Ever since Carolyn Bessette Kennedy married John Kennedy Jr. in a stylishly-minimal Narcisco Rodriguez wedding dress, he has been revered by fashionistas for his exquisite tailoring and luxe aesthetic. His high profile fans include Sarah Jessica Parker, Salma Hayek, Oprah Winfrey, and now First Lady-to-be Michelle Obama - who celebrated her husband's Election Night triumph in a Narciso from Spring 2009. Fash insiders are also major fans, as evidenced by the fact that he is the first American designer ever to receive the CFDA Womenswear of the Year award for two consecutive years.

The first in-depth tribute to his work, Rizzoli's Narcisco Rodriguez, shows him in his atelier, exploring the inspiration he takes from the world at large - from visual arts and architecture, to music, dance, and nature - through fleeting impressions in his snapshots and sketchbooks. 

Always experimenting with new textiles and textures, he creates deceptively simple collages and line drawings that may evolve into a new silhouette or, through an intriguing exchange of ideas, refine the direction of a collection.

Along with conversations between the designer and the smartest fashion writer on the planet, Cathy Horyn, this fabulously glossy tome is filled with high-brow contributions from the likes of artist Cindy Sherman, ballet choreographer Christopher Wheeldon, actress Rachel Weisz, and illustrator/design team Ruben & Isabel Toledo.

To win your very own copy, leave the a comment with the coolest Narciso factoid. Be sure to include your email address as part of your comment. We'll pick a winner on Friday, December 5th.

Narciso Rodriguez is available at Amazon.com.

- Lesley Scott

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Much like the iconic Egyptian murals which depict a nation of slender and stylish folk - when, in fact, a significant portion of their society was fat to severely obese (check out the discussion in Protein Power) - will future anthropologists look back on the similarly deceptive fashion magazines of today, populated as they are by rail-thin mannequins, and make the same flawed assumption?  E! entertainment just released its list of the the World's Top 10 Sexiest Women and rather than curvy, classically sexy bombshell types, 5 are working models (ie. non-normally tall and super skinny), with the ethereally gorgeous (but still super skinny) Karolina Kurkova crowned #1.  Angelina Jolie (#3), while not a model, is back to her emaciated pre-baby silhouette mere weeks after giving birth, leaving only Scarlett Johansson (#5) and Shakira (#10) to represent the classic, old-school curves of beauties like Sophia Loren, Marilyn Monroe & Gina Lollobrigida that owned the word sexy.

- Lesley Scott

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(photo via swink.blogspot.com)

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As any inveterate traveler will attest, the world is divided into two types of people: travelers and tourists, which Noel Coward summed up so well with his song, Why Do The Wrong People Travel? What peculiar obsessions, Inspire these processions, Of families from Houston, Tex., With all those cameras around their necks? They will take a train, Or an aeroplane, For an hour on the Costa Brava, And they'll see Pompeii, On the only day, That it's up to its ass in molten lava!...Why oh why do the wrong people travel...When the right people stay at home?  Since you're not one of the former - or perhaps you and you footwear have gotten unpleasantly waterlogged on a winter jaunt to Paris - you'll agree that the fact these chic leather boots are waterproof is genius!  The arch support insoles also remove to fit orthotics, so none of the local fashionistas need know how comfy you really are.  Available in both black & chocolate (get both!) at TravelSmith.com.

- Lesley Scott

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(Noel Coward lyrics via amateurgourmet.com)

For more than a quarter century, the Tanagro atelier has been quietly creating exquisite bling for its discerning private clientele.  Mixing artistry with technical innovation, they craft modern wearable pieces that reflect the theme of movement... which is appropriate, given that the line takes its name from a river in Italy. An eyecatching 18 karat rose & white gold cuff with white diamonds is around $25,000, while their memorable Lucente pendant with yellow gold and diamonds runs an equally memorable $102,000 - all at Tanagro.com.

- Lesley Scott

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How to Layer from Summer into Fall into Winter by Fashiontribes

by Carly J. Cais, Fashion Designer & ChicSteals blog

As a designer, I've developed an eye for style over the years, and an appreciation for the fact that sometimes, designer pricetags can be downright scary. While life necessitates a splurge once in a while on that can't-live-without-it fabulous item, much of the fun of fashion is mixing high with low to create outfits that are creative, and also budget-friendly. Each week, I showcase five hot designer-style steals (each for $100 or, in most cases, for much, much less)...along with one must-splurge item.

You've just got your summer wardrobe all figured out when suddenly the seasons change, so quickly that even the most level-headed fashionista can be sent into a tailspin, wondering what to wear.  While it's not quite cold enough for winter proper, the temperature is still chilly enough to require a mad reshuffling of closet basics. The trick to getting the most mileage out of anything in your closet, even breezy, sheer summer items? Layer, layer, layer...but stay safely on this side of the Yeti/baglady line.  Try any of these five picks which deliver major fashion mileage for the least amount of cash:

FEATHERED HEADBAND So Blair Waldorf-worthy with its Gossip Girl sensibility, this handmade satin-covered headband is a fabulous homage to plumage.  The spray of feathers in either brown with cream rings or turquoise shot through with yellow is captivating and unique, and a lovely adornment for those both long- and short-tressed.  But don't let its Jazz-Age feel force you into pairing it solely with beaded flapper dresses (though it would look gorge even if you did) - play down its feminine sweetness by adding black leggings and a motorcycle jacket, or go all out in cashmere and chiffon for that hot date. Flapper Headband $38, ShopIntuition.com (be sure to take advantage of free shipping during the month of November).

SUEDED BOOTIE Booties are huge right now, and this pair is right on-trend, stylish (love the scrunch top and Victorian'esque covered buttons), and priced under $40. The 2.5" stacked heel means you can walk comfortably in them, whether they're Kate Moss chic with skinny denim and a tuxedo jacket with the sleeves rolled up, or paired with bold tights and a groovy ultra mini. Decree Princeton Short Scrunch Boot, AZjeans.com - priced at $35 (sale), why not snap up a pair in each color: black & wine?

WIDE LEATHER BELT From coats, to bulky sweaters, crisp shirts, dresses, trenches, and even evening gowns...it's more of a question of what isn't belted this season.  To anchor an outfit, create a waspish waist, and balance out the length of a floor-skimming skirt, a wide belt is perfect; after dark, it delivers deliciously offbeat style over a bright wool swing coat or elegant chiffon frock. Labyrinth Leather Belt $48, UrbanOutfitters.com.

METAL CLUTCH  Minaudiere, portmanteu, reticule, or box clutch - regardless of what you call it, a rose is a rose is a rose...and this multi-named multi-tasker easily elevates any outfit to glam status. Tiny and delicate, yet still large enough to fit all your essentials (credit cards, cash, keys, lipstick, mineral powder makeup, mints...), this gold oval clutch shouldn't be limited only to evenings out.  During the day, pair with ripped denim and a skinny scarf, or a long belted blazer and tone-on-tone leggings and shoes.  Besides...going handbag-minimalist will completely differentiate you from the throng of gigantic, cumbersome carryalls - and make you look like you just stepped out of a chic, glamorous soiree to get some air.  Bombon Handbag $69, MangoShop.com.

DEEP-V NECK SWEATER  To disguise the face that you're actually wearing a dress under everything, this slim-cut sweater is an essential.  The deep V shows off a necessary amount of skin to balance the amount you're covering up, while the patch pockets and ribbing draw the eye up, and the waist is cinched in by your fab wide belt.  Short sleeves keep the piece from becoming too bulky, and paired over a turtleneck (we like this lightweight C & C California Coffee Turtleneck) with sleeves pushed up to the elbow for another show of skin, it's picture perfect. Alternatively, wear it on its own over a pair of cream trousers, a tartan A-line skirt, or leggings and booties.  Ribbed Cable Sweater Tunic $23, Forever21.com.

SPLURGE OF THE WEEK: Glam Dress  Just because it's a party dress doesn't mean it needs to be relegated to the back of your closet, save for that occasional fete!  This decadent silk maxi has flattering shirring in front and gathers at the waist, and is lightweight enough that it can be covered in several layers and not bulk you up, yet fluid enough that it maintains a sexy vibe. Dress it down during the day belted under a sweater, and back up for night, sans sweater, and with a jumble of chains & pearls (the messier the better) and a vintage fur shrug. Available in goes-with-everything black or dazzling Teal for $175, BananaRepublic.com.

If there are any high-priced pieces you'd like me to find similar, less costly versions of, please email me at carlyjcais AT fashiontribes DOT com. 'Til next week, fellow bargain-hunters!

Carly J. Cais

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Stuffing is better left in the turkey than padding your rear view, but surviving the holidays with your waistline intact is easier said than done. "During the colder months, our metabolism has a tendency to slow down as we become less active and consume more comfort foods. Adding large holiday meals to this equation is a recipe for some serious weight gain," explains Jeff Halevy (HalevyFitness.com) - one of the two fitness experts we turned to in our quest for a skinny start to 2009.

Keep Working Out  What with parties, holiday events, shopping, and other claims on your time, your schedule just went from mega-busy to ridiculously busy...but do you really want to start another New Year off with the same resolution about losing the same extra holiday pounds?  Do yourself a favor, and take Halevy's advice: keep up your steady workout routine throughout the holidays.

Curb Your Appetite  Sitting down at the food-laden holiday table when you're starving is a virtual guarantee of over-feasting. Instead, before any big, festive meals, Halevy has his clients snack on healthy foods like carrots and hummus. Alternatively, drink a protein-loaded, carb-light supplement like Tight Curves. Recommended by Kristal Richardson (KristalRichardson.com), a professional figure competitor and ACE-certified personal trainer, she gives it to her female clients; in addition to nutrition, it also addresses issues of hormonal changes, mood management, and osteoporosis. Available at TightCurves.net.

Nutrition Up Your Feast Halevy, a certified National Academy of Sports Medicine trainer, recommends increasing the nutritional quality of dishes like stuffing, mashed potatoes, or gravy by adding a supplement like My Daily Veggies, made from 100% dried whole organic vegetables in the green, red, and orange-yellow groups.  Each salt-, sugar-, and preservative-free packet contains a whopping two full servings of veggies per packet, as well as antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and phytonutrients like lycopene (from tomatoes), lutein (spinach), beta carotene (carrots), sulforaphane (broccoli), and glucosinolates (kale). Available at DrinkYourVeggies.com.

Portions Matter Give the oversized servings of carb-heavy stuffing and mashed potatoes a miss, and load up on protein rich turkey and squash - but keep an eye on your total intake. "In order to keep the stuffing in the turkey, women need to focus on portion control," advises Kristal. Although many of her female clients pile their plates with healthier veggie options, they often don't realize they're still overeating.  The key is to stay aware of what you're eating, and remember: not only will your clothes continue to fit, but you won't be saddled with that unpleasant stuffed feeling afterward.

Walk...A Lot Both before and after a big holiday meal, Kristal advises taking a long, metabolism-friendly walk.

Leave the Leftovers Jeff's male clients, in particular, tend to do a lot of post-feast snacking on carb-heavy portions of gravy, mashed potatoes, and stuffing.  Tasty, yes, but lacking in the important nutrition provided by healthier veggies which don't pack on the pounds.

Both Jeff and Kristal agree that maintaining a balance between nutrition, exercise and portion control is a smart way to keep from tipping the scales after a holiday feast. Your skinny jeans thank you in advance.

- Lesley Scott

(photos: holiday meal - fitsugar.com; working out - thehousedepot.net; couple walking - upenn.edu)

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"Some of the biggest news is the deep vibrant color of coats this winter," notes eBay Style Director, Constance White, offering timely tips on keeping cozy while you stand out. Her picks: an all-out shade of berry, plum, or green.   She also advises choosing a coat with some structure for the most flattering fit. "A structured jacket can be slimming; choose a piece with a dramatic collar, which pulls the eye upward and away from the waist."

Alternatively, go for architectural details like ruffles, epaulets, belts, or origami folds - all of which work best in classic black. If you choose a style that's military or menswear'ish, such as a biker jacket, make a style statement by pairing it with something feminine. "Throw a masculine topper over a soft dress. It is easily one of the freshest ways to wear a coat, and several designers sent this look down the runway. Now women can wear it down the street."

Close to 50,000 coats are currently listed on eBay.com, where the average price of a leather jacket is a suprisingly affordable $70! This lipstick red number can be yours for under $50 from eBay boutique Agape.

- Lesley Scott

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To mark Earth Day 2009, Target has partnered with Scott Mackinlay Hahn and CFDA award-winning designer Rogan Gregory to launch the Loomstate for Target collection.  The collection will feature mens- & womenswear made from 100% certified organic cotton, all at a price that's nice, and available starting April 19, 2009 at Target.com.

- Lesley Scott

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Shopaholics thrive on fresh new hunting grounds, so why not send your fave addict on a fabulous shopping tour designed especially for fashionistas who live to travel?  "The outlets are bursting with merchandise just waiting for that savvy shopper to snap them up, explains Deborah Mayer, President of Shop Around Tours which specializes in stylish shopping tours of Italy. "People are especially warm and delighted to see us. Of course, it helps that we're spending quite a bit and shoring up the economy in a way only truly dedicated shoppers and lovers of beautiful luxury accessories and clothes can."

As lovers of the best, your lucky recipient will definitely appreciate the four-star accommodations in each city...but what about fellow shoppers?  "Our demographic is really all over the map," says Mayer. "People find us because they share a common appreciation for the beautifully crafted merchandise Italy is known for world over."

The deets:

Shop Around Italy Shopping Tour: $2,595 for an eight-night trip inclusive of four-star hotels in Milan, Venice, Florence and Rome; roundtrip air from New York; ground transportation; priceless behind-the-scenes tours.

And to really score extra points, throw in some Rosetta Stone language software (RosettaStone.com)...proven, effective, and most important: the choice of Gossip Girl's Blake Lively when she's brushing up on language skills between seasons.

Italy Shopping Tour available at ShopAroundTours.com.

- Lesley Scott

(illustration: Arturo Elena; Blake Lively - gailbremner.com)

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