Be still our hearts. The Outnet is open.

The Outnet is the just-launched online outlet store of Net-a-Porter, arguably the Web’s dreamiest shopping site. Its combination of designer wear, shoes and handbags is unparalleled (and hey, if you know a site that beats it, please please let us know), but the prices tend to be designer as well.

Which means The Style Insider’s brain threw a little neuron party when we saw some of the numbers on Outnet — 50 percent off, 60 percent off, 70 percent off. We have died and gone to heaven.

The designers are there — McQueen, Sui, Chloe, Choo. There’s Marc (more…)

Oh, goodness. We have gotten so distracted by runway shows and red carpet gowns that we haven’t been paying attention to Michelle Obama’s week of wardrobe choices. She donned all manner of pretty designer dresses — worn everywhere from her husband’s first address to Congress to the cover of People magazine.

First, let’s make peace over this right to bare arms argument.

Fashion observers and some grumpy old-school others have tut-tutted Mrs. O’s choice of several sleeveless dresses in a row (four times in a week, according to the Huffington Post), including one for her official White House portrait (an elegant black simple crepe jersey dress from Michael Kors’ spring collection, above). Excuse us, but have you seen the woman’s arms? They are cut, so hush!

And, by the way, here’s another fabulous First Lady who opted for bare arms in her official portrait. So there.

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It’s winter. We know this. We have moved through denial and into acceptance. But we are tired of clouds and dark neutral fabrics. We want sunshine, and color for the sake of color. We need a handbag that doesn’t pout, one that announces our arrival with glee. So, we bring you bags in the spectrum of the rainbow, which brighten your winter wardrobe and bring a promise that spring is in the wings.

At first blush:

Prada’s pink nylon bow clutch ($636, was $795, above) at Bluefly.

Jimmy Choo’s fuschia pleated satin Cent bag ($796, was $995, left) at Bluefly.

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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.