Summer blues

WARMING UP: This page ran in The Examiner on Aug. 4, 2006. It is almost impossible to feel pretty and put-together while sweating through the humidity of late summer. What to do? Wear natural fabrics that breathe, put your hair up, keep your clothes loose and envision yourself in front of a fan, drinking a mint julep and channeling your inner Ashley Judd on a warm August day.

Summer swing

It was all about dresses this week when it came to Vogue's 10 best dressed list. From Mischa Barton's short and swingy minidress to Cristina Cuomo and Karolina Kurkova's long and feminine frocks, the look was simply pretty. Before the weather turns cold, invest in one last summer look like this Tracy Reese printed halter dress, $215 at www.nordstrom.com.

Giddy-up

Heidi Klum is the new face of Jordache, and is appearing in their new ad campaign, as shot by director Brett Ratner in the penthouse of the Chateau Marmont. It's a match made in denim heaven, pairing the once sexy jean label with the always sexy Victoria's Secret angel and "Project Runway" host. But the real question is, does the fashion fit the hype? Klum is a perfect fit for the ads, but are the jeans a perfect fit for shoppers?

Step to it

TWO-STEP STYLE: Ballet-inspired clothing takes the stage with figure-flattering pieces that follow the body's natural curves. Think wrap sweaters, wide-neck tops and leggings, tights and headbands. Even if you can't be a ballerina, you can look the part with a few fast finds.

Fit to be wide

DENIM DOS: On this week's Vogue's 10 best dressed list, two of the top 10 looks features wide-leg jeans. Both Katie Holmes and Lauren duPont sported the style, in equally semi-successful ways. Holmes' jeans were a little loose for our liking, and, alternately, duPont's shirt was too roomy. But, overall, wide-leg jeans create a very flattering silhouette, one that women of all shapes and sizes can pull off. Think fitted shirts and platforms, and you'll be channeling Lauren Hutton in the '70s in no time.

Swedes do it better

SWEDISH FISHING: Except when it comes to food. What is it about Sweden that makes its residents so stylish? Marimekko is best known for its bright and bold patterns when it comes to textiles, but they also make clothes and accessories well worth a look. Check out their site to find out if there's a Marimekko store near you. If not, don't despair. There are many other retailers that carry their wonderful wares, including the ubiquitous Anthropologie.

The sleuth of style

ON THE CASE: This page appeared in The Examiner on Oct. 24, 2006. The new trend for this fall seems to be Charles Dickens' inspired fashion: Think overalls, caps and lace-up boots. Sienna Miller even listed Dickens as an influence for her new line Twenty8Twelve. No hard times for this fall fashion.

Gwyneth gets the gold

PRAISING PALTROW: Gwyneth Paltrow appears on the new W magazine bronzed and boldly declaring her desire to get back into making Hollywood hits. Paltrow has always made good movies and given good style, similar to our Aussie favorite Cate Blanchett. Our favorite flicks to check out with Paltrow? Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle This small flick from the mid-'90s is a peek into the life of Dorothy Parker, and has an incredible 1920s look and feel. Sliding Doors This is the film for which Paltrow cut her hair, leaving her and then-fiance Brad Pitt looking eerily similar. Shakespeare in Love It's every bit as good as the hype, and Paltrow has never been more radiant, or likable. The Talented Mr. Ripley Paltrow was channeling Grace Kelly in her role as the tragic Marge in this Anthony Minghella thriller. Shot in Italy, the scenery is as engrossing as the plot, and, um, Jude Law.

More than teen TV

CALLING CATALANO: The best show to only last one season on TV? "My So-Called Life," followed closely by "Freaks and Geeks." Jordan Catalano was gorgeous, sullen, brooding and clearly trouble, which made him the most irresistible character ever to appear on TV. And Claire Danes' Angela Chase was as complicated and misguided as a real teenage girl. And her clothes were perfectly accurate for that mid-90s period, Danes wore thermals, flannel shirts and Converse. Also very cool, Juliana Hatfield makes an appearance as an angel in a later episode.