"Every man wants to be Don Draper and every woman wants to be with him," says Michele Laufik, iVillage producer and fan of AMC's Mad Men. If you want to live like a Mad woman, it's easy with some classic '60s lifestyle advice.

For one, you can bring back cocktail hour--here are recipes for a Tom Collins and an old-fashioned cocktail. You can also wear red lipstick, which is very old-Hollywood chic, yet so hot right now. And what goes better with crimson lips than a Mad woman body a la Betty Draper (who's played by January Jones)? "She was told by producers to gain weight... because they want a soft, voluptuous woman," adds Laufik.

Need some fabulous dresses to go with your curvy Mad woman body? We hunted and discovered affordable Mad Men style a la Shabby Apple's Manhattan collection...

From left:

Upper East Side: bright blue dress with pleats on skirt ($72 at ShabbyApple.com)

Washington Square Park: plain cranberry dress with pleats on skirt ($72 at ShabbyApple.com)

Fifth Avenue: brown and white giraffe print skirt and white shirt ($82 at ShabbyApple.com)

--Ysolt

Of course you remember Christian Siriano--he's that super-awesome, flamboyant designer who won Project Runway's fifth season. We consider him to be the most successful Project Runway winner to date--his runway shows have been highly successful, not to mention major celebs have been spotted wearing his fashion-forward creations on red carpets and at high-profile events, including models Heidi Klum and Caridee English.  

With such a great vision for style and a keen eye for all things fabulous, we can breathe a sigh of relief because his book is on the way. FIERCE STYLE: How to Be Your Most Fabulous Self will be in stores in three days. Let the countdown begin!

In the meantime, here's a little tease (in the form of Siriano's quick tips on how to shop sales)...

• Go in January. Boutique and department-store employees always need a sale after Christmas, so they'll treat you like royalty--on top of selling you something fabulous at a discount!
  
  
• Get on mailing lists. Whenever you find a store that you like, ask to be added to their mailing list. You'll be the first to know when they're having a sale and be one step ahead of other shoppers. (Shopping as a competitive sport--I love it!)
  
  
• Don't obsess over sales. If you do, you'll miss out on things. Lots of pieces don't ever get marked down and things sell out, so enjoy your sale shopping, but don't go crazy.

--excerpted from FIERCE STYLE: How to Be Your Most Fabulous Self by Christian Siriano (with Rennie Dyball) from Grand Central Publishing, on sale October 5, 2009

Mango, our favorite Europe-based, fast-fashion chain, has just given us even more reason to drool over the fruity brand. In addition to serving up great pieces at super-reasonable prices, it has recently launched "Think Up" (a low-cost fashion concept). Think Up is, above all, a proactive and optimistic philosophy to fashion and life from a collection of looks from among Mango's existing seasonal pieces that will be offered to customers at incredibly low prices--starting at $24.90!

This awesome fashion campaign is Mango's solution to the recession that's affecting shoppers around the globe. Hopefully, the Think Up collection will provide customers with an even more affordable solution than previously suggested in their price points, so that they can still find high-quality pieces and stay stylish season after season.

Customers can stay informed by logging onto MangoThinkUp.com, a blog that will be updated with product 411, as well as include a forum where budget-conscious fashionistas can discuss fashion, trends, and events.

We don't know about you, but we're embracing the Think Up spirit. Stop by a Mango store to find the specially-marked pieces... Sounds like a treasure hunt for the fashion maven!

--Venus Tsang

We were so busy with Fashion Week that we forgot to update you with the big news: Christopher Kane for Topshop is now available at Topshop.com!

Christopher Kane, the British designer known for his edgy clothes, like the Gorilla print dress that Rihanna was seen wearing, has designed a cheap(ish) and trendy line for the store, which was released online on this past Friday.

Although there's no sign of the gorilla print, there is a crocodile print dress (as well as a variety of slinky bandage dresses, all things gem-embellished and some killer platform heels).

Yay!

--Venus Tsang

Summer's almost over, but that doesn't mean we want to put our swimsuits away for the next nine months just yet. Labor Day is coming up, and hopefully all the exotic vacations we dream about will soon come to be.

Naturally, we've all got our qualms about wearing our swimsuits, since they're the most impossible, finicky, dangerous (not literally) article of clothing we could ever wear. The chances of something terrible happening--suit falls off in ocean, suit is see through, suit clings awkwardly, suit makes us look fat--are way up there.

To prevent the endless list of potential disasters, we've asked a few experts their opinions on how to avoid swimsuit faux-pas, and learned a few things.

Firstly, it's universally flattering to wear a dark suit, whether it's solid, patterned, or printed. With all these colorful, light options in stores, it's easy to believe that something that looks good when it's dry will also look good when it's wet. Not always. But if you just can't stop thinking about that light colored suit you saw the other day, make sure it's lined in all the right areas.

Lisa Dixon, senior designer at Jantzen, says, "If you are buying a white or very light colored suit make sure that the fabric has a little beef to it, if it is too thin without a proper lining chances are you will be see through when wet."

And while we're talking about trying on our suits, Dixon recommends that we make sure they're accident-proof. "It is really important to bend over a few times and march in place a bit...the shifting should be minimal and [you] should always look in a three-way mirror before buying a suit."

Remember that you should wear what you're comfortable in--don't buy something that you plan to fit in when you lose five pounds, shop for your beautiful self now. And if you're self-conscious about your body, buy suits that flatter you best.

Fran Kauchner, designer of Silhouettes Swim Solutions, says, "Find a company that offers mix and match in different sizes and styles and can accommodate any body type. You can select a different style top with different style bottoms, and you can also mix and match color, like wearing a darker color on the bottom."

Feeling more confident yet? Here's a last thought from each expert.

Kauchner recommends, "Find a great cover up. Here's where you can play with color and length, even a sarong. [Get] other accessories to complete the look: Great sunglasses, hoops, bangles and sandals."

And Dixon warns against wearing underwear as a swimsuit, no matter how last minute your plans are. "Don't think you're fooling anyone, every woman on that beach will know that you are in your underwear! Plus, it will become see through and bag out when wet, there is a chance it will not stay tight enough around 'certain areas' that it needs to stay tight around."

Hopefully you've conquered your fears about swimsuits now that you're armed with lots of good advice, but to hear about other women's stories, check out Me Against My Swimsuit before you go splashing in the waves. Happy early Labor Day!

--Venus

It's widely understood that Muslim women don't don the latest from the Victoria's Secret swimwear line. In fact, prior to the conception of the "burqini," which is described as a wetsuit with a hood, there were no water-apropo outfits for Muslim women at all. The burqini isn't even an Islam-approved outfit: it's just a way for Muslim women to feel comfortable enough to go swimming by preventing them from exposing their bodies. It seemed like a way to keep everyone happy.

Well, everyone but the French government.

A Muslim woman was denied entrance to a public pool in France because she was "too clothed." And I'm having a hard time understanding any of the logic behind that.

The burqini: a problem for the French public pool system because, according to every online news source ever, it's not hygienic. The reasons behind this are a bit scattered: Some say it's because the burqini has no specific component to cover the genital area, which does make sense, especially since it's assumed that the pools ban swimming shorts with the same excuse. Others say the burqini isn't hygienic because it can be used as an everyday outfit and be worn in public, which could carry bacteria into the pool. I have a hard time accepting that as a reason since my own 18-year-old sister has a habit of wandering into gas station convenience stores to pick up bottles of Gatorade prior to beach trips in nothing but her bikini and flip-flops. Either way, the implementation of this rule is standard at public pools in France, not just a one-time scenario.

But I'm still not buying it, because since when is it okay for the democratic government to dictate what kind of bathing suit I wear?

France has been anti-burqa for a while, wanting to free Muslim women from the cotton-poly-blend oppression of their religion. But all the country is really doing is putting apparel restrictions on Muslim women, forbidding them from wearing what is most comfortable. I just hope Carla Bruni, the wife of French President Nicolas Sarkozy, doesn't have a "fat" day anytime soon, because she'd be screwed.

What do you think: Is the burqini issue all about hygiene? Is it another act of religious discrimination? Or is it just another example of the fashionable French telling us how to dress? Let me know. For now, I'll be cooling off in my parents' backyard in my bikini. Feel free to join--we have no dress code here.

--Remy Braun

 

 

Ever since accepting her infamous overnight celebrity, Susan Boyle has been flooded with praise and pleas alike from fans begging her to ditch the drab and find a style that matches her beautiful voice and even sweeter personality. And while the limelight may be new for her, she's certainly opened up to her rock star status and shed a little of the "cat lady" persona with various makeovers.

She's been flaunting some frump-free outfits, a bangin' new dye job and, in the September issue of Harper's Bazaar, she's all dolled up in designer duds and killer heels. But she does have a limit—though she'll indulge in a new dress or eye shadow here and there, she's not in the market for an image overhaul just yet, if ever.

No, instead of giving in to Botox and the raw food movement, Susan Boyle is perfectly content with being "short and plump...[and] looking like Susan Boyle," she says. So she'll continue working that crazy-amazing voice she's got with nothing but a snazzier wardrobe and the same down-to-earth attitude that she won't let get infected by the Hollywood bug. I think I just fell in love with her all over again.

See our style suggestions for Susan, and tell us what you think of Susan's "new" new look in the comments below.

—Remy Braun

Leggings aren't going anywhere this season. They're all over the fall lookbooks and actually coming in more colors (neon and animal print) and weirder materials (denim and leather).

Now, I'm always the first to say that black leggings are the way to go, but in this case, let your creative juices flow: By submitting a design for a pair of leggings, you could win a chance to design for 6126, Lindsay Lohan's legging line. (Let me just lull you to sleep with all my l's. Alliteration much?)

LL teamed up with FabSugar to create a contest, which is on now through August 14th, and the winner will receive $1,000, 6126 leggings, and the winning leggings will be featured in the Spring collection.

Interested? Read more and learn how to enter at FabSugar.com!

--Venus

The king of pop will live on, in our hearts and in our memories... And, now, in our closets too! Because we're tired of the "RIP MJ" tee's sold all over the sidewalks and are in search of something more fashionable, creative, and optimistic, we're so excited about these commemorative Michael Jackson montage tee's.

They are unisex designs created by architect and graphic designer Kobe Saki to celebrate the legendary Michael Jackson, and cost $27-$32 for regular athletic or fitted forms, and from $60-$90 for special edition versions (think bedazzled and original versions).

Saki also makes MJ montage posters, and you can find those along with the various t-shirts at his eBay store. We think it's a unique piece of history for a reasonable price!

--Venus

In the spring of 2001, French-born designer Catherine Malandrino debuted an American flag-printed silk dress, as a manifestation of her personal patriotism. She said, "America was a symbol of freedom and big open space. ... I wanted the dress to speak about America the way I saw it in my dreams."

Half a year later, 9/11 happened. Her dress, which once had significant personal meaning, evolved and became a reflection of patriotism on a national scale. In the name of unity, people and celebrities all across the country wore the flag dress in support of America, and it quickly became an icon.

Seven years later, in the fall of 2008, Obama was running for president. Change was taking place, and the flag dress was reissued in America. It was widely received, and after Obama was elected, celebrities from Meryl Streep to Heidi Klum were seen wearing the dress.

The Malandrino flag dress carries a history with it, and represents a key intersection between fashion and politics.

Fashion & Politics, incidentally, is also the name of the exhibit currently on at the FIT Museum, where the flag dress is being shown (pictured right) among many other items of such historical value. It opened on July 7th, and will be on until November 7th, 2009.

If you live in the city and haven't yet seen it, hurry over and see some priceless pieces of American history.

--Venus

The push-up bra has been around for decades, most notably since the Wonderbra rose to fame from the 70s through the 90s, and is a concept that has since been produced in every which way--from the original style to strapless style, from convertible to seamless, you name it.

Less famous, but perhaps equally appealing, is the push-up bikini top. It's the latest sensation to reign in the UK this summer--the "boob-job bikini"--introduced by Red Herring, a brand sold at Debenhams, a UK department store. Debenhams recently reported the bikini's sales are up 80 percent in comparison with sales of the other swimwear it offers.

The Daily Mail reported that Amanda Wain, swimwear buyer for Debenhams, said, "Research into womens' lingerie shopping habits revealed that 45 percent of all A to C cup bras sold are now "enhancing", indicating a great opportunity for swimwear manufacturers."

She continued, "With padded and push-up bras among the biggest growth areas in lingerie, we felt now was the perfect time to try these gel-filled bikini tops which give the same effect."

Wain also remarked, along the lines of what we were thinking ourselves, that this was an affordable alternative to those who might have been considering going under the knife to achieve similar results. Instead of paying for breast augmentation, invest in a gel-padded, breast boosting swimsuit for the days when you need to show 'em off.

Ladies, an investment worth making?

--Venus

Supermodel Lara Stone was the one to watch during the whole slew of fashion weeks, Paris in particular. Stone (pictured at right with designer Alexander Wang) walked for Chanel, Givenchy, and Gaultier among others, and is one of the most in-demand supermodels today. She also has a sizeable gap between her front teeth, a shapely body that has been compared to Bardot's, and, as the Guardian reports, is a US size 6 (that's a UK size 8).

While a size 6 isn't an accurate reflection of what the majority of American women look like, it still is a refreshingly positive change from the years of size-zero runway models with no curves to their bodies. After Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman's recent outburst regarding the health of too-skinny models and the designers who encourage tiny frames, Lara Stone serves as a new face for the powerful feminine supermodel we hope will soon come back to the runways.

--Venus

We're finding light at the end of the tunnel when we discover awesome new outlets for plus-size merchandise--Beth Ditto's line for Evans (pictured right), IGIGI's new affordable fast fashion, Faith21--but taking a moment to look back might reveal some new facts.

Even though there have been many angry accusations of "sizeism" over the recent cutbacks on plus-size offerings at stores like Liz Claiborne and Ann Taylor, Double X reports that the reason for the slashes on plus-size clothing has nothing to do with "fat phobia", but rather a drop in sales figures.

Citing reports that the recession has been especially hard on sales of plus-sizes with drops of 8 percent compared to regular sizes' 2 percent drop in the past year, the solution for many has been to cut larger sizes to save money.

We understand that a bad economy might force some companies to take drastic measures, but maybe instead of immediately cutting sizes, how about reconsideration and rethinking of strategy? If the average American woman is a size 16, then why did Ann Taylor just cut size 16? If it's not that there's a lack of interest, then maybe it's the clothing that should be rethought.

--Venus

What's the best accessory for that warm summer glow we've all been working on?

A jewel-toned dress to show off bronzed skin, like this embellished one by Maggy London.

The Stolen Girlfriends Club was formed back in 2005, but it has since amassed a cult following from the likes of Kate Bosworth and Rumi Neely of popular blog Fashion Toast. 

Their clothing, inspired by edgy detailing and bold shapes, is increasingly well-received by the younger generation of fashionistas--those who enjoy wearing carefully patterned cobweb leggings and delicately pieced paperclipped dresses.

A favorite from their collection is this pair of silk bandage cut-out leggings ($149 at PixieMarket.com).

I think this pair strikes the perfect balance.  Definitely not boring, and not too edgy--I don't feel as though I'll get weird stares as I walk down the street!

Love 'em or hate 'em? If you're a fan, here are 9 more ways to rock leggings.

--Venus

I've been on a hunt for a safari dress of the colorful kind. I've seen khaki, I've seen black--but bright yellow, now that's hard to find.

Upon laying my eyes on the Stretch Belted Safari Dress, an Izaac Mizrahi creation for Liz Claiborne New York, I was delighted!

It's just what I want to wear for the upcoming summer barbecues. It makes a statement with it's fabulous hue, but is subdued when it comes to the "too-much-skin" department. It will go great with beige espadrilles or brown flip-flops for sure.

Like it? Love it? Here's the 411: It is $79.99 at LizClaiborne.com. It used to be $119--it's on sale, so you'll save 33 percent off. And if yellow is not your thing, you can get it in the usual khaki.

Check out the Deal of the Day gallery daily to feed your shopping fix on a routine basis.

--Ysolt

I'm reluctant to believe that the denim that I've come to love so much might be giving me nerve problems. It's called "meralgia paresthetica"--in other words: tingly thigh syndrome. A sufferer describes the feeling in a recent New York Magazine article as, "like my leg had gone to sleep."

That doesn't sound too serious. Sometimes my legs or feet feel that way when I've been sitting a certain way for a long period of time. It goes away after several seconds--no biggie.

But just how serious is "meralgia paresthetica," I wonder? Apparently, it's a common condition among construction workers, pregnant women and obese people. Young, fit women are rarely afflicted with this issue. (Okay, so my skinny jeans and I might be in the clear.) Plus, the nerve problem is hardly ever permanent. Whew!

I don't know about you, but I'm holding onto my skinny jeans until they're out of style again. I don't mind suffering through the temporary occasions of tingly thighs. I'll just take note of what Dr. William Madosky, a chiropractic physician, advises in the article: "The key is, you remove the pressure, and the nerve regenerates."

So, no worries. I think our biggest concern when wearing slim denim is the illustrious muffin top.

--Ysolt

Pictured: Exclusive Work Denim Zipper Skinny Jeans ($205 at MadisonLosAngeles.com)

My mom and dad are actually away on vacay right now, but when they're back in town, we'll be celebrating Mother's Day by going to brunch. I'm giving my mom a gift certificate to get a facial, and this super-cute Sex and the City Eco Friendly Stiletto Shoe Bag ($12.99 at HBO.com/store).

Research shows that 62 percent of all American women (18 and older) wear a size 12 or larger. With that said, it's a wonder to me that the plus-size market is still often overlooked in the media. Nancy LeWinter, a plus-size fashion expert from OneStopPlus.com (a plus-size webmall), agrees. "Fashion is fashion no matter what your size [is]," she says.

Amen to that, Nancy!

I also have to applaud Harper's Bazaar Australia. In a recent issue, the magazine featured an editorial spread with plus-size model Crystal Renn (who's a size 12). The pictures highlight her voluptuous curves and celebrate her uber-sexy figure.

Just gorgeous!

The Obamas hit London, which means it's time for me to do a slideshow on Michelle Obama's style. Duh.

I just love our First Lady--but probably not as much as J.Crew. Everything Michelle wears (if it can even be found on racks, that is) turns to gold. I just checked today and the Crystal Constellation Cardigan she wore at Downing Street (which retails for a whopping $298) is sold out! The Dazzling Dots Pencil Skirt (which will set you back $158)--love love love this--is probably the next to go. As of 3:18 p.m. today, it's still available on their site so hurry!!!

I don't know about you, but I don't quite have the budget to splurge on $300 cardigans and skirts that are dancing around $200. (Not to mention, I'm supposed to be on a shopping hiatus this week in the name of iVillage research.) So, if you want Michelle Obama's London style for less, go here >>

Affordable Ways to Get Michelle Obama's G-20 Style

Happy (frugal) shopping!

--Ysolt

No doubt about it - the economy is in a pretty dire place currently.

What we may not all be fully appreciating is that there is a delicious flip side to this problem.

All the time, I will get calls from friends, hearing about sudden crazy sales at our very stores. Why is this? A less-than-stellar holiday shopping season paired with the recession has people hesitant to shop - meaning it's the best time ever to! (Think back to those economics classes in high school. It's all an issue of supply and demand.)

For instance, yesterday I read about a "wardrobe bailout" sale going on at Mandee. This is a store that has been a staple since I was a kid and needed that quick date-night accessory. They are offering you a 20% discount with promo code BAILOUT throughout their site.

Clearly, buying a hot new belt will not fix the economy. But it will go a long way toward making us feel good despite what is going on.

-- Aly

Maybe it's the excitement of a new era, but it seems lately everyone who anyone is wearing the creations of little-known designers.

The trend seemed to start at the inauguration, when the glamorous First Lady Michelle Obama's inaugural ball gown was designed by emerging sensation Jason Wu. Fast forward to last week's Grammy red carpet, and the trend was unmistakable.

India Jordan, the 17-year-old daughter (right) of R&B artist Eric Benét wore a fun and flirty look from BG Haute's debut spring 2009 collection. The same night, Sheryl Crow went glam in a blue Toni Maticevski gown with an asymmetrical draped bodice and long train, and Jordin Sparks wore a gray, strapless, rose-printed Debra Davenport dress with an asymmetrical bodice.

What's all this about? Has the changing (i.e. comatose) economy made us tired of all that established and itching for new blood? It's been a long time coming. This week is Fashion Week, and the promised trend-inspiring runway looks have thus far been pretty, but far from inspirational. Maybe by next season, the new breath will make its way to the tents - and to, we hope, our closets!

--Aly

  No, it wasn't some haute couture, high-fashion designer label. During today's inauguration, Malia and Sasha Obama were donning J. Crew coats! Michelle Obama was wearing gloves from the store, too. Mrs. O wasn't kidding when she told Jay Leno, "You can get some good stuff online."

Check out J. Crew's children's line, CrewCuts, to style your little ones like the Obama girls.

 

--Ysolt

Yellow signifies hope, optimism and change, experts say. I couldn't agree with them more. I loved that Michelle Obama wore the bright hue by Isabel Toledo, a Cuban-American designer who previously dressed Michelle for a Vogue fundraiser.

Watch this for more on inauguration fashion:

As we gear up for a new commander-in-chief to take office, the question on everyone's lips is: What will America's new first lady wear to her husband's swearing-in soiree? We're all at the edge of our seats. Many of us have already started regarding Michelle Obama a style icon before she even becomes our official First Lady. So what will the fabulously fashionable Mrs. O slip into for the big ball on January 20, 2009?

eBay Style Director, Constance White, says "No matter what she wears on Inauguration day, Michelle Obama's singular style will make her the woman to watch for the next four years. She is a shot in the arm for American fashion, and dare I say, the most stylish first lady in four decades. Her choice of designers is modern and fresh; her look is accessible, aspirational and, most importantly, affordable."

Not only is Mrs. O a fashionista to be reckoned with, many of her ensembles are affordable. Her wardrobe consists of items from J Crew and H&M! For her designer duds, you may have to splurge (or not). This summer she donned a black and white floral frock from Donna Ricco on The View.  It was sold out practically everywhere, so many Obama fans turned to eBay. Some fashion fiends even bought a similar number to Michelle's purple dress (you know, the one she wore with those oversized pearls and black leather belt) and yellow cardigan.

--Ysolt

Are you a fan of Michelle Obama's style?

I still remember it like it was yesterday--prom night '98. I was a senior in high school and I thought, tonight is my night. I have the perfect dress, the coolest date (or so I thought), and nothing could stop me. Well nothing until I stepped into the ballroom and spotted this girl from my art class (who I was not remotely fond of) wearing the same exact dress. Ugh.

It was the worst that could have happened. No one likes a dress-twin. It's a special night, after all. You want to feel unique and special, goodness gracious. When your doppelganger steps into the room, all those "prettified" efforts go to waste.

To avoid moments like this, DressRegistry.com will allow you to register your ensembles before special events. That way, you can find out who's wearing what and make your outfit decisions accordingly.

 

--Ysolt

 

Have you been the victim of a dress doppelganger?

This past New Year's Eve festivities required a little pick-me-up. By that, I mean I needed some "chicken cutlets" as some ladies call 'em to hold up the "girls" in my little black dress. At 21, this was never an issue -- then, I didn't need a thing to push anything up. Now that I'm pushing 30, I can't help but notice a bit of a sag. It's a drag, really.

Luckily, I used the Fashion Forms' Red Carpet Ready kit by Melissa Rivers, which included strap tamers, silicone gel petals, lingerie tape, and an adhesive body bra. And the best part is, they come in this really cute evening clutch.

The outcome: Cleavage success!

I know the holidays are done and over with now, but odds are you'll be wearing snazzy cocktail dresses in the months to come (especially with Valentine's Day and warmer weather looming).

 

--Ysolt

 

What do you use to hold up the "girls" ??

Granted it may not be real-real--I mean, who goes from Teen Vogue intern to fashion force to be reckoned with in a matter of a couple of years?!--I still can't help but love The Hills. And now, The City?! Say it ain't so! I know the fashion-fiend in me will watch the "reality" show religiously if just to see the fab ensembles. After all, Whitney Port is sooo my fave on the fashion front! Which Hills girl are you most like in terms of style?

--Ysolt

Are you going to tune into MTV's The City on December 29?