A Fashion Fête

Stylist Rachel Zoe in her own closet.

For those of us still chugging away at college degrees, "back to school" time doesn't have the same allure it used to. If I have to drag my ass to class I at least want to look put-together, but this year particularly frigid temperatures have got me worried...Will I start the new year with a glamorous bang or fall into an Ugg-filled slump?

The remedy for such a pickle: a wardrobe party! Grab your best girlfriends (or guys!), a bottle of wine, and some good lighting, and host a little party of sorts to plan your outfits for the next week. Have your friends provide input on possible pieces, and model each out-fit (with accessories) for them. Then, hang up the outfits in a special spot in your closet and you're ready for the week! Reserve, of course, creative license to mix things up later in the week depending on what inspires you!

Now, I haven't ever had the foresight to pick out my clothing more than a day in advance (and that was a huge feat) but I know people who have and they say it makes mornings so much more delightful! More time for my coffee and grapefruit? I'm there!

Text Hannah Morris

Tory Burch Pre-Fall 2011

This years pre-fall lineup has proven to be nothing short of divine, but the season's standout is definitely Tory Burch. Burch has come a long way from her signature embellished flats for fall with gloriously mis-matchy, boho get-ups. Some of the gems of the collection include a 70's wallpapery floor length frock and great fur collared coat reminiscent of Margot Tennenbaum.

There's a different, less polished air to Tory Burch's new collection and according to an interview on Style.com, Burch described her line as "a little Parisian Chic". I love the solid, bright, block prints of Burch's past but the new toned down patterns are a welcome change. The best part? How easy it will be to integrate a piece into my closet!

Text Hannah Morris

Helmut Lang Pre-Fall

Helmut Lang is hands down one of my favorite designers ever, and this Pre-Fall season is no exception. His lines always encapsulate everything I wanted to be: edgy, androgynous, street-chic. The kind of girl you don’t want to mess with, but looks too cool not to talk to. His designs this season feature a lot of the same elements we have seen in the past, because really Helmut Lang wouldn’t be Helmut Lang without a strong dose of leather.

However, flipping through this pictures this season the line features a nice amount of beautiful draping, which gives a nice softness to the otherwise structured collection. Also, the colors, ranging from a wonderful soft gray to a warm semi-terra cotta brown, are a really great palette to transition between winter and spring. Really, these clothes speak so well for themselves they need very little accessorizing; that would be a kin to telling Picasso he needed a little glitter…sure to get you nothing but tossed in an asylum. My favorite part about the designs? Whether present or past collections, the story line stays close enough to the heart that they can be mixed and matched seamlessly.

Text Corinna Fabre

Duck Boots

Imagine: you're throwing the biggest party of the season. You have your outfit sorted and hair ready to go...then, what's that noise? RAIN? The first thought (sadly) that comes to mind is the state of our shoes - you don't want your heels covered in mud nor have soaked feet from the downpour. Well ladies, there is a solution. The duck boot. While the name may crack a smile, the only person laughing at the end of the night is you and your fashionably dry feet. The half heel, half rain boot is a new trend noticed on celebrities such as Olivia Palermo and Christina Aguilera who are staying dry while looking great on and off the red carpet. When Tommy Hilfiger introduced us to the duck boot in his Fall 2010 RTW, his peppy footwear looked fabulous with leggings and bright colors such as solid reds or camels. Made with suede, rubber, and leather laces, Hilfiger's boots go for $298, but many retailers are selling them at reasonable prices such as Lesportsac, $98. So go ahead, jump in the puddles, with your adorable duck boots - you will no longer want to sing the rain away.

Text Jessica Moy

"Pink Wig, Thick Ass, Give "Em Whiplash"

I change fashion icons like I change my underwear; with the rising and falling of the sun my picture perfect model may range anywhere from punky street wear the likes of Brody Dalle, to the soft and haute styling of Sarah Jessica Parker. One person, however, I’m obsessed with is Nicki Minaj…and I mean obsessed. Each time I see her I fall a little more in love with her outlandish personality and wild clothes and hair. To me she is all the shock and awe of Lady Gaga without the pretentious showboating that comes with a lot of Gaga’s looks (hey, just one girls opinion).