Fashionable Winter...

October, and it finally feels like fall in LA. There's nothing I love more than wrapping myself up in warm layers. Today's post is inspired by all of the fabulous winter accessories I love but only get a day or two use out of, here in sunny LA LA Land! Looks like a trip to Aspen is a must to utilize my winter wardrobe!

Clockwise from top left:

Diane von Furstenberg, Bouclé Swing Coat

Emilio Pucci, Leather Thigh-high Boots

3.1 Philip Lim, Lace-detailed Leather Gloves

Miu Miu, Wool and Rabbit Stole

Paris Fashion Week Spring 2010 Favorite Looks

Paris Fashion Week for Spring 2010 did not disappoint for this fashion lover. Trying to narrow down my favorites looks to share with you lovelies was next to impossible. From the exaggerated shoulders of Balmian to fabulous open-toe boots from Vivienne Westwood how's a girl to choose? Here are a few of my top lusts from the runways.

Balmain

Giambattista Valli

Dries Van Noton

Lanvin

Alexander McQueen

Chanel

Christian Dior

Stella McCartney

Viktor & Rolf

YSL

Vivienne Westwood

Nina Ricci

Red Sole Fantasy

Looks like LA is rubbing off on Christian Louboutin. To celebrate the opening of his second boutique on Robertson Blvd. in Los Angeles, Louboutin celebrated with the debut of his first film that he wrote and directed. The shoe scene in the second half of the movie has me drooling. What can I say, I love the red soles!

Paris Fashion Week Street Style

Fashion is not just reserved for the runways in Paris. Here are some of my favorite street style pictures caught during Paris Fashion Week. So that's how French women stay so thin! Riding a bike never looked so good.

PC - Style.com

Balenciaga Spring 2010 - Urban Chic

Balenciaga's Spring 2010 collection pounced down the runway at Hotel de Crillon this past week and did not disappoint. I love how Nicolas Ghesquière brought an element of athleticism to the line...truly mixing it up and not sending down the same boring cocktail dress we've seen a million times before. I'm in love with the leather hoodie. It's so urban chic. Heading to the gym will never have looked so good!

Not Your Mother's Cape...

It's all about capes this fall season, and I'm in love. Such a stylish but easy way to stay warm and fashionable at the same time. Capes add a posh, Euro-chic look to your wardrobe and will definitely get you noticed. I'm obsessed...here are some of my favorites this fall. Now it's just figuring out how to get my hands on one of these lovelies!

DKNY, Wool Double Breasted Cape


Balmain, Tweed Military Cape

Derek Lam, Cashmere-blend Cape

Milan Fashion Week, Spring 2010

Milan Fashion Week just wrapped up and I've been drooling over the runway looks. Here are some of my favorites. So excited for spring so I can get my hands on some of these pieces!

Emilio Pucci - Spring 2010 RTW

Versus - Spring 2010 RTW

Marni - Spring 2010 RTW

Dolce & Gabbana - Spring 2010 RTW

Bottega Veneta - Spring 2010 RTW

Aquilano.Rimondi - Spring 2010 RTW

PC - Style.com

Schooled In Style

I spent nine hours at Smashbox Studios this weekend with celebrity wardrobe stylist, Luke Storey, learning the what and what not to do's of making it in the fashion industry. What I learned in nine hours would've have taken years figuring out on my own. Luke created the School of Style which is the first and only school in Los Angeles specializing specifically in wardrobe styling. He literally teaches you everything from A to Z, but does it in an entertaining way...not to mention he's got a great sense of humor! Plan to laugh a lot while being told exactly how it is in the business...there's no sugar-coating.

Me with Luke...Still standing after 9 hours!

Storey has over ten years of experience and has styled for Kanye West, Marilyn Manson, and No Doubt among others. It was nine hours well spent and I highly recommend the School of Style to anyone interested in wardrobe styling in any capacity.

For more information about Luke visit his website, School of Style or his agency's, PhotoGenics.

The Story of Coco Chanel

Want high fashion without emptying your wallet this weekend? If you live in New York or Los Angeles you're in luck. The fashionable movie, Coco Before Chanel opens this Friday, September 25th and will be opening in other cities soon.

Follow the life of Coco Chanel, from headstrong orphan to the woman who single-handedly changed the world of fashion. I love Coco, love how she stuck to her beliefs and in the end helped create couture as we know it today.

Check your local theaters for showtimes.

Headpieces that Make a Statement

I was first introduced to these fabulous headpieces by my amazing hair stylist, Jen Atkin, the last time I was at the salon. It was LOVE at first sight.

Jennifer Behr is the talented creator behind these beautiful custom headpieces. She honed her skills as hair accessory designer for celebrity hair stylist Frederic Fekkai. When Fekkai discountinued the accessory line, Behr decided it was time to go off on her own. Bergdorf Goodman bought her first collection sight unseen. As they say, the rest is history...a shiny one with any of these headpieces!

Here is a sampling of the current collection. To see more, visit Jennifer Behr's website.

Street Style in Your Closet

Yes, I'm one of those that easily gets side-tracked when it comes to working. Between emails and all of the fun fashion sites online, it's easy to lose track of time. I've been having fun checking out street-style fashion sites lately and came across this one that has captured my attention.

Weardrobe is a new community fashion website that allows its members to upload photos and catalog all of their fabulous clothes creating an "online" closet. Need a little inspiration, check out what other members are wearing while making new fashion besties!

They also keep it interesting by offering weekly contests where members can win some good loot. Careful, it's a site that easily becomes addictive and before you know it that report you had to get out is still waiting to be completed. At least you'll have the next day's fabulous outfit already planned.

It's not what you wear but how you wear it!

Favorite Looks from Spring 2010 Fashion Week

Looking back through the 2010 Fashion Week pictures, it's going to be a good spring! Here are some of my favorite looks from some of the amazing designers I heart!

Marc Jacobs

Rodarte

Reem Acra

Carolina Herrera

Diane von Furstenberg

Marchesa

3.1 Phillip Lim

Mama's Got a Brand New Bag

I just came across a new handbag that will be on my "must have" list this season. Leopard print with a leather bow...can you say saucy and sweet? LOVE!

Valentio Leopard Print Hobo, $2,695

Top 10 Wardrobe Basics Every Closet Should Have

We’ve all heard the statistic that women only wear 20% of the clothing in their closets on a daily basis. Many fall into this statistic. If one has a good “basic” wardrobe to begin with the possibilities are endless. Here is a list of the most useful items for any closet.

Little Black Dress

Coco Chanel made it famous. This is the one piece of clothing that will never go out of style. If you’re looking to channel Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn invest in a classic sleeveless shift dress. It can easily be dressed up with stilettos and a bit of sparkles or throw a lightweight cardigan and flats on for a more casual look. Whether it’s a mini, fitted or maxi-dress a LBD is an essential wardrobe piece. Make sure to keep it simple and have your accessories be your embellishments.

Pencil Skirt

There is nothing more classic than a pencil skirt. It’s one of the best classic wardrobe pieces, as it can easily be transformed. For fall add a belted cardigan sweater with bold-colored tights and ankle boots for a fashionable office look. There are some amazing pencil skirts this season in prints as well as solid colors.

T-Shirts

A wardrobe is not complete without t-shirts. This is one area where stocking up on inexpensive brands is perfectly acceptable. T-shirts should only last one season as white tends to turn yellow after too many washes and dark colors fade after too many run-ins with the dryer. They are great layering pieces that work with jeans and a blazer to a pencil skirt and heels.

Blazer

This season it’s all about blazers. Bold shoulders, boyfriend, military-inspired and tailored blazers means there’s one for every occasion. A blazer can instantly toughen or add class to your outfit thereby offering you more looks to create with your wardrobe.

5. Amazing Shoes

Shoes should be one area in your closet that you allot a little more money to. They can instantly take your outfit from drab to fabulous. Every woman should own a nude pump, a classic black patent leather pump and an embellished flat. As far as I’m concerned there’s no need to stop there, the sky’s the limit as far as how many shoes are enough. A good pair of shoes can last forever, especially if you have a good cobbler on speed dial!

Classic Handbags

Spend with confidence on a classic, exceptionally made bag from such designers as Prada, YSL, Chanel, Louis Vuitton or any other high-end designer. Stay away from trendy hardware or patterns opting to stick instead with solid colors. A well made bag will be yours forever…and you can always use the rational that one day it’ll be vintage to help ease the anxiety when handing over your credit card!

Jeans

Where would we be without jeans? They have become a classic in everyone’s wardrobe. There is a fit and wash for every occasion and then some. Choose a pair that fit your body and make you feel amazing. If you are just starting out, choose a dark wash as it gives the illusion of being slimmer and also has a more polished look thereby expanding your closet.

Cashmere Sweater

Cashmere is something you can wear all year long. While good cashmere can be pricy, it’s worth the splurge in the long run. It will last a lifetime with proper care as it won’t thin or lose it’s shape.

Scarves

SA Always a bit jealous of French women and wonder how they get their amazing style? Well steal one of their staples and incorporate a scarf into your wardrobe. A scarf is so versatile and there are so many options available. They are not just for winter. Throw one over a maxi dress as you hit the farmer’s market on the weekend. Splurge on a large printed silk scarf from Hermes and the possibilities are endless.

10. Classic Trench Coat

The classic trench coat is a staple wardrobe item that never goes out of style. It exudes timeless class while protecting one from the elements. Whether one goes practical or trendy, long or short, a trench is a flattering option for every body type. One can pair with a suit for work or jeans for the weekend, a trench coat is a piece one will keep coming back to year after year.

For more style tips visit: www.ShopSmartLookFab.com

For a chance to win a gift certificate...post your own top season's looks here.