UNDER THE COVERS

It may be less about required reading than required ogling, but the best books for fall are of the coffee-table variety.

Photographers, stylists, and fashion fanatics each have a prominent place in the creative library this season, with contributions from Mario Testino, Albert Watson, and even ELLE's own Joe Zee (his work appears in Stylist: The Interpreters of Fashion; Rizzoli New York).

And of course, what would a well-stocked shelf be without a few images of fashion's favorite face, Kate Moss? The supermodel/designer/style icon appears in no fewer than five of the most hotly anticipated volumes of the season, snapped in everything from Versace gowns to a broad smile and her skivvies.

Reversible Leopard Corset

Fully reversible leopard satin/ red satin corset with front lace-up, removable shoulder straps, hook and eye back closure, and removable garters. Includes black thong and matching stockings.

* Multi Colored
* 32, 34, 36, 38
* Corset, 100% Polyester, Thong, 95% Polyester, 5% Elastane

What A Waist

The days of "the Jordache look"—that undeniably sexy, late '70s aesthetic that ruled the denim world long before low riders were the essential trend—seem to be back in full force for spring.

After the first round of shows, it's fair to say that waistlines are on the rise. While a few designers dabbled in the elevated midsection last season, and a handful of courageous starlets have tried the look out to mixed pans and praises, it seems like the high design world is embracing the trend wholeheartedly.

At Erin Fetherston, silk skirts rode just below the bustline, while Abaeté's Laura Poretzky showed shorts with a full six inches of fabric above the natural waist.

Vena Cava, Rag & Bone, and Miss Sixty all experimented with the look, as well. And besides its sartorially adventurous connotations, the high waist has one more benefit-skipping the situps.

Rebecca Romijn Style: Coach Ostrich Lily

The Lily is a new design from Coach that actually has my attention. It is a cute shape, style, and great daily wear. There is a black and camel leather version of the Coach Lily, but if you are a special person, you have the opportunity to get your hands on an ostrich version. The Coach Ostrich Lily was the bag of choice for Rebecca Romijn in the stunning red Bordeaux.

Romijn, along which other celebrities such as Eva Longoria, are opting for some of the exotics bags from Coach. Coach bags have always been popular and are many women’s first bag into the designer handbag world.

But as the market expands, Coach does too, and while some are not keen on spending thousands on an exotic bag from Coach, some are.

The Coach Lily in ostrich retails for $7,000 (model # 11160). It is also available in a Brass/Mahogany ostrich combination. If you are interested in the leather Lily, it retails for 1/10th the price, $700 via Coach.

Gryson Large Leather Shoulder Bag

Hello from NYC everyone!! Finally I am getting a bit more settled and able to browse and talk to you about all the great things in life (accessories at least). First of all, my mom and I did some 5th Ave shopping yesterday. She fell in love with a Mink Spy Bag. It was to die for, but she decided not to get it because it made no sense in South Florida.

Although, I did try to convince her to buy it for me- but that didn’t work. We also saw quite a few gorgeous Croc Spy Bags that cost the most hefty tag of $25,000. While the bags were gorgeous (especially the white and pink) the price makes me think of a car- not a bag. I’m just not there yet!!

So with much browsing and perusing I decided a gorgeous color combination for summer is white and brown. Fendi had a B Bag that was white canvas with brown leather trim, which was gorgeous too. But for something a bit more affordable there is the Gryson Large Leather Shoulder Bag. This bag combines plush white leather with chocolate trim which is the look I have in mind for summer.

To accent this killer combo is golden-finished brass hardware. This bag has a funky feel with the shoulder straps and woven top handle which goes along with the hanging ID tag. There is a zip top closure and suede interior lining with zip and slide pockets. Measuring 12″H x 17″W x 9″ D, this bag could bring you into the summer with a fashionable accessory. Via Bergdorf Goodman for $855.

Bag, Borrow, or Steal Vintage Collection

n an ideal world, vintage shopping means unearthing gorgeous treasures and finding one-of-a-kind pieces. In the real world, it is just as often about dust and disappointment. Bag Borrow or Steal, the Netflix of luxury goods, is now making the process more thrill, less hunt.

The website has just rolled out a vintage collection, complete with classic offerings from Chanel, Hermès, and Gucci, available on loan for as long as you like. Clair Watson, couture consultant for the auction house Doyle New York (and a prominent expert in the provenance of luxury goods) has dug deep into some very important handbag stashes across the country in her role as the site's vintage curator.

“Vintage really has that appeal of stamping your own individual personality on something,” Watson said. “You put a funky, idiosyncratic bag with an outfit, and then you present yourself as funky and idiosyncratic. And accessories are so hot right now anyway, that this just really made sense.” The prices start as low as $50 a week, all the way up to $1,600 a week for a crocodile Hermès Birkin bag.

As for the ultimate treasure Watson would like to add to her chest? “It would have to be an original Chanel 2.5 from the 1950s,” she said. “I would just love to get a hold of that!”

Pretty Shady

Would Lolita really have conjured up that pint-size seductress image quite as well without her signature heart-shaped frames? Could Nicole Richie and Mary-Kate Olsen have catapulted themselves to tabloid style icon fame without their omnipresent saucer-sized shades?

As certain front row types will tell you, the perfect pair of sunglasses serves as part accessory, part armor. This season, a slew of new brands are emerging on the market to bring an ideal air of mystery to the sophisticated woman. Chanel introduces their “haute couture jewelry” collection for fall, adorned with feathers, sequins, and embroideries. At the more affordable end of the spectrum, both Banana Republic and Club Monaco are introducing sunglasses next week, and we hear Club Monaco is already racking up pre-orders. And come spring, Balenciaga and Dries Van Noten will introduce their own brands of shades for the first time—the future is certainly looking bright.

Runway Trick Or Designer Treat?

If Marc Jacobs's annual holiday costume party is any indication, high design isn't afraid of a little glitter and a few prosthetics—the designer himself has come dressed to his fetes as a prize-winning pig, a bottle of Heinz Ketchup, and a pigeon straight out of St. Mark's Square.

Whether intentional or otherwise, plenty of designers followed suit for fall 2007, sending ensembles down the runway that required little more than a perky plastic pumpkin and a trick-or-treat inquiry to complete the Halloween look.

It's much more fun to bellow “Luuuuke, I am your father,” from behind a Gareth-Pugh designed mask, and the mad hatter's madness takes on a whole new meaning through the eyes of Vivienne Westwood. Check out our picks for the hottest Halloween costumes straight from the runway, and the do-it-yourself version for brave (and tardy) souls.

Cork High Heeled Sandals

This sexy sling has texture and metallic shine that lights up any dance floor.
Mesh and woven leather upper.
Elastic inset at heel strap.
Cork heel.

Man-made sole.
4 1/4" heel.
8.00 oz.

"Confidence" Sexy Ankle Strap Pumps from Guess

Confidence isn't the only thing you'll have when you wear these sexy heels.
Leather upper.
Pointy toe.
Curvy declining collar at instep.
Adjustable ankle strap with shiny metallic adornments.

Metallic covered heel.
Lightly padded insole.
Man-made outsole.
4" heel.
8.00 oz.

Bamford Ombre Crocodile Tote

Exotic handbags have always been a very important trend. Attempting to find an exotic handbag that fits the mold for you is always a challenge, typically the price getting in the way first. This handbag caught my eye for one specific reason; it resembles a very well known designer.

The Bamford Ombre Crocodile Tote is made with an exquisite green/gray shade of ombre crocodile. There are top handles, a hanging key tag, and a drawstring top. While this bag does not look like an exact replica of a Hermes Birkin, upon first look it does feel reminiscent of one. The price is still exorbitant, but it is about half the price of a Hermes Birkin. Pre-order through Neiman Marcus for $16,500.

Balenciaga Crocodile Work Bag

When most of us think of Balenciaga Bags, we think of the B-bag craze surrounding the leathers, colors, and celebrity following. Little do many know that Balenciaga does make exotic bags for our enjoyment.

A member of our forum, Purse-Oooh, was lucky enough to snag a Balenciaga Crocodile Work Bag which sports a black crocodile body on the coveted Balenciaga Work’s style. Price is around $18,000, which is very steep but great for those that are die-hard Balenciaga fans.

GUCCI HIGH HEELS SHOES

Main color: animal print
Materials: patent leather, metal
Heel: 3 1/2''
Styledrops.com sells just real Gucci Women's Shoes items. We proudly stand behind the authenticity and quality of all merchandise sold on our site.

We guarantee each and every product offered for sale on our site to be brand new, genuine and authentic.

Rebecca Minkoff Matinee

Behind every Rebecca Minkoff handbag is a story. The Rebecca Minkoff Matinee bag is the perfect bag if you have a noon date, but also the perfect bag for everyday use. There are dual pockets on each end which allows for extra pockets and easy access while on the move.

Rebecca implements the use of two colors on many of her bags, and on the Matinee she does this with the reversible pullbacks. Now this handbag is absolutely stunning in person! I gifted my sister with the sage green Matinee that I had a very hard time giving away. Dimensions are 17 in x 8 in x 8 in. The winter white Italian leather accented with rosegold leather is breathtaking. Buy through Rebecca Minkoff for $625.

HIPPIE DAYS

When even Milan's foremost purveyor of sex appeal, Roberto Cavalli, is showing lace frocks over fringed pants and needlepoint-inspired florals, it's clear a revolution is underway. But this time around, it's not about The Establishment—it's about gorgeous fashion.

The Nouveau Hippie movement has hit Milan, and Cavalli is one among many who are feeling the free love with long, natural locks and psychedelic prints. Etro also paid homage to the summer of love with shrunken vests, low-slung belts, and fringed boots that left toes exposed, emulating the barefoot bliss of the bohemian generation. At Missoni, the trend was tweaked for a thoroughly modern feel, with earthy prints appearing on luxurious silks and long layers of necklaces that looked far richer than any traditional hippie beads. Signs of the trend have also been spotted at Pucci, Matthew Williamson, and D&G. How completely groovy.

ART APPRAISAL

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana said they found inspiration for their latest collection while strolling the Chelsea galleries in New York, and it seems more than a few others viewed their garments as blank canvases for the spring 2008 season.

Dolce & Gabbana's show began with a video tribute to young painters and continued with the brush strokes leaping from the screen to skirts and dresses. Marni's marine-colored brushstrokes were reminiscent of modern artist Peter Doig's watercolors, while Frida Gianni turned towards East Hampton and Jackson Pollock's erratic splatters as inspiration at Gucci.

At Fendi, Karl Lagerfeld's concentric circle patterns teased the eye in the vein of Op Art, and Armani's modern florals were essentially Impressionism revisited. Thakoon played upon painterly influences as wide-ranging as Sol LeWitt and Henri Matisse.

Like any beautiful works of art, these pieces are meant to be collected and treasured—much of Dolce & Gabbana's collection is hand-painted and will be produced in limited editions. Feel free to pensively rub your chin, get very close, and pretend to truly understand each piece before slipping into them next spring.

It’s Myne Bag Charms

While Vlad was out scheming and meticulously planning a surprise proposal, he also had the pleasure of meeting a local designer who is in the accessory field as well. Constance Tisdale is the designer behind the brand It’s Myne designs. She specializes in using 925 sterling silver and Swarovski crystals.

You can pick from all letters of the alphabet, a heart, or the circular bamboo bones collection. After picking your shape you have the option to choose the color of your crystals (including topaz, sapphire, rose, and peridot). Each piece costs $100 and there is an option for a sterling silver chain, slip knot for your handbag, or key ring with each piece. Find more information at It’s Myne or contact Constance via email.

Anya Hindmarch Cooper Tote

Anya Hindmarch is not a new name in the handbag world. While her leather bags are stunning and timeless, it was her “I’m Not a Plastic Bag” tote that put her on the map. But what Anya does best is create simple silhouettes that dazzle. Her Anya Hindmarch Cooper Tote is a fan favorite, sporting elegant fawn colored leather with a chic gold mirrored metallic trim and gold hardware.

This is the bag of bags from Anya. Sure it simple, but it is stunning, just the way fashion should be. Many times less is more, which can be seen in this bag. There is a small clasp fastening pocket on the front and a hidden magnetic closure for the main compartment. The Cooper is the latest and greatest from Anya Hindmarch, already becoming a favorite of celebrities like the stunning Angelina Jolie. Buy through Net A Porter for $1,195.

Natalie Portman fo Té Casan

Natalie Portman doesn't care for cruelty, that is cruelty to animals. Which is why she got involved with Té Casan & helped design a new line of shoes which promise to be cruelty free. According to Elle she told PETA that "All of my shoes are from Target or Stella McCartney" oh and she's also a vegan.

We aren't fans PETA, mostly because of the crazy stunts they pull, but we can appreciate her intentions. It's just that the shoes aren't that exciting, they aren't bad but really would you be willing to pay a little extra to be boring but ethical?

The Louboutin Manicure

Can't afford a pair of super-fashionable Christian Louboutin shoes? How about using the footware master's trademark on your nails instead?


Beauty editors and fashionistas alike are buzzing about the new Louboutin manicure-black nails with red polish painted on the underside of the nail, as pictured which is a nod to designer Christian Louboutin's infamous black pumps with red soles, of course.

One dress that suits all figures

It's a bit of a claim, but the Telegraph believe they have found a dress (or style of dress) even better than the Roland Mouret's creations... the smock.


Admittedly, the smock doesn't sound anywhere near as impressive but Clare Coulson, writing for the Telegraph, has said it's out there for all women to enjoy.

Lingerie Trends from Elle's Boudoir

It's been a trend in other parts of the world for some time now; but truly risque lingerie has taken its time to hit Australia's mainstream.

Elle MacPherson's Boudoir collection takes its cues from the more raunchy walks of life, with quarter cups and suspender belts - following in the footsteps of saucy lingerie label Agent Provocateur.

It's no surprise that with the revival of Burlesque as an entertainment form, lingerie trends have been moving more and more towards modernised versions of vintage styles. And Elle's Boudoir collection is no exception, with a vintage influence applied to delicate fabrics and careful detailing.

Underwear as outerwear

In recent memory, any trends towards underwear-inspired garments have had their basis in corsetry. In 2008, bodices and boning have given way to free-flowing pieces that take their inspiration from delicately feminine lingerie styles. Camisoles, robes and slips are taking their place as everyday garments, drawing on the soft elegance of the 1930's.

On the S/S 2008 runways, lingerie-inspired garments were paired with bold accessories - leather belts and chunky heels. For 2008 this trend can take shape in anything from a pastel silk cami contrasted with a sharp suit, to a vintage slip accessorised for night time glamour.

Fall In Love In Spring

Spring 2008 is no easy act to follow: bold color, loud florals, and look-at-me lingerie ruled the runways, while models stomped around in architectural shoes and took ownership of larger than life shoulders.

But as pre-fall collections were rolled out over the past few weeks, it seemed the inclination towards major style statements was here to stay. Designers looked to the exotic for the upcoming season, mining sources of inspiration as far and varied as Russian royalty and the somber yet utterly unboring aesthetic of the modern monastery.

Chloé, Missoni, and Donna Karan took fur to the next level with shaggy, muppet-inspired pieces, while Roberto Cavalli and Bill Blass turned to the decidedly masculine Yves Saint Laurent aesthetic of the 70s. In the color department, beiges and grays were woken up by punches of contrasting neon, while velvet emerged as the rich fabric to covet.

Lace Trend Fall 2008

Never mind that Miuccia Prada doesn't fancy herself much of a lace person—this season, the designer found a fabric she simply loved and worked much of her collection around it. She described lace as the most important fabric in a woman's life, with her at her birth, marriage, death, and many milestones in between.

In typical Prada fashion, the material was hardly precious but, rather, smart and subtly suggestive. The trend also took hold at Giorgio Armani, where the designer selected electric blue Chantilly lace (pretty face and ponytail optional) as a complement to his candy-colored gypsy dresses, while La Perla put Madonna's “Like a Virgin” days to shame with lingerie-like details that left little to the imagination.

Derek Lam and Erin Fetherston took their cues from the goth girls, shrouding models in black lace in the form of dresses, tops, and even provocative little eye masks. One thing became clear in its many incarnations on the runway: This trend is a far cry from your grandmother's lace.

Hermes Fall 2008

1) 35cm Shiny Black pororus Croc Birkin with White Gold Hardware
2) 22cm Chocolate Togo So Kelly with PHW (it’s said that only Togo will be used in AW2008)
3) 35cm Etoupe Togo Birkin with PHW

Hermes tuned in to their subtle side; not offering anything on the runway that brought a new and wacky punch, but offering us a taste of refined style that they are known for. Coats and jackets took precedence on the Paris runway, which were pulled together with oversized belts pulled tight at the waist. The color palette was monochromatic yet timeless.

There was a sense of stability during the show, as the models gracefully made their way down the runway accessorized with knit caps and scarves. The handbags stayed true to Hermes, but added an urban chic touch with the reinterpreted Hermes Kelly worn as a messenger bag at the hip, named the Hermes Jipsy. Many say Hermes played it safe, but it was more about being classic than safe to me. The Hermes Fall 2008 line is timeless, just as the brand itself.

4) Hermes Jipsy in Suede Crocodile ( it is unsure if this will make it in the actual production as it is not durable nor practical)
5) 37cm Graphite Clemence Jipsy with PHW

BLOUSES, SPRING SUMMER 2008

If you're still struggling with the winter - to spring - to summer, transitional dressing dilemma then investing in a designer blouse will solve all your wardrobe troubles in one easy hit.

Chiffons and silks are great for layering and they make the perfect partner for jeans, skirts and slouchy trousers too. Whether you opt for ruffles or pussy bows, balloon sleeves or no sleeves at all, take your pick from our favourites and you're all set for spring.

Fendi Doctor Frame B Bag

Ok so the whole multicolored thing is a little in your face, right? A little too much of the rainbow is going on here. And the bag is just alright. Luckily the dimensions are pretty large or else this handbag would 100% look as if it belonged on a school girl. But seeing that the style is ok, and if the rainbow colors were not so overpowering, you would be able to see that this bag is actually quite pretty.

The Fendi Doctor B Bag may not be your choice when it comes to a new handbag, but their larger version has caused quite the stir around the fashion world. I have been asking for over a week about help identifying a certain Rachel Bilson handbag; it is super oversized and looks big enough for her to scoop herself up inside of it.

The front on view gave nothing away, but the side view is where the bag could be identified from. The buckled bands on each side are able to adjust the bags capacity and the B buckle is a signature of the house of Fendi.

So I am not dubbing this small acid or pastel multicolored bag chic, but if you check out the large one-colored version, it is a definite stunner. The top of the bag is framed and the outside leather is smooth and grained. Dimensions of this small version are 16″x 10.5″x 6.5″. Buy through eLuxury for $1,840 if the multicolored version suits your style.

COACH LEGACY SIGNATURE SHOULDER BAG

This popular Legacy silhouette has a new look with a large front pocket and cool brass buckle details.

Inside zip pocket

Cellphone/multi-function pockets

Ring clip to accessory or keyfob

Outside front pocket

Zip closure

Signature jacquard fabric with leather trim

Legacy stripe lining

7" drop

12 (L) x 7 ½ (H) x 3 5/8 (W)

Price: $398

SEEING RED

Leave it to the serious art set to acquire De Koonings—the thoroughly modern woman invests in the less abstract (and more wearable) work of Christian Louboutin. This week, the Museum at FIT justifies that costly shoe habit with the opening of Sole Desire: The Shoes of Christian Louboutin, an exhibit celebrating the man who made a stylish new generation ask, “Jimmy Who?”

How did the red sole come to be your trademark?In the early '90s in France, you would see a lot of women in all black, but with a few red elements—the lips, the nails—and for someone who doesn't like to wear color, red is perfect. With the shoes, it gives a lot of definition to the heel, and a certain perspective. It helped me stay closer to my primary designs. It was not done to be a trademark, but once it was there, it just naturally became one.

The most important part for designer is the imaginative part, the expression of a certain sexuality and body language. The construction is important, and you still have to consider it, but really the most important element comes from that Christmas morning excitement you have when you have a sketch and then finally see the first pair of samples.

Now I sort of realize that this is becoming a big company, and that it's successful, and that is great but this is not about a business. It's just about making shoes—when I started, I had a shop, just an empty box, and I was ready to fill it. People have different reasons for getting into the fashion industry, but for me shoes are a composition of my own desires and things that I love.

APOCALYPSE NOW

t's the end of the world as we know it, and as long as we're wearing Rick Owens's take on deconstructed futurism, we feel fine. This week, the Paris runways were ground zero for women who looked like they'd seen a frightening side of the future and yet survived it in style.

At Yohji Yamamoto, raw-edged leather was piled on like armor and topped off with nebulous hats that could easily protect from any blinding light. Jean Paul Gaultier's girls were ashen-faced with smudged eyes, one carrying a fox fur bag that summoned images of ammunition.

Ann Demeulemeester's passion for deconstruction went into overdrive, with countless layers and textures punctuated with metallic combat boots, while Viktor & Rolf's space-age black vinyl footwear was as reminiscent of defensive gear as was their message (painted clearly across a model's face): NO. Owens perhaps worked the trend best, reasoning that if you're going to go for dark, you might as well go completely lights-out.

Stella McCartney for LeSportsac

Who says a flower child can't also be a smart business woman? Stella McCartney has exponentially grown her vegan-friendly brand by teaming up with Adidas on dance and yoga gear, H&M on a cheap-chic line, and now, LeSportsac for a full range of nylon totes, clutches, backpacks, and wallets.

The 17-piece collection, available for pre-order on LeSportsac’s website now and in its stores starting next week, is made from 100% recycled materials, right down to the hangtag and the plastic sleeve each piece comes in.

They’re not just eco-conscious, but also highly functional: The computer case is designed to get through airport security without removing your laptop, the “Mum Tote” comes with a changing pad and insulated bottle compartments, and the cosmetics case easily doubles as an evening clutch. If this is what tree-hugging looks like, we’ll take it.

VERY REVEALING

Your mother's counsel always included clean underwear, lest you're caught in an unfavorable situation in less-than-stellar skivvies.

This spring, the ante is being upped as runways from Jil Sander to Marc Jacobs decree that your underwear won't just be a discreet (and private) part of your ensemble, but a front-and-center focus.

In short: It better be chic. “The sheer trend is a wonderful opportunity to layer beautiful pieces together in an unapologetically feminine way,” said Franceska Luther, creative director of Myla.

Case in point: Chanel's sheer black dress goes from ladylike to downright naughty with Agent Provocateur's pleated satin “gangster” set beneath it, while Chloé's flowing peek-a-boo gown gets an added dose of definition from a perfect purple bra and panty set. Your ability to cleverly embrace a trend won't be the only thing showing.