Here’s the best way to avoid work that we’ve found in a while.

Net-a-Porter’s new wedding boutique is a tulle and satin dream world, with gowns, lingerie and even — hold us back, now — dresses perfect for wearing to a wedding as a guest (separated into beach, day, country and evening categories!). The designer offerings are just not what you see on typical bridal sites. Let’s browse a little, yes?

Something new and something blue, wrapped in one gorgeous package: Oscar De La Renta’s cute silk faille bustier dress, with its (more…)

We’re not asking you to feel sorry for us, but it’s not easy to look at collection after collection of beautiful designer clothes without feeling . . .  like shopping. Sure, more than a few of the fall Paris designs are a bit wacky, but there are plenty of beautiful dresses, coats, shoes, boots, etc. to drool over. 

Unfortunately, these items are quite far from our economic reach. So we stamp our fairly high heel and go through one last bit of torment. There are a few of our favorite things from the runways of Paris:

1. We now understand why Balmain is the design house of choice for the very rich, ultra-skinny, edgy party girls around the world. The pointed shoulders, the skin-tight glittering tiny dresses (see them at Style.com), the draped, full harem pants, the brashness of it all. If you can afford it, and you can wear it, go for it.  (more…)

The Style Insider could stand to gain from a few fashion resolutions. Despite our sage advice for you, we’re as bad as everyone about adding new wardrobe items, getting rid of things we’ll never wear, ‘fessing up to what fits and what doesn’t, what looks good and what doesn’t.  

Thus, our collective brain trust has come up with 10 resolutions for 2009. Perhaps some apply to you: 

1. Act as if we are French. The French have it nailed when it comes to wardrobe and style. So we will proceed with a red beret and perfectly tailored clothes. A

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You’ve found the party dress and the perfect shoes. You’ve scheduled the mani-pedi and pulled out your cute evening clutch. You are paparazzi-worthy,  except for one thing. What is that around your neck?

No, no, no. A dress like that demands a necklace worthy of your décolletage. It must shimmer in the light and reflect the twinkle in your eyes.

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Basically, there are two ways to show up at a New Year’s Eve party: One is wearing the safe look (as in black dress, black tights, black pumps).

The second is to be amazing. Needless to say, we prefer you go for the latter. The only way to pull that off is with a pair of strut-your-stuff, fantastic shoes they’ll buzz about long after you stroll out the door.

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Ahh, remember the good old days, when ballerina flats and low wedges were in style? Tory Burch ruled the roost and we all walked comfortably.

Wear €˜em while you got €˜em, cause spring ‘09 is going to be one of the most towering, teetering, terrifying shoe seasons on record if the samples on the runways are any indication. Every designer trotted out sky-high strappy sandals and ankle-wrapped stilettos and wedges on the runways, much to the dismay of several models - who fell flat on their faces trying to maneuver in the monsters.

Some looks were zany with oddly shaped heels, and some were cute but still scary. But not a flat was seen, so better grab your highest heels and start practicing walking. Spring looms large for podiatrists and walk-in emergency clinics.