Happy fall, everyone!

Even if the weather in your area is still doing a remarkable imitation of summer, take heart—it's the first day of fall!

Sure, it might be a little early to don cozy jackets and boots, but it's never too soon to hit the stores to get those Fall 2008 essentials in place.

So what are we looking for this season? Dressingwell lays out the top 10:

1. Gray and purple hues
2. Ruffled blouses
3. Ankle booties (a yummy holdover from last fall!)
4. Floral skirts
5. Cropped tuxedo jackets, great for day or evening
6. Colorful oversized handbags
7. Menswear details (think oxford pumps, tweed pants, and blazers, blazers, blazers!)
8. Ballet flats (go for a slight heel and pointy toe, like on this Tommy Hilfiger Avery flat, for a look that's au courant)
9. Patterned tights, a great way to add texture, color, and fun to any outfit
10. Jeweled necklaces

Got all that? Well, what are you waiting for? Hit those shops and celebrate the season with hot fashions for cool temps!

(Image: nordstrom.com)

Fashion Week highlights part III

You didn't actually think our Fashion Week commentary would be complete without checking in on the kids from this season's Project Runway, did you?

We have to admit, many things about this season left us scratching our heads, this more than all others: six designers showing at Bryant Park? The three finalists plus three decoys? Are you kidding me? The show started with 16 contestants ... and nearly a third of them make it to the tents? OK, we'd best not get started down that road. On to the fashions!

For the much-maligned Season 5, we're going to call it a showdown between Portland, OR–based Leanne Marshall and Korto Momolu from Little Rock, AR by way of Liberia. Both ladies have impressed us all season with their innovative uses of fabric, their attention to the tiniest details, and their impeccable tailoring. Since the whole PR show featured 60 looks (10 from each of the—ack— six designers), we're just going to focus on our top two.

Korto Momolu: The designers didn't get many opportunities to send classic eveningwear down the runway this season, and it's a pity, because it's where Korto really shines. We love this jewel green halter gown for its sophisticated, fluid lines and the interesting twist of using beading as part of the halter. Using a satin this shiny is always a risk because the fabric shows every little flaw, but here, there clearly aren't any. Bravo, Korto!

Leanne Marshall: After her distastrous showing in the second episode (and the dress that inspired the Project Rungay boys to dub her "Judy Noodles"), Leanne took off and never looked back; she's the only designer this season to win back-to-back challenges. The look at right perfectly embodies what Leanne does best: bend fabric to her will and let it do the talking. Often teased about her shy, quiet demeanor, Leanne calls herself "the silent fashion assassin"—and this season, she just may eliminate all competitors on sheer talent, proving that nice girls can finish first.

(Source: Project Rungay)

Fashion Week highlights part II

Even thought there was a refreshing shortage of florals at the Spring 2009 shows (As Miranda famously quipped in The Devil Wears Prada, "Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking."), the masters of print patterns still had plenty to work with in adding flair to their already famous silhouettes.

Oscar de la Renta: The mark of a true master is the ability to wow us season after season without sacrificing his point of view, and no one does this better than Oscar. Of course we expect to see classic lines and feminine silhouettes, but this season, he kicked it up a notch (bam!) by using some eye-popping geometrics and, of course, his beloved ikat (a staple in Oscar's collections since Spring 2005). The silver maco bead embroidered strapless gown at right was the final piece of the show—good thing, since it's definitely a show-stopper.


Diane von Furstenberg: No one does prints better than Diane, and her hippie-inspired Spring 2009 line reminds us why she's the reigning queen. The show was awash in colorful patterns from ombrè to wild abstracts in purples, fuschias, oranges, and reds. And as far as we can tell, not a traditional floral in sight. Beautifully tailored and impeccably matched, each look was so expertly crafted that only in retrospect would one ask one's self, "Did she really mix an orange abstract trouser with a fuscia cardigan?"

(Sources: FabSugar and Coquette)

Fashion Week highlights part I

From what we've seen so far, you can forget about dreamy pastels and nap-inducing floral prints in Spring 2009 ... because next season, it's all about color, color, COLOR, baby!

Inspired by artist Bruce Nauman, designer Doo.Ri infused her spring line with bold pops of neon, from shocking pink to out-there aqua. "I was inspired by his work and his use of neon art," she told Fashion Week Daily. "I wanted to inject that through the colors, the fluorescents, on a background of gray."


Anna Sui chose to venture south of the border for her inspiration: pops of color amidst rich earth tones, embroidery, and colorful lace accents. Styled with bold, fun accessories including chunky beaded jewelry, straw hats and bags, and even cowboy boots, her models looked like they'd just returned from spring break in Cancun ... but in a good way.


Even the notoriously restrained Vera Wang couldn't resist getting in on the fun. "I wanted to play," she noted after the show. "There was toughness, but also magic kingdom pale neon colors. It was like being an artist; it's girly with a tough act. That's who I am." And play is exactly what she did, layering sheers over unexpected pieces like leather pants and even having some fun with menswear-inspired jackets and blazers. Nice to see our Vera breaking out of her comfort zone and exploring new territory while still staying true to her aesthetic.

Stay tuned for more highlights!

(Source: Fashion Week Daily)

Fall trend alert: plaid

If plaid patterns evoke unpleasant memories of either your own private school experiences or the "naughty coed" craze that accompanied Britney's first video, it's time to put those demons to rest. Because in Fall 2008, plaid is back in a big way—even if your school uniform days are long behind you.

From cozy wool jumpers to funky tights to handbags and shoes (like these über-cute wedges from Volatile), plaid will be showing up everywhere you look this season. And not just in the traditional grays and beiges either—look for funky combinations featuring swaths of purple, orange, yellow, electric blue, and neon red.

We've gotta say, after being inundated with florals several seasons in a row, it's quite a refreshing change.

Oh, and if you've been thinking about talking your man into wearing a kilt, now's definitely the time.

Fall 08 according to Pantone

With Labor Day less than a week away, it's time to get serious about fall fashion shopping, ladies. And who better to consult on what hues are hot this season than the good people at Pantone?

If you think we're in for the same old browns, rusts, and beiges this season, then get ready for a vibrant surprise.

"This season we are seeing a shift toward cool hues with bright, exciting undertones," said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute^®. "Blue and purple tones have become staples, as illustrated by Blue Iris, one of the top 10 colors chosen by designers this season, and Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2008."

We're so looking forward to rocking this palette that we can hardly wait for the first cool front. Bring it on!

P.S. To see the full range of colors—and to see how designers such as Elie Tahari, Zac Posen, and Betsey Johnson are bringing them to life—, you can download the full Fall 2008 Color Report from Pantone's website.

Are you ready for style survival?

It's 8:30 pm, and you are so ready for a well-deserved night on the town. Hair is rockin', outfit is fierce, makeup is perfection, feet are ready to dance the night away.

Fast-forward to 2:30 am and, ah, let's see ... hair is a mess of flyaways, blouse is sporting a spot of spilled strawberry margarita, makeup is about as fresh as yesterday's takeout, and feet feel like you just ran eight marathons in stilettos.

But it doesn't have to be that way—with a little advance preparation, you can be ready for any fashion emergency and keep your fabulous look all the way to sunrise.

Elle magazine makes it easy with a list of must-haves for surviving the most common saboteurs, from out-of-control hair (DStat Static Relief Hair Spritz by Tancar, pictured) to makeup meltdown (Nars the Multiple).

Of course they did miss a few essentials, like Hollywood Fashion Tape, Behind the Seams, and Nippies—all must-haves for any survival kit.

Whether you were a Girl Scout or not, it's always best to be prepared. With a little advance planning, you can make sure you finish out the night looking as fabulous as when it began.

Fashion's defining moment? You decide.

What was fashion's defining moment? Jackie's trend-setting appearance at the 1960 Presidential inauguration? The launch of Marc Jacobs' infamous 1992 "grunge" collection? Grace Kelly's debut of what came to be known as Hermès' "Kelly Bag" in 1956?

Women's Wear Daily is trying to decide ... and they need your help.

Each week, the site will put 25 potential "fashion moments" up for your consideration. You can vote once a day, and each time you'll earn a chance at a $2,500 designer handbag, a $1,000 AmEx gift card and an Apple iPod Touch.

Every Monday, you'll get to see the previous week's top vote-getters. Then, beginning August 25, the most popular 15 will compete to be named Fashion's Defining Moment, which will be revealed on September 2.

Cast your vote today—and every day—to play your part in fashion history ... and get a chance at some fab prizes along the way.

Meet the Class of Season 5!

We have to admit, Season 5 of Bravo's Project Runway—which kicks off tomorrow at 9 pm ET—kind of snuck up on us.

Not that Bravo's been working very hard to promote their most successful show. Could this have something to do with the producers' pending jump to the Lifetime network?

Anyway, you can get a sneak peek at this season's class of designers over at Bravo's website. So who will be this season's winner? Fan favorite? Biggest cryer? Biggest brat?

It all starts tomorrow night, so get ready. Until then, let's all enjoy a little blast from the past:

Summer trend alert: one-shoulder dresses

You've been working on your tan (safely, right?) and now it's time to show it off. In the next phase of the Grecian goddess trend, one-shoulder dresses are emerging into the spotlight this summer.

Look around a bit and you'll find some stunning white numbers to really show off your summertime bronze, or put your style on display in one of this season's bright colors—we're over the moon for this mega-gorge green sensation from Alice + Olivia.

Of course, since the no-black-after-Memorial-Day rule went out the window with the "girls don't call boys" convention, black is a classic choice that knows no season.

Ready to put a little za-za-zu in your summer? Give boring dresses the cold shoulder and slip into some serious goddess garb!

Bravo breaks through summer slump

It seems like we were just getting used to TV's return after the writers' strike when our fave shows started saying goodbye for the summer. But thanks to our good friends at Bravo, we have not one but two fabulousness-laden reality shows to look forward to.

First, it's another hair-raising (and curling, and fluffing, and hedge-clipping) season of Shear Genius, the network's quest to uncover the next great hair designer. Who will join Season 1 winner Anthony Morrison in the Coif Hall of Fame?

And, of course, this summer brings us not just another season of our favorite sartorial smackdown, Project Runway, but the last to air on Bravo before the show moves to Lifetime. Who will be the next great fashion designer? Who will be this season's surprise celebrity judge (á la last season's Sarah Jessica Parker and Victoria Beckham)? And, more importantly, which designer will give us the next great Tim Gunn impersonation?



Both premieres have yet to be scheduled, so stay tuned to Getting Underneath for details.

Spring trend alert: into the nude

Every season has its star neutral—last fall, it was cozy gray, and in Spring 2008, peek-a-boo nude is the neutral of choice to accompany the season's bold florals and candy-hued brights. A few of our fave examples:

What's the best way to balance Spring 2008's bright, funky array of shoes? By pairing them with a simple, sophisticated nude dress, like this elegant cowl-neck knit creation from Calvin Klein.

Want to make your legs look a mile long? Slip on a pair of nude-colored pumps, like this scrumptious option from Cole Haan—the perfect complement for those spring florals that are often so hard to match.

Sure, last season's bright bag trend has carried over, but you still need a reliable neutral to accompany bold prints so that you don't look like a Crayola factory explosion. Might we suggest this gorgeous "St. Tropez" Cutout Handle Satchel from Botkier.


So the next time you're ready for a break from the bolder side of spring, just slip into the nude!

Red carpet report: Met Costume Institute Gala

What the Oscars are to L.A., the Met's Costume Institute Gala is to New York. Every year Gotham's biggest stars show up to sashay down the red carpet in their latest finery ... oh, and we think there's, like, some kind of museum display involved, but whatev.

The theme of last night's event was "superheroes"—so which looks were worthy of hero-worship and which deserved to be dragged off to a fortress of solitude? Here's our take:

Christina Ricci in Givenchy

La Ricci's had her share of misses over the years, but this one's definitely a hit. The bustier foundation gives a subtle nod to the evening's theme (Wonder Woman, anyone?), and the diaphanous overlayer adds a touch of femininity without being over-the-top.

Camilla Belle in Armani

Camilla Belle looks très belle indeed in this pale aqua creation from Armani, featuring a delicate one-shoulder detail and graceful triangular layers. Maybe not something you'd want to go saving the world in, but definitely refined, feminine, and unique.

Mary-Kate Olsen in Diane von Furstenberg

Hey, now, be nice. It was awfully sweet of MK to roll out of bed and throw on her mom's poolside coverup just to grace the function with her presence, don't you think? Now, we love us some DvF, but, ah, we have to say that she mailed this one in.

Click on over to FabSugar for a complete rundown of the evening's super-hots and super-nots.

Friday funnies: future fashion, 70s style

If this first weekend of May finds you hitting the stores to complete your spring wardrobe, you might want to take some fashion notes from this "fashion of the future" clip from the 1970s.

Truly, who knew that the right outfit could eliminate the need for "cumbersome handbags?" What a revelation! That sweet little Hermès bag you just spent two paychecks on? No need! Toss it out with yesterday's trash and score yourself one of these sweet silvery numbers with enough gadgets to make Batman green with envy.

Enjoy a good laugh on this lovely Friday morning, girls!

(Hat tip: GiggleSugar)

Stylin' a la Hilton

It was big sister Paris who first brought the Hilton family squarely into the media spotlight, but younger sibling Nicky has managed to carve out a strong niche of her own: over the last few years, she’s opened her own line of boutique hotels, launched not one but two fashion lines, and emerged as a pop culture icon in her own right.

Of course no matter where she goes, Nicky always manages to look fabulous, which is why Glam.com fashion editor Susan Cernek asked her to share her top-10 style commandments with the rest of us. And we have to say, for a girl who lives in the lap of luxury, her tips are amazingly practical:

1. Always have a black pump in your closet.


2. Don’t buy up every “it bag.” They go out of style fast. Invest in a classic.


3. If you’re short, avoid ankle straps on shoes. They cut your leg off and make your legs look short.


4. Wear your jewelry during the day. Its ALWAYS ok to wear diamonds.


5. Buy a great coat every season. It doesn’t matter what you’re wearing underneath if you have a fabulous coat.


6. Wear color. It gets you noticed.


7. Always have manicured nails.


8. Accessorize with colorful or printed scarves. They can really dress up an outfit.


9. Buy vintage. That way, you know you’re not going to bump into anyone wearing the same thing as you.


10. Buy a great pair of boots. Knee-high, ankle…whatever.

Ready to get your Hilton style on for spring? You have the rules—go for it!

April showers survival guide (part II)

Rockin' umbrella in hand, you're now ready for the worst this soggy April has to throw at you, right? Ah, not quite.

You'll need some kind of overgarment to keep your silks, cashmeres, and other delicate fabrics from turning into matted, streaky messes. Save the plastic for your grandma's furniture, honey—for a true fabulista, only a sweet li'l trench will do.

To bring a dash of sunshine to even the dreariest afternoon, nothing compares to this fabulous Italian Paper-Poplin Raincoat from J. Crew.

Not quite fierce enough for you? Those who need a little more "mrowwwr" in their style will go wild for the hazy leopard print in this incredible L.A.M.B. Triple Pocket Trench Coat.

"But no," you protest. "I am the ultimate girly-girl, and nothing goes on my back that would not have been worn proudly by Grace Kelly on her way to lunch at The Ritz." Fear not, princess, we've got you covered, too. Feast your eyes on this Ramosport Iridescent Taffeta Trench Coat. Think that'll work for ya?

Let those April showers drench and douse—you'll be prepared with togs and gear so fabulous, you wouldn't mind waiting a couple weeks longer for those May flowers to take over.

April 15 treats for the tax-weary

You’ve made it through another tax season, girls, and we at Getting Underneath feel you deserve a treat for surviving all those forms, all those rules, and all those conflicting bits of random advice. Whether your 2007 tax return leaves you expecting a refund (“in the money”) or owing Uncle Sam (“in the red”), it’s time to reward yourself with a gift (not deductible, sadly) and indulge in one of this season’s hottest trends.

Red lipstick

• In the Money? Dior Addict in Positive Red ($25 at Nordstrom)
• In the Red? NYC Ultra Moist LipWear in Retro Red ($0.99 at CVS)

Big bag, bright color

• In the Money? Prada Tessuto Weave Tote in Turchese (left, $1,230 at Bergdorf Goodman)
• In the Red? Andi Tote in Light Blue (right, $29.99 at baghaus.com)

Rope-accented wedges

• In the Money? Castaner by Ibiza ($261 at Zappos.com)
• In the Red? Romance Espadrille by Montego Bay Club ($19.99 at Payless)

Flirty dress in a bold print

• In the Money? Anna Sui Deco Crown Print Minidress (left, $332 at Saks)
• In the Red? AB Studio Swirl Babydoll Dress (right, $29.50 at Kohl’s)

And if you find it just too taxing to choose, pop in a favorite CD, light a few candles, and slip into a luxurious bubble bath for a long, well-deserved soak. ($0.00 at your place)

Whatever you do, enjoy—you deserve it!

April showers survival guide (part I)

Before the May flowers begin appearing, April's showers are de rigeur—but that doesn't have to mean a girl's forced to settle for the same old waterproof gear. Over the next few weeks, we'll be bringing you some rainy-day wear that's so fabulous, you'll want to go puddle-jumping every day.

As Rihanna will attest, the first thing a girl needs to face the rainy season is a fabulous umbrella (ella ... ella ... yeah, yeah, we get it). And after a little research, we've uncovered an amazing source brought to you by those who know a thing or two about rainy weather: the Brits.

Umbrellaboutique.co.uk offers a huge selection of stylish umbrellas, featuring designs from Jean Paul Gaultier, Guy de Jean, Frank Usher and some of the world's most storied umbrella design houses (yes, they do exist). Some of our favorites:

Red Queen by Frank Usher, featuring a hand-stitched clear Swarovski crystal exterior and a red diamante encrusted handle


Black Bodice by Jean Paul Gaultier, with a provocative lace-up detail and a black Gaultier mannequin handle


Glamour by Pasotti, featuring a dark-brown sateen exterior, a funky animal print inside, and a fluted curved silver gilt metal handle


With umbrellas this fabulous, you'll be checking the forecast to make sure you catch every shower around!

Spring trend alert: shine on, neon!

Remember all those gorgeous grays from Fall 2007? Fahgeddaboutit! This season, color is all the rage, and the more outrageous, the better.

Versace, Yves Saint-Laurent, Lanvin, and even diehard conservatives like Ralph Lauren rocked the Spring '08 runways with a rainbow of hues that would do any grade-schooler's paint set proud.

From Bermuda-sunset pink to traffic-cone orange to grape-soda purple, this is the season of the look-at-me color palette. So get in touch with your inner show-off and get ready to have all eyes on you!

(Image: style.com)

Spring trend alert: full skirts

As the weather continues to warm up, those legs of ours start begging for a little exposure—and what better way to usher in the season than with a full, flirty skirt?

Sure, you could reach for a tried-and-true neutral, but this season, the options are broader than ever before. We're particularly taken with this Mimi Chica Printed Skirt from Nordstrom, which also rocks the season's hot-hotty-hot tribal-print trend.

Just add an ultra-cute tank top and a sassy wedge or flat sandal, and you're ready strut your spring-siren stuff!

(Hat tip: Budget Fashionista)