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…)

Did you hear the opening salvos?

Last week a WWD.com story (subscription only, sorry, you’ll only get a peek) with no small amount of slant held forth on the fact that Michelle Obama is championing the cause of little-known American designers and ignoring the big players: Oscar de la Renta, Vera Wang, Carolina Herrera, Donna Karan, Marc Jacobs, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein, to name a bunch.

With the fashion industry in an economic crisis of its own, it’s not a surprise that the bastions of American style are wondering why the First Lady won’t deign to don some of their beautiful clothes. We can feel — and appreciate — their frustration. Still, most of the designers quoted — Wang, Hilfiger, Karan, Herrera – tempered their comments with support for a fashionable First Lady breaking boundaries.

Another story, in the New York Times, took issue with the fact that Mrs. Obama is relying apparently exclusively on the design choices of retailer Ikram Goldman, the owner of Michelle O’s favorite Chicago boutique for years (a picture from the store below).

Arnold Scassi (hmm, we remember that name from somewhere) chided her, (more…)

We’re celebrating National Wear Red Day today (Feb. 6), surfing around for the prettiest dresses and accessories we can find, all helping mark awareness of women’s heart health. You’ll see women in the workplace in red, women in the stores in red, and women on television in red (we’re hoping for a clean sweep on The View!), so don’t hesitate to pull it out of your closet as well. And we probably don’t have to remind you, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Take a peek: 

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The official winter uniform of East Coast businessmen and elected officials, especially those of the D.C. ilk, was out in force last week.

Whether standing on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, or meeting the crowds for the inaugural parade, President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and a phalanx of other elected officials, secret service agents and male family members showcased the style in polished fashion. On inauguration day, Portfolio reports, the president wore a Brooks Brothers coat. (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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What? Santa didn’t bring what you really wanted? 

Then go get it for yourself. This is important: If you are going to make one winter investment it must be a sturdy, gorgeous pair of booties.

Whether you chose black, purple, red or white, they are the best way to dress down a fancy outfit or spice up a pair of jeans. We know we can’t all afford the gorgeous Manolos and Jimmy Choos, but they are still fun to look at for inspiration. 

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What is Christmas, exactly, if not an occasion to actually see your children clean and dressed up? To see little girls in pretty gathers and bows, and little boys in tucks and creases? The textures of the day are velvet and corduroy; both fabrics that feel warm, hang well and go through the wash after lunch if you’re absolutely desperate.

Infants are a piece of cake - you can buy anything you want and dress them in it! Baby CZ’s Grace dress surrounds her in red velvet with a silk bow ($150, above); we also have to admit to loving Tartine et Chocolat’s Cortege dress, in grey or rose with glittering rhinestones at the waist ($139). For that tiny boy, we can’t believe the cute factor of the Baby Dior snap-shoulder overalls ($176) over their long-sleeve bodysuit ($91), but we’re also pretty smitten with the baby Burberry overalls, if you’d rather ($94.50, below), mostly just due to those little plaid cuffs.

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