YOUR INSIDER ACCESS TO MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK!

What would we do in a world without fashion? Bore each other to death with drab clothing that are impossible to tell a part and go from season to season with nothing to look forward to. Hooray for fashion and a weeklong showcase of what our wardrobe will look like in months to come.
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week kicks off on September 8th and runs through the 15th, and we’re giving you front row and backstage access with the latest updates, runway pics and events! Over 100,000 guests are expected to attend the runway shows at Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park in NYC.
Here’s a lineup of designers that will present their spring 2012 collections:
Nicholas K, Porter Grey, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Richard Chai, Supima, Candela, Tadashi Shoji, EMERSON, Project Runway, Luca Luca, General Idea, Rebecca Taylor, Mara Hoffman, Tommy Hilfiger Men’s, Nicole Miller, Joy Cioci, Concept Korea, Cynthia Rowley,

Beyonce is preggers!
It’s like the whole world has been waiting for Jigga to “put one in there” or maybe they’re just amazed at seeing Beyonce looking more fabulous than ever with the glow of motherhood.
The songstress revealed her baby bump on stage at the VMAs and now there’s one more reason be obssesed with the super-star couple. As a mother, I’m so excited for Beyonce and any woman who gets to experience the joys of motherhood. From a fashion perspective, I’ll be watching to see all the fabulous ways she shows off her extra curves and even envision her in some of my fave maternity designers…
4 MATERNITY PIECES I WOULD LOVE TO SEE BEYONCE ROCK

Isabella Oliver ruched tank dress - $145 0n isabellaoliver.com

David Lerner maternity leggings - $99 on shopbop.com

Benetton Kids Fall 2011
I might be thinking too far ahead, but my little girl is growing up so fast that I’ll soon have to get into back to school routines. As if spending 20-something years in school wasn’t enough, I now have to do it all over again.
Well, the bright side is shopping for back to school clothes can be fun. Kids like to look good too and they have lots of personality by the time they start school. I think helping them to develop a sense of style will boost their self esteem and provide a sense of individuality.
Here are 4 ways to make it fun and stress free for you and the little one(s):
1. Yes, it’s all about fashion — Don’t just stick to the basics. Designers put a lot into making fun, fashionable, age-appropriate clothes for kids, so get them a few trendy pieces to add to their wardrobe. This season for girls, think stripes, bright colorful tights, animal print and the “band jacket” (as shown below). Benetton, Gap, Zara and H&M have some of the cutest back to school trends for little divas.

Gap Kids Brick Lane Collection
The Rachel Zoe collection just launched at Bloomies and my fave piece is the slouchy, pleated pants ($275). It’s actually one item that you can wear now through fall/winter and for almost any occasion.

Anything shiny will be a hit next season, so pair your slouchy pants with a top like the Vince sequin crepe tank ($295, net-a-porter.com) and you’ve got a fun evening look.
We might secretly envy the male species for a few things and a tailored suit is sure to be on the list; at least for fall 2011. The midnight blue velvet tuxedo jacket from Stella McCartney ($1,997) with your slouchy pants has the right amount of edge and sexiness for a red carpet, semi formal affair.
Surely you don’t think the summer would end without one unexpected white themed event. I know it’s bound to happen and since it’s impossible to find anything white in-stores at this time of year, I’ve saved you a lot of stress by hunting down a few must-have white pieces from my fave online stores…

Leifsdottir Raime Dress with bustier bodice and tiered skirt - Original $348 /Now $242 at Saks.com

Maison Martin textured leather wedges - Original $590/Now 4195 on Yoox.com

Shoe shopping is always easier and more exciting than anything else. If it looks good in the window or online, chances are it will look great on your feet.
Shopping for next season’s footwear will be even more fun with all the fabulous colors, materials and styles. Hot items for fall 2011 include bright blues and pinks, calf hair and suede and a variety of wedges, platforms, clogs and pumps! Enjoy this preview of my favorite fall shoes from top designers.

So you don’t have to be a label whore to love quality stuff and you don’t have to spend a lot to get it either. Online shopping has made it easier to get those coveted designer sale items. No need to scope out designer discount stores like Century 21 or Loehmann’s for weeks in hopes of finding new inventory. Nowadays, the sales come to you –check out my top 3 online places to get designer items for up to 90% off…
This site helps you to find sales on your favorite brands by checking close to 200 retailers each day and sending alerts straight to your inbox. It’s like having a free online personal shopper. All you have to do is sign u for a free account, select your preferences —women’s, men’s or kids’ clothing, brands, designers, sizes and how often you want to receive their Salemail™

Atlanta makes the list of worst dressed cities (photo from GQ.com)
I can’t tell you where to find that supa-fly man of your dreams, but GQ Magazine recently put together “The 40 Worst Dress Cities in America”!
Coming in at #17 is Atlanta where according to GQ, “Everyone is a CEO or founder of a record label or a clothing line.” It turns out that only in the “A” can you find “blazers [that] look like hand-me-downs, because they are hand-me-downs.”
Brooklyn, at # 11, is said to be home to “some of the most indefensible style terrorists known to modern man.”
Surprisingly, Manhattan makes #5 for some indistinct reason, Chicago is #4, Los Angeles is #2 and Boston, where “all the worst fashion ideas from across the country flow, stagnate, and putrefy,” is the #1 worst dressed city in America.
So, still wondering where you can find a chocolate man with swag? I say behind every well dressed man is a woman picking out his wardrobe! So start shopping (with his Amex card of course).

This heat kinda makes you want to go back in time when our ancestors walked the earth naked…or maybe not. The past few days have been unbearable and finding cool, comfy clothing is just as challenging.
The best way to stay cool and cute is in cotton and this season you’re in luck. You can find cotton tanks in a variety of styles and design that can be worn with casual shorts everyday or a plain cotton skirt or pants for your “summer casual” work wardrobe. What’s even better is that you can find tanks for $25 or less at your favorite online store!
TANK TOPS UNDER $25 (SHOWN ABOVE):
1. Forever 21 Wrinkled Striped Tank - $15.80
2. Hey Honey V-Neck Multi-stripe Tank - $16.25 at Roxy.com
July 4th is my favorite holiday. Not only is it two days before my birthday, but it also means we’re smack in the middle of summer with lots of BBQs, beach parties, theme parks and vacations. So, here are some fashionable ways to get in the spirit of the holiday…

1. Christian Louboutin Footprint Tote - $556
2. Erica Anenberg two-some star ring - $63 Max & Chloe