Funny.

So, NY mag has this video of Ms. Wintour, the second most powerful fashion editor, running at the end of Derek Lam's show. I've never seen her do this, but maybe I haven't been to enough shows with her. Regardless, it's pretty hilarious. And right in front of her is one of my favorite fashion writers, Kate Betts of Time's Style and Design supplement. She seems to be walking, though.

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...

Things I'm Loving

As I'm sure you are well aware, it's that time of year again: Fashion Week has come to New York! I'm lucky enough to be attending quite a few shows this time around, and working on some fun stories as well. But instead of harping on the fact that I was sitting one row away from Chace Crawford, Ashley Olsen and Jessica Szohr (Vanessa on GG) and Matthew Settle (Rufus), I want to discuss things I'm loving this fall, whether they have to do with fashion or not...

The Gap--I'm not sure Gap's new initiative will make them any money but I do know that I heart the clothes! I picked up the popover dress, $58, in black and white and am looking forward to another blouse that should be on sale soon.

Mad Men--Great show. Great cinematography. Amazing fashion. Amazing sets. And did I mention thought-out character development? This show has it all.

Jenni Kayne--The LA-based designer turned out a gorgeous Spring 09 collection that feature a sunny yellow silk blouse and pink, blue and yellow on white floral dress that were must-haves.

BOY--I have mentioned my love for BOY, Scott Sternberg's girly label, but this Spring I. Want. Everything. No, really. Everything. He captures my desired aesthetic so. freakin. well.

Exposed brick. Get over your disdain. It's pretty.

Eating lunch at Ikea. 

Brideshead Revisited (the book). I just love the English class system, don't you?

But enough about me. What are you excited about this fall?

Poncho? Please.

I'm stuck in the airport so I figure this would be a good time to lament on the "comeback" of the poncho. Every year, I feel as though the poncho is resurrected, with little response from consumers. Again, today, Style.com writes about the stylishness of the poncho.

Here's where I stand: Ponchos are ugly. It's not about the fact that they're shapeless, made from itchy/unflattering fabric and just overall cheesy. It's the fact that every year, someone tries to make them cool. Why is that? Who actually thinks these things are good-looking? Even if you're into the whole Southwestern look--you know, turquoise, fringe, what-have-you--the poncho just looks plain ol' silly.

Capes, on the other hand, I love. Maybe it's because they cut more of a clean line, or maybe it's because the girls who usually wear them are insanely stylish, and usually French. Regardless, if for some reason you're aching to buy a poncho this fall, remember that a short leather jacket will last forever. A flimsy draping of wool, however, will not.

Beauty Secret Alert: Penelope's Red

I've found it: the perfect red lipstick. No, really. It looks good on everyone.

Mac's Russian Red is too orange for many, while Chanel's Fire is pretty but a little too pink for some. The perfect red, in my opinion, is by none other than Revlon. My friend Marisa found it, and I must say she did us all a favor. Named after Revlon spokesmodel Penelope Cruz, the color looks good on fair skinned, dark-haired girls like me, pale red heads like Marisa, freckled gals like my friend Anna, and tanned, blond ladies like my Aunt Barb. Try it. You won't be sorry.

Is Expensive Food a Trick or Treat?

Soooo. As I'm sure all of you know, Saturday is my birthday. I am looking forward to a leisurely dinner with friends then a nice, celebratory party with even more friends.

The night before, the bf and I are going to dinner at Scarpetta in Manhattan. It's a new Italian spot helmed by a hip chef--the place received THREE STARS from Frank Bruni at the New York Times. I think that means it's good? One of the signature dishes is foie gras ravioli. Sounds a bit too rich for me, but we'll see tomorrow night!

The prices are moderate, meaning the meal will cost about $120 for the two of us--since we don't do wine--but really, is one meal worth it?

This is the question I ask myself again and again. Sure the food will (hopefully) be impressive, the atmosphere buzzy, but whether or not my lovely, generous bf should be spending that much for a romantic dinner is undecided. But I suppose I should feel lucky that I even have the choice.

Why Are Sales So Good?

Allow me to put my financial reporter hat on for one moment:

Sales this summer are so great because the economy isn't so great, and less people want to spend money on the middle market. People are either trading up or trading down, which means they're wearing Target or Zac Posen, and nothing in between.

Reporter hat off:

Get thee to Barneys, or Nordstrom or your favorite indie boutique NOW! I got this Mayle blouse at the Co-op for 80% off, and at Bird I scored a Mociun skirt for half the original price. If you love designers like Lyell, Mayle, Alexander Wang and Phillip Lim--all mid-market favorites--you'll be able to score in the stores. However, sizes are always limited, so be prepared to do a LOT of shopping.

What are some of your best buys this summer? Share in the comment section below.