The French gave us Brigitte Bardot, Olivier Martinez, and the impression that we could eat nothing but cheese, chocolate, and pastries and not gain un petite ounce. So isn’t it nice to give them some love? Right now I’m saying ‘oui oui’ to Francophile fashions, starting with the Serge and Jane Burnout Tee from Solid Gold Rags (Serge being Serge Gainsbourg, and Jane being the awesome Jane Birkin–yes, THAT Birkin). And Eiffel’in in love with the Le Paris tee from Urban Outfitters, which will go perfectly with my Forever 21 Paris Tote. I’ll be scooping up these babies maintenant.

Solid Gold Rags Serge and Jane Tee: solidgoldrags.bigcartel.com

Urban Outfitters Le Paris Tee: www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog

Forever 21 Paris Tote:  www.forever21.com

You know how you’re listlessly Windows-shopping online and then suddenly you come across something that makes your mouse freeze and your jaw drop? This Mischen Pleated Sheath Dress did that for me. So pretty yet in an atypical way, this scribbled print and ribbon-belted waist is feminine with fierce possibilities. I’d pair with Lanvin’s Drape PM Ottoman Bag, a romantic frame bag with grosgrain ribbon details that mirror the dress’s sash. Add black patent Mary Jane heels and a shrunken black blazer and you’re in business.

Mischen Pleated Sheath Dress: http://www.lagarconne.com/store

Lanvin Drape PM Ottoman Bag: http://www.barneys.com/Drape%20PM%20Ottoman%20Bag

Spinning off of the Copper craze, Rust is one of the IT colors for fall.  Rust compliments hazel, green and amber eyes best, but can be worn with any complexion.  Rust is a perfect match to denim washes and looks delicious with chocolate.  Rust also dyes up beautifully in leather.  Rich Cognacs, Saddles and Indian Reds; Rust colored leathers get better with time.  As the leather matures the highs and lows become more attractive adding to the look of the skin.  Rust is also a more natural shade in leather and does not have to be over treated.  Handbags and accessories dyed up in the Rust family are a treasure. Not quiet Hermes’s signature color (nothing is quite like that pantone), Rust is extremely flattering and bold.  I hope this color sticks around for Spring 2009.

Photo from Glam.com

I’ve got enough environmentally friendly canvas tote bags to fill a gas-guzzling, pollution-producing Humvee. Unfortunately, maybe a handful of them are actually cute enough to qualify as suitable arm candy. But I’ve got a new recruit that’s not just eco-friendly, it’s fashionable to boot. Behold the Envirosax Organic Eco-Friendly Vegetable Ink Printed Bag, a chic black and white graphic tote that can take you from the farmer’s market to Fred Segal. I love the hip, modern print, and the tote’s roomy, sturdy form is vital. And wouldn’t you rather carry this than a half-dozen icky plastic bags? Available at ASOS for $12.98.

I love my blacks and chocolate browns, but when fall comes knocking at my door, it’s rich grays that I yearn for. From slate to charcoal to soft dove, gray is an excellent grounding color for your autumnal wardrobe, and works well with seasonal hues like eggplant and Bordeaux. Some suggestions: Alice + Olivia’s cozy Cowl Neck Sweater Dress, stylish enough for work or the bar; Sunshine & Shadow’s hip little Zig Zag T-Shirt Dress (pair with black tights and a black vintage blazer for fall); Alexis Hudson’s sleek Cortina clutch in ombre-ish gray patent leather; and Pierre Hardy’s Gwyneth-approved Cabas Tote.

Alice + Olivia Cowl Neck Sweater Dress: shopbop.com/cowl-neck-sweater-dress-alice/

Sunshine & Shadow Zig Zag T-Shirt Dress: shop.mickmargo.com/p-249-zig-zag

Alexis Hudson Cortina Clutch: pinkmascara.com/pinkmascara

Pierre Hardy Cabas Tote: Barneys.com/CabasTote

I’ve had a love/hate relationship with velvet for, well, all my life. I love the feel and romantic old-school texture of it, but hate the dowdy little velvet jumpers my parents forced me to wear as a kid (complete with white turtleneck and sumo-sized hair bow). I generally like velvet best when it’s used in small measures, as is the case with this smart Velvet Clutch from Stella McCartney. The purple hue is striking, and the silver trim is a nice modern contrast to the more vintage (but oh so touchable) velvet. What do I intend to wear with it, you ask? For fall, I’m thinking jeans, tall boots, a silk cami, and one of those hot shrunken black jackets that are cropping up everywhere. In the meantime though, I’m craving a boho twist by pairing it with Orion’s utterly gorgeous, totally summer Susannah Watercolor Print Dress. Think Stevie Nicks with less relationship baggage.

Orion Susannah Watercolor Print Dress: pretaportobello.com/onlineproductdetail.aspx

Stella McCartney Velvet Clutch: kirnazabete.com/accessories/bags/

My sources lurking under Anna Wintour’s four-poster bed tell me that jewel tones are gonna hit it big as a fall fashion trend, so wise up to these color-saturated purses. Though I’m a sucker for a nice edgy black patent version, the Yves Saint Laurent instant-classic Tribute Tote in turquoise has me reaching for the ol’ credit card. Fendi’s ruby-red Satin Forever Clutch is a jewel of the Nile I can’t deny-al. I also love the captivating sapphire hue (so hot with a LBD) of VBH’s Alligator Compact Clutch and the rich peacock suede of Valentino’s Maison Studded Tote. Now if only they came with actual jewels…

YSL Patent Tribute Tote:  www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/

Fendi Satin Forever Clutch: http://www.eluxury.com/estore/browse

VBH Alligator Compact Clutch: http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/34185

Valentino Maison Studded Tote: neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog

Say what you want about birds, but even Tippi Hedren would have a hard time resisting the graceful charms of the peacock and its gorgeous plumage. So it’s no wonder that the bird is emerging as a feathery fashion trend. I’m partial to the youthful charms of Orion’s pastel belted mini-dress, a sweet little confection of a dress. (Hint: get it now before fall’s chilly grasp and those Labor Day anti-white bans take effect.) Torn by Ronny Kooba’s Ann Peacock Tank features a bohemian peacock graphic in your choice of white or black. I’ve already snatched up Elizabeth and James’s sultry peacock-printed strapless Penelope Dress (and so has Lauren Conrad). And to add a little plumage to your purse, check out this Lavender Peacock Purse from Dangerous Mathematicians.

Orion Peacock Printed Dress: .asos.com/The-Laden-Showroom

Torn by Ronny Kooba Ann Peacock Tank: shopbop.com/ann-peacock-tank-torn-ronny

Elizabeth and James Penelope Dress: tobi.com/product/9879-elizabeth-and-james-penelope-dress-dresses-cocktail

Dangerous Mathematicians Lavender Peacock Purse: dangerousmathematicians.com/look.php?id=242&cat=2

One of my favorite labels is Goldie, which until recently was only sold in a tiny stall at London’s Spitalfields Market (which explains why I have a gazillion frequent flyer miles). And since crossing an ocean to stock up on clothes bent isn’t the most economical approach to shopping, I’m delighted to discover that the line is now available through PretAPortobello.com. Using a soft palette (think black, white, gray, pale pink) and delicate details like lace, sheer fabric, and silky bows, Goldie’s pieces have a feminine, innocent, Alice in Wonderland appeal that I just love. The Goldie Pink Chanel Beaded Dress was made for Daisy Buchanan-style reveling; just add a string of pearls, black patent high-heeled Mary Janes, and Christian Louboutin’s suitably girly-with-an-edge Patent Square Bow Clutch. Brilliant!

Goldie Pink Chanel Beaded Dress: pretaportobello.com/Onlineproductdetail.aspx

Christian Louboutin Patent Square Bow Clutch: bergdorfgoodman.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml

Remember the good ol’ days of arts & crafts, glue guns, and friendship bracelets? So, apparently, is the fashion world. Pieces with hand-crafted details are popping up everywhere, giving the most basic items a little razzle dazzle. The shard-like beads on the shoulders of LaROK’s bold blue Cross Me Knots Tunic give the sexy racerback top an added cool edge. Tracy Reese’s deliciously mod Embellished Jersey Dress (on sale for $165, ahem) goes the retro route with its chunky rectangular beaded neckline. And since beaded purses have a tendency to be overdone, I’ll keep the embellishments to a minimum via Loeffler Randall’s rock ‘n’ roll studded Calfskin Envelope Clutch (also available in black or snakeskin).

LaRok Cross Me Knots Tunic: www.pinkmascara.com/pinkmascara/product.asp

Tracy Reese Embellished Jersey Dress: http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/28385

Loeffler Randall Calfskin Envelope Clutch: http://www.eluxury.com/estore/browse