This musing was inspired by my two lovely and fashionable friends, Mercedeh & Mojdeh. These girls put the Prrrrr in Persian!

If I had to choose one word to describe their style? Chic. They’ve also got that cool “je ne sais quoi” thing going on that only a select few fashionistas possess, like the iconic Kate Moss. Whether it’s a fabulous blazer, dress, blouse or scarf, a pair of killer heels or boots, or perfectly fitted jeans – it’s just so easy for these girls to look comfortably chic….or is it??

One of my favorite sayings is a Farsi phrase that Mercedeh taught me: Bokosho Khoshgelam Kon.  Translation: “It’s killing me, but I look beautiful”. I love this expression! It even sounds chic.  The first time it rolled off my tongue was at our friend Lara’s pool party a couple summers ago. I was so proud!

However, there is some debate that my perfect pronunciation was actually due to my consumption of some potent home-made margaritas. The popular theory is that these margaritas were SO powerful they literally had me speaking Farsi. But that is another story…

What girl hasn’t sacrificed comfort & safety for beauty & fashion at some point? Sure, we’ve come a long way from the corsets, foot binding, and rib removal (ick!) of the past, but we still remain a pretty dedicated bunch when it comes to suffering to look good.

Christian Louboutin was recently in town to autograph the crimson-soled stilettos of his DC fans. Even he admits that comfort is not his sole goal, saying “I would hate for someone to look at my shoe and say, ‘Oh my God! That looks so comfortable!’ That’s not what I want to project.”

If you can grin & bear the pain in the name of vain, more power to you! The key is to smile, bat those eyelashes, and never convey to the world that you (a) can’t breathe or (b) can no longer feel your feet. After all, not all of us can be as inherently chic as those fab Farsi-nistas.

As the youngest winner of Project Runway in its 4th season, Christian Siriano had me at “fierce”. My ferosh friend Dee and I had the privilege of meeting this incredibly talented designer and all-around amazing individual at the Corcoran Gallery of Art last night for an open discussion and book signing. I cannot wait to immerse myself in his new book Fierce Style: How To Be Your Most Fabulous Self. As if this isn’t enough of a draw, fashion rockstar Tim Gunn penned the Foreword.

Since the show, Christian and his Ferocia Coutura have kept busy showing at Fashion Week in New York City and designing lines for Puma, Payless, Bluefly and Victoria’s Secret Beauty. In his first book, he shares how to be “fierce” in fashion every day, avoid the tickety-tack, and create your own personal style and self-confident image.

I expected a bit of a diva, but was so pleasantly surprised to find that along with that feisty demeanor was an extremely genuine and down to earth person who was hilarious and charming. He spoke openly about his challenges as a designer on Project Runway – although what I remember most from that 4th season is the quality and craftsmanship of his flawless and gorg designs.

He took question after question from his sold-out audience and honestly and thoughtfully answered each one. He jokingly name-dropped about appearing on Oprah, gavotting with GaGa, hanging with Heidi, and texting with Tim (who is apparently miffed that Christian seated him next to a particularly chatty celeb who sabotaged his viewing of a recent fashion show).  Love-love-love that Tim Gunn! He also had piles of praise for the exceptionally on point Nina Garcia, Project Runway judge and fashion director of Marie Claire.

He diplomatically skirted a question about his thoughts on DC style, focusing more on the beauty and culture of the city rather than how stylish and fashionable the inhabitants are, then had us in stitches as he described how he was accosted by a sea of conservative power suits after getting off the train at Union Station. Conservative is the last word someone would use to describe Christian, who dressed up as The Little Mermaid for halloween this year.

After the Q & A, a fan frenzy ensued and he could not have been more gracious in the midst of all the chaos, even taking charge himself to efficiently organize the book signing. At the end I told him he was very kind with his diplomatic response to the DC style question – and ever the charmer, he said in that fabulous voice of his, “La-dy, of course that doesn’t include you!”

For those of you who didn’t have the pleasure of making Mr. Siriano’s acquaintance – don’t just sit there looking like a hot mess! Go get Your Most Fabulous Self a copy of The Most Fabulous Book by The Most Fabulous Designer.

Wide feet, long toes, cankles, bags that add pounds, and just plain bad taste…

What do these have in common? All of these challenges are addressed head-on by Oprah in her first “Shoe and Handbag Intervention”. To help women see the error of their Accessories Gone Wild ways, she teamed up with a trio of style mavens: Mary Alice Stephenson, celeb stylist and Harper’s Bazaar contributor; Joe Zee, creative director of Elle mag; and Adam Glassman, creative director of O, The Oprah Magazine.

Riding on the success of her eye-opening 2005 Bra Intervention  (that reportedly increased Nordstrom sales by almost 200%), Oprah uses the same approach with our most tried and true daily accessories. Whether you’re simply looking for a better fit, or want a little more style in your step or slung over your shoulder, you’ll leave this segment feeling more informed  – or in my case, also slightly horrified. Sidebar: why not also have an intervention for some of those socks we saw paired with the shoes?

Other fun highlights from Oprah’s intervention include 6 Essential Shoes, Hottest Boots of the Season,  5 Must-Have Handbags, and a Day-to-Night Accessory Guide.

Last but not least, check out a Catwalk Confidence Class at Stiletto School.  I know I can always use a refresher course. Yeah on the catwalk, yeah, on the catwalk, I shake my little tush on the catwalk… (now get out of my  head, Right Said Fred!

My friend and partner-in-fashion, Dee, and I, recently enjoyed a sunny Saturday in Del Ray to absorb the creative vibe that was shimmering off the streets & sidewalks of the annual “Art on the Avenue” festival.  As we strolled & visited booth after booth of  creative talent, we stopped in our tracks at one owned by artist Rhonda Corley –  hanging there was the prettiest painting of a gorgeous pink  fluffy frock, entitled Big Poofy Dress:

Well, Rhonda you caught our eye, and we can give you lotsa reasons why… For starters, you capture the essence of dressing up and the simple & chic femininity of a girl in a dress. And your subjects? What’s not to love? Girls in beautiful frocks, both alone and with their girlfriends, bejeweled purses and shoes, hearts and flowers – all in vibrant hues and beautiful color combinations.

I felt dizzy as I stood there admiring all the paintings trying to decide which ones I wanted – no, needed. I knew I had to have a version of Big Poofy Dress. I also chose an exquisite design of a multicolored floor-sweeping gown with azure-blue background called “Follow Your Dream”.  Looks like life is clearly imitating art for the talented Ms. Corley.

Now we just can’t get Rhonda out of our heart…not that we want to.

I have a confession. I’m one of those girls who likes to talk about the weather. Not in a boring, I-have-nothing-else-to-say way — but in a slightly obsessive “I need to know what outfit I’m going to wear today!” way.

The weather has been gorgeous lately, 60’s to 70ish, accented with mostly sunny skies and further accessorized with a perfect autumn breeze making her appearance. The nights are pleasantly cooler.

So what’s the problem, you ask? Wardrobe this time of year can be a challenge! The sun goes behind a cloud or the breeze picks up and you’re kicking yourself for not grabbing a sweater before heading out the door. Or, you finally wear those new boots you’ve been dying to debut with tights and cozy sweater, but once you get outside instead of admiring glances you’re greeted with sweat droplets on your forehead.

The cure for dressing in these uncertain times?  Layers. Be prepared for unpredictable changes in temp with non-constrictive pieces or ones that can be easily buttoned or unbuttoned, tied or untied, zipped or unzipped.

 So go on, go on, just walk away – go on, go on, your (outfit) choice is made.