Weekend Wear for the Young and Modern

In high school, in college, even in the first couple years of work, women have a distinctly different wardrobe for weekdays and weekends. Weekday looks are cute and calm; the weekend is when you show off your newest, freshest duds, whether at a friend's house party or indie night at the local club. That new vintage dress, pastel silk blouse or zany-colored tights are most impressive when you're out and about, not stuck at a desk.

By our mid-20s, we're likely to be more confident in our position in the workplace, which means we start to show off our personality a bit more through dress. That also means wearing your favorite weekend looks on the weekdays. For instance, I wear dresses and skirts to work regularly, often paired with red, purple or pink tights, sky-high platforms and frilly blouses. Other days I'm more subdued in jeans, a button down and Keds, loafers or pumps. It's nice to get great use out of the clothes I've invested in.

But here's the thing: Now that I wear all my star pieces to the office, I'm kind of at a loss for what to wear on the weekends. By Saturday, I'm sick of wearing tights and frankly, even nice jeans. I'd like to spend those 48 hours in sweats. And while I do indeed where sweats often, I'm often looking for something a bit more. Because let's face it: The reason why we consider certain clothes special is because they make us feel special. Thus, I'd like to find some unique, comfortable weekend wear, meaning clothes that I wouldn't want to flaunt at work but enjoy wearing on my days off.

Getting A Seat At A-List Shows

As a member of the business press, some designers deem me important, others certainly do not. Therefore I get invited to some excellent shows without requesting a seat. Others, on the other hand, I'd have to beg for if I wanted to go. (Hello, MJ!)

This year, I requested only one invite--Phillip Lim-- a show I've attended for four seasons now but have never officially been invited to. Every year, I'm stuck with a last-minute standing assignment. (For many, a "standing" assignment is the kiss of death, but I have been willing to suffer through those 15 minutes of rubbernecking to get a first-hand glimpse of Lim's new collection.)

The big guns came out for this one, including my idol Suzy Menkes, as well as the Voguettes and Nina Garcia and every single buyer on the earth, since his stuff does so well in retail. I am proud to announce I did get seated this year, and my spot wasn't too awful!

The clothes were pretty good (wouldn't the above dress suit me well?), but couldn't touch Narciso Rodriguez's collection, which really impressed. I think I might just email their pr girl about Fall 2009 seating right now...

I Love You, Shoe

I've never been a big shoe person -- I tend to stick with flats and Converse or Keds -- and I've been that way since childhood. I don't think I ever truly adjusted to wearing heels. On the days I do attempt to slip on anything above 1.5 inches, I tend to look like a teetering fool. I suppose I'm lucky at 5'8" -- I have no need to wear uncomfortable clompers unless I really want to.

However, the sculptural shoe styles that have become more popular in the last couple of seasons are making me reconsider my anti-height stance. I loved Marc Jacobs inverted heel/wedge contraption for spring, but my heart really belongs to Tashkent by Cheyenne. The designer's Greco-inspired wedges -- with twists and turns and unexpected textures and colors -- still look fresh after debuting about two years ago. I finally got my hands on a pair, deeply-discounted of course, at my local boutique.

Who are your new favorite shoe designers?

Who Will Fill Isaacs Shoes?

As many of you may have heard, Isaac Mizrahi is leaving Target and moving to Liz Claiborne to head up their more-than-struggling women's wear line. As exciting as the rebirth of Liz Claiborne may sound, the news worries me. What will happen to Target's apparel sales? The Go International line does OK, but I have a hunch it's Mizrahi that really brings in the bucks. Here is some speculation on who might become the new face of Target fashion.

Possible Picks:
Michael Kors. He has a strong personality and and designs that are classic enough for the masses. Plus, he's already famous, thanks to Project Runway.

Nicole Miller. She's done well with her line for J.C. Penney's.

My Pick:
Kate Spade. The preppy handbag queen just got bought out -- by Liz Claiborne, actually. She's got the style and humor to match Target perfectly. And really, what is she up to other than decorating her summer home in the Hamptons in anticipation of May 2008? We're not sure. Kate, save Target!

(One little problem with KS, though -- I have a feeling she sold her actually NAME to LC, which means they'd have to name the line something different).

I Heart Members Only

Sorry I've been MIA everyone. I had quite a busy week and would like to share some of it with you. First off, did I ever tell you I've a special place in my heart for 1980s threads? As much as I would love to wear '40s style head-to-toe, the '80s are so easy: preppy plaids, booties, leggings, berets. I've got them all, and I flaunt them all.

So, of course, I was thrilled when my friend Julia told me she'd be designing a new women's line for '80s brand Members Only. The looks come straight from the decade and include acid wash jeans and gold lamé bomber jackets. The launch party was upstairs at the Bowery Hotel, but I have to say, it's the leaving gift that made me the happiest. A dead stock Members Only jacket in red. Congrats, Julia!

Styled Social Networking

I recently received an email from FashionQuarters.com, the new social networking site for fashion industry professionals. There's no need to place your pin-up photo on a profile, ala MySpace or Facebook. Fashion Quarters -- still in Beta -- is strictly business. Thus far, the site looks like in might be a fairly useful tool for those working in the industry.

I've already printed out the PR contact list for easy reference, and job postings are increasing by the day.

One suggestion: give it some personality. At the moment, the page is bland and boring (but thankfully not shocking pink).