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.

For most, New Year’s resolutions are made frantically at the stroke of midnight on January 1st. For moi however, as soon as the fresh winds of autumn begin to blow into Greenwich, I summon my notebook, turn to a fresh new page, and start thinking about mine.

As opposed to years past, when making such resolutions as: swim the Grotto Azurra, go ice fishing in the Arctic Circle, or climb Mount Kilimanjaro, this year I’ve taken a more practical view of things.
•    Learn to sew.  In my world, things begin where they should end, and vice versa (I am a Greenwich girl after all, and we do things a smidge backwards here).  Case in point, on a recent NYC shopping excursion, I spotted the coolest mini sewing machine.  (The Juki 25Z for $250.)  That little hunk of old technology totally spoke to me: “Please take me home with you and love me.”
•    Learn to knit.  I’ve always known how to knit.  You know, blankets for my Barbie dolls, (consisting of approximately 12 stitches), a scarf for Mom on Mothers Day and a tie for Dad, (oh, what my parents endured!) But follow a pattern?  Never!  (I can’t even read a map!)   That is until last winter, when in a fit of complete and utter self-confidence, I found myself in a knitting class.  And lo and behold, little by little, out popped sweaters, hats, socks, even a coat! With this season’s chunky knit trend, you could knit a sweater in one afternoon.  By the time the trend is over, you’ll have an entire wardrobe!  And trust me, if I can do it, you certainly can. So run along my darling chic-alinas, to your local yarn shop (bring a friend), sit yourself down, and get started!

After my last blog, I got to thinking about how little you know about me. You’ve seen my bio, and read my books (hopefully!), but you might be surprised to know that aside from your generic, run of the mill, shoe-crazy, lip-gloss-obsessed, Starbucks-guzzling fashion freak, I am quite unique. How? Well, keep reading.
Recently, a girlfriend emailed me an online survey, and I thought, on the heels of my maiden blog, posting it here would be a fun way for us to get to know one another. Ya know, break the ice. Try it out for yourself, too! Copy it, erase my answers and then insert your own. Pass it along to your friends as well. You never know what secrets you might discover. Enjoy!

Two names you go by:
LeeLee
Cissy

Two things you are wearing right now:
Pink terry yoga pants
Chanel No. 5 body crème (yum!)

Two things you would want (or have) in a relationship:
Love & respect (does that count as one?)
Laughter

Two books you’d recommend:
Pride and Prejudice
Twilight

Two things you want real badly at the moment:
For my next book to be finished
A vacation.

Two things I did last night:
Had dinner in bed watching 30 Rock
Returned reader email

Two things you can’t live without:
Daily double espresso (my one addiction!)
Lip-gloss

Two people you last talked to:
Jack
Claudia

Two things you’re doing tomorrow:
Writing this blog
Editing my manuscript (IMOGENE BOOK 3)

Two longest car rides:
NYC to Florida
Greenwich to Maine

Two favorite holidays:
I dislike all holidays! (I know, I know, very bah humbug.)

Two favorite beverages:
Coffee
Green iced tea

Two things about me you may not have known:
I had a secret romance with a famous movie star
I’m a pack rat

Two jobs I have had in my life:
Fashion forecaster
Raw food chef

Two places I have lived in the U.S.
Winter Park, Florida
NYC

Two of my favorite foods:
Creme brulee
Pizza

Two places I’d rather be right now:
NYC
Par-ee

Two people who I think will respond:
Pipi
Sheri

It’s official - I should be banned from the galaxy! My ennui, which for a minute there looked like it would last the duration of the natural growth cycle of an eyelash hair, stems from the fact that for the last week or so, I’ve been suffering a bout of cultural self-shame – a.k.a. Blog-o-phobia! (I know, I know, I should be flogged to death with a copy of “Blogging for Dummies.”)  I briefly considered either bribing an unknowing apprentice to compose my blog or have it outsourced to a customer service representative in India. But then last night, after zoning out on Entertainment Tonight, a major lightbulb moment emerged, saving me from my deranged psyche. My first blog would be about celebrity fashion lines! Of course fashion is the topic nearest and dearest to my heart. I strive to always look and feel fashionable because you never know who you’re going to bump into on your next Starbucks run. Uh, right. Instantly fear gave way to philosophy, and I knew the only way to do it was to jump right on in. So here goes my very first blog: (I implore you — be kind with your comments.)

Do you want to look great this fall, but don’t know where to start? Never fear – today’s young stars have been there too…and want to help you out! Who doesn’t love funny girl Amanda Bynes? Well, take a look at her new Dear by Amanda, for Steve and Barry’s clothing line, and you’ll love her a lot more! Adorable and inexpensive, this line features the latest trends and back-to-school must haves. The baby-doll silhouette is so hot right now, and Bynes’s Baby-doll Dress in smoke heather is even hotter. At only $14.98, throw some comfy leggings under it, and grab her adorable Braided Stripe Hobo (only $9.98!) in desert sand and you’re set! Check out these and more at www.dearbyamanda.com.

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have been fashion superstars, like, forever. They practically invented cute! They have come out with two lines: The Row — the more expensive, high end line, and Elizabeth & James — the more affordable line named after their brother and sister. Personally, I choose E&J. Their latest collection includes all of autumn’s hippest styles. Their gorgeous Flower Embellished Long Sleeve Top features colorful, crochet blossoms and pretty bell sleeves. Only setting you back $14.00. Splurge on their nautical inspired Sailor Jeans ($18.92) and you’ll have the classic Olsen BoHo look in no time! Available online at: www.shopmary-kateandashley.com.

With homecoming dance just around the corner, you might want to start thinking about buying a little something special. Lauren Conrad, the best-dressed cast member of MTV’s The Hills, has just premiered her line of pretty party dresses. Always cutting edge, LC makes sure her clothes are the same. The Jillian Dress, a personal fave, is all about beautiful detailing. Its 3?4 length slit sleeves are fastened with gorgeous gold buttons, and it’s A-Line silhouette looks good on everyone. At $145, it’s not cheap, but you can’t put a price on looking good (or so we’ll tell Mom and Dad!) Get their ok and then visit www.shoplaurenconrad.com. And to add a bit more girliciousness to the look, don’t forget a nice pale pink mani.

Well, that’s all for now. Happy shopping!