After my own heart

Target's past partnerships with accessories designers — like Devi Kroell or Hollywould — just haven't done it for me. Most of the materials seemed cheap (and more importantly, looked cheap).

However, Target is a wily little devil, always full of surprises. Like this one:

[Beau coeur = Beautiful heart. My sentiments exactly.]

The national retailer has launched a collaboration with jewelry designer-to-the-stars, Dominique Cohen (And by stars I mean Brittany Murphy, Anne Hathaway, and Judith Light. Yes, that Judith Light). The sweet ring above is one of the best pieces, and the "Beau Coeur" design comes in a pendant necklace, drop earrings, or a bangle as well.

And the Target pieces cost thousands less than Cohen's usual 18K gold and gemstone creations.

See the whole collection here. Christmas shopping? Check.

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Happiness is.. owning this dress

This Isaac Mizrahi-designed Charlie Brown dress is up for auction on eBay (current bid just $405). It's a size 4 (I always wondered what Charlie Brown's dress size would be if he grew up to be a female impersonator).

The dress is made of beaded sequins, natch, and the proceeds go to the charitable foundation Dress for Success. Bidding ends at 10 p.m. on Halloween. Happy bidding, Charlie Brown.

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Merry Chrismoss!

So the breaking news here isn't Kate Moss' fresh eye-grazing fringe. (But honestly, her hot bangs could be the news, if only because every tween and lesser starlet will soon be scrambling to the salon for a chop. Kate is the sexy after all.)

What I really want to talk about is her shiny new holiday collection for Topshop. The minidresses, sheer tops, and waistcoasts hit stores and the web Thursday. Not every piece is a grand style slam (A sequined kerchief? Really?), but the best looks scream party, preferably with fake snow, glittery disco ball, and plenty of eggnog.

Behold! My favorite dress:

[Oooh-la-la!]

I'd have to try it on to truly commit to this glitzy thigh-grazing number. Sigh &mdash unless I wing it to New York or London, learn karate and other self-defense mechanisms, and stand in line for 19 hours, I probably won't ever see this winter wonderland fantasy come true. But, if the nice people at Topshop happen to read this blog and want to send me a sample, I promise to get myself invited to no less than 10 parties this December so I can show it off. Just a thought.

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Hot tip

I am a bona fide bargain hunter. I'm not ashamed. I'm not ashamed of the Joe's jeans I got for $45 at Marshall's. Or of the Furla bag I scooped up from the lower reaches of Filene's Basement's discount rack for a cool $50.

Nothing gets me more jazzed than a good deal, that's for sure. And because I know there are some fellow penny pinchers out there, I'll let you in on a little secret: enroll in the VIP club at the Wrentham Outlets. It's free to join and gets you coupons and discounts to several stores at the shopping mecca.

Case in point: This weekend I landed a pair of sweet Banana Republic "Luella" boots on the cheap. (Close your eyes and imagine the boots at left are black, ok?) True, they are last season. But with a 25% off in-store sale and a 15% off VIP coupon, the oultet price of $129 for the pair came down to $75. Not too shabby.

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Bird by bird, baby

If I haven't made it obvious by now, I love birds. I love wall hangings of sparrows, silver necklaces with owl charms, birds on my t-shirts, on my plates, on my pillows. But, lest you think I live in an aviary, I've actually tempered my addiction by buying bird presents for others.

Davis Squared, a new gift boutique in -- well, do the math -- Davis Square, has a great selection of MeMe Baby onesies that I absolutely adore. I'm not above nagging married friends to have children prematurely, just so I can give them a "Goldfinch Baby Bodysuit":

[How lovely and whimsical.]

And in case you can't get enough:

The twee designs are inspired by birds of the Catskills and drawn and hand silk-screened by Dennis Witnauer (his wife, Jennifer Subrin, runs the company). The couple hopes to "smartly outfit the next generation," according to the MeMe website. At least someone is looking out for hipster babies!

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Coming Soon.. Project Runway, season 4

I am more excited than Britney at a Taco Bell on 99 cent gordita day. The first episode of the new season of "Project Runway" arrived in my mailbox today. Season four premieres on Bravo on Nov. 14 at 10 p.m. I'll give you a report later this week after I've had a viewing party.

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Fashion en francais

Let's see, what to do during lunch hour this Thursday? Go to TGI Friday's again, or check out a trunk show. Hmmm. this is a toughie. I suppose the fried mac and cheese and the Oreo cake can wait until next week. Matsu is hosting a trunk show of French designer Lilith on Thursday, Oct. 11, and Friday, Oct. 12. The collection is spring/summer '08 (the clip above is fall/winter '07, but you get the idea). Matsu is at 259 Newbury Street. The spring collection is '60s influenced, with a hint of Imperial British India tossed in for good measure.

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Pocket-sized fashionista

I have already confessed my style crush on Zooey Deschanel. As long as I'm making wardrobe wish lists, I have to mention Rachel Bilson. Can I please have all her bags, boots, sunglasses, and -- not to be greedy -- her jeans too?

[Love the scarf. Love the attitude. Love the pup.]

I've always admired her style -- it's effortless sophistication. Rachel's petite physique might have something to do with why she looks gorgeous in all clothing, but hey, she knows how to work it. And since she said sayonara to Adam Brody, we can be friends. (The jealousy was too much to bear before. She was very insensitive to date my future husband.) In fact, she's so tiny, I could carry her around in my bag and she could advise me on minidresses and coats. Bils hasn't done much since the "O.C.," so I'm sure she has free time. Perfect!

[Rachel, what do you think of this chunky sweater? Great. I'll take two!]

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Bulky bag haters: Coach has two new options

If you're like me, you hate the big bulky bags in vogue right now. Sure, they look beautiful in the store. But in reality, you're lugging around a suitcase full of lipsticks and whatnot.. It's too much!

Today, Coach introduced two new lines.

The Bleecker collection is comprised of burnished leather with a vintage quality.

The Thompson line, named after a street in the West Village, is supposed to suggest an urban chic vibe with an artisan sensibility. Whatever. Here it is:

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The Ebony Fashion Show celebrates 50 years

This Sunday, you can catch the show at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel at 5 p.m.

I grew up attending this event in California. It was always a scene. Unlike the shows in New York, this travelling fashion show allows its models to have personality and sass. There's humor and a great announcer with a fabulous voice describing the designs for the audience. Sometimes the clothing totally missed the mark (check out the blue and green number below). But it was always a good time.

I can't believe it's been 50 years since the show hit the road.

Tickets are available at Cramer's Hair Studio, Hip Zepi USA and a Twist of Passion Hair Salon.

Need more info? Try: 617-504-3764 or bostonfashionshow.com

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Invest in an "in" vest

Essential question of the day: Can style and sub-zero temperatures really coexist? Sure, you say. There are scads of trendy, well-cut coats in great colors. Obviously, you'll be singing a different tune in mere months when you have a scarf wrapped around your eyes and long johns tucked into your salt-and-sand stained leather boots.

Not to be totally cynical. There is a warm solution to winter woes: Layering! Why not reach for a trendy down vest to keep your core toasty? You can wear a chic sweater and long sleeve tee below it and a stylish winter coat over it. I'm currently crushing on this ruffled Juicy number from Saks:

[Puffer vest with cotton and cashmere back; $298 at Saks Fifth Avenue]

The color is sophisticated, the ruffles are girly -- all in all, it's a very G.I. Jane-meets-Daisy Duke look (Somehow that combo really works for me, haha).

If you want to save some of your money for a Thinsulate snowsuit -- $300 is a little steep for a down vest, after all -- Free People has its own version of the ruffled, vintage-y outerwear:

[Retro nylon vest; $98]

Apart from its cheesy faux fur lining -- why? -- this vest rivals Juicy's version in its cute details and slimming fit.

Winter: Bring it on!

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SJP on ice?

There's a whole lot of crazy going on with Carrie's over-the-top outfit on the set of the upcoming "Sex in the City" movie. I'm worried that the giant flower might pull a "Little Shop of Horrors" and eat SJP's face. Or -- perhaps there's a new twist in the plot where Carrie tries out for a Manhattan-based Ice Capades team. In which case, she's absolutely dressed appropriately for the audition.

However, nothing makes these shoes O.K.:

[Whoa.]

(I fully realize that this outfit is a costume. But it appears Patricia Field is back with a vengeance!)

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Oldham for Old Navy

[The man with a plan. For Old Navy.]

No, really. Designer Todd Oldham is the new creative director for Old Navy. At first, this seemed like a really odd pairing to me, but then I remembered that Todd has already lent his name to a line of dorm furniture (obviously) at Target and to a collection for La-Z-Boy. So he gets around.

Old Navy and Gap have both been suffering in sales -- hopefully this will be a step in the right direction for Gap. Inc. I'm all about style for the masses (Hello! My entire closet is stuffed with pieces from Target's Go! designers.) but I'll need to see some proof before I fully endorse this discount duo. O.K. Oldham, your first order of business: Please purge all fleece from the Old Navy collection. Yuck.

[Sing it with me: "Old Navy, Old Navy, Old Navy performance fleece..." Make it stop.]

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Crocs are evil

I have long hated Crocs, those ugly plastic shoes designed for the garden but suddenly seen in school yards everywhere -- even on boys!

Alas, my seven-year-old daughter has been begging for a pair for years. With the approach of fall, I thought the issue was behind us for now.

Then my daughter's godmother came to town to visit last night. Anxious to spoil, she insisted on taking the child to the mall and buying her a pair of HOT PINK CROCS.

She bought my three-year-old son a pair of blue and green ones, with Mickey Mouse cut-outs.

What could I do but smile? Especially when my friend and her husband own Crocs themselves?

Can you believe the bill came to $60?

As fate would have it, I arrive at work today to find an email from a co-worker advising me about a story of a boy in Virginia who had his toe nail ripped off on an escalator. He was wearing.. wait for it.. Crocs.

My daughter has already pushed to wear her Crocs to school tomorrow. And I don't like to live in fear.

But pink plastic shoes are just wrong.

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Oh no, she didn't!

There was a rather interesting article profiling Rachel Zoe in Sunday's New York Times Magazine. Though Lynn Hirschberg provided juicy -- and/or troubling -- insight into Zoe's life and how the starved stylist single-handedly conducts celebrity and tabloid fashion, the most controversial lines came from Miss Thang herself:

"Anna Wintour is one of my heroes, but they say that I’m more influential. As great as it is, Vogue won’t change a designer’s business. But if an unknown brand is worn by a certain person in a tabloid, it will be the biggest designer within a week."

I wonder what the Vogue editrix thought of that little quote. Unfortunately, Zoe's ability to churn out teeny-weeny, bug-eyed, bejeweled starlets in her image (Hello, Nicole Richie! We're talking about you, Lohan!) does affect the celebrity fashion landscape and probably influences tweens to lose weight and spend gobs of money on designer jeans. But no one messes with Anna Wintour. No one.

[Zoe vs. Wintour: Coming soon to a fashion show near you. Bangs will fly.]

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Spotty fashion sense

Whenever my fashionista friend Jen -- she's every bit as polished as Posh -- mentions a piece of clothing she likes, I pay attention. So, when she said she'd found the perfect fall jeans at Urban Outfitters, I couldn't wait to click on the link.

Until these forever tarnished my screen:

[Don't worry, Stylephilers, she was absolutely kidding!]

Yes, for $68, you too can dress like the Leopard Empress of Stretchland. Ick. I had a pair of actual stirrup pants in this pattern (in purple) when I was five. I mean, it looks like Lisa Frank -- of Trapper Keeper and school supply fame -- designed this ill-fitting mess.

This fall, you can wear a variety of denim styles -- wide leg, high waist, skinny leg, even gray and chocolate brown hues -- and still be very much in fashion. Leave the suction-tight "Welcome to the Jungle" leggings to David Lee Roth. Please and thank you.

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Neimans in Natick an architectural sight

I went to a press walk-through yesterday of the new Neiman Marcus in Natick.

The store opens Saturday to the public. It is a sight to see.

The architect is Elkus Manfredi Architects. The idea of this wave-like stainless steel exterior is to create an illusion of fabric in motion.

The interior, designed by burdifilek, is equally modern and appealing. Everything is white and well-lit. This department store is airy. No crowded aisles here.

The men's department has a room with a flat-screen TV. Yesterday, a salesmen had his head buried in the instruction book, attempting to program the remote. The game will surely be on by Saturday.

Upstairs, the women's department is young looking, featuring designers like Stella McCartney. But there are also in-store designer shops (Akris, Chanel, Armani) which all reflect the style of that design house.

The women's handbag section, which includes Gucci and Prada, appears larger than the shoe department. Perhaps they realize they can't compete with their next door neighbor's humongo shoe department (Nordstrom).

My conclusion: it's worth the drive. But bring that checkbook.

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Nordstrom is a hit

I finally made it out to the Natick Collection today. It was worth the drive.

I took one step into Nordstrom and discovered a pair of Prada shoes for KIDS! How cool is that?
They had Michael Kors and Kenneth Cole, all for kids. Talk about putting Stride Rite to shame.

The women's designer collection was equally enchanting. I grew up in California and have never been a big Nordstrom fan. Today I changed my mind. Even the stuffy old St. John selection was stunning. And the Yves Saint Laurent collection was to die for (even if the dresses were over $1,000 a pop).

The shoe department, of course, was insanely large. (Nordstrom began as a shoe store).
They have every designer and non-designer you can think of. The sales staff is so big, there's a guy running around with a microphone announcing when a woman is waiting for service. Take that Saks Fifth Avenue.

When you finally step out of Nordstrom, the rest of the new wing of the mall is equally fun. There's Stil, Juicy Couture and the Apple Store. Neiman Marcus opens this week. The entrance has red lights all over it and is sort of glowing in anticipation.

The ceiling is all glass and there are strips of artwork hanging from it. Very relaxing. Even the carpeting is plush.

It's striking when you finally reach the old mall section. It's sort of a non event. There's Lord & Taylor and the Gap and yada yada. Of course, these stores are affordable. Just not exciting.

Happy shopping. It's worth the drive.

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Slip into something less trashy

Tsk, tsk Lily Allen! Were all the mirrors in your flat temporarily clouded over? How could you attend GQ's "Men of the Year" awards at the Royal Opera House in London earlier this week with your belly button and panty lines (and thigh outlines, ew) clearly on display?

[I see London, I see France...]

Don't get me wrong. I like the spicy orange hue and even the cut of this flowing dress -- but if you're going to go sheer, you have to be smart. Get a slip! If you're not thrilled about lacy, frumpy slips-of-yore, there are several comfortable and sleek variations on the sometimes necessary underthing. Lily, might I suggest American Apparel's sheer jersey chemise in cream? At only $22, it's a solid solution to your see-thru woes.

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Q&A with Tim Gunn and Nina Garcia

"Project Runway" stars Tim Gunn and Nina Garcia both offer new guides to style this week-- Garcia with her book, "The Little Black Book of Style," and Gunn with his new Bravo series, "Tim Gunn's Guide to Style." But in a diplomatic manner not often seen in the realm of reality television, neither claims to be the ultimate fashion svengali.

"I would never call myself a style guru. Never," says Gunn. "So the title goes to Nina. I would call myself a fashion spokesperson, a fashion educator, but not a style guru."

And Garcia, fashion director of Elle magazine, isn't about to battle Gunn for the title.

"I could never get into a fashion fight with him," she says. "I love Tim too much. We're offering two different perspectives on style. I think you need both."

We spoke to both fashion experts about their new projects, their advice for busy women, and, of course, the long-awaited fourth season of "Project Runway."

TIM GUNN

Indeed.
I'm standing at an airport right now in Houston, watching it go by me.

Is it a steady parade of track suits?
You know, things have eroded so much that at this point, I'd be grateful for a track suit. I'm seeing lots of gray fleece, including sweatpant cut-offs, more versions of flip-flops than I ever knew existed, bare midriffs, and tummy rolls, I'm seeing it all. I don't know what's wrong with people. In a way I'm in a state of complete apoplexy. It's quite clear that comfort rules.

What inspired you to write the book ["A Guide to Quality, Taste, & Style] and start the TV show? Was it being appalled by what you were seeing in airports around the country?
I started the book at the request of [publishing house] Abrams. The editors contacted me and said, "We love 'Project Runway,' we'd love you to do a book." I have to tell you from the time of my appointment to the chair of Fashion Design at Parsons, I really thought "I'm in one of those publish or perish positions." I never would have done it without some prodding from Abrams.

Were you approached to do the TV show after the book came out?
It's a very funny story. [Bravo president] Lauren Zalaznick asked me to breakfast. She said that the dimensions of Tim Gunn that are seen on "Project Runway" are fairly limited, and I agreed with her. I'm thinking she'll say "We want to show more of you." And instead she said "That's as much as the viewers are going to see of you on 'Project Runway'." I looked at her and asked if I did something bad. She said that she wanted to give me my own show. I was simultaneously flattered, exhilarated, and mystified.

There seemed to be a lot of drama earlier this year surrounding talk of whether you would or wouldn't be returning to "Project Runway." What was going on?
I'll tell you exactly what was going on. I'm nothing if not honest and transparent. A journalist asked "Do you have a contract for season four?" I said no, and then added that I had every confidence that I would have one. And that part wasn't published. It doesn't make as good a story. I told them that the producers would have to beat me away with a stick. I would be there contract or no contract.

Have you finished filming season four yet?
We're about halfway though.

It feels like it's been forever since season three ended.
It's worth the wait. It's the most incredible group of designers we've had. I'm crazy about them. And it made me sick to lose any of them. I have to tell you, any one of them could have made it to the end. They're that talented.

NINA GARCIA

Your book is a basic starting point on fashion. Do you think that American women need a lot of help with the subject?
No, I think we have really busy lives. Perhaps there's not enough time to think about fashion. What I'm hoping with this book is to really inspire them to find new things.

Is there something that a super busy woman could do in 10 minutes a day that would help her attain more style?
Lipstick. It's the easiest thing. Put on some divine color. It's about loving yourself. It just needs to be a little something glamorous. It's like my book says, you have to become your own muse.

Is there is a style mistake that you see all too often that could be very easily avoided?
Many. I think the trick is not falling for all the trends. Women think "This is the trend, therefore I have to wear it." And perhaps it doesn't look good. That's where women take the short cut. "It's a trend, so I'm going to be the victim." They easily fall into it because they don't have to think about it, it's been done for them. Be yourself, do what works for you, and who cares what the trend is.

Let's say there's a woman reading this interview, and she's planning to go shopping this weekend. She has $200 to spend on an essential fall piece for her wardrobe. What would you recommend?
I'm going to be specific. There's a little black dress at H&M. It's $39 and it's amazing. It is beautiful and perfect, and it's great for fall. I'm obsessed with it.

I thought you would tell me that $200 isn't enough.
Well, that's the beauty of what's happening now. Everything is available at a price. It's out there in Zara, H&M, or J. Crew. You just have to be clever about what you buy.

If someone was planning to invest a substantial sum of money in one article of clothing, what do you think that piece should be?
I believe that if you are going to spend the money, then buy something extravagant and fantastic that will live many years. Something that you can wear in five years, or ten years. I'm a big believer that you should invest in one fantastic dress. Whether it's your party dress, your cocktail dress, it doesn't matter what it is.Many women think "I don't go to parties." But we all go to parties sooner or later, and it's worth having a special dress.

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Stay classy, Stylephilers

How excited am I for the return of Nike's vintage running shoes? I'm usually a diehard Puma loyalist come autumn weekends, but the classic Nikes just might outpace Pumas this season in my wardrobe. While I do think it's weird that the "new" Waffle Racers and Nylon Cortez runners are supposed to come out of the box looking worn ("It's vintage. Minus the 'wait thirty years' part,'" Nike's site brags), I find the 70s color palette fabulous. (Hello, orange and blue together!)

[I remember my dad wearing these exact shoes.]

[I'll be stylin' at the apple orchard next weekend...]

You can grab these kitschy kicks locally at the Tannery in Harvard Square or downtown at Niketown.

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Not your mom's jeans

I wrote a column about Washington Square's new-ish -- and only -- boutique Velvet Ribbon in the Globe's Sunday Magazine. Not only is owner Nicole Pham an absolute sweetheart, but her chic and surprisingly spacious store is chock full of favorite designers: Robert Rodriquez, Joie, Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, etc.

Plus, Pham has a great selection of this season's new denim styles -- wide legs and high waists, oh my. I used to live in Washington Square, so naturally, I'm pretty bitter that this stylish shop opened after I relocated to Somerville. But, on the other hand, think of all the money I'm saving by not stopping into Velvet Ribbon every time I get off the T.

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Stylephile contest!

OK, 'Philers, it's our first official contest. In honor of the 10th anniversary of the death of Princess Diana, we're giving away two copies of the book "Diana Style." Want one? Just answer this question:

Who is the famed fashion photographer who took the 1997 Vanity Fair photos of Diana?

The first two fashionistas to e-mail me (at muther@globe.com) with the correct reponse will get a copy of the book. Easy, yes? Well, get to it. I'll notify the lucky winners on Tuesday.

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Style on the cheap

I nearly forgot to tell you, my favorite T-shirt site on the planet, Threadless, is having its big $10 T-shirt sale through Sept. 3. Quantities are dwindling quickly (oh yes, I've already placed my order). Again, you have until Sept. 3 to get the deals.

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Opening today: Club Monaco, number two

I've been doing an admirable job of weaning myself off of chain stores. I've got nothing against them, but sometimes it's too easy to drop into the Banana to pick up a sweater rather than scouting out local stores for something unique. And because we're all lazy, I know your closet is bulging with Banana.

That said, I'm a total fiend for the Canadian chain Club Monaco. Yes, it's a chain, but their clothes are more forward-looking than others, and chic. A second Club Monaco is opening today at the Cambridgeside Galleria -- and I have my fingers crossed that the men's section there is larger than the men's section at the Prudential Monaco. Pretty please?

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Buy Britney's chicken grease dress!

OK! magazine is selling the Versace dress that Britney Spears wore during a melt-down photo shoot. Brit suddenly had a hankering for fried chicken -- and really, who doesn't get such hankerings while posing in Versace -- and decided to wipe her greasy fingers on the $21,000 dress.

The magazine is now selling the dress on eBay. It's currently at $1,550. A total steal. A dab of Tide stain removal stick, a quick spritz of Febreze, and you're ready for action.

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You too can look like Sienna Miller

I'm over the whole celebrities-turned-designers trend. If I see another B-list or barely A-list star -- I'm talking to you Alyssa Milano and Paris Hilton -- churning out tacky t-shirts and dresses, I might just scream.

That said, I'm intrigued by the Miller sisters' (Sienna and lesser-known Savannah) new line, Twenty8Twelve, which includes plenty of blousy shirts and coats, leggings, and the like. You could see Sienna wearing most of the pieces and that's the point: she's a genuine tastemaker and her sister is a genuine designer (with stints at Alexander McQueen and Anya Hindmarch under her sleek leather belt). Here are a few of my fave looks so far:

[And all that jazz...]

[Oooo, jewel tones]

The line's website claims the collection will be available at Neiman Marcus in Natick (apparently the new fashion kingdom of New England), though I didn't see any pieces on neimanmarcus.com yet.

In related news: Fashion chameleon Chloe Sevigny will launch her own line at NY Fashion Week. So. very. excited. Even her fashion misses are daring and eclectic enough not to land her on my fugly list. Wonder whether her collection will include any prairie chic ensembles?

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Fall fashion picks

Fall fashion season is officially here and I'm honestly excited.

I love sweaters and boy, is there a selection this time around. Gone are the tired twinsets. In their place are lovely long, popcorn-knit numbers. The sweaters hang past the hips, which is good news for most women.

I haven't owned a sweater dress for years and I look forward to picking out a few. So far, Lord & Taylor has some good candidates.

The idea of some wide-legs pants is also cool. Nothing like a good pair of tweed wide-leg slacks.

I was sitting in Johnny Rockets the other day and I saw a photo on the wall of a post-World War II woman dressed in a white dress and white lace-up Oxfords. I cracked up. I told the waitress those very 1940s shoes are all the rage this fall. I don't think she believed me. Regardless, I plan on getting a pair.

I like the metallic shine trend in fabrics. It can be quite striking. I'm a little skeptical of the patent leather trend. That can get old quickly and then you're stuck with these little girl shoes and handbags.

Color. As my story warned today, be careful with color. A splash of cobalt blue is fabulous. But don't do a head-to-toe arrangement. Enough is enough.

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Anyone for tennis?

Tonight Maria Sharapova will distract her opponent defend her 2006 U.S. Open title in this fierce flared dress:

The siren-red shift, by Nike, features 600 Swarovski crystals and no-sew seams (apparently the seams were bonded with heat and silicone) and was inspired by the New York skyline, according to the tennis ace. Since when did tennis get so... stylized? It looks as if Miss Sharapova might sashay off center court and grab cocktails after her match tonight.

Well, I guess her costume could be weirder. I'm sorry Serena, but denim chafes!

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Perfectly packable

I might be a little late on the Nieves Lavi love train, but I'm now fully aboard. Key reason: I recently heard that silk jersey is the most packable, wrinkle-free material. Most of Nieves Lavi's collection of cute dresses and tunics are made of this miracle material -- the dresses even come with matching silk jersey packing bags to toss in your suitcase. Ooh-la-la and you're off to France!

Plus, the Nieves Lavi's fall collection injects some welcome color (mostly jewel tones) and bright patterns into this season's all-gray-all-the-time palette.

[isadora print]

Love the gold paisley print. The prices are a bit steep -- $350 and up -- but think about the time you'll save not having to iron all your clothes on your next vacation or business trip! Snag Nieves Lavi online at shopbop.com or at Neiman Marcus or Saks.

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The full skinny on Thom Browne

I have an interview with Thom Browne in the Style section of today's Globe about his much-anticipated collaboration with Brooks Brothers, but there was only room for about half of his responses. Fortunately, there's plenty of room on the interweb to post the full interview.

For those who have somehow missed news of the collaboration, Browne has created a line of clothes for men and women based around his well-known style of wool and tweed, European-fit suits. To read the full interview, click below.

By Christopher Muther
Globe Staff

On paper, it looks like the oddest pairing since Felix Unger moved his broom and air freshener into Oscar Madison's digs. But the partnering of designer Thom Browne with retail institution Brooks Brothers will allow both parties to expand their customer base when Browne's new line, called Black Fleece, goes on sale there next month. The clothes are more expensive than the usual Brooks Brothers offerings (suits will sell for $2700), and the styles more adventurous. Browne, busy with preparations for the launch of the line and his own collection, took time to answer questions about the collaboration via e-mail this week.

What did you think when you were first approached by Brooks Brothers for a collaboration?
It was a dream come true, since I've always associated Brooks Brothers as an iconic American brand. Also, I wore Brooks Brothers, my father and my grandfather wore Brooks Brothers, so I thought that this would be a great fit. The collaboration began with Anna Wintour asking me if I were ever to collaborate with a company, who would it be. So she was kind enough to make the introduction.

When designing the collection, did you take into account that these were clothes that would be sold by a store that provides clothes to business men and women, or did approach the collection as you would one of your own?
Both my own collection, and Black Fleece start from the same classical point of view. However, I'm very conscious of making sure that Black Fleece is true to Brooks Brothers, that it is a brand under the umbrella of Brooks Brothers. For my own collection, I am only responsible to myself. I like to maintain my collection as a provocative collection that makes people think. While certainly my stamp will be visible on Black Fleece, it is meant for a wider audience.

What inspired the line for Brooks Brothers? Who did you imagine wearing the clothes as you designed them?
Since Brooks Brother is a 189-year-old company, there are plenty of references and inspirations I can draw from their archives and catalogs. The wearer of Black Fleece may not be all that different from mine, in that I imagine that it would be someone who is a true individual, and independent thinker. This is for both men and women.

I understand that the pant hems will be unfinished so the customer will be able to determine his own length, are you secretly hoping customers will
hem the pant to a Thom Browne length?
The pant hems will be unfinished as my own Thom Browne collection are for stores, but they are meant to be hemmed just to hit the shoe. The point is that there shouldn't be a break in the pant leg. I know that people today think that this is short, but if you look at the way some men wear their pants in Europe, the UK and Japan, it's really not all that unusual. You even see it when watching old American films too.

This is your first, full women's collection. Did you find any challenges in adapting men's designs to women's wear?
I have actually been making suits for women by custom order at my own shop. But for Black Fleece, again, I wanted it to be based around classical ideas that derives from men's wear. The women's suit, of course, is cut differently, but I didn't want it to be a 'guy's suit' for a woman, but a men's inspired suit cut for a woman.

There has been a lot of talk about Brooks Brothers using your name to appeal to younger, more stylish customers. Are you worried that fans
of your clothes may be turned off that you're designing for a 189-year-old store that is best known for navy blazers?
As I mentioned earlier, I've always been attracted to Brooks Brothers, so I don't see how my customers would be turned off by this collaboration. And the purpose of adding Black Fleece to the Brooks Brothers umbrella is precisely to appeal to a new audience, and for the existing Brooks Brother customer as well.

The inseam, arm length, and cut of your suits is an important part of your design. Was there a particular historical time or fashion icon that
inspired the look?
It's not a literal historical reference. I've always been drawn to the American style in the late '50s and '60s. It's more about the spirit of this time that I am drawn to, as this was the time when there was a distinct American sensibility. My silhouette is not exactly the same as this period, but it's been changed to suit what I think is appealing and different.

If there was one thing you could change about the way that American men dress, what would it be?
While I think men in general should not fuss over how they look, I do feel as though they should make more an effort to find a way to look good in their own individual, but natural way. I think it's a shame that it's become acceptable to wear jeans and a T-shirt to any place and function. I always say that what I am doing has become the anti-establishment, because the jeans and T-shirt look has become so acceptable and part of the establishment.

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How quickly they grow up

Suddenly, the sleepy summer, which was never all that sleepy, seems to be over. I'm overwhelmed with cool September happenings. The latest is that Neiman Marcus is turning 100. Yes, the new (and very chic looking) Neiman's opens next month at the Natick Collection. But the birthday celebration appears to be happening at the Neiman's in Copley. Here's a list of birthday events. All of these are free and open to everyone, but at least put on a nice pair of shoes when you show up for the free cookies. I'm very excited to get my hands on the cookie recipe.

MONDAY, September 10th:
Cookie Day
Everyone who enters the store on September 10th will receive a NM chocolate chip cookie and NM recipe

Neiman Marcus Day/Lunch with the Mayor on September 10th
Mayor Menino will be in store at noon on Monday, September 10th officially proclaiming it Neiman Marcus Day.

WEDNESDAY, September 13th:
Prada Ladies shoes Trunk Show

THURSDAY, September 14th:
ETRO Men's Trunk Show
Cocktails with Kelly in Men's 6-8pm

Beauty Week Cocktail Party 6-8pm
Cocktails and makeovers, gift with purchase

FRIDAY, September 15th:
Pop Up and PopOvers
Come in from 12-2 and for pop-overs and coffee, With the New 100th Anniversary Coffee Table Pop-Up book

SATURDAY, September 16th:
Loro Piana men's trunk show

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Vintage edge

I have an old soul -- or at least that's how I like to describe my obsession with anything from the late 60s-early 70s. I dig flowing dresses, Joe Cocker, Neil Young, and especially paisley. Yum, paisley. But don't fear: I'm not going to pack my possessions into an orange VW bus and head west to a commune anytime soon -- obviously, I'd miss designer jeans, chai lattes, and pedicures waaay too much.

Instead I'm interjecting a little vintage into my today style with Rotter and Friends' witty, arty band tees. Jess Rotter and Alison Zero – friends and coworkers at music PR company Girlie Action – started the hand drawn, highly nostalgic line out of a mutual hatred for modern band shirts emblazoned with antlers and skulls.

Love 'em:

["The Wolfking of L.A." shirt]

["Thanks, Neil" shirt]

["Qu est Bobbie Gentry?" shirt]

I love these shirts as much for their hip, underground references to classic bands (the "Thanks Neil" shirt features a Rotter-ized version of Young's "On the Beach" album cover; and the "Qu est Bobbie Gentry?" shirt is a nod to the mysterious subject of Gentry's single, "Ode to Billie Joe") as for their totally unique designs.

How retro!

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Sale at Urban - yipee!

Yes, Stylephilers, I know the summer is waning. The days are getting shorter, the sun getting weaker, etc. But, personally, I'm going to make the most out of August by wearing my whole new wardrobe from Urban Outfitters, purchased over the weekend ;) The bargain basement in Harvard Square is literally a treasure trove of adorable mini-dresses and t-shirt shifts at the moment -- in teals, purples, yellows, and great prints.

One of my favorite steals:

[The Hollywood Dress by Lux in lilac]

Very Natalie Portman, circa 2005 Oscars -- minus the whole Lanvin-sheer-gold part. Okay, so I just really like the shape and the color and the way the viscose drapes. Oh and the $29.99 price tag.

Hurry and you too could scoop up some deals to make what's left of summer absolutely stylish.

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Hey Twiggy

I'm normally Teflon when it comes to jewelry. I have no interest whatsoever. But yesterday while walking through the New York International Gift Show, I spotted jewelry that absolutely stopped me in my tracks. Laura Baxter's handmade work is so lovely that I'm going to legally change my name to Tequila Mockingbird and become a drag queen simply so I can have an excuse to wear lady's jewelry.

Fortunately she also makes wall hangings and bowls, so I suppose I can forgo the drag route, for now. Her work sells at Motto in Cambridge, Essentia in Chestnut Hill, and the Museum of Fine Art.

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Rep your neighborhood in style

I have a drawer full of t-shirts, some ironic, some cute, some leftover from races I've run (when they only had XXL shirts left). So, no, I don't technically *need* a new t-shirt.

But when I popped into Sherman Cafe in Somerville's Union Square -- my neighborhood -- the other day, I had to have this shirt:

This little beauty pays tribute to the 'Ville's culinary history -- because as everyone knows, Archibald Query invented gelatinous, sugary Fluff right in Union Square in 1917. (You knew that, right?)

I'm not going to lie, though. I sometimes wish I lived in East Cambridge -- because then I could wear this infamous tee:

Yep, Mayflower Poultry in Inman Square -- which opened in 1932 -- sells these tongue-in-cheek shirts in a variety of colors and styles: tank tops, vests, baseball jerseys. And if I ever decide I have too many t-shirts (never!), I can go for the "Live Poultry, Fresh Killed" thong.

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The year of the cat

I'm totally planning my next vaction in Thailand. There is an amusing story on Yahoo about bad cops in Thailand who are forced to wear Hello Kitty armbands as punishment for misdeeds. I can finally check off "Get arrested by Hello Kitty" from my list of life goals with one quick trip to Thailand.

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Recount!

Esquire names Tom Brady as the best-dressed man in the world in its September issue. In the world? Sure Tom's a good looking guy with a few nice suits. We ranked him as the third most stylish Bostonian in our Style section last fall. How can he suddenly be the best-dressed man in the world? I don't mean to insult Tom's sense of style, but do you think this honor has anything to do with his dimpled chin or super model girlfriend? Only that goat knows for certain.

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Is Gap getting – gasp! – edgier?

Well Stylephilers, my opinion of the Gap may soon be shifting. The retailer, purveyor of all things turtleneck, corduroy, and pleated, has again snagged my favorite shutterbug, Annie Leibovitz, to shoot their fall ad campaign: "Classics Redefined."

A taste:

There's Selma Blair with her bedroom eyes. John Mayer with his mussed-just-right hair. Forest Whitaker with his winning smile. (The alliteration could go on and on. Seriously. Don't tempt me.) Sarah Silverman looks a little scary with her vacant eyes and awkward pose. Discuss.

You can see the whole ad campaign here -- I'm a little obsessed with these portraits.

The clothes? I do like the sweater dress and wide-leg trousers, but the rest of the collection is, well, pretty basic and yawn-inducing. However, I may just be swayed by Liev Schreiber's intense gaze to pick up a few pieces for the boyfriend...

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Suited up

A show of hands from those thinking of visiting the beach this weekend? Thank you. A show of hands from those brave enough to wear one of these monokinis to the beach this weekend?

That's what I thought.

This is the monokini from Rosa Cha, perhaps the sexiest one-piece I've ever seen. These little numbers sell for between $350 and $400. And if you're looking for more information about purchasing one to wear to Revere Beach this weekend, check here.

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And the winners are...

Vanity Fair's September issue contains its annual best-dressed list. There's no sign of the Olsen twins, but I'm quite happy that my favorite chanteuse, Charlotte Gainsboug, made the list. If you haven't bought her allbum "5:55," you're missing out on some fine, fashionable, French pop. Here are Vanity Fair's most stylish

Women

Charlotte Gainsbourg
Princess Alexandra of Greece
Marjorie Gubelmann
Princess Mafalda of Hesse
Fran Lebowitz
Michelle Obama
Bee Shaffer
Tilda Swinton
Ivanka Trump
Renée Zellweger

Men

Tiki Barber
Jonathan Becker
Count Manfredi Della Gherardesca
Lapo Elkann
Richard E. Grant
Lenny Kravitz
Luis and Rafael Medina
Hidetoshi Nakata
Nicolas Sarkozy
Gay Talese

Couples

David and Victoria Beckham
The Earl and Countess of Cawdor
Damon Dash and Rachel Roy
Frédéric Fekkai and Shirin von Wulffen
Mitch Glazer and Kelly Lynch
Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore
David Lauren and Lauren Bush
Viscount and Viscountess Linley
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie
Ruben and Isabel Toledo

Hall of Fame
Alba Clemente
George Clooney
Marina Rust Connor
Anderson Cooper
Sofia Coppola
Jemima Khan
Anna Piaggi

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My so-called glamour

Claire Danes is looking incredibly glamorous at the opening of "Stardust" yesterday in Hollywood. The movie looks