SJP for the Gap; Gisèle in the Sept VOGUE Fall Fashion tome

The August Ascot

During a recent stroll through Ann Taylor, I noticed an abundance of gorgeous long silk scarves marked down 50%, while most other fall sale merchandise was on its first markdown. Could it be that women did not know what to do with these scarves? A sales associate concurred, yes. This scarf, you see, was intended to be worn as an ascot, and notwithstanding the ubiquitous Gap/SJP "How do you wear it?" campaign, most of us need a little guidance to pull off this accessory with confidence. (Vogue with photographer Craig McDean, Fashion Editor Tabitha Simmons and model Gisèle Bündchen did it beautifully in the September 2004 fashion story "About A Boy.") As the "one person who knows" was off that day at my Washington, DC store, Ann Taylor execs should have merchandised this fun, gender-bending look with a simple little brochure showing how it's done.

Wardrobe Woes?

For advice on how to shop strategically for a practical yet stylish wardrobe, pick up a copy of The Lucky Shopping Manual: Building and Improving Your Wardrobe Piece by Piece, by Lucky Magazine Editor-in-Chief Kim France and Lucky Creative Director Andrea Linett. Containing everything from diagrams of the best cuts for every body type, to what to watch for in the fitting room and personal tips from young, successful professionals on dressing with trends, this guide is packed with information gleaned from years of the editors' fashion industry experience.

First-time director Kerry Conran's Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrowis a wholly digital production: only the characters and a few props are real, the sets are entirely computer-generated. But see it for another reason: the costumes of the two leads, played by Gwyneth Paltrow and Jude Law, were designed by Stella McCartney. Apparently Law's ex-wife Sadie Frost, a personal friend of McCartney's, help talk her into taking on this new role. McCartney's designs strike a perfect, unsettling balance between golden-age movie stars and futuristic heroes.

Donna Karan's Spring/Summer 2005 Collection was inspired in part by the architect Zaha Hadid, known for her intense, avant-garde, deconstructivist designs. Hadid is the first women ever to win the coveted Pritzker Prize, architecture's equivalent of the Nobel. Both women are known for their commitment to modernism.

Purple is the must-have color for Fall, and bags from the usual suspects include styles in everything from pinks to plum in their collections. For something a little different, check out Kale Handbags, an L.A.-based company run by sisters Jennifer and Leslie Kale. Their Fall 2004 Collection includes yummy custom-designed colors in oh-so-touchable leathers. From sweet shoulder bags (the Parcel) to carry-your-life totes (the Essential), there's a bag for every need. Their collection is also sold at Barneys New York.

It's not often the #1 piece for fall is the most affordable. This season it is, or at least, it can be if your wallet is thin. The best place to find this season's look is to raid your grandmother's jewelry box for an authentic piece with pearls and/or and richly colored gemstones or glass. Short of that, check out ebay for bargain pieces, or shop Neiman Marcus for a more extravagant jewel.

This week StyleHunter profiles a designer and his or her color inspirations for Fall 2004. Today: Anna Sui.

"For fall, I chose antique brights in bold combinations."

Prominent Colors: Fushia, kelly green, coral, eggplant, dusty rose, antique metallics, amber, parchment, and ink

Color Philosophy: Antiqued bright colors in bold combinations.

Tips on Accessories for Fall: Metallic boots.

Read the runway review, or view the full Fall 2004 Collection.

Courtesy Pantone® Fashion Color Report Fall 2004. ©Pantone® Inc., 2004.

This week StyleHunter profiles a designer and his or her color inspirations for Fall 2004. Today: Peter Som.

"Fall '04 is about rich, eclectic luxury. Uncontrived and unexpected color combinations keep things modern and sexy."

Prominent Colors: Antiqued lilac, pale pink, leaf and kelly greens, sunflower yellow; gift box blue mixed with elegant neutrals like chocolate brown, midnight navy and raisin.

Color Philosophy: Rich eclectic luxury--uncontrived and unexpected color combinations keep things modern and sexy.

Tips on Accessories for Fall: An unconstructed full-flap clutch in Olive suede adorned with estate jewelry.

Read the runway review, or view the full Fall 2004 Collection.

Courtesy Pantone® Fashion Color Report Fall 2004. ©Pantone® Inc., 2004.

This week StyleHunter profiles a designer and his or her color inspirations for Fall 2004. Today: Michael Vollbracht for Bill Blass.

"I was inspired by animal skins like cheetah, leopard and sable."

Prominent Colors: Burnt gold and bronze with dirty green; toast with crème.

Color Philosophy: Make it luxe.

Tips on Accessories for Fall: The fur muff in golden and dark sable.

Read the runway review, or view the full Fall 2004 Collection.

Courtesy Pantone® Fashion Color Report Fall 2004. ©Pantone® Inc., 2004.

This week StyleHunter profiles a designer and his or her color inspirations for Fall 2004. Today: Carolina Herrera.

"I was inspired by winter sports at luxury resorts in the 1930s--skiing, ice skating and sledding in Switzerland, and the warmth of the lodge après-ski."

Prominent Colors: Black, peacoat and accents of limoges; kashmir and oatmeal; plum Perfect.

Color Philosophy: Mixing deep jewel tones with ivory adds an element of lightness. Details are always in a contrasting color.

Tips on Accessories for Fall: A luxurious cashmere scarf--one should have it in every color!

Read the runway review, or view the full Fall 2004 Collection.

Courtesy Pantone® Fashion Color Report Fall 2004. ©Pantone® Inc., 2004.

This week StyleHunter profiles a designer and his or her color inspirations for Fall 2004. Today: Tracy Reese.

"Inspired by Helena Rubinstein's book, 'Over the Top' and Elsa Schiaparelli's "Shocking" exhibit, I layered rich colors in unusual combinations--all with Gold or Antique Gold accents."

Prominent Colors: Pungent pink and hershey brown, jade and blonge beige, tangerine and petunia, Tiffany Blue and puce--all accented with gold and antique gold.

Color Philosophy: Unusual combinations and rich layering of colors.

Tips on Accessories for Fall: Fabulous satin shoes in an array of colors: vibrant jade to shocking pink.

View select items from the Fall 2004 collection here.

Courtesy Pantone® Fashion Color Report Fall 2004. ©Pantone® Inc., 2004.