StyleSpy with Katrina Szish

HAPPY HALLOWEEN, fellow style mavens!

As promised, a snapshot of my Jack-O-Lantern, hand carved by Mr. Husband.
He wanted it to look scary, I wanted it to look cute (guess who won?!).

Anyway, some of you may recall my affinity for all things skull-and-crossbones (you may review HERE and get another look at that Alexander McQueen minaudiere).

In honor of this spooky day, I rounded up some of my current cranium favorites, both silly and spectacular (even on sale!).

1.  Ok, so this is my Halloween treat to myself.  No lie, I just bought a pair three minutes ago.  Run don't walk, they're almost sold out -- 40% off at Net-A-Porter.com ($297 -- frighteningly inexpensive, all things considered)!

Buy now at Net-A-Porter.com

2.  Not scary, Skurvy!  Paul Frank puts the "joy" in joy ride.

Details at PaulFrank.com

3.  Over the top?  No such thing.  This Corum Artisan Classical Vanitas watch features a 42mm diamond case, a diamond bezel, a hand-painted skull design and a black crocodile strap.

Details at Lussori.com

3.  Hip baby alert!  For infants -- from Vans, of course.

From $20 at Vans.com

4.  What would "I" Candy be without candy?!  I live for gummies,
and these macabre confections just kill me.

Package of 45, $6.95, at DeadMenTellNoTales.com

5.  Finally, my all-time favorite accessory is the tattoo inside my left wrist (Mr. Husband has a matching one).  I made mine look extra-creepy in this picture with Photo Shop -- my skin isn't actually yellow, nor does it glow.

From Hardcore Tattoos, 127 Stanton Street, NYC

There's only one thing left to say...

BOO!

It's not even Halloween yet, but New York City is already in the holiday spirit.  Lampposts in the Seaport are decked with twinkling stars.  The windows at Henri Bendel's on Fifth Avenue have been transformed into a winter wonderland.  Skaters are spinning at the ice rink in Rockefeller Center.

And, although I am really excited about tomorrow (CANDY!  COSTUMES!  MORE CANDY! Plus my husband and I carved the cutest -- I don't do scary -- jack-o-lantern last night; check back tomorrow for pictures), I am already having visions of sugarplums (figuratively, as I really don't know what sugarplums are...anyone??).  Translation:  Holiday shopping! Wrapping!  Entertaining!...right around the corner.  And, call me crazy, but I love every minute of it.

My mom is the best gift-wrapper in the universe (yep, even better than you-know-who), so I have learned the importance of a beautifully wrapped gift.  It shows the receiver that you care.  It is a preview of the treasure that lies within.

Your gift wrapping style is also a reflection of your personal style.  Do your gifts give off a Valentino vibe?  The look of a Louboutin?  A rugged L.L. Bean sensibility?  Or do you just let the store do the wrapping?  Or perhaps do the gift bag-topped-with-tissue paper thing?   My mom's motto: "Hide the uglies"  -- suddenly makes a lot of sense, doesn't it?!  It's truly amazing what you can do with double-stick tape.

My wrap-style hovers somewhere between Ralph-Lauren-Hits-Vegas and Jonathan-Adler-Does-Tokyo, i.e. kitschy-classic chic.  Red and green?  Nope.  Try graphic black and white.  Gold paper with velvet ribbon??  Nah.  Flamingo pink with yellow polka-dot ribbon is way more fun.  The season is steeped in tradition, so why not do the unexpected?  You don't have to wrap holiday presents with holiday paper.

Presentation is key to style, so after wrapping mounds of gifts and tying boatfuls of bows, why pack all that prettiness in a bland cardboard box for shipping?  Hand-decorating boxes can be time-consuming (I've tried), and I've since discovered an easier solution: Custom-printed mailing labels (take a look at iomoi.com) topped off with groovy packing tape, just like this (from Fred Flare.com, $8, buy it now!):

Essentially you'll have a gift within a gift within a gift.  The triple threat.

So, choose your gift-wrapping style mindfully, perfect your bow-making abilities (or get crafty with paper cut-outs and a glue stick), and take yet another step towards living life with style.

That's a wrap.

The ultimate symbol of flirty femininity -- THE BOW -- is making it's BIGGEST statement in years, both literally and figuratively.  Not delicate and dainty, these are statement bows, prominently placed on shoes, handbags, clothing...and even on the runway.  Karl Lagerfeld used a larger-than-life version to dress up the Chanel catwalk at his recent Spring 2008 Paris show. 

Photo courtesy of Khayat-Nebinger-Orban-Taamallah/Abaca

But, I am pleased to report that there's no need to wait until next Spring to get in on the trend. 

Here, my shopping wishlist of the ten best bows you can buy RIGHT NOW.

1.  CHRISTIAN LACROIX COCKTAIL DRESS

Available at Net-A-Porter.com, $4185

2.  VALENTINO SATIN CLUTCH

Available at BergdorfGoodman.com, $850

3.  BETSEY JOHNSON "WESTON" SHOE

Available at BetseyJohnson.com, $190

4.  CORTO MOLTEDO SUSAN BOW BOX CLUTCH

Available at Net-A-Porter.com, $1310

5.  AGENT PROVOCATEUR "MARILYN" GARTER AND BRIEF

Available at AgentProvocateur.com, $55 and $110

6.  MISS DIOR CHERIE EAU DE PARFUM

Available at NiemanMarcus.com, from $65

7.  PHILOSOPHY DI ALBERTA FERRETTI SWEATER

Available at Net-A-Porter.com, $880

8.  BETSEY JOHNSON RHINESTONE RING

Available at BetseyJohnson.com, $50

9.  HOLLYWOULD FOR TARGET "MONROE" BAG

Available at Target stores nationwide, $19.99

10.  MIU MIU CALF BOW BOOT

Available at SaksFifthAvenue.com, $995

Hunter Wellington boots, that is.

KATE MOSS IN HUNTER BOOTS, GLASTONBURY U.K.

Image from BGlam.com

It's soggy in New York City, and the most stylish women are sporting Hunter waterproof boots.  I've seen them paired with sweater dresses, Mod mini dresses, pencil skirts and men's trousers, and the result is consistently chic.  The palette of choice is muted: Green and navy feel decidedly more modern than bubblegum pink and baby blue. 

For extra autumn style points, start with a pair of fleece Welly Warmers (in a subtly contrasting color) that peek over the top of the boot. 

The warmers not only feel cozy, but they also add a feminine quality to these gutsy galoshes.

Images from Wellie-boots.com

Hunters were created in Scotland in 1856, as a means of combating unpredictable weather and navigating rugged terrain.  And more than 150 years later, they prove just as relevant in the heart of N.Y.C. 

Image from Wellie-boots.com

You can get your own piece of history for less than $100 at Zappos.com. 

What does one wear to the kick-off party of an exclusive, members-only social club?   If you're celebrating the much-anticipated launch of The Supper Club New York, try this:

A white men's shirt cinched with a 3.1 Phillip Lim tuxedo-bow belt; a voluminous miniskirt and dark opaque tights; or a rhinestone-dusted, bias-cut dress that makes everyone see stars -- in a good way.  The must-have accessory?  A glass of Krug champagne.

Besides summer-like temperatures, there was nothing stuffy about this event.  No secret V.I.P. areas, no snooty security guards.  Instead, four hundred fashionable revelers (including Nigel Barker, designer Sue Stemp, and multiple Missonis) mingled and munched (no posturing or posing) while the deejay spun a masterful mix ranging from The Cure to The Crystals. (For the full 411 on the who's who of attendees, check out David Hauslaib's Jossip.com report).

And, this is all thanks to Tamsin Lonsdale (above right, with Kate Schelter (left) and Jennifer Missoni).  Lonsdale, British social maven and daughter of denim magnate Tony Lonsdale and 70's supermodel Chekkie Maskell, has turned socializing into a veritable art -- and a lucrative business.  She is the mastermind behind the wildly successful Supper Club London, and she's currently planning global expansion.  And last night, when she took over Gramercy Park's National Arts Club and graciously greeted every guest (no matter how much they were sweating), she gave New Yorkers a true taste of how to party with style.

Tamsin, welcome to New York!

Paul Smith is the master of mix, known for offsetting refined Savile Row tailoring with colorful contrasting details.  He became a designer by default when his dream of becoming a professional cyclist was halted by an accident (he spent six months in the hospital).  He collects rabbits (not real ones).  He once told me during an interview at his atelier in London: "You have a very nice nose."  He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2001, and got married the same day.  He's big in Japan.

The designer also has a thing for multi-colored stripes.  Here, a look from his Spring 2008 collection.

These stripes decorate his namesake shopping bags; they pop up as his "favicon" when you type his URL into your browser.  He has applied them to socks, pumps, handbags, fine china...

...Ipod cases, disposable cameras and area rugs (below).

He even customized a Mini Cooper with them.  They have become his fingerprint.

All images from Paul Smith 

What's the story behind these ubiquitous stripes?  StyleSpy went straight to the source:

StyleSpy:  When did you develop your affinity for stripes?

PAUL SMITH: When I was starting my career with very little money and no business,the only fabrics available to me were from merchants that carried stock, and the fabric for shirts was always plain white or simple classic stripes, for example navy and white, burgundy and white. I had no alternative but to use these for my shirts, but in fact this [limitation] gave me the idea about "Classic with a twist," which means simple fabrics, simple designs but always with the unexpected. A coloured buttonhole and unusual button, contrast cuffs...This gave me my signature which continues to this day.

StyleSpy:  What inspired you to create this particular stripe pattern?

PAUL SMITH: After many years of using every combination of simple stripes, I decided to try to work on "the definitive stripe," and I came up with a stripe which had 28 different colours in it.  That would have been ridiculously expensive to make, so I cut it down to 14 and decided to print it rather than have it as a woven stripe. I showed it in my next collection thinking that it would be just for one season but then when the following season I didn't have the stripe in the collection all my customers said "WHERE IS THE STRIPE?" and so I continued to use it, and it has become my "logo."

StyleSpy:  How does "the definitive stripe" reflect your design aesthetic?

PAUL SMITH: I think the stripe is happy and optimistic and I hope that reflects my own personality.

StyleSpy:  Does the pattern transcend seasonal trends?

PAUL SMITH: Sometimes it feels more correct and sometimes it's not, but it is mine and it's here to stay.

On October 4th, I posted an item about the gorgeous Ferragamo pheasant feather bag that Sarah Jessica Parker was toting on the Sex and the City set, yet the keen eye of one of our StyleSpy friends also zoned in on the shoes.

"Ruffled and feathered.......always glamorous Sarah Jessica.......but what about her "well-heeled" pumps!  Loved them!  Does the StyleSpy have a scoop on them?" posted by Sadie Lady

I immediately checked in with our accessories director, Meggan Crum, who was kind enough to squint at the jpeg on her blackberry while running between shows in Paris.  Her immediate thought:  Custom Manolos.  After a bit more sleuthing, StyleSpy learned that the shoes are, in fact, Manolo Blahniks (Meggan = Rockstar).  Specifically, the Bebek in flesh-colored leather, sans ornamentation.  No confirmation yet as to when and where -- or if -- they will be available for purchase.

So I've determined that the color of the moment is PUNCHY PINKY-PURPLE. 

It all started when I woke up feeling inspired by a silk taffeta dress from designer Julie Haus' Fall collection.  I stopped by her (AMAZING!!!) Spring '08 presentation at Pop Burger two nights ago, so I had Julie and her spectacular palette on the brain.

Image from JulieHaus.com

Then...OMG!...I remembered I already own the Mac Lacquer lipgloss in almost the exact same shade. It's called Veneer. Yep, wearing it now -- not avec dress, of course.  I'm so pleased with it that I've actually been reapplying.

Image from MacCosmetics.com

The hue is not as electric as neon pink, not as rich as magenta. 

On the Pantone color spectrum (of course I looked it up), it seems to be a hybrid of 813 C and 2385 C.

Image from Pantone.com

And, I've discovered that I'm not alone in my pinky-purple haze.

Alexis Bittar handcrafted this lucite cocktail ring...

Image from AlexisBittar.com

Christian Louboutin added a fuschia flourish to his grafitti pumps...

Image from SaksFifthAvenue.com

And check out this Alessi kitchen timer!  This color trend even extends into the world of interiors.

Image from Retromodern.com

Just remember (I keep reminding myself):  As with all good things, moderation is key.

MUST. HAVE. THIS. CLUTCH.

Yes, yes -- skulls have become a smidge overexposed in the past few years but no matter.  I have been a staunch supporter of the icon long before it hit It-item status, and I will remain one long after the trend dies.  To me, the symbol represents strength, power, and the desire to live life to the fullest.

Without fail, every time I sport a skull piece people get a huge kick out of asking me if I'm a pirate.  Um, that would be a no.  Some have even bellowed, "ARRRRGH." 

I'm not a Goth Girl, a headbanger, or a Harley chick, therefore the shock value of pairing this edgy image with a gorgeous evening gown, a conservative cashmere sweater or a ladylike blouse is priceless.

Besides a slew of Paul Frank Skurvy items (including flannel PJs, metal drawer pulls and an autographed pink skateboard), I've collected cufflinks from Paul Smith, hats and totes and tuxedo studs from Ralph Lauren, vinyl toys from Asia, band-aids, Hello Kitty skull socks from Anna Sui, fine jewelry, porcelain plates, and custom-made lingerie.  I even have a skull-and-bones tattoo on the inside of my left wrist.  Seriously.

I tend to like my skulls simple -- no protruding eyeballs, mean grimaces or shimmering embellishments.

However, since this decadent and dangerous little Alexander McQueen gem exemplifies that brilliant juxtaposition of luxe and louche, I'm making an exception.

Alexander McQueen clutch, $1,010 at Net-A-Porter.com

Images from Net-A-Porter.com

Hey everyone, Oompaloompa just sent a comment about the Jiffy ESTEAM (featured below) and offered an excellent, spy-worthy tip that must be shared:

"The travel steamer can also double as a tea kettle (it boils the water to make the steam) when you are on those remote shoots and need a nice warm cup of tea!!" -- oompaloompa

I have actually used mine to boil water for instant oatmeal and Cup-of-Soup...great tip!!