I found these printed socks and tights on Etsy the other day. I love the photography used to show off the products, they have a real sense of whimsy, like Alice in Wonderland.

They are from Tattoo Socks. Everything is hand printed and they come in a variety of skin tone shades:

Personally, I would go with the Alice feeling and get these beauties in white. The octopus and butterfly designs are my favorites.

My name is Danielle, and I have always dressed myself, sometimes disastrously. Pre-school comes to mind… my Dad let me have at it and I layered a sweater over a dress and a pair of jeans, tied a bandanna around my leg and threw on all of the jewelery I could find in the apartment, in a vain attempt to emulate my then idol, Punky Brewster.

Not much has changed since then, I’ve just gotten taller.

I’ve just moved back to Toronto from London, where I lived for six years.  I still go back and forth often, so I hope to bring you the best that both cities have to offer in terms of independent design.

I am fascinated by independent designers because they represent the two faces of fashion, business and art. For me, fashion is just another form of self-expression. I will always go for originality over label. I look forward to sharing my latest finds with you and hearing what’s inspiring you!

Jennifer Aniston looks a-a-a-mazing here. Cool and comfortable; chic and elegant. I never thought khakis could look so streamlined!

Steal her look for less:

Shoes: Bettye Muller “Katy” Grey Espadrille Wedge at Shirise

Belt: Women’s AE Square Basic Leather Belt – American Eagle Outfitters

Tank: Banana Republic Petite pima cotton tank: sleeveless tops OR Ann Taylor Modal/Cotton Ribbed Tank with Satin Trim

Khakis:  dELiAs Whitney Low-Rise Chino OR Vena Cava boyfriend khakis

Still, I have found there are things I am willing to spend more money on. For me it is shoes and handbags though I am a lot more careful in choosing styles that will last more than one season.

Shoes like these by Report Signature:

Which are very “of the moment” but can be potentially worn for more than one season.

Or handbags like this one by Fendi:

A bag that can easily be used year after year until it wears out due to it’s classic style.

I am going for the more expensive shoes and handbags despite the economy situation because they are items of clothing that get a lot of wear and it is better to have quality bags and shoes that will hold up to this wear. It’s much better than constantly having to replace shoes that fall apart after a few wears or handbags that just don’t last because the shoulder strap broke on the third use.  At least that is how I think on the subject.

How about all you fashionistas? What do you still spend more money on when it comes to fashion in these economically shaky times? What do you find worth the money spent when adding to your wardrobe?

Jessica Biel… Okay I don’t know what Jessica was thinking but this was one confusing outfit, was it pants… was it a dress.. was it a pant-dress?

Sophia Loren… well, what can I can I say? It was a big orange and yellow mess!

Thanks to DawnDelRusso, Dannigyrl, fashioncitizen, THEflyGIRL for their animated comments! What’s your favorite fashion gossip tech tool?

The adistar Fusion Apparel Sports Bra

This bra by Polar and Adidas gives you a sleek design with textile heart rate sensors built into the bra, moisture wicking fabric, and an engineered pattern that maximizes your freedom to move. The chest transmitter has a user-changeable battery.

The Rock Rose T-shirt by Music and Sons

Cute funky green t-shirt by Music and Sons include stereo earphones as part of the apparel. Features a washable, side pocket for your iPod, button hole to hook it to your jeans, and a iron safe screen print. On sale for 31.50 euros, each design is handmade so even though they may look alike, everyone is different in its own way.

Audex Jackets by Motorola

Ready for winter sports? Audex Jackets by Motorola and Burton have Bluetooth stereo wireless technology for streaming music from a Bluetooth enabled devices. The controls are on the jackets sleeve and allow hands free calling with a push of the button. Best part, no wires!

No-Contact Jacket

Attackers beware! The No-Contact Jacket is a wearable defensive jacket made to protect women from violence. Activate this baby and 80,000 volts of electricity burst from the entire jacket and jolts the assailant…. awesome.

Levi’s Red Wire DLX Jeans

Levi’s hit gold with these jeans. Levi’s Red Wire DLX Jeans come in two styles. These jeans are hot, with retractable headphones and a customizable fit. They have a hidden conductive ribbon that connects your iPod to a built in joystick controller. The joystick is the key and acts as a sleek remote control that you can use to control your iPod without removing it from your jeans.

CAMiLEON Heels

A girl’s best friend and my favorite smart clothes product are CAMiLEON Heels which are adjustable-height footwear that go from high heel to flats in an instant. So perfect for office to night out.

All of these are pretty cool inventions, but if I had a say I would probably create glasses and sunglasses that could change colors with a click of a button to match all my outfits. What fashionable clothing or accessory would you invent to make your life easier?

Pretty much my whole family decided to wear Ghanaian kente cloth – kinda like our family uniform for the day – and my sister (that’s her on the right in the blue kente) surprised me by having a one-shoulder kaba blouse and slinky maxi skirt sewn for me.

I loved the way it fit (the tight skirt gave me hips!) and I felt like flitting all over the dance floor thanks to the ruffled one shoulder strap. Here’s a full-length view (that’s me with my aunt…not the one who advised me to show off legs and shiny lips).

Ironically, my outfit ended up encapsulating the idea of both dresses I was considering. It was floor-length like the Vera Wang gown, but bright with a flirty flourish up top like the Betsey Johnson dress. Think I made the right decision?

Needless to say, it was a match made in heaven! Straight off, the site stated that it was “created by a working woman for other working women who refuse to settle for anything less than fabulous business cases, laptop bags, handbagsand travel accessories”. To make a long story short, I contacted the working woman who owned Career Bags and Ellen Hart, aka bagguru, is the one of the most enthusiastic lovers of fashion and technology I’ve had the pleasure to meet. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, she is president of CareerBags.com, the leading online e-tailer for laptop bags, luggage and handbags for women. With a personal goal to help every woman bring out her personal style in her business life, no wonder CareerBags Fall 2008 selection is just what I needed…here are my favorite pieces:

1. McKlein – Fratti Laptop Tote – Cherry Red: This fun and chic bag combines function and fashion with Euro-influenced design featuring a top zipper allowing easy access into the main compartment; compartments separated by a secured zipper pocket; a padded laptop compartment that fits and protects most laptops up to 15.4” in size; quick, accessible front pocket with magnetic claps for pens, business cards and small devices; and flat, leather straps.
2. Jack Georges – Andrea Small Dome Handbag: This cute little bag is handcrafted from Croco-embossed Italian calf skin. Features include fixed shoulder straps, three-way zip, closure nickel hardware, two inside zippered pockets, and a cell phone holder.
3. Mcklein – Serra Laptop Tote – Cherry Red: Another chic bag that features compartments separated by a secured zipper pocket, interior organizer for pens, business cards and small devices, interior zipper pocket for documents, front and side pocket for small miscellaneous items, padded laptop compartment fits, and flat, leather straps.
4. Clava – Rectangular Zip Shopper: I love anything with shopper in the name and this bag is no exception. It combines style and accessibility by including a zip closure and a full length exterior zip pocket. Comfort is a huge consideration in this bag, which has an interior that’s fully lined, zip pocket with cell phone pocket, and double sided shoulder straps with a 10″ drop.
5. McKlein – Buranco Duffel Bag – Chocolate: I love this bag! It combines function and fashion featuring, quick, accessible front pocket for pens, business cards and small devices, interior organizer for pens, business cards and small devices, main zipper compartment with a magnetic clap for additional security, main compartment featuring an interior zipper pocket for documents and storage space for personal items, and stylish, tubular arm straps all wrapped up in Italian Croco Leather.
6. ACME Made – Slim Cargo – Ecostripes: Be environmentally friendly with this fab bag made of 100% recycled materials. In order to provide for functionality and storage, the Cargo possesses a large outer cargo pocket that is roomy enough to carry most additional accessories and it’s lined with “cashmere-finish” micro-suede lining! This “green” bag features large outer “Cargo” pocket w/ multiple accessory pockets, removable, adjustable shoulder strap, closed cell foam padding on 5/6 sides, hi-impact plastic inserts on 5/6 sides, top grain leather handles, and quilted satin lining.

When I say I’ve just tipped the iceberg on the goodies on this site I mean it. But below is my favorite bag of all… what’s yours?

• This mock-croc purse from F21 echoes the feel of Mrs. Longoria-Parker’s, but at a drastically cheaper price point.
• For petite women, it’s heels, heels, heels, all the time. Try some sky high platforms like these.
• Watch out for over-enthusiastic air conditioning in the summer and keep some of your body heat with a cashmere scarf.
• This melon-colored dress is light, airy and good to wear on this long, humid summer days.

• Copy Heidi’s platforms-with-jeans look with these navy sky-high platforms. I love the jeweled accent on the peeptoe.
• White camisoles are indispensable for layered looks. Wear this one like Heidi, underneath a vest.
• Forever 21 has this great sweater vest that echoes Heidi’s look pretty well. I like the white stripe at the bottom.
• Finding the perfect pair of high-waisted jeans requires a bit of trial and error, so I found three different options from Urban Outfitters. This pair has a lighter wash and a cuffed bottom.
• I like the wash of this denim. The two-button detail at the top makes for a more flattering fit too.
• This is the most expensive of the denim for this look, but the lighter wash and wider hem bear the most resemblance to the jeans Heidi wore.

• Start out with a great pair of wedges, like these by Madden Girl. They’re only $59 and come in brown and black. Stick with brown for this outfit.
• If you don’t already have a pair of distressed jeans circa about 2005 when Ashley Olsen made them popular, pick up this pair from Alloy. They come in petite and tall inseams, and have plus-size sizing.
• This Forever 21 blouse is soft and pretty, but with a bold, flirty color.

• I love this Roxy maxi dress. Because I’m so tall, I’m afraid that wearing a maxi dress will even further elongate my body. I’m willing to risk the potential giantess-ness for this lovely dress, though.
• Nicole Richie paired her maxi dress with platforms. Try these red ones from Target.
• If you’d rather forgo the platform look (or if you are a giantess), these earthy sandals from Forever 21 should do.

See you next time!

So I asked myself, if I were a modern day Bond Girl, what would I wear and what gadgets would I own? The inspiration for this post came from Lauren Conrad’s new Spring 2008 Collection. I love Lauren’s style and think some of her new pieces are quite classic and would fit very well into a current Bond Girl’s Closet. Don’t believe me? Decide for yourself as you take a ride with my wild imagination and check out this modern Bond Girl’s 24 hour mission:

7:00 PM: Charity Gala
Location: New York, New York
Check out this combination from The Lauren Conrad Spring 2008 Collection which includes the Nicole Skirt, Jackie Tube Top, and the Katherine Wrap. It reminds me of a bond girl at a Charity Gala right before she runs into James Bond while tailing the bad guy. Add a secret flash drive necklace, like this Heart Beat USB Memory Key by Phillip and Swarovski and wait for love and scandal to follow.

11:00 AM: High Speed Chase
Location: Los Angeles, California
This outfit reminds me of a Bond Girl trying to be undercover but stylish while tailing the bad guy. This top by Lauren is called the Britton Top, add some skinny jeans, platforms, and a floppy hat… and of course sunglasses and you’ll be in a high speed chase behind the wheel of the 2009 Camaro, convertible of course! (Okay, I know the 09 Camaro isn’t necessarily a “gadget”, but I’m in love).

4:00 PM: Mission Accomplished
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Finally, it’s time lock up the bad guys and say good bye to James. Try this kimono style Sophia Dress by Lauren Conrad with an empire waist. But don’t leave the house without a LG watch phone, which was unveiled at this year’s CES awards.

As women, I’m sure we’ve all used different techniques to help us investigate something in our lives, hopefully you’ve learned how to do it in style and with some really cool gadgets.

But, InStyle has some great online features, like the Hollywood Hair Makeover (so much fun) and Hot Finds.

My favorite feature is Look of the Day. Readers can vote for their favorite of 5 different looks, while seeing what InStyle has chosen as their pick. This section is updated daily, with five new looks to view, and their archive features thousands more.

Although InStyle offers places where you can find and purchase items from the Look of the Day, I find their suggestions a little pricey. So, I’ve taken some recent “Looks” and found inexpensive ways to make it your own.

Natalie Portman in Derek Lam. I think Natalie looks adorable in this outfit: it’s age-appropriate AND weather-appropriate, with the tights and long-sleeves.

If you can afford something a little pricey (upwards of $200), the Betsey Johnson dress from Urban Outfitters is perfect. If you want something a bit more budget-friendly, Urban Outfitter’s also sells a great shirt dress by Lux for $48. ASOS has a pair of platform pumps similar to Natalie’s that come in red and hot pink and are only about $50 U.S. If you live in Great Britain, then they are quite a steal at 25 pounds.

Don’t forget to add a pair of black opaque tights!

Rachel Weisz in Alexander McQueen. I like the play on colors and neutrals that Rachel wore here, and the belt really accentuates her waist. Corset belts are probably on their way out, especially after seeing the light and airy fabrics for Fall 2008, but have no fear: if Rachel can wear it and get Look of the Day, so can you.

This Forever21 metallic dress has great pleats on the front, which will really flatter most body types. Everyone can use a little extra flattering in the midsection: even Rachel Weisz. The wide red belt from ASOS would look good worn a little bit high on the Forever21 dress. Make sure you cover the waist seam, whether it’s at the natural waist, above, or below, with the belt. Add a pair of hot red shoes, like these from Michael Antonio at CutesyShoes. Or for a brighter red, these Nina shoes (reminiscent of Reese Witherspoon’s infamous yellow dress at last year’s Golden Globes) should do the job nicely, and for under $100, reasonably.

Anne Hathaway looks so pretty in a tough-and-sweet combination. I like the contrast of the frilly, almost ballerina-like skirt with the tough biker jacket.

Copy Anne’s style with a voluminous skirt like one of these from Victoria’s Secret, Delias or American Apparel. My personal favorite is the American Apparel skirt, simply because there it’s available in a plethora of colors and is easy to dress up or down. Try the bomber jacket below from TopShop. I liked that it had a vintage, worn-in look. Pair these things with Madden Girl’s $40 t-strap pumps from ShoeMall, and last, but not least, a sculptural clutch from Target.

Charlize Theron in Thomas Wylde. Charlize looks comfortable AND chic in this photo. I love how her outfit blends a bit of high-fashion style and low-maintenance ease. This is something every woman could wear and look equally good in, and luckily the pieces she’s wearing are fairly basic (i.e. easy to find at a cheaper price).

If you don’t already have one–and you probably do–get a shrunken jacket or blazer. The Gap is a great source for these. For a trendy, comfy blouse like Charlize is wearing, Forever21 is an invaluable source for cheap and straight-off-the-runway styles like the white shirt below. The Delias skinny jeans I recommend come in multiple inseams, including 36” for all you fellow tall women, and a 32” for all you midgetors—I mean petite women. Add a knit cap, like this one, from Forever21 and some black flats, and you have an outfit that can take you almost anywhere.

Rachel Bilson in Jenni Kayne. Can Rachel Bilson ever look bad? I really don’t think it’s possible. I keep waiting for some sign that she (or her stylist) is slipping, but she continually wears outfits that I want to wear, dammit! But, since I can’t afford Jenni Kayne, I’ll have to improvise and do a bit of hunting.

This Lux tulip skirt from Urban Outfitters is the closest thing I could find to Rachel’s Jenni Kayne version without spending over $100 or sacrificing good taste for Vegas-showgirl-style metallics. Pair it with this buttondown oxford from Forever21 (less than $20, too) and a classic pair of black pumps by Kenneth Cole Unlisted for $40 and you have a Rachel-worthy outfit, in my opinion.

Which look is your favorite? Any suggestions on where to find pieces similar to what these ladies are wearing?

A lot of the time you have to assume that the people Sartorialist founder Scott Schuman photographs are wearing vintage or secondhand finds because of the uniqueness of their clothing. Schuman does not often snap someone in identifiable clothing–i.e. anything with bold logos or recognizable graphics. The exception to the vintage assumption is, naturally, NY Fashion Week. The photos he takes in and around Bryant Park feature a lot of stylish women probably wearing a lot of expensive clothing. I doubt women wear anything from a secondhand shop to Fashion Week…unless it’s secondhand designer!

How can you emulate the cool, street-style of these women given their 15 seconds of fame via The Sartorialist?

I’ll show you.

This girl has managed to look both stylish, individual AND comfortable. Luckily, Victoria’s Secret makes a dress similar to the one she’s wearing:

Her gray shoes add a bit of flavor, where black shoes would have just melted into her tights. Try these from Payless. They’re cute and really inexpensive. To finish off, a black coat with a great cut and trendy quarter-length sleeves.

The 50’s flair this woman has going on manages not to look like a costume because she paired the slightly vintage-y dress with really modern shoes and a clean-cut trenchcoat.

I love the vibrant pink of the Isaac Mizrahi for Target dress coupled with the metallic Forever21 heels (only $20) and a khaki trench.

This woman has great universal style. You could wear this look in any city around the world and still be considered chic. It’s practical, comfortable and a little edgy, too.

First, you must start with a great pair of opaque gray tights. This pair from Urban Outfitters is good quality and a great price (less than $15). Then, add a pretty printed dress (with sleeves, if possible), like this one from Alloy.com. For the coat, make sure you have one that’s body conscious (not too puffy), but still substantial and warm and not too fussy. For only $25, these mary jane heels from Alloy.com should do the trick nicely for footwear. All that’s left is an inexpensive, warm, cozy scarf like this one from Forever21.

For the more daring, try copying this girl’s outfit. The shoes really make the whole thing come together, and although I’m a little scared to try wearing high-top Chucks with leggings myself, feel free to try and it and let me know if you can make it work like this woman did!

High-top red Converse sneakers are the obvious things to begin shopping for. After you procure them, you’ll need a warm, knit pair of gray leggings to keep your legs warm since you aren’t wearing any pants (and it’s cold outside, silly!) Get a long, black cardigan to go over your leggings too: although this woman is wearing a very uniquely cut coat, it might be easier to get away with a cardigan for every day. For variations on the top half, try a longer trenchcoat, a trapeze dress (belted or unbelted) or a long tunic in a monochromatic color.

In the winter, the coat really makes your entire outfit, as this woman shows. To avoid spending unnecessary money because it’s so close to spring, invest in a coat that will take you through the chilly March/April mornings, but will also work for the freezing temperatures right now. A plaid print, like this Soo Lee one from ASOS is a good choice. Every woman should also have a quilted bag, whether it’s Chanel or not. This one from Shopsueyboutique.com looks just enough like Chanel to be passable, but not too much that it screams “knock-off!” Flat boots, also, are in my opinion, a closet necessity. You can wear them with literally everything–leggings, tights, jeans, dresses…see?

The first thing I noticed in this photo were the woman’s shoes. There’s something about ankle-length booties with tights that looks really chic and put-together right now. Who knows, in 6 months, ankle-length boots may recede back into unpopularity, but I think they look great right now. ASOS has a sale on this amazing pair.

Have a great week everyone, and enjoy shopping for your own sartorial goodies!

All photos taken by Scott Schuman of The Sartorialist.

Ashley Olsen, in particular, seems to have had a more varied fashion history than her sister Mary-Kate. While MK, as she’s known to her plethora of fans, evolved early into the boho chic style later made into a nationwide phenomenon, her sister Ashley dappled in everything from sexy, designer work-like attire, to ripped jeans and flip-flops. Sporting a more muted color palette than MK, she rarely ventured out in anything more adventurous than varying shades of blue.

However, it’s the admirable way that Ashley makes every style work on her figure to its most flattering degree, as well as the ability to carve out her own style niche in a world of celebrity stylists (Rachel Zoe, anyone?) that makes her an icon to women my age, as well as fashion designers, other celebrities, young girls and magazine editors.

Perhaps the best thing about Ashley’s style is that it’s monstrously easy to copy at a low price-point. She doesn’t wear flashy labels–except occasionally on her handbags–and well-tailored, crisp separates seem to be the norm in her wardrobe. You could probably go into your own closet and pick out something similar to what she wears everyday without having to buy anything new. She shies away from prints as a general rule, and sticks with easy-to-copy basics: either platform heels or sandals, denim (wide-leg or skinny), a plain, well-fitted t-shirt and a versatile jacket. Most of her style individuality is reflected in her accessories: handbags, jewelry and shoes, and occasionally headgear (remember the Prada turban?)

It’s a great road map for starting to build your own individual style. She never looks fussy, as evidenced by the fact that her hair and makeup are either way over- or underdone depending on how formal her clothing is. And, she always wears clothing that fits perfectly, or doesn’t fit perfectly, depending on the proportion she’s going for.

If you can’t seem to find that perfect balance that Ashley seems to have effortlessly achieved, there are a few inexpensive items you can incorporate into your wardrobe to give her looks a spin.

In this photo, Ashley looks casual, comfortable and age-appropriate, but not like she’s going to the movies. This look is just enough to translate into a date, casual Friday at the office or some other business casual event. By altering the shoes, you could completely change the way this look is perceived. Instead of heels, wearing flat sandals, for instance, could take the other separates into a day of shopping, a lunch date, or class.

This buttondown from Forever21 is only $15.50, and certainly echoes the color and cut of Ashley’s shirt. Roll up the sleeves like she did for a more worn-in feel.

I have a pair of black skinny jeans, and I have to say, they are one of the most versatile items in my closet. I dress them up with heels, dress them down with flip-flops in the summer to go to the movies…it makes getting dressed so easy. I like this slim pair from Urban Outfitters, which is an excellent source for mid-range priced denim. If you’re tall like me, try Alloy, Delias or the Gap for longer inseams.

It’s a little too cold yet to wear open-toed platform sandals like Ashley, so try a more covered-up pair like these, from Forever21.

This is the quintessential college-girl/weekend/errand running outfit. It’s not too dressy and it doesn’t look like Ashley tried too hard. With her hair pulled up and the shirt untucked, this is something I could see myself wearing every day.

Snap up this shirt from Old Navy right now. It’s on sale for $6, and is probably going fast. If they don’t have your size when you go to order, try Urban Outfitters for similar styles.

Ankle boots are a staple wardrobe piece for the Olsens. This pair from Isaac Mizrahi for Target look pricier than they are, and I like the subtle platform in them.

You can’t copy Ashley’s style without a huge, luxe-looking handbag. Urban Outfitters has great ones for less than $60. If you want a designer look-a-like, try Shopsueyboutique.com.

To complete the look, a delicate gold necklace adds a bit of character.

Ripped jeans have gone out of favor with the general populace, but I still love the casual, edgy look of them. For a lazy weekend, there’s nothing better, and as Ashley shows, they can really look quite nice provided the rips and tears aren’t too obnoxious. Try this pair from Abercrombie & Fitch. They are destroyed just enough, without looking sloppy.

This faux-leather bomber is only $30 from Target, but looks so great. It’s one of those pieces you don’t need to wear much else with: it’s a statement on its own. Plus, you have to love the fact that it is faux leather.

Finish with this pretty handbag from Forever21.

Sometimes I just don’t feel like dressing up at all. No cute flats, no boots, no heels, no “statement jacket.” This outfit is great because Ashley still looks put-together, but not fussy.

This parka from Topshop is good for the colder weather we have right now, but still maintains a stylish look (read: it’s not too North Face).

If you don’t have a pair of Converse already, some great places to look at Urban Outfitters, the Gap, Zappos.com and Piperlime.com.

Ashley and Mary-Kate wear scarves to their best advantage. It’s good to think of scarves as an added accessory, not a cold-weather item, so they become a part of your outfit, rather than something that looks tacked on and not coherent to whatever else you are wearing.

I like this linen one from Forever21 because, one, it’s less than $10, and two, you can wear it throughout winter and into spring because of the light fabric.

As every Olsen fan knows, a big handbag is a must. It finishes off your look and can hold, well, anything (even an extra pair of shoes).

This oversized tote from Urban Outfitters should do the trick.

Whose style do you like more: Ashley’s or Mary-Kate’s?

Who wouldn’t want to emulate Katherine’s style? It’s easily copied (you’ll see), full of easy-to-wear neutrals and she always dresses for her gorgeous body type. What I’ve noticed most about Katherine’s red-carpet outfits, as well as her everyday wear, is that she wears clothes that work for her, not necessarily adhering to seasonal trends. That’s an easy formula for any girl to follow, and for a on-the-go girl like me, it makes going from school to work to a date as easy as changing your shoes.

It’s hard sometimes for me to dress appropriately for classes and work. I don’t want to show up for classes in a pinstriped blazer and matching trousers, but neither do I want to go to work wearing Uggs and jeans. Because I have to go straight from one to the other, it’s important to wear versatile clothing in professional, neutral colors to carry me through my entire day. I know lots of women who have this problem and ask themselves, “What can I wear that’s casual enough for the day, but dressy enough for everything else I have to do?”

I present Exhibit A:

I love the way this outfit looks chic and professional, but gasp! She’s still wearing jeans. Katherine’s outfit has just enough color for me, too. Some colors, like this peach, function just as easily as black, gray or white, especially when you pair the color with denim on the bottom.

Try this adorable jacket from Nordstrom on the top:

And instead of the peach Katherine’s wearing, I like the chambray blue of this Gap shirt.

One of the focal points of Katherine’s outfit are her great wide-leg jeans. This pair of classic Levi’s should do the trick:

Ankle boots look great with wide-leg pants. They are substantial enough to balance the proportions of the pants. Also, the more rounded toe of the boot is more flattering with wide-leg jeans than a pointy-toed shoe.

And to top it off, some retro sunglasses.

Exhibit B:

I love how plaid (very trendy, obviously) is used in this outfit, but doesn’t detract from the professional look of it. By keeping the other elements crisp and clean, you can get away with wearing more risky pieces, like a plaid jacket or bright-colored shoes or a standout handbag.

Try this plaid jacket from Forever21: it’s inexpensive and the color and plaid aren’t too overwhelming.

I love Isaac Mizrahi’s line for Target. The clothes have a great fit and cut for the price. This button-down shirt also happens to be on sale right now.

Part of the modern look of Katherine’s outfit is that her pants aren’t wide-leg or flared, but more a straight, skinny fit. This pair from Hudson on Bluefly.com is significantly less than the retail price of the pants.

As you can tell, Katherine’s signature looks always include a great pair of sunglasses.

Some ankle boots would look great with the cut of the pants.

Exhibit C:

I love this outfit. I wear black and white all the time, and I like how edgy pieces like knee-high boots don’t look trashy with this, just chic. Plus, wearing a coat that matches your handbag pulls the outfit together without being too “matchy.”

Start off with a great black shift dress. Because I like to make sure my clothes are work-appropriate, I like how the hem on this isn’t too long, but isn’t short enough that I couldn’t wear it out.

I collect opaque black tights like they’re going out of style–which they very well might be in the near future–but until then, they will be an essential in my closet. They add sophistication to dresses that may be too casual for work, and they provide an extra layer of warmth in the winter so you can wear things you might not be tempted to otherwise.

Wearing more substantial boots with an outfit like this is important. You don’t want what I call the “hooker-boot” effect, which is wearing a cheap-looking pair of stiletto, pointy-toed boots with clothes that would be otherwise chic.

To counteract the potential demureness of this with all the black, wear a coat on the other end of the color spectrum, like this white one from Nordstrom. Leave it unbuttoned for Katherine’s casual look.

And for a sophisticated white purse–they can be hard to pull off–carry a quilted one like this.

Exhibit D:

I love Katherine’s red coat. It completely makes the outfit, and that’s what’s so great about coats. Adding a really chic one can give what you wear an entirely different element.

Try this one from ASOS, which is an excellent source for designer look-a-like clothing.

Instead of Katherine’s pointy-toed platforms, update them with a more squared-toed version this season from Jessica Simpson’s shoe line.

And, of course, Katherine’s signature look- matching purse and coat. I adore thisdoctor-bag style from Urban Outfitters. It’s inexpensive (about $50), but has a really luxe look to it for the price.

Exhibit E:

This is one of my favorite photos of Katherine. She looks immensely chic and I adore her wide-leg pants. It’s harder for short girls to pull off this look, but if you aren’t blessed (cursed?) with Amazon-like features, just keep the proportions even like Katherine did here.

These wide-leg pants from Roxy, of all brands, are sold from Nordstrom. The trouser-like quality to them really adds a touch of class to denim, and that’s nothing to turn up your nose at. Finding jeans that can work for work is a rarity.

Pair your wide-leg jeans with a short-sleeved cardigan to balance out the look. Try this unusual kimono-sleeved version from Old Navy.

If you have any favorite celebrity looks, or a look Katherine wore that I didn’t cover here, feel free to let me know and I’ll try and come up with affordable alternatives.

(Photos courtesy of people.com)

That kind of denial only gets me into trouble. Instead of going to buy a gift for my mother, I’ll procrastinate and stay home, curled up in my warm bed reading a good book. My justification? “But it’s been such a long day!”

But, shopping online for gifts instead is a great alternative. I can stay in my PJ’s, and it’s basically killing two birds with one stone–shopping and wrapping done at once (most online retailers offer free gift wrapping near the holidays).

The Mark by Avon Little Black Box can be customized with whatever combinations of makeup you desire. There are some pre-selected options, but it’s more fun to create a unique combo, don’t you think? It’s a great deal (about $6) and perfect for stocking stuffers for friends/cousins/nieces/etc.

My best friend Lisa is a make-up fiend. She adores Eyes Lips Face (E.L.F.), as do I, for their unbelievably inexpensive make-up. This “Ultimate Kit” is only–wait for it–$15. I know Lisa would just love this…and because she lives on the other side of the country, this kit would be easy to ship, as it isn’t perishable or a weird-shaped item.

My mom is simultaneously the easiest and most difficult person to shop for. She’d be happy with anything. THF (”the handsome fiance”), on the other hand, has a family that provides specific wish lists at the holidays. If only my family did that! My mom gives me the standard, “I’ll love whatever you get me. But, don’t feel pressured to get me anything.”

Right! Like I wouldn’t buy my mother a Christmas present. Since she had foot surgery recently, she’s been on the lookout for comfortable shoes, but as you know, comfortable rarely ever equals stylish. That’s why these Aerosoles are the perfect solution: they are so cute and really versatile (can’t go wrong with black).

My sister loves perfume. Her huge collection–she’s definitely not a signature scent kind of girl–encompasses everything from expensive brands to Victoria’s Secret body sprays. She doesn’t own anything from this new Bath & Body Works Velvet Tuberose line yet, but she always compliments me when I wear the lotion. Another plus: the design of the bottle is so pretty.

My poor father owns more ties, cologne bottles and cuff links than he could ever use in one lifetime. I’m sick of getting him the standard “dad” gifts.

He travels a lot for business–think Africa to India to New York City. He doesn’t own a business card holder, and that would be an ideal gift for him, as he passes out business cards often when he’s working. In my personal opinion, pulling a business card out from a smart leather case wins a lot more points than digging it out from a wallet.

Last, but certainly not least, there’s always one sister or friend that you must embarrass with a slightly inappropriate yet still useful Christmas present. That’s why this bra, from Forever21, is great. Not only is it festively colored, but it’s a steal at under $10. Can’t wait to subversively stick this in my sister’s stocking and mark the gift tag from “anonymous.” I’m a great sister, right?

Anyone in your family that’s impossible to shop for?

If she weren’t so darn cute, there’s no way that I would have put myself through that ordeal. Shopping for a baby/toddler can be so much fun if you don’t have to involve them in the process. First of all, clothing is so adorable in miniature sizes. Secondly, toys are cool. And thirdly, decorating for a baby or toddler is so much more fun than remodeling a bathroom (a project from which I am currently procrastinating by re-doing my daughter’s baby room with new funky toddler style).

I spend way more time looking at toys/clothes/accessories and kiddie decor than I’d like to admit—I think partially because I’m a little indecisive, but also because we’re on a one-income budget and I like to get the best bang for my buck. IKEA = definitely, Pottery Barn Kids = notsomuch unless I hit my lotto number. I look forward to joining the fray, sharing my finds, and hearing from you about your great finds too!

Oh, and one more thing, you’ll never guess where Kim lives. She’s just minutes from the Peterson Automotive Museum in L.A…how fitting! All Kim White handbags are proudly made in the USA.

You won’t need a tag for this clutch. It has CAMARO written all over it! A 1983 Camaro to be exact. This bag has a great spring frame that allows it to open and shut with a snap. The cut-out gives you the option to hold it in your hand or under your arm.

It’s hard to find an optical print like this on a handbag! This vibrant blue with black version (from a vintage 1980 Ford Mustang print) is so striking and versatile from weekend to work.

This style is a great shout out to my favorite decade, the 70’s, in style, textile and color. Brown and orange happens to be one of my favorite color combinations and so classic 1970! I love the distressed brown leather with the oversized grommets. It’s hard to believe the fabric is from a AMC! The adjustable strap goes short for just under your arm, or extends to a messenger, across your chest style.

Kim also found some vintage floral upholstery fabrics from 1950 – 1970…what luck! This yellow floral bag reminds me of my grandma’s soft sofa draped with a crocheted throw! The simple shape, coupled with the contrasting dark brown leather, really shows off the funky pattern. This would look so cute with a denim and corduroy ensemble…don’t you think?

You can check out her entire line and add your favorites to your StyleFeed at her site.

It was only after the birth of our second baby that I was truly inspired to design the first HARDWARE bag. This bag had to feel hip, and fit my new lifestyle with two toddlers in tow. Add to the mix my textile background coupled with my love of industrial and post-modern design and the first HARDWARE handbag was born. I’m now focused on slowly building our brand, while still maintaining our ‘indie’ roots.

So, because I’m so busy juggling my family and business I do virtually all of my shopping online. I’m inspired to buy most all of my personal and home accessories from indie designers that I admire for their original point of view. My goal is to introduce you to some of these designers that I’ve known for awhile as well as those I’ve just discovered.

Because we live amongst a sea of knock-off designers and logo crazy fashionistas, I want to bring to you fresh, independent design that inspires you to buck the latest trend and find your own personal ‘indie’ style. And I’m sure you’ll be able to direct me to new designers as well!

• Becks & Posh Nosh, a food-oriented blog by Sam Breach.
• Decremental and Baba-Baba by Bart Decrem of the Flock project.
• Here There Be Tygers, by featured user Annette.
• TheVieve, by featured user Genevieve.
• Life, Love, Chocolate, by featured user Connie.
• Perfume Critic, which uses the badge in several interesting ways.
• Flying Seeds, by Tim Post.
• La Tartine Gourmande, by Béa.
• Nika’s Culinaria
• Mikim Press
• Lucila from MySpace

Plus, of course, the StyleFeeder staff blogs: Secretly Ironic, Mamacentric, Halley’s Comment, Whirlycott, John Palfrey and HubArts.

This is all part of a kick I’ve been on recently of trying to vote with my dollars for sustainable commerce, handmade and independent products, and so forth. It started with picking up a copy of The Omnivore’s Dilemma, and wanting to eat more organic or sustainably-grown food. But it’s not just food: it’s housing (the latest issue of Dwell is all about environmentally responsible buildings and design) and clothing (like this organic cotton t-shirt in my StyleFeed), and everything else.

Another store I think is worth noticing is one I found while browsing the Environment tag. It’s called Pangaya and it sells a bunch of environmentally-reasonable (organic cotton, free-range wool, that kind of thing) clothing for women and kids that doesn’t look too hippie-ish.

She uses StyleFeeder to keep track of exotic food items including ostrich and other game meats, Japanese candies, and hard-to-find teas. It saves her a lot of time because she doesn’t have to hunt around trying to remember where she last saw the ingredients she was looking for.

Have a look at her StyleFeed or visit Nika’s Culinaria and let her know what you think of her flavorful choices.

Canadian blogger Mikim Press features the badge as well. Visit Mikim’s StyleFeed to say hello.

“I added her StyleFeed to my watchlist,” said Stefano, “and when she found something she wanted my opinion on, she’d just add it.” The couple used StyleFeeder to pick out a new TV and DVD player, a set of patio chairs, and an armchair. Months after the move, Stefano says they now use StyleFeeder as a wishlist. “I’m still subscribed to her feed– Stylefeeder has been an invaluable tool for us.”

Visit Stefano’s and Jessica’s StyleFeeds yourself and see what you think, then join StyleFeeder to create your own.