ears

More two-toned hair. And now I love it, too!! You should do it...

Should I? If I wait much longer the trend is over! But I like it. A lot.

(Behati Princloo, Ashelee Simpson-Wentz and Whitney Port)

Daily Inspiration

Audrey. Scarves. Brows. Button down shirts. Ankle length pants.

When your skinny jeans are slouchy at the bottom....

Roll them up. (Or tailor them ankle length. Part of my new ankle-length obsession.)

I'm loving rolled skinny jeans right now, with heels or flats or Tom's or sandals.... I like them just at or above the ankle. Very 80's, very fresh. I recommend keeping the cuff on the small side as well.

(Bottom photo from The Sartorialist, where everyone is rolling up everything.)