According to People Style Watch, here are 2009's biggest fashion trends (view slideshow and vote on them here):

picture source: peoplestylewatch.com

1. suiting dresses (yes - menswear fabrics like wool plaids - I have one from Banana and 1 from Nanette Lepore, love them both)

2. lace tights (yes - got mine from Banana)

3. cuffed khakis (no - I don't think this was really a "trend")

4. formal short shorts (yuck - "trend" if you're tacky like Heidi Montag)

5. fingerless gloves (sorry, no)

6. thigh high boots and jeans (done right these can be very cool, but I didn't buy any this year)

7. fur vests (no - not a vest person)

8. tie-dye jeans (hell no)

9. cross-body bags (no, boring)

10. black leather pants (come on, not a "trend" these are classic for every year)

11. multi color pearls (pearls were big in general, didn't have to be multi color)

12. jean jackets and maxidresses (no)

13. fringed sandals (hell no)

14. cropped harem pants (hell no)

15. denim vests (again, not a vest person)

16. ripped black jeans (yes, ripped jeans but not in black)

17. exaggerated shoulders (most can't pull this off, ok if it's Balmain...)

18. cut-out sides (these have been around for years - think Black Halo dresses)

19. gray leopard print (okay but didn't buy this year)

20. puff-sleeve dresses (weah - that means no)

"If the doorman at Bergdorf Goodman seems a little more cheerful than usual this holiday season, or a salesman at Prada or Hermès offers to find a pair of shoes in your size without rolling an eye, do not act so surprised. Retailers are being extra nice, and not just to the regulars."

Excerpt from the New York Times, 'During a Recession, Holiday Shoppers Are Given A Hero's Welcome' by Eric Wilson

Yay, good news for common man!  It's about time!

This morning as I was putting on my J. Crew toothpick jeans, I was thinking about one of my very first Flairvoyant posts, "Skinny Jeans: Approach with Caution", written on July 11, 2006... I actually said, "Personally, I think they look pretty dumb even on skinny people".... wow, how things change... how seeing something over, and over, and over changes your perception...

J. Crew Ankle Stretch Toothpick Jean in twilight wash, $125 

I definitely still think large people should not wear this look. That may seem mean, but we all should wear things that are flattering... To me, that is common sense and a lot of what fashion is about... I mean, really, fashion is about looking good, right?

Anyway, these toothpick jeans are the most narrow ones I have now, and putting them on reminded me of 8th grade when tapered jeans (that's what they called them back then) were in style - - I actually sewed a pair of jeans super, super narrow because you couldn't buy them like that.  (I had my own sewing machine, pretty cool, right?)

PS - I did retract my dislike of skinny jean on Sept. 26, 2006 (see entry)... so I havn't been that slow.

Tiffany's has a nice gift guide, with many surprisingly affordable options.

For example, this Elsa Peretti Color by the Yard necklace in sterling and aquamarine is a quite reasonable $125. 

Tiffany Key Pendant, 2" long in sterling silver, $175.

Tiffany Snowflake earrings in sterling silver, $175

A gift in the Tiffany blue box is always nice...

I received my J. Crew Holiday catalog in the mail yesterday. They used a beautiful matte paper for the cover and finished it with metallic text... talk about getting all the details right...

Anyway, it's a treasure trove of great gifts... and things for one's self of course!  They also have a nifty gift guide on the site, here.

I love this dramatic necklace, the Salon Necklace, $150. It's a cool tangle of chains in gold plated brass with glass stones. A bit expensive perhaps for costume jewelry, but it's quite a statement piece.

Here's an interesting tee shirt designed by Stella McCartney for Gap's (PRODUCT) RED line. 50% of the profits go to the global fund to fight AIDS.

Stella T, $28

It's quirky.  I think I like it more than I dislike it. The printed-on necklaces are a bit weird, but maybe cool-weird.  Generally, I'd rather just wear necklaces...

I was out and about over the weekend, running errands, shopping etc. I stopped in at Banana and tried on this dress that I had seen before but not had time to try on.

Wool Blend Textured Sheath Dress, $152

When I looked at it on the hanger, it looked very narrow, which was a good sign. I've found over the years that Banana tends to run their sizes large and cut hips into many of their designs that I just don't have - so I knew this was going to be good. I tried on the 0 and it was perfect, no gaping at the sides of the skirt and a nice length, not too long, not too short. The reviews on BR all say that the dress runs small, and yes I'd agree that for BR it runs small, but in truth it probably just runs true to size.

I like the detailing at the neck and the fabric is nice, textured but still soft.

I didn't buy it though because I have one of their 40% off coupons that is only good on Wednesdays... so hopefully they'll still have my size on Wednesday.  $91.20 is a great deal for this dress!

I've totally had a dress renaissance over the last couple of years.  It is so great to just be able to throw on one piece and go. Perfect for mornings when you're running late and don't have time to put together an "outfit"...

The new Banana Republic downtown flagship store at Broadway and Prince is now open.

This weekend they're having a Grand Opening on Nov. 21 and 22. They sent me a postcard about it, offering 25% off at the new store during those two days.  It's not clear if you need to bring the postcard or not.  Maybe if you don't have one, you could say you forgot it?

There is a good slide show of the new space and layout at NY Magazine, here. It kind of reminds me of J. Crew's vibe, which I doubt is what they were going for.  It looks nice for sure!

Ann Taylor is offering a 30% off Friends & Family discount tomorrow 11/17 through Sun. 11/22.  The online code is FRIENDS.

As I've mentioned a few times this the Fall, their stuff is so much nicer this year thanks to their new designer.  So this is a great chance to take advantage...

Chanel has released their Holiday Colour 2009 collection. And - - if you order from Chanel's site directly through Dec. 16th, yout get free shipping and complimentary gift packaging.

I love the Les Tissages Lames de Chanel (Shimmering Tweed Highlighter), $60. I am such a sucker for highlighters, they seem lighter than blush and are supposed to give you the much desired look of "radiance".  Who doesn't want that?

But, since I already have two highlighters, I probably don't need another... darn.  I am trying to remember the concept of "need" more since this whole horrible, tedious recession thing happened...

Oh, other good news the Trapeze color nail polish is now available by itself for $23. Previously it was only available as part of the gift set mentioned on Oct. 19th.