How fly is this fashionista? Drenched in sunlight and wearing a Mona Lisa like smirk, she told me to create her Curbside story. Ha!

Okay... so she's Irish, an au pair to Andy Warhol's grandchildren (work with me) by day and an incredibly popular burlesque dancer by night...or she fell so in love with The Devil Wears Prada, that she chained herself to a park bench outside of Vogue's offices until Anna Wintour gave her a lowly intern position.

Whatever her deal is, I'm totally diggin' her felt, black raffia hat.

As much as I am over all things '80s, I couldn't help but snap these wonder twins. Dressed like they just stepped out of LL Cool's Around the Way Girl video, Coco & Breezy not only belong to a retro crew, but model, dance and design. Love it! Check out our Kanye-inspired shades, retro tees and funky leggings to get this day-glo look.

Related Links: If you're a lil' scared of neon, Nina Garcia's got some ideas how to light things up without blinding anyone.

So, the new way to spot a fake Gucci (or "Fucci") belt is if someone's wearing it like a Miss America sash. As I walked down Canal Street on my way to meet a friend for dinner this past Friday, I saw two dudes sporting their Fucci belts across their chests as they brokered deals with tourists for more of the fake stuff. Hakim paused to pose for me before returning to handle his business. If you want the real thing, get your Gucci here -- and send a letter to Diane Von Furstenberg.

Anna was standing over me on the Queensbound E train when I snapped her in her key lime pie-green sateen trench, print scarf, argyle knee-hi socks and rosette-buttoned ankle booties. I loved the way she mixed spring's acid color trend with fall's cloud-gray pieces. And I loved even more that she wore this to her job as a paralegal. Yay for workplace self-expression!

Whew. And you thought Fashion Week was exahusting. We've just returned from Magic in Las Vegas, where some 120,000 people from 80 countries either exhibited or came to check out some 5,000 brands of clothing and accessories. (The convention center where the event was held is 3.2 million sq. ft.) The most exciting space was again the "streetwear" floor, where the Rocawears, Sean Johns, Baby Phats and such of the world constructed massive, sometimes two-story mini stores to display their goods. Of course, peeping folks individual styles were another big draw, and here you see Nesha of L.A. Though she gets like, a million points on her hair alone, her purple passion as expressed through Gap jeans, Artful Crafty top along with Chanel bangles (you don't see her Nike high tops with purple slouch socks) made her a hit even among the crowds.

It's really no big surprise that Megin, 24, is a fashion design student hailing from Fishtown, where she's about to decorate her new loft with the same philosophy she has for fashion: "Grab what I find and put it together!" But Megin's secret is making sure she scoops up only what she's in love with, whether it be her dark mustard-colored scarf from a street vendor in London, her grandmom's old boots, her amazing Viktor & Rolf coat or her big pair of '70s glasses, tinted purple.

I honestly ran back two blocks to catch up with Joey because he was so fabulous. This FIT design student manages to rock Betsey Johnson stilettos, skinny jeans, a Birkin bag and a turban sealed with a beautiful pendant. When I asked him what was going to be his signature item, he shouted, "The turban, I'm going to make it the new baseball cap!" My instincts tell me he probably will.

At Kimora Lee Simmons' Fall '08 show, my row mate and show buddy pointed out Jan Arnold's sick Gaultier coat.

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.

We spotted Kiki, 30, during a coffee run, getting some much-needed caffeine for a chilly, dreary Monday. She wrapped herself in this adorable grey and navy plaid coat by Calvin Klein -- the pockets are deep enough to hold her iPod, her keys, and the multitude of pens this grad student always carries. The bold pleating, oh-so-sweet empire waist and gently puffed sleeves amp function up to fashion. She tops that off with a black scarf from the local H&M for maximum toasty-ness, rounding out her outfit with simple leggings and bright hues: lace-less aqua slip-ons from Kate Spade and a worn-in teal Aldo bag. "I've had it for ages, but it still holds all the crap I need to hold and hasn't broken yet!"

I met Ietef H. while promoting the Affordable Textbook Campaign on the Auraria Campus. He was kind enough to write a hand-written letter to our legislator and while doing so, I noticed his funky outfit. I couldn't help but take a quick pic. Turns out, his outfit is indeed fascinating. The sports coat was bought at a thrift store in Denver, but it's from Barneys New York and made in Italy -- it was a steal for $20. So were his $45 Banana Republic jeans, also found at a thrift store. The beautiful hand-made shirt is from Kenya and bought at a local market for $30. The cool hat is Knox and was bought by his great-great-grandfather at the old Denver Dry Goods Store downtown. Add the camouflage Vans shoes, the political Malcolm X flair and this Metro State Music & African-American Studies student is ready to rock the house.

Related Links: Big prints, good deals.

Once you get through the tweed and cord blazers, the exasperated stares of overworked students intensely drinking espresso and socializing with other angst-ridden, straight-jean wearing friends, you'll find people like Erica, a free lovin', color-friendly iconoclast who could be a dead ringer for Vivienne Westwood and adores shopping in her free time. "I love to mix designers," says Erica, sporting an Evelin Brandt jacket from Berlin, a Sigal Dekel t-shirt from Israel, an Aurora skirt and red Dansko shoes -- a welcome breath of sunshine in the midst of all things Harvard.

Related Links: Find your own inner muse in a pair of red shoes.

I was walking down Peachtree in the heart of Midtown, Atlanta, when I spotted Gizzelle in her chic black and white outfit. At the time, I wasn't even looking for style on the street, but I just had to catch up with her and take her picture. It was no surprise to hear that Gizzelle is in a glamorous profession as a fashion designer and well-known tailor to local hipsters, professionals, and even a few celebrity clients. For Gizzelle, style is all about personal touches. She customized the inexpensive white dress she's wearing by adding the band of black lace to the bottom, bringing the stylish factor way up. Gizzelle is currently working on her spring 2008 line, so keep up with what's new with her at www.gizzellejames.com. She is wearing a black blazer by Tahari, which she got at Neiman Marcus Last Call; a restyled white dress from another outlet store that she cannot remember; black peep-toe pumps from Nine West; and a Marc Jacobs Stam bag.

Related Links: A white dress with black detailing and a Marc Jacobs handbag? Perfect.

We spotted Rachel M. getting her shop on near Anthropologie, the same place where she snagged this adorable and delicate black velvet dress. The bold yellow sash highlights the flattering empire waist, and the polka dots make a dangerously luxe fabric more fun than formal. After all, that's what this 22-year-old student loves: "clothes with a sense of happy." And don't forget to add a pinch of sumptuous; her flat sandals are from a buttery leather, embellished with slate-colored metal details. "They're sexy enough thanks to the straps, but are totally comfortable and practical since they're flat," she says. Right now, she can't wait to break out her tights of many colors – yellow, aubergine, teal, and the usual suspects of black and brown – when there's finally a chill in the air. We bet they'll add a dash of happy to whatever she's wearing!

Kara N., age 19, was looking très chic on her way to her French class at the University of Minnesota. Kara, a journalism major, is a sophomore at the University; she makes the most of her fashion by finding fabulous deals. Her Kenneth Cole dress was found for $15 at Macy’s and her peep toe BCBG flats were found at TJ Maxx. Top it off with a slouchy bag, dangly accessories, and oversized sunglasses and this simple dress is classic street fashion! Another familiar fashionista to street fashion is Kara's style icon, Carrie Bradshaw, mainly because "we have the same hair."

Related Links: Who doesn't love a deal from Kenneth Cole?

More street fashion straight from the tents at Bryant Park. If it's not enough, check out The Sartorialist's finds. If it's too much, check out The Sortorialist.

Some of the city's most fashionable hovering outside the Bryant Park tents.

Amongst a crowd of tees and jeans, Kathleen’s pinstripe shirt dress was a welcome standout. As she put down her bulging shopping bags to give me a proper pose, I could tell this girl was a pro. The up and coming actress has individual style, but still shows the influence of Atlanta’s huge sneaker culture by pairing her ladylike dress with colorful kicks. I spotted her in Little Five Points, her favorite Atlanta shopping neighborhood, hitting up all best places to find her favorite stuff - vintage and renewal clothing. Kathleen is wearing a dress and belt from a thrift store, a vintage Dooney & Burke bag, and shoes by Ed Hardy.
--the fashion cult

Related Links: So cute, so easy, the striped shirtdress.

Katie, 21, made a big impression on us with her mod-inspired vintage finds. But we weren't the only ones! She made it onto the jumbo video screens at the Virgin Music Festival in Baltimore, Maryland. This theater design major hightailed it north from Asheville, North Carolina, in her super-comfy Rocketdog flats, keeping it cute, if not incognito, in sleek 70s shades, where we found her in the front row during Peter, Bjorn and John's set. Her vintage print dress would be at home on Twiggy -- no surprise here, considering the 60s icon is Katie's fashion idol...along with Geri Blank (Amy Sedaris’ geriatric high school-er from "Strangers with Candy"). For the fall, though, Katie is aspiring to look a little more hip-professional than hip-replacement-candidate (a la Blank): "I'm on the lookout for high-waisted, wide-leg trousers," she says.

We weren't surprised to find Jackie B. looking for some plain tops to play with at American Apparel. After all, her favorite thing to do "is to change things up." This 20-year-old Penn student stayed true to that concept when she paired an Anthropologie jumper and Balenciaga bag with affordable Kmart slip-ons and a T-shirt from Gap, expertly joining quirky and luxe. But like her fashion idol (and Marc Jacobs' cohort) photographer Cindy Sherman, simply mixing it up wasn't enough. Jackie used a gold necklace to lengthen the strap on her bag and took a pair of scissors to her gray-and-baby-blue-striped former-crewneck shirt. Top it off with super nerd-chic glasses -- "the kind the army used to prescribe." -- and voila!

Related Links: Join a cute jumper and slip-ons with something special.

I discovered Wendy sitting on a park bench enjoying the great weather in Des Moines, Iowa. As a local gal and a broke college student, she loves shopping anywhere thrifty and second-hand or wherever there are good sales. She found her glasses and her striped jersey dress at H&M on sale. Her necklace is from Goodwill, and her bag is from the local thrift store, Crowded Closet.

Related Links: Keep cool in a striped tank dress and shades.

We spotted Erin S. strolling Royal Street’s boutiques and galleries on the first Saturday of Jazz Fest. Ladylike and still a little funky, the assistant boutique manager says she developed her style with an eye on comfort first, uniqueness second. The New Orleans native managed to look cool on a sweltering day in her colorful skirt, tank and shrug. But the 25-year-old hasn’t always been so put-together and admits that her worst fashion mistake involved oversized khaki pants. We think she’s doing just fine these days. What she’s wearing:

+ skirt – Duo
+ lace camisole- American Eagle
+ shrug – Target
+ shoes – Journeys
+ sunglasses- Sweet Pea and Tulip
+ jewelry – Urban Outfitters and Finds from the local French Market
+ purse – a custom-ordered bag from Moe Bag out of Austin.

-- Arin

It was a typically hot summer day on the east side of Atlanta and Erin was keeping cool in this tummy-baring top with skinny jeans. Not many can pull off a look like this, but she tied the outfit together with hot pink top and matching fat laces (love them!). Erin was out shopping with friends without a single bag in her hands -- not even a purse! She takes a similarly laid back approach to fashion, having no real favorite stores or designers. “I just wear what I like,” she says. Her pink T-shirt from and belt are from a thrift store, the grey jeans are by Luxe at Urban Outfitters, and shoes by Vans from an outlet store.
--the fashion cult

We found Lauren W. at Salt Lake City's arts festival, where, shall we say, much of the style on display was a little rough around the edges. Her bright flowy dress stood out in the crowd, as did her big smile and friendly demeanor. Not many can pull off a curve-hugging piece like this 20-year-old Nashville native can! We chatted a bit about fashion and when she mentioned her favorite accessory -- a certain gun pendant necklace -- her friend gasped in disbelief and punched her in the arm. Turns out it was her friend's necklace, not hers.
+ dress: Forever 21
+ shoes: Journeys
+ bag: Old Navy
+ ring & earrings: Forever 21
+ bracelets: her sisters (clearly she likes borrowing accessories)
--Shelly

Interior designer Jessica H. was on her way to Rittenhouse Park with a friend when we spotted her. Though she confessed she's really on the lookout to score some bright yellow dresses this summer, she was rocking this satin purple trapeze-y frock from The Limited. As a recent graduate, it makes sense that Jessica is a big fan of regal plums and mauves right now “because the color represents and attracts money.” We're sure she saved on her adorable leather clutch -- it was a vintage find in her grandmother's closet! And even though her shoes were sensible, too -- metallic Steve Madden flats for walking the city -- she hardly looked stuffy. In fact, we think she looked rather breezy and sophisticated. Nice work, Jessica!
-- Jaimie

Regina is a Fashion student at Florida International University, and works as a sales associate in Diane von Furstenberg boutique. She certainly has a very Miami fashion sensibility -- modern beach chic. Appropriately, Regina’s favorite fashion find is always a great dress, which makes her feel feminine and at ease. She's wearing a dress by DVF, her sandals are by Mystique, her oversized gray leather bag Isabella Fiore, and she's rocking her own leather bracelets and bangles.

We met Brooklyn-based DJ Patrick Rood, 25, on his way to a photo shoot in Soho (look for him in the August issue of XLR8R magazine). He told us he spun electro and house but we saw the first Fugees record on that little hand-truck of his so we guess he's sort of a Renaissance man. Style-wise he's a prince. He told us he likes to shop vintage in Williamsburg (Mishka, Beacon's Closet) but when it's time to get dressed, he just wears what feels right. Today he's he’s feeling modern:

Tee-shirt and gray plastic necklaces: Name Ribbon
Skinny Jeans: Trash and Vaudeville. "I had to buy them when I worked as a personal assistant to (performance artist) Terence Koh. His entire staff has to wear all-white."
Sneakers: Vans
Backpack: 555 Soul

Related Links: Rood says he likes the way vibrant colors look on a dance floor, hates seeing black at night, so if you want him to play that request, you'd better be shining out.

Deep in the Minneapolis Uptown shopping district, we found fashion heartbreaker Jamie O., who, as it turns out, also works at the boutique Heartbreaker. This sales associate showed up to work in this adorable layered get-up. Jamie gave her miniskirt a funky, classier look by sheeting it over a simple pair of black leggings and a pair of dainty black flats. Jamie’s classic black t-shirt is then funked up by her eye-popping green scarf. Jamie says that if she could dress like any one person every day it would be Edie Sedgwick.

Related Links: If you don't have 'em, you'll need 'em: ballet flats and leggings.

We found this cute couple in the parking garage on the way back from a concert. Zach and Katie have been together for two years and say they have started dressing alike by accident -- oops! “His entire style has changed in the two years we’ve known each other," Katie told us. "I think I have influenced a lot of that.” Katie loves dresses for their great appeal with minimal effort, “ I don’t want to spend hours picking out an outfit. That’s why dresses are perfect -- you throw them on and look great all day.”

Zach: gap jeans, H&M shirt.
Katie: Forever 21 dress

Related Links: Stock up for easy mornings.

Erica S. lives and works in Houston, TX. We love her clean, crisp summer look. She's wearing:
+ shirt - Target
+ shorts - Abercrombie and Fitch
+ shoes - Aldo
+ necklace - Aldo
+ influences: Gwen Stefani, music, and "my personality equals my style."
+ favorite shops: thrift stores, American Apparel, and Urban Outfitters

Related Links: White and yellow screams summer to us.

We spotted this lovely girl at the CU Denver Spring Fling at the Auraria campus. Sophie T. is from Denver, Colorado, by way of Paris. Need I say more? Her major is International Affairs and French and this 21-year-old is hoping someday she'll import her own fashionable picks form France. She loves being creative with her clothes, cutting and customizing, or simply adding accessories to work with whatever is on her mind. In this case, the long gray shirt is from the Urban Outfitters for $19, the Diesel inside black shirt she confesses she "stole" from her older sister who bought it in Paris for $50, skirt from Forever 21 for $17, add a belt from an old pair of jeans, feminine pantyhose for $10, flats from Keds ($25), with handmade legwarmers from one of dad's old sweaters and voila la student!

Related Links: Get the look with a black tank layered under a gray dress paired with flats and DIY legwarmers.

Mandy E., 19, of Hollywood works as a photographer, filmmaker and assistant manager at Hot Topic. Fiance Eddie N., 25, works in music management. They come to the Coachella Music Festival in Indio every year and they're in total agreement about two things: that this year's best-dressed band was Interpol and that The Red Hot Chili Peppers were the worst.

Mandy's wearing:
Boots: Target
Skirt: H&M
Simpsons shirt: Hot Topic
Necklaces: A sparrow from Forever 21 and a skull from H&M.
Ruby ring from Pieces of Eight store in Disneyland.
Mandy says the one can’t-live-without item in her bag (Target) is her Nikon N-2000: "It was my mom's. It's older than me. It never fails." She's also toting a pair of leg warmers that she’s planning to wear tonight.
Mandy's style-icon: Edie Sedgwick. "Sienna (Miller) did a great job (in the recent film.)"

Eddie's wearing:
Vans that Mandy illustrated. They're his only can't-live-without item. "They're so great because she made them for me."
Jeans: Levis 514s
Belt: Hollywood Boulevard
Tee-shirt: American Apparel
Says of Mandy: "She looks great in short, flowy dreses."

Cute as a button. That's what we thought when we came upon Jen O. in a restaurant in the Marigny, New Orleans' hippest neighborhood. The diminutive doll makes a big statement with a few key items. Her dress, from local design emporium Fabrik, speaks volumes about this season's empire waist. "I'm crazy about little dresses for summer. They just look so sweet," says this local style-maker. And just to make sure things don't get too saccharine, she anchors the outfit with Gianni Bini boots ($350 dollars bought on sale for $40) and adds a splash of color with her Urban Outfitters necklace and sunglasses frm French Market, a local flea market. "I love dressing up," the 33-year-old told us. "Fashion is about playing around with things... I'll spend $400 on something I love, but most of the time I just find inexpensive pieces and throw them together."

Up-and-coming artsy neighborhoods always seem to spawn a look of their own. Much like New York's Williamsburg, Miami's Wynwood Art District has its own style. Totally deserted and undeveloped a few years ago, this undiscovered gem is becoming a Miami art institution. The second Saturday of each month is host to the Wynwood Art Walk, where you will surely see the most stylin' eye candy you can handle in one evening. Take Kate for instance -- with her understated elegance, she is a quiet trendsetter. A student at the University of Miami, this Florida native says her fashion sense is very whimsical, and loves wearing her mom's perfectly preserved vintage duds mixed with accessories from her travels. She discovered her most treasured fashion find for 2 dollars in Laos. She's wearing:

+ dress by Urban Outfitters
+ her mom's handbag from the 70s
+ t-strap heels by Michael Kors
+ bracelet from Laos, rings from Mexico, New York and Asia, plus a vintage necklace

Related Links: Can't go wrong with a white dress, haute t-straps and a 70s handbag.

Even in Atlanta's hip Little Five Points, a neighborhood that tends to draw people that dress to their own drummer, Libby B. is a style standout. I spotted her just outside the shop where she bought her white sunglasses. They're the perfect foil to her western boots and fringe-y scarf, which she wears so effortlessly. She made the necklaces she's wearing from components she purchased in Israel, where she's studying International Relations. Libby is wearing:

+ dress by Proenza Schouler for Target
+ sweater from her favorite place to shop, H&M
+ scarf from a thrift store in Denver
+ boots from Zara, Tel Aviv
+ handmade necklaces
+ sunglasses from Clothing Warehouse

Related Links: We love chunky boots and a little black dress.

We secretly stalked this woman at Forever 21 at the Grove in Los Angeles, hoping to snap a photo before she took off. Patience stood out from the teenybopper mall crowd with her retro-cute dressed-up look so unusual in casual-land. Turns out Patience M., 30, just moved from Ohio, where she was a designer and stylist. She's wearing:
+ vintage dress from Value World in Cleveland, Ohio
+ white patent leather platforms from Nine West
+ faux Stephen Sprouse Louis Vuitton, bought on Canal Street in NYC.
Best fashion find: $27 vintage Salvatore Ferragamo flats in a thrift store.
On seeing Harvey Weinstein, who was ostentatiously hanging out at the mall, chatting on his cell phone: "I love Marchesa!"
On her own style: "I believe I'm more New York than L.A.," Patience told us. "Everyone is really Abercrombie out here."

We stopped 31-year-old Echo on Market Street in San Francisco. Although the calendar said it was the dead of winter, it was so toasty outside, she didn't need a jacket! But after chatting up this tiny fashionista, we kinda wonder what fab coat she would have sported, had the temperature been so non-wintery. We love how her semi-bohemian duds flatter her small frame, without being too loose.
She told us she aims to look "elegant, but effortless. Casual,
but not too crazy." We think she nailed it. She's wearing:

+ a vintage dress she bought in the UK for $20.
+ a sweater from Banana Republic (a gift)
+ leather boots from Ferragamo (ditto. hey, can we be friends with your friends, too?)
+ distressed bag from H & M, which cost another $20.
+ sunglasses from a street vendor in London for a cool $12.

We caught Krista W. before she bundled up like the Michelin Woman to brave the -15 degree weather in Omaha, Nebraska. This 34-year-old photographer learned the art of layering away the chill on the cold streets of New York. But it's tough looking hot when it's so cold. "Nobody, not even the usually stylish people, looks cute right now," Krista says. She's wearing:
+ skirt - vintage Italian design, bought at Salvation Army, "I get compliments on this skirt almost more than anything I own."
+ top #1 - dappled cocoa-colored wool rollneck sleeveless turtleneck, handconstructed, bought at Goodwill Industries.
+ top #2 - short-sleeved cropped fuzzy sweater-jacket, by Stella bought online on eBay. "I'm thinking of using it as a security blanket for my burgeoning second childhood," Krista says.
+ top #3 - burgundy cocoon shrug sweater-cardigan, by Say What? bought online from Alloy.com, "I have 3 of these, also in beige and black, they go with everything!"
+ shoes - caramel-hued Earth leather flats.
+ bracelet - bent fork bought from street vendor in front of the Guggenheim museum in New York.
+ Anything else? "I also have three unseen layers of leg-sheltering tights, socks and long underwear on beneath that skirt."

Fashion Finds: "Once I found a Dolce & Gabbana pencil skirt in perfect condition at a Goodwill in Oregon for $7!!!"
Best Local Shopping: "The thrift stores here are less likely to jack up prices exorbitantly like they do in L.A. and NYC."
Style Secrets: "If you don't absolutely love it, don't buy it. You'll only leave it sitting in your closet and/or you'll get rid of it later."

Related Links: Long skirts are coming up for spring.

The story at the Bryant Park tents is all about keeping warm yet stylish in coats and boots. Anything for fashion, right?

Related Links: Can't live without a little protection from the elements.

Our fashion find in Portland, Maine? A very uncheesy Bri B., clad in layers stylish enough to keep her warm and just enough edge to make one take notice. Bri says she loves to shop second hand stores so she can create her own look, which, we think she does well.
Bri is wearing:
+ cable-knit vest and hoodie from Goodwill
+ Free People tweed mini skirt
+ her roommate's textured tights
+ Earth clogs

Related Links: Cable knit's a hit, especially with textured leggings and flats.

What came first, winter or Christine V.? We're going for the latter. We caught up with her on the streets of Cape Cod, Mass., as she frantically searched for a good manicure (she was visiting from Brooklyn), looking for someone, anyone, to help her accomplish her mission. Thank goodness we're everywhere. Mission accomplished. Christine is wearing:
+ classic goat Pajars
+ down North Face jacket
+ Guatemalan hat and gloves from a New York City street vendor
+ Nine West glasses

Related Links: A vision in white.

How cool do these two look chilling in Williamsburg, Brooklyn on a frigid afternoon? Denton and Claudia, both 30, hail from Montreal where four-foot snow drifts and temperatures of 15-below mean they're not sweating winter in New York. Claudia, a graphic designer, speaks mostly French so Denton translates when she tells me she's wearing:

A brown leather coat with rabbit fur trim bought vintage in Montreal. (Denton gives it two thumbs up.)
Skinny black wool pants by Jean Covet
Black vinyl shoulder bag by The People Have Spoken
Sneakers by Converse.

Claudia's must-have winter item: Pajar boots. "Very expensive," she tells me.

Denton sings in Montreal-based band, The Monarchy. He's wearing:

No-name aviators which Claudia digs.
Montreal-bought bomber jacket with shearling-trim
Brown hoodie by Groggy
Black jeans by H&M
Sneakers by Converse
Black leather driving gloves

Denton says of their street-style, "I think it's quite obvious that we're from the Great North." Someplace great, anyway...btw...is that a six-pack in the bag?

December on Cape Cod in Massachusetts, time for bowls of chowder, chestnuts roasting on an open fire and... off the shoulder sweaters? Let's hear it for warm spells so we could see Courtney B. out for a day of coatless shopping. Her mission? To find a suitable gift for her boyfriend. The outcome? Plans for buying an army parka for herself right after this photo. Courtney is wearing a Victoria's Secret sweater, Seven jeans, skull-emblazoned cap, camouflage tote and Steve Madden boots.

Related Links: Let's hear it for off-the-shoulder sweaters and Sevens.

We caught Kevin C. in a rare dry moment outside the offices of Portland Monthly magazine, where the 38-year-old is an assistant to the publisher. A well-known drag performer by night, Kevin's workday attire is considerably more muted than his alter-ego, Poison Waters. Kevin's wearing:

+ grey raincoat: Gap
+ black-and-grey striped Alfani sweater: "I don a uniform of black and grey in the winter months. There are so many events right after work, it's easy to appear 'dressed up' while in my signature black."
+ black Kenneth Cole slacks: "I bought every color and pattern at a recent sale when Macy's took over our downtown Meier & Frank store."
+ black Cole Haan shoes: "Today I'm in one of my many pairs of black. Who needs so many? I do!"
+ Argyle socks: "I found the missing mate to this favorite argyle pair this morning in my underwear drawer."
+ Umbrella: "It's my best accessory."

Related Links: Go from day to evening in black wool Gucci.

We met Lanie, 38, in Hoboken, New Jersey, on her way to work at the swanky offices of Penthouse magazine. As a publicist for the racy mag, Lanie says, "I'm on the road with Penthouse pets a lot so I buy a lot of stuff at airports." The result is a style she describes as "dimestore chic." Lanie's wearing:

+ pink hunting cap: "It had these long pompoms on it. I thought it made me look stupid. This morning I cut them off and it looks much better."
+ sunglasses: Strawberry
+ burgundy rabbit fur jacket: Strawberry.
+ skirt: H&M
+ pink fishnets: DKNY "I work above Penn Station where there's the most kick-ass stocking store. I just run in there whenever I need stockings."
+ black platform boots: Steve Madden
+ handbag: Amsterdam airport

About the Penthouse pets: "They all wear these low in the hip, very expensive Azzure jeans. I try not to dress like them. I don't wanna look like I'm trying to compete."

Related Links: Fit for your inner Penthouse pet: pink rabbit boots.

Apparently theses ladies take their work home with them, because everything you see is vintage and was bought at Buffalo Exchange in Denver, CO, where they all work. We caught up with them at an "Art & Soul" exhibition opening in Boulder earlier this month. Lilly M., left, is 24 years old and manages the Buffalo Exchange; she bought the orange dress for $14 and boots for $18. What a steal! Assistant manager Marika E. is 21 years old; her purple striped dress was $60, her 1960s Boss scarf was $6, she got her Larry Mahans cowboy boots for $80 and her "faux" glasses to complete the look. Colby B. is 23, produces fashion shows and is also a manager the the Exchange. Her hat was a $35 vintage find, the sweater is Susanna Monaco for $35, $165 Red Engines jeans, boots are from Tony Lama and bag from Mark Jacobs. Her necklace is also vintage and it was a gift. She had to admit that her entire outfit was created around the hat.

Related Links: Best of the three: vintage-look floral dress, red cowboy boots, Marc Jacobs bag.

Carrie B., a 29-year-old elementary school teacher in Washington D.C., caught our eye inside D.C.'s metro station. Her classic wrap dress was a steal at H&M and her vintage purple suede coat added just the right amount of color to her entire outfit. Carrie stands tall in her stacked Steve Madden boots. "I love Cameron Diaz because she is a natural beauty," Carrie told us. "She also had a 'tomboyish' quality to her that makes her look relaxed in whatever she wears."

Related Links: Rock the look with this black and white floral print dress and a grape coat.

Summer C., a 26-year-old actress in Nashville, TN, beat off the fall chill with a cute gray caplet from Theory, a starry top from C&C California and a hot cup of joe. She usually prefers a ladylike dress and tights over jeans, but her Citizens of Humanity denim fit the bill. We love her playful classic Converse shoes and elegant oversized Chloe bag. What irks Summer most? "I don't like it when people are too matchy matchy," Summer told us. "People need to have personality in an outfit."

Related Links: A little fun, a little fancy.

Morgen S. and Rachael D. work for Black Chandelier, a super-hip emporium in Salt Lake City, UT. Despite their cool jobs, these girls still love looking for vintage. "I could never leave because of the thrift stores," says 25-year-old Salt Lake City native Morgen, who vouches the thrift scene there is the best in the west. She's wearing:

+ top: Savers thrift store
+ jeans: Wrangler
+ wristlet: made it herself
+ thrift store bag printed on by Black Chandelier
+ Adidas wrestling boots from Thrift Town

Rachael, right, is wearing:
+ top and shoes by Black Chandelier
+ shorts by Black Chandelier

We spotted Erin W., a 30-year-old interior designer, at the new Denver Art Museum that opened earlier this month. She was quite a work of art herself. She got the dress from a store in Cherry Creek, but couldn't remember its name; bummer since the black "tube" dresses are so in. The tights are an H&M buy, and were a present from a friend in Sweden. Shoes are Jessica Simpson for $70-ish, and the biggest accessory to complete this retro outfit is the bag, bought from the Urban Outfitters for $50-$60. Her boyfriend calls the bag a "baby kidnapper accessory"...hmm...creepy!

Related Links: Strappy op-art shoes, black dress, zebra-print hobo.

Bahar S. considers herself a tomboy but we say she's anything but in these gold bloomers. The Brooklyn designer says her tent dresses, fitted bodices and flowy draped silhouettes are designed primarily for her, but if we just happen to be a "cultivated consumer" who wants to revel in organic fibers, we too can wear her designs. Sign me up, Bahar, and by the way, we love your name. Bahar is wearing a Parsuco blouse, a revolver charm necklace, bamboo peeptoe wedges, and her own gold bloomers.

Related Links: Wool blend shorts for fall, paired with ruched leggings and a velvet blazer for city nights.

Krissie G.'s eye-catching sexy style instantly caught our eye during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Los Angeles. This L.A.-based self-proclaimed jack of all trades works as a stylist and visual display artist for H&M. Who's the girl Krissie admires most? Kirsten Dunst for her "effortless L.A. casual look." Krissie's vintage bag and jacket were purchased at a thrift store in the Valley. Her dress is made by H&M and her fabulous hunter green tall boots are by Miss Sixty.

Related Links: Play with red and green.

We gravitated towards Rulan as she made her way out of a hip teahouse in Santa Fe. This choreographer describes her style as "global indigenous"-- lots of color, fab fabric combos, and a wicked flair for putting it all together. She's wearing:
+ wrap top: hand-me-down from a ballerina in NYC.
+ hot pink tee: Target (she doesn't like to spend more than $15 on anything)
+ shoes: Ross Dress For Less.
+ dangly earrings: H&M in NYC.
+ belt: put together from some ethnic fabric and some hefty string.
+ skirt: used to be a tube dress until Rulan sliced it up.
+ blue bag: from Oaxaca, Mexico. It reads 'Woman Artisans of the region of Oaxaca' on the side.

Rulan's fashion irks? "I hate cookie cutter styles and dull colors." She's got a serious weakness for scarves and earrings. "I love them because there's inherent movement."

We found Ben, 28, hanging out outside of an art show in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood on a sunny afternoon. He looked like he was wearing a number of thrift store finds, and after talking to the musician, we learned it was kind of true.

He confessed his eye-catching shirt was "borrowed" from a friend in Nashville. He packed it to take home last time he played there and visited for a while. "It happens," he says. It's a really original tunic piece, which he decided to wear backwards. The dark jeans (brand unknown) were a Christmas gift from his mom; the shoes are a whole other story. "I bought them so I could make tap shoes out of them," he says, "the bottoms are flat and I thought I could put metal on the bottom. But I never got around to it."

Related Links: Another vision in green.

Oh to be young and a hipster. Amanda M. of Boston was wasting time shopping (until the bars opened) with a friend from Philly when we spotted the 22-year-old in her skinny jeans, funky bowling shoes and big Jackie-O glasses. The petite Bostonian says she likes unique clothing, handmade duds and is a huge fan of Kowalski shoes (which she's wearing). She admits she is an addicted eBay shopper.

Amanda is wearing:
+ Ma-tru (sh) ka t-shirt
+ J Brand Skinny jeans
+ Kowalski shoes
+ Plastic vintage hoop earrings
+ Hobo bag
+ MoMA watch
+ Wood bangles

Related Links: Add some bias-cut stripes to your skinny jeans.

Seattle's annual Bumbershoot arts festival was full of great style, but Los Angeles-based literacy coach Jean G. stood out among thousands at the incredible Blondie show -- no small feat in 96 degrees. She's wearing:

+ Cotton, polka-dot dress: "Not sure who made it, but I bought it at a store in California called Eagle Rock."
+ Dangly gold-chain-with-black-stone earrings: "They're four inches long. I love them."
+ Vintage gold, Grecian-style sandals.
+ Double silver cuff bracelets: "I bought one and then found another to match it at the St. Vincent de Paul thrift store. I was so excited."
+ Le Sportsac clutch purse: "I think it's from Macy's."
+ Chinese umbrella: "They were handing them out at a wedding I went to. I didn't have to buy it."
+ Supine at her feet: her boyfriend.

Related Links: Be ladylike in this Cynthia Vincent early-fall print dress.

Some of the fabulous looks outside the tents at Bryant Park during spring 2007 ready-to-wear Fashion Week. More street style from The Sartorialist.

We happened upon L.A. locals Sir Jac and Victory E. at the Pool trade show in Las Vegas, where they were doing research as lifestyle and fashion consultants for an athletic shoe company. The duo also make up "The Funk Cabaret," an eclectic groove and soul band. Victory, 26, appeared in "American Idol 3," and Sir Jac, 30, used to be a Prince impersonator, so he wears shades to hide the resemblance. "We fell in love with our clothes when we met," Sir Jac said.
Victory's wearing:
+ earrings: Up Against the Wall in West Hollywood.
+ layered necklace: made by Victory
+ blue shrug: made from a vintage tee by Damsel
+ black tank: Sav On
+ belt: Diesel, plus jewelry added on by Victory
+ jeans: Thai street market
+ bangles: international assortment from India and China
+ shoes: Bakers

Sir Jac is wearing:
+ hat and green shirt: Wasteland
+ tuxedo shirt: Pink
+ medallion necklace: Pirates of the Caribbean premiere
+ sunglasses and pants: vintage
+ tank top: Urban Outfitters
+ shoes: John Fluevog

Related Links: Street smart and funky.

We stumbled upon Bootzi, right, a 22-year-old textile design studentat RISD and Mitzi, 23, a