Okay, listen up, chic-lettes, fashion school is now in session! Yes, we know that New York Fashion Week is all but a distant memory, but my brain is still reeling with a gazillion new and exciting buzzwords to encapsulate next season’s hottest trends. While hot for fall, this first trend promises to be even hotter for spring. Gals, the only word you need to know is: hats (hat-tz) n. Webster’s dictionary might define this simply as a covering for one’s head. I, on the other hand, want to get a smidge more specific. Namely: Albertus Swanepoel. (Don’t ask me how to pronounce it, I can barely spell it!) Check out his millinery prowess on the runways of Proenza Schouler, who featured his very fine (and very French!) bejeweled cloches. Marc by Marc Jacobs, and the lovely ruffle-y brimmed hats at Thakoon were also singing his praises all the way to the bank. (Fashion warning: for spring, hats are refined and lady-like. Mad-hatters need not apply.)

Hats are without a doubt, one of the best accessories to showcase your individuality and wit. And you can definitely grab a hat for every mood your in. (And as we girls know, there can be a plethora of them, depending on what time of the month we’re talking about!!) A raspberry beret with a black mini dress and boots for a night on the town, or a big brimmed, luxurious number to keep the sun off your face on lazy days in style are just a few suggestions.

Heads up: For a round face, you might consider wearing a square-ish hat; if you’ve got a long face, wear a hat with a wide brim. As for hat hair? Well, the rule of thumb in days past was - small hair, big hat, big hair, small hat… but for spring ‘08, throw your hats in the air, since those rules are so last season.

Ciao for now!

It’s a well known fact that accessories can make–or break an outfit, lest we forget about the details this fall, girls…they’re just as important now as ever! And, if it’s alright with you, I’d like to share a little style secret of my own… since we’re on the subject and all…

Gone are the days when you had to spend an arm, a leg and a few toes on a pair of cute shoes (shoes being a gal’s best friend, of course). Payless Shoe Source (yes, that Payless) has recently asked a series of top designers to make a line specifically for them. The result? Adorable and affordable!
Patricia Field of “Sex and The City” fame (all the outfits Carrie ever wore? Yeah, that was all her!) is one of the fashionista few behind these absolute must haves. Her silver and gold ankle-strap platforms are so hot, she even wore a pair to the Oscars (The Oscars!) The metallic snakeskin will make you feel oh so New York. (And stop back in November to view her new line of clutches.)
Lela Rose, whose threads have been seen on the likes of Mary-Kate and Ash, has also designed a line of uber-chic flats, pumps, etc. for the brand. My favorite, and a favorite among the best-dressed celebs, are her chocolate brown Turnmill booties. With five gold buttons that run up the side, they look great with a skirt and tights, or peeking out under pants. Fabulous!
Okay, so Hannah Montana (otherwise known as Miley Cyrus) isn’t exactly a top designer, but for us Disney Channel junkies, it’s just as well. The High School Musical star, a devout shoe lover herself, is also aiding in bringing fashion to the masses. Bows are big right now, and her peep toe wedge highlights this trend perfectly. Made from the softest fall-friendly faux suede, this sweet bow sling back is wonderfully wearable all year round!

Well, if you don’t believe me about these chic and cheap styles, visit www.payless.com to see for yourself. And I highly suggest you get your cute little selves over to snatch some up before they’re all gone for good!

Bonjour glamourinas!
As a bonafide ode to your inner me, myself & I, why not throw yourself a birthday party––even if it’s not your birthday!  (Just a minor detail, naturally.)  It will only add to your personal mystère and let’s be honest, girlfriend…you deserve it!
How does one go about throwing oneself a (not quite) birthday bash? First, invite your best girlfriends.  Tell them how much you appreciate them, and treat them to desserts only (the sweeter and girlier, the better!)   And…just because you’re special, I’ll let you in on a little secret for the sweet, girliest recipe in the world: PETIT FOURS!  A/k/a teeny, tiny, little mini cakes (more on teeny, tiny food later.)
If you’re watching your weight, not to worry––you can still serve yummy food! The trick here is to use mini sized proportions. A great idea? Use baby food jars as your guide. Actually, recycled baby food jars make great serving pieces. (Just don’t cook in them!) For instance, you can serve teeny tiny macaroni & cheese baked the regular way, just served in the bébé jars. Some scrumptious finger food in baby-sized proportions on the side doesn’t sound bad either. Mini hamburgers, some delish finger sandwiches, and some small desserts in addition to the darling petit fours is a good starter menu.  (See recipe below.)
You can go all the way and have a “Baby Phat” party!  Baby doll girl theme everything.  You’ll have an oh so fabulous time and your friends will love you for it!

PETIT FOURS
4-1/2 C Sugar
1 C. Flour
1 C. Almond powder
2-1/4 C. Egg whites
1/2 C. Honey
3-1/2 Tablespoons Kirsch
2 C. very lightly browned butter
Powdered sugar for dusting

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mix the sugar, flour, almond powder and egg whites until smooth.  Add the honey and kirsch.  Stir in the lightly browned butter and pour the batter into 1 x 1-1/2 x 3/4 inch petit fours molds or muffin tins with a 2 inch diameter.  Dust w/powdered sugar.  Bake for 8 minutes or until the center springs back when lightly poked.
3. Allow the petit fours to cool on a rack.  Then turn them out of their molds.  Dust with more powdered sugar before serving.