From its humble beginnings on Scottish battlefields in the 1500s, to designer runways for Fall 2008, tartan and tartan-esque plaid have made a huge fashionable resurgence. Couture is loving the definitive plaid on lace up ankle boots , on stylish flats, on chic tunics, wrap braelets and shoulder totes. Our pics (from upper left): Disney Couture Pirates Wrap Bracelet with Swords, Brixton Red Plaid Hooligan Hat, Jean Paul Gaultier Tuile Plaid Tank, J. Renee Scottie Plaid Skimmer, L.A.M.B. Rose Suede and Plaid ankle boot, and Roxy Crimson Make It Happen Shoulder Tote.

The House of Chanel has a long and storied history thanks in part to Dame Gabrielle Chanel herself, and the guardian of the modern-day brand, Karl Lagerfeld. The interest in the brand has never been stronger in modern times than now. There have been two films this year alone on Chanel herself, along with a fascinating exhibition making its rounds around the world. Now comes a homage to the silent film era with a film on Mme. Chanel from Kaiser Karl himself. A high-budget, 10 minute film which portrays a young Coco from 1913, the year that Chanel first set up shop, to 1923, when Chanel was established and thriving. I caught the two minute teaser online, and it is a clever nod to Chanel’s talent, her innate charm and ability to seduce many men along her fashionable way. Leave it to Karl to bring the film industry full circle with the usage of silent era techniques - flip cards, no sound, filming in black and white. The technique is in keeping with the economic times, when we as people are seeking a more grounded and meaningful way of expression, of life. They say history repeats itself, in this case it is aptly so. The film will appear on Chanel's website on December 5, 2008.

Ladies, rev your engines! Cooler air calls for leather jackets – but think biker chic, not greased lighting. A cropped, contemporary black leather jacket looks tough-girl fabulous over a long tank top with skinny jeans tucked in to black boots. Soften the look by pairing it with a flowy skirt and metallic pumps. Both looks are understated yet sexy. Our pick: Bod & Christensen Black Azzure Lamb Bolerzo.