Dear Ethers,

I’m going to try and shake off the past week and start fresh today.  Thank you for all of your support and I am going to consider Monday a new day.  This weekend has been a miserable one and I am hoping that this week is the beginning of a whole new me.  

The “Wish List” is about having fun and playing around on the web with fashion.  I’ve decided to do something completely wacky.  I wouldn’t necessarily consider this outfit a “Wish List” tick sheet BUT I had a hell of a lot of fun playing with a Fall color and really fun cuts and lines that are so prevalent in fashion today.  And who better to do that with than Jil Sander?  Always known for avant garde tailoring and modernistic styles, this is one designer that has made clothing always look decades ahead of its time.  I decided to play with the idea of one color.  I do NOT believe in wearing mono-colors (I think that was very “our parents generation”–matchy-matchy, you know?)—however, this was just too much fun too resist.  I love how it all falls together for the, well, Fall, and out of all of the selections, the structures and lines on these choices were just so extraordinarily laid out.  They were cut with such precision, I just had to pay homage to the genius of the designer through her architectural thought process and color coordination that just made everything pop.

So enjoy this color bonanza and make this week’s “Wish List” your new “Orange Crush.”  It’s very short this time around, but extremely sweet.

Dedicatedly yours,

—One of 365

The front of this dress is an absolute architectural masterpiece. The way it sits on the body, the way each piece of fabric is stiff to add curves where there aren't--pure genius. The folds and the flaps and the 3-dimensional wraps. This is the kind of dress that wouldn't look good but in this vibrant pucker of orange. Sculptured Wool Crepe Dress, $2,245, jilsander.com

Normally I don't do back-shots, but again, the masterful draping---it would be criminal only to show this dress from the front. Not only do you make a helluva an entrance, but damn, do you make a smokin' exit too!

How did someone even come up with the construction of these? They look like they should be on display at the Tate!! Look, I'm not saying they'd be easy to walk in, or your feet would feel good in them, but seriously, just close your eyes and picture that dress with these shoes. Yeah, your legs would be sky-high, the symmetry would be knock-out and people would think you were some kind of real-life art instillation. Oh, if only Edie Sedgwick were alive today! Wrap Tangerine Sandals, $895, jilsander.com

Yep, I told you it was a whole lot of orange---but fresh squeezed it is! You are not looking stale in this outfit and this patent clutch makes you look sleek as ever. Again, it's all about lines and this bag, with its stitching, off-placement of its opening and jelly-bean shape is perfect for this ensemble. Polished Leather Clutch, $590, jilsander.com

And for our finale, how much groovier can you get than a citrine earring that is like a stick-pin through your ear? Never traditional, Sander makes the lines exceptional again by placing the earring in a horizontal manner through the lobe rather than the normal dangle or stud. It goes brilliantly with the lines and I love how it hits the cheekbone. A perfect finale for our "sweet" outfit. Runway Earring, Price Unknown, Image Snagged Off Of Runway

Dear Ethers,

This end of week fashion bonanza is a simple one really.  It will be perfect for you shoe aficionados.  It’s easy.  All you have to do is look at the outfit and decide which pair of shoes you think goes better and then leave me a comment with your thought.

I’ve picked a delicious butterscotch colored silk romper from Marc Jacobs that I really got a kick out of wearing this summer.  Sadly, I’m sure it will be barred off of all fashion Ed’s lists for next year so I tried to get the most use out of it as I could.  I really enjoyed the romper style.  I know it got a lot of flack.  I think jumpsuits got it worse!  To me, the romper was so easy.  It was a shirt and shorts built in.  You didn’t have to pick separates–you had an all-in-one waiting for you.  It was so great because I could just throw it on and look fashionable without trying too hard.  And because it was silk and a bit dressy, I could wear it out in the evenings.  Also, because of the material, it breathed in the heat, so it was lightweight and got me through some broiling weather.  I liked it for the same reason I love dresses—it’s a complete package.  No matching a top to a bottom.  You just jump into and you are set.

A lot of people who had lived through the 70’s laughed and said they had given things like this away years ago.  And I don’t think  it was for their age group.  But for the younger set, it was a bit of fun and something new and experimental.  As mentioned, the jumpsuit got too much shit, so I never went THAT far (though I DID try one on and I rather fancied it.  But English gent, who rarely puts his green moccasined foot down, said NO!).

So, leave me a comment (to your pleasure, I’ve left a poll out of this) and let me know—the matchy-matchy Ferragamo’s that are more casual and easy to run around in?  Or the satin green shoes with a higher-heel that are dressier and more for evening, but make more of a statement because of the citrus contrast?  I’m of two minds.  I love the idea that one actually has yellow shoes to match.  C’mon, that’s kinda badass.  But, I also love the green with the yellow.  Toughie—YOU DECIDE!

Dedicatedly yours,

—One of 365

Let the decision making begin:

Right-O. So, here we have our romper (LOVE IT!) with our greenie-meanies. So, is it the green for you? Hmmmm? Comments please!

The magic slippers. Here they are closer up so you can have a better inspection. Leave a comment so I know how to style my outfit!

Romper-licious part-deux! Here we go, but with the yellow Ferragamo's. Go on, it's your call....

These canary yellow beauties for your closer inspection to help you in your decision making. Leave me a comment. Scroll up and down to decide.

And here is the lovely romper in it's (slightly wrinkled--sorry) glory! I love this onesie. I got it for a song ($75) and it is such a great piece that was on trend for summer that I really enjoyed wearing. I wore it evenings out, or to do my shopping. I love the stripe and the slightly vintage color. However, I NEVER knew what shoe looked best. Now I will know! So....leave me a comment!

A woman scorned...tsk tsk. But there is a first for everything. And my short, little tale will tell you the time that I SHOULD have looked more like the girl in this picture, but in my timid youth I allowed myself to be stood upon. No longer. My big mouth might get me into trouble sometimes. And things may be rocky with English gent. But every day I aim to NOT be a woman scorned ever again (fuck you Mr. X).

Dear Ethers,

When I was in College in the States (which I HATED and subsequently made me move to England) I was invited to a dance.  I was really young when I think about it now.  I had just turned 18, I had never had a boyfriend.  I mean, this was BIG.  The school I went to was old for American standards, being from the early 1800’s (it even had a slave tunnel that ran underneath it for underground escapees!) and it was done up in a beautiful gothic style.  Trust me, it was THE ONLY endearing thing about the place.  The dance was black tie and was to take place in one of the old halls that had probably seen balls and banquets where ladies and gents had gotten their tails and hoop skirts out before there was TV, an iPod or the Polio vaccine.  

I wasn’t particularly keen on the boy who asked me.  He was about 2 years my senior and I barely knew him.  He was the older brother of a girl who was in my dorm and since I really was very inexperienced with guys, I felt very anxious.  But, I was committed to the fact that this was part of what college was about and I had to go for it.  I’ve always had a very slim frame and a nice height, especially in heels.  I probably weighed about 110lbs and in my lovely red Betsey Johnson wedges (very 1940’s, Rita Hayworth) I was about 5’9.  I wore a black strapless LBD.  I had gone and had my hair done and went to Stila for my face to be made up.  I really went all out.  For a girl who had never had her dance card even penciled in, I felt it might be a full night with names marked in lead on my sheet. 

The arrangement was to meet outside of the Dance Hall at 8pm.  This was before cell phones were really popular so neither of us had one.  Lickety-split, I sprayed some special perfume my mom gave me, gave a last look in the mirror, took a deep inhale, and walked alone to see him.  I could see girls were looking at me and other guys were admiring me.  It made me feel shy.  Again, I hadn’t yet embraced being an adult yet and many of these kids were from Manhattan or Seniors in college and had come into their own—I felt like a kid.

8:15.  8:30. 9pm.

He never showed.  

I stood outside watching other couples happily enter the building where you needed a ticket to get in (he was in possession of those). I heard the music playing from inside and the loud chatting over it.  Glasses clinking.  Why did I wait a full hour? 

I had a red pashmina that I wrapped around my shoulders and walked home humiliated.  I didn’t want to be seen by anyone in the dorms because I didn’t want to tell anyone what happened.  Nowadays, oh, if I could step back into that One of 365 body and tell her what to do, that night would be SO different, but Ethers, I was crushed. 

I remember staring in the mirror at my beautifully made up face and seeing my eyes well with tears and thinking, “What a shame, my make-up will be ruined.”  But then I realized there was no occasion for it to look nice.  I slowly unzipped my dress, sat on my bed and undid the ankle-straps on my shoes.  I took the pins out of my hair, each wound up piece unraveling onto my shoulders.  I could have called home that night or spoke to a friend, but I think this was a right of passage for me.  Being stood up.  No one could console me anyway from 3,000 miles away. 

I got into bed and thought of those couples still in that old Hall dancing away.  I wondered why he didn’t show or leave a note?  Door locked, side light table on, I picked up a book and read until drowsiness stole me away and my alarm woke me for classes.  I wasn’t very popular so no one really asked how it went.  But then I saw him (it was a VERY small school).  I sort of cocked my head in wonderment with a quizzical look on my face.  He was sitting in the café with a group of friends.  I know he saw me, and he chose to ignore me. And I didn’t even know what I did wrong.  And to my dying day, I’ll NEVER know.

It was the first time in my life that a boy had hurt me.  And though he really had no deep meaning because I didn’t care about HIM, per se, it was the feeling of being jilted by the opposite sex.  We all remember our first kiss, our first “time,” our wedding and so on.   But do we all remember the first time we got stood-up?  I still have those Betsey Johnson wedges and still wear that strapless LBD.  And you know what, another guy eventually came and dipped me and put his hand on the small of my back in that outfit and I DID get my dance.  It all worked out in the end.  But I do wonder………..what WAS that boy thinking leaving an 18 year old girl standing out in the cold on that October evening?  And, 10+ years later, I wonder, has he ever thought about me?  Funny how someone can be an influence on your life, but you can make no impact on theirs.  And do you know what’s even crazier?  Even though it’s been a decade, I can still close my eyes and see myself in that mirror with fewer lines on my forehead, features less sharp—and yes—still a virgin (oh boy, sooner or later I suppose I’ll have to reveal that tale to you guys–I mean, do you even want to hear it?) thinking that 30 seemed dreadfully old.  And hearing my now 93-year old grandmother say, “It all goes by in a flash.”  My god, what a simple memory can conjure.

Dedicatedly yours,

—One of 365

Dear Ethers,

I have been running around like a chicken with its head cut-off for the last few days and have been very grateful for clothing that has allowed me to look like I didn’t just roll out of bed but kept me comfortable and able to be on the move.  It’s impossible to jump from one appointment to another in 4″ heels (or try driving in them) and unless I need to be really dressy for an event, for the most part, I can keep it casual.  It’s also warm in L.A. so I want to be wearing light gear that’s gonna allow me to move and shake.  No short skirts where knickers might be shown or stifling shirts wear I have pit stains to prove my stress.  So, for this fabulous Fashion Friday, I am dedicating it to the woman on the move.  The woman who wants to look halfway decent, on-trend and chic but can’t be struggling in stilettos whilst doing it.  I’m talking leggings, a barely there racer-back silk tank, comfy bejeweled flats and a rockin’ hipslung belt to tie it all together.  This look is great for Mom’s who need to throw on something quick but wanna be the hottest ticket on the playground.  Students who are late for class and need to jump into something FAST.  And just anyone who wants to look put together but not suffer the consequences.  And the best part–the whole outfit cost me under $150!!!!!  Hey, you know I’m the queen bee of deals.  Oh, and I feel like the leggings and the top make me look heavier than the photograph is portraying  I know on Twitter I have been talking about what a chunk I have become….but honestly, this IS really the camera!  The tank is actually really billowy and hangs beautifully and the leggings—well, they just photograph badly.  What can I say–well, it’s what I always say.  I never claim to be Kate Moss nor does my photographer claim to be Mario Testino.  Bah!  Excuses, excuses.  I hope you enjoy and get inspired to be free and fashionable!!!!

This is soooo comfy!! The belt is there for adornment so it is loose and not constrictive. The tank is made of silk and is oversized so it breathes and the leggings have an elastic waist. What could be more comfortable? And those flats! They have a little peep-toe so your foot breathes and they allow you to boogie around the city because there is no restrictive heel. Gotta love it.

This racer-back tank is made of silk and air! It's oversized with large cut armholes and it feels barely there. It has a slight stretch to it in case you'd want to wear it tighter, but it really is meant to be worn loose and baggy. I love the zebra print with brown, white and pink colors and get this---Nicole Richie owns the exact same one!!!!! Pair this with white trousers to dress it up, jeans to funk it out or leggings to be your comfy self. Decolette Tank, Originally $250, paid $25, Vionette Boutique, Los Angeles

It doesn't get any easier than this! Plain cotton mix leggings with an elastic waist (you guys KNOW how much I love that) are the new jean. They are a fashion staple and if you don't own a pair go out and grab at least one in black. They are so great for just throwing on and using as a layering piece. Pair with boots and a sweater or a tunic and sandals. Leggings are so versatile and comfortable--everyone is wearing them. They look good on almost all body types. They look GREAT with heels, hard to pull off with flats (you see I'm struggling in the photo) and killer with the new over-the-knee boot trend coming this Fall. Brown Leggings, $6.99, Target, Los Angeles

The most expensive piece in this whole outfit. I just like how this belt adds a little funk to the look and breaks up the leggings from the tank. I love a hipslung belt and I think if you have wide hips it can help minimize them. I adore the grommets and the oversized buckle. I've owned this belt for 5 years and it has been such a great investment piece. Jocasi Belt, 65 Pounds, Topshop London

Flats are a must for comfort and for a woman on the go. How can you move and groove in sky-high heels? Impossible! I love these because your feet won't get sweaty because of the peep-toe and the fabric is a nice grosgrain so it's not gonna be sweaty like leather. I also love the color which is a fun and cheerful pink which meshes beautifully with the top and I think goes well with brown. And the little jewels! They are so lovely and add a bit of fun to the whole flat making them not only functional but fashionable. Pink Flats, Originall 35 Pounds Sterling, paid 10 Pounds Sterling, Topshop London

Dear Ether,

The “Wish List” is meant to show the many varieties fashion has to offer from the many wonderful online shopping sites on the Web.  My goal is to try and feature the big guys online and throw in a few of the smaller lads just so I can style some really cool outfits that are occasion appropriate.  I was eager to check out the Ralph Lauren site.  I don’t know if any of you have been to his store on Madison Avenue in New York, but it is in a stunning old mansion and you feel like you’ve walked into shoppers paradise.  Warm wood panels and lush ferns greet you with oversized urns filled with lily’s, orchids and amaryllis.  It is how the rich must have shopped before 1929–before taxes–before the second World War.  It blows you away.  To me, Ralph Lauren (FYI: his real last name is Lifshitz and he is a lovely Jewish man who began his career selling ties!) is the epitome of New York style.  His look is sleek, it is the Hamptons it IS the Polo fields.  What I love about Ralph Lauren today is that you can still count on his label being recognizable, but being modern and updated.  He moves with the times but never strays from his staple looks and designs.  You know you can always get a polo shirt with his famous insignia, but it will always be a modern cut, fit and color for the season.

When I visited his site I was blown away by how many things I wanted.  For me, Ralph Lauren was always a label I aspired to for when I got a little older and couldn’t wear diffusion lines anymore.  But I saw unique takes on the ruffled blouse, the pussy bow blouse, wonderful balloon sleeves, sleek trousers you would kill for and amazing suede and leather designs that were of the highest quality.  His bags were amazing, but only if you had a cool $16,000 (yep, the extra zero is in there for a reason) to drop.  The weakest part of the site, I would say, were his shoes and his accessories/jewellery.  I’m sure in-store there was more, but I wasn’t thrilled with the selection.  I felt they could have offered the customer more to go with their outfits.  I could’ve gone a bit funky with Mr. Lauren, but decided to keep it as it should be: classic.  I wanted my “Wish List” from Ralph Lauren to be aspirational, elegant, timeless, classic, and just simple.  A lot of the other “Wish Lists” will have styles that will come and go.  But what I have chosen you can pull out 20 years later and still wear and even pass on to your daughter.  I chose things with cuts and fabrics that mattered so even though they may not look bright and shiny, it’s all in the way it falls and hangs and feels.  I think that embodies Ralph Lauren.  

With that in mind, this outfit is all about you going to a Black-Tie event.  You need a gown that’s going to be striking because it is clean, and shows YOU off, and not the other way around.  The attention is drawn to the silhouette through the cut of the gown, the soft-hugging fabric and the chain detail drawing attention to your back (a very sensual part of the body, I might add).  Being floor length with high-heels, you look long and lean.  Because of the open back detail I’d wear the hair up to show off as much of your body as possible (neck included).  A nicely made up face with a touch of luminizing cream in your foundation (keep it natural and light) a gentle touch of pink to the apples of your cheeks, a strong red lip, a base color eyeshadow (as in a taupe or pale cream) with liner in a small cat-eye and heavy on the mascara.  Make sure your brows are tidy, and even add brow gel to keep them in place.  A nice touch would be square nails, short, in a matching red varnish.  Same with the toes.  

You know, we still look at that picture of Audrey Hepburn from “Breakfast At Tiffany’s” and envy her look.  She made us love the LBD.  This “Wish List” look will have the same effect.  All the women at the gala wearing the trends of the season will give their dresses away or look back and will be able to pin-point exactly the season the outfit was from.  Not you.  You’ll be as classic as Ms. Hepburn.  Let’s roll out the red carpet!

Dedicatedly yours,

—One of 365

Whenever you walk into a room feeling beautiful, you feel like all eyes are on you. That's not just hubris, it's usually true. And in this dress, your hunch will be probably be right again. This cashmere, floor-length dress will show off all of the curves of your body. The boat-neck front looks clean, simple and elegant giving your body the chance to show-off its killer silhouette, but when you turn around and reveal the plunging v-back with multi-tiered chain adornments, well, that's the big reveal. The muscles in your back will get their chance to expose themselves and the chains act as jewellery where you couldn't have any on the front. Tell me this isn't a classic? You'll feel good because the fabric is amazing, you'll look gorgeous because of the cut and you know you're the class act at a classy affair. Not bad. Not bad at all. Cashmere Chain-Back Gown, $1898, ralphlauren.com

Though the heel won't really show, if you do end up revealing your tootsies you want the world to know you're working it top to toe. These suede and Swarovski crystal embellished sandals are straight from the runway collection so if they are good enough to work it on a catwalk they are good enough to work it for your Black Tie affair. The crystals will go nicely with the earrings I will show you in the next shot and the wrapping around of the suede is a play on the dripping chain on the back of the dress. The heel height is also great (4"), because the taller you are, the longer and leaner you look in that gown. Brea Suede Crystal Sandal, $795, ralphlauren.com

I was surprised that Maestro Lauren didn't have a fine jewellery section. Maybe it's not featured online. I HATE that I'm promoting CZ's but the look goes with the classic and timelessness of the whole outfit so I am going to settle (but let's pretend they are real diamonds, okay?). A diamond stud is something that you aspire to. It's like a coming of age gift. You can wear them day to night and they will always match any outfit. These studs will go with the simplicity of the dress. We don't want anything hanging--it would compete with the chains in the back. We just want a touch of glimmer every so often when you catch the light you shine. Large Cubic Zirconia Stud, $45, ralphlauren.com

With lush Swarovski crystals, a satin finish, African crocodile trim and a classic Art-Deco clasp this is the perfect clutch to go with your outfit. I love that it is also lined in a bright purple! Again, it's the quality of the materials and the classic shape, design and ability to use over and over again. Perfection. Satin, Crystal & Croco Clutch, $1,995, ralphlauren.com

And of course you need that finishing touch when you are just about to step out the door. It's a sexy scent for evening and the bottle and packaging even go with your outfit so if you were to take it with you, it would look like a great accessory! Notorious is a sparkling spiced scent with notes of deep black currant, chocolate and patchouli musk. Spritz on pulse points. Ooo la la. Notorious 1.7 oz Eau de Parfum, $65, ralphlauren.com