On the Brooklyn bound F Train, I couldn't stop staring at Angela's Issey Miyake bag and Lanvin coat -- "A very big gift," she told me. Wonder what she's getting for Christmas.

Who needs an in-flight movie or magazine? Get an aisle seat and study folks walking to the bathroom. Nobody seems to have rear view mirrors at home. Or a fit checker. Baggy, droopy, tight, cutting, too long, too short -- too ugly.

I've been thinking about giving gold stars or smiley faces to the people who get it closest to right. I haven't bought the stars yet but that's okay -- noone to give one to on this flight anyway.

--ELLIN SALTZMAN

Tell me something. Did it suddenly become de rigeur for designers to have an entire body covered in tattoos ?

[Tatted up Project Runway designers, Sweet P and Jeffrey Sebelia]

If we're talking golden oldies, James Galanos, Pierre Cardin, Bill Blass, Geoffrey Beene, and Oscar de la Renta kept their bodies of work on the runway -- as do Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Donna Karan. Michael Kors doesn't have a tattoo either (unless he has a baby one hidden from the public). So what is it? Is it considered sexy -- or pretty????? I know it's not kosher which is why some of the Jewish designers don't have them.

Until I can ask Ralph, Calvin and Donna, please explain.

--ELLIN SALTZMAN

Every year, I flounder over 'weather' or not to purchase super sexy stylish, brand name rain boots or 'weather' to simply stick with my old boring galoshes, that frankly keep me dry but most certainly not fly.

The New York Times has redesigned the site for their magazine, T and I think it's pretty fly. Stare at the homepage for a second (or 60) and you'll see Natalie Portman's expression morph. I know there are way cooler digital effects out there, but simple deets like that make my day.

In February, Gucci and Madonna will be teaming up for New York fashion week to celebrate the opening of the Gucci store in Manhattan on 5th Avenue. They will host a star studded evening that will not only welcome the world’s largest ever Gucci boutique, but will raise money for UNICEF, as well as Madonna’s charity, Raising Malawi.

There’s still time for all you rockin' die-hards to get a cool outfit together for the big Led Zeppelin reunion show in London. Christies will be auctioning 30 of the vintage rock tees featured in vintage clothier Johan Kugelberg’s book "What Comes Around Goes Around: Vintage Rock T-Shirts," at 20 Rockerfeller Plaza (get it?) this afternoon. Be sure to get a seat up front--at $4,500 a pop, they’re a steal compared to that kidney you had to sell to get tickets for the Zep show.

Related Links: Don’t forget to bring your lighter.

—Designer Sue Stemp, on selecting a holiday cocktail dress. From The New York Times.

While the wearing of the long flowing scarf is certainly not a new menswear trend, the use of silk scarves that lean toward more traditionally feminine styles is. Personally, I think it's a very funky and freeing look, though I have to be honest and say that if a man shows up on a first date rocking one these, I would have some questions.

If you've missed any of 'Top Model's' recent hijinks in Shanghai, have no fear: For the first time in nine seasons, you can download full episodes of the show online, which is fab news for the TiVO-less among us. And now with only a few eps left in the season, the remaining four Tyras-in-training have been busy attempting to woo Chinese designers on "go-sees," been shot by an unimpressed Nigel Barker and, next week, are set to be photographed by Ms. Banks herself along the Great Wall. However, with the kooky/wonderful/gorgeous Heather gone, my interest has officially waned. Will I tune in to see how it all turns out? Of course. I'm utterly powerless against the mindlessness. *Sigh.

Style icon Pharrell Williams reveals on his Billionaire Boys Club blog that he recently popped in Hermes to snatch up his custom-made purple alligator Birkin. Fierce. "Murses," or man-purses, often get ridiculed for looking doofusy or feminine, but when your boy bag is a Birkin -- with an accessory from Jacob the Jeweler attached -- even I have to gag. I mean, apart from the fabulousness of going into the Hermes workshop, you know a guy's style and confidence is off the charts when he's rocking a purple purse.

Related Links: A guy could rock this one too, but this one, not so much.

These were honestly two of the most creative neck piece accessories I have seen in a long time. Take special notice of the reconstructed T-shirt into a ruffled tie and the ribbon with miniature embedded sculptures holding up the pendant.

—Designer Pierre Hardy on the design of his new shoe collection for The Gap. From Fashion Week Daily.

My apologies upfront to all of the PETA folks, but I absolutely love these fun fur looks. I am especially digging the funky blue-eyed raccoon hat.

Buzzing around town the other night, I discovered a hot new accessory trend for men. Fitted, brightly colored sparkling sequined hats! I love the jewel tones and the variety of ways that these boys propped them on their heads and yes that is the lovely Richie Rich, co-designer of Heatherette.

Okay, when Nina started out the season by blogging that they wanted the designers to express who they were with fabrics instead of food, I understood where she was coming from. I get that the show is trying to be to fashion what 'American Idol' is to the music industry as far as successful post-show contestants, but three weeks later, I can feel my jaw dropping into a yawn. The guest judges have been amazing -- S. Jess, what took you so long to shrug and giggle behind a judges' card at Michael Kors' pithy quips? And speaking of quips, the gavel gang is sharper than ever. Heidi's "pooing fabric" comment was classic. But the designs have been so safe.

Even though the collar on Sweet P's shirt was crazy and Carmen's look was better suited to Dirk Digler -- thank you, Michael for the 'Boogie Nights' reference -- at least some forward-thinking design peeked through, albeit accidentally.

Note to the PR Powers that Be: Mix it up, quick! Sure we want fabulously wearable fashion, and finding out a hot football star is self-conscious about his butt is priceless for so many different reasons, but in the inimitable words of Britney Spears -- Gimme More. Challenge these designers to create outside the pattern. From their bios we know they're capable of sketching and sewing a saleable look. But we want to get psyched about the next Alexander McQueen, the next Marc Jacobs, the next Donatella Versace. If it takes flowers or food to get us there, then let the projects begin.

Am I the only one who wants to see a model wearing one of the designer's a la carte on her sleeve?

The mixing and matching of both bold, random patterns and neon colors with earth tones, made these fashionistas an eclectic sight for stylish eyes.

These fashionistas caught my eye as soon as they walked into the bar as they provided a diverse array of great winter looks. The swanky wide brim felt hat and honey colored leather cape were among my favorites.

As promised, I did indeed snag a coveted invite to the unveiling of the second Lydia Hearst Puma bag. In between alternatively worrying about calories and scarfing down smoked salmon and chocolate mousse balls down in Soho at the Thompson Hotel last night, I caught up with Lydia to check out the bag-who was not only a doll, but also gave me pointers on its many uses and the best way to rock it.
Peep the video clip below.

A cropped swing jacket and ballet flat on full display at the NY Jets fashion show are proof of the fashionable return of Houndstooth.

Inwardly drooling at these gorgeous men last night at the NY Jets fashion show in the menswear department of Saks Fifth Avenue, I must admit a man in a suit never looked more appealing, charming or dapper. The swank suits were custom tailored for each player and created by luxe brands like Versace and Hugo Boss. Peep the video clip to check out the fashion show.

—Aliona Doletskaya, Editor in Chief, Vogue Russia. From Fashion Week Daily.

Macy’s is suing “Baby Phat” founder and television personality Kimora Lee Simmons for allegedly overcharging the department store for her line of beauty products and then supposedly refusing to reimburse Macy's for the extra cost. Hmm, this is not so fabulous, it will be interesting to see this mega retail giant take on this fashion diva.(via NY Post)

Every woman has gotten a pair of pants hemmed at the tailor and been asked the question, "Are you wearing flats or heels with this?" Um, both? What you wind up with is a situation where some pants can be worn with heels but swim at the ankles with sneakers, and others are highwaters with heels that just perfectly graze the foot with flats. There's never any good solution--until now, perhaps? According to Fashiontribes, a company called Zakkerz makes magnets that purportedly hold a makeshift hem in place. Voila, hemming without the commitment. The downside: one massive cuff.

December 1st marks World AIDS Day and this year Giorgio Armani has created a special Emporio Armani (Product) Red bracelet co-designed by Julia Roberts. The low-key leather bracelets are available in red and brown, will retail for women at $175 and for men at $195, and feature a symbolic tree-of-life imprints. They will be distributed on behalf of Red global initiative in the fight against AIDS in Africa.

Actually, the political style icon herself will not be partnering up with H&M but Finnish fabric company Marimekko will be, the brand whose dresses she made famous back in the ‘60’s. For Summer ‘08, H&M designers will be re-vamping popular Marimekko patterns from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. The collection will feature graphic heavy classic summer shirts and shorts for men and 70's style dresses and tunics for women.

The “Gucci for UNICEF” special edition Indy bag was inspired by the highly successful holiday campaign, this unique accessory along with others was designed by Creative Director Frida Giannini to complement the essential care, protection and education programs supported by the holiday campaign.
Gucci will donate 25% of the sales from the bag shown above, to critical HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs in Malawi and Mozambique. (via UNICEF)

We weren’t surprised to learn that cracked actor/director Vincent Gallo was e-marketing his personal wardrobe along-side a wide range of original designs and services via his website, but we were puzzled by his cut-rate prices. Given Gallo’s boundless egomania, one would expect the gorgeous Gianfranco Ferre tuxedo he wore to the infamous Cannes screening of the Brown Bunny (decried by critic Roger Ebert as the worst film ever shown at the festival) to be selling for loads more than $2,000. It would have cost more than that new. Not only is the waistband of this piece of cinematic history autographed by the auteur, if it hasn't been dry-cleaned, the lucky buyer could walk away with a bit of the love Chloe Sevigny got showered in during filming, and that doesn’t come cheap.

Related Links: Intent on starring your own show? Suit yourself.

Now it's easy for divas like Beyonce, to go from the grocery store to the red carpet in sequins. But what about the rest of us? This fall seems to be the season of sequins and not just for New Year's. This Bailey 44 dress dares to bring out the diva in you with its sassy leopard print and shiny detailing.

My, Cavalli is just spreading his style seed all over these days. First H&M, now the Spice Girls' costumes for their upcoming global reunion tour. I'm not sure if this is genius or going to result in his brand going the way of Burberry-to the cheesy side of fashion. Nevertheless, these freshly revealed designs are a great indicator of Cavalli's creativity and sense of style.

—Designer Roberto Cavalli on the Spice Girls' style and influence. From PopCrunch.

Or at least they love the huge brand endorsement checks. The Gap has released their latest 2007 holiday ads. The entire ad collection features A-listers such as John Krasinski, Angie Harmon, will.i.am, Amy Adams, James Marsden, Amanda Peet, and more.

Gotta love this girl, always on style and always starting trends. Well the new buzz is this ensemble of a thigh-long white blazer paired with over-the-knee suede boots. I can’t lie, I do love this look, not the hair so much, but really when it comes to style can Kate do any wrong?

Meeting the in-laws this Thanksgiving? Re-uniting with your family? Holidays are stressful, and so is finding the appropriate outfit to wear. That is why we put together a series of looks to inspire your Holiday attire. One for a casual fete, another for a more dress up dinner, and the final for a formal affair. Happy Thanksgiving.

I'm so happy that my favorite Portland milliner, Dayna Pinkham, is getting all the press and kudos she deserves after 20 years of plying her craft. She has single-handedly revived the hat-as-accessory trend in Portland (and beyond) and made this once crucial wardrobe staple relevant again. And all you NYC folks take note: Ms. Pinkham will be showing her lovely wares at designer Camilla Staerk's Fall 2008 Fashion Week show in February. All this and Pinkham is throwing herself the birthday party of the year this weekend (to which yours truly is honored to be invited). Congratulations!

Related Links: The perfect winter hat can make the blahs melt away.

First Burberry snatches its tartan from England's chavs and now this: Louis Vuitton just won an 160,000 euro settlement and effectively banned a Britney Spears video that prominently displays a pink Hummer upholstered in what resembles LV's "cherry blossom" fabric. The settlement was against Sony BMG and MTV Online, not Spears herself, but we can't help but wonder if LV's throwing shade had anything to do with the singer's recent image crises. (If so, it's gotta sting that an entire brand doesn't even want to be associated with you. I mean, they let Lil' Kim slide.) Geesh. We hate to think what they'd do to this Oldsmobile.

Related Links: If anyone's next to clamp down on the bastardization of a logo, it would be these folks.

Well actually from what we hear, Stacey London will be ringing our cellies with style tips. London and Sprint have teamed up to help you-via a 5 question quiz-determine which mobile phones work best with your wardrobe, from your designer jeans to your bag. Personally, what would make this really fun is if you get a free ringtone of Stacey going “Shut-up!” after you take the quiz. Yeah, right.

—Designer Catherine Malandrino on the NYCB's costumes. From Fashion Week Daily.

Talk about hi-lo. Sarah Jessica Parker -- of Manolo Blahnik-fiending, Carrie Bradshaw fame (not Jon Bon Jovi as rumored) -- breezed into the Project Runway workroom and challenged the designers to come up with a high-end, $40 look for her Bitten line.

It was genius -- and confusing -- this juxtaposition of S. Jess talking $40 when she was wearing what looked like a $4000 outfit. And based on the resulting styles that catwalked down the runway, it looked like the contestants were perplexed too as they seemed to be designing for the guest judge's 'Sex and the City' alter-ego instead of Bitten.

[photos courtesy of HBO.com and Bravotv.com]

But as I pored through her 'Sex & the City' looks, I appreciated the statement she was trying to make in spite of her celebrity self: $40, or $4000, it's all in how you Carrie yourself. But speaking of, I couldn't find Victorya and Kevin's winning, Carrie-esque shirt dress for sale on the Bitten site, as promised. Think it'll end up on Carrie in next summer's 'Sex & the City' movie?