So I’m going to expand on the Fashion Week 2010 commentary, because as we all know (or should), fashion’s biggest night is almost upon us. In fact, according to the continuous FNO countdown we are only 7 hours and 23 minutes away…. I’m talking about Fashion’s Night Out, which is arguably the most spectacular display of fashion and style appreciation. A pretty unbelievable feat, considering that this much anticipated event is only the second of its kind. Guests reveling in the incredible skill, talent, and diligence that is synonymous with design (or simply those who just LOVE clothes) can show their allegiance to and respect for fashion by showing up and participating in a shopping extravaganza. What an undeniably fun way to stimulate economic prosperity… And even though the inspiration for FNO came from the editorial world’s most intimidating and seemingly untouchable arbiters – Vogue’s Anna Wintour, to be more specific – the event has proven to unite those from all walks of life (celebrities, magazine gods and goddesses, and ‘regular, old’ fashion craving consumers) through a common purpose of fashion. And let’s not leave out the other cohesion-creating phenomena – the cocktails, delicious food, and wildly amusing entertainment all work to make the event extremely successful and culture-enriching. With a little ‘liquid encouragement’ meeting a spending partner and/or purchasing some new [presumably expensive...] digs becomes an inevitable and fortuitous reality!!  Oop, now we’re down to 6 hours and 52 minutes..it’s like New Years Eve all over again..except no ball dropping.  Although, my gut feeling is that there will be PLENTY of dollar bills ‘dropped’ tomorrow night…..After all, we’ll probably have another 365 days to recoop..

Tick tock …the fashion bombs are getting ready to explode at NYC’s Lincoln Center (and all over Manhattan) as Fashion Week kicks off tomorrow and everyone who is everyone will be juxtaposing for a glimpse of who sitting in the front rows just as much as for what is worn sashaying down the runways.

What I can’t understand is why big designers PAY celebrities between $30.000 -$75,000 to make an appearence (see today’s WWD) at one their events – aren’t they confident in their own point of view and design direction to let it speak for itself and reserve those all-important seats for real fans?  If a brand’s potential consumer who covets the designer clothing shown on the runway knows that these are simply paid endorsements- – why or how does it impact – their perception of a brand??? Do they like it because a fashion influencer or celebrity truly likes it – and wants to wear it and they want to emanate style and fashion sense – which is understandable.. but if someone is clammering to wear a designer label because  someone is paid to like it what does that say about us?   Fashion for thought…  It seems so easy to figure out.  If you have to pay them to “love you” -they don’t really love you…Have we gotten so desperate for popular approval that we really don’t have any real opinion or original thought  of our own?

So when I hear the word ‘fringe,’ two things come to mind: the FOX television series and the frayed suede material on a pair of cowboy boots…Okay, so maybe more than two things, but what I really mean is that, for the most part, I’ve only seen fringe used as decoration on a variety of accessories including shoes, jewelry, and handbags – yes, handbags most definitely. But for this fall season, fringe is overhauling its traditional supporting role and taking lead. Fringe can add an essential element of movement to any dress or skirt – captivating any and all on-looker attention – in a way, fringe creates the same desired effect as the ‘wind-blown’ look. It also provides texture to an otherwise dull or lifeless dress. For those more formal occasions, simple fringe accenting on the bottom of any dress or skirt can create a bit of understated drama and sophistication, as a scalloped trim would do. And for less intense social engagements, where dancing and high-adrenaline activity will be had, a dress with fuller fringe detailing can be a great compliment! And, to be quite honest, fringe is just plain fun. Any girl who has ever enjoyed twirling around in circles and watching her dress flail around in countless directions is destined to be hooked. Sherri Hill offers a varied collection of fringed dresses that is certifiably party pleasing.  Sherri’s use of fringe juxtaposed with intricate bead work, jewel embellishment, and/or crystal accenting is gorgeous – especially when she combines the fringe with a few other fall fashion trends, nudes and illusion fabrications!

So Labor Day Weekend is upon us – And for many, that means excessive partying (maybe to dull the harsh blow that summer is officially on its way out?), eating, and relaxing, because come Tuesday morning, the unpleasant alarm clock buzz at some ungodly hour will once again dictate the humdrum daily grind. Just a few days ago, I entered the office with an all-important fashion ‘proverb’ in the back of my mind. I was wearing white cropped denim pants and before anyone could say anything at all, I quickly explained, ‘well I have to get my white in now..I only have a few more days before I’m a certifiable fashion failure.’ Of course, this taboo is a thing of the past. An old wives’ tale.. An old school tradition..But hey, lots of people (myself included, at times) are still brainwashed – what is taught early on, usually sticks. And while I wouldn’t call myself a fashion ‘follower,’ by any means..I still watch trends and do honor the gods of style time and time again. If everyone is saying that white is RIGHT, then why not? There are still some rules to follow, though, which is true for almost every seasonal switch. Color is variable. Some would prefer to stick with dark, rich colors for fall and colder weather, in general. But white is pretty classic and can truly eclipse the fashion spotlight at any event if worn appropriately. As a pretty obsessed Rachel Zoe fan, I tend to take her advice to heart – and she ‘loves her some white’ for red carpet and special event dressing, so by theory of transition, I do too! At the forefront, thicker and more substantial fabrics (like wool or cashmere) are necessary. If the sweater, dress, or jacket happens to be white, oh well. Straying away from a monochromatic polar bear-esque look, white can be infused into an outfit more subtly: consider a white or ivory blouse under a more boldly colored blazer or pair white with more neutral nudes or oatmeals to create a very rich, sophisticated look. And, to take a page from Sherri Hill, choose ivory over stark white from time to time. In a weird way, ivory just seems more fall appropriate and definitely more soft and luxurious. Adding sparkle with jewel or light crystal embellishment can really elevate the ‘white’ experience, as well! Being that she has her own deliberate ‘white collection,’ I think it’s safe to assume that wearing white after labor day gets a thumbs up from Sherri Hill!

Just as movie celebs have the Academy Awards, pop and mainstream music artists have their Grammy’s, and TV stars the Emmy’s, country music phenoms reserve their own highly anticipated night of celebration and glory. Three letters, C M A – Country Music Association bring together one important meaning that is ultimate country music brilliance. This year’s award show will air November 10th, but even with a two-month wait time, fans and arbiters of country music are already in anxious dialogue. Once again, Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley will convene (for a third year in a row) as the dynamic emcee duo, and with a triumphant 2 for 2 track record to precede them, the show is set to be a big success! And now for the real reason behind this post..Miranda Lambert, one of country music’s most loved ladies, has raked in NINE nominations. If keeping up with country precedence isn’t your thing, I’ll enlighten you..nine total nominations places Miranda in a category that no female artist has yet to attain in the 44-year run of the CMA’s. As if ‘Female Vocalist of the Year’ wasn’t enough, Miranda is up for ‘Entertainer of the Year’ – a true testament to her country music genius! Five of Miranda’s nominations were announced yesterday via the official CMA site, with the remainder of the star’s accolades announced this morning on ‘Good Morning America.’ Ironically, Miranda was the one to announce her [exciting] fate alongside country hunk, Dierks Bentley. The two gathered to finalize the nominee roster before Miranda had to jet off to her TODAY appearance. Her smiles, humble giggles, and undeniable signs of pride and excessive jubilee were complimented by a gorgeous ivory silk chiffon dress by Donna Morgan!! And while the star may be facing off with her handsome soon-to-be husband, I’m sure that each party will be sending well wishes and flattery to the other for the next few months…Miranda may know that she’s going to win, but telling Blake a little white lie certainly wouldn’t hurt her!