Recently in Jackets Category

If you recall, I purchased this cute little leopard cropped jacket at the beginning of the season (yes, am kicking myself for not waiting 2 weeks later when it made it to 50% off and let's not even mention that it's now 75% off).  Anyhoo, I've worn mine often so it was worth it at full price; the vintage style jacket is adorable with jeans and I'd been looking for more ways to wear it when I was sent this photo by a stylist.  How fun is this little outfit!?!?

Leighton Meester is beyond cute as Blair (but this is not Blair-- my mistake! It's Lexie), and I couldn't be happier to see her in my jacket. Now I have to confess I own a pair of purple tights myself and love wearing it with my black or gray dresses/skirts but never thought of pairing it with leopard (which is a neutral).  Love how they style her for the show!

However, I doubt I can carry this off because A.) I'm not 22 and B.) I don't have those legs! But you certainly can if you are one of the above.

What Comes Around Goes Around Garbo Faux Leopard Jacket was $495 now $148

Images from people.com

With the weather fluctuating from warm to cold and back to warm it's little surprise that we're seeing bomber jackets all over the place! My fave bombers are gray or black leather and Theory made a fab one this year that I bought in gray. It has silver accents and the leather is wonderfully light and supple. My only complaint is that the sleeves only hit my wrists! Though people must like shorter sleeves because it seems that every year more and more outerwear pieces have short sleeves. Personally I've always liked the extra long -- a la old-school Norma Kamali -- sleeves.

What about you -- Leather? Nylon? Short sleeves? Long? Let us know how you like your bomber jackets!

Just a little bit ago I was saying that I hoped that the sequin trend wouldn't catch-on when it came to celeb evening wear. Well, the day after I said that I stumbled across Marc by Marc Jacobs' Etta sequin cardigan ($500) and I'm in love:) Though it's definitely way out there and has to be worn with confidence to work. Actually, the first and as of yet only time I went out wearing this Marc by Marc Jacobs number a guy came-up to me and asked me if I was channeling Michael Jackson!!! I don't know if it was meant as a complement or insult, but I was happy sporting it either way:)

I learned a very important lesson from a woman in her '60s last Spring. I was on my way to NYC to film with Diane von Furstenberg and was seated next to this woman at a dinner the night before and when I told her of my trip her face lit up and she said "my first designer dress was DVF, I'd just given birth and I drove into the city from Connecticut and bought a wrap dress at a small boutique on 5th Ave. It was the most forgiving and fabulous dress a new mother could hope for." Then her face fell and she said, "the biggest mistake I ever made was giving that dress away. Don't ever give up your DVF!"

And you know what? I won't. I cleaned out my closet this month and gave away everything I haven't worn in a year, except my DVF pieces. First of all, I still wear my DVF, they're staples in my closet that I pull out time and again, layer with tights or sweaters depending on season and feel good in all the time. Not only do I keep my DVF, I add to it each season. The Petite Valise Collection for Resort 2009 is a combination of signature prints, easy layering, travel friendly fabrics and feminine silhouettes. Check out the line at DVF.com or call the Melrose store, they'll send you whatever your heart desires! 323.951.1947 and ask for Cat!

A few weeks ago Couture Snob Tina asked if anyone was mad for plaid and it seems that most people are plaid averse. I've always thought there was something ugly-chic about a touch of plaid though and I myself actually have a plaid short-sleeve blazer that I got when I was still at Cornell at Target of all places!! I wear it every so often to spice-up a simple outfit and I almost always get complemented on it (and no one can ever believe it's from Target!). Vanessa Hudgen was recently photographed in this Elizabeth & James Women's "Ivy Buffalo" Plaid Blazer ($395), and even though I don't actually like the blazer I think there's something stylish, fun and eye-catching about it! Not to mention that in my book, there's next to nothing that I don't love from Elizabeth & James and The Row (both Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen lines).

There is much debate over a NY Times article about how we should dress and live in hard times.  I really don't think people want to start wearing potato sacks to show their frugality, do you?  I mean, why can't you look fabulous and save money?  And by fabulous I don't mean logo emblazoned counterfeit goods; many luxury designers offer bridge lines or capsule collections via Target, Kohl's, and Wal Mart.  There is nothing wrong with buying from one of these lines, you are getting a designer piece at a fraction of the price.  So the fabric won't be as good but when the difference in price is thousands, I think you'll live.  Simply Vera by Vera Wang is just as chic and cool as her high end collection.  Like this little faux fur jacket above in grey, the design is fabulous and you can say you are PETA friendly as this is made of modacrylic and polyester.  I love the little waistband on the back, it's a Vera Wang signature and I'm glad she is not compromising on the details in design even if she has to use lesser quality fabrics to keep the costs down.   On sale for $126 at Kohls.com

A few days ago I went to a cocktail party hosted by the president and chief merchandising officer of Saks Fifth Avenue Ronald Frasch along with Amy Sacco in honor of Escada's new creative director Damiano Biella. The event was held on Saks' second floor by the Escada section in NYC and they had models decked-out in some of the designer's new wears. It's been a very long time since I've considered wearing Escada. The brand was always huge in Germany where my parents are from, but I've always associated it with lots of bright yellows and reds and beading both of which aren't really my style. I have to say though I was more than pleasantly surprised to see so many nice pieces now available and it was wonderful to see them not only on the models, but on some of the guests at the event! Though I could do without the belted waists I love how simple and elegant many of the looks are.

See more of my favorites after the jump!

My obsession with leopard continues with this adorable little leopard jacket. So far I have ventured into a thin leopard belt and a little clutch, both from Ralph Lauren. I like the way I feel when I put on these little leopard accent pieces; like a little girl playing dress up! So now, I am ready for a piece of leopard to actually wear (but not with my other leopard stuff). I found this little bolero on Shopbop.com. It's reasonably priced and it will look so chic with all the black tights and black dresses I plan to wear this Fall. What Comes Around Goes Around Garbo Faux Leopard Jacket $495

UPDATE- It was so much fun dressing up for Tatiana's Dallas party. It has been a blast hosting her book signing parties from LA to Dallas (she is continuing on her nationwide book tour-- next up is Washington DC!) A big thank you to Oscar de la Renta for co-hosting the party and dressing us up in his amazing creations!!! (Jump for photo of us at the event!)

I slipped on this dark bronze-y lame jacket with Russian sable fur trim last May during the Fall 08 fashion shows and have been thinking about it for over six months.

There are so many details that you can not see from the photo; hand folded origami pleats on the shoulders and around the waist is hand stitched in a criss cross pattern. It is so beautiful! Oscar de la Renta never ceases to amaze me; his ready to wear offers haute couture detailing-- a diminishing art but one that Oscar has been master at for almost a lifetime. This jacket is by special order only. Email Oscar de la Renta personal shopper for further details.

I am hosting an event at the Oscar de la Renta boutique at North Park today from 6-8pm to celebrate Tatiana Boncompagni's new book, Gilding Lily. Please stop by if you live in Dallas! And yes, I will be wearing this tonight-- but only to model it for our guests. Lucky me that I am the same size as the Oscar de la Renta sample model! There is only one sample in the world, so stop by the boutique if you'd like to see it in person!