I have a weakness for two things: bad boys and great boots. It seems I can never get enough. But it was only recently that I realized the frightening similarities between the two. It’s actually hard to describe a bad boy and not think of a great boot. And vice versa.

Boots are sexy, tall, structured and confident. They don’t even need to demand attention when they walk into a room because their presence alone will make heads turn. Boots know they have a leg up on all the other shoes out there and they walk with certainty.

This self-assurance is what I blame for making boots irresistible. The moment I set eyes on a great boot my heart races and butterflies flutter in my stomach. I crave that familiar challenge – those boots will go home with me tonight.

The look your friend gives you when you’re about to purchase your third pair of over the knee boots is unbelievably close to look she gives when you’re about to go on your third date with the guy who has mentioned he has “no self control.” You plead your defense of course.

You see … the other over the knee boots just aren’t like these. Those boots were suede and slouchy, or had pointy toes. But these boots, these boots will be different. They’ll change your entire wardrobe. They’ll make you feel alive and young again. And, on top of all that – they’re leather.

And so it goes. With every great boot and bad boy it’s always the same story. As I walk to my car, loaded down with baggage, I wonder, “When will I finally stop?” But there’s always another great boot around the corner.

Even when you decide you’re ready for a change – you go for the cowboy boot or the ankle boot. The round toe boot in a different color, the plaid rainboot, the pirate boot with the wooden wedge heel. It always ends the same way.

There are even ones that sneak up on you, hiding behind a false veil of innocence. That Betsey Johnson rubber soled wedge boot with the fair isle knit shaft looks more like a soft, warm, comfortable stocking. But don’t let it fool you, it’s really a boot in disguise.

And then there’s the John Mayer of all boots. The sultry seduction of these boots will leave you weak in the knees. But these boots are clearly trouble. They’re the boots you know are too expensive, don’t fit perfectly, and have a heel so high it will guarantee a visit to the emergency room. But it won’t matter. There’s no convincing you. You’ve seen something in these boots and you’re willing to risk it all for them. You’re magnetically attracted to danger.

If you didn’t believe me before, you can see it now. The resemblance between a great boot and a bad boy is uncanny. I myself have come away from this hard lesson with three different shoe racks, more boots than I even have time to count, and enough bad boy stories to fill a book.

But in an effort to save you all some time – and heartache – only let yourself fall for the great boots. They’re a far better investment.

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I’ve never found a reason to fall in love with New Year’s Eve. Sure, there has been flirty banter, long stares, nervous butterflies, and a number of close calls where that one night has lured me into romantic euphoria, but before the clock strikes midnight, I always end up looking at a pumpkin, instead of a carriage.

But, I think we all hold NYE to a different level of importance. (And maybe mine has too much Disney-level expectation …) I actually know someone who has no plans for parties on New Year’s, but is only looking forward to a two hour spin class at 9 AM on January 1st. (Please don’t think this someone is me, because I’m trying to find any reason not to go to a two hour spin class on New Year’s day.)

What to do? Should you travel or stay local? A thriving city of lights or a quiet one filled with snow? Single? With someone? Dinner? Dancing? Clubbing? And then the most important decision… what to wear?

You must wear the appropriate dress to do justice to the occasion. So, just in case you’re a New Year’s skeptic, like myself, I’ll suggest three dresses that have enough sparkle to work for any NYE event, and can always happily shine again on other days (leaving no excuse not to buy them).

At first, I picture the sophisticated New Year’s socialite – find a sleeveless, skintight black dress with a high neck and one shoulder cascading down into a wave of ruffles. Add a little attitude to the dress by pairing it with bright colored, strappy sandals and a beaded clutch.

Or be the whimsical New Year’s princess, in a crystal and gold beaded champagne-colored cocktail dress made of gossamer silk. Wear this dress with patent, round toe nude heels and a stack of gold bangles.

And then, for the rebellious New Year’s bombshell – a deep v neck dress made of silver sequins, draping low into a fitted mini skirt. Pair this dress with some silver peep toe heels and a pair of dangling chandelier earrings.

Now it’s time to countdown to 2010. And, maybe next year I’ll buy that satin, silver, corseted mini dress and wear it with Prince Charming as we gallop off on his white stallion. (Only I’ll never lose my glass slipper – I love my shoes too much to ever leave them behind.)

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Good news! For once we can discuss military without having to take sides in a heated debate, because this fall military has surged onto the fashion runways as one of the hottest trends. Sharply tailored, officer style jackets with double-breasted brass buttons and shoulder epaulettes, capped sleeves, piping and gold braided embellishments are truly chic, and can even remain a timeless piece in your wardrobe.

Aside from the military coats worn in World War II, you would see Brigitte Bardot wearing military inspired coats in the late ’60s, Madonna rocking a military jacket in the early ’90s, and no one can forget legendary Michael Jackson making military jackets a staple in his wardrobe with fitted and flashy jackets in a variety of colors. Beyonce, Rihanna and Taylor Swift have recently been seen paying homage to the King of Pop’s unforgettable style with their own highly embellished military coats.

The list of designers creating extravagant military jackets is long, with vintage Dior, Valentino, Ungaro, Balmain, Versace, Albert Nipon, Escada, and Armani possibly lurking in any number of vintage clothing shops. And, more current versions are available by Michael Kors, Bebe, BCBG Max Azria, Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren, DKNY, Anthropologie, Banana Republic, Urban Outfitters and Calvin Klein.

Fitted jackets with gold detailing, large metal buttons and ornate trims are big on the catwalks and everywhere in stores. You can even find affordable military styles at Target, H&M, Forever 21 and Gap. The most popular colors for this style are navy, gray, black, ivory and red, but you will also see them in fun colors like rose and bright yellow.

Try pairing your military jacket with an a-line dress and knee high boots for a sultry yet patriotic look. On casual days you can wear your fabulous military jacket with fitted jeans, a plain white tee shirt and a pair of over the knee boots. The strong silhouettes of these military jackets combine surprisingly well with feminine skirts and flirty hemlines, giving a balanced look of structure and vintage romance.

My dream jacket in this style is a tailored military jacket with a standing collar, asymmetrical buttoned front with a ruffled, tiered hem and ruffled sleeves. If you find a jacket in this style – buy it! Then pair it with leggings and boots, fitted jeans and your favorite platforms or even your LBD and a pair of statement heels.

Now find your perfect military coat and spend an evening as the sexiest admiral in the fashion navy!

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There may be plenty of times you wish to escape the past, but when it comes to high waisted skirts, elbow length gloves, shimmering evening gowns, fancy hats, sharply tailored jackets, skirt suits, rolled up jeans, loose cardigans and sexy nylons – who would possibly run in the opposite direction?

This may sound strange, but World War II is actually responsible for many of the forties’ styles we covet today. With materials like wool, silk and leather needed to make military uniforms, fabric was scarce and garments were limited to certain silhouettes and lengths. Jackets came with structured and padded shoulders, and often mimicked the boxy, v-shaped silhouettes of the military jackets. Skirts were either full of swing or pencil straight but they all had something in common – they featured a high waist and a hemline grazing over the knee.

Hourglass was the desired figure shape and belts were added whenever possible to achieve the most defined waist. To further achieve this look, shoulders weren’t the only thing padded, sometimes even hips were! The fashionable women of the forties were also able to improvise cleverly. When silk and nylon were needed for war uniforms, women would coat their legs with tan makeup and draw lines up the back of their legs to imitate seams. Hats were used as a way to express individual style and were often decorated with pieces of foil, sequins, netting, paper and string.

Sexy “screen sirens” like Lauren Bacall, Veronica Lake, and Rita Hayworth inspired women in America with their breathtaking style and grace. And, in 1942, Casablanca hit theaters and Ingrid Bergman was soon added to the list of beautiful ’40s movie stars and fashion icons. Recently, Scarlett Johansson, Katherine Heigl, and Gwen Stefani are often seen borrowing from 1940s glamour with side swept ringlets, heavy brows, matte faces and fiery red lips.

Luckily, today we can find ample supplies of wool, silk and leather to satisfy our wardrobe needs, and vivid colors have taken the place of the darker shades seen in the ’40s. You can also incorporate feminine frills like ruffles, sheer fabrics and draped sleeves into the new rendition of forties fashion. On a night out, as the temperature gets closer to freezing, pair some elbow length gloves with your shimmering sequin dress. (Look for the perfect pair of slim leather ruched gloves.)

Add some glamour to your office attire with a vintage black skirt suit. The jackets on these suits should have broader shoulders and the waist should be cinched and form fitting. To make it a truly 40s era-inspired outfit, pair the vintage skirt suit with a sheer white blouse embellished with tiny buttons down the back.

For a casual day, cozy up and watch The Philadelphia Story in a pair of comfortable jeans, rolled at the hem, a men’s style blouse layered with a loose cardigan and then cinched at the waist with a skinny belt.
And, to really look the part, sweep your hair to the side, throw in some curlers, dab a little red on those lips and smile.

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Nora Ephron devoted an entire chapter in her book to her disdain for purses, with a fitting title – “I Hate My Purse”. She talks about her purse being a direct representation of her perpetual disorganization. “This is for those of you who understand, in short, that your purse is, in some absolutely horrible way, you. Or, as Louis XIV might have put it but didn’t because he was much too smart to have a purse, Le sac, c’est moi.”

Take a glance at your purse, then, when you’ve mustered up enough courage, take a look inside. Scared? Me too. The only way I can defend the 20 pounds I’m carrying inside my purse is that I have an innate need for preparedness. My biggest fear is that I will be stranded somewhere and not have … my chapstick? Expired coupons? A broken eyelash curler?

My purse has five outside zipper compartments, which might seem excessive, but you would think these multiple compartments easily handle the contents – instead each compartment is a black abyss. A zebra print wallet that won’t shut (unfortunately this isn’t because it’s overflowing with cash), a metal card case, pink camera, eyeglass case (minus the eyeglasses), travel toothbrush and toothpaste, a watch, a black cuff bracelet, a giant safety pin (you have no idea how many times this little guy has saved me), 4 band aids in various sizes (one with an unidentifiable phone number scribbled on it), hand lotion, hand sanitizer, loose vitamins, a ripped, dog-eared and smudged checkbook, an expired South Beach diet bar (in case I’m stuck in the wilderness for days and left with the choice between chewing my own limbs or eating this stale peanut butter bar…), an empty case of mints, crumpled receipts from shopping sprees I can’t bear to acknowledge, pepper spray, allergy medication, two packs of gum that have exploded out of their constraints and many out of their wrappers, The Little Webster Dictionary, a make-up bag, a brush, and my Blackberry (but the only way I can find it is if it’s ringing).

It’s because of all these essential survival items that I have become a huge fan of the large tote style or oversized hobo bag. Although some women claim these bags are bulky and overwhelming, I find them to be perfect for the girl who feels she needs to carry everything (me).

Taking my oversized purse out in small social settings often feels like I’m carrying a 75-pound English bulldog on my shoulder. With the slightest turn I can easily knock out 3 innocent bystanders without even realizing it, racking up more casualties on a night out than a ten minute stint in an early 1980s Sylvester Stallone war flick.

Yet, the idea of a clutch purse for evenings is absolutely ludicrous. How could I possibly fit everything I need into something the size of a small envelope? And choosing the contents that would make the cut would be too painful. On the nights when a clutch purse is used I end up carrying a larger purse in my car so I’m never too far from my necessities. And, although women who can subsist on lip gloss and a credit card fascinate me, deep down I know I can never conform.

In the end, handbag styles and self-improvement conquests may come and go, but my 5-zippered hobo bag is here to stay.

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If I made the rules, I would say that every event, from bar hopping to benefits, requires men to wear suits. There is nothing better than a man in a suit and tie, although but some events require tuxedos.

If your event calls for black tie, this means formal attire. Men should wear tuxedos and women can wear cocktail dresses or long evening gowns. Cocktail dresses can be fairly short with spaghetti straps but you want to make sure the dress isn’t too casual or revealing.

Formal usually means the same as black tie. White tie and ultra formal events require men to wear full dress with white tie, vest and shirt. Women would need to wear long formal gowns.

Black tie optional gives you the fashion freedom to wear a tuxedo or a dark suit with a tie. Creative black tie leaves even more room for trendy interpretations of formal wear. Men can wear black shirts with white ties, oversized bow ties or modern tuxedos. I hate to stifle anyone’s creativity, especially when it comes to fashion, but I would avoid wearing shirts with tuxedos imprinted on them, or wearing a Dumb and Dumber inspired blue or orange tuxedo for creative black tie events.

Semi-formal and After Five occasions mean that a tux is not required and women don’t need to wear long dresses. The same is true for evening weddings (held after 6 PM). These call for dark suits and cocktail dresses.

Dressy Casual may lead to some confusion – this dress code calls for dressed-up versions of casual looks. You want to avoid jeans, shorts and t-shirts for dressy casual events. Stick to sport coats and trousers for men, and women can wear fitted pants or skirts.

You always want to choose fabrics according to the season. Wool blends are perfect for fall and winter, but at holiday parties, especially formal events, you can wear satin or silk cocktail dresses. Colors such as gray, crimson, black, dark brown, and dark blue are perfect for evening parties during the winter months.

See? The basic guidelines to formal wear are actually simple. Now that your worries are over, it’s time to get dressed up and have a great time!

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If your holiday party is among friends, I say the sky is the limit. That skintight, low cut sequin dress that’s been hanging on your closet door while you eat Special K every morning? It’s time to show that dress a good time.

But, for the office you need to find a delicate midpoint between the librarian and the pole dancer. Try a softly pleated silk dress with a three quarter sleeve, a v-neck and embellished with beautiful beads for a vintage glam look that will surely turn heads, but for the right reasons. You can spice this outfit up with a pair of fiery red satin peep toe heels and a clutch encrusted with glittering beads or gems.

Tuck a silk button up blouse into a tiered satin and lace ruffled mini skirt (with a modest hem) for a mix of flirty elegance that would be appropriate for the office soiree and a night out with your friends afterwards. This outfit would look equally stylish with a pair of ballet flats or strappy heels. Pair a sheer high neck black blouse (if you’re seeing your boss in this, make sure there’s a camisole underneath) with a high waist brocade skirt, black tights and round toe patent pumps for a look that says both daring and sophisticated.

Have the perfect party dress, but you’re afraid it’s too revealing? You can always wear that body-hugging, siren red strapless cocktail dress with a creamy, ruffled cardigan layered on top while in the company of co-workers, and for the after party your elegant cardigan can rest in the car. Find a creamy satin one-shouldered cocktail dress with subtle, but flirty diagonal ruffles cascading down the front and pair it with nude colored sandals and feisty rouge colored lips for an outfit that would still be tasteful at a work party, but perfect for a holiday event with friends and family.

And, of course, for more sparkle don’t forget to add some extravagant jewelry. Try a cuff bracelet glittered with colorful stones and diamonds, a pair of vintage chandelier earrings to catch the light, or a gorgeously shimmering bib necklace as a statement piece.

One last thing, before you leave the house be sure to paint your nails a festive winter shade for the party. You can never go wrong with Jungle Red. (At least, that’s my theory…)

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Sweater vests not only look hot this season, but they’ll keep you warm as well. In heavier, textured fabrics, often with characteristic embellishments, these sweater vests can add flavor and warmth to an otherwise dull outfit.

The more tailored, simple vests are a foolproof addition to your wardrobe. They will pair with virtually anything in your closet – skinny jeans for casual days and dresses for your evenings out. Adding a tailored vest can give your outfit a more mature look and can still be dressy with ballerina flats or heels.

You can also wear this fitted vest as a top (depending on the neckline) with a skirt made of the same material to give the look of a well tailored dress, with the vest helping to define the waist and offer a slimming silhouette. Cropped vests are another popular style to choose. (Of course, with these you should always pair something underneath, and the longer the length, the better.) Cropped vests look great when paired with a dress that has a smooth silhouette underneath.

Oversized vests can elongate the torso and will look perfect with leggings and a fitted or loose top, or even with a skirt in the same length and a ruffled blouse. We already know that leather is a serious fall trend – but if you want to make vests a little hotter, find one made of leather.

If you want to create a more glamorous look, find a vest made of black sequins. You can pair this with a crisp white button up shirt, a shiny leather mini skirt, and a pair of black bootie heels – and you’ll be ready for a fashion forward evening of fun. You can even spice up your work wear with a vest in a bright bold color. Try combining a sunshine yellow vest with a white blouse, black pencil skirt and black blazer to bring some happiness into your cubicle.

What other wardrobe accessory can transform your look into rock star chic, bohemian hippy or preppy schoolgirl with just one simple step? Whichever style or color you choose, a vest will be a staple in your wardrobe and a perfect addition to almost any outfit – adding that extra definition and style that will make it all come together with effortless sophistication.

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Even if you’re caught in a sudden downpour, hair cemented to your forehead in thick clumps, that chic fitted trench holds the mystifying magic that keeps your overall look extravagantly pulled together.

We all have a dream trench coat waiting in our future. I found mine two years ago – khaki in color, with tortoise shelled buttons, cuff straps, epaulettes on the shoulders, slanted pockets and a leopard print lining. It was so beautiful I took pictures of it on the hanger when I got home.

The history of the trench coat dates back to the First World War. British and French soldiers would wear them as an alternative to the heavy serge greatcoats. The creation of the trench coat is credited to Thomas Burberry. (Although Aquascutum claims they created the coat in the 1850s.)

Burberry was the man to design the coat for the British army. The shoulder straps that we see on trench coats today were added to be used for epaulettes and insignia during the war.

Memorable images of the trench coat lead to visions of Humphrey Bogart in “Casablanca” and Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”.

Although trench coats can look great on a man, they’ve become a stylish must-have for women. And this fall there are so many styles to choose from that whether or not you own the traditional trench, it’s time you bring home at least one more. And, the best part is, you can find sophisticated styles for less.

Target has a fun line of well-made trenches in bright colors of moiré satin for only 40 dollars. With large buttons, pockets and shiny sashes, these coats can add spice to any outfit without affecting your budget. (I just bought one in bright red.)

H&M also carries several coat styles at reasonable prices (my dream trench was purchased from a store in France). And if you want a pricier, timeless classic, go for an exquisitely made Burberry trench that can be in your wardrobe forever.

Although you can find trench coats that are fairly long, I would stick to ones that fall halfway down the thigh. This leaves room for you to move freely and the length will still pair with short or longer hemlines underneath.

Plaids in various colors, animal prints, black suede, tapestry, brocade or brilliant colors of satin – whatever you choose, your trench coat will be there to keep you warm, dry and always in style. If you haven’t had the chance for any fall shopping yet, make this No.1 on your list.

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While living in Europe I was left with no choice but to pack only one Little Black Dress. Just thinking about four months with only one LBD filled me with anxiety. But, little did I know, that single Little Black Dress was more than enough.

My fitted, sleeveless black dress was worn by itself with an array of heels, glamorous accessories and stylish coats for cocktail parties and nights at the club; with a white blouse or tee shirt beneath it, black leggings and a belt it became a fashionable outfit for casual evenings, with a sweater or vest worn over the dress it became a black mini skirt, and worn over leggings or skinny jeans it was the perfect black tunic.

The transformations were endless and every outfit variation brought new life back into that Little Black Dress. I’ve sworn by the LBD as a necessary wardrobe staple ever since.

Not that there is a need to defend the LBD. Coco Chanel has been credited for making the little black dress popular since the 1920s. And then there’s Audrey. No one could make an LBD look as effortlessly chic as Audrey Hepburn did in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”

And, now is the time for you to bring home an effortlessly chic LBD of your very own.

I am beyond guilty of buying trendy black dresses with one-shoulder styles, extravagant cut outs, frilly ruffles, shimmering sequins, or lace trimmings. But I think it’s a necessity for every woman to own a traditional and classic little black dress that is guaranteed not only to be timeless but to also make you look great. This is your go-to dress when you’re panic-stricken with what-to-wear fear.

It’s important to find an LBD made of quality fabric that complements your figure with a sleek and slimming silhouette. You also don’t want the hemline on these LBDs too long – the length should lie just above the knee (or, if you dare, go even shorter).

Because of the versatility black dresses offer, why not have more than one? A satiny black dress for formal events, a short and sexy dress for cocktail parties and a flowing black wrap dress for casual weekends and evenings.

Victoria’s Secret now has a “convertible” dress that fascinates me. Truly a gift from the Fashion Gods, this dress can be worn at least 9 different ways. The cost-per-wear for this dress would practically make it free! (At least in my personal math.) Having a black dress with the ability to transform into that so unique styles is an absolute must-have.

I promise, the Little Black Dress is only here to help you. And with an LBD by your side, being fashionable will never be easier. Many thanks to Coco Chanel and the venerable Little Black Dress.

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