The Sound of Fashion: Vampire Weekend

Welcome to another installment of TSOF, where I make up a couple of outfits based on the style of a particular album. My choice this time is Vampire Weekend, an indie band formed in a Columbia dorm room. They have been getting a lot of hype lately, and usually that makes me a little leery.

But I have given their debut a good listen and all I have to say is "wow." These guys rock. Their songs are inspired by relationships, the Ivy life, and summer weekends on the Cape. Basically, it is prep to the core. But they have brought together disparate musical styles, like African musical traditions and 80s bands like Talking Heads (whom I adore, by the way) to create something utterly unique, and damn catchy.

For my VW inspired outfits, I have chosen some preppy standbys like Sperry Top-Siders and rope belted navy capris, as well as a khaki skirt and striped blazer. But just like VW, I've thrown in some ethnic inspiration with the printed Built By Wendy camisole and bright African headscarf. There is definitely a hint of the 80s as well, as evident in the blazer's angular lines and bold print and the red patent bag. I think it's a good mix of Blair and Serena (for all of you GG fans out there) that sums up the style of Vampire Weekend: old school meets new school.

Don't Mind Her, She's French

I've always admired the way many French women dress. They have such a distinct, sophisticated style and a carefree attitude about fashion that is so chic. Of course, there are many other stylish women around the world, but today I am going to focus on the French. My own personal style is a mix of preppy, classic New England and edgy Parisian, with a hint of vintage flair. Lately I've been studying the blogs of such stylish French femmes like The Cherry Blossom Girl and Punky B, hoping to emulate their timeless, yet modern looks.

One thing I have noticed about French style is that there are two distinct categories: Parisian and Provencal. This by no means exhausts the endless creative talents of French fashion lovers. There is so much more to it than what I cover here, because every individual has their own style. I am just choosing to highlight two types that I believe embody the essence of what foreigners like me see as French style.

The Parisian look is slick and clean, with touches of nautical inspiration. The starkness of black and white can be tempered by a soft, cloud-like scarf thrown just so around the neck, or by the ruggedness of equestrian accessories. The simplicity of a Parisian outfit seems like it took no time at all to put together, but careful attention has been paid to the shapes, silhouettes, colors, and materials. Casual basics mix with more "designed" pieces to emphasize that idea of balance. Once and a while a bright color interrupts the subdued palette.

Provence is a region in southern France known for it's lively, colorful prints, beautiful countryside, lavender fields, and overall easygoing atmosphere. It is an enchanting place, where life slows to a smooth rhythm, measured by the sun, the wind, and the sea. The fashion of Provence tends to be more laid back than Parisian style, with more consideration to vintage looks. Little floral prints, bright ethnic scarves, and more color in general help to exemplify the Provencal style. Silhouettes are looser, such as smock dresses, billowy tops, and a-line skirts.

This is just one girl's opinion about French style. Really, books could be written about the subject and we would still be wondering about it, because each person, regardless of nationality, has their own ideas about the way they dress. That's what makes style so fascinating: it is utterly elusive.

Be Beaux Arts: Dancers of Degas

BBA is a series in which I use a piece of artwork as fashion inspiration. This time I have chosen Edgar Degas' 1878 Dancers, a beautiful, lyrical work that showcases one of his inspirations: ballet. I am feeling drawn to soft shades of pink and grey, as you can probably tell! The hazy quality of the Degas pastel is so evocative of smooth silk, rustling tulle, and the lithe bodies of the dancers. It's such a calming world.

Pink and grey are classic ballet colors. They are simple and quiet, but when combined with interesting shapes and a dancer's attitude, these two unassuming colors become electrifying! Of course you must get the shades right: light pink and dove grey or slate grey with a touch of blue are ideal. Wrap sweaters, like the ruffled grey one from Anthropologie, immediately nod to ballet. Lush layers of fabric like the ruffled pink sweater from Anthropologie and the white empire dress from Max Studio are like tulle skirts, but much more wearable for everyday. And you don't need to wear ballet flats to get the ballet look. Pink and grey on any round toed shoe will suffice. Both shown are from UO.

The Sound of Fashion: Little Amber Bottles

Time for another one of my favorite features, The Sound of Fashion, where I interpret the sound of a particular band's album using clothes. This time I have chosen Blanche's new album, Little Amber Bottles. Blanche is a group of five guys and dolls who do what can best be described as goth-country-Americana-rock. Trust me, it's fabulous. They, like me, have an affinity for all things old-fashioned, particularly of Dustbowl-era America. Their sound is classic and modern all at once, but you can definitely hear the strains of 1920s country, 1800s lyrical sensibilities, and 1950s rock.

A pretty lace blouse with floral embroidery is sweet and feminine, but paired with menswear inspired knickers, the look becomes more mysterious. A bracelet of jewel-toned glass cameos and straight from Cold Mountain lace up boots complete the outfit. Don't forget a pair of black lace gloves and and a mint julep. Yee haw!

Wrap Up Warm on This Winter Night

A reader asked me what she should wear in the coldest, heaviest, most bitter winter weather and still look stylish. This is an issue that affects anyone who has to deal with bad winters, so I thought I would do a whole post for it. Now, this is easily something that I could devote an entire blog to, being from New England, but I have whittled it down to a few key suggestions.Let's start with the top half. I like the concept of light layers, because when it's really cold, one measly sweater isn't enough for braving the elements, and it's way too hot for the indoor heat. Start with a simple long sleeve thermal tee or even a whisper thin sweater. Then add a cardigan on top. These grey options, from Casch Copenhagen and Banana Republic are perfect, because they have design interest but are also very warm. Or, put on a cozy turtleneck, like the ivory one seen above, also by Banana Republic. You could also layer a short sleeved sweater over your tee, and then top it with a wool blazer, for a very Balenciaga look.

I think keeping things fairly neutral is the best way to mix and match. That way, you can begin with only a few key pieces, and re-wear them without wearing the exact same outfit. Two to three tees, four pullover sweaters, one cardigan, and perhaps one blazer should be enough for a solid foundation. A simple checked scarf (Banana again) and a colorful hat (both by Anthropologie) keep you warm and they add color to an otherwise neutral palette.

Now for the bottom. Wool trousers are great for warmth, but not so great if it's going to be wet, so go for a nice super skinny denim trouser instead. They'll keep you warm and they will dry better if snow or sleet happens to get on them. Wear nice thick socks and pull on some nice weatherproof boots over the jeans. If you want something a little more dressed up, and it's going to be a dry day, go ahead and wear a skirt. This red one is cut a little long, and it's wool, so it will be warm, especially if you wear it with thick tights. Again, knee high boots are best. Pick ones with flat, rubber soles so you don't slip all over the place. Long coats will keep you warmest. One that is somewhat fitted on top and flares out a little on the bottom is best for fit and comfort. If you pick one that is too fitted all the way down you won't be able to move, but one that is too baggy won't keep you very warm.

Be Beaux Arts: Medieval Maiden

For this installment of BBA, I have chosen Dante Gabriel Rossetti's Jane Morris (The Blue Silk Dress), 1868. Rossetti was one of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood of the 19th century, a group of artists who borrowed from the styles of the Old Masters, often choosing to paint Medieval subjects. Interestingly, the dresses they chose for their models - deep, saturated colors in silks and velvets - became somewhat of a fashion trend in the 1860s, known as the Artistic or Aesthetic Dress Movement. They were usually loose fitting, with puffed sleeves, and quite plain otherwise. The focus was on the simplicity of form, and the sensual pleasure offered by swaths of luxurious fabric. One was expected to have the same reaction when viewing these stunning works of art, which often featured vivid color, striking contrasts (the play of light and dark, for example), and texture.

So if you want to be the heroine of a Pre-Raphaelite painting, like Jane Morris, you'll need one lovely dress. This Calypso one is perfect, as it just happens to be blue silk, and of course the style of the dress is very simple. Large, ornate earrings hint at a time gone by. Roses frequently made appearances in Pre-Raphaelite paintings, with their many sensual connotations. Lay this gorgeous pink one on your lap, tuck it behind your ear, or insert it into a leather bound journal to keep track of your many dreams.

Casual Fridays?

The plight of any fashion conscious working girl is the eternal question of what to wear to a boring office job. You want to look fabulous, but you also have a strict dress code. I don't have a typical office job, so thankfully that isn't a concern for me. But what would I do in that situation? Succumb to the uniform of over-worked and over-tired office drone? Oh hell no! I'll take my fashion cues from 50s era silver screen mavens, 60s secretaries, and the indie darlings of today. Sexy, form-fitting, and professional? Yes ma'am!

The Sound of Fashion: Ballad of the Broken Seas

Music is an extremely important part of my life. So is fashion. What happens when you mix the two? The Sound of Fashion, a new Modiste series! I'll pick a singer or band and a particular album of theirs, and then interpret the sound using fashion. This time I have chosen Isobel Campbell's collaboration with Mark Lanegan, Ballad of the Broken Seas.

Isobel is a Belle & Sebastian alum, which happens to be one of my favorite bands. On this venture, she and Lanegan have created a gorgeous mix of styles - ranging from bluesy folk to country to pure pop rock. The result is a timeless and haunting album that transports the listener to weathered beach houses and overgrown rural landscapes dotted with rusty pick up trucks. Head to Amazon for a sampling, and then buy a copy! It's the perfect thing to listen to when you need a little alone time. Great for road trips as well!

A lovely navy blue ruffly shirtdress (that bears more than a passing resemblance to Isobel's!) is the perfect piece to represent the album's unique sound. It is at once classic and fresh, citified sophistication and country girl swagger. Fringed boots reminiscent of 70s rock goddesses and a sexy, slim denim skirt hint at a certain sultriness. A simple wool cap and plaid shirt are laid back and effortless.

What I Would Wear: Teen Vogue Fashion U

Welcome to a new series that I call What I Would Wear. For each WIWW post, I will choose a fashionable event that I cannot attend, and show you exactly what I would wear if I were lucky enough to attend. Got it? Good. WIWW is a fantasy in and of itself, so there is no budget. That makes things a lot more fun! For my first WIWW, I have chosen Teen Vogue's Fashion University, a three day event in NYC that starts with a concert, then there is a day of seminars and lectures, and finally a graduation day in Bloomingdale's. Here's what I would wear:This first outfit is for the day of seminars and lectures. Since it's Fashion U, I decided to go with a Parisienne school girl look. It's a bit quirky, and a little coquettish, which is the perfect mix in my world! I am going for a mix of high and low for all of my outfits, since it seems like a TV thing to do. A Built By Wendy jumper is the centerpiece of the outfit, and the stripy tights and fabulous pumps add color and whimsy. A bow tie blouse and jaunty beret complete the look with a French flair. Top it all with a 60s style swing coat and I'm ready to go!

The outfit on the left is for the very first day, which I assume involves meeting people, and then the concert afterwards. I went for a chic, Carine Roitfeld inspired look, with a bright blue silk top and a swingy grey skirt. Fierce oxford pumps and an asymmetrical blazer - both in black - have real attitude. I'll take the blazer off for the concert! For jewels, I'm thinking a big stack of pearls. The outfit on the right is for the last day, and perhaps may be a little dressy but who cares. This is my fantasy! I went with a classic and simple frock from J. Crew, accessorized with amazing Moschino pumps. I will certainly be chilly in this, so I'll wear the Westwood blazer over it to make it a little more casual and funky. I'd love a 1920s style silver headpiece to wear in place of any earrings or necklaces.

Ciao Bella!

I was recently asked by a reader what she should wear to Milan Fashion Week. This is an important event, and clearly she wouldn't want to make a faux pas, or whatever the Italian equivalent of that is. To add to the gravity of the situation, she is a cash-strapped grad student. This is my attempt at saving her from an unfortunate fate. While not all of us are lucky enough to go to any kind of fashion week, let alone Milan, I think that the rest of you will find something useful here. These tips - I hope - will come in handy if you get invited to any sort of fashionable event. I tried to work around what may already be in your closet, so that you wouldn't have to go out and buy a lot. But I did keep all of my examples wallet friendly. The dresses (all Banana Republic) are under $150, the coats (both Nordstrom) are under $100, and most of the accessories are under $50. At fashion week, don't worry about being the best dressed. It's all about the attitude! Stay confident and people will really respond to that. Plus, I'm guessing that you won't be the center of attention, so an over-the-top designer ensemble is unnecessary. Leave that to the pros. A simple dress will work just fine, but make sure it's not too simple. Pick one with an eye catching color or a bold print for instant appeal. Even a black dress is fine, if you pair it with great accessories. By all means, make sure everything fits you perfectly and looks clean, pressed, and polished. Even the simplest outfit can be dazzling if the fit is impeccable. Don't be sloppy.

In terms of how you style the dress, be creative. I personally like how Banana Republic did it, with opaque black tights and black shoes. But if that's too trendy, do something different. A different color tight perhaps, or a metallic shoe. Throw on a pile of fake pearls with your all-black outfit and a really wild hat a la Isabella Blow. Just have fun with it - this is Fashion Week after all.

Since it's fall, a statement making coat will be the perfect finishing touch. Find one with really interesting details, like big buttons, or an optic print. Try a red pump for a pop of color, or go with simple black Louboutin look alikes. This pair from Zappos is budget-friendly, but has the designer look. People will probably be able to tell the difference, but having a shoe like this shows that you know your fashion. A hat is another easy way to add a little oomph to your look. This knit beret has a Marc Jacobs look, and again, it's trendy, but appropriate for Fashion Week, which is all about the trends.

My reader mentioned she has a lot of jeans. Jeans are fine to wear! If you have a particularly nice pair, one that has a good dark wash that fits you well, go with that. Then go glamorous with the shoes and accessories. If all else fails, wear a pair of really big, really dark sunglasses.

Be Beaux Arts: The Rainy Day Flapper

Welcome to my new series, Be Beaux Arts! You may recognize this idea from a post I did a while ago on dressing the part of Marie Antoinette at Le Petite Trianon, based on a painting by Vigee Le Brun. Well, I liked that a lot, so I decided to make this a regular thing. I love art, and I think that it is a wonderful place to gain fashion inspiration. So, for today's venture, I have chosen this lovely 1920s fashion illustration. Not exactly fine arts, but beautiful nonetheless!

You're not a flapper until you have the drop waisted dress. This little number has a pleated skirt, and looks like the foundation of a Suzanne Lenglen tennis ensemble. To emphasize the garconne look, a pair of shiny black oxfords let you stride through puddles just like the boys. And don't forget a little deco inspired shrug to keep the chill off. Top it all with a green brolly and jaunty cloche and you'll be the bee's knees!

All it Takes...

I have already done this post, but upon retrospect I realized I didn't do it as well as I would have liked. So here it is again, but new and improved! A reader asked me to pick a few items, and then illustrate how to put them together in various and interesting ways. I hope this shows you that a great wardrobe does not require a ton of clothes. Use your creativity, and you can come up with a lot of fantastic outfits.I started with really basic pieces, to emphasize that you don't need a closet filled with unique, crazy, or expensive designer clothes to make stylish outfits. I only included shoes, because I thought other accessories would clutter up the images, so use your imagination on that front! Throw in a bold necklace, patterned scarf, or an artistic hat to give these looks more mileage and personality. For casual wear, easy basics like jeans and a jersey dress will get you through a lot of different events. This sweater is a good piece to own, because it looks like two tops layered but it's really just one. It adds a lot of interest, but it didn't take a lot off effort. Here, I paired it with jeans. But you could add the military blazer to dress it up a bit, or throw it over the dress to make a sweater/skirt combo. You could wear the blazer with the dress as well, and the red sweater would look great layered over or under the dress.

Trousers and a nice wool skirt are perfect work basics. A little button down is ideal as well, and can be worn with the red sweater or the military blazer. Throw the blazer on over the sweater and skirt combo as well. Or wear the shirt under the sweater with the skirt for another look. I think you get the idea: a lot can be accomplished with simple layering! It's all the same stuff, but they take on a different feel when paired differently.

The workwear trousers and casual jeans make another appearance, but dressed up by bright satin and velvet! You can wear any of the tops with any of the bottoms for a variety of looks. The green shoes are fine for evening because of the flashy color and shiny gold buckle.

Finally, a few more outfits to get your juices flowing. Try the velvet blazer for day by pairing it with the tweed skirt and the chunky brown heels. The button down also helps to tone down the velvet. You could even wear the velvet jacket with the next outfit - the dress tucked into the pants ( = a top!) with the green flats. The military blazer would look good with this as well. As another example of how to take your eveningwear into the daytime, the military blazer and satin top are made casual with jeans.

I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor

Connie of Pretty Legit offered this idea for a post: non-cliche things to wear to a party. This is especially important for the college students and twenty somethings out there, who inevitably end up wearing tight jeans, strappy sandals, and a sexy top. I know that Connie is the queen of theme parties, and I have not come up with outfits as great as hers, but for a regular, casual party, I think the following looks will suffice.If you want to do the denim thing, do it different! A slim, non-embellished pencil skirt with a very dark uniform wash is perfect. I think that cardigans can be very cool, like this one from Anthropologie. The color is bright and fun, and the shape is really flattering. Wear it over a silk camisole or even just a regular cotton tank. If you want something a bit more dressy, try a silk blouse, like this kimono top. It's more covered up than the usual boob-baring, filmy tank, but it's still sexy. It's subtle sexy, and it will give you the right kind of attention. For the accessories, go bold. A great pair of dangly earrings and gold pumps are evening appropriate and fun. I would even add some bangles, or a necklace, and a cool clutch or small shoulder bag if you need it.

For a less casual event, a silk tank will work. This one from J. Crew is not so low cut, and the billowy fabric doesn't reveal to much curves. The spare neckline shows off your collarbone and back with criss-cross straps. To tone it down a little, pair it with slim Bermuda shorts. I picked dark purple as an accent, for both the pumps and the necklace. It is a little matchy, but that can easily be fixed by adding a cropped cardigan in a complementary hue, like pale yellow, or even green. The chocolate brown dress has a fancy look, but it's actually jersey, which means comfy casual. I added a gold clutch for some interest.

In general, you want to think outside of the overtly sexy box. Be creative and fearless with your color combinations, shapes, and textures. Parties are supposed to be festive and fun! The outfits I put together are a little on the safe side, but this is just meant for inspiration. And there are a lot of different kinds of parties, so dress accordingly, but never settle for the expected!

What to Wear to a Texan Wedding: Hint, No Ten Gallon Hats

For the first of my reader requests, I'll tackle the question: What to wear to a Texas wedding in November? Since I don't know the specifics of the event, I've put together a couple of dressy looks, a couple of (semi)casual ones. All the dresses are under $150, and the accessories are mostly around $50, so they are budget friendly. And, you can wear everything again, for many different occasions, so it will be a good use of your cash!First, for a dressy wedding, I have picked two silk dresses. They are simple, but gorgeous, and since this is a fall wedding, I've kept the palette rich and jewel-toned. Bold chandelier earrings and silver pumps add fanciness. Since Texas is still pretty mild in November, I thought it was safe to go spare with the dresses, but because it can get chilly, I would suggest a lightweight pointelle shrug or a pashmina. A 3/4 length coat with bracelet sleeves would also work.

Because I am old-fashioned, I would step up the casual look for an event such as a wedding. Even if everyone else is dressed down. It's a special occasion no matter what, so you should look it. But there is no need to go over the top. I think a shirtdress is a good way to go. The Steve Madden dress is actually taffeta, but the shape and the pinstriping give it a different vibe. I like the mix of masculine and feminine. The low heeled pumps have sneaker-like perforations, but the material is a glittery gold, so that gives them a dressier feel. The red dress is jersey, so not only is it casual, it's also comfortable. If you need some warmth, with these kinds of dresses I would suggest a little cotton jacket with 3/4 length sleeves to tone everything down a little. A simple cardigan sweater would be great too.

I hope this helps! At the very least I hope I gave you some inspiration. And to everyone else who suggested something: I will get to your requests! Just give me a little time and be patient. If you have any other ideas or suggestions, please comment!

I'm Your Biggest Fan!

Shocker! Two posts in one day! Actually, you can expect to see more posts from now on. So, be sure to scroll down so you don't miss anything!I am an avid tennis fan - love playing and love watching. Since it's the summer, I have a lot of tennis to watch, and I have noticed an interesting phenomenon: the tennis girlfriend. The tennis girlfriend is a unique breed of female, most always blonde and with very good bone structure. She sits in the exclusive player's box, cheering on her man, and looking every inch the privileged, label-loving beauty. The ultimate tennis girlfriend is Mirka Vavrinec, right hand woman to tennis god Roger Federer. Seriously, she has the best job in the world: follow Roger around the world and watch his genius on court. How lucky!

Of course, the most important aspect of the tennis girlfriend is her clothing. In fact, both Mirka and Roger are known for their glamorous style and love of all things fashion. They were actually invited by Anna Wintour to accompany her on front row at an Oscar de la Renta show (seen above). So how does one dress like a tennis girlfriend? Read below to find out.

Any tennis girlfriend worth her weight in diamonds knows that the most important part of the outfit is anything from the waist up, because as you sit in the stands, only your torso is visible to the jealous lookers-on and sports network cameras. Pick sport-inspired pieces, those with a casual flair, but make sure everything is designer. If it doesn't have an important name on the label, it should not be touching your body. Mirka happens to love hoodies, and who does an overpriced hoodie better than Juicy Couture? Wear these tops with white Seven jeans and a fantastic pair of shoes. Even though no one will see the shoes, a gorgeous pair of shoes will set you apart even more from the average sneaker wearing spectators who had to pay for their tickets.

Accessories: just as vital to the ensemble as a great top. Make sure that every piece is big, flashy, and with a recognizable logo. Huge sunglasses are a must, and the darker the better. These two are by Mirka's favorites, Roberto Cavalli and Juicy. Big designer bags are required as well, and place them on your lap for all to see. The LV Multicolore is a favorite of Mirka's, and she had it with her at one of Roger's matches just recently. Instantly recognizable, and, for some, highly covetable. Let's not forget the jewels. What's the point of being a tennis girlfriend if your famous and loaded tennis player boyfriend doesn't buy you enormous diamonds? The bigger, the better. Rings are permitted as long as you clap a lot.

Finally, for the red carpet appearances, photo ops, and, of course, sitting front row with Anna Wintour, you'll need some knockout dresses. This Temperley minidress would be great for watching your guy play the final of Wimbledon. For dressier events, however, opt for Cavalli, naturally. Jimmy Choos are the perfect finishing touch.

Don't forget that the best tennis girlfriends have the attitude to match.

Fall is Here, Hear the Yell, Back to School, Ring the Bell

I no longer have to go to school, but I still love this time of year. Now, I hated school, and I am so glad that it's done and over with, but I always looked forward to buying back to school clothes and shiny new supplies. It's the nerd in me. Needless to say, I devoured all of those stupid "Back to Cool" guides in magazines, making lists of what I would need to be the envy of all my classmates. I've put together my own little guide for those of you like me, who have no desire to actually go to any kind of learning institution and do homework but want to look the part.Ah, the timeless classic, J. Crew. The pantheon of New England preppiness. If I had gotten my way and went to some fancy private prep school like Exeter, I would have worn nothing but J. Crew. But, that's not really me, and I know that private school would have sucked just as bad as public school, but my teenage imagination sometimes got the better of me.

Let's hear it for the old school messenger! I love these two from Retrodelic. They have that elbow-patched professorial look about them, but when paired with skinny jeans and Converse they become hipster chic.

When I was in high school, the cosmetics de rigeur included heavy black eyeliner and whatever glitter-laden lipgloss one could find. I was only one of a few girls at my school who worshiped at the altar of Sephora, and for us, the essentials would have included something like this Fall Fantasy palette by Stila. Chic and a little more subdued than the black-rimmed-angst-ridden-MTV-poseur look.

As stated earlier, my nerdiness knows no bounds, especially when it comes to school supplies. Don't ask me why, but I love pens, pencils, erasers, and notebooks. See Jane Work is a great place to satisfy all of my school supply cravings. The Acme pen and pencil set is adorable. I love how the case looks like the old-fashioned composition notebook. And these erasers are too pretty to use, emblazoned with such icons as the Eiffel Tower and pink poodle.

Kate Spade is the queen of vintage-inspired whimsy. I have the 2007 version of this planner, and the images inside are just as fabulous as the cover. There are page-sized illustrations for each month, and they are cool enough to rip out and frame as little works of art. I cannot wait to get this 2008 one.

Keep Your Trousers On

I am in a very 70s mood right now: plaid shirts, platform pumps, and of course, wide legged trousers. The look is a very classic one, and great for fall, but just as nice for summer. Wide legged navy trousers worn on cool summer evenings bring to mind cruises on the Riviera in the 20s, or Jackie O. summering in Capri. Take these Alice & Olivia lightweight wool trousers from now to the turning of the leaves in fall with a few simple changes.

People usually stick to a simple, snug-fitting top with wide leg trousers for fear of drowning in volume, but I say embrace it! Smartly, though. Pick a pair that is fitted through the rear and thighs, that way you can wear something floaty on top, like this bohemian embroidered blouse by Topshop. Wear it with a Paul Smith inspired bangle and silver croc-embossed sandals by Bernardo for a casual feel, or throw on a silky Urban Outfitters headscarf and BCBG wedges for something a little more groovy. Sit at a cafe sipping pastis and just watch the world go by.

These trousers are in their element when worn in fall. Pair them with a simple cashmere tee from J. Crew and a luxe capelet from Delia's (how surprising is that!?) to channel your inner Sherlock Holmes. Top it off with a cute cap from Topshop. The French Connection top has a very artsy print that picks up the blue of the trousers and the red of these mary janes by Max Studio. For some reason it gives me an Andy Warhol vibe. And that is very cool.

This Academic Factory

Just when summer is beginning to heat up, when we're all stripping down to the bare minimum amount of clothing, fashion disciples start thinking about fall. It's inevitable, what with all of the new collections and magazines stirring up images of colorful leaves and cozy knits. It's around this time that I used to (still do!) wait for my back to school issue of Teen Vogue, my heart beating faster with the anticipation of shopping for the most collegiate fall clothes I could find. There's just something so nostalgic and so romantic about the crisp air, dreams of studying at Oxford, and sophisticated English tweeds. It just makes me want the arrival of autumn to come swiftly. Even though my school days are behind me, I still relish those moments. When I'm wearing my trench, trilby, and proper trousers, I can just imagine myself traipsing through the grounds of Oxford, those imposing Gothic structures looming overhead, searching for just the right Keats quotation to impress that cute English boy with...

The Inspirations

For inspiration, definitely catch the film version of Alan Bennett's play, The History Boys, as well as the classic Harry Potter films. I find Harry Potter to be a particularly good source, as bits of the films were shot at Oxford, plus who can deny the charm of crest-bearing blazers and stripy scarves?

I am positively smitten with Franz Ferdinand. These Glaswegians are very style conscious, not only in terms of the clothing that they wear, but also in the art direction and design of their albums and videos. The video for one of my favorite songs of theirs, "The Dark of the Matinée" features the boys in their school uniforms, bored out of their minds, and daydreaming about when they can escape the doldrums of academia. Listen to the song, watch the video, and reminisce.

The Fashions

The perfect professional look for an important meeting, interview, or lecture! Show those stodgy, tweedy Brits how to do the classic collegiate look with edge. A prim silk blouse from Anthropologie is a little bit sexy secretary, and looks alluring underneath a chocolate corduroy blazer from J.Crew. Also from Anthropologie, wool high waist trousers add an androgynous touch, as does the tweed trilby. Marc's Quinn tote holds all of those books and papers, while L.A.M.B.'s gorgeous oxford pumps finish off the look.

For casual classes, studying in the library, or snogging on the lawns minidresses and riding boots are de rigeur. J.Crew's plaid shirtdress is sophisticated with a classic trench from Built By Wendy (it's lined in plaid too!) and crocodile embossed riding boots by Rafe. Add a pop of color with a bold checked scarf from Burberry, naturally. For a different look, try Built By Wendy's kelly green and black striped minidress. All you'll need to do for a night out pub crawling with your pals is throw on some black opaque tights and silver ballet flats for a swinging 60s London look. Don't stay out too late though - it's a school night.

Be Beaux Arts: That Special Je Ne Sais Quoi

As the temperatures rise and the flowers bloom, don't you feel like adopting a simplistic, natural lifestyle? Don't you have the urge to become a dairy maid at an Austrian farm, and wear nothing but grass sweeping linen dresses? Well, queen of style Marie Antoinette did. At her own mock farming village nestled in the Rousseau-esque gardens at Versailles, she could let go of all of her cares and frolic in the sunshine. Determined to remove herself from the rigors of court life, Marie Antoinette secreted herself away for hours or even days at her little retreat, and dressed the part of the simple country girl. Take your summer style cues from the decadent and unabashedly trendy queen and learn to live the good life.

J. Crew's white linen Talitha dress perfectly captures that carefree attitude. Lounge by the pond or enjoy a pique-nique in this confection of a dress. No need to worry about grass stains - they'll add a level of realism to your fantasy that is hard to fake.

Protect your fragile locks from the sun with a wide brimmed straw hat, also by J.Crew. Perfect for throwing coquettish glances at your handsome farm hand.

Though going barefoot would be more au naturel, no self-respecting queen could resist a little sparkle. These jewel encrusted flats by Kenneth Cole remind people why you deserve the title.

For when you get a bit chilly, casually toss on this ruffled scarf from Anthropologie. Really bunch it up for a dramatic effect.