Pump up the volume

CNN did a segment a couple of weeks ago where they interviewed postal carriers about the weighty issue of the day: the size of the September issue of Vogue. While carting the issue from room to room in my house as I read it, I wondered what the equivalent weight would be. A pineapple? Three apples? A gallon of soda? The answer: A brick. An informal test in my garage revealed the two to weigh the same. Volume is indeed still in.

The life of Lindsay

REBEL, REBEL: Lindsay Lohan seems troubled in the same way that Britney Spears is, you almost don't want to say anything bad about them because you feel so bad for them. When it comes to wardrobes though, Spears isn't in anywhere near the same league as Lohan, who wears the trends well, and always mixes it up. We like Lohan best when she looks the age she really is, and when her hair is either her natural red or the dark brunette she tried last year. The look at right is our favorite, she's wearing a floaty little frock perfect for her age, has returned to her roots with red hair and is wearing the best accessory of all, a smile.

Michelle, la belle

Sometimes it's nice to keep things simple, as evidence by Michelle Phillips, the beauty from The Mamas and The Papas. Phillips kept her hair and makeup almost as simple as it could be. She had straight hair, worn with its natural wave, parted down the middle. Her makeup was also clean and natural, she wore black eyeliner but kept the rest minimal. So once in awhile it's OK to forego the lipstick, eyeshadow and highligher. And it'll cut your cosmetics costs.

Neither leather nor lace

FASHION FLASHBACK: This page ran in The Examiner on Aug. 18, 2005. It was at the height of boho style, when photos of Sienna Miller walking around London with Jude Law and wearing thrift store cowboy boots were ubiquitous. Some of this summer's fashions still channeled Stevie Nicks, think long floaty patterned dresses. But most of today's styles are more geometric than gypsy.

Mod love

SIXTIES STYLE: A modern riff on mod is in vogue. Think minidresses, headbands and cropped jackets. You can also bring a bit of the era into your clothes through color. Pick a mostly monochromatic pallete or white, black and/or gray and punch it up with pops of bright color. If you're going with a minidress, stick with platforms, which are still in style, or tights and boots. Need a little visual inspiration? Try old photos of Twiggy, or if that's reaching back a bit too far, Austin Powers.

Knit happens

While structured ladylike looks will be in this fall, the trend of loose layering so popular last year is still lingering. Cozy knits and comfy sweaters are already appearing on racks in stores everywhere, including that '80s throwback, the sweater dress. To look modern, choose a style fitted enough to show your figure, and pair it with stacked heels or boots when the weather turns colder. Patterned tights work well with solid knits, especially gray, the most popular color for fall, and don't be afraid to work a belt into the look to define the waist. Pull your hair into a simple ponytail and keep your accessories to a minimum to complete the look.

Top twin

LOOSE AND LOVELY: With the release of their upscale fashion line, The Row, the Olsen twins have made it official: they're style stars in their own right. The pair were part of the bohemian layered trend that overtook stores a few years ago with their signature long skirts, roomy shirts and sunglasses. But Ashley has always been the more polished of the two, preferring a more streamlined silhouette. To get the look pair casual Ts with more formal skirts, be generous with your accessories, go for an unexpected shoe and choose a coat that will be as stylish as what its covering.

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.