Recently in Christian Dior Category

Miss Dior Cherie 1.7 oz $72.00, Michael Kors 'Very Hollywood' 1.7 oz $65.00, Juicy Couture 'Couture Couture' 1.7 oz $85.00, Jo Malone Vanilla&Anise 3.4 0z $100.00, D&G 'L Imperatrice' 3.4 oz $65.00

After testing 20 women's fragrance, 9 fragrances stood out and made the list of my top picks for fall. I had some criteria that put all the fragrances to the test luxurious, wearable, sensual,  feminine and opulent. If I have to pick my faves, they are Marc Jacobs 'Lola', Michael Kors 'Very Hollywood' and D&G 'L Imperatrice', all three tickled my olfactory nerve and just can't stop smelling them. I have to commend Jessica Simpson's 'Fancy Love', it scored very well beating out some luxury designer fragrances. As always, whatever season it is, wear lighter scents during the day and bolder at night.

From left: Calvin Klein Passcase Wallet $45.00 Macy's, Nixon Spring Clip Wallet $28.00 Tobi, J. Fold V-Twelve Wallet $75.00 Tobi, Diesel Leather Bi-fold Wallet $32.00 YOOX
Wallets are perhaps the most overlooked accessory by men. Thinking since they are always in their pockets, style is not an issue... a misconception. I don't know about you my dear readers, when I see a very well-dressed man, stylish from head-to-toe and then see him pull out a raggedy wallet is a bit disappointing. If you're gonna go for it do it right.

You don't have to have a Gucci or Dior, there is a plethora of stylish and hip wallets out there under $100. You can go wrong with a classic black leather wallet but it won't hurt to have a bold colored one. Opt for a wallet that has some texture to it. May it be in the leather it is made out of or the design itself. Guys, let us learn and emulate what women do with handbags. I personally have an everyday casual wallet and an another for special occasions.

From left: Corto Moltedo Leather Wallet $295.00 YOOX, Dior Homme Billfold $420.00 Saks, Burberry Bifold Wallet $225.00 Nordstrom, Francesco Biasia Wallet $48.60 Forzieri

Burberry Gent Leather Strap Watch $295.00, Salvatore Ferragamo Calf Wallet $270.00, Cole Haan 'Hamilton' Belt $75.00, Banana Republic Dress Shirt $79.00, Swarovski Crystal Cufflinks $81.00, Christian Dior Tie $148.00, Prada Double Bridge Sunglasses $275.00.

Father's Day is only a few days away and if you are still shopping for a gift, here a few gift ideas you might want to consider. True to fashion, gifts for dads are not as extensive compared to gifts for moms. Being an optimist, I figured no need to fret but see this as an opportunity to challenge myself on how can I make this Father's Day special for my dad.

So, the idea of upgrading and updating every man's essentials, i.e. wallet, tie, belt, etc. Was the easiest to go about on what to get dads for Father's Day! Believe it or not, sometimes dads are so busy with work and caring for their family. They don't realize they can use a new wallet or a new belt. And when you give them something that thoughtful, it just make the present more special. Also, you don't have to get dad the flashiest and hottest thing out there. Devote some time shopping around and I'm sure you can find the best gift for Father's Day. Like this pair of Forzieri Multi-colored Swarovski Crystal Cufflinks (shown above) for $81.00!

(from top left) John Galliano for Christian Dior, Nicholas Kirkwood, Bruno Frisoni, (from bottom left) Christian Louboutin, Bottega Veneta, Karl Lagerfeld, Sergio Rossi, Chanel.

Footwear is one spectrum in the fashion world that has become very competitive through the years. And when I thought that I saw it all, a new season comes along and designers roll out this fabulous, chic, fresh new designs. This fall, luxury designers shows no restraints with their creations with hopes that their shoes will be must-haves shoe for the season.

Karl Lagerfeld emerges as one of my designers to watch this fall. His footwear and accessory collection is one that I haven't seen from him in a long time. He designed a bootie that has a small axe as the spur (shown above)! Nicholas Kirkwood made his signature design edgier with modern architectural cutouts. While Bruno Frisoni created a sandal with bright pink silk fan on the straps.

Last Thursday's episode of Grey's Anatomy was a tear jerker. Izzy's was an epitome of a modern bride. She was sexy yet elegant. It was perfect! Today, brides opt for those type of bridal gowns. Gone are the days when brides are drowning in tulle and organza. When I styled one of my friends wedding party last summer, I picked a Grecian inspired dress, simple up-do and vintage jewelry. She looked like a goddess on the beach where the wedding was held.

I always get asked the question, how much should the bride spend on her bridal gown. I say, if you have the budget go for the one that gives you butterflies. If not, there are a lot of reasonably priced pieces out there. Or if you've seen one that you totally fell in love with at first sight but its out of your budget, go take a photo to your seamstress and have it replicated. Pick a bridal gown that you would cherish and perhaps pass to your daughter when it is her time to say 'I do'.

My fabulous friend, T.V. Personality and Celebrity Stylist Daisy Lewellyn is currently casting a bridal segment for a T.V. show! She is looking for real women models, aspiring actresses, brides to be or post-brides living in the L.A. area that are at least 5'8" in height that wears size 4, 6 and 8. If this is you, email casting@daisylewellyn.com with your dress size, measurements height, photo, and contact info. Must be avail 5/13 (time tbd) and 5/14 from 6a-10a.

As much as I don't want to sound like a broken record when I talk about our ailing economy. But it is what it is. Taking a vacation in this dire times is a luxury on its own. And if you can afford to do so, take it to the next level by feeling and looking like a million dollars by wearing a Dior bikini. This bikinis are from Dior's Resort 2009 collection. Very chic! Absolute attention grabbers.

After a very successful 2008 season with the house of Dior, I pondered if John Galliano can top that.Dior's spring couture collection last year had a sixties vibe. Models wore lamp-shade and saucer hats, towering up-dos and eyelashes for miles. This year's collection still has Galliano's excess and it's all about tight waists and full-skirts with beauty taking in a more classic tone. The collection is quite romantic, I say. Silhouettes are chic and feminine. And I just can't get enough of the gowns with tons of lace and chiffon embroidery.

Shame on me to even doubt Galliano for a second. It doesn't matter whom he is going against with. He will come out with something more fabulous and fiercer, even if that person is himself!

If you're looking for that Balenciaga dress you saw in their last runway show or perhaps a pair of Ann Demeulemeester boots Madonna wore at her Sticky & Sweet Tour. And  after visiting every department stores and surfed online boutiques, still no luck. Browns is the place to go. Here you will find runway apparel, shoes and accessories that never make it to the U.S.

Browns is having a sale of up to 60% OFF! So, why not start the new year by getting yourself something fabulous. Happy New Year!

Christian Louboutin Cork Wedge Sandal $356.73 Browns Fashion

Stella McCartney Two Tone Sandal $269.37 Browns Fashion

Moving on to the Best 'Splurge' Women's Shoes in 2008, this category is perhaps the toughest category to narrow down. Choosing the top 3 amongst the creme de la creme of footwear designers wasn't easy. But in the end, I'm happy with the outcome.

First on the list is vanguard shoe designer from Miami and  2008 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award nominee, Alejandro Ingelmo. His tastefully designed avant-garde metallic shoes captivated me! Can't wait for his next collection. Next is oh-so-chic Miu Miu. Miu Miu designs are innovative and fresh. Seems like Miu Miu shoes are always a couple of step ahead of the pack. And last but certainly not the least, Dior. John Galliano rallied fashion powerhouse Christian Dior season after season in 2008. J'adore Dior!

Alejandro Ingelmo 'Catalina' Heel $215.00 SALE Zappos.com	Alejandro Ingelmo 'Transam 2' Sandal $285.00 SALE Zappos.com
Miu Miu 'Modelleria' Sequin Mary Jane $795.00 Saks.com	Christian Dior 'Cabaret' Platform Pump $123.88 SALE eluxury.com