First Lady Style | How To Dress Ladylike

I am always impressed whenever I see a photo of Jackie O. She looks so effortlessly chic and ladylike. I guess immaculate hair, natural makeup and classic pieces stretch far and wide when it comes to style. I also believe that you too can achieve this look by stocking up on classic must-haves to achieve a fabulous pulled together look in a flash.

It's Time To Get A Watch I grew up in an era of cell-phones as most of you have, hence I never really cared for watches since I could simply look at my phone. But there is something very chic about a classic gold or silver men's style watch. Match your watch to your jewelry, if you wear mostly platinum or silver stick to those tones and the same goes for gold jewelry fanatics like myself. I adore Marc Jacob's line of watches. They are very sleek and simple. MARC JACOBS 'Small Suki' Watch

A Shaded View Sunglasses come in very handy on those days when you cannot be bothered to put on makeup but still want to look polished. I prefer large, black plastic sunglasses as they offer more mystery and are very Jackie O-esque. On a quick stop to the Chanel boutique last week I found these gorgeous new shades with little pearls on either sides, they are a must have and will become a seasonless classic. Sunglasses, Chanel.
Dress It Up Sheath dresses are definitely in call for ladylike dressing. I often opt for dresses as they are just very easy to throw on and with great heels and accessories you are good to go. I was very surprised by how modern and youthful Ann Taylor has become. I recently passed by the boutique and was seriously enticed by their new Spring display and picked up a few merino cardigans and sheaths for a steal. Dress, Ann Taylor. -HM

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Interview with Jodi Arnold, designer of MINT Jodi Arnold

Jodi Arnold is the hip, modern and glam designer behind Mint Jodi Arnold. The contemporary line that has stolen the hearts of cosmopolitan women everywhere, who want au courant clothing. We had to get Jodi's insider dish on her take on the fashion world to what label she admires. View the entire Mint jodi Arnold collection here.

HM: What are your three favorite fibers or textiles to work with?

JA: I love all natural fibers. I enjoy silks like charmeuse, crepe de chine, and georgette silk the most for their drapeability. We use these a lot in the collection because they always give ease to any silhouette. I also enjoy cotton for its breathability and the possibility to create unique folds and darts that add interest. For coats and jackets I enjoy working in heavy wools. I aim at creating a jacket that is 3 dimensional and looks sharp on a hanger.

HM: What is your fashion philosophy
JA: For me, fashion is not art; it’s a fine line between art and commerce. It doesn’t make sense to me to create clothing that no one can wear. The joy is in creating something that is beautiful and art inspired yet wearable for many kinds of people.

HM: What are some of the first things you think of when you start to create a design?

JA: First and foremost, I always try to think of how I would feel wearing it. Would I feel frumpy? Would I feel like that it’s too young? Does it have something new and unique about it? Would I feel confident in this? Once I decide on a general silhouette, I see what I can do to make it new and interesting--a new pleat, a new drape, a new embellishment.

HM: Do you believe that any woman of any size can look sexy and glamorous?

JA: Of course! I love to see women of all sizes feeling confident. Feeling sexy and glamorous is about much more than the clothes you wear. It has everything to do with how you feel about yourself.

HM: Do you have a favorite piece from your own collections?
JA: I do; I love the Pia Dress from the Jodi Arnold Fall Collection. It’s easy to wear and I love the unique, hand crafted detail on the front.

HM: What fashion designer or label do you admire?

JA: I’m a fan of Dries Van Noten for its wearability and details, and I really admire Marc Jacobs for always pushing things forward.

HM: What is glamorous to you?

JA: For me, glamorous is feeling healthy and confident in my own skin.

HM: Speaking of your fashion designs, are you working on or thinking of anything new and innovative for the future?

JA: We are very excited about a new laptop bag we created for Intel that will be advertised in the December issue of Lucky Magazine. It was interesting to work on something that was a little out of our "comfort zone,” but as soon as we saw the need for a fashionable laptop bag we had a lot of fun with it.

HM: Do you personally have any favorite types of designs that you love to wear?

JA: Coming into Fall, I love wearing a nicely cut pair of trousers. After a Summer of wearing dresses and skinny jeans, trousers with a nice leg seem so new and sophisticated. I especially love them when worn with a long, chunky, oversized cardigan and a pair of lace up shoes with a slight heel.

HM: What do you hate seeing on a woman's body?

JA: I guess it depends on the woman’s body, but I don’t feel like I’m the one to decide. I like seeing a woman what makes her feel good.

HM: Do you have a favorite fashion icon?

JA: I can’t say that I have one particular fashion icon, however, I do love Carine Roitfeld’s look and the fact that she is ALWAYS in fierce heels.

HM: What is your favorite type of dress to create?

JA: Because the entire brand is art-inspired, I am always looking to put a unique twist on a traditional dress. Dresses are a fantastic way to feel comfortable, sexy, and versatile at the same time. I like to give a woman options with her dress- the ability to wear with or without a belt; with heels, flats, or boots; or from daytime to nighttime. And our dresses are, of course, always designed to flatter a woman’s body.

Zac Posen FW08: Hit or Miss?

Fashion wunderkind Zac Posen is known for his dramatic presence on the runway. His fall 2008 collection has British and French influence. It's an extravagant mix between Moulin Rouge and Prince William's closet. The collection has an abundance of sheer fabrics, sequins, and ruffles with the occasional herringbone tweed sheath. Posen chose to overemphasize evening wear, which had taken away from his promising daytime silhouettes. Some argue that this collection is Posen's most focused show to date; however, it seems that the young designer is still struggling to find his voice in the world of fashion. You be the judge.

The Rebirth of Nina Ricci

In previous seasons, Nina Ricci had a recognizable feminine and pristine collection. This fall, Olivier Theyskens re-energized the brand by designing for a different kind of girl: the young hipster who lives an incredible, yet subtle lifestyle. Theyskens focused on an earth toned palette from chestnut, rust, slate, and khaki to varying shades of yellow and green. Such colors truly describe the warmth of an autumn day. The collection has a series of gowns that embody a form of ethereal elegance. It's like getting lost in a timeless, enchanted forest. We can't promise you a fairytale or a tiara, but we know you'll look like a royalty.

Interview With fashion Designer Edwing D’Angelo

Edwing D’Angelo's Fall 2008 collection was simply gorgeous. Taking inspiration from Edwardian and Victorian times Edwin spun together modern classics that were compelling and memorable. I had to get the hot new designer's say on style. Here is what Edwing spilled.

HM: Describe your style in one word.
ED: Uber-chic: Eclectic elegance in an exuberant modernism.

HM: What is your best-kept fashion secret?
ED: Review the DNA of the past of high fashion as a blueprint of today and tomorrow's fashion.

HM: Where is your favorite place to shop?
ED: Every and any store that makes an effort to offer its clientele an unique shopping experience, not involving mass produced items, offers one of a kind items and/or specializes in a particular style of fashion, other than denim or urban.

HM: Who is your style icon?
ED: From yesterday, undeniably the grand Cristobal Balenciaga. Fromtoday, every person out there who has declared their fashion independence and follow his/her own style of fashion.

HM: What is the biggest fashion mistake a woman can make when getting dressed?
ED: Not understanding that fashion should work for them and not the other way around, that they have to become victim of fashion. Once a woman undertands that there is no stopping in looking at her best at all times,there will be no more mistakes when getting dressed.

HM: What is one lesson you are grateful for learning throughout your career in fashion?
ED: That not everything that shines is gold (Smile!). Seriously, the major lesson has been that fashion is like any other business part of an industry, you have to come into it with that in mind, talent alone does not cut it. You need to know about running a business and fashion has taught me a great lesson about pulling everything from within me to fight an uphill battle to survive.
Unfortunately, unlike Paris where fashion is a religion, in Italy where fashion is an Art, in New York City is a bottom line industry, money.

HM:What advice would you give to a young fashion industry professionals trying to make their fame?
ED: I would like to continue with my last answer by adding that you can only focus on nourishing your talents as a fashion designer, but you must prepare yourself in other aspects of business, you must learn about finance, marketing (public relations, sales, product placement,promotions), legal, languages, other fine arts, etc. This is a very demanding and challenging business, the more prepared you are, the higher your odds of success will be.

HM: If you could give women a fashion tip to be fabulous what would it be?
ED: I would tell to start by learning themselves both physically and mentally and determine at a very early stage in their lives who they are and what works for them. If women can make that absolute decision -the rest is a walk in the park.

Designer Watch: Chris Benz Spring/Summer 2008

Benz. That word usually provokes feelings of lust for a certain European sports car. However, a slip into a Chris Benz number will inspire the same feelings of luxury. The Benz girl is a quintessential prep with unwavering taste and boldness. With perfect tailoring and layers, Benz combines a roguish, tomboy-like charm with a subtle femininity. His designs are like an orchestrated contradiction: classic yet innovative, the embodiment of both vintage and nouveau chic. Chris Benz worked at Marc Jacobs, but soon found his own niche in the world of fashion. This up and coming designer has the potential to rock the runway, and remain a staple for years to come.

The spring/summer 2008 fashion collection is filled with striking neon colors that will surely make a statement. Benz has redefined the meaning of luxury sportswear by adding the element of elegance. His work is fluid, timeless, and unstudied. Don’t forget to pack a Benz ensemble on your next getaway. Whether you’re in the Hamptons or South Beach, you’ll make it unforgettable.

-Therese Quiao