FALL BEAUTY - LIPSTICK is good for your MENTAL HEALTH

Lipstick, is the key to happiness. Psychologists will tell you that a lipstick is just short of a huge splurge purchase in a down economy. We suggest a visit to your favorite beauty site, (SEPHORA pictured here) to shop for your RED, PINK, BURGUNDY, gloss, creme, or matte tone to do what only lipstick can do: Bring sexiness and Cheer, to even the darkets of Fall Days. Enjoy!

The Power of Fashion Classics: Now's the Time

Its refreshing to see that even the Classics, can continue to hold power, while the new classics, take their place next to the Little Black Dress, and the Camel coat. Now, the leather Pencil Skirt, bikerboots, tights, and the edgy platforms mixed with the classics makes this FALL pretty, and sexy. The Glamazon women is not just fighting crime or global warming, she's appearing in boardrooms and at business lunches world wide. Well, that's what the fashionistas are telling us--its the power of classics, and now is the time.

Red Carpet Style for your Inner Diva: Tips and Tricks

• CASUAL BEACH HAIR: Whether its an updo, shoulder or full Length, Red Carpet Hair is never fussy or overdone. Keep it casual, with waves, a wash of curls, relaxed in straight lines that bend with the wind.
  
• RED CARPET FEET: Now that the Shoe Cam has arrived, Be a shoe Star, and take chances. Of course, a perfectly manicured foot is required, with a natural nude polish or Fall's new deep red or plums. Platforms, peep toes, or Daring pumps will do the trick.
  
• GLOW ON: So many tans, so much sun: Take our word for it, the Red carpet is not all tanned up, just a pleasant glow of bronze is all that you need to look beautiful in your tops, jeans, or gown. We suggest a self-tan product or Salon for your beach glow.
  
• ACCESSORIES: Here is a chance to let your inner Diva shine, with handbag, earrings, bracelets, or neck pieces, very casual, as befits this beach style, with a subtle glow of shine.
  
• BEAUTY: We noticed a definite focus on eyes, and lips, with a healthy glow of natural skin that was buffed and not too tan. Under the glare, make-up artists will all tell you its about staying power: Finishing powder, lip liner and crayon kohl eyeliners that keep your favorite products from slipping off.
  
• ATTITUDE: This is critical to achieving the confidence, the aplomb, and the inner Diva for all of your important occasions. We suggest a healthy dose of Attitude to complete your outfit.
  

Red Carpet Style: Our Top Picks

Emmy Red Carpet Glitters in the heat of Los Angeles.
Our top picks were a Gold Donna Karan, A Versace Gown made of Glass, and a beautiful strapless Chiffon Dress. Trends for evening are simple glamour, jewels and the essential handbag. Los Angeles Glamour is always about golden colors of the sun--and a touch of Beach Hair. Staying simple, going for shape, and flow as well as some sparkle completes the look.

DIOR: The Color Purple

The Dior windows on the Avenue Montaigne are dreamy, delicious and Purple.

Purple, is the "It" color for the Fall that looks good on just about everyone. Paired with Black, Grey, creme, camel or even jeans, a purple top, pants or a shoe is a fresh color for the Fall season. We love how designers have put neutrals together with this color, and given basic Fall Black a fresh new take. Eggplant or lavender, or with hints of rose, this color can be paired with wardrobe staples in your closet. Of course, Dior doesn't stop there. The DIOR perfume "Poison" in its beautiful purple bottle, gave us a hint of what was to come. Mascara, nail varnish, and eyeshadow, all DIOR originals in beautiful shades of purple were always part of their design studio line. The "Royal Purple" color describes the regal, elegant, mysterious color that will give your Fall look a fresh new twist. We suggest, a dose of purple to lift your spirits, from your head, to your toes.

Le Maris: Paris Soho and Fall Trends 09

The "Soho Style", familiar to most New Yorkers is very distinct. But Le Marais, in Paris, is to my mind, the heart of this style, and the true expression of this idea of "Bohemian Chic" with shops that are like art galleries; spare but elegant. A friendly group of young fashionistas are there to help you put your Fall look together with an array of interesting choices, which is, Le Marais, the new place to be in Paris.

With an interesting history, people, a great cafe life, its truly the new "Left Bank". Le Marais brings all the great things of that experience to life, which I remember from growing up on the Left Bank.

My advice: Just start walking; then stop for coffee, and after a few glances into the windows of these interesting shops you'll be right in the mood to shop. This unique street or 'boho chic' style or the "street look" is in each shop, one more elegant than the next. The energy of the cafes, the sheer exuberance of the fashion, make this Paris area unique. This is where things start then find their way, across the fashion map of the world. What makes this area thrive, is the soul of the artists who began their migration to this area from the Left Bank and while there are some major fashion labels in residence, the artistic touches are everywhere.

The fashion trends found in Le Marais, are unique in that they are softer than typical New York "Soho" Fashions. There is an interesting combination of fabrics, textures, and colors, and a mix of leather separates which take the look up a notch. These clothes are edgy but very romantic. This look is easy to wear, for all figure shapes and sizes. Then add Jeans, or a mini with your leggings and a great handbag, boots, and your done. Oh, and if you are a "fur lover" or want to go "faux" just add a dash of that as well around your collar, or as cuffs on a rough hewn knit sweater, or for the truly brave, a fur trimmed hat or handbag.

Accessories are key to this look, and vintage style, ethnic or metallic touches make the earth tones of this look come together. Here is a short list of shops in this Quartier to get you started, when you take that walk down Etienne Marcel towards the Place des Voges, and also the rue de Vielle Temps, there are many more. Please let me know if you have any other favorite places, we'd love to hear from you. A short walk in the opposite direction takes you to the Place de la Victoire, as well, under construction presently but there are several great shops along this street as well.

• All Saints Store
  
• Paul et Joe
• Sandro
• Claudie Pierlot
• I Love, Boutique
  
• Kookai -Les Halles (and everywhere)
  
• Barbara Bui

Thrown on your Ballet flats and get shopping, its going to be a bit chilly this Fall, and this is a great way to get started!

ARTIFICE

Shopping Report: Fashionably Chic Bargain Shopper

This just in: Paris is a Bargain. Yes, no one will believe you, when I tell you this, but it can be if you know where to go, and what to buy. And, they have H&M. Well, we just can't get enough of H&M in the USA, we're totally addicted to it, me included. I just heard that on November 14th, worldwide, the Jimmy Choo collection for H&M will debut. Doesn't matter if you don't wear high heels, or, if your idea of comfort is a Chanel Ballet flat. But let's just say that you are totally High Heel sort of gal, (I am known to sport a Prada or two!) But the idea that I could run down the street, stand in line for a "nouvelle Jimmy Choo" H&M style just makes me totally happy. It's fashion, that is totally affordable, if you choose the right things, mix with your own classics, and yes, even those designer items you bought last year and paid too much for. Its all in the Mix.

Here are some trends that we can all put in our closets ASAP:

• Shoulder Pads: Yup, there back. These can be added to some of your existing blouses to "pump it up" and give them a new life for the office. Pair these with tight skirt, new sexy pumps, and your're right on target without the Balenciaga jacket that only the rich and famous can afford.
  

• 80s Vibe: Yes, if you didn't already live through it, take this one on full throttle. However, my rule of thumb is if you have already lived your life as an 80s club-kid, better approach this trend with care and stick to classics like spike heeled pumps or pencil skirts. Leave the wilder stuff for the newbies.
  

• Draping: This is a great trend for just about any age: its ageless. Anything you want to do with draping, works if you need a bit up top, or down below. Basically, you can belt something and create softness, or simply get a new draped piece. Its 1940s/1980s and has a classic look for now, that works in the office or over a pair of jeans.
  

• Corsets: Men, beware, the Glamazon women has returned, so go easy girls, he won't be able to take it if you come home in one of these-they're great worn over white shirts with jeans, over jeans without, and under a jacket they continue to tempt, attract, and are just too good, to leave in the past. Approach with caution, but do give them a try!

• Vintage: Beyond a trend, buying vintage has its place, especially when top designers are secretly copying and selling these styles over and over again. Vintage shops are very good places to buy quality pieces, that are beautifully made, and work with other pieces in your wardrobe.
  

Here is our list of Stores that have Vintage, Trends, Affordable Chic, Designer Outlet:

1. COLETTE - 213 rue Saint-Honore 1st
   
2. Sonia Rykiel outlet-64 rue D'alesia, 14th
3. WOCHDOM-72 rue Condorcet, 9th (vintage)
   
4. H&M (any location)
   
5. RECIPROQUE (vintage) 16th
6. Outlets at Vallee Village
   
7. Monoprix
   

Enjoy!

ARTIFICE

Shoppining Paris: The Truth about Outlets

As we review the wreckages of our past, as Fashionistas, I can safely say,
that I have never regretted my voyages to Outlet Malls. They used to be the "well-kept secret" of the housewives of America, but now, the European experience is just not complete without a visit to a well-heeled Outlet Mall that boasts shops "to die for" and bargains to tell your gal pals at the coffee shop or water cooler at the office. Well....not quite. Here are some tips to remember, as you wander through the malls, and take in the fashionable and fabulous bargains that seem "too good to be true"

• Beware of the Big Name Store: Yes, they can be somewhat deceptive, as they often reserve this "failed" fashion merchandise for the outlets, or licensed goods that don't make it upstairs to rue St. Honore. That "big lable" you are paying for might be a "semi-faux" and overpriced. Just be sure you are buying the 'real thing' when shopping, you can check Vogue.com for the collections videos, and pretty much see the entire collections there, that way, you know you are buying something that is original.
  

• Beware of Return Policies. Make sure your items can be returned, with a receipt, in case there is a disaster. Most of these shops are designed for "On the Spot" purchases and they don't expect to see you again. Think again, before you make your final purchase, you might not be able to exchange it or return int.

• Put lots of things on "same day hold" as you cruise around the complex, before you make final decisions.
  

• Try everything on if possible. No second guessing in an Outlet Mall, its a better decision if it fits you now, not later. After all, you can always come back, and they will have more!
  

• Find out if the store is "unloading" merchandise that you will never see again. Its part of how to make your final decision. If you really love something, and its being discontinued, (and being sold) in an outlet location, just buy two, max. Fashion changes all the time. You don't want to be caught with more than two pairs of something in your closet, even jeans.
  

• Shop Online to check brands, or review fashion magazines before you are let loose in the Mall. A shopping list, or a clear idea of what you are looking for will help you make the best buying decisions.
  

• Yes, its fun to look at really great fashion for less, just be aware of the season you are shopping. The best bargains are usually when the season is over, so buy classics, and buy ahead, if you can. That's when you will be happy, that you bought that winter coat in July. It will look beautiful in your closet come autumn and you will be really happy you paid substantially less for it.
  

• Finally, even though I love fashion trends like everyone else, its time to buy classics now. Really great classics that will last you a few years, made with beautiful quality, which European merchandise is known for, at a fraction of the price.
  

We don't want to take the fun of browsing, wandering and recreational shopping away from you fashionistas, so do have fun at the Outlet mall, take a few friends so that you get some support for your decisions, and can enjoy lunch while you are shopping!

Paris Vallee Village - www.valleevillage.com for a complete list of designer outlet shops.
www.chicoutletshopping.com: London, Dublin, Barcelona, Madrid, Milane, Burxelles, Francfort, Munich.

ARTIFICE

Palais Royale: Fashionable Destination

The Palais Royale, the historic palace of Cardinal Richelieu has always been a fashionable address. The Palace itself is under renovations and the 21st century scaffolding presents an interesting contrast to the original elegant architecture that is being repaired. Moliere liked this address, and lived just down the way at Number 40, a close walk to his job, at the Commedie Francaise. But there are other wonderful secrets within the arcade, which boasts boutiques like Marc Jacobs, located next to the dusty jumbled bookshops, and a historic Restaurant Cafe Royale, a delightful sort of place that evokes the Belle Epoque era. Another shop has exclusive designs just for the "Little Black Dress" . The Rick Owens boutique, is also in residence, his inky dramatic creations are perfect for the 'edgy couture rockers' that wear them. I noticed two children playing with a red balloon in the garden, reminding me of my favorite story by the same name I remembered as a child.

Once the renovations are done, the newly minted historic location will regain its prestige as a park. The shops, and boutiques continue to be a quiet and secret location for the Fashion Elite, who go there to experience the elegance, and history of this address.