HOT FRAGRANCE LINE:
FENDI

Fendi perfume is the most reliable and esteemed brand in the fragrance business as well as the fashion arena. Perfumes, colognes and eau de toilette from the Fendi line are unmatched and unrivaled.

They make an ultimate style statement for both sexes. Fendi for Men is a hot celebrity fragrance now. The middle notes include patchouli, jasmine, green tea and violet root. The base note consists of oak moss, suede and amber. The top note comprises of angelica, white pepper and lime. The fragrance is very mannish, fastidious and stylish. Life Essence, another name in the line of designer colognes for men, is another hot one. The fragrance is spicy, woody, manly and unique.

FASHION FOR MEN:
LAYERING

The big fashion trend for men right now is layering.

Layering in itself isn't exactly a groundbreaking trend; however, there is some interesting execution via color, print and texture. The best part about this trend? It couldn't be easier to pull off. Herringbone to check, plaid to striping, there is so much to choose from.

How can you pull it off? Instead of buying your typical pair of black trousers this fall, choose a fine pinstripe option then pair it with a mini check shirt in the same color scheme.

Great for perfecting the layering look, Lacoste. Its simple short sleeve polo tops leave so much variety for creative layering. 

FASHION TRENDS:
FALL 2010

Ladies, fashion experts say it’s all about the nude shoe.

Nude shoes are great because it elongates the leg and are great for short skirts. It’s a great buy because they’re so versatile – it matches every color and blends in with whatever you are wearing.

What are the color trends this fall for clothing and accessories?

They are caramel, camel, endive and golden glow. The biggest trend, however, for Fall 2010 is a rich, deep red.

MENSWEAR TREND:
SLIMING UNDERGARMENTS


The newest menswear trend: sliming undergarments.

Equmen (short for Equality for Men) has launched a range of slimming t-shirts. They are posture improving, gut-reducing, performance-enhancing, undergarments for men. It has unique technology with a seamless construction and breathable mesh fabric, which holds in the stomach and makes you look more built.

The undershirt compresses your core and gives you a more tailored look. The Australian company enlisted a physical therapist to help design the shirt’s cross-stitching, which simulates the kind of taping a man might get if he had a back injury. Those who wear them say they immediately feel sleeker.

In the meantime, over at SPANX, founder Sarah Blakely also started a men’s line due to popular demand. She started getting a lot of calls from Hollywood stylists requesting extra large women’s body suits for their male actors and jumped on the opportunity to create the line.

SPANX for men looks like a regular undershirt but better fitting. There is some compression hidden in the cotton yarn that go directly across the belt line that holds in the gut, the love handles, and gives great lower back support. The compression is lighter in the chest area so men with "man boobs" don't get cleavage and just look like they have defined toned chests.

Someone else getting into the men’s undergarment business is Jason Scarlotti, the creative director at 2Xist Underwear. His specialty is the compression undershirt. Secretly inside the shirt is a compression tube so you’re being sucked in on the inside with the tube but there is a top that falls loosely on the outside.

Scarlotti also designed a ‘mirdle ‘ (girdle for men). Essentially they are trunks with a 6-inch waistband that tighten the waist about one or two inches. It funnels and keeps men condensed in the midsection.

FASHION TREND:
DESIGNER IPAD CASES


Now turning to the iPad. We know it's done amazing sales in the past month but now the trend is not what it can do but rather how it looks.

Designers are now making a business making cases for them.

From the $366 US Louis Vuitton sleeve to the $27 US eco-minded corkboard sleeve.

I just bought one made of black patent leather.

Ferragamo, Gucci and Diane Von Furstenberg all have them.

Kate Spade and Jack Spade are rumored to have one in the works. Even Oscar de la Renta has a sleek clutch for $290 US which is sold exclusively on his website.

FASHION TREND:
DISH JEANS


Dish Jeans, making a name for themselves with their superb fit, are now launching must have jeans for the fall: DRT Jeans for Men

Dish Jeans, a Vancouver based company put a new twist on eco-friendly fashion. Each year 67 pounds of clothing per person ends up in landfills. DRT's philosophy is to use organic fabrics because the better the fabric the longer the product lasts and wont use extra resources.

Some of the trends they've set for men's jeans include:

• Back pockets with extra fabric to avoid the wallet wearing through
• Hems with extra fabric sewn on the inside to prevent the back hem from falling apart due to fraying

Uncover DRT ... A bit organic (in philosophy), a bit rock (in influences), and a bit down-to-earth (in outlook), "DRT" adheres to core values of unpretentious simplicity and durability.

Check out all the styles online at www.dishdesignshop.com or shop for them locally at:
1131 Robson Street Off the Wall, 748 Burrard Street

MADONNA: NEW FASHION LINE


The latest in fashion news: Madonna designing a clothing line for Macy's with her 13-year-old daughter Lourdes Leon.

It will be a teen clothing line called Material Girl that hits Macy's stores this August.

Madonna did a clothing line for H&M and enjoyed it, but found it was too much work and that it was taking away from her other careers. She found her 13-year-old daughter Lourdes Leon, with a passion and tireless energy, to be the perfect person to go in business with for her new venture.

Madonna has been involved in business meetings, but she says Lourdes is really doing the work. She says: "I just sit in the corner on her BlackBerry!"

MUST-HAVES:
HOT POWER BEAUTY TOOLS


Many high-tech tools are popping up for glamour girls to be DIY dermatologists and makeup artists. From the zit-zapping Zeno Hot Spot ($40 US; myzeno.com) and Bliss's Pore-fector device ($185 US; blissworld.com) to a hair-growth breakthrough with the HairMax LaserComb ($495 US; hairmax.com) and at-home laser hair removal from the Tria Laser Hair Removal System ($595 US; triabeauty.com), price-conscious consumers may never have reason to visit the skin doctor again! Plus, the Temptu makeup system was designed to be easy enough to use every day — taking away the need to have your makeup professionally applied for special occasions ($225 US; sephora.com).

STYLE TREND: HEADSCARVES


Have you got your Headscarf?

This hippie-influenced look is all the craze this summer. Many of Hollywood's most fashionable celebrities like Eva Longoria, Nicole Ritchie and Lindsay Lohan have been seen sporting the accessory.

Ladies beware: this is not the best look for everyone as they can visually shorten and widen the face.

Headscarves are one of fashion's most versatile accessories. It could be worn on the head or on the neck, draping or clean cut, across the forehead or as a headband - the possibilities are endless. You could make any dull outfit as classy or as glamorous as you want with a headscarf.

I sat down with Celebrity Stylist, Red Carpet Expert, and Television Fashion Consultant Anya Sarre. According to her, summer trends include easy and breezy looks and the headscarf gives you just that.

For more information on Anya Sarre visit www.anyasarre.com

LINGERIE STYLING:
VICTORIA'S SECRET BRA


Victoria's Secret's newest bra, The Miraculous, promises to give you a boost of two extra cup sizes, and it most certainly does.

Special padding lifts you up and out, instantly adding the two sizes for maximum cleavage, all with comfort and a natural shape. The bra is made of satin. It sells for $48 US in solid colors and $52 US in leopard print.

But does it really give you a two cups size increase? Made by the Maidenform Company, apparently a deal was cut that gave Victoria's Secret the exclusive for the first six months. The Maidenform version arrived late June 2010. Their design does have some differences - a little more coverage in the cups, a more stabilizing center front, and a different back design to provide more support. While Victoria's Secret bra goes up to DD cup sizing, the Maidenform will only go up to D cups and, the biggest difference is the pricing. The Maidenform price is just $34 US. The Maidenform Company, in my opinion, is the current leader in innovative bra designs. They have done a super job here creating a look of more natural cleavage. By the way, in some places, the padding is over 1 inch thick. I wouldn't put it in a dryer.

victoriasecret.com

SHAPEWEAR NEWS:
SPANX SKINNIES


Instead of hiding it, shapewear brands are encouraging women to flaunt their figure-fixing lingerie! Both DKNY's Colored Smoothies ($15 US; Nordstrom.com) and Spanx's Skinny Britches ($32-$42 US; spanx.com) are meant to peek through the bottoms of short shorts, skirts and dresses. I bet you never thought you'd see the day when control-top panties would be for show!

So now you can see London, France and my underpants!

STYLE TREND: GO NUDE


Barely-there lip color was a hit at recent Calvin Klein and Vera Wang runway shows.

But how do you wear the nude lip colors without looking like a card-carrying member of the undead? Choose shades with a hint of warming color and avoid all matte textures.

Chanel's new Rouge Coco in Perlé ($38 US, Chanel counters, now) has a hint of warming pink and meadowfoam oil for moisture, while Rimmel's new Royal Gloss in Cookie ($7 US, drug and mass retailers) adds subtle shimmer to its tranquil paleness.

Voilà—nude with zip.

HIGH-TECH LINGERIE: ANTI-WRINKLE BRAS'


The La Decollete's Anti-Wrinkle Bra that removes the wrinkles between the breasts, made to be worn directly on the skin and unearth nightwear while sleeping. Apparently the results re noticeable after the first use and after five to seven nights the wrinkles disappear entirely,

The Milkshake Bra, which is made with fabric that contains milk proteins to hydrate the skin, a number of new innovations in the bra category are bound to wow women next time they're shopping for lingerie (decollette.eu/shop/home.php). Over the past few years, memory foam has been used to contour and expand to your body, and Natori's Reflex Underwire Bra is a best-seller in that category ($52 US; barenecessities.com).

Bras that pump up or down with body temperature and undies made from protein are big today. This year Paris lingerie shows, saw the bra and panty going high-tech.

A Dutch-designed anti-wrinkle bra can iron out crinkly cleavages as a woman sleeps, and a smart Slovenian brassiere whose foam cups expand with body heat when the wearer works out or flirts.

High-tech's playing a growing role in underwear. Ultra-sounds now used as well as laser technology to cut and construct garments without seaming or stitching.

Also touted is a range of French lingerie is that Milkshake, in a fabric made of milk proteins that contains 10 amino acids to hydrate the skin. The knit is as soft as satin.

According to a report on News.com.au, the cupless anti-wrinkle bra designed by Decollete is supposed to be thrown on at bedtime keeping breasts apart to prevent the formation of feared crinkles that appear in the night.

DESIGNER FIND:
CHANEL TEMPORARY TATOOS


Temporary tattoos are no longer just fun for little kids. Chanel has decided to launch Les Trompe L'Oeil de Chanel Temporary Skin Art, a line of temporary tattoos based on designs created by Peter Philips for the Paris Runway Show for Spring 2010.

These intricate designs have proved themselves successful on the runway. From necklaces to bracelets and all the way down to anklets, these tattoos are an interesting way to not-so-permanently brand yourself with the much- appreciated Chanel logo. And at $75 US for 55 designs, it's a more affordable way of showing brand loyalty… at least, while it lasts.

No wonder people can get so addicted to brands like Chanel. They do think of you. Or at least, they make sure that every accessory you might need for your sport activity can be purchased from them. We have to admit, they do it pretty well, as recently released Chanel tennis rackets are real eye catchers. They're not only pretty with the little flower decoration on them, but they're also professionally designed and extremely light weight (for ladies, like us), so they are also comfortable to play with. The rackets will be available soon in Chanel stores worldwide.

STYLE MAVERICK:
CHANEL'S KARL LAGERFELD


There is a designer who continues to turn the world into a world of luxury: Chanel's designer Karl Lagerfeld.

He is labeling the Chanel logo on more items than you could imagine such as a Chanel guitar that comes with a hot signature quilted Chanel case and couture strap and a Chanel Segway scooter with a Chanel handbag on the handlebars, matching black leather handgrips and the Chanel logo on the wheels.

FASHION:
SPRING/SUMMER TRENDS


When it comes to fashion for spring or summer this year, buy luxury, buy quality, buy something that will become an iconic piece in your wardrobe. From Prada's chandelier dresses, to Jil Sander's raw and ripped chiffon, to Lanvin's most beautiful dresses ever, to Burberry's trench dresses, if you buy one thing for spring/summer, make it a big story. If hemlines are to be believed as the rule of all things financial, though, things are certainly looking up: skirts are creeping up the thigh and bottom-revealing bloomers, henceforth known as hot-pantaloons, and the trend continues: a little bit of glitter is a must. Shoes are still big statements. The big story for summer though, is nudity. Nude, and ice cream colors are in, whereas last summer we obsessed about color blocking. Next will be about subtleties of tone: nude with peach with washed out nutmeg, or grey with icy blue. A general lack of clothing will be approved of too. Your underwear must look its best next summer and a touch of lace will keep things interesting. White is always a trend for summer, but 2010 is all about bleached cotton.

So what to buy if you will be shopping? Party dresses - lots of them, to be worn day and night. A jumpsuit - single shouldered or strapless is also a good investment. A trench coat, long or short is also as good buy. A belt, skinny ribbons or wide leather versions are a must have accessory. The waist intends to allow you to show off your curves next summer, and as for swimwear, it's as itsy bitsy as can be.

NEW HOT WEBSITE: RENT THE RUNAWAY.COM


Have you been tagged in Facebook photos wearing your favorite LBD…everywhere? Now stars aren't the only ones who have to worry about repeating outfits. Happily, we found an ingenious new site called renttherunway.com, a rental-based retailer that lets you dress like a star for prices starting for as low as $50. The site loans looks from designers like Herve Leger and DVF and has even secured capsule collections (think Proenza Schouler's greatest hits!) and flashy runway pieces that never made it to stores. Other rental perks include two size options of your order to ensure a perfect fit and same-day delivery in N.Y.C. (next-day everywhere else in the U.S.). And if you're concerned about mishaps while wearing your loaner, don't fret—each dress is expertly dry cleaned and insured for those of us with slippery fingers. To check it out, visit RentTheRunway.com

NEWEST CELEB DESIGNERS: KARDASHIAN GIRLS FOR BEBE


The Kardashian sisters are known for their always on-trend, high fashion style, and now, you can dress just like them without the star budget! Kim, Khloe and Kourtney are teaming up with Bebe to design a clothing line for spring. I LOVE BEBE AND ESPECIALLY BEBE SHOES! Bebe used to be my spnsor for my tv show in La called "Shatilla's Hollywood" and the clothes were so much to shop for every week. I would get 10 outfits for a week then returned them at the end of each week. Amazing how you don't want to shop when you get to just wear the stuff once. I loved it! Kim took to her official website to announce the good news, writing "Kourtney, Khloe and I are designing for Bebe! This is honestly a dream come true! We have always loved fashion and have wanted to design for such a long time and now we finally are!" The Kardashian girls are long-time fans of the brand. Kim even counts Bebe denim as her favorite! No word on the exact launch date.

RUNWAY TRENDS: SPRING 2010


Now turning to three of the newest runways trends for 2010.

1. Capes
Capes are huge right now. A look to try is a cape, wide legged jeans and a printed scarf. The fashion brand MARNI, is seriously embracing the cape look. Also popular is the Capelet, a shorter and somewhat cuter version of the cape. I love these!




2. The Girly Look
Ruffles, ruffles and more ruffles. This season is all about the frilly girly look. Stella McCartney's collection is feminine, and has a '70s glamorous look, with wild prints, ruffles and shades of pink. Juicy Couture is also very girly this season, frills and ruffles galore!




3. Military
The military look is still huge this season. Khaki and olive colors, and buttons a-la-military are a must have in your Spring wardrobe. At Balmain, Christophe Decarnin gave his trademark party gear a military makeover. Military-inspired clothes are a great trend to wear. The jacket brand Smythe makes a beautiful fitted military jacket that many celebs like Rachel Bilson have been spotted in.

CHANEL AND OPI: NAILS COLORS FOR SPRING


Last fall I got a sneak peak at the two hot colors for nails this spring. You may not be thrilled, because they are not bright and cheery. Over at Chanel, the color is nothing new. It's a matte, dark taupe, mushroom-y shade. I don't find it pretty, but it's Chanel and many will like it and the quality is great. The one I like is from OPI. I love everything from OPI. The quality is outstanding. My favorite color is Bubble Bath but the new trend for this spring is grey, dark silver and metallic, giving black the boot.

VATA BRAZIL: TRENDSETTING SPORTSWEAR


Now turning to a taste of Brazil, and one of the most stylish sportswear brands out there today inspired by Brazilian beachwear!

VATA Brasil is a trendsetting apparel brand making inroads into Hollywood. Celebrities such as Tina Fey and Christina Applegate received them in their Emmy gift bags this past year, here in Los Angeles. Created by athletes for athletes, the clothing is manufactured in Rio. Think of exotic Brazilian lululemon made of a unique fabric called OneFit, which is a one size fits most fabric. VATA Brazil recently announced a partnership with the Toronto Argonauts cheerleaders. They were also on the runway of Toronto's LG Fashion Week. It wasn't your normal catwalk. Yoga, Acrobatics and Zumba dancing took over the stage.

To check out the line and brand www.vatabrasil.com.

HEIDI KLUM: NEW FASHION LINE


Heidi Klum is launching her own line and it starts with shoes and then moves to active wear, dresses and swimwear. She'll be creating the collection in tandem with Montrealers Rick and Brian Cytrynbaum, co-founders of Modern Vintage and Majestic Mills. She has been sketching her own designs. The to-be-named shoe range will include 48 styles ranging from stilettos to tall boots and will also include a line of maternity clothes. They will be in stores as of February 2010. Meantime, Heidi has also designed a makeup collection for Victoria's Secret. Inspired by Heidi's love for Indian culture and beauty, the collection includes an eye shadow palette, extra length mascara, lipstick in exotic spice, and passion fruit lip-gloss. All of these items will retail for under $20 US and will be available in Victoria's Secret stores.

DAVID BECKHAM DESIGNS FOR ADIDAS SPORTSWEAR


Soccer superstar David Beckham continues to turn fashion designer....He is designing a fall winter fashion line for Adidias sportswear after launching a line this past spring.

He designed the collection along with James Bond - owner of LA sportswear boutique Undefeated and will be joined by Jeremy Scott and Kazuki under the Originals umbrella. The lines feature fabrics not traditionally associated with sportswear; like leather, cashmere and silk. They also developed accessories and thermal layering pieces.

Now the question is, can Beckham save Adidas? Adidas earnings are down, a whopping 97% profit dive. Don't expect to see Beckham modelling the collection, Adidas says his hard work will be behind the scenes. He was the Armani underwear model last year topping a list of celebrities who have secured massive deals for advertising underwear. In Forbes list of top 20 sports earners, David Beckham took the top spot with over two-thirds of his income coming from endorsements such as that with Adidas.

HOT TREND: FAST FASHION; TOPSHOP COMES TO NORTH AMERICA


I was so excited when this happened recently....Topshop finally made it this side of the pond.

The best store on the planet for fun fashion if you ask me. I spent days there when I was in London.

Opened now in Manhattan's SoHo district.

Its a 40,000-square foot store in NY

I love it. Expect to spend hours when you're in a Topshop.

There are 300 hugely successful locations in the UK.

Supermodel Kate Moss is a designer for them.

Young fashionist as couldn't wait.

It's the latest of the affordable chains, such as Zara, Mango and H&M. These stores are part of what's called the "fast fashion" trend.

Like other fast-fashion retailers, most of which are based abroad, it thrives on bringing fashion to stores quicker and cheaper than mainstream retailers traditionally have. the Gap Inc.'s status as the world's largest apparel retailer is again threatened. "Gap has been underwater for six or seven years," said New York retail industry consultant Howard Davidowitz. "Along comes fast fashion, H&M started it, and it's a revolution."

Fast-fashion shops fill a niche where Gap can't compete. H&M, founded in Sweden in 1947, arrived in the U.S. in 2000, reported its fourth-quarter earnings fell 12 percent, further than expected. Topshop is such a fun shopping experience because of the DJ booth, In New York, it's hanging from the ceiling.

CONSUMER CONFIDENCE UPDATE:


Turning to shopping trends... Consumer confidence is at its lowest point in history and according to a January 14th report - retail sales were down 2.7 per cent from Wal Mart to Saks - retailers are trying hard to get rid of inventory that's sales are everywhere as you've likely noticed. Meantime....shoppers today are rethinking their habits. and spending. Instead of buying several lower-priced trendy items - shoppers will spend on a single longer-lasting luxury good. Companies like Coach - announced in January that their saleswere down 13 per cent from the same quarter in 2008. So how will the luxury consumer spend in 2009?

Wealthy consumers WILL spend but differently. Exclusivity will be embraced as will quality and dependability and luxury brands will offer discounts now - something never seen before and finally - the days of shopping till you drop - are over.

STYLE ICON AND TRENDSETTER: FERGIE


Who is the celebrity who sets trends anytime she shows up somewhere, wears something, or sings about something. She's glamorous and sexy and she's FERGIE from the Black Eyed Peas. People are mesmerized by her. She just married Josh Dumel from the show Las Vegas.

Her real name is Stacy Ann Ferguson, a straight A student in school and is now along with being a singer, is a songwriter, fashion designer, model, and actress. She just launched a new shoe line (she already has a purse line with kipling). The Grammy Award-winning singer signed a contract with Brown Shoe to create her own unique line of footwear bearing her name.

Fergie is partnering with Brown to capture her style and incorporating it into her footwear line.

Her album Duchess in 2006 had 5 Billboard Hot 100 top 5 singles (three of which went to number one) making The Duchess the seventh album from a female artist to spawn five Top 5 hits.

The Duchess, is a mix of pop and R&B songs, including "Glamorous".

Her backstage ritual is eating 2 hours prior to show because she says if she eats closer to the show- she gets sick.

Fergie is an avid user of hypnotherapy, which she used to overcome her crystal meth addiction and uses now to relax.

DRESSING ROOMS: GO HIGH TECH


They've been popping up all over Hollywood so get ready for them in your city. These dressing rooms of the future have interactive mirrors, 3D scanners and holographic sales assistants. Bloomingdales, for example, was one of the first retailers to test a social retailing system and a Japanese department store chain, began experimenting with an "intelligent fitting room". 

It gives customers the opportunity to check available sizes and styles of the items they are trying from inside the fitting room. Prada began using the interactive mirrors in its Beverly Hills store last year. The better the retailer makes the trying on experience, the more likely the shopper will buy the item but  retailers have largely ignored dressing rooms. The Internet has revolutionized the way catalog shopping is conducted and shoppers are avoiding fitting rooms altogether. One solution might be installing a responsive mirror in retailer's dressing rooms. Currently when you bring five or six items into the dressing room and try to narrow down your selection. It becomes difficult to remember how you looked in each outfit. The responsive mirror eliminates that by allowing you to simultaneously see pictures of yorself in all the items you try on to help you decide which they want to purchase. Through inventory tagging, the dressing room registers the items shoppers take in to try on and produces video and images of the merchandise.  A touch screen gives shoppers the option to invite friends. Through their personal cellphone or key pad, they can then send an e-mail or text message to friends. By clicking on a url and logging on to a Web site, the friends can see the items being tried on and make comments. The site will also suggest other merchandise in the store. The shopper can then click on one of the recommendations, and make it appear in the mirror superimposed over his image, as though he were trying on the garment. Macy's and J.C. Penney are also exploring versions of the interactive dressing room. Retailers have started to add more realistic lighting that is closer to daylight and increase the size of the rooms to allow more movement and other people to join shoppers in the process and at the Gap and Banana Republic are revamping how shoppers receive service while in the dressing room by installing call buttons and delivery doors where sales assistants can bring items to shoppers.

THE SOFT ADDICTION: ARE YOU A SHOPAHOLIC


Now turning to a growing trend in these tough economic times...being a shopaholic!

Seems people are still shopping even for small things. Judith Wright, author of "The Soft Addiction Solution," says you're not alone if you are one. According to recent studies, as many as 1 out of 12 people (almost as many men as women) are compulsive shoppers. Shopping has become, for many, what's called "a soft addiction". It can rob energy, steal time, numb your feelings, cause tension, and cause bickering in relationships. 

To 'stop' one must address the causes.

Ask yourself these 4 questions:

1.  Do you spend hours roaming the mall or surfing online...then you are most likely dealing with a soft addiction. Wasting hours that could be spent moving you towards your dreams.

2. Do you shop to feel better about yourself, fill up unscheduled time, escape your emotions? Or are you shopping for some clothing that expresses your personal image? Escaping, avoiding boredom, or feeling pulled toward a sale, is a signal that it's a soft addiction.

3. What are you feeling? Do you shop when you're bored, angry, sad?

If so, you may be using shopping as therapy - a way to avoid your feelings and the challenges you are facing. Think about how you feel before, during, and after your spending spree. Before shopping, are you anxious, jittery, bored, angry or afraid? Are you zoned out, numb, or even on a false high while shopping? Afterward, do you feel shameful, high or even forgetful of what you just purchased? Any of these check points can let you know that you've got a problem.

and finally...

4. What are you hoping your shopping will do for you?

If you think new pants will make you more attractive to others or If that new gadget will make you the envy of others, forget it. You are imagining some magical result that you believe shopping will bring you. Whether you shop as a boost for your self-esteem, to bring a sense of newness in your life, or avoid uncomfortable emotions, there are far more satisfying ways to meet those needs. Once you know what they are, they will bring you lasting results.

So....what can one DO about all this?

1. Tell the truth: You need to recognize that there is no quick fix to the habits you've formed over the years.

2. Add activities to meet your deeper needs and fill the voice. For example, if you shop because you're lonely, find new friends to build a stronger network of support. If you have a deeper need to feel excitement and adventure, sign up for a class you enjoy, or take on a new project.

3. The key is exploring what you want in your 'relationships' and ask for support from those around you.

RODEO DRIVE JEWEL TREND


Looking for jewels? Want to feel like a star? When you're in LA next time, call the 'Jewelry Ambassador.' It's a new invention for those who want the Rodeo life and don't know how to do it. If you stay at the Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills - you get the service.

Jewelry Ambassador Teresa Emrick, owner of the Private Acquisitions jewelry service, is the premiere jewelry expert in Beverly Hills. For guests requiring, she comes to you with the jewels, to your room, with a security guard, jewels worth millions. It's a first in Beverly Hills – diamond shopper now brought right to your doorstep at your luxury hotel. Located in the most exclusive shopping area in the world at the intersection of the Beverly Wilshire sits at Rodeo Drive and Wilshire Boulevard, this hotel has always been a destination hotel for the elite shopper worldwide.

Normally, Emrick gets $250 per hour for consultations, but it's provided by the hotel for guests as a complimentary service.

OFFICE FASHION


Office fashion: Did you know that 75% say how you dress to the office effects your job. (i thought it was 100% to be honest) 72% say it's important that employees dress like their bosses. Meantime - the number of companies allowing employees to dress casually everyday is dropping - falling 37 per cent in 2007 from 48 per cent in 2004.

RECESSIONISTA FASHIONISTA


There's a new trend that has evolved: recessionista fashionista....she's the one who knows how to buy in these tough times. A survey by market research company Mintel finds a growing demand among women for quality clothing and a move away from the instant fix of fast fashion. Researchers say we should expect to see women buying less but trading up to higher quality brands. Women are also looking now for more classics - not season to season trends. Things like the little black dress that can take you everywhere and knee high boots rather than statement garments lasting one season. Paying by credit card is also down and cash is big now for many. Almost half say they would still spend on clothing - the same amount - but will cut back on spending in other areas - such as socializing, drinking food.

GUCCI FRAGRANCE FOR MEN


World renowned designer and former head of Gucci Tom Ford has a scent collection...His are: Black Orchid and Tom Ford for Men launched last fall. Meantime...Tom Ford, who used to be the head of Gucci, now he's turned to movies. His debut film stars: Colin Firth, Julianne Moore and Matthew Good from Matchpoint are starring in A SINGLE MAN. The movie is about a gay man who after the sudden death of his partner, is determined to persist in his usual routine, which is seen in the span of a single ordinary day in Southern California. Ford has adapted the screenplay from a novel. He rose to the top of the fashion world with a 10 year run at Gucci. He stepped down in 2004 with the aim of becoming a director.

LATEST SHOE TRENDS: SKY HIGH PLATFORM


The trend for women's shoes this year in 2009, remains platform and super high heals. Hollywood is all over them. They're called "skyscraper shoes". In 2008, luxury footwear sales are expected to grow 8% according to Bain and company's Luxury Goods Worldwide Market Study released October 29th and during an economic crisis - women are buying shoes to update their wardrobe so they don't have to spend a fortune on clothing to do it. Givenchy's open-toe leather gladiator bootie has a 4.3 inch heel. Gucci's latest sandal is 4.1 inches and Stella McCartney's wedges are 5 inches tall. Christian Dior's Patent pump is a red carpet favorite this season. (I love these shoes, I've got to tell you..this is my favorite shoe year ever and platforms are so much more comfortable than stilettos and doctors agree, platforms provide extra comfort at the ball of the foot and toes than stilettos do)

MICHAEL KORS: TRENDSETTING DESIGNER


You've seen the name...the #1 hot trendsetting designer today is Michael Kors.

His top-of-the-line cashmeres and sexy stenographers skirts hang alongside versions of Prada. Sales have jumped by more than 50% in three years. He is one of the most important designers today. The brand owes much of its success to his mix of media savvy and a pragmatic approach to business. He spends time on the selling floor. He knows the sales associates. He knows the merchants. He doesn't operate above it all, he rolls up his sleeves and digs in.

(for audio, click LISTEN and go to Oct 11, 2008 show)

SUNGLASSES


It's fall but that doesn't mean you put your sunglasses away. What's in this fall?

Styles are so varied this year. Big and round yes, but a little smaller and a little rounder.

Oversized aviators are huge for men and women.

Black shiny is #1, tortoise is also big.

Fluorescents are making their way in.

White frames are out, in warm climates.

John Lennon-style round plastic frame, and oversized sunglasses are huge and plastic rather than metal are hot this season, including ‘70s-inspired plastic frames.