Let's face it: even if you're a trendsetter, we all have times when looking quietly appropriate is the ultimate goal of getting dressed. At work, for example, many of us spend the day in offices where anything too flashy or distracting just won't cut it. For that environment, getting dressed in the morning often means choosing from a closet of basic, polished separates, then adding a seasonal accessory or two for a bit of quiet flair. If that's your business uniform, chances are there's one item you can't get enough of: the perfect pair of streamlined, flattering black pants.

Although it may not be a brand you've considered for a while, Liz Claiborne has some great trousers for this fall which may surprise you in both cut and quality. The company has recently revamped its line of pants to revolve around three key fits: Audra, Kylie, and Sloane. Once you've found the version which is most flattering on you (the best seller is Sloane, a slightly low-waisted flat front which may encourage your friends to ask if you've lost ten pounds), there are many styles of that cut to choose from, including of-the-moment wide legs and cute cropped sharkskins. And as you'd probably expect, these pants are affordable enough to buy in multiples, easy to care for, and available at most department stores (and online at www.lizclaiborne.com).

The pants represent the folks at Claiborne wisely looking at its customers and giving them efficiently stylish clothing which serves their needs. "We just want to offer women something better: something more fashionable than they'd be getting in the past," explains the company's creative director Richard Ostell. "It's much more designer and easy to put together. We're giving women appropriate fashion, but we're making sure it fits. It's like, '' I want to be appropriate: I don't want to look dowdy. '"

"It's all to do with feeling confident, accepted, and that your voice is going to be heard," he adds. If I feel that I look right and I feel that I'm dressed appropriately, then people are going to take me seriously and listen to what I have to say."

It's worth remembering that Liz Claiborne herself, who recently died over thirty years after founding her now-mammoth company, created her brand to dress people like herself: successful career women who didn't want to be stuck wearing styleless and stiff masculine clothes as they climbed the business ladder. Pretty cool that decades later the line still includes pieces to help you accomplish the same thing....

And if those trousers take you to the corner office, our choice of how to invest your first power paycheck would be a bag from the latest insider-favorite handbag designer, Jada Loveless. Loveless is creating exquisite alligator bags and clutches in vivid colors with semi-precious gem closures and gold vermeil hardware. She's got a real eye--the bags have a bit of a vintage inspiration but have a generous, modern silhouette--and the pieces are classic enough to become longterm investments. All of which helps justify their hefty price tags, which run a few thousand dollars for jewel-clasped clutch. Nonetheless, they are selling out at Jeffrey, which sells them exclusively in New York, so if you're looking for a more unique luxury statement bag than a Birkin or Kelly, they're definitely worth consideration. For more information, go to www.jadaloveless.com

It's the point in the summer when New York's streets are at their stinkiest: with the temperature above 85 for weeks and the humidity consistently in bad hair day mode, chances are a visit to the city's trendiest neighborhoods can be an olfactory assault. And then there's the requisite schvitzing as you go from air conditioning onto the subway platform, waiting for a train which seems like it will never come. All of which provides extra incentive to pick up a new fragrance to lift your mood while combating summer's stench.

A favorite scent of the summer has been Missoni's Acqua, a light, clean fragrance which may well remind you of a holiday on the Amalfi Coast or the Italian Riviera. But if you're looking for something a bit stronger to take you through fall and winter, check out Missoni's eponymous scent, a heady mix of citrus and florals which almost encourages your friends to ask what you're wearing. It's distinctive enough to divide some people; like Yves Saint Laurent's Opium, it's not for everyone, but if it smells great on you, it becomes a immediate, can't-stop-wearing-ot staple. And while its available in several standard packages at stores like Sephora (all featuring elements of the brand's trademark multicolors), the ultimate version of the fragrance, a special decorated bottle of parfum, is available exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue. It may seem out of reach at $350, but keep in mind that super-concentrated parfum will last way into 2008, as will its chic bottle on your bathroom counter....

As we're smack in the middle of a heatwave, some mornings can seem like an exercise in strategic dressing. Sure, we all want to look good, but staying cool -- or at least giving yourself a fighting chance to -- is a priority. So light cotton baby dolls have been a popular uniform (H&M still has a couple cute styles left), and any accessory which is chunky, bulky, or heavy has been staying at home until it gets a bit cooler. What's the perfect way to top off an outfit when it's over 90 degrees out? A fabulous lipstick, particularly if its rich color and just-creamy-enough texture begs your friends to want to know every detail of its provenance.

One of the most glamorous tubes of lipstick to pull out of your cosmetic bag these days come from Edward Bess, a 21 year old former theater student who has created a line of beautifully creamy lipsticks with pure, vivid colors whether you choose light, natural beige or cherry red. The collection, called simply Edward Bess, is sold exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman (and online at www.edwardbess.com); The lipsticks can be purchased individually or as a so-called Lip Wardrobe, to set you up with shade to match every outfit and mood. As Bess puts it, "Lip Wardrobe has the essential lip colors a woman should own, from barely-there nudes to deep reds. I designed the collection to layer, allowing for several of lip colors to be worn at once to create a natural look. I feel every woman should own all of the colors in Lip Wardrobe."

While the focus of the line is on those colors (our favorite: Eternal Passion, the perfect red on a steamy day with a crisp white dress), the lipsticks stay on well without being drying or too heavy and have a fabulous smell, packaged in a sleek black tube which will make everyone else in the ladies room wonder what brand you're using. Bess' collection is about the way it looks but also the way it makes you feel: elegant and polished but sexy and refined at the same time. "I want my lip colors to seduce the woman wearing them as much as those
who see them on her lips," Bess says. "Their wild fig scent, for example, is very sexy when leaning in for a kiss."

You might want to pick up an extra tube for post-kissing reapplication...chances are you'll be smooching a lot wearing lipstick colors which are this hot!

Although there's plenty of sweat and humidity to look forward to (or not!) this summer, many of us are starting to focus on (or, more accurately, obsess over) a couple key purchases for the autumn. With fall items already on display in most stores, this is the time you can ponder on whether it's worth overspending on, say, a hefty Marc by Marc wool jacket or red suede Christian Louboutin low wedges which will make even a nylon dress from Forever 21 seem couture. One of the most popular fall investments is a bag; after all, it might come with a four-figure price tag, but the ideal tote or hobo becomes a daily staple with a price-per-wear which is easy to justify. A great choice for a fall bag which also looks perfect now is Tod's new Besonville Piccola, which is roomy enough to fit everything you're schlepping around but still has the ladylike touch to be an ideal accessory for dinner or drinks. Available in still-super-hot black patent, this is one of those bags which will simply become part of your everyday uniform, whether that's a featherweight cotton white babydoll now or a burgundy suede blazer in December. The Besonville Piccola is available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and at Tod's elegant boutique at 650 Madison Avenue.

Looking for a place to tote your new bag? Although its seems like New York's got a new restaurant-of-the-moment each week, there are a few chic eateries which defy trendiness to remain fashionable year after year. Top of that list is Indochine, which still attracts the just-plain-fabulous every night. And no wonder: from its elderflower martinis to summer rolls and Vietnamese bouillabaisse, it consistently offers delicious and light food and drinks in a setting which is relaxed but makes everyone feel like a v.i.p. Think of us if one of your fellow diners (who on a given night might include Diane von Furstenberg, Nicole Miller, Sarah Jessica Parker, or David Bowie) admires your Tod's purse! Indochine is located at 430 Lafayette Street near Astor Place.

And speaking of bumping into designers and fashionistas, if you're planning on doing just that tomorrow at Super Saturday and are still hunting for the perfect gift for the hostess on whose Hamptons sofa you'll be crashing, a great choice if she's a dog lover is Miss Fido Manners Complete Book of Dog Etiquette, an adorable book which is equal parts Emily Post and Kate Spade, offering advice on how to bring your canine best friend to everything from a wedding to the groomer with style. And if you're surfing on Amazon to check it out, keep in mind that these days they're offering a gazillion high-end beauty brands (like Frederic Fekkai, Nars, and many more), just in case you need a makeup or skincare fix as you're browsing....

As Anya Hindmarch's not-plastic bags quickly sold out at Whole Foods a couple days ago, there's been a lot of talk this week of stylish ways to support good causes. The latest comes from Design 21, a New York-based social networking group which aims to matchmake designers and other creative types to meet and work to together to improve and change communities throughout the world. It's a partnership with UNESCO and is helping chip away at huge global issues like poverty and peace, but the organization also offers a simple (and cool!) way to show your support: The Allumonde Ring, a simple but just-tweaked-enough-to-stand-out band created by industrial designer Richard Hutten which is sold exclusively by Design 21. When you buy one (or more--they look best stacked), 19% of the price goes towards the non-profit organization of your choice, and 2% goes to UNESCO's work towards encouraging the arts for children in parts of the worlds which have endured wars. The rings are quite affordable ($35 for the stainless steel version, for example) and are available in a variety of metals. We confess our favorite is the cheapest and brightest: a set of six candy-color mini-rings meant for children which are 25 bucks. Tied in multiples on a long stretch of ribbon or leather cord, they're a perfect, p.c. break from the ubiquitous gold charms which seem to be dangling around everyone's necks.

The rings (and more information about the organization), are usually only available online at www.design21sdn.com, but this Tuesday they will be sold at a special one-day event at the swanky Felissimo Townhouse at 10 West 56th Street in midtown. Even if you buy them in bulk, the good cause promises that your purchases will be guilt-free!

And if you're looking for something to do in the meantime, head to Williamsburg's McCarren Pool this Sunday afternoon for a free concert by the hipster-favorite Seattle group Band of Horses. The gig is part of a series of "pool parties" put on by Helio and JELLYNYC which are relaxed but trendy and always include great bands (TV on the Radio is booked later this summer), cool djs, and great people watching. For more info, go to www.poolparties.com.

Shopping this time of year can be all about contrasts: most stores are marking down rack upon rack of summer merchandise just as they're unpacking new fall items onto the sales floor. And as much as you know that wool jacket you love won't be there in a few weeks if you don't buy it now, it's hard to get excited about heavyweight clothing when you'll be schvitzing down sweltering streets to get your goodies home. So it's particularly exhilarating to find new fall items which are perfect to wear now, but will also look great through the fall and winter. Case in point: Marc by Marc Jacobs' new patent skimmer flats, which are available at the Co-op shoe department at Barneys.

Whether you're looking for a cute work shoe or something to go with a light baby-doll dress on the weekend, these adorable flats look polished but cool and are light enough to wear when it's 90-degrees+. At $295, they're not exactly a bargain, but aren't so expensive that you'll feel guilty for even trying them on. And keep in mind that patent leather is waterproof (to withstand a summer shower) and remains trendy for fall. Of course black is the most sensible color to choose these in, but they are gorgeous in lilac, which works surprisingly well for fall with opaque black tights (and of course looks just right now.)

If you've already overspent at the sales but need a now-through-winter Marc by Marc fix, there's an option for you too: Stop by their novelty store on Bleecker for $1 plastic bracelets and inexpensive silver quilted vinyl totes.

Where should you wear your flats? Our top choice for the weekend is Bar Tabac's annual Bastille Day celebration this Sunday on trendy Smith Street in Brooklyn. This outdoor fete includes French games, live music, and of course delicious food and drinks. Vive la France!

Not every image of summer is sunny and calm: it's a season in New York with steamy humid days, over-crowded subways, and a Friday night race to make the Hampton Jitney or the back garden at d.b.a. Finding the perfect bag to schlep throughout the season can be challenging: it's gotta fit a bottle of water and sometimes a pair of flip-flops; it needs to be light enough not to feel like a burden on a 90 degree day; it needs to feel a touch more laid back than a winter bag, a bit like a handbag version of casual Fridays, but still have some polish.

Leave it to New York's own Rafe to create the perfect bag for this summer: a hold-everything hobo in a match-everything beige cotton-linen mix, with lots of pockets and leather detailing which informs anyone in the know who designed it. But what's the real insiders' surprise of this bag? It's part of his excellent line for Target...and it's on sale right now for just $34.99. It'll look equally chic at work, eating ceviche in Red Hook, or on vacation in Europe, but it's inexpensive enough to buy one to wear this summer and an extra to save in the back of your closet to tote around next July. It's in Target stores and online at www.target.com. If you're a Rafe-aholic, more information about his main collection can be found at www.rafe.com.

Since that bag's huge capacity and versatile style would make it ideal for taking on vacation, it makes sense to celebrate the fact that one airline has just made the travelling experience much better without doing anything about long check-in lines or airport delays. Delta has collaborated with nightlife maestro Rande Gerber to create a selection of schmantzy cocktails, all mixed to order, which you'd expect to see at a trendy bar instead of being sipped in seat 23C. Although the passion fruit mojito is definitely delicious, true New Yorker would probably opt for one which has been dubbed "the big apple": a mix of bourbon, apple martini mix, and cran-apple juice. No matter who you sit next to in economy class, these beveragesguarantee a great trip!

Whether your color of choice is Ballet Slippers or Vamp, we're now deep into mani/pedi season, particularly as some (lucky!) people are beginning to head out of town for an extra-extended July 4th weekend. Even though one of the joys of being a New Yorker is having access to an inexpensive, appointment-less nail salon on virtually every corner, let's be honest: not all of them are spotlessly clean. And even when they are, the scent of antiseptic sprays and disinfectants doesn't exactly make for a relaxing treatment, no matter how many guilty pleasure magazines are piled up next to your station.

To the rescue comes Sparitual's Visionary Cleanser, a vegan and organic product which is delicately scented with wildcrafted French juniper berry essential oil. This natural disinfectant cleans hands, feet, and equipment to make sure your nails stay germ free, plus it smells great. It's part of the nail treatments at a couple splurgy spas in the Big Apple (like Great Jones Spa and Exhale) or you can bring your own bottle along for your next neighborhood treatment (or subway ride--spray it on if you're wearing flip-flops to keep away your fellow riders' germs and combat foot odor to boot!) It's also a handy product to have at home for a spritz onto tweezers or your own manicure tools.

Is there a brand out there that epitomizes luxury style better than Hermes? Probably not, and now that heritage brand has opened a boutique where New York's high rollers spend plenty of time: at 15 Broad Street, right in the heart of New York's financial district. The large store includes all the understated and elegant goodies you'd expect: exquisite scarves and belts, quietly lavish watches and jewelry, and of course iconic bags and leather goods. There's even softer-than-soft cashmere coats, men's suits, and conservative and impeccably crafted shoes. Admittedly these are aspirational products for almost everyone, but investing in an Hermes scarf (particularly the new design which is available only at this location) is a purchase which you will enjoy for literally decades, unlike the trendy bag or big pile of inexpensive dresses you could buy for the same price.

Last night the store's opening was feted with a intimate gathering at the store followed by a huge party at the nearby Cunard Building, where guests dined on a suitably luxe spread of oysters, tuna tartare, oozing French cheese, and of course champagne. And it was indeed a reason to party: nearly six years after 9/11, Hermes' choice of Wall Street for its second New York location represents confidence not only in the city, but in a neighborhood which is undergoing unprecedented rebuilding and growth.

Even if you can't afford to buy anything there until you make your first million, the new Hermes store is worth a visit to look, feel, and dream....

The new Hermes store is located at 15 Broad Street near Wall Street. For more information, go to www.hermes. com.

It seems like every few months there's a rumor du jour about a hot store finally opening in NYC which inevitably never materializes (like um, just when will that U.S Top Shop branch actually see the light of day?) But yesterday, one long-anticipated boutique really did open its Big Apple doors: Space NK, Britain's beauty Nirvana, right in the heart of Soho on 99 Greene Street.

Space NK has been around in its native England for nearly fifteen years, growing steadily from one small Covent Garden location to around fifty branches across the country. It's a bit like the anti-Sephora: warm, white, and unintimidatingly inviting, Space NK boutiques combine brands you know (like NARS and Bumble and Bumble) with exclusives and their own sensuous line of fragrances and bath products. The company's founder, Nicky Kinnaird, is a beautyaholic (like many of us!) who's always searching for new and fabulous products. "The process is a combination of personal research, word-of-mouth and pavement pounding during my international travels," she explains. Those travels have lead to fragrances inspired by the scents of Morocco, Spain, and Italy and the inclusion of new brands from all over France, all of which are available at the Soho store.

New York is in the midst of a socialite-obsessed moment. Equal parts 'Sex and the City' and Paris Hilton (how appropriate this week!), a glamorous clique of beautiful and well-connected socials have become local celebrities, appearing on red carpets and magazine pages (from 'Vogue' to 'New York''s recent cover story on the now-defunct website Socialiterank.com). It's not exactly the simple life, but it sure looks fun!

The current poster child of the socialite scene is Tinsley Mortimer: blond, beautiful, and seemingly at every stylish party in town. But she can't be dismissed as just a young lady who lunches: Mortimer was just announced as one of Dior Beauty's style ambassadors (alongside the likes of Sharon Stone and Charlize Theron). Plus, she's responsible for an absolutely adorable line of bags by the Japanese brand Samantha Thavasa. It's a collection which is versatile (including everything from sleek, dressy clutches to capacious straw beach bags) and thankfully priced to appeal to non-socialites (i.e. in the L.A.M.B./Marc by Marc Jacobs range) ... although these bags are sophisticated enough for Mortimer's pals to want to carry them as well.


Samantha Thavasa

It's only June 1st and New York already has the hazy, schvitzy, mellowed out feel (not to mention smell!) of summer. Here's what New Yorkers are talking about in air conditioned apartments and outdoor cafes:


On the big screen: 'Crazy Love ', a true story so bizarre it could have happened only in New York.

On the small screen: 'The Ex-Wives Club', the television equivalent of a trashy novel you can't put down.

On the Netflix queue: 'Venus', featuring a wonderful performance by Peter O'Toole.

On the menu: A smoked chicken and apple bratwurst at Shake Shack -- absolutely worth the wait.

On the bar: An organic orange juice at Le Pain Quotidien, which just opened a branch across the street from Bryant Park.

On the MP3: 'The Greatest' by Cat Power, in early preparation for her show at McCarren Pool next month.

On the shoulder: Kate Spade's Tisbury Roll bag, the cutest vintage-inspired little bag for the summer.

Are you on your way out of town yet? Have you stocked up on flip-flops and sunblock? As New Yorkers are gearing up for a long holiday weekend, here's what's on our minds:

On the big screen: 'Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End ', preferably while wearing one of John Galliano's designs.

On the small screen: 'The Starter Wife', which debuts on Thursday.

On the Netflix queue: 'The Good German'.

On the menu: A warm dark chocolate and peanut butter sandwich at Henri Bendel's just-opened Chocolate Bar Restaurant (worth possibly needing to go up a dress size when you go shopping afterwards. )

On the bar: An mojito at the bar at Mesa Grill while planning a vacation at The Cove, the chic new Paradise Island hotel where a branch of this downtown mainstay recently opened.

On the MP3: 'Fake Empire' by The National.

On the shoulder: A large Betty tote by Chloe, which has a schmantzy new boutique in Miami (aka mini-NYC in December.)

On the cheap: Tom Ford inspired sunglasses from Forever 21 (instant summer chic for under six bucks.)

On the heel: Jimmy Choo metallic slides from Saks Fifth Avenue, which just announced its new shoe salon on the eighth floor -- the first store department ever to have its own zip code (10022-SHOE, otherwise known as Heaven.)

On the wish list: Z. Bigatti Silk Screen SPF 30 sunscreen (effective, light, and perfect for sensitive skin -- in other words, a summer essential.)

On the tip of your tongue: The imminent opening of the first U.S branch of England's Space NK, a stylish cosmetics boutique stocking its own indulgent brand as well as cult labels like Eve Lom and Zelens (which has created one of the best day creams around).

On the reading list: 'Special Topics in Calamity Physics' by Marisha Pessl.

On the list of looks which shouldn't work, but do: Lots of thick black eyeliner, even on a hot and sunny day.

On the way out: Knee-high boots with bare legs and short skirts -- leave that look to Los Angelinos.

On the radar: Kate Winslet, filming in New York.

In between making Memorial Day plans for next weekend and trying to figure out what to wear with the ever-changing weather (The question is: will it be 84 or 48 degrees today?), here's what New Yorkers are seeing, hearing, and doing this week:


On the big screen: 'Shrek the Third', particularly for the jokes which will go over kids' heads.

On the small screen: 'Lost', which you can now watch on Sprint mobile phones to keep track of Jack and his pals wherever you are.

On the Netflix queue: 'Because I Said So'.

On the menu: Mango Tandoori Chicken Pizza at California Pizza Kitchen's inviting new New York location, which opened this week on Park Avenue South.

On the bar: A cold bottle of Peroni this Sunday at that Italian company's Open Air Design Gallery in the Meatpacking District (see On the of your tongue....)

On the MP3: 'See You Later' by Elliott Smith from 'New Moon,' a new posthumous compilation from this much-missed singer-songwriter.

On the shoulder: Rafe for Target's Zip Duffel Hobo -- totally on-trend and cheap enough to chuck out when it's dirty and tired looking in August.

On the cheap: Slide sandals from Victoria's Secret Pink -- perfect for the gym now and the beach in a few weeks (plus they're on sale!)

On the heel: Nine West Favoretta slingbacks -- hot of-the-moment wedges with a Chanelesque touch.

On the wish list: Fresh Mint toothpaste from Rembrandt, which just opened a pop-up shop on the corner of Broadway and Broome Streets in Soho.

On the tip of your tongue: Cool block parties, from C.O. Bigelow's kid-friendly bash this Saturday afternoon on Greenwich Avenue to Meatpacking District Design Week, including panel discussions and exhibits.

On the reading list: 'No One Belongs Here More Than You', by Miranda July.

On the list of looks which shouldn't work, but do: Several bold cocktail rings worn all at once on both hands.

On the way out: Overly straightened long hair.

On the radar: Ellen Pompeo, hanging out in N.Y.C. this week.

Allergies are in full swing, it's about to be Mother's Day, and there's plenty to do and talk about in New York City. Here's what New Yorkers are squawking about this week:


On the big screen: '28 Weeks Later'.

On the small screen: 'Heroes', which gets better (and more addictive) with each episode.

On the Netflix queue: 'Little Children', featuring a compelling-as-always performance by Kate Winslet.

On the menu: Porcini risotto on Mother's Day at Del Posto, run by mom-and-son team Lydia and Joe Bastianich (along with their pal Mario Batali).

On the bar: A Pimm Pomm cocktail at the bar at the London (Gordon Ramsay's swanky place midtown), to toast to springtime, mom and World Cocktail Day on May 13th (now that's a holiday!)

On the MP3: 'Like a Boy' by Ciara, who will be directing a music video for the winner of a new artist contest put together as part of Glamour Magazine's Reel Music series -- vote now!

On the shoulder: Forever 21's transparent tote -- totally on-trend and cheap enough to chuck out when it's dirty and tired looking in August.

On the cheap: Dashing Diva Buttercup Betty nail polish (a classy beige shade which works on everyone).

On the heel: 12th Street's Ankle-Wrap Ballet Flat -- the perfect shoe with Chloe or Chloe-esque spring clothes.

On the wish list: Boots Restore and Renew Beauty Serum, which recently led to a get-me-on-the-waiting-list frenzy in Britain when a BBC tv documentary reported that this is one of the few products on the market which can actually repair skin damage.

On the tip of your tongue: Polaroid's snazzy new digital photo backup device (a great gift for mom: an easy-to-use gadget which stores up to 40,000 photos.)

On the reading list: 'After Dark', by Haruki Murakami, the latest release from this must-read Japanese novelist.

On the list of looks which shouldn't work, but do: Dressy clutches for daytime.

On the way out: Mulitple gold charms on a long chain (the charms still look great, just opt for a shorter chain.)

On the radar: Jennifer Garner and Violet Affleck -- Happy Mother's Day!