How does one look chic in the winter months? It can be quite a challenge for those living in an especially cold climate. Between layers of sweaters, scarves, and coats, one can easily feel (and look) more Michelin Man than modern mademoiselle. Thankfully Shaun Kearney’s latest collection for Cynthia Steffe offers both fashion and function [...]

Dear Miss A,
Traditionally we don’t wear white shoes/handbag’s before Easter, some say before Memorial Day. Now that I mention it, I wonder which one it is? My question is in regards to straw handbags. Would the same rule apply?
Thanks,
Confused
Dear Confused,
Let me start off by saying  that I do not claim to be an expert. My [...]

This St. Patrick’s Day, instead of just wearing green for the day, why not truly “go green” and make a real fashion statement? There are scores of eco-friendly companies producing clothing, shoes, and accessories from sustainable, recycled, and locally made/sourced materials. And I’m not talking about ’80s-style, boho stuff. These days, there are some incredibly [...]

Recently, I’ve been thinking a lot about how important it is to look your very best, whether you’re single, in a relationship, a mom, or childless. This is something I believe so strongly in that I never set foot in the gym without at least a coat of mascara on. That’s because the way I [...]

In February, Earthworks released its findings on how jewelers and retailers fared in ethical sourcing of metals.  The DC-based advocacy group behind the No Dirty Gold Campaign rated 39 jewelers between February and October 2009.
Among the small jewelry designers was Alberto Parada. The award-winning eco-luxe designer received a B grade, which translates to 11 points [...]

You survived Snowmageddon but don’t think of retiring your winter coat just yet.  Mother Nature continues her cooling streak with high winds and showers through March.  Now is a good time to invest in a vegan, ethically-produced coat to keep the wind and cold at bay.
Head to Carbon where you can pick up the “Maryanne” [...]

A reader of my blog recently pondered the question of what to pack when visiting the most fashionable city in the world: Paris. Parisian style is world renown, so wondering what to pack for a first-time visit is a totally legitimate concern. Who wants to be caught looking like the classic American tourist? Not moi, [...]

Ah, J. Mendel. The other furrier with the key to my heart. The Mendel family’s fall 2010 collection has me swooning just like Basso’s did. The fur! The muffs! The socks! The slouch boots!* I die!
* Slouch boots are going to be huge this fall. More about that in a future post.
All photos by Marcio [...]

I want to live in this collection. At my chalet in the Alps.
Never mind that I’m not really into skiing. What I am into is fur, because there is nothing warmer in winter. Though in my heart I want to have the willpower to be a vegan, eschew fur, and feel comfortable wearing pleather shoes [...]

As someone who is a fan of avant garde’ fashion, drools at the over-the-top antics of John Galliano and Alexander McQueen and thinks Lady Gaga is a genius, it takes a lot for a runway look to shock me. But when designer Isabel Mastache debuted her new collection at Madrid Fashion Week, even I left [...]