And we’re not talking about the AMC show Mad Men – that’s on the air come this Sunday, July 27. Bloggers at Fashionista.com got a sneak peek at Kate Spade’s upcoming collection, Par L’avion, and clearly, she’s drawn on old fashions – we’re talking Mad Men, Get Smart-era fashions – because her showroom had faux fur collars, nipped waists, satin heels, elbow length gloves and lots of clutches. Kate made sure the clothes were vintage, but only in the sense of timeless elegance.

Couture isn’t too surprised that the ‘60s style is fast becoming the look of today. Michael Kors is another designer who has drawn some inspiration from the era, with his painterly cap-sleeved dresses, bone-colored big sunglasses, cashmere crewneck sweaters and animal print stacked heels. Complete this elegantly smart look by pairing it with a croc-embossed doctor-inspired bag in a vibrant, fun color like orange or purple.

The fashionable First Lady in running, Michelle Obama, might be a fashionable lady – she frequents Ikram when home in Chicago, as well as other high-end boutiques – but now that her husband Senator Barack Obama is the Democratic presidential candidate, all eyes will be on her. Judging by previous fashion ensembles, she does not seem to have much trouble dressing herself, however. On the evening of Tuesday, June 17, Mrs. Obama went to a Sikkema Jenkins & Co. in Chelsea for a special Obama for America fundraiser and arrived in a black front-wrapped cigar rolled jersey tunic and palazzo pants designed by Isabel Toledo, a brand she reportedly buys frequently from Ikram, which she paired with a statement Tom Binns necklace. Toledo attended the event as well, and reportedly loved the way Obama carried herself in Toledo’s fashions.

Obama’s fashion sense is considered edgy but fabulous by the blue states, but what about the red? Now that her husband is a presidential candidate, she may have to step up her style. Cindy McCain was seen looking in Oscar de la Renta’s Seventh Avenue showroom – yes, Oscar de la Renta, designer of First Lady couture. She didn’t buy anything, but Mrs. Obama should probably take note and maybe visit Carolina Herrera, a designer herself known for understated elegance. She not only does smart suits and feminine dresses, but bold colors and fabrics, too, Michelle!

The avid music loving Frida Giannini, Creative Director for Gucci, has tapped Lil' Ms. Sunshine, Rihanna, to be the spokesmodel for their fall advertisement highlighting its collaboration with UNICEF (United Nation’s Children’s Fund).

The ads were shot by the in-demand husband and wife team, Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, in Paris, with the ads slated to premiere in December issues of fashion magazines. “So when we decided to dedicate a full ad campaign, more than just creating products, to really come out and show our commitment to UNICEF, we wanted someone with a strong personality,” Giannini said post-photoshoot, during her interview with WWD.

And of course we all know well, unless you have been living somewhere in the universe where fashion does not matter, that Rihanna loves rocking Gucci. She wore the emerald green criss-cross neckline gown with plunging back belted to the “A Night to Benefit Raising Malawi and UNICEF” benefit, a patterned belted mini at the Kids' Choice Awards and has been photographed all over the world carrying countless Gucci handbags styles.

So it would seem that this match, cemented after Rihanna’s rendition of Umbrella at the Malawi fund-raiser, is a match made in heaven, and a very worthy cause will benefit from the union.

One sleeve on, one sleeve off – to appear stylishly off-kilter can be difficult, but can be done with the asymmetrical look. This Just Cavalli one-sleeved top is embellished enough to draw the eye from one sleeve to the – um, other arm. This top is made for going out so wear it with a skirt or dark jeans and strappy heels.

Ladies, the shoe baton has been passed, Christian Louboutin is officially the current shoe God usurping the long standing Mr. Manolo. As reported by the New York-based Luxury Institute, Louboutin shoes are the most sought-after shoe brand of 2008. This is not news to the true fashionista because she already knows, covets and collects them without any shame or remorse at the $800-plus sticker price. But to others who feel that a brand must advertise (which Christian does not), must be mentioned in hot shows or movies (think Sex And The City, where he was not mentioned) or be on every ‘It’ starlet (rare) to be a hit, this must come as a huge surprise. What is it that draws so many to this brand? Could it be the draw of the red sole, which is distinguishable from any other shoe whether a woman is striding down a city block, sitting in a restaurant with her legs crossed or getting in and out of her Maybach? Is it the exquisite craftsmanship, the sky high heels or the many varied styles that could make you spend every paycheck on a pair? I’m not sure what it is for other individuals, but for me, my pulse quickens the moment I see the sole. For many that is both the draw and the deterrent, because what happens once the sole is worn out? Well, if you are like I am, you find the cobbler who will replace the sole with a red one, of course.

Ralph Lauren — born Ralph Ruben Lifshitz from the Bronx, New York — before he became famous and had a flagship in a historic mansion on 72nd Street and Madison Avenue, had a powerful fashion vision that he would one day be the guardian of the all-American dream. To him that dream involved, relaxed elegance, lush locales and polo ponies, apparent by the Polo horse and rider logo he is now known for. But before Ralph entered into the fashion industry he pursued a degree in business science (how better to know how to run one’s business?) as well as served his country with stint in the army. Clearly these steps were a wise decision towards cementing his future in fashion as we know it today. Lauren, who did not have any formal fashion design training, is a perfect example of the American dream: with confidence, will power, persistence and business saavy, one can achieve anything.

From the tiny tie shop first opened in 1967 to the multi-tiered empire of today, the chic, preppy look has evolved into complementary sportswear, casual wear, luxury lifestyle and home furnishings business that is still an American favorite. His shoes for men and women continue to be considered classics are always on the favorite must-have list of Couture. The Ralph Lauren Collection Ranna and Abbie for women and the Ralph Lauren Collection Garson and Danilo for men are to die for. Find these shoes, along with the rest of his collection, on Couture.Zappos.com.

We are thrilled with frills – blouses and dresses decked with delicate frills balance out tailored jackets or pants. Be dressed to frill with this Jean Paul Gautier dress. Pair it with simple white shoes for the summertime.