Remember when 'duck' boots were a Darien, Connecticut style staple? Remember when they were worn with curduroy pants, puffer vests and Fair Aisle sweaters? Well, neither do I, but that is what I am told. Fast forward to today and the steadfast staple of yesteryear is making a very chic come back. Designers from DSquared to Michael Kors, to a few mass retailers, injected the shoe/bootie with a much needed style cache with improved upper materials, playful color combinations (think tartan and tweed), and a fashionista's best friend, a high heel. However, some design detail echos of the past are still visible within the new incarnations, the rubber sole, the lace-up and hook-and-eye closures, along with the constrast stitching. Oooooh la la!

Florals, of all variations, were big for Fall 2008 and are still in bloom for Spring/Summer 2009. What better way to perk up an overcast fall or dreary winter day than with a lovely, flower embellished dress? We think no better way. Mix the soft with a little funky edge by pairing your floral dress with a short sleeve knitted jacket or shrug, reach for a patterned scarf knotted just so, mix in funky silver jewelry, slip on a pair of black or bordeaux colored tights, pull on a pair of edgy buckle and lace up patent leather mid-calf boots, add a decidely feminine shoulder bag and voila, pure floral fabulousness.

Couture's picks: GenerraChunky Knit Bolero Three Quarter Sleeve Jacket, French Connection Cara Empire Waist Sleeveless Floral Dress, Alexander McQueen Silk/Wool Floral and Paisley Detailed Scarf, Carlos Falchi Slim Poof Python Embossed Microfiber Shoulder Bag, Jean Paul Gaultier Pryamid Shaped Ornate Ring, Jean Paul Gaulier Opulent Pryamid Shaped Earrings, Kors Michael Kors Dual Buckle Lace Up Crinkle Patent Leather Boot

Ladies, who doesn't love an attractive, elegant flat? What other shoe brings Funny Face, Roman Holiday and Sabrina to mind faster than a dainty, pointy toe flat? It is chic and comfortable, can be dresssed up or down, and appeals to the edgy and uptown crowd alike. The Couture Team loves a great flat to pair with our A-line dresses, our sweater coats, tees and leggings or our jeans and a henley. What are we loving right now? Elie Tahari Gabby Snake Embossed flat, Sigerson Morrison Low Cut Side Flat with Embellished Pouf, Michael Kors Gold Metallic Flat with Bamboo-inspired Buckle, and Moschino Silver Metallic Flats with Side Cut Out Details and Flower Buckle with Stone Encrusted Center.

'Tis the season... Fall has officially begun and there a few must haves for the season. The color purple is a big hit and looks great on almost every skin tone. Stacked heeled boots that slouch are another sure fire hit that can be paired with jeans tucked in and a funky tee. Espresso was percolating all over the Fall 2008 runways, so do add a dash to your accessory rotation. From the East Coast to the West Coast, sky-high high heel platforms are all the rage, do mix with colored tights and sheath dresses. Every Couturnista needs a dollop of effortless chic thrown in, what better way to do that than with a kid-skin slouch handbag. Who said the oxford could not be a sexy shoe? Clearly, they had not anticipated the stiletto heeled versions for Fall. Look for a smooth, supple leather or a patent leather version to add just enough sex appeal to any look. Cat calls are optional.

Our pics: Michael Kors Azurette Iris Patent Ostrich Print Pump, Furla Oxana Pochette Crocco Morbido in Lichene, Giuseppe Zanotti Cognac Patent Leather Shoulder Bag, L.A.M.B. Hamura Red Square Toe Hidden Platform, Marc by Marc Jacobs Black Calf Crinkle Cuff Stacked Heel Boot, Giuseppe Zanotti Menswear-inspired Oxford Pump, and Michael Kors Iris Colored Kid Skin Drawstring Satchel.

Straw bags have arrived! If we know one thing, it's that a straw tote signals the onset of spring. No more bulky coats (well, at least not out here on the West coast), no more boots, it's almost time for sandals, flirty skirts and straw bags to match.

Need inspiration? Just look to Michael Kors, with his Michael Kors Santorini woven tote or Michael Kors Santorini woven clutch.

Readers, what will you be getting?