The Lady in Lace

Initially, I bought the black lacy top below because I intended to throw on a nude colored cami I had purchased at Nordstrom and layer this top over it, and then add a fitted, tailored, sleek black blazer from White House Black Market over that, and wear it with black tailored Theory pants to work.

Since I am on medical leave, and since I work in a small town where I get little to no appreciation for my sense of style, I figured I'd pair it with a lovely black bra I bought at Victoria's Secret recently, a pair of jeans or a black leather mini, and wear it to go have a drink (or two, or three) with my friends, or on a date. (Yes, I said 'date.' And no, hell is not freezing over.)

Kristin Cavallari, I understand we both have a penchant for starting fights with annoying, needy and pathetic, and somewhat dim-witted girls (like Audrina Patridge, for instance) "stealing" other people's boyfriends, and Stephen Colletti (well, you seem to have left him in the dust, but my love for Stephen is still goin' strong) but did you have to go and wear a similar top, too? I mean, you have all day to spend in the gym. Me? Not so much.

Even still, I will rock this lacy top & still hope for the day when I, like Kristin, can steal Brody Jenner away from a Playboy playmate (Jayde Nicole) who looks like a cross-eyed freak of nature. Talk about a butter face. (As in, 'Everything's good, but-her-FACE!)

Again, a girl can dream.

To buy your own version of this top, visit www.bebe.com or Bebe stores nationwide, or you can pick up a similar and still very cute version at Express stores, or online at www.expressfashion.com.

Hot New Gossip

The first time I ever watched the CW's Gossip Girl, I remember taking out my little notebook from my handbag and jotting down all the things I was inspired to buy after watching Blair, Chuck, and the gang duel it out in their private schools and penthouses.

Although I must admit to being a big fan of Blair (why is it, exactly, that I always root for the mean girl on every show?) I am a fan of Serena van der Woodsen's style and flair for prep meets bohemian. If I was compiling a list of what to buy, I'd take more cues from Serena than Blair. And since I just purchased not one, but two menswear blazer's like this one, I can take inspiration as to how to style it from Ms. van der Woodsen herself.

As for those of you who are followers of the show, fashion is about the only thing Serena and I could talk about. I have no qualms about telling you what a whorebag I think she's been this season, and how completely disappointed I am in her character's choices. When Blair is less shady than you are, Serena...you got some issues, girl.

Buy your own sleek and chic menswear oversize blazers at Nordstrom, where I bought mine, Charlotte Russe (I bought an adorable one for $4.99 the other day) or Express stores nationwide.

Lady in Leather

Ashley Tisdale is not #1 on my fashion radar; she's not the celebrity whose look is most closely similar to mine, but I will say that after seeing this photo of her in a few fashion mags and gossip rags, she is growing up into a little fashion plate, and I loved her leather jacket mixed with a comfy tee, topped off with an adorable little newsboy hat in tweed. This is a great transitional look for Fall and a terrific way to continue rocking the tanks and jeans while staying a little warm in the Fall.

I found great leather jackets on sale at Nordstrom over the weekend (yes, they are already making their debut in stores in Arizona, where the weather is still very warm outside) and at Express, as well. You can easily find an adorable jacket for under $100...and this is a look that will definitely take you through Fall in style.

Not So Desperate

When I first started teaching 6 years ago, a girl who was in one of my English classes came in one Monday morning and loudly announced, "Ms. C, I was watching TV last night with my boyfriend, and we both looked at each other and said, wow, she reminds me of Ms. C!"

"Really?" I questioned. "And who was this character?"

"Well, she's on this show called 'Desperate Housewives,' and she's a high maintenance little Mexican woman. She has your same style and look, but the funny thing is that you kind of act like Gabrielle, too."

I spent the next several days contemplating my life choices and behavior, and whether or not I gave people the impression that I was anything like Gabi Solis on Desperate Housewives, cheating on her husband with an inappropriate younger stud muffin who plowed through a little more than her lawn.

Was I high strung? Self-absorbed? Always at the salon? Constantly shopping and worried about my figure?

Okay, well, maybe she wasn't completely off base.

I don't flatter myself to believe I am on par with Eva, especially considering that in real life, she wears a double zero and is built like a 6th grade girl, and I have plenty of junk in my trunk and I wear a size 4 or 6. Which, in Hollywood, is like a 20.

But I do love Eva's style, and most of the time, thanks in part to her stylist, Robert Verdi and her glam squad, including hairdresser Ken Paves, she generally looks striking, no matter where she is photographed.

This look? Casual for day, but the leggings? Oh, how much do I love leggings? They transition from day to night with a few changes in your outfit, and are comfortable and wearable. And right now, they're a fashion must-have.

I know that I can be a little spoiled at times, and I do love to shop and get beautified at the salon more than the average girl. But that's just part of the magic that is LC, and certainly, part of what makes Gabrielle Solis the TV star we all love, even when she says or does things we might hate.

And 'desperate' is the last word you'd ever be able to use to describe either of us.

For the best deals on leggings, check out your local Forever 21, where I found great leggings in various lengths, textures and fabrics this weekend, starting at $4.99. And check out Express, or www.expressfashion.com, where you can get amazing deals on quality leggings, like buy 1, get one half off.

Flannel Fab

People always bitch & moan because they say they can't afford the same looks they see in magazines, on celebs on TV, and on the red carpet. In case you're a fashion novice, let me fill you in: the entire fashion industry stays afloat because designers copy couture looks, replicate them, and make them accessible to the general public by selling similar looks at more affordable stores and boutiques.

I love Mary Kate Olsen, I know, everyone makes fun of her (on occassion I find myself asking my friends "are you pulling a Mary Kate?" when they don't order food at brunch) but still, I love her style (because if you're going to dress like a homeless lady with Christian Louboutins on at the same time, you've got guts, girl.) So, of course I love the Olsen's line, Elizabeth and James, and even love the sort of grungy, flannel shirts that I actually used to wear back in 7th grade. Something about this look reminds me of Seattle, Nirvana, cans of Sprite from the vending machine, and my bottle of hairspray in my junior high locker. However, had I asked my mother, in 7th grade, for a flannel top from Elizabeth & James that cost $252, (www.shopmoodyblues.com, for stores, or to purchase online) she would have laughed in my face, shook her head, and said that money doesn't grow on trees.

Fast forward some 14 years later, and I still know money doesn't grow on trees. That being said, while you can buy the super cute top at Moody Blues (one of my faves!) for $252, you can achieve a similar look by buying one of Express' (www.expressfashion.com) flannel tops for $39.95, pair it with a cute pair of cutoff shorts, some gladiator sandals, & you'll be adorable and very reminiscent of my junior high years. Or, you'll look like an Olsen twin.

But please ladies, for the love of God, comb your hair. Mary Kate is the only one who can pull off the "I slept under a bridge" look.