Dear Ether,

I haven’t had time to do a proper Wish List in forever!  Yes, I have been perusing the Web drooling at collections knowing that by the time I’ll be able to afford these gorgeous clothes, I’ll be too old for them.  And that was what I always adored about my Wish List.  That I could shop and put together an ensemble as if I were ready to slam down that credit card after making my selection.

So, eyebrows knit, concentration at the highest level, I hit the Matthew Williamson website and was blown away by the easy to use and fun virtual closet that lay before me.  Many times I visit high-end designer  sites and they are embedded with so many bells and whistles.  Too much Flash and crazy music.  You can’t even figure out how to navigate the bloody thing and you give up before you even get to see what they have on offer.  I also love that you can copy and paste images allowing you to make a visual tick-list for later consideration.  So many designers have posted their pictures with such high security that you can’t pull pieces that you might want to save on your desktop or share with your friends and ask for advice.  The only crummy thing that Maestro Williamson has done is not posted the prices.  Dun, dun, dun!  We know what that means.  That the goods are so damned pricey they are afraid to show you what they cost for fear of you collapsing right in front of your screen.  They offer you a NYC phone number to call for advice about any frock, but I hate this feature.  I want to have the privacy of working online and cutting out dealing with a pushy sales person.  Bad move Matthew!

Anyway, I wanted to go for something sexy, badass, uber luxe and probably worth a zillion dollars because–fuck—the prices weren’t there so I figured why shouldn’t we live in fantasy land this once?  Matthew Williamson kits out all the cool kids from Sienna Miller to Kate Moss.  This Brit, believe it or not, actually started with some of his first goodies in Marks & Spencer’s in their “Autograph” range……whoa!  Williamson, has actually stayed quite close to his department store grass roots having been part of Designer’s At Debenhams in the UK since 2002 under the name “Butterfly” (his famous insignia) and more recently, by partnering up with a one-off collection with H&M.  In 2006, Williamson took over as Creative Director at Pucci (not surprising as he is known for his brilliant patterns and color palettes, just as Emilio Pucci was).  And, he has a lovely line of fragrance and candles that he launched in 2005.  Not surprising, this 38 year old is a graduate from Central St. Martin’s in London and has now become one of the staple names on the runways today.

So, picture this.  You are out in London.  It is cold, but man have you got the MOST amazing shoes you want to show off and anyway, when you get inside, it’ll be warm.  So sporting a short dress (again, don’t worry, you have a “pimp” coat covering you) you are almost ready to go.  While applying your make-up, you’ve lit a lovely scented candle to get you in a sexy, chilled out mood.  You’ve grabbed your blingalicious, but beyond jealousy-enducing bag, just as you’ve heard the taxi honk its horn.  Damn, you look HOT!  Let’s GO!

Yep. This hugs you in ALL the right places. The pattern is beyond cool with a futuristic/Asian inspired feel. The hand-beading at the chest allows you to forget about the need for jewelery as it's built in! The tulip shaped skirt and the polo neck make the dress architectural in cut (which is on trend). The black band around the waist looks like a belt giving the appearance of a petite ribcage and the sleeves are fitted to elongate the arms. The length is perfectly cut to show off the right amount of leg and the right amount of heel! Lace Jersey Polo Neck Dress-Black Multi, www.matthewwilliamson.com (price upon request)

Yeah. These aren't your ordinary black court shoe. From the platform, to the wings on the side to the hot-pink piping---these are killer heels. Again, these are slightly architectural in design which match the quirkiness of the dress and the heel height will make your legs soar! Nappa Patent Court Shoe-Black www.matthewwillamson.com (price upon request)

These are from the runway....but I thought I'd give you another alternative to the basic black if you really wanted to go wild! I think the blue snakeskin might actually work with the patterns in the dress and certainly the color scheme. These shoes are NOT for the shy violet--though neither is this ensemble. I like that these shoe-boots are a bit more punk-funk and make the dress slightly more daring. Call me crazy! But hey, it's always YOUR choice. Runway Shoe-Boots, No Price or Name.

I'd kill for this bag. Kill! It's sexy, elegant, trendy, youthful, seductive.....it is THE perfect evening bag. I love the shimmering colors and the scales on the shell. The chain in the gunmetal looks very evening---and chains as straps again are on trend. This will go magically with the colors of the dress. LOVE THIS! Hard Evening Acid Python Oval Bag-Blue, www.matthewwilliamson.com (price upon request)

I promised you a ridiculously opulent jacket--well here it is! A fox fur coat fashioned to look like mink, is going to keep you warm and trendy. Typical of Williamson, there are panels of bespoke brocade near the lapels in orange and gold. Curvy, with loads of volume and class, as much as you are going to want to reveal your dead-hot dress---this is going to be a pity to take off. Fox Brocade Coat-Mink, www.matthewwilliamson.com (price upon request)

And finally, just to get you going before the night begins and calm you down after it ends, here is one cool candle from Matthew's extensive collection. With loads of colors and scents, you'll find the one perfect for your groove for the night. I just chose this one because I thought the color looked nice and the name "Dusk" seemed appropriate Matthew Williamson Scented Candles, www.matthewwilliamson.com (price upon request)

Dear Ether,

Ok.  I’m going to reveal my identity.  I’m a Vanderbilt, errr, no a Rothschild (yeah, that’s it).  So, being loaded and lazy, I was putting together my dream outfit (for when it gets a bit chilly) on Net-A-Porter. I mean, with no worries about the economy and being loaded beyond my wildest imagination, I chose clothes without even considering the prices.  Pish-pash, the rich NEVER look at the sales ticket DAHLING!  

Keeping that in mind, I selected a kick-ass outfit that would make me feel like a runway queen going to work (this outfit is probably more appropriate for jobs in a creative field–not so good for conservative work places) or cocktails on a Friday night.  It’s a great go to work and then transition to meet friends outfit and the pieces can be broken up and stand on their own beautifully.  But MY GOODNESS, united as one, I reckon they are a masterpiece.  

Some of you will think what I’ve chosen is a bit dark and monotone.  Why couldn’t I bring out a bit more color from the blouse?  Truthfully, I think that the look is so sleek you can bring out the exotic hues with some groovy nail varnish, fab eyeshadow (I’m thinking a great pop of color from  Mac Pigments) and a oversized cocktail ring. Net-A-Porter didn’t have a  bauble that I felt worked well enough with this outfit and I wanted the whole look to be from their website.  FYI: I have NO affiliation with Net-A-Porter.  I just love their website and thought it would be fun to pick an outfit out from their comprehensive collection.  Please vote on the look.  It would be fun to get your feedback.  Oh, and if anyone does feel charitable and would like to donate the look, do e-mail me

Dedicatedly yours,

—One of 365

Yes Captain! This Balmain Tweed Military Cape (sold out, by the way) makes me drool. Perfect to cover the shoulders for a chill and getting you ready for battle for any meeting. $4,645, Net-A-Porter.com

This silk-blend blouse provides a great pop of color with a striking pattern and stunning ruffle detail. Perfect reveal under the Balmain cape and could take you from the meeting room to drinks with friends. Just undo a few more buttons. 490 pounds sterling, Net-A-Porter.com

These Fendi leather slim-leg pants just scream bad-ass with class. Perfect to tuck into boots, or wear with killer heels. These black beauties are a great way to show off those gams but also a perfect canvas for blouses, like the Matthew Williamson above. 1,060 pounds sterling, Net-A-Porter.com

Right, remember how I just mentioned the leather Fendi's are great for boots to be tucked into. These Givenchy covered heel boots are just the ticket. They are super-sleek, beyond fashion-forward and a good investment. I think these will hang on like a good pair of cowboy boots--an excellent buy. Damn, these are sexy. 1,020 pounds sterling, Net-A-Porter.com

Okay. There are bags AND THEN THERE ARE BAGS! This may look, to some, just like a black, run-of-the-mill satchel. That it ain't! This Proenza Schouler PS1 Large Python Satchel is everything I dream of in a purse. It's huge, it's versatile, the material is to die for, it can get banged around and still look as good as the day you bought it, you can pass this on to your kid one day because it isn't an "it" bag. I could go on and on....but because it is too bloody expensive and I'll never be able to afford it, it'll just be putting a wound in my heart. Enjoy, for those of you lucky enough to be able to buy it. 2,750 pounds sterling, Net-A-Porter.com

And for a finishing touch, how cool are these Fendi Cubetto Sunglasses? They mesh with the whole look--sorta 60's/70's fab with a modern twist. They match the Balmain perfectly and you'll just look like you're "working-it" when you put these babies on just as you're about to leave the house in this knock-out outfit. They're like the cherry on the sundae. Hey, they're also the most affordable item! 130 pounds sterling, Net-A-Porter.com