Move over black, saunter away navy, the grays have it!

Come one come all, this new neutral and all of its incarnations were
seen all over the Fall 2007 runways. It is a color often relegated to
more somber, moody fare but has reinvented itself into lighter, more
inviting colors. I for one will be dreaming in the monochromatic
splendor of pewter, graphite, charcoal, dove, asphalt, silver and pearl.

Layer and contrast many hues or choose one for an accent color and/or
accessory. My favorite choice of the moment is Cole Haan’s Village Soft
Triple Zip Satchel in Gunmetal.

It is said that European women, especially the French, are some of the
world’s most chic women. Having just returned from both Milan and
Paris, I can attest to this fact.

The French take pride in all that they do, especially their manner of
dress. Regardless of how early I would leave for showroom appointments
with the Couture buyers, one could not blink an eye without seeing
perfectly turned out specimens. Scarves tied around the neck just so, fashionable clothing which appeared to have lept straight from the pages
of Vogue and the to die for designer shoes. At any given moment you
could spot gazelles parading about in Proenza Schouler riding caps,
Nina Ricci off the shoulder sweater tunics, black leggings and Chloe
boots. I spotted touches of Balenciaga Menswear, Dries Van Noten
jackets, Jill Sander tops and Galliano sky high heels. The looks were
more of a natural flow, never a forced 'look at my style' ethos. The
only drawback? They know just how fabulous they look!

The Fall 2007 season is upon us and we must seize the day, or at the
very least the trends of the season. It is a vast and varied list
spanning many categories, so do take notes.

Inject power into your closet with bold, cinematic colors of navy,
fuschia, emerald isle green and orange – the new black. Experience a
cultural exchange with Dr. Zhivago-esque pieces of fur, bejeweled or
studded embellishments. Slip into body-conscious, lady-like dresses
made of crepe, knit jersey or refined wool. Dare to wear them in either
sleeveless, strapless, cap or full sleeve variations, I certainly will.

Suit up with menswear inspired pieces, such as “Le Smoking” tuxedo
jackets over silk crepe pants, a tailored suit, a crisp button up white
shirt and oxford shoes. Define the waist (insert collective sigh of
relief here that the looser silhouette is deflating) with the latest
belt offerings: corsets, thin, obi-style, wide patent leather, embossed
skins, etc. Warm up in statement coats: modern trenches, fur trim,
funnel or wrap collars, glossy textures. Enliven any outfit with
interesting fabric innovations of heat infused wool, glazed mohair,
sherbert-hued shag and plastic (yes, I said plastic). Get a leg up with
cashmere, silken wool and brushed cotton leggings or tights. Spin an
eclectic mix of English prep school flourishes and military touches,
with logos and crests on jackets, polo shirts, vests and pullovers.
Sizzle-in-the-20’s, lithe sheath silhouettes in silk or satin, and top
it off with cloche chapeau sass. Shine with patent leather’s many
incarnations or display urban moxie with motorcycle inspired designs –
a little Mad Max anyone?

Does any one else wonder about the ongoing appeal of actress/model
Sienna Miller? I ask this because, a few months ago she allegedly
released a statement that she is taking a break from the public because
she is over exposed. She is everywhere!! There are the Tod’s ad
campaign, Pepe Jeans ad campaign, the Twenty8Twelve clothing line with
her sister, break? Not!

The self-exiled actress/model has set the rumor mills into overdrive
yet again with speculation that she and friend (um, right ...) Sean P.
Diddy Combs are an item. Rumors of sightings around New York City
having lunches and/or cozy dinners, of sipping champagne aboard his
yacht, partying and leaving together in Ibizia,has not helped to abate
the vehemently denied stories.

If Ms. Miller is truly seeking some peace and quiet out of the
spotlight, why be associated with one of the biggest media zealots?
Though he is rumored to be engaging, charming and attentive - well to
everyone except baby mama Kim Porter - perhaps Sienna should learn from
Jennifer Lopez. Ms. Lopez, who a few years and many husbands ago, was
swept up into the hyperbole that is Diddy, learned the hard way that
getting too close to his sun can get you publicly burned.

The sudden change in weather has me just a little bit giddy and full of
anticipation for what it means to my fall wardrobe. Finally I can go
shopping and fill my closet with all the wonderful styles and trends
that have been appearing in fashion magazines since late spring. The
first stop on the trend train is the belt – the lady-like,
waist-emphasizing accessory of the moment. This style is one that I and
countless others will be emulating.

Be best dressed with a sleek, tailored, sleeveless or cap sleeve A-line
dress cinched at the waist with a thin exotic skin, embossed belt. Give
instant chic a try by wearing an open light cardigan or transitional
wool coat over a shift dress loosely belted with a thin leather
version. Be relaxed and sexy by pairing an obi-style sash cum belt over
your funnel collar coat. Release your urban warrior in a chunky sweater
over leggings with a wide leather tie-front belt or its ornate, studded
cousin. And, finally, do recreate Dita Von Teese’s signature curves
with a semi-corset belt that fits neatly under the bust, atop a crisp
white shirt neatly tucked into a high-waisted, knee-length skirt.

Ladies bow your heads, for it is a very, very sad day. Although it has been widely anticipated for months, Valentino Garavani - that would be Mr. Valentino of the perfectly coiffed hair, ultra tan and flawless suiting – stepped down
as chief designer of Valentino Group. It seems that negotiations between Permira (owners of Valentino), Valentino and his longtime business partner Giancarlo Giammetti came to a stand still and no resolution could be reached. He and his partner had been incessantly denying retirement rumors since his 45-year retrospective this summer,
eluding to the fact that all the fuss was do to the celebration of his large body of work. Unfortunately this was not the case, as his replacement was named as none other than Alessandra Facchinetti, formerly of Gucci Group Women and most recently at Moncler. Although Valentino does not officially step down until January after his final couture show, it would seem “chic” is walking off into the sunset!

It is no secret that Ms. Facchinetti's two collections for Gucci were never well received after taking over the women's design reigns from Tom Ford. Perhaps this second act – of stepping into Valentino's velvet slippers – will be sweeter. I for one will be poised on the edge of my couture seat waiting to see.

We are taught not to, we feel guilty when we do, but take a cue from Sarah Jessica Parker's new perfume and covet it. The “it” I'm speaking of is the three hottest shoes of the season: Givenchy's asymetrical open toe patent or metallic leather Pump, Prada's dual strap curved heel patent and satin slip on and the “hello lover” inducing Christian Louboutin studded, hidden-platform ankle boot.

What's peroxide blonde, red and black? Model Agyness Deyn's hair color over the course of the last week alone.

The new uber-model – who’s either opening or closing almost every
designer show this season – has gone from her trademark-cropped,
peroxide blonde hairdo to red for a show last week, to her current
state of black hair. For me, this color bravado is a welcome change in
the sea of hair sameness. It all goes to prove that Ms. Deyn – although
not as instantly recognizable as before – is a chameleon who gives
“good face” regardless of her haircut and daring color changes. As I
searched through databases of designer shows and noticed the hair color
morphing, there was a sense of deja vu as it was reminiscent of another
famous face, that of the original chameleon supermodel Linda
Evangelista of the 80’s.

As with any package there is a warning, so with that here is this:
folks please leave this to the hands of the professionals, do not do
try this extreme color changing at home.

Four years ago, the L’enfant Terrible Jean Paul Gaultier introduced a generation of men to Le Male color makeup line for men. It was revolutionary for its time and harkened back to the days of the French Court where men readily applied makeup, but perhaps it was a little too ahead of its time. Not one to give up easily, Gaultier has reconfigured
the color line, added skincare and changed the name as well. The new line called Monsieur, has a makeup component that is comprised of a powder bronzer, a liquid bronzer (one must have options, no), eyeliner pencil (for your inner rockstar), a transparent brow groomer, a matifying gel to quell shine, concealer and of course a self tanner. For the skincare component, the line comprises shaving and skincare products. There is a face scrub, a shaving cream, an aftershave gel, a moisturizing face balm, an energizing face care cream and energizing eye care cream. The entire line rages in price from $14 (eye pencil) to $40 (powder bronzer). Although every man may not be ready for their makeup close up, there are several useful products to meet their everyday needs. Rockstar performances are optional.