Military Chic

Love Kate's Alexander McQueen military look. (Can't say the same about her husband's...). 


The navy-and-gold-button combo is a classic -- and the slim cut is quite flattering and modern. 

First Lady of Fashion, cont...

The President and First Lady, in Ralph Lauren. Photo: Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images

MObama has been looking amazing on her trip to the UK... So modern, so chic. She even wore Tom Ford! 

In Tom Ford. Photo: AFP/Getty Images

Michelle Obama, in Tracey Reese, with Samantha Cameron. Photo: Matt Dunham-WPA Pool/Getty Images

In Alexander McQueen. Photo: Oli Scarff/Getty Images

With the Camerons, wearing Roksanda Ilincic and Narciso Rodriguez. Photo: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

MObama in Barbara Tfank and Princess Kate in Reiss. Photo: Toby Melville - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Touching down in London, wearing Preen. Photo: Chris Radbur WPA Pool/Getty Images

Wearing Peter Som to meet the wife of the Irish PM. Photo: Staff/AFP/Getty Images

Clearly, she knows what works for her shape, etc but I love that fact that she mixes it up so much... colors, patterns, fabrics, cuts. She embraces fashions and seems to have a little fun with it -- all while staying pretty appropriate. A great role model in style (among other things!).

The Girly Go-To, cont...

A few takes on the ruffled top...

Tory Burch

Tory Burch

Zara

Zara

Alice By Temperley

Alexander McQueen

It is a pretty classic piece... a versatile component to any wardrobe. Perfect for when I want to dress up jeans just a little...

Love Lace

Photo: Marcus Tondo / GoRunway.com

As far as Fall 2011 fashion week goes, it looks like we are off to a good start. First Lady favorite Jason Wu (Michelle Obama wore the fledgling designer to her inauguration and many times since) showed a grown-up, sophisticated and very ladylike collection.  The reviews were raves for the most part...  The overwhelming theme was lace...on the sleeve of a coat or a sweatshirt, down the sides of a pencil skirt or a slim paint, for example.

hoto: Marcus Tondo / GoRunway.com

Photo: Marcus Tondo / GoRunway.com

Photo: Marcus Tondo / GoRunway.com

Photo: Marcus Tondo / GoRunway.com

Photo: Marcus Tondo / GoRunway.com

Photo: Marcus Tondo / GoRunway.com

To be honest, while lace trends come in and out pretty regularly, I think of the frilly fabric as a classic. I love a lace trimmed camisole peaking out under a sweater, or a lacy top underneath a suit jacket. While it is standard for evening, a little lace detail here and there looks great paired with jeans for day. Here are some lace picks that are in store now.

Alexander McQueen

D&G

D&G

J.Crew

J.Crew

Mason by Michelle Mason

Zara

Lace on the red carpet...

January Jones in Carolina Herrera

We shall see as the week progresses if this will become a full-fledged fashion moment. In the meantime, I am putting my lacy numbers back into rotation.

Black Swan Style

Natalie Portman in Black Swan

I finally snuck out to see Black Swan last night. It is so intense. And Natalie Portman is amazing. The costuming is also incredible. While the full-on ballerina creations were a spectacle, I was also loving the ballet practice get-ups -- the gray, white and powder pink layering, and the mix of cashmere, tulle, and satin. I wear a lot of heather and charcoal shades and petal-y pinks mix in so nicely - - subtle color.  I have a pale pink Marc By Marc Jacobs ballerina-style wrap top from years ago that I just pulled out to wear with my light gray jeans and will throw a gray cashmere cardigan over it (I will stop at leg warmers though).

Natalie Portman in Black Swan

Natalie Portman in Black Swan

Designers must have had Black Swan on their mind too. From Chanel Couture to Alexander McQueen, there were had hints of Swan Lake...

Chanel Couture Spring 2011

Chanel Couture Spring 2011

Chanel Couture Spring 2011

Alexander McQueen R-T-W Spring 2011

Some designers seemed more intrigued by the "black" side of the Swan Princess... making its way to the Fall 2011 runways (we're onto day three of NY Fashion Week). 

Natalie Portman in Black Swan

Jason Wu Fall 2011

Jason Wu Fall 2011

Jason Wu Fall 2011

I love the tulle, feathers and full skirts -- and the black gives it a sexier edge.  I'm incorporating a little of white and black swan into my wardrobe... and rooting for Natalie Portman to win the Oscar! (I can't wait to see what she wears.)

** More to come on the Fall 2011 fashion shows. The Jason Wu collection was beautiful...

First Lady of Fashion

Wow! Michelle Obama looks amazing in Alexander McQueen. Once again, the First Lady defies tradition by going for a non-American designer -- and for something bold and statement-making. The scarlet stunner was created by Sarah Burton, who took over at the label after Lee McQueen's death last year. It seems to be a variation of a gown from the line's recent resort collection. Red, of course, is a nod to China as the White House was hosting Hu Jintao, the "President" of China.

I love that she wears real fashion... major designers like McQueen, Alaia, Narcisco, Gaultier, Marc Jacobs; new fashion darlings like Thakoon and Jason Wu; and is not afraid to mix in some J.Crew and Gap!

It is so exciting that we are in a moment where strong female rolemodels embrace fashion. Michelle Obama runs in a pack of chic leaders' wives, including France's first lady, former model Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, who favors ladylike Dior. They don't mind showing up their husbands! (Although both Carla Bruni and Michelle Obama seem to wear flats or kitten heels most of the time, no doubt in an effort to not tower over their high-powered spouses).

British Prime Minister David Cameron's wife Samantha, the former creative director of Smythson of Bond Street and now an ambassador for the British Fashion Council, goes for a more casual look in Brit labels like TopShop, Paul Smith, Erdem and Osman Yousefzada.

And perhaps the chicest (and no doubt richest) of all is Queen Rania. She is certainly no stranger to high-end designer clothes!

Inspiring for the budding fashionistas out there...