Vital, vanished

The recent seismic staff shifts at Elle magazine resulted in Joe Zee being named creative director of the magazine, replacing Gilles Bensimon. Elle definitely needed an update, and the news reminded us of Vitals, the folded magazine that Joe Zee last helmed. If you haven't checked out Vitals, try to get your hands on an issue. The magazine's design was beautifully executed; Vanity Fair's departments section was recently updated and looks similar to many of the pages in Vitals. The extinct magazine was an interesting blend of culture and fashion, and strived to be more literate than it's shopping counterpart, Lucky. Alas, publishing is a tough business.

Gwynnie in a mini

This week's Vogue's 10 best dressed list had an ecclectic mix. We loved seeing '90s standbys Kirsty Hume, Amber Valletta and Christy Turlington, and the requisite Katie Holmes selection was one of the best looks we've seen her in. She's wearing a gorgeous trench in Paris, with Suri in arms. But Gwyneth Paltrow looked awful! She's photographed in a sack of a Stella McCartney dress looking as if she did her hair in the car on the way to the event. What's going on Gwyneth? Recently she's looked more glum than glam, with her long, straight, center-parted hair and poor dress choices. Gwyenth, come back, we miss you!

These boots are made for (elephant) walking

This photo from a recent issue of Vogue has garnered a lot of negative attention. Although it's beautifully shot, there is something obscenely extravagant about the Louis Vuitton blanket on the elephant. But what's neither obscene nor extravagant are the boots Keira Knightley is wearing. They're perfect with her outfit, and work with dresses, skirts and jeans. Frye makes the best boots, and their low harness styles are only $188 at www.fryeboots.com.

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.