Things I lust for...

While the Bag Snob ladies didn't take a liking to this Alexander McQueen houndstooth tote, I actually quite like it:

Of course I'm partial to Alexander McQueen and houndstooth:

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District J'dore: Alexa Chung

I'll be honest - I don't know much about Alexa Chung, other than she's an MTV VJ in England. But her profile in this month's Marie Claire caught my eye for her truly organic sense of style and this quote:

"I believe in dressing to suit your shape. I don't have cleavage, so I flash my long legs instead."

It's no wonder she's considered a fashion icon when her daily ensembles are so calculatedly effortless.

(Photo: Derek Kettela for Marie Claire)

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Countdown to Project Runway: Behind the seams

It’s been a year since Project Runway (ProRo) has been on the air and now that the show has settled on its new network, Lifetime, the countdown begins. Just over a day away, the Project Runway website has interactive sneak previews, comprehensive profiles of the designers and their “before Runway” portfolios.

While the show’s move to Lifetime (a network more synonymous with “mom-jeans” than deconstructed denim catsuits) has some critics, such as the New York Daily News, are saying this season has lost some of the luster of its former Bravo-self. To find out if ProRo will be returning to its former glory or has to rebuild its edgy image, you’ll have to tune in Thursday to make your own assessment.

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Save the sales - Wintour's "Fashion's Night Out" declares war on discounts

On Thursday, Sept. 10, the eve of Fall Fashion Week, Anna Wintour and Diane von Furstenberg will host “Fashion’s Night Out,” a celebration of the retail, fashion and design industry, all hard-hit by the economy (of course ask anyone I know and certainly they’d have rather been shopping than saving pennies from 401K oblivion). Hundreds of designers and stores in the U.S. and in 11 other countries will host a series of entertainment-centered shopping, even extending hours to accommodate shoppers. Read more.

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Fall fashion mags feeling thin as designers turn to social media for visibility

As the September fall fashion magazines hit the shelves, you may notice they weight less than in recent years. As the economy has hit publications hard, advertisers, designers and magazines alike are turning to the internet, namely social media to raise visibility and seek out a larger audience. Read more at Examiner.com

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Perez Hilton expands to fashion critic on new blog, Coco Perez

Today, celebrity gossip blogger, Perez Hilton launches new fashion focused site, Coco Perez, further expanding his hold on celebrity entertainment. Describing the new blog as "the ultimate destination for where fashion meets celebrity," Coco Perez follows the overall same theme of PerezHilton.com, but is a bit more polished. No doubt the fashion industry will keep tabs on this notable resource. Click here to learn more.

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Back to school chic -- Start the school year right

The first day of school always brings about many good feelings – and even some anxieties. It’s a fresh start to the new school year, the opportunity to meet new people and catch up with old friends and of course getting organized for classes. With so much to juggle, staring at your closet each morning hoping the perfect outfit will jump out at you is a waste of time. These trendy and chic options for the first week will have you looking effortlessly fabulous!

View the back-to-school fashions here.

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Hottest dress for the Fall - Nicole Miller

My affinity for the color purple and all of its variations probably comes as no surprise to readers of this blog. So I'll have no shame when I call this Nicole Miller one-shoulder dress one of the hottest dresses of the season. Going into Fall, this shade of plum will not only look stunning, but can carry you all through the Holidays as the rich sheen of the fabric and the exaggerated bow will have heads turning.

The dress retails for $430 and can be found at http://www.nicolemiller.com/

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Back to School Chic - The Style Swap Meet

Every December, my organization does a “sustainability” swap where colleagues bring in items they want to trade in for other items. I picked up a cubic-zirc necklace and matching earring set and when I wore it the next week, more than a few people complimented me on it.

There’s a new trend sweeping the nation, just in time for back to school, called “The Style Swap.” Tips for planning a Style Swap · Get some friends together; agree on a place to meet – someone’s house.

· Send out an Evite to all your girlfriends – tell them to bring items from their closet they don’t wear or want anymore.

· Bring items with price tags still on them that haven’t been worn but have been there for years (you know we all have at least one of those).

· Create a spreadsheet and send it around to everyone asking them to make a “wish list” of things they’re looking for. A wide black belt, flats in size 9, a pair of skinny jeans.

· Sweaters, jeans, purses, hats, shoes, accessories, coats and more – all of these make great swap items.

· Bring some racks for hanging items or tables so swappers can feel like they’re boutique shopping.

· If you’re going back to school and want to try this out with your friends, make sure your parents know what you’re planning on swapping – or make it a mother-daughter party. Moms swap with moms, kids swap with kids.

· Make a party out of it – have snacks and drinks or ask everyone to bring their special dish.

Style Swaps are an economical, fun and an environmentally friendly way of outfitting your closet for the fall season and beginning of the school year.

For more information about the Style Swap, check out this video from TODAY Show style editor, Bobbie Thomas giving her recommendations for a successful swap: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/31238969#31238969

Interested in the swap but can’t have a party, Swap Style is an online style swap community where you can view thousands of items and view swapper profiles.

Here's an outfit made from three pieces found at SwapStyle.com:

One last tip, if you wouldn’t wear it, chances are someone else wouldn’t either – try not to pass on items that aren’t wearable anymore. Learn more about what to bring from StyleSwap.net.

For more D.C. Style tips, subscribe to receive articles from D.C. Style Examiner or follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/districtcouture

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Fall 2009 Fashion Trend: Kelly Green

Even though warm summer days are still upon us, attention is being paid to the top trends that will rule Fall 2009. This season promises bold colors, posh fabrics, and a few leftovers from the 80's (choose at your own discretion.)

One of the top trends for this Fall will be the use of Kelly Green. Although violets and purples typically rule the autumn months, kelly green will be a fresh change and a flattering color on all!

Here, Katherine Hiegl shines in this Naeem Kahn bias cut - very Greecian!

(Photo by: AP/Joel Ryan)

This look from the Louis Vuitton Fall 2009 Ready-to-Wear collection makes great use of another hot fall trend, billowing skirts. Crinoline is making a big come back this season in the form mini dresses. Going into the holiday season, this is perfect pick for upcoming soirees!

(Photo by: IMAXTREE/Elle.com)

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Lily Allen for Chanel

Lily Allen may not have been a likely candidate for Chanel spokeswoman, but the oft-troubled British pop star is channeling la Hepburn (and a little Kate Beckinsale, no?) in these new B&W pics from the Chanel photoshoot for their new bags launching this fall, Coco Cocoon.

Check out more photos from the shoot at Ms. Muse and the Palm Beach Post

So fetch!

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