Bold. Graphic. Vibrant. These are key words to describe both the overall mood in fashion right now, and this week’s trend in particular: Navajo-inspired Prints.

(Above, Jessica Alba, Megan Fox, and Heidi Klum all rock printed scarves.)

Do Native Americans actually have anything to do with these prints?

A connection, though  indirect, does exist. In the late 1800s, the brand Pendleton Woolen Mills began creating patterns incorporating symbols from various tribes (in addition to non-Native American symbols).

Due to Pendleton’s widespread popularity, the woven garments with borrowed inspiration began to be perceived as original Native American patterns.

Regardless of the origins, the aboriginal-sourced patterns have recently been cropping up in runway shows like Vivienne Westwood and William Rast, at retailers like The Gap, and on style-setters like Ashlee Simpson, Jessica Alba, Heidi Klum and Nicole Richie.

Here are a few fun Navajo-print celeb adventurers from whom to learn:

Gwen Stefani, Ashley Tisdale, and Blake Lively go bold with printed caftans (to varying degrees of success). We’ll give Gwen the benefit of the (no) doubt as hers look like pedicure flip flops. While there’s no fashion excuse for Ashley’s hat, and Blake’s outfit could benefit from a heel (to balance the volume of her wrap), it is Miss Lively who comes the closest to getting the story right.

Rachel Bilson, as always, is pitch-perfect in a summery print tank, citrus-hued sandals, and a black pencil skirt. She has also been known to rock the reverse, balancing prints on the bottom with solid classics on top.

How to Get the Look:

When playing with prints, I recommend choosing one Navajo-print accent and keeping the rest of your pieces in solid colors (unless you feel confident that you’ve mastered the art of mixing prints). Toy with color combinations that are complimentary or contrasting to your printed item, but make sure to stay in the same tonal family (meaning stick with either cool colors OR warm colors – not both).

Here are some great Navajo-print pieces to warm up your wardrobe this winter.

Vero Moda Navajo Print Dress ($44.93, asos.com);Amanda Uprichard Joan Strapless Dress ($144.99, piperlime.com)

Navajo Print Pocket Tank ($14.99, fredflare.com); Navajo Printed Sweatshirt ($37.74,asos.com)

Fringed Navajo Print Scarf ($48, fredflare.com); Navajo Sweater-Shawl ($29.80,forever21.com)

Add one or two of these items to your cold-weather wardrobe and you’ll warm up the chilliest of climates!

Houndstooth: A Trend to Sink Your Teeth Into

Houndstooth has been around for centuries. Originally a print used specifically on the outerwear of shepherds in the Scottish Lowlands, this print (also known as dogstooth and shepherd’s check), has experienced countless iterations since its inception.

It became a popular trend in fashion beginning in the 1920s in England, when the Duchess of Windsor, Wallis Simpson (you may remember her as the woman King Edward VIII – played beautifully by Guy Pearce in The King’s Speech -- abdicated the throne of England to marry) made it her print of choice.

In the same period (1938 to be exact) while working for Swiss fashion designer Robert Piguet, Christian Dior made his first big splash as a designer by creating a houndstooth suit, which became one of the trademarks of his “new look”.

Since then, houndstooth has been seen as a hallmark of the restrained, elegant manner of dressing employed by high society. Worn by literal royalty as well as figurative, houndstooth has long enjoyed its association with high-class refinement.

(Queen Elizabeth II in houndstooth hat, suit)

(Jackie Kennedy's Houndstooth Suit)

But in its recent revival, with new life breathed into the classic trend by fashion risk-takers like Lady GaGa, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Gwen Stefani, it has taken on a more playful personality.

Now, houndstooth is not something you have to wear head-to-toe (though Ferragamo’s hugely popular houndstooth dress certainly gives you the option).

Seen here on Kim Kardashian, Lady GaGa, Teresa Palmer, and Fan Bing Bing

If houndstooth is worn this way, it’s with a little bit of attitude (or in Lady GaGa’s case, a LOT of attitude, and matching sunglasses). Here Gwyneth Paltrow modernizes the print with bright red booties.

But the new way to wear it is in punchy accents paired with bold brights, or try it in different colors than the traditional black and white. Pair a houndstooth shoe or clutch with a coordinating print, or a bright solid to add graphic interest. Here, Alexa Chung and Ashley Greene choose to wear houndstooth bags with their solid, knee-length frocks.

Alexa rocks houndstooth again, this time with shades à la Gaga (though we think Alexa’s might be a tad more practical).

She makes it work with a similarly small floral print in complimentary colors (eggshell and navy).

Below, one of my favorite celebs, Jayma Mays, styles houndstooth in a playful-but-preppy, sexy-but-demure way. She pairs a menswear-inspired houndstooth blazer with a slinky mini-skirt and horse-print sweater, finishing the look with metallic heels.

What’s great about this trend is that it can really add interest to any look – formal or casual, proper or cheeky. All you have to do is choose the statement you want to make. Here are a few adorable accessories if you just want to dip your toe in the houndstooth pool (and one or two apparel selections for when you’re ready to dive in headfirst).

MUK LUKS Houndstooth Mukluk Rain Boot

$39.49 by Muk Luks at 6pm.com

Houndstooth Vest

$148.00 at Rugby

2 1/2" Houndstooth Shorts

$59.90$39.99 at Express

Woven Houndstooth Trench with Belt

$44.99 at Charlotte Russe

Houndstooth Fedora

$24.95$12.47 at New York & Co.

Motel Houndstooth Chain Detail Dress

$69.84$34.92 by Motel at Asos

One of the things I most look forward to each fall is the bevy of new television pilots that September brings. Inevitably, many will fall flat or fizzle, but there's always one or two that rise above the rest. Every season, there's at least one "Modern Family" or "Glee" that achieves the rare combination of a great cast, a well-written script, and a compelling storyline. This September, with a couple of episodes of new shows behind me, I've seen two that really have the potential to grow into powerhouse comedies over time.

"Up All Night":

Centering on the lives of new parents Reagan and Chris, "Up All Night" brings humanity and levity to the familiar struggles of young couples adjusting to parenthood. Previously a hard-partying young couple, these two are finding their footing as responsible adults while still trying to be the people with whom each other fell in love.

In a very 21st-century twist, Reagan (played with impeccable timing by Applegate) is the spouse with the high-powered job, so Chris (the endearingly clueless Arnett) has agreed to become a stay-at-home dad while Reagan returns to her TV job with Oprah-wannabe Ava (the delightfully diva-esque Maya Rudolph).

In the first episode, Chris finds himself overwhelmed by the enormity of a grocery store, frantically calling Reagan because he can't find normal cheese. Meanwhile, Reagan has to solve a crisis for her needy, oblivious boss who also happens to be her best friend.

By the end of the episode, Reagan has proven that she is still at the top of her game post-baby and Chris makes it safely home from the grocery store -- even though he did end up with the fancy organic cheese.

You get the feeling that these two are going to make it as a couple and as parents, but the mistakes they make along the way will be funny enough to stay tuned.

"Free Agents":

"Free Agents" centers on the lives of Alex (Hank Azaria) and Helen (Kathryn Hahn), co-workers at a talent agency. The common bond between the two main characters is their loss of loved ones. Alex has recently divorced, and Helen's fiancé passed away a year ago.

The pilot episode does a bang-up job of setting up the sexual tension to be unfolded between these two. They have an ill-fated one-night stand after which they clumsily try to navigate a professional relationship. Watching the awkward moments that pass between them in office group dynamics is uncomfortably hilarious, and the tension between the two when they're alone is palpable.

Azaria is so lovably pathetic in his forlorn divorcée role that you can't help but want him to find someone. Hahn's prickly exterior and half-baked attempts to find Alex a date reveal a latent insecurity that's begging to be quieted by someone -- maybe Alex? The first episode sets up what could be a relationship rich with both humor and emotion. There is a long way for "Free Agents" to go before it becomes a weekly fave, but I'll definitely tune in next week.

So, tell me: have either of these shows earned a spot in your DVR? What other new fall shows have you coming back for more?

Recently, my mother asked me to help her clean out her closet. Having no idea what I was getting into, I happily agreed. Upon stepping into her closet (which is bigger than my entire bedroom), I was faced with a deluge of clothes from at least four different decades, ranging from size 16 to size 4. "Mom," I asked, "How many people live here?"

My mother is the kind of woman who believes everything will eventually come back in style. And yes, she is often right. Her Ferragamo kitten heels were a good thing to hold onto. But neither of us really believed she would ever fit into her size 12 Lane Bryant jeans again (and even if she did, I wouldn't let her wear them). So we embarked on an epic journey to make her closet usable. The result was that my mother now has a functional, well-edited wardrobe that is easy to navigate. She probably also has enough room in that closet for an ice-skating rink.

Based on my recent experience culling forty years worth of clothing down into a workable wardrobe for a fifty-something woman, I've put together a few simple tips that can help anyone streamline their wardrobe.

1. If it doesn't fit, toss it.

I don't care if it was from ten pounds ago or if it's for ten pounds later - it is taking up space in your closet, and you may never be able to wear it. It would be much more useful to you and to others if you gave it to Goodwill.

2. If you haven't worn it in a year, toss it.

Some people go by the six-month rule, but I think one year is a safer window, especially if you have the tendency to convince yourself not to get rid of things. If you've gone a year without wearing something, you can't pretend it's because the weather hasn't been appropriate. There's no reason except that it just has no place in your life (and therefore closet).

3. If it distinctly calls to mind a bygone era (the days of disco, the early 90s) or a costume (Dolly Parton, The Spice Girls), toss it.

Anything that's going to make you look like you're playing dress-up does not belong with the rest of your grown-up clothes. Anything you can't bear to part with needs its own section that does not get in the way of your everyday-wear.

4. If anything in the above three categories has sentimental value that makes it impossible to get rid of, store it safely (whether that means vacuum-sealing, wrapping in tissue paper and mothballs, or putting in a plastic hanging bag) somewhere separate from the rest of your clothes.

Either get a hanging rack and keep it out of the way, or use attic space. There are some things like your grandpa's cowboy boots or your first boyfriend's Michael Jackson tee shirt that deserve to be kept because of the memories they evoke. But they don't have to complicate the process of getting dressed every day.

5. Anything in your "toss" pile that is ripped, stained, or otherwise damaged, should be legitimately thrown away. Everything that is in good condition should be given to a shelter, or to Goodwill. Not only will cleaning out your closet improve the quality of your life; it could improve someone else's.

The organization of the closet is up to you. Whether you prefer your clothes to be grouped by color, style, or season, is a personal choice. But being able to see what clothing you actually have is a huge step forward in having a well-edited, effective wardrobe. I hope these tips help you make the most of yours!

I pulled out my trench coat for the first time last week, and that's when I knew: fall had arrived. As much as I hate to bid farewell to the long weekends, balmy barbecues, and open-toed sandals of summer, autumn does undeniably have its charms. Not only is there a whole new layer of possibilities to add interest to my ensembles (jackets! scarves! tights! caps!), but there's hot cocoa, fuzzy slippers, and a glory of color-changing leaves. So, to usher in this crisp and cozy new season, I'm going to share my five must-haves for a fashionable October.

1. L'essence by Balenciaga: The Candle ($65)

"Poisonous and magnetic" is how Nicolas Ghesquière describes L'essence. The fragrance is an ode to Charlotte Gainsbourg, her unique mixture of masculine and feminine embodied by notes of violet leaves and vetiver (a scent commonly used in men's eaux de cologne). To me, it has just the right olfactive combination of comfort and excitement for a cool fall evening, and the stunning candle-holder alone is almost reason enough to bring this fragrance home.

2.Mulberry Chestnut Bayswater Ostrich Bag ($5,095)

I found this bag on Mulberry's site, after seeing Fashionologie's post: The Best Bags of London Fashion Week (http://www.fashionologie.com/Best-Handbags-from-Spring-2012-London-Fashion-Week-19147430) and was utterly enchanted. To me, Mulberry's bags are the epitome of classic elegance and understated luxury. If I could have my pick of satchels to become that favorite handbag, that accessory which becomes an extension of the wearer and adds a little something extra to any outfit -- this would be the one.

3. Jeffrey Campbell's Giddy Stacked Heel Ankle Boot ($80)

A great fall transitional shoe is a sturdy-heeled booty in a neutral shade. I love this pair by Jeffrey Campbell because the white makes them pop in a sea of grey and black winter boots; but the shape and material of the shoe make it a versatile piece that can be worn with a skirt and tights as easily as a pair of jeans.

4. Krystal Multi Stone Statement Necklace ($131.72)

Another trend we won't be saying goodbye to any time soon is the statement necklace. If you already have one, great. You can never have too many. If you don't -- stop procrastinating! It will raise the sophistication quotient of your wardrobe by at LEAST 10% (okay, so I pulled that percentage out of thin air -- just trust me). For fall, I'm feeling something a little heavier in the necklace department. I love the idea of a super-formal piece of jewelry paired with a chunky knit sweater over a button down and some neutral corduroys. The great thing about the new statement necklace is that you really can add it to the most simple outfit and instantaneously look polished. This is definitely a must-have for any girl.

5. J. Crew Encore Trench ($398)

A standby for any fashionable girl on the go, a well-cut trench coat in a neutral hue can really never miss the mark. It protects you from the elements, creates an ideal silhouette by cinching in the waist (an a-line like this is even more flattering), and can even function as a chic dress in a pinch. Toss your new statement necklace atop this timeless classic, and you'll be ready for drinks on the terrace of The Standard (or any other unexpected circumstance).

Here's to falling head-over-heels for fall!

Color-blocking is not exactly a "new" trend. It's been around for ages in different incarnations, but it made a strong showing this month at couture and ready-to-wear shows in New York, London, and Milan, which means we'll be seeing even more of it come spring 2012. Spotted on the runway and the red carpet more times than I can count (this summer alone), this is obviously a favorite look among celebrities and designers alike. So, I thought a refresher course in what it is and how to wear it might be in order.

Maximalist color is having a moment. The competitive sport of fashionistas everywhere has become balancing the most outlandish, yet somehow perfectly coordinated, high-impact color palette in one ensemble.

Here are few of my favorite recent showings of color-blocking:

Rose Byrne's knockout getup here (aided in part by her show-stopping new blunt bangs) pairs Ronald McDonald red and yellow with a delicate, antique print in a mature, luxurious cut, making it more avant-garde than comical.

(Dress by Christine Alcay)

Olivia Palermo's recent foray into color-blocking (one of several) really demonstrates an example of color-blocking made easy. Choose a simple, color-blocked dress like this one and all you have to worry about is finding complementary accessories. I love Olivia's choice of her standby statement necklace, a neon bright Reiss clutch, and fuschia satin heels by Stuart Weitzman.

(dress by DKNY)

And demonstrating that color-blocking can work flawlessly at any age, Iman wears a beautiful Prabal Gurung piece with Irene Neuwirth jewels and chunky black sandals.

These three ladies have demonstrated beautifully three different ways to gracefully ride the color-blocking wave.

A few tips to try the trend yourself:

How To Wear It:

Wear a Color-Blocked Dress

The easiest way to dip a toe in the water is to buy a color-blocked dress. It takes the guess-work out of pairing complementary colors. If you're apprehensive about putting so many colors in one outfit, pick a neutral shoe and bag. Your dress will make enough of a statement on its own. If you feel emboldened by your foray into the world of color-blocking, choose statement hues for your accessories. Here's an example look:

EIGHT SIXTY Color-Blocked Dress

$98.00 by Eight Sixty at Lord & Taylor

A dress like this would look great with a simple black clutch and heels, but here's what to try if you're feeling brave:

Clare Vivier Foldover Clutch

$143.00 at Revolve Clothing

Georgine platform heels

$235.00 at J.Crew

Gwendoline ASYMMETRIC CUT OUT CUFF

$115.00 at Reiss

These colors work because they are complementary, not competitive. And since they are all solids, the overall effect isn't too busy. A metallic cuff ties it all together.

Try It With Separates: DIY

If you do want to try pairing separates in a color-block theme, it's good to take it slow. To start out, pair a bright hue with a nude hue.

Alice + Olivia Arie Tie Collar Blouse

$264.00 by Alice + Olivia at Bloomingdale's

Flare PENCIL SKIRT WITH KICK BACK FLARE

$180.00 at Reiss

This insanely bright Alice & Olivia top is perfectly office-appropriate when paired with an oatmeal-hued pencil skirt. Pair with nude pumps to keep it understated, or add a kick of color.

ASOS PATCHI Cylindrical Heel Platform High Shoe

$82.33$65.86 at Asos

You can bring accessories to play, too, if you feel ready for it. The only real rule in color-blocking, like with all fashion, is to HAVE FUN!

Before I send you off to make the world a brighter place, here are a few key rules to remember when putting together your own sure-to-be-gorgeous color-blocked ensembles.

Allison's Five Commandments of Color-Blocking

1. To avoid looking like you belong at a rave, keep the neon pieces in your outfit to one. It's okay to pair brights with brights, but neons don't tend to play well together.

2. If you're worried you've gone overboard, or paired two colors that clash worse than fuschia and maroon (obviously a no-no), trade one bright piece for a neutral. These include white, grey, brown, black, and nude.

3. Colors at the opposite end of the color wheel tend to make great color contrast partners (like Iman's robin's-egg blue and canary yellow).

4. If you're having trouble finding the right combo, stick with different shades in the same color family. Try hot pink, pale pink, and fuschia or cobalt blue, sky blue, and navy.

5. Take a page out of Helena Bonham-Carter's book. Rock anything with confidence (even different-colored shoes), and you'll make it work.

Last week, Jennifer Connelly attended her first red carpet event since the birth of her daughter, Agnes. True to form, she looked flawless, understated, and elegant. Wearing head-to-toe black, Connelly kept the ensemble interesting with a peek of skin beneath her sheer blouse. The focus of this look, however, is Connelly's youthful glow. Framed by her famously lustrous raven locks and striking eyebrows, Jennifer's classic, porcelain doll features were highlighted to their full advantage. What I love about this look is that Jennifer is not trying to be anyone else. She is confident in her own skin, and has really brought out the best version of herself.

Even if you don't have Jen's Snow White complexion (I can commiserate), a fresh, dewy makeup look paired with soft, romantic waves can help you channel the slightly undone glamour of a wood nymph at play.

Step 1. Moisturize It

It is always important to start with a well-prepared canvas, but since the skin is really the star of this look, we want to take special care to make sure it's camera ready. So, starting with a clean face, choose your favorite moisturizer (with SPF, please) and really rub it in. Let your skin soak up all the supple goodness it's been craving.

I like Kate Somerville's HydraKate Line Release Face Serum ($150). It features a healthy dose of hyaluronic acid serum, which works wonders to plump up the skin and keep it smooth.

Step 2. Get Primed

Next, we want to create a really smooth surface for our products to glide onto. That's where a good primer comes in. I love Temptu's Smooth & Matte Primer ($35). It's oil-free, so it minimizes pores and mattifies skin, while really creating a velvety base for the products to sit comfortably on all day without feeling heavy.

Step 3. Groom It

While we give our skin some time to soak up all the lovely moisture we've given it, we can take care of our eyes. Since this look is so much about cleanness and highlighting natural beauty, it's incredibly important to make sure we are well-groomed (so this is where we pluck any stray eyebrow hairs). Next, we use a tinted eyebrow gel to create the illusion of thickness in our brows (which may not be naturally as full as Ms. Connelly's), and to emphasize their natural shape.

For the brow gel, I love Anastasia's tinted brow gel ($21) that actually plumps the hair follicle to make brows appear thicker, and shapes them without any flaking of product.

Step 4. Get Contoured

Next, we want to define the eye. Now, for many of us, this may mean using less eye makeup than we are used to. But here's the secret: that's okay. Again, your skin is the prima ballerina of this show. We just want to subtlely highlight the natural beauty of those peepers. This is where a neutral eye shadow compact comes in really handy. When I'm going for that "no-makeup" makeup look, I turn to Smashbox's Photo Op Eyeshadow Trio ($28).

Sweep the base shade from your lash line to your brow bone. Next, lightly shade the inner corners of your eyes and the space right below your brow, above your brow bone with the highlight shade. Finally, with a very light hand, sweep the contour shade in the crease of your eye, just below the brow bone.

Step 5. Get Definition

Now that the eyes are shaped and contoured, we are going to give them a bit of definition. In keeping with the natural look we've put together, we don't want to use a harsh liner. I recommend Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes ($18) in light taupe. It glides on easily enough that you don't need to tug your eye to get a deposit of color, and the shade will define your eye while still maintaining the natural look we've created.

Trace a thin line of the liner at the base of your upper lash line, from the inner corners to the outer corners. Smudge as desired. To add more emphasis, add a light swath of liner on the outer third of your bottom lash line. Smudge until it fades into your lash line.

Step 6. Optimize It

The final touch for the eyes here is a coat of eye-opening mascara. As women, we tend to want to coax our eyes open as wide and paint them as dark as possible. That is not the goal here. To stay within our family of understated earth tones, I recommend a non-black mascara.

I especially love BADGal's plum mascara ($19) for brown- or green-eyed ladies. It brings out your natural eye color while adding length and volume to lashes. Just one coat, and you're set!

Step 7. Get Even

Now that our eyes are red-carpet ready, it's time to check on our skin. The moisturizer and primer have had a few minutes to set, so we're ready to even out skintone. Laura Mercier is known for her light-as-air foundation formulations, so for this look, I recommend her Creme Smooth Foundation ($50). It's hydrating and features optical diffusers to create the illusion of flawless skin.

Using a clean foundation brush, lightly feather the creme anywhere you see imperfections, and blend until all evidence of makeup is gone.

Step 8. Lighten Up

For a natural look, I always prefer a creme blush to a powder. It gives a little more of a natural glow to the face, making the wearer look lit-from-within. To create the perfect natural flush, I recommend NARS The Multiple ($39) to warm up your complexion and give a healthy glow. If you don't know your shade, Orgasm works on most skin tones, but it's always better to try a few before you decide.

In a shade that looks about the color of your cheeks after a brisk winter walk, dab the color from the apples of your cheeks, tapering off towards your cheek bones. Dab a tiny bit on your nose and forehead as well. Tap the color with your fingers until it's blended smooth, and you'll have created the perfect rosy cheek.

Step 9. Get Glowing

An incredible way to up the "glow" factor without looking like a Spice Girl is to use an illuminator in a few key places. NARS has an amazing Illuminator as well ($29). I recommend the lightest shade, Copacabana, which gives skin a glistening pearl finish. If you want to use it more as a blush-and-highlighter in one, one of the deeper shades might work better.

For this look, take a dime-sized amount of the highlighter on your ring fingers and lightly tap them at the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, below your eyebrows, and above your cupid's bow. Once blended, this should look so subtle that no one will notice anything except that you seem to dazzle when the light catches your face (but not in that Twilight kind of way).

Step 10: Take Cover

Now that we've created the basic look, we just lack the finishing touches. At this point, if you're especially tired or maybe you haven't had your 64 ounces of water today, you need a little help in the under-eye department. Jennifer is a new mom, so you can bet that her I-just-woke-up-from-a-ten-hour-nap look is not entirely natural. For undereye circles, I love Bobbi Brown's Creamy Concealer Kit ($32).

With two shades for perfect blending, it also moisturizes the undereye area, making well-rested eyes closer than a dream away. Using a concealer brush, lightly brush the product only where you need it. Use your ring finger to blend until smooth.

Step 11: Get Balmed

Now this is the easy part. Pick your favorite lip balm (tinted, clear, glossy, matte) until your lips feel moist and luscious. I love Dior Addict Lip Glow ($29), which actually responds to the chemistry of your lips to create your own unique color!

Whatever balm you choose, just make sure it makes you feel confident. Tousle your hair, spritz on your favorite perfume, and walk out the door ready to shine.

In The News

Recently, the news was released that the wait-list for a Birkin bag is no more. You don't need to name drop (we're looking at you, Samantha Jones) to get one in less than six years. All you need now is 5,000 dollars (rock bottom, that is) to get your own Birkin. Though this makes the bag slightly (very, very slightly) more accessible, it is still one of fashion's most storied and sought-after pieces. So, before I explain how to channel Jane Birkin, I suppose I should explain why you'd want to.

Jane's Addiction (or, more accurately, my addiction to Jane)

Jane Birkin is a fashion icon whose name, thanks to her eponymous Hermès Birkin, is synonymous with luxury, elitism, and exclusivity. The bags range in price from 5,000-150,000 (with Victoria Beckham apparently owning over 2 million dollars worth of Birkins). But contrary to the associations Jane has with this iconic fashion accessory, she herself epitomized the classic, easy style and grace of the artist/muse/hippie role she has filled throughout her life. She is the kind of woman who pairs vintage dresses with designer pieces (think Olivia Palermo without the sense of entitlement or air of superiority). She'd walk around with a Chanel bag and fresh-picked flowers in her hair... barefoot. So how did she come to inspire the most famous bag in history? Well, allow me to explain.

(Here are a few of Beckham's infamous Birkins)

Becoming Jane (Jane Austen Biopic Reference Intended)

Jane was born in London to an actress mother and a Royal Navy lieutenant-commander. She became a model and actress in the 1960s, meeting her future husband and musical collaborator, Serge Gainsbourg (their daugher is musician, muse, and actress - genetic lottery winner, anyone? - Charlotte Gainsbourg), in the film Slogan, performing with him on the film's theme song, "La chanson de slogan"—the first of many collaborations between the two. She continued to work in film and music to great success for the next few decades.

The Birkin Begins

It was not until 1984 that the Birkin came to be. On an auspicious flight from Paris to London, Jane was unknowingly seated next to the chairman of Hermes, Jean-Louis Dumas. As the story goes, Birkin pulled her Hermès datebook out of her bag and spilled the contents of it all over the floor. She started talking to her seatmate about how difficult it had been to find a bag that was both stylish and practical, keeping all her belongings in place. Soon after, Dumas created a black supple leather bag for her, based on an 1892 design. Jane began to use the bag for herself, but ironically enough did not stay loyal to it for long. Despite her seditious disassociation from the bag named after her, it has gone on to make a name for itself (pun intended).

Here's a photo of Jane Birkin's personalized Birkin. She's been quoted as saying bags should look worn, personal, tossed around a bit.

Birkin: Up Close and Personal

Birkins can be customized in nearly endless ways. They come in a range of sizes and can be made to order with different hides (ostrich, crocodile, lizard), color (pink, red, brown, baby blue, navy blue, orange, white, black, and golden tan), and hardware fixtures. Interestingly, the smaller the scales, the more costly the bag. If you happen to have some spare change lying around and your bedazzled Blackberry just isn't enough, you can get your Birkin encrusted with diamonds. Each bag  is lined with goat-skin, and color matches the exterior.  The bag has a lock and keys. The keys are enclosed in a leather lanyard known as a clochette, carried by looping through a handle. Locks and keys are coded with the batch-numbers in which they were made. The metallic hardware (the lock, keys, buckle hardware, and base studs) are plated with gold or palladium to prevent tarnishing. Hardware is updated regularly to maintain the top quality available in the industry at time of production. The metal lock may be covered with leather as a custom option (here again, you can get your bling on if you like). You can even send you Birkin for a spa day, as Hermès offers a reconditioning for overly used bags. The bags are handmade in France by expert artisans. Each bag is hand-sewn, buffed, painted, and polished, taking several days to finish. An average bag is created in 48 hours. Leathers are obtained from different tanners in France, resulting in varying smells and textures. Because of the individual craftsmanship, other details of the bags may not all match. The company justifies the cost of the Birkin bag, compared to other bags, based on the meticulous craftsmanship and scarcity. Despite the fact that the Birkin does not feature a single logo, it is one of the most distinctive bags in the world. I myself have started counted the different Birkins I've seen Victoria Beckham carrying. So far, I'm up to four. It is highly coveted and, for several years, was reputed for having a waiting list of up to 6 years – the longest wait for any bag in history. In April 2010, Hermès announced that the waiting list would no longer exist, implying that it is potentially available to all, making the dreams of many unreasonably wealthy, but unknown women (and perhaps a few men - hey, Johnny Weir has a Birkin) come true.

Here are a few different versions of the bag

And Johnny Weir with his...

Becoming Jane (Part Two)

This time, "Becoming Jane" refers to how we modern day fashion girls, unceasingly seeking the perfect combination of uptown and downtown, boho and traditional, can use Jane Birkin as inspiration to achieve that goal. As I mentioned earlier, Jane's aesthetic was a combination of studied elegance and spontaneous serendipity. It's mixing classic with trendy. So, classic shapes with trendy patterns, or vice versa. This season, a maxi-dress with a cropped leather jacket, gladiator sandals, and a Chanel shoulder bag would be my perfect definition of that. Here's an outfit I think would make Jane proud (and maybe even ask you where you got it).

The Outfit

What actually inspired this whole post (other than my recent obsession with all things Birkin) was my discovery of this cheeky canvas Birkin-print tote. Originally, I thought it was tacky. Then I decided it's more like a cute way to advertise your love for fashion without going out and buying a fake Louis Vuitton or something. Like the real thing, it comes in a variety of colors... unfortunately, I don't think the diamonds are an option. You could DIY some rhinestones, though (just kidding - don't go there). Sidenote: I learned today that the brand that created this bag is being sued for copyright infringement... woops.Though I really don't think they're filching the Birkin's target demographic.

(Bag, Thursday Friday, $45.00)

This sweet striped cotton dress has all the slouchy appeal of a Parisian femme en biciclette (that's girl on a bicycle...I think) and is incredibly versatile. A sequined vest and ankle boots, neutral wedges and a fedora, a studded belt and statement cuffs - there are a thousand different ways to wear this dress. And as the jet-setter she is, I think a well-edited wardrobe is something Ms. Birkin would certainly appreciate.

(Dress, $24.95, Urban Outfitters)

And here are a few of my choices to accessorize the perfect Birkin dress.

FP-1 Shimmers of Holiday Vest

$68.00$29.95 at Free People

Lucky Women's Agnes Thong Sandal

$79.00$43.45 by Lucky Brand at Endless.com

2b Straw Spring Fedora Hat

$12.95 at Bebe

Mini-stud leather belt

$39.00$19.99 at J. Jill

And a few more pictures of the lovely lady, just because she's so charming. Let her inspire your wardrobe today!

(all facts about the Birkin found on wikipedia)

20 "Musts" for my NYC Summer

The Inspiration

I am fortunate enough to have been chosen for one of mark. cosmetics highly coveted internship spots. I'll be working in the alliances department, interfacing with mark's celebrity spokespeople, like Ashley Greene, and helping position mark. as a trend-setting global brand. Needless to say, I'm ecstatic (and of course, a bit nervous).

In anticipation of my upcoming sojourn into the big city, inspired by the lovely Hilary Shepherd's (@theHBS) blog on the same topic, I thought it would be fun to make a list of the top 20 things I want to do, see, and experience in NYC. All the interns have agreed to do this, and you can see the rest of the lovely "must" lists at http://markinterns2011.blogspot.com/p/about-interns.html.

I've been lucky enough to visit NYC 3 times before, so I've done most of the more touristy things like visiting The Statue of Liberty, The Empire State Building - I've even sung at Carnegie Hall! At this point, I can't wait to hit the next level, seeing all the things there wasn't time for on brief visits! I already have more than 20 rolling around in my head, but these are at the top of the heap.

The List

1. Go to Topshop (I've done this before, but once is NOT enough). I anticipate about a trip a week...
2. Hang out with Leandra Medine (@manrepeller on twitter). She's my inspiration.
3. Learn the subway system like the back of my hand. I found an umbrella at modcloth.com with a map of it! I think I'm going to need to be purchasing that ASAP. Who cares if I look like a weirdo walking around with an umbrella when it's sunny? I WILL NEVER BE LATE.
4. Eat in the famed Conde Nast cafeteria. "You do know cellulite is one of the main ingredients in corn chowder?"
5. Stalk fashion's elite (Wintour, Lagerfeld, Coddington, Leibowitz)
6. Visit The Museum of Sex, The Museum of Modern Art, and the cutting edge kid sister of MoMA, the P.S.1 (which also, awesomely hosts a free weekly dance party and, duh, shares a name with Proenza Schouler's It Bag).
7. Buy a pair of Louboutins (not necessarily new).
8. Eat at Serendipity (again). Because, like Topshop, once is never enough!
9. Spend at least one afternoon lounging and people-watching in Central Park.
10. Go to a great Broadway show (perhaps Rock of Ages?). I haven't seen one since Beauty & The Beast in 5th grade.
11. Attend a movie premiere (preferably one with a red carpet involved). Sneaking in counts.
12. Befriend a celebrity. Seeing as my placement in the alliances department puts me in direct contact with the faces of the brand, I've got my eye on Ashley Greene ;)
13. Take a class (or a hundred) at Soul Cycle. Nicole Miller says it's swimming with fashion people!
14. Meet. Gwyneth. Paltrow. Or possibly just mumble gibberish at her.
15. Go to Shakespeare in Central Park (preferably both plays). It's free in case you didn't know!
16. Go to the epic Buffalo Exchange that my darling Rachel Martino constantly raves about.
17. Check out Dean & DeLuca, Whole Foods, and Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola in Time Warner Center.
18. Check out a Woody Allen retrospective or some other such magnificence at The Film Forum.
19. Try on (and fondle) something by Alexander McQueen...preferably at Bergdorf Goodman.
20. Go to a show at The Bowery Ballroom.

So there's my 20 :) I'm sure I'll discover endless other things I want to do as soon as I arrive, not end up doing half of the things on this list, and have a million experiences I could never have imagined. But writing the list was a great way to get me even more excited about my impending move!

We all know that Carrie Bradshaw is one of the most iconic female characters of recent television history, both by virtue of the modern, boundary-pushing issues her character struggled with each episode and of course, her incomparable wardrobe, styled by the extraordinary Patricia Field. I doubt there's a single viewer of SATC that hasn't been inspired by Ms. Bradshaw in some way or another. Whether mixing prints, baring a midriff, or wearing two different colored shoes, Carrie made us feel like it was more important to have fun with fashion than to follow the rules. And to honor her impact on myself and so many others, I wanted to share some of my most beloved of her ensembles, as well as show how you might recreate them or simply translate their themes in your own unique way. And so, without further ado...

The Arrival in Paris

This is truly one of my favorite looks of the entire series. It is just SO perfect for Paris and so timelessly chic (it's Sonia Rykiel, after all). One of the great benefits to breaking all the rules and never following trends is that your outfits rarely look dated. Mix and match trends and eras in one ensemble and you're immune to ever looking  behind the times.

The important things about this ensemble are the black-and-white color scheme, the mixing of different striped patterns, the sparkling coat, and the oh-so-chic chapeau. Here's how I would recreate it.

RED Valentino Bow Trim Stripe Tee

 $295.00 by RED Valentino at Nordstrom

Comme des Garçons Shirt / Striped Poplin Skirt

$320.00 by Comme des Garcons at La Garçonne

Paris Trench Coat by Jones and Jones**

$180.00 by I.N. Studio at Topshop

Badgley Mischka Lucie

$215.00 by Badgley Mischka at Zappos Couture

Eugenia Kim Lauren Vintage Sisal Fedora

$297.00 by Eugenia Kim at shopbop.com

These pieces are not identical, but they are similar to the original, and they are all pieces I think Carrie would wear. To try this look with pieces from your own closet, I'd recommend mixing prints of the same style (flowers, stripes, etc) in different sizes, but complementary color families, or vice versa. Pair it with luxe accessories and you're Paris chic!

Childhood Whimsy+Grownup Chic

Another of Carrie's trademarks is to wear incredibly youthful, sometimes ironically innocent pieces (like gingham, cutoffs, pigtails) in a very sexy, grown-up way. One great example of this is her pairing of a vintage Mickey Mouse tee with a white, tuxedo jacket, and black leather pants.

Here's how I would recreate it

Junk Food Mickey Mouse Club Triblend Basic Tee

$27.00 by Junk Food at Revolve Clothing

BCBGMAXAZRIA Tuxedo Blazer

$218.00 by BCBG MAX AZRIA at Bloomingdale's

Leather & Stretch Twill Pant

$585.00$292.50 at Nicole Miller

Women's Mossimo® Peep-Toe Cuffed Booties - Taupe

$32.99 by Mossimo at Target

Once again, these are all Carrie-inspired pieces. If you want to try this look with pieces from your own closet, I'd recommend a boyfriend blazer with a shrunken graphic tee paired with your skinniest jeans and some sexy stilettos or booties. The key here is mixing the childish with the sophisticated. And, of course, to have fun!

Meet Carrie

This is our very first introduction to Carrie. Sweeter than some of her looks, but still very identifiable as a Carrie Classic. This is one of the looks the four best friends revisit in the first movie when Carrie is packing up her whole apartment. It not only carries nostalgia for them, but now for an entire generation of single girls.

Here's how I would recreate it:

Mystree Lace 2fer Tank

$55.00 at Piperlime

Club Monaco Olga Tulle Skirt

$139.00$69.50 by Club Monaco at shopbop.com

Valentino Strappy Sandal

$995.00 by Valentino at Footcandy

To channel this urban ballerina look from pieces in your own wardrobe, try some ballet flats with a full skirt, feminine belt (maybe even a ribbon used as a sash), and a pastel-colored tank top. Easy, pretty, classic.

Luck Be A Lady

I have to say, Carrie's Vegas ensemble from Season 5 is really one of my favorites, largely because the top is just so incredible. It's this luscious gunmetal material with a brocade on the neck and sleeves. Amazing. The rest of the outfit is really understated: black pants and strappy heels.

The only photo I could find of the top was about the size of my pinky nail, so I found this video instead. If you get about two minutes into the clip, there's a great shot of Carrie's outfit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZv-NXP8Dik

Here's how I would (try to) recreate it:

VPL / Insertion Bra

$95.00 by VPL at La Garçonne

Drome 'Metal Powder' Leather Top DROME

$745.00 at Nordstrom

Fine Stretch Wool Wide Leg Pleated Trousers

$198.00 at Max Studio

Miss KG Minnie Bow Front Platform Heeled Court Shoe

$152.41 by Miss KG at Asos

With this one in particular, the imitation is less literal, but I hope I captured the spirit of the outfit. If you want to channel this look on your own, all you need is a statement top paired with understated pants and complementary shoes. In this version, I echoed the peach in the bra top in the shoe. The point is to draw attention to one part of the outfit and to let the rest of the pieces harmonize and emphasize this piece.

The Last Big Date

The outfit Carrie wears to go on her last night on the town before Big moves to Napa is one of the most lovingly selected outfits of the series. And sadly, after Carrie finds her perfect shoes (those stunning pink ruffled Louboutins), Miranda's water breaks all over them! Before their watery end, the shoes (and dress and coat) make the perfectly romantic, Old New York statement Carrie had set her heart on.

Here's how I'd recreate it:

Vera Wang Lavender Label black sequin organza slip dress

$387.00$257.99 by Vera Wang at Bluefly

Badgley Mischka Randee

$215.00 by Badgley Mischka at Zappos Couture

Dolce & Gabbana PATTERN COAT

$1,349.00 by Dolce & Gabbana at mytheresa

To channel this look with pieces from your own closet, try an understated dress in a solid shade, pair with an open trench coat and statement-making stilettos. Voila! You're ready for your very own Big night on the town.

Breakfast at Tiffany's (2.0)

This is another great example of Carrie unabashedly playing dress-up. She's harnessing Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast At Tiffany's with the updo and the pearls, but she takes it past the point of demure elegance by piling on more strands than any woman would while trying to stay within the bounds of good taste. She further underlines the lighthearted vibe of this look by mixing her engagement necklace and an antique-looking gem piece in with the pearls, and really stresses the little-girl-in-heels sensation by wearing a hot pink graphic tank (with her trademark visible black bra) as the backdrop. I think what really keeps this look from being ridiculous is the clean, sophisticated makeup she wears. If she had taken things a step further and gone for a smokey eye or a red lip, she would have risked looking clownish. But once again, Carrie shows us how to push boundaries without making a mess of things.

Here's how I would recreate it:

R.J.GRAZIANO Cream Pearl Multi Row Necklace

$85.00 by RJ Graziano at StyleBop

Robyn Rhodes Harper Necklace in Teal Jade : Robyn Rhodes Women

$53.00 at CoutureCandy

Multirow Thin Chain Necklace

$28.00 at Topshop

Fluorescent Pink Bleached Heart Tank Top

$45.00 at Topshop

Sanctuary Runway Skinny Crop Pant

$55.00$39.99 by Sanctuary at Piperlime

L.A.M.B. khaki leather 'Cahoot' platform pumps

$206.00 by L.A.M.B. at Bluefly

To try your own Breakfast at Tiffany's 2.0 look, just throw on some costume jewelry with a statement-making updo. Contrast the uptown, evening motif you've got going on from the neck up with a super-casual, daytime outfit, like a graphic tee, cropped jeans or trousers, and a simple, sexy heel. Remember to keep your makeup minimal and if you start feeling six years old again, embrace it! This look is about infusing the act of dressing with the youthful exuberance we lose with age.

The Blooming Book Launch

For Carrie's meeting with her book editor followed by her first "date" with Berger in Season 5, she wears this amazing mixed-print Marni minidress (how's that for a tongue-twister?) with a striped, embellished coat. The combination of the textures and prints really just makes for a deliciously light and frothy confection of a work/party/day look.

Here's how I'd recreate it:

See By Chloe pink floral sateen lace top dress

$378.00$288.99 by See by Chloe at Bluefly

Oscar de la Renta Striped Long Coat

$2,790.00 by Oscar De La Renta at Bergdorf Goodman

Fendi nude suede and satin strappy platform sandals

$620.00 by Fendi at Bluefly

Downtown Ballgown (J'adore Dior)

The Dior tee+romantic lavender full skirt is another one of Carrie's most special and distinctive looks to me. When I saw this outfit in the trailers for the first movie, I think my jaw dropped. There is really no way to describe the perfection achieved by the pairing of this ironically chic Dior top with such a fantastically impractical ballerina skirt. Heaven.

Here's how I'd recreate it:

Wildfox War is Over Sequin Campfire Tee in 2 colors

Knot the tee over the dress, or wear the dress alone!

MARC BY MARC JACOBS Colorblocked Silk Dress

$598.00 by Marc by Marc Jacobs at Nordstrom

N.Y.L.A. Women's Velvey Strappy Platform Sandal

$114.95$63.22 by NYLA at Endless.com

Smythe Equestrian Blazer

$650.00 by Smythe at shopbop.com

The magic of this outfit is in the pairing of the most basic, casual piece in a girl's wardrobe on top (albeit a Dior version), and the most formal piece on the bottom. To recreate it on your own, take a vintage (or just old) tee with some sort of unique quality (a logo, graphic, etc) and pair it with a super-girly, flouncy skirt in a complementary color. If you have an old cocktail or prom dress with a full skirt lying around, you could EASILY repurpose that to create this look. Pair it with some edgy heels and you're ready to take Abu Dhabi (or the city of your choice) by storm! The jacket is totally optional, but if you have one that feels appropriate (strong shoulders recommended), throw it on for an added dose of sass.

Newly Engaged Gal

The vintage studded belt that's basically the 5th main character in the first SATC film is one of my favorite pieces of the entire franchise. Patricia Field has said it was a vintage find, but plenty of retailers have produced knockoffs due to the incredible demand for the belt. One of my favorite appearances of the belt is its pairing with this lovely pink linen cutout dress Carrie wears in the scene where she tells Samantha about her engagement. With a single strand of pearls and black booties, it's another example of the Carrie/Patricia mix-mastering mashups that have stood the test of time.

Here's how I'd recreate it:

Highpoint Dress

$218.00 at Trina Turk

Diesel Plaited Stud Detail Belt

$80.69 by Diesel at Asos

Opera-length pearl necklace

$495.00 at J.Crew

Dolce & Gabbana black mesh and floral lace peep toe booties

$660.00$625.99 by Dolce & Gabbana at Bluefly

To channel this look with your own pieces, start with a basic sheath in a notice-me color as your neutral base. Then, alternate your accessories between girly and hardcore. Black booties and a studded belt work with pearls and a ladylike bag. Play with different combinations to find what you like best, just try to keep a balance between the two styles. That's the key to making this look work.

I could do this for days, but I have to stop somewhere, so I'll leave the rest of the interpreting to you. What are your favorite Carrie (or Miranda, Samantha, Charlotte) looks from the series or the films? How do you channel their chicness in your own wardrobe?