Well, it’s official: I am addicted to perfumes—a territory I never thought I would have entered. One-scent girl, I am not.

The latest joy in my beauty life is the Jo Malone Cologne Collection, a gathering of six of her colognes for you to mix and match freely. The signature cream-and-black box also contains a little grid of combination suggestions, even providing whether the resulting scent will be fresh or warm.

The six colognes included are:
Amber & Lavender, which adds spice and depth to the rest of the scents. Unisex.
Lime Basil & Mandarin, which is a fresh, bright scent of limes, mandarin, and, I swear, fresh cilantro, although that’s not listed on the site.
Pomegranate Noir, pomegranate with plum, raspberry, frankincense, and patchouli.
Orange Blossom is just what it says—juicy orange blossom.
Grapefruit, which is combined with tangerine, vetiver, and rosemary.
Blue Agava & Cacao is mixed with cardamom and sea salt—the most intriguing of the fragrances. I have not smelled anything like it before.

So far, I’ve been really hooked on the Pomegranate Noir and Lime Basil & Mandarin combination—it reminds me of a headier, fruitier Flowerbomb. And the scent sticks better on me than Flowerbomb does—amazing that body chemistry.

I’m also loving that some of the scents create a unisex fragrance—not everything is a big, heady white floral or too gourmand. I love the limitless choices I have, and I love the faux-chemist feeling of deciding a new mix depending on my mood.

I can’t believe I’m so late to the Jo Malone admiration society. If you are, too, don’t feel bad. Just go check it out at Neiman Marcus. $72.

Lately, I’ve been surrounded by swatches, mostly those of fabrics from places my colleagues and I are using for photo shoots and presentations, such as KDR Showrooms. Luxurious as these swatches might be, it’s paint swatches that have garnered my surprise attention the last few days.

It all started when we photographed poster-size swatches of Yolo paint from Natural Built Home for one of our March features. I was so impressed with how you could unroll and tape one of these up on the wall and truly visualize your room’s new color. Better yet, the posters used actual paint—they weren’t just printed like typical swatches.

Then I caught wind of what Hirshfield’s is calling the Big Swatch. The eleven-inch square cards, which are available for 168 colors, are also made with real paint, not ink. You have to buy them, but at $2.49 per swatch ($1.99 if you sign up for a free Hirshfield’s service that archives your paint choices and notifies you of sales, etc.), it’s a small price to pay for helping with such a big decision. Gosh, where were these helpful tools the last time I had to make paint choices? Memories are now coming back of me taping little cards up on the wall and testing the effects of different light, or so I thought. I probably didn’t realize it then, but that small-swatch process seems pretty archaic. In the end, I wasn’t entirely pleased with the color either.

Now, I obviously love the poster/big-swatch idea. But just a few days ago, friends informed me they used big swatches to pick paints for their kitchen and family room. I thought, “how did they already get their hands on one of these?” Turns out, they just had the regular swatch cards that had not yet been cut to fit into the racks at the store (the swatches had the paint name/number printed in four places). Wow, brilliant idea! Granted, these cards were printed with ink, but still, it’s way easier to visualize your color this way than with only one swatch. (Thankfully, they were those slightly larger swatches without other colors in the family.) Their mention made me wonder why I never just taped cards together. Maybe some of you have done this for years. And, for all I know, designers do this it every day. Anyway, I guess tools such as the poster/big swatch just reveal how we can often figure out better ways to work—even if we don’t have cool new tools.

Some interesting facts for women:

— Eight out of ten women are wearing the wrong size bra.
— 178,480 new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in American women last year.
— The five-year survival rate for breast cancer—when caught early—is now 98 percent (an increase from 74 percent in 1982)
— You can help the fight against breast cancer (and get a free bra fitting!) by stopping by Herberger's today or tomorrow.

In an effort to raise money for breast cancer research and to promote monthly self-breast exams among women, Wacoal hosts its eighth annual Fit For the Cure event—find it locally at select Herberger's stores. Stop by today or tomorrow to receive a complimentary bra fitting in a Wacoal, DKNY Underwear, or Donna Karan Intimates bra, and sign up to receive a monthly e-mail reminder to do your self-breast exam. Wacoal will donate $2 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure for every woman that participates. Plus, an additional $2 will be donated for every bra purchased at the event.

Thursday, February 28:
Herberger's, Southtown, Bloomington, 952-886-2900; 2001 Washington Ave., Stillwater, 651-430-9229
Friday, February 29:
Herberger's, Rosedale, Roseville, 651-635-2600

Can't make it this week? Nordstrom at Mall of America will host a Fit For the Cure event Saturday, March 8, and Macy's will host a Fit For the Cure event April 22–26.

One of the many perks of our jobs here as lifestyle editors is being able to put our thumbs on new trends before they actually become trends. About this time last year, my editor Jayne mentioned to me that she kept seeing these clover-like symbols all over the place in design magazines—rugs, a bed frame, a lamp—as well as in new advertisements for a Van Cleef and Arpels necklace.

After some intense researching in books on Gothic, Moorish, and Islamic architecture (to no avail), it was architect David Heide who enlightened us to the shape—a quatrefoil. But although Jayne and I were obsessed with it at the time and wanted to do a trend alert in the magazine, we had a hard time finding any examples from a local store.

So, imagine my excitement upon stepping foot into Victory (one of my favorite little happy places) and seeing an entire bust decked out in quatrefoil necklaces that closely mimic the style by Van Cleef. But although the Van Cleef and Arpels style favored by starlets, such as Reese Witherspoon, will break the bank at $3,700, these styles at Victory are a bargain at $80 to $125.

 

The great thing about investing in one of these necklaces is that the overall shape and look will come in an out of vogue with the ebbs and flows of fashion. Invest now, and it will payoff in spades.

Victory, 3505 W. 44th St., Mpls., 612-926-8200

 

If you’ve read the book The Devil Wears Prada, watched Ugly Betty, or remember Carrie Bradshaw’s trip into the Vogue fashion closet, you no doubt think the life of a magazine editor is tres glam. Well, I am here to tell you that although the American Express black card-carrying editors at the fashion Bible might have their California Closets full of delicious designer handouts, at Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, we get the tease.

In an e-mail that popped up at exactly 2:24 p.m. today, a local PR princess announced:

Subject:     We have . . .
Body:         . . . An exciting surprise coming your way.
                  Xoxo!
                  Me

So when the gal that mans our front desk rang my cubicle to tell me a package had just arrived, I trotted up for the fetch faster than a fashionista at a Chanel sample sale. Two gleaming white, faux lizard skin boxes awaited. A large one for my editor, Jayne, and a smaller one for me.

Back at my editor’s desk I tore mine open (without reading the card or press release) and pulled out a shimmery gold python clutch by Carlos Falchi. 'Could it be lil’old me gifted with something so sublimely chic?'

“Not so fast,” warned Jayne as she pulled out a pink leather handbag. “Did you read the card?”

We apologize for sending you this gorgeous handbag that we know you’ll want to add to your permanent collection. We DO need it BACK by March 5th. Please give us a call, and we’ll arrange a courier service.
Xoxo,
Me

So although there is no need to feel bad for us (after all, I will set these handbags on my desk and gaze at them right through the end of the business day on March 4th), the truth is that we’re right out there along with you attending the trunk shows and scouring the shops searching for that perfect closet addition that will make us feel in vogue.

Carlos Falchi trunk show, Friday, March 7th, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Pumpz & Co., Galleria, 952-926-2252, RSVP to 612-333-1723

We all can use a new perspective when it comes to makeup, particularly if it has been awhile since we’ve gotten a lesson. Learning new tricks, finding a new shade, interpreting trends, or becoming more classic. There’s never a bad time to learn, grow, or change.

Juut is offering makeup lessons at various Juut Salonspas around the metro March 6-20. For a $25 reservation, pick a date and time to spend forty-five minutes with a professional, and come out looking like Rachel Zoe styled you for the Oscars. (Or not, if Zoe’s not your thing.) The lesson is free—as long as you purchase $25 in Aveda products. Trust me, this is not difficult. I personally love the tinted moisturizer, the Petal Essence eyeshadow duo in Waterlily and Sea Grape, Lip Shine in Juneberry and Grapefruit Pulp, and I just reviewed the Nourish-Mint lipstick line here. (Oh, and as for skin care, the Tourmaline Charged Exfoliating Cleanser is amazing.) Go here to find a list of dates, times, and locations.

It’s never too late to go back to school.

Also, Juut Edina and Juut Wayzata have new hair artists in residence, which means haircuts from $35, tints from $35, and partial highlights from $55. It's a great deal, and limited-time only: for about ten weeks, new stylists are mentored by senior stylists, (they are already well-trained, don't worry). Call Edina (Southdale) at 952-925-4343 or Wayzata at 952-404-9955 to book an appointment before it is too late. Again, great Juut-level service, just with new artists.

One more little tip: Uptown is the training salon for aestheticians and massage therapists. If they've got one in training, you're getting a steal on a facial or massage. They do have them right now, so go book an appointment. You can't beat the prices. 612-823-0977.

New moms and expectant families, take note:

Beloved Twin Cities shop Baby Grand opened doors to its second location in downtown Hopkins earlier this month.

A more than twenty-year tenant on St. Paul's Grand Ave., the family-owned business is expanding into the west metro with a new 5,000-square-foot storefront on Mainstreet. Find more of Baby Grand’s contemporary baby items, including nursery furniture, toys, strollers, gifts, and apparel in addition to a great selection of baby announcements and custom linens from Bella Notte.

The new space is bright, modern, and stroller-friendly as opposed to the cramped yet homey quarters of Baby Grand's flagship locale. Inventory continues to arrive in order to fill the larger space with the possibility of adding fresh lines and collections.

Baby Grand also launched an updated website with a fabulous online gift registry! Check it out here.

Baby Grand, 1010 Mainstreet, Hopkins, 952-912-1010; 1137 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-224-4414 

Here’s a little sneak preview: Aveda is launching a new line of lipstick in March (just two weeks from now!). It's called Nourish-Mint—and for good reason: It’s extremely moisturizing. It feels like putting on lip balm, but it has color! The line comes in two formulas: sheer mineral and smoothing. According to Aveda, after eight weeks of continuous use, 55 percent of their testers found an increase in lip volume with the sheer mineral lip color, and a whopping 75 percent saw an increase with the smoothing formula. Aveda says it increases visible lip volume by 12 percent after eight weeks and increases moisturization by 26 percent.

I didn’t notice an increase in volume, necessarily, but I might not have used it enough (yet). What I did notice was how soft and moisturized my lips felt, and the colors are really great. No flakes or bleeding or feathering. (Thank cupuacu butter, jojoba oil, raspberry wax, sweet almond oil, pomegranate seed oil, and soy and coconut proteins for all that.) There is also a clear one, perfect for everyday use. My favorite shade was the passion flower, a deep, saturated berry, which comes in the smoothing formula. It is the most moisturizing lipstick I have ever used. It would be a great transition for ladies who want to follow the trend of moving from gloss to a true lipstick without feeling cakey, thick, or overdone. For instance, the colors below look dark on the stick but come off with just the right amount of sheer color on the lip.

 

The scent is a major bonus. Semi-sweet and nicely tingly, it’s made with organic essential oils: spearmint, vanilla, star anise, cinnamon, and peppermint. The second bonus is Aveda’s Earth-friendly approach. The 88 percent recycled tubes come with just a small plastic cover. For $4, purchase a refillable lip color case for a stronger, reusable lip container. It saves materials as you just slide each lipstick into the case (it saves 33 percent of packaging). The case is also made of 96 percent post-consumer recycled resin. For those of you that love a lip brush, you’ll find Aveda’s Envirometal casing, which is 25 percent post-consumer recycled aluminum, and the brush is composed of cruelty-free taklon bristles.

Find the smoothing lip color in twenty-one shades, the sheers in seven. And yep, this is for the permanent collection! Find them at Aveda salons around the Twin Cities (including Juut).

Last night, I stopped in to the DIVA Minnesota VIP pre-party to check out the MCTC Student Fashion Show. The students have been busy over the past few months designing outfits for the CLUB DIVA (the theme of this year's event) Club Kids (main photo) as well as working on their first collections, which were shown last night. “Involving students in the DIVA Minnesota fashion show not only allows them to test their design wings, but also gives them an opportunity to work with fantastic professionals in the fashion industry,” said Mark Caligiuri, coordinator of MCTC’s apparel technologies program.

The fashions were reviewed last night by a panel of judges, including Carlos Chavez (designer), Christopher Hopkins (The Makeover Guy), Michael Alexin (VP Soft Brands, Target) and Jack Mackenroth (designer, Project Runway), with the big prize of scholarship money up for grabs. Ten different designers each showed fashions that incorporated the theme of Club Kids, and the interpretations showed the breadth of their inspirations. Samantha Rei presented a multi-layered confection inspired by Japanese street fashion, Alexandra Scwalbe created a modern-day Degas ballerina complete with a crinoline and tulle skirt covered in light blue plume, Will Chandler re-imagined the word recycling with a pair of pants and a jacket made out the Pioneer Press, and Heidi fashioned a modern-day warrior princess with a short gold skirt and a collarbone-highlighting blue and gold brocade top.

 

DIVA Minnesota, March 8, International Market Square, purchase tickets here.

One of my first stories as homes editor at Mpls.St.Paul Magazine was to cover the recent opening of modern furniture and housewares shop Roam. For year’s I’ve stuffed my suitcases full of cool kitchen utensils, office gadgets, ceramics, and glassware on my way back from design cities, such as Paris, Milan, and Stockholm. So, needless to say, it was a thrill to see many of the same lines on shelves at this fun shop.

A few days later, I was checking out storage-savvy cabinetry at Valcucine, gorgeous tile at Fantasia, and statement faucets at Montaggio. I was amazed with the breadth of European products so easily available to us in the Twin Cities! The experiences continued: Luxurious French and Italian fabrics from KDR at International Market Square and the reintroduction of the exquisite Sawbuck chair from Danish firm Carl Hansen & Son, distributed exclusively at Room & Board.

Friends and colleagues kept insisting I visit Nola Home in Bryn Mawr as well. Although owner Kelly Dorsey stocks plenty from Europe and the U.S., many of her most distinctive pieces are from elsewhere. For example: water jugs from China, fish traps from Tibet, and carved wood tables from Cameroon.

The timing for these observations was perfect: I’ve assembled the highlights for a presentation called “International Trends, Local Sources” I’m giving next week (Wednesday, February 27 at 6 p.m. and Thursday, February 28 at 4 p.m.) at the Home & Garden Show. I pulled several photos and products for a sneak peak on KARE 11’s Showcase Minnesota yesterday. Live TV isn’t all that tough when you have terrific ideas to share!

I’m so looking forward to sharing these as well as many others in person at the show. Hopefully those who attend (maybe you will be in the crowd?) will leave feeling great about the outstanding sources we have here in the Twin Cities. The more I learn, the more I am impressed—and the more I will continue to share with you. See you at the show!

“International Trends, Local Sources.” Home & Garden Show, Minneapolis Convention Center,  Wednesday, Feb. 27, 6 p.m.; Thursday, Feb. 28, 4 p.m. Click here for tickets to the Home & Garden Show.

You might have noticed that we failed to include information about Urban Junket's huge sample sale in today's Swag e-newsletter. Here is what you need to know:

Local handbag purveyor Urban Junket throws its semi-annual sample sale this Thursday, February 21 and Friday, February 22 at its Minneapolis show room. Find discounts of 40 to 75 percent off many of the company's upscale lines, including Caterina Lucchi, Campomaggi, Via Pendio, Gabs (shown at left), Gabs Studio, and Abro. UJ's fabulous laptop bags will also be available for purchase but not at discounted prices.

Founded in 2005 by two Minneapolis women, Urban Junket designs fashionable, Italian-leather handbags for the busy working woman. In just three years, the small company's products have been picked up by retailers across the country. Don't miss the opportunity to save big on a beautifully crafted bag of your own!

Savoie Building, 126 N. 3rd St., Ste. 450, Mpls., 612-746-1510

My fellow Style Parlor blogger Abby Van Ness has the fortunate job of being the first to know about all of the sales and events going on in the Twin Cities as the writer of our Swag newsletter. However, a few things have come across my desk over the past few days—two amazing, high fashion sales; an exciting trunk show; and 2008’s most anticipated fashion event. So, I couldn't resist telling you about them.

Grethen House spin-off, GH2, is having a 90 percent off sale this Friday and Saturday that is definitely a don’t-miss. I was in the store last weekend (everything was 70 percent off then) and picked up a $490 Miu Miu skirt for $73.50 (shown here on the runway). There are racks and racks of new Michael Kors, Rick Owens, Peter Cohen, J Brand jeans, Prada, Comme Des Garçons as well as high-end consignment. This sale is a major fashionista draw and is not to be missed. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 318 Hennepin Ave. E., Mpls., 612-378-0509

If you need some stylish accessories to go with your new designer duds, make sure to stop into StyledLife, too. The Gaviidae Common store currently has nearly everything on sale at 30 to 70 percent off (excluding vintage and music), including women’s purses by Lambertson Truex and bags and small leather goods by Dunhill (both of which never go on sale). Sale through Saturday. Gaviidae Common, 651 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-746-5400

If you’re starting to build a spring wardrobe, make an appointment to check out the Resort and Spring 2008 collection by Bill Blass New York. Or local BBNY representative, Sarah Ramsay, is showing the collection by appointment at the Harvester Lofts in Minneapolis’s North Loop. Showing through Friday. Call 651-216-6798 for an appointment.

And . . . It’s official: Macy’s Glamorama will take the stage at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis on Friday, August 15 at 8 p.m. Details have yet to be released about the theme and tickets, but it’s certain to be a raucous, fashion-filled good time.

Is it just me, or is there a dearth of reliable, credible, informative information out there, blog wise, for health and wellness? Not that people don’t cover these topics—it’s just not usually with a good deal of depth or reportage. And with health news, you can’t just listen to just any old person riffing on diets or exercise or the latest lung transplant treatment. You need experts—I want my health information to be well-sourced.

Now there’s a relatively new blog out there called Well, and it’s done so, um, well. Not surprisingly, it’s done by The New York Times. You can sign up to get weekly e-mail letters and check in daily with journalist Tara Parker-Hope on the Times website to get the latest news on nutrition, medical hot buttons, exercise, psychology, and more. I am so hooked. A recent sampling of topics included: knee replacements (why women wait longer to get them), inside the brain of a teenage boy, the benefits of probiotics in yogurt, the influence of negative music on teens, and an interview about when doctors suddenly become patients (and see their practice in a whole new light).

If you’re interested in getting daily health news, I think it’s a great place to start, and the e-newsletter is a nice way to get the information, too. Where do you go online to get your health, wellness, and beauty news?

Lovers of vintage apparel should head to new Uptown storefront Buffalo Exchange this evening for the Grand Opening Fashion Show. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. and include DJ-spun tunes by DJ Talk Radio and free munchies and drinks. Stick around for the catwalk, which will begin at approximately 7 p.m.

The buy-sell-trade concept opened its first Minnesota locale on Lyndale two months ago, featuring trendy designer wear, vintage apparel, jeans, leather, accessories, and other new and recycled goods. Your used clothes can be traded for any item in the store. Find high-end designers and gently used vintage in the shop’s eclectic mix, all at consignment prices. Registers will be open all night!

Buffalo Exchange, 2727 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls., 612-871-9115

Hello! Joining the Style Parlor team is just the latest in my indoctrination as homes editor at Mpls.St.Paul Magazine and editor of the new Mpls.St.Paul Home. I couldn’t be more thrilled. The Twin Cities are so rich in home-design creativity . . . such fantastic shops, showrooms, and design talents. I hardly know where to start digging into the scene.

Maybe I shouldn’t say that. Although I’ve recently moved to Minnesota from Iowa, where I was on staff at Better Homes and Gardens, Beautiful Homes, and other national design magazines, I’m a longtime fan of what’s happening in the Twin Cities. Throughout the years, I’ve shopped and sourced many of your retailers and trade showrooms (Room & Board, of course, but also Danish Teak Classics, ID Inside Design, Hunt and Gather, and the Retro Loop antiques shops are favorites), and I’ve grown to know and respect a fair number of your designers and architects, many of whom my previous magazines featured nationally. But to be here in the flesh, amidst it all and living it with you, is truly a new experience. I guess I need to stop saying “your” and start saying “our.”

My first major feature, “The Home Design Top 50,” brought me up to speed on the scene’s latest and greatest in a big way. Wow, to boil all of the great ideas and sources of inspiration down to fifty? When there are literally hundreds? With help from a great panel of experts and my fellow editors, I did it. Granted, the list isn’t exhaustive. But it really proves there’s so much to love and learn on a local level—from such little shops as Nola Home and Nob Hill Hardware to big public architecture such as the new Central Library. The best kitchen/bath show rooms (Poggenpohl/Partners4Design, Valcucine, and more) you’ll see anywhere in the country. Gorgeous tile at Fantasia, Rubble Tile, and RBC. The absolute best in light fixtures at Citilights and Lappin Lighting. I could go on, but it’s best (and we have lots of photos) if you check out the article in the March issue.

I look forward to giving you more of the inside scoop on design, architecture, and related retail happenings once a week. Check out my blog every Thursday. In the meantime, I’ll be out scouting!

The winter doldrums seem to be twice as bad this year, don't they? Here’s the great news: Beauty goes springy early. Just in the last couple days, I’ve gotten a few products or releases that have lifted my mood.

Behold:

The new limited edition collection from MAC by Fafi.

Admittedly, the packaging skews young, but the colors are youthful and fresh, not teenybopper. (Fafi, a Parisian graffiti artist, designed all the packaging and inspired the colors. She also designed bags for LeSportsac a while back.) The Fafi Eyes 1, with its deep-gray, neutral-tan, washed-pink, and pale-peach eye shadows, is so incredibly wearable. I don't think it can top last year's Barbie Loves MAC collection, but it has major potential. Playful and fun. Find eye palettes, paint pots (used alone or as the concrete to hold your shadow on), lipsticks, lip-glosses, and iridescent pressed powders. You'll have a hard time choosing. Available at MAC.

Lush’s latest handmade soap, Lily Savon.

It smells like hypnotic spring blooms, and it’s not the least bit cloying. Bonus: It’s made with safe ingredients. Lily, neroli, and jasmine make for a romantic, clean scent that even some guys could like ($7.85). Find it at Macy’s, Mall of America.

Hanae Mori’s latest fragrance, the limited edition Butterfly Eau Fraiche, is a springy, citrusy scent with a twist. Grapefruit and tangerine top notes are balanced by strawberry, black currant, ylang-ylang, and jasmine, and it is  anchored with rosewood, almond wood, sandalwood, and cedar.

Translation: An instant mood brightener. Fresh but sophisticated. Gorgeous packaging, too. Available only April and May ($65). Available at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Sephora. 

Regis Salon’s Designline is already thinking beach hair with its Defiant Grit Texturizer. Scrunch in as much product as you’d like texture. Couldn’t be easier. Bamboo, bergamot, and nettle add volume. Also, it smells like lime coconut. I can almost feel the sand ($12.95). Find it at all Regis Salons.

If you know me, you know I have a soft spot for BCBG. Look inside my closet to find numerous flirty little cocktail dresses, trendy boots, and stylish separates adorned with the California-based company's label. So, needless to say, this morning's news of a new Minnesota BCBG Max Azria store has me thrilled!

Edina's Galleria announced today that a 4,700-square-foot BCBG location (the upper Midwest's first and only!) will debut in April 2008. This will be one of four fresh storefronts to open outside the upcoming Crate and Barrel, which opens March 13. The spacious BCBG store will carry its signature dresses, separates, accessories, handbags, and footwear.

Look forward to a fashionable spring, and until then, check out BCBG's recent Fashion Week runway show. We'll be seeing these designs in Galleria's new store before you know it!

Although it’s no secret that Milla Jovovich and Carmen Hawk of Jovovich-Hawk are the next designers to helm a line for Target’s GO International, the fruits of their collaboration just recently have been revealed. The line, which hits Target shelves and online on March 2, is made up of unique pieces that are made to be effortlessly combined. Funky floral patterns, bohemian dresses, and artsy combinations illustrate the feminine vintage aesthetic. The best looks come from the dresses and swimwear; the jean and T-shirt combinations seem a little more generic. Here are a few of my favorites from the collection. I’ll see you in stores March 2!

The spring floral print and white eyelet detailing is so sweet, but to avoid looking like a big floral tent, make sure to belt this dress ($39.99).

If florals aren’t your thing, a crosshatch-pattern dress with an empire waist and a short hemline is equally on-trend for spring ($39.99).

Black and white polka dots are great for transitioning into spring. Wear this dress with matte black tights and pumps now or with flat, gladiator-style sandals come late spring ($39.99).

By far my favorite out of the collection, this chiffon dress in cream is perfect for Sunday brunch ($39.99). The black floppy hat is also a huge trend for next fall, so pick one up, and look tres fashion forward ($14.99).

Bathing suit weather might seem like a far-off idea, but invest in one now to help motivate your plans for getting into shape. The floral and ruffle mixture of this suit is sweet, but it projects a youthful vibe that is probably better for someone in their teens or early twenties (top and bottom, $16.99 each).

Channel Sienna Miller circa 2005 with this arabesque halter dress and blue linen vest ($29.99 each).

Love it or hate, Valentine's Day is just around the corner, which means you only have one more day to complete the impossible task of finding a gift that expresses exactly how you feel about your Valentine. My suggestion? Stay away from the all-too-typical candy hearts, flowers, and boxes of chocolate, and find something you can do together, something original, something that's a testament to your relationship.

Set the Mood with Candles

Lighten the mood with this special-edition candle from Minneapolis-based Illume. The luxe 65 Hours of Love candle—part of the company’s popular His & Hers collection—is cast inside an elegant, hand-blown glass and features a fusion of two scents: a masculine, woodsy fragrance for him and a more feminine, vanilla-sugar aroma for her ($36). Available at Spalon Montage.

Cook a Meal Together

Skip the crowds and money involved with eating out, uncork a bottle of wine, and spend some time with your significant other in the kitchen. There are some fabulous "couples cookbooks" out there, including Martha Hopkins's racy Intercourses: An Aphrodisiac Cookbook ($24.95). Available at Patina.

Record Your Thoughts

If you're a couple of winos, present your valentine with the In Vino Veritas leather-bound wine journal. Make it your mission to discover new wines, record your impressions, and keep track of the ones you both love ($49.99). Available at The Romeo & Juliet Shop.

 Play a Game

What other day of the year will you have an excuse to play a game like Truth, Dare, or Chocolate? This kinky board game comes with paint brushes, a blindfold, game cards, body frosting, and more (sale, $20). Available online at redenvelope.com.

Book a Couples' Spa Day
Nothing's better than being able to completely relax and unwind together. Check out some great suggestions for couples' spa services from my fellow Style Parlor blogger Katie Derdoski—find everything from chocolate mousse massages to seaweed wraps for two.

Although I would never go as far as to say I am a slave to it, I absolutely love, love, love, fashion. So when the opportunity presented itself to go to Fashion Week, I emptied the contents of my change jar and jumped at the chance. Now, less than a week after my final show, I have the advantage of being able to look at the event a bit more retrospectively.

Highlights: Sitting in an Arab princesses’s front-row seat at the Peter Som show; going out to dinner at two of New York’s hottest restaurants—Buddakan and Kobe Club; finding a $450 Cynthia Rowley shift on sale at her Greenwich Village store for $99; and having a handful of people ask me for directions, which means I didn’t look like I came straight from the farm.

Not so high of lights: Carrying a backbreaking amount of stuff around everyday, running in heels on three hours of sleep, and my $125 cab ride to the airport—and I still nearly missed my plane.

Trend Setter
As far as trends go, a few ideas did emerge in the shows. Pending the shows in London, Paris, and Milan, here are my top-three trend ideas for Fall 2008 with a few notes on accessories and beauty trends:

Dark Romance
Lace tamed by leather, soft pinks brushed up against hard black, and the mix of froth and frill took good-girl looks and gave them edge.

(All images courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week)

(Clockwise from upper left: Temperley London, Max Azria, Hervé Léger by Max Azria, Naeem Kahn, Zac Posen, and Erin Fetherston.)

Winter Florals
Considering what a dramatic role florals have played in the spring collections, it is nice to know that these patterns aren’t just a passing fad. For fall, the look is more painterly, dark, and abstract than for spring; floral patterns act as a supporting element in the collections rather than taking the lead roll.

(Clockwise from upper left: Michael Kors, Tracy Reese, Nanette Lepore, Dennis Basso, Miss Sixty, and Erin Fetherston.)

Jewel Tones
Cassis and ruby, turquoise and cerulean, persimmon, saffron, chartreuse, and emerald—jewel tones brought a welcome dose of color to the Fall 2008 collections.

(Clockwise from upper left: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Anna Sui, Diane Von Furstenberg, Tuleh, Temperley London, and Carlos Miele.)

A Bit of Plume
In the absence of excess embellishment, designers gave texture and added interest to their offerings with a mixture of feathers and plume.

(Clockwise from upper left: Bill Blass, Dennis Basso, Reem Acra, Donna Karan, Monique Lhuillier, and Angel Sanchez.)

Metallic Accents
The '90s had grunge, the '80s had shoulder pads, the '70s had polyester, and I am almost certain that when fashion historians look back on this decade, one of the biggest trends will be metallic. Although it has appeared for several seasons now, in the fall collections, metallics were woven in much more seamlessly as an accenting neutral rather than the most obvious trend.

(Clockwise from upper left: Lela Rose, Pamella Roland, Monique Lhuillier, Richard Chai, Naeem Kahn, and Vera Wang.)

Accessories: Bright tights, hats galore, and geek-chic accouterments.

(Anna Sui, Zac Posen, and Proenza Schouler)
(Clockwise from upper left: Badgley Mischka, Tuleh, Carolina Herrera, Vera Wang, Ralph Lauren, and Cynthia Steffe.)

Carmen Marc Valvo, Betsey Johnson, Michael Kors

Beauty trend that I LOVE: Red, red, red lips and near-nude faces.

(3.1 Phillip Lim, Carmen Marc Valvo, and Zac Posen.)

I know that anthropomorphizing your pet is such a slippery slope. Pets go from just your dog to your furry child—with you as the creepy mother—in the blink of an eye. Yet, there’s something to it, an odd appeal. I tend to think animals feel more and express more than we give them credit for.

I have been taking my cockapoo, Molly, to get groomed regularly at a big-chain groomer since we adopted her a year ago. (This is necessary, not anthropomorphizing.) But she always returns looking naked—and ashamed—for at least a week. I ask them to keep some of the length (she has a beautiful, shiny apricot coat), but they always shave her. She always leaves anxious and, well, not nearly as cute as she could be.

Imagine my delight when Bubbles & Couture, a little grooming shop, opened up on Smith Ave. and Annapolis St. in West St. Paul. Finally! A little mom-and-pop groomer!

What a sea change from Molly’s past hairdos. I brought her in, and the owners, Frank Foo and Gladys Tay, immediately began making Molly feel at home: They assessed her needs, health, and habits and asked me how long I like her fur, running their fingers through it. They looked shocked and puzzled when I told them I thought she always had to be shaved down. “Of course we can keep the length!” Gladys assured me as her two darling mini schnauzers darted about.

Two hours later, I picked up a new Molly. Fluffy—there was some fur left to fluff—and adorned with bows. She greeted me with a wagging tail and, actually, some contentment since she wasn’t kenneled after her cut. They allow pets to run around in a gated area with toys and a couch for lounging. Two Pekingese, the owners’ other set of dogs, hung out in the front window.

Great perks: They sent me home with a recommendation on a tartar-control paste for Molly’s teeth. A sample of some organic dog food. Molly didn’t smell like awful groomer perfume—she just smelled clean and nice—because Bubbles & Couture uses organic, eco-friendly grooming products on the animals. Bubbles sells collars, food, toys, and other products to keep pets clean and healthy. And you can’t replace the feeling of knowing you’ve put your pup in capable hands.

Prices on the “Spaw Menu” are reasonable. A formal groom and cut starts at $40, and they offer nail trims, ear washes, teeth brushing, anal expression (tough job, but someone’s gotta do it), flea treatments, and, my favorite, the Brazilian Pooch Cleanup—a full bath and brush out. I swear she pranced out of there just like any newly confident woman leaving the salon.

Bubbles & Couture, 883 Smith Ave., West St. Paul, 651-457-1815

Show: Reem Acra, The Promenade, Bryant Park

Designer Credentials: Gorgeous gowns detailed with intricate beadwork; her evening-wear collection is in the romantic tradition.

Scene: Sophia Bush and Aisha Tyler were two of the stars with front-row views of Reem Acra’s ode to ombre and jewel tones.

Fashions: Reem Acra has a penchant for presenting stunning—if predictable—collections of perfectly draped Grecian gowns à la Madame Gres, so her show of more casual separates in prim patterns was a fascinating departure. The color palette was a somber mix of deep navy, shiny blacks, and royal purple with pops of copper, citron, and scarlet lending depth to the fashions. Skirts were high-waist, cut to the knee, and often pencil in variety; boleros and cropped jackets had textural fabric appliqués; and dresses were either of the satin, flowing Madame Gres variety or short cocktail versions in plume, lace, or brocade.

See the entire Reem Acra Collection.

(Photos courtesy Mercedes Benz News Group)

Show: Cynthia Rowley, Gotham Hall

Designer Credentials: Illinois native Cynthia Rowley designs party-girl attire in a whimsical, flirty, yet sophisticated, style. In addition to designing women’s ready-to-wear, this renaissance woman also has designed menswear, accessories, cosmetics, housewares for Target, a concert T-shirt for Bruce Springsteen, penned a children’s book, and has a store (which I visited) in New York’s Greenwich Village.

Scene: Models stepped through an enchanted forest in fur-covered heels and fashions that had all the whimsy of Cynthia Rowley mixed with a little more darkness and a little more edge. Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Smart, Tatum O’Neal, Parker Posey, Aisha Tyler, and Lindsay Price all had front-row seats.

Fashions: In a possible ode to her newly penned children’s book, Cynthia Rowley’s show started with the opening of a giant book cover and the emergence of a three-dimensional illustrated forest. The fashions, which included floaty dresses tamed by structured leather jackets, floral black appliqués sewn against midnight-blue silk, a silk pastel sheath with a pointillism print, chunky jewelry, and fur-covered d’Orsay heels, gave the feeling of wood nymphs and fairy queens and furthered the feeling of an enchanted forest of childhood reverie.

See the entire Cynthia Rowley show.

(Photos courtesy Mercedes Benz News Group)

Show: Rebecca Taylor, The Promenade, Bryant Park

Designer Credentials: Rebecca Taylor’s penchant for mixing a romantic aesthetic with playful, bold colors and studied detailing lends her collections a sense of buttoned-up playfulness perfect for the slightly bohemian lady. The ethereal looks often include sheer, layered fabrics; flashes of shine in metallic fabrics; beading and paillettes; and tailoring that is at once swooshing and streamlined.

Scene: With a glittering runway, a front-row cast that included Sophia Bush and Eva Amurri (Susan Sarandon’s daughter), and an insanely packed tent, I felt confident that big ideas were about to take the stage.

Fashions: As in many of the other collections this week, a winterized, more abstract version of spring’s floral patterns brought cohesiveness to Taylor’s fashions: Florals were almost pop-art like with splashes of cassis, lapis, and violet on floaty, yet tailored, black dresses. Although florals are always feminine, Taylor gave the clothes a tomboyish air with masculine cutting—billowy blouses were tucked into slouchy menswear-inspired trousers, and fringed knits kept a dress’s flutters at bay. A variety of prints emerged, yet most of the renderings were in floral (save for a few pops of leopard print), making for liberal mixing and matching within the collection.

See the entire Rebecca Taylor Collection.

(Photos courtesy Mercedes Benz News Group)

Show: Carlos Miele, The Promenade, Bryant Park

Designer Credentials: Bias-cut dresses, body-con silhouettes, and bold colors are the defining ideas of Brazilian Carlos Miele’s va-va-voom collections.

Scene: A slew of New York socialites, model Maggie Rizer, and actress Aisha Tyler filled the front row.

Fashions: Architecturally cut and minimally embellished pieces made Carlos Miele's line a refreshing follow-up to the more feminine fashions that have seemed to dominate the runways, and it is much more clean and focused in aesthetic than he usually presents. Miele showed everything from belted furs and chunky-knit sweaters and dresses to asymmetrically draped gowns and short satin cocktail dresses with either strapless or V-neck, capped-sleeve cuts. Miele cited architecture as his inspiration, and the references came out subtly in arched seams and twisted straps of fluid gowns; square pleating; and sculptural, oversized cable knits. Prints were less of a focus with color coming out in either unfussy blocks or swirls.

See the entire Carlos Miele show.

Show: Milly by Michelle Smith, The Promenade, Bryant Park

Designer Credentials: Milly’s Michelle Smith embraces resort colors, patterns, and shapes year-round with sexy printed fabrics and pops of color cut into feminine silhouettes.

Scene: The popularity of this brand was evident as it was by far one of the more over-crowded shows. A simple black-and-white tree-branch background set the stage for a range of sophisticated styles. The entangled tree branches also inspired the hairstyles—beautiful birds nest updos.

Fashions: Resort-type fashions might be Michelle Smith’s forte, but for her Fall 2008 show, there was nary a vibrant print to be seen. Like Nanette Lepore, the Milly collection was based on a color palette that combined good-girl ecru and gray with goth black. Pops of shocking, powder, and raspberry pinks added the only color, and other than a fur jacket and metallic copper-and-black suit, the collection was quite unfussy.

See the entire Milly by Michelle Smith show.

Show: Monique Lhuillier, The Promenade, Bryant Park

Designer Credentials: She might be one of the leading bridal couturiers, but Monique Lhuillier’s ready-to-wear collections are just as elegant, timeless, and feminine. Every collection includes beautiful gowns and ready-to-wear in the finest silk, satin, organza, and tulle as well as hand-beaded lace and exquisite embroidery.

Scene: A few of our Twin Cities’ socialites (some of the 50th & France boutique’s best customers) flocked to NYC to see the show. I sat with Nancy Nicholson, Diane Carlson, and Carrie Ciardelli-Olson, and we were all just a few rows behind Hollywood actresses Amy Smart, Brittany Murphy, Joy Bryant, Becki Newton, Kim Raver, and Sophia Bush.

Fashions: Drawing inspiration from a smoky, flapper-populated lounge, Lhuillier presented a collection of ready-to-wear and evening looks that were frothy and chic yet modern and feminine in silhouette and construction. Vampy extras (fur, matte black tights, metallic palettes, and kohl-rimmed eyes) gave a rock 'n' roll edge to glamourous plume and liquid lace.

See the entire Monique Lhuillier Show.

(Photos courtesy Mercedes Benz News Group)

Show: Nanette Lepore, The Promenade, Bryant Park

Designer Credentials: Ruffled collars, tiered skirts, pretty florals—Nanette Lepore’s feminine styling and intricate detailing make her a favorite among women of many ages.

Scene: Ugly Betty’s Becki Newton and Ana Oritz and All My Children's Leven Rambin sat down the aisle from Kristi Yamaguchi. The all-white tent was decorated like the inside of one of Nanette Lepore’s stores with white paper lanterns dangling from the ceiling and a blue light installation adding the backdrop.

Fashions: A simple color palette (black and white with pops of champagne pink, cassis, and Cabernet) and feminine tailoring (corset tops, trumpet skirts, high-waist pants) let the textiles define the show. Subtle plaids and twills appeared in skirts, pants, and jackets; plaid simplified a point d’esprit dress; bright, horizontal stripes had movement in silk; and tailored black pants gave structure to a billowy, floral chiffon blouse. The entire show was super wearable, and the predominance of pink will help you wear spring florals a little bit longer.

See entire Nanette Lepore Show. 

There are multiple reasons to love Thymes Limited products: quality, amazing scents, breadth within each line, and, of course, it is Minneapolis based.

For a long time, my signature scent was Green Tea. Although I’ve moved on, I still love Thymes.

Now I have one more reason: the new Red Chérie line.

Pretty, feminine, and almost fizzy-smelling like a great pomegranate champagne drink, Red Chérie brings spring to your senses—and who couldn't use some of that this time of year?—through scented candles, home fragrance, lotion, foaming bath, bath salts, soap, and cologne. The actual fragrance notes are pomegranate, red cherries, jasmine, passion flower, lychee, and fruity musk. If you’re a sucker for packaging like me, you will also love the blossoming pink-and-green motif.

Another thing I’m loving about the Red Chérie is that it’s taking a step towards green—no parabens. Parabens are commonly used preservatives for personal-care products—and they are under fire for possible cause of cancer and having an estrogen effect on males. The extracts of wild cherry and passion flower are organic as well.

Bonus: The lotion contains AHAs, or alpha hydroxy acids, the fruit acids that keep your skin glowing.

You can find Red Chérie at all the usual Thymes haunts, including Ampersand and Bibelot.

Badgley Mischka, The Tent, Bryant Park

Designer Credentials: Mark Badgley and James Mischka's eponymous line has garnered an extremely loyal fan base of women who seek all-out glamour. Nearly everything the duo designs seems destined for the red carpet—luxe embellishments, cuts showcasing décolleté and legs, and sweeping trains. Sisters Linda and Kim Renk of Sequin design the Badgley Mischka brand jewelry.

Scene: Anna Wintour, socialites Susan Fales-Hill and Jamee Gregory, and actresses Eliza Dushku and Jaime King.

Fashions: Mark Badgley and James Mischka could have just come out with a collection of safe and pretty evening dresses and sat back while their faithful devotees enjoyed, but instead, they made a slight departure from their usual crystal-encrusted, va-va-voom gowns with a result that was much more interesting. Sportswear separates were created from bronze wool taffetas, chocolate hounds tooth, and glazed leather and finished with understated, yet interesting, accompaniments, such as a broadtail and fox fur vest and evergreen Fair Isles sweater. Dresses still had a major presence, but for day, they were layered with a bouclé jacket or green apple colored cashmere, and for evening, they were saturated jewel tones, such as emerald, amethyst, and ruby. Prints were minimal save for a few hints of ikat and abstract leaf prints.

See entire Badgley Mischka show.

(Photos courtesy Mercedes Benz News Group)

 

Show: Tibi, The Salon, Bryant Park

Designer Credentials: Designer Amy Smilovic doesn’t shy away from color or pattern, and each season introduces a range of prints and color perfect for the more eccentric fashionista.

Scene: The Tibi show was heavy with buyers and fashion directors from various department stores, including Laura Schara, trend specialist for Macy’s North.

Fashions: It is hard to get excited on less than three hours of sleep, especially at 9 a.m., but when Amy Smilovic sent her models and threads down the runway, my eyes instantly widened at the site of saturated colors and funky patterns. Smilovic showcased a collection of paisleys, plaids, and ikat and graphic prints prepared in fire engine red, persimmon, rust, mustard, raspberry, brown, and bright violet. Although gray was the couleur du saison in Fall 2007, this year at Tibi, it merely acted as a neutral. Proportions were equally dramatic with dresses coming out in maxi lengths, pants cut long and wide with structured high waists, and oversized knits and ponchos belted for effect.

See entire Tibi show.

(Photos courtesy Mercedes Benz News Group)

Let's take a little break from my girl Melissa's Fashion Week coverage to look at some local retail news . . .

Yesterday marked the opening of J.B. Hudson's new storefront on Nicollet Ave. The historic retailer has completed its move from the Macy's building (where it lived for seventy-eight years) to the Young Quinlan Building, inside the former spot of Polo Ralph Lauren.

The iconic jeweler made news last spring when it was purchased by the Pohlad family and president/CEO Jeannie Joas. Hoping to attract a new generation of jewelry buyers while still catering to its longtime customer base, the new owners quickly nabbed the former Polo location for its prime Downtown visibility and large retail space. Locally based marketing and design firm Shea was hired to design and reposition the space. Interior walls were removed (leaving more natural lighting), historic structure was preserved, and the chandeliers and original jewelry cases were brought in. A few contemporary touches were incorporated, such as a new logo replacing the old very formal one (see the redesigned website for an idea).

What will you find? Separated vignettes of everything from the latest jewelry trends to a diamond salon, an expanded luxury watch collection, and new designer boutiques (including Cartier, John Hardy, and H.Stern).

J.B. Hudson, 901 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-338-5950
(Also located at Ridgedale, Minnetonka, 952-591-0737)

Show: Cynthia Steffe, The Salon, Bryant Park

Designer Credentials: Designer Waleed Khairzada creates 9 to 5 separates in well-constructed, feminine cuts. Dresses, prints, and vibrant colors are a constant but are done to a surprisingly minimalist effect.

Scene: The Cynthia Steffe show was less star-studded, but the seats were filled with department store buyers and fashion directors.

Fashions: Waleed Khairzada excited his loyal fan base by presenting a collection with polished eccentricity. Bright colors and vibrant prints were kept tailored in classic shapes, layered knits provided an alternative to traditional outerwear, and tailored jackets narrowed the silhouette created by slouchy pants and little winter dresses. Prints and color were part of the trend story here as well with vermilion knits, batik-print blouses, ombre plaid, poppy florals, and lapis blue swing jackets cut in refined silhouettes.

See entire Cynthia Steffe show.

After the Pamella Roland show finished, I trotted over to the garment district to Bill Blass New York to meet our local Bill Blass representative, Sarah Ramsay. The spring collection, which Ramsay will be showing February 16–22 in Minneapolis, was full of high-waist pants, bubble skirts, silk and Chantilly lace tops, and beautiful Crayola-color jersey dresses.

After Blass, I stopped in to the Sequin show room. Sequin is owned by sisters Linda and Kim Renk, originally from Winona. The sisters/design duo create jewelry for Badgley Mischka as well as for a slew of department stores and retailers, including Henri Bendel, Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Target. After a quick tour around the space (I promise to go back and take pictures), I went with Linda, her team, and Katherine Roepke of Minneapolis-based Roepke Public Relations to Kobe Club for dinner.

The restaurant was exactly what I needed at the end of a long day—creatively fulfilling with a lot of tone-on-tone and texture-on-texture but neutral enough to give my over-stimulated senses a rest. And I had the most magnificent piece of salmon that made stomping around the New York streets all day worth it.

Show: Pamella Roland, The Salon, Bryant Park

Designer Credentials: Designed for confident women with exceptional taste, the clothing of Pamella DeVos, the designer of Pamella Roland, allows a woman’s innate personality and sexuality shine through the stitches. The look is impeccably polished and feminine with lush fabrics, exquisite embellishments, and precise cuts.

Scene: Actress Lindsay Price (NBC’s Lipstick Jungle) was sitting pretty front-and-center at this Paris-themed show.

Fashions: Although much of Roland’s fashions were proper and tasteful, she injected a few elements to keep the excitement going. Gold lurex gave plaid interest, lace was made edgy in a subtle leopard print, tulle was beaded, and clipped jacquard was finished in plume.

(Photos courtesy Mercedes Benz News Group)

 

Show: Betsey Johnson, The Tent, Bryant Park

Designer Credentials: Whimsical and frothy yet loud and sexy, hard-edged and punk-influenced yet flirty and exuberant, Betsey Johnson’s designs are not for the faint of fashion heart. Johnson, a former ballerina, has an obvious appreciation for the costume in everyday dress.

Scene: Traditional front rows were removed from the all-black tent to make room for black lacquer bistro tables and lipstick red folding chairs. Russell Simmons, Tyra Banks, and Finola Hughes had front-row views.

Fashions: In celebration of her thirty years in fashion, Betsey Johnson showed not only her A/W 2008 runway fashions, which included vibrant prints in shocking red and cobalt blue, but also a retrospective of her greatest hits throughout the years.

See entire Betsey Johnson Show.

(Photos courtesy Mercedes Benz News Group)

Show: Jill Stuart, New York Public Library

Designer Credentials: New York native Jill Stuart can be counted on to deliver female-celebrating fashions—flirty dresses, skinny pants, lace trim accents, and floral patterns.

Scene: The Upper East Side’s real gossip girls, actress Hillary Swank, Tyra Banks, and Elle fashion director/Project Runway judge Nina Garcia (whom I sat four seats down from), gathered in the marble hallways of the New York Public Library.

Fashions: The overall tone was minimalist and somber—lots of navy and black combinations—, but understated luxe details, such as velvets, furs, and sheen, kept it interesting.

 

See the entire Jill Stuart Show.

(Photos courtesy Mercedes Benz News Group)

Show: Carolina Herrera, The Tent, Bryant Park

Designer Credentials: Venezuelan-born Carolina Herrera designs beautiful clothing that is chic, feminine, and timeless. Herrera is probably best known for and most lauded as a designer of beautiful, sweeping evening wear and bridal gowns. But her day looks—including tweed suits and crisp white oxfords—are just as stunning.

Scene: Fashion magazine EICs, including Anna Wintour of Vogue and Glenda Bailey of Bazaar; fashion editors such as Grace Coddington, Virginia Smith, and Meredith Melling Burke; socialites Tinsley Mortimer, Olivia Chantecaille, and Ferebee Bishop Taube; and actress Angie Harmon lined the runway.

Fashions: Inspired by the countryside, Carolina Hererra sent out a collection of tweeds, crinkled chiffons, double-faced cashmere, and Shetland wools in a color palette of oatmeal brown, China blue, and lemon drop yellow. The entire show was a fantastical countryside affair, but my favorite part was seeing nearly every model topped in plumed fedoras.

See entire Carolina Herrera Runway Show.

(Photos courtesy Mercedes Benz News Group)

Show: Peter Som, The Promenade, Bryant Park

Designer Credentials: Peter Som is a San Francisco native who is known or his clean, fuss-free, American sportswear. Som introduced his namesake line in 2001 and has since won accolades from the Council of Fashion Designers, fashion editors, and celebrities such as Natalie Portman. Som is also the designer for Bill Blass, another legendary American sportswear brand.

Scene: Lots of Voguettes (Meredith Melling Burke, Virginia Smith, André Leon Talley), actresses (Lindsay Price, Piper Perabo) and socialites (Tinsley Mortimer) gathered around all-white tents.

Fashions: From ombré to plaid, silk twill to mink, Peter Som showed a collection of full skirts, slouchy trousers, and duchesse satin dresses in a variety of fabrications. Although much of his palette was solid—licorice, navy, raspberry, and charcoal—injections of abstract floral pattern (a call out to spring’s hottest trend) and ombré added depth and color. The overall look represented the polished eclecticism that Peter Som is known for.

See images from entire Peter Som show.

(Photos courtesy Mercedes Benz News Group)

I know I have sang praises of Milly and its designer, Michelle Smith, many times before on this blog, but here is something about her bold use of color and brazen mixing of prints that is uncommon in American sportswear. The look is always sexy and bold—prints seem to be inspired by everything from vintage wallpaper to tropical florals—but also polished and feminine with the likes of cropped jackets and shift dresses.

I will be attending the Milly by Michelle Smith runway show in New York City this coming Wednesday, but I stopped in to Nordstrom yesterday to get a quick look at the Milly Spring 2008 trunk show.

  

The collection included a wide variety of styles, such as a chainlink print shirt dress, high waist nautical navy blue and white pique pants, shift dresses in just about every color and flavor, and my personal favorite, a Malibu Barbie-esque cotton candy pink, blue, orange, and green jacquard jacket ($650).

Nordstrom, Mall of America,  952-883-2121

If you've yet to check out Nola Home, make it a point to stop by sometime this month. Located in Minneapolis's Bryn Mawr neighborhood, the charming storefront is throwing a huge storewide sale through the end of February. Find deep discounts on everything from vintage Indian furniture to eclectic tabletop accessories and organic linens.

Owner Kelly Dorsey (the former director of The Design Studio at Gabberts) relentlessly stocks Nola with a well-edited collection of modern, vintage, antique, and artisan-made home furnishings—there really is something for everyone and something to catch your eye in every corner.

Some of the great deals (there's much more in store!):

Reinterpreted classic furniture by California-based Oly Studio is 20 percent off.

Unique, large-scale vintage pieces from India are 40 to 60 percent off.

African cloth textiles are 50 percent off.

Nola Home, 404 Penn Ave. S., Mpls., 612-374-4066

I'€™d be hard pressed to name a designer who appreciates resort and spring fashions as much as Oscar de la Renta. As a native of the Dominican Republic, de la Renta understands not only what is functional in warmer climates but also the prints, colors, and styles that shine brightest in the sun.

I stopped into Nordstrom on Thursday to check out Oscar de la Renta's entire Resort and Spring 2008 collections, which were on hand for a two-day trunk show. For spring, de la Renta's collection was a study in emerging trends—€”tribal patterns, beading, lightweight safari jackets€—but was rounded out by de la Renta classics, including citron-hued drop waist dresses and a slim red wool sheath. The inspiration for the collection came from an African mud cloth, but de la Renta's clean tailoring kept the fashions from appearing too literal.

  

Tribal patterns and citrus splashes are great, but if you are looking for a dramatic number for one of this season's big benefits, the must-have dress was the spring runway's closing number (as modeled by "it girl," Agyness Deyn)—a floor length black-and-white strapless gown with and oversized black feather appliqué. 

 

For Resort, the references were more seventies separates mixed with classic de la Renta Resort—striking sheer orange top worn with wide-leg lime green silk pants, nautical separates, a bright citron kaftan, and body-skimming jersey dresses.

The samples on hand for the trunk show have sadly already left the store, but the sales team at Nordstrom can help you with special orders, and select pieces of both collections remain in the store.

Nordstrom, Mall of America, 952-883-2121

Everyone has their fashion item they gravitate toward: jewelry, scarves, cashmere, handbags.

I think mine is coats. Even as a kid, I admired high schoolers' letter jackets (yes, I’ve come a long way) and even had a family friend who made me a little red knockoff. (I am repeatedly pictured in our family album wearing it.)

Just a couple of weeks ago, I bought an amazing dark-green metallic dress trench at Banana Republic, scored for more than half off. (I’d show you, but I can’t find an example online.)

Imagine my surprise when one beautiful item from the J. Crew spring collection has already made its way to the clearance racks, something I’d drooled over in the catalog. (Oh, if only I looked like I stepped out of that [and Anthropologie's] catalog each day.)

Here it is, in all its glory:

But I have to share the deal. $275 originally, marked down to $189.99 with another 30 percent off, for a total of $133. I quickly did some wedding-budget math. I could swing it.

I cannot wait until spring to wear it!