Recently in Tops Category

Rebecca Minkoff is my absolute favorite contemporary apparel designer. Thank goodness she got back into the apparel game a few seasons ago, because she really has a unique, rocker-sexy-chic aesthetic. Her designs are modern, but also last season after season (I have tops and dresses that have got to be at least 5 years old that I bought before Minkoff took a hiatus from apparel. I still wear them all today. One in particular, a shoulder cut-out top that she designed way before everyone from Elie Saab to Balmain were showing cut-outs). I can't wait to try on the pieces pictured above! The tee ($98) is from the F/W 2010 collection but is already up for sale, while the dress ($495, silk crepe with peek-a-boo lace), and the skirt ($650, pleated leather), are S/S 2010 and ship out today. Check-out these pieces and more by clicking here!

Alexander Wang seems to be the next Marc Jacobs in that so many people seem to love his work blindly. Seriously what in the world possessed so many retailers to buy the Alexander Wang Lattice Bobble Sweater ($550)!? Who is going to wear this (besides maybe Erin Wasson...and even she would look ridiculous in this!). Besides being over-sized with far too many cutout lattice details its also got pom-poms; I mean really. The only possible way I could see this look working is perhaps if it were layered over a light-weight, long-sleeve light gray top.

What do you think about this Bobble Sweater? Snob or Slob?

We are in one of the most fashionable cities on earth, Milan! It's been almost a week and we finally figured out our wifi situation-- life was almost unbearable without internet! Thank goodness for our snob staff for keeping things going while we travel. We've been busy in Milano, besides eating and shopping we have been attending shows, presentations and numerous events. The one that I was most touched by was the Valentino Benefit for Haiti party at the Valentino boutique on Monte Napoleone. Not only was the champagne from the private vineyard of one of the owners, Valentino also sold its gorgeous white lace T-shirt couture with 100% of proceeds going towards Haitian children. The shirts cost 250 euro and EACH shirt sold buys a Haitian child a prosthetic limb! Currently there are 20,000 children in Haiti with missing limbs that are awaiting prosthetics. Kelly and I each bought a shirt, it warms our hearts to know that two Haitian children will be able to walk again.

Call your local Valentino boutique to find out how you can help! The shirts are so chic, especially worn with a motorcycle leather vest!

The Row has great tees, but they get pricey -- very pricey. Alternative Apparel offers a ..ahem..welcome alternative! Richard Chai partnered with the up-and-coming brand for his Fall 2010 LOVE collection getting the brand some much-deserved added visibility. Chai used Alternative's original fabrications including semi-sheer and super-soft modal silk and linen jersey fabrics (pictured above). I'm a big fan of Alternative Apparel V-neck tees ($30), because they're thin, soft, and just a touch sheer so you can dress them up with bold jewels, high-high shoes and skinny black pants or wear them with sweats and sit tight and comfy in front of the TV:-)

The fashion industry has come together in response to the January 12 earthquake in Haiti. Get your FASHION FOR HAITI tee shirt and the $25 will go to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, which is raising funds for immediate high-impact relief and long-term recovery efforts to help those who are most in need of assistance. FASHION FOR HAITI is a charitable initiative of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. It is the hottest item this week in New York at Fashion Week. Show your support and help Haiti.

Markus Lupfer, a London-based brand that launched at Selfridges a few months ago, kind of reminds me of Sonia Rykiel. They've got some quirky pieces along with chic-staples (including studded cardigans). I'm liking their T-shirt dresses and just ordered the above one with "Hello Sailor" (wouldn't you totally think this was Rykiel!?). I kind of wish it was a cashmere sweater versus a t-shirt dress though because I'm not a fan of tights and it's too short (for me), to wear as a dress, but when I saw "Hello Sailor" I couldn't help but smile, click, and buy (even though my mother semi-rolled her eyes when I just pulled-up this page to show her what I ordered!).

What do you think about these t-shirt dresses? Snob or Slob?

Above -- Markus Lupfer Hello Sailor mini T-shirt dress ($170)

I came across COS while I was walking around Munich's town center. I had never heard of the boutique before and was surprised at the mild prices (most everything is under 129 euros), given the quality of the materials used. The bi-level store was choke-full of monochromatic pieces that appeared simple, but had small details (exposed zippers, ruching, cowl neck...) for both men and women making for great staples; kind of like a frugal Ports 1961, no? When I paid for my buys I asked the sales woman about the line and she told me that it actually is owned by H&M! So far boutiques are only in select European countries (Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom), but hopefully they will roll out in the U.S. soon!

I have never gotten into oversized boyfriend sweaters, I mean who wants to look like a sloppy guy?  Not me!  But I do have days when I don't want to be stuffed like a sausage in yet another tight dress, either.  On those days, I need a comfy chic piece like the YSL ruffle hem cashmere sweater above.  It's fitted without being tight and the flirty ruffle hem will sure come in handy on days I feel bloated!  This is a great travel piece in the cold weather, too.  A pair of skinny jeans or leggings with boots is all you need to complete the look.  Yves Saint Laurent Ruffle-hem cashmere sweater $985

The Power Point Sleeved Tee ($28) pictured above is a prime example of the never-ending Balmain-esque trend. Don't get me wrong, what Christophe Decarnin has done at Balmain is amazing, but the imitations have gotten out of hand and ultimately have demeaned the appeal of the brand. From Zara and H&M to high-end designer brands and no-name brands, everywhere I look I see power shoulders inspired by Decarnin's work. At this point I'm over the power shoulders and am looking forward to seeing what the Balmain designer has in store for us in March when he shows his Fall/Winter 2010 collection during Paris Fashion Week!