In honor of Friday the 13th – or in spite of, rather – I think we should invite some items into our wardrobe that are believed to ward off evil. From fiery red to Irish green to symbols off of horses, birds, and wild animals, I’m feeling positive energy abounding. With the right piece of clothing, good luck can’t be far behind!

1. Red: The Chinese associate the color red with good fortune and happiness. Red envelopes of money are given out during holidays, and the color is forbidden at funerals.
Save YSL’s statement-making trench for days you want to feel your best, or Thakoon’s sensuous strapless and gathered cocktail dress for hot dates – you’re bound to get lucky in this number!

Yves Saint Laurent Cutaway Trench Coat
At Barneys New York for $2,990.

Thakoon Draped Cotton-Blend Poplin Dress
On Net-a-Porter for $1,590.

2. Green: Good fortune is relative. While green is an unlucky no-no in certain cultures, just think of the luck of the Irish. Not only is it the color of money and a symbol of fertility, but four-leaf clovers are an ultimate find when you’re in need of some good news. Gimbattista Valli’s flowing, tiered maxi-skirt carries a print that’s reminiscent of shamrocks, while Gucci’s exquisite one-sleeved shift dress will make you feel like a million bucks.

Giambattista Valli Printed Silk-Chiffon Maxi Skirt
On Net-a-Porter for $3,175.

Gucci Asymmetric Dress
At Neiman Marcus for $1,450.

3. Horseshoe: Don’t forget your lucky horseshoe! It’s traditionally kept on hand as a talisman, but I think it’s much more intriguing to wear yours discreetly. These metal bits ruche your bikini top and sit seductively on your hips, for a successful day at the beach.

Violet Lake Domino Bandeau Bikini Top ($85) and Blush Bikini Briefs ($85).

4. Peacock: In Hinduism, the peacock isn’t a show-off bird but a symbol of integrity and protection. And finding a peacock feather is instant good luck no matter what your religion. Matthew Williamson embraced the exotic, transfixing feather, using it as a poetic pattern for much of his Spring collection.

Matthew Williamson Peacock-Printed Silk-Chiffon Scarf
On Net-a-Porter for $210.

Matthew Williamson Peacock-Print Cotton Kaftan
On Net-a-Porter for $665.

5. Horns: In Italy, the cornicello (as in, little horn) is an amulet that acts as a safeguard against the evil eye. I believe horns can do the same, whatever form they’re in, from Lanvin’s screw-accented sunnies, made of violet horn resin, to Swash’s double-layered, silk-chiffon scarf. Because protection from sun and wind doesn’t hurt, either!

Lanvin Square Horn Sunglasses
At Neiman Marcus for $365.

Swash Horns of Africa Print Scarf
At Barneys New York for $475.

This summer, it’s high time you get in touch with your inner free spirit. Wild child, new bohemian, gypsy queen, whatever you name her, now is the moment to let her roam free and unencumbered. I’m not talking barefoot and dreadlocked, necessarily. I’m daydreaming about fantasy-perfect clothes that are made of earthy romance, ideal for bonfires on the beach, exotic locations, and escaping the norm, even if it is for just a day.

1. Roberto Cavalli Printed Chiffon and Viscose Crochet Dress: With a cut as airy as an evening breeze in May, this crocheted dress practically comes with a laidback attitude included. Maybe cuz Cavalli is a glam gypsy king himself. On Luisa Via Roma for $2,219.

2. Isabel Marant Wolf Embellished Cotton Vest: Why is the most folkloric pieces are often the priciest? But the beauty of this mirrored and multi-colored embroidered vest is undeniable. A timeless addition to whisk you to a faraway land. On Net-a-Porter for $4,120.

3. Zimmermann Savannah Floral-Print Strapless Silk Playsuit: A kerchief-style top, wild-flower pattern, and leather-ribbon belt give this romper an impossibly playful air. This is just right for days spent lounging in the grass. On Net-a-Porter for $340.

4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Palmetto Broderie Anglaise Cotton Skirt: Every gypsy needs a full, swingy skirt she can move and dance in. Broderie anglaise is always sweet; in black, it captures a mood of mystery.
On Net-a-Porter for $300.

5. Emilio Pucci Appliquéd Cotton and Silk-Blend Voile Maxi Skirt: Perhaps a skirt that costs six-grand should count as more than a flourish – and this one sure does. Snatched right off the runway, this has enough whimsy to keep your head in the clouds all summer long. On Net-a-Porter for $5,995.

The latest book sensation (at least on the female front!) is erotic, not what you would call well-written, yet completely, utterly addictive. I got hooked on the series recently – and started thinking about Anastasia Steele’s style evolution, which blossoms along with her intense, submissive-dominant relationship.

Ana starts off a simple, virginal girl, a 21-year-old student who has never had a boyfriend. When she meets Christian Grey during an interview, she is docile and unsure of herself, literally tripping and falling into his office. Her modest purple shift dress comes at graduation, a loaner from her bestie-roomie, Kate.

As she develops in the book, Ana becomes more confident – and dresses the part (thanks to Christian’s billions and a personal shopper at Neiman Marcus). Enter the daring silver mini-dress! Her friends talk her into it, and Christian gets in a fight at a nightclub over a guy groping her in it. The change has arrived. She starts revealing she’s no submissive; actually, it’s she who is the real dominant in the relationship.

Just another example of dress imitating life! Here’s how to recreate Anastasia’s dual sides. Are you more DVF or Hervé Leger?

1. Diane von Furstenberg Capreena Mini Dress At Saks Fifth Avenue for $325.

Co-Op Barneys New York Side-Zip Knee Boot At Barneys New York for $565.

Christian Louboutin Tuba Boot At Barneys New York for $1,435.

2. Hervé Leger Metallic Foil V Neck Dress. On ShopBop for $1,450.

Manolo Blahnik Netochka Sandal At Barneys New York for $885.

Short-shorts are a bold choice (but when the weather heats up, they fit right in), so why not go for a bold statement to match the cut? There’s no reason the rest of our wardrobe should enjoy all the special attention. Elect a unique pair, and let your lightly tanned legs walk the walk while your shorts talk the talk.

1. Callula Lillibelle Stretch-Lace and Jacquard Shorts: A nice price and an even nicer combination of lace and print. Semi-sheer panels introduce some sensuality, and coral is a big hue of the season. On Net-a-Porter for $200.

2. Alexander Wang Striped Shell Shorts: Go supremely sporty this season. On-trend and overtly athletic, these elevated jogging shorts are an off-day alternative to beat-up cut-offs. On Net-a-Porter for $365.

3. Alexander McQueen Cotton Gabardine Shorts: All the news that’s fit to print is right here! Powdery pink and black look sharp in this shake-up of leopard and abstracted houndstooth. On My Theresa for $349.

4. Girl. By Band of Outsiders Cleo Lace Shorts: I’m loving crochet at the moment, and refreshing dip-dyed lace puts a modern and unusual spin on a vintage vibe. On ShopBop for $415.

5. Thakoon Printed Cotton Crepe de Chine Shorts: Folkloric and right off the runway, Thakoon has elevated shorts into enchanting territory with a worldly pattern and liquid-y lamé trim. On Net-a-Porter for $590.

I was in college the last time bustiers were the rage and was a huge fan of the look (still am actually!). I remember wearing one similar to the black Dolce & Gabbana floral jacquard bustier to meet Kelly for dinner one night– she took one look at me and said “Who wears half tops to eat pasta?!”. That should give you an indication of my metabolism back then– I ate whatever I wanted and wore anything I wanted without thought. This time around, it’s going to take serious dedication to yoga and low carbs before I can slip my self into any of these lovely options! So yes, I am fully embracing the bustier– what about you?

1. McQ Alexander McQueen Printed Stretch Cotton-Twill Bustier
On Net-a-Porter for $830.

2. Dolce & Gabbana Floral Jacquard Underwired Bustier Top
On Net-a-Porter for $725.

3. Topshop Porcelain Flower Print Corset
On Topshop for $60.

4. Rebecca Taylor See Ya leather Peplum Bustier Top
On Shopbop for $350.

5. Dolce & Gabbana Jewelled Hot Pepper Print Poplin Bra
On Luisa via Roma for $995.

WWD has just announced the return of Grunge for Fall 2012. Are you ready for the return of the dumpster-chic kinderwhore? According to WWD, you’d better be! Dressing like a ragamuffin is it this fall.
I dabbled in grunge-glam in the nineties, courtesy of Marc Jacobs, who in 1992 said “Grunge style is about doing everything wrong” – he got that right. Thank god, Tom Ford came along to save me with his louche velvet suits and horse-bit embellishments!
I was inspired by waif-ish Kate Moss back when she was with Johnny Depp, and Kurt and Courtney the first go-round. I don’t think I can go back there. I’m no longer in my early twenties, and kinderwhore is just not my look. But I’m in full support of the young and brave embracing the sleepy adolescent vibe!
Here, some snob-worthy grunge pieces that deserve to be lived in to death (is there any other way for a grunge goddess?):

1. Marc Jacobs Lace-Trimmed Satin Mini-Dress: Marc comes full circle with a lingerie-inspired – heck, it basically is lingerie! – slipdress young Courtney would have appreciated.
On Net-a-Porter for $695.

2. Madeleine Thompson Knitted Cashmere Beanie: Greasy bedhead demands a beanie hat to hide beneath! Keep your locks fresh and wear this luxurious variation with a baby-doll dress strictly for novelty purposes.
On Net-a-Porter for $205.

3. Joseph Perry Checked Wool-Blend Dress: Boyfriends’ beat-up plaid shirts were a grunge-girl staple. Update the casual look with a sleeker dress variation. The offbeat length harks back to the era. Wear it with chunky boots and a deep burgundy lip!
On Net-a-Porter for $595.

4. Helmut Lang Two-Tone Pullover: This mélange knit sweater hangs off the body in a perfectly imperfect way. Extra-long sleeves, a deep scoopneck, and crooked hemline cement the fact that you really don’t care.
At Barneys New York for $395.

5. 3.1 Phillip Lim Charcoal Sweatshirt Skirt: Mimic the look of tying a sweater around your waist, but keep it fresh and current with Lim’s sly take. He gives a nod to nonchalance without getting sloppy.
On Ssense for $325.

If you have a closet full of tops that not only complete an outfit but actually are the outfit, then your time in the morning is probably spent worrying about what kind of hair day you’re going to have, not on stressful wardrobe quandaries.

With tops likes these, you can wear a pair of jeans (nice jeans) or something equally easy (like leather pants…not that they are necessarily easy, but they are versatile) and you’re basically done. Just slide on a hot heel. With statement-making tops, you don’t even have to wear painfully sexy ones; any heels will do. You’ll look like you’ve obtained a live-in stylist overnight. So even though these might be pricey, they are still cheaper than hired help! And not to worry, I have a couple of frugal snob options in the mix.

1. Donna Karan Tiered Asymmetric Tunic: Layers of black taffeta have a darkly romantic effect. Frothy and voluminous, this is an instant dose of femininity.
At Bergdorf Goodman for $1,695. Or check out the less pricey version by Dusan for $430.

2. Gucci Cross Scarf Top: Put on the glitz with Gucci’s fabulously glam halter that has been delicately crafted from two sequin-embellished scarves. At Bergdorf Goodman for $775.

3. Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Sunday Bow Necktie Cotton Blouse: Instant structure, instant chic. A trademark look from Westwood, you can toy with the bow of this fitted top, leaving it full or tucking it into the neckline. On Net-a-Porter for $310.

4. Rick Owens Draped Jersey, Chiffon and Leather Top: If anyone knows how to drape a slinky top, it’s Rick. Leather, silk, and viscose jersey all come together to sensual effects. On Net-a-Porter for $790.

5. Alice + Olivia Hannah One Shoulder Top: As perky as it is wallet-friendly, this splash of color looks soft and fluid, not forced. On ShopBop for $253.

Forget slumber parties. Pajamas have become bona fide streetwear courtesy of the bold and fabulous stepping out in matched sets for the past couple seasons. Just check out this Tommy Ton shot in Paris and Rihanna leaving her hotel in London, sporting Stella McCartney’s lace-print look from her Pre-Fall 2012 collection.
This isn’t for the shy – or even lazy! In order to do pajama dressing right, you have to not give a hoot if those who aren’t in on the look (aka anti-snobs) give you puzzled expressions when you’re out and about. You also have to accessorize to the nines. Heels, jewels, an embellished bag, whatever you choose, this isn’t the time to go ultra-minimal.
Here are some options, from the boyish and classic to ladylike and inventive:

1. The Row Shore Striped Cotton Shirt ($740) and Seedon Striped Cotton Cropped Pants ($640): A nod to old-fashioned men’s PJs, these should be worn with a crisp tote and rope-trimmed wedges for a preppy springtime look.
Available on Net-a-Porter.

2. Alessandra Rich Crepe-de-Chine Shirt Dress: Can’t bear to do the pants-and-shirt combo but still want in on the trend? Opt for a structured dress variation that you can sex up to your liking, courtesy of the golden buttons.
On Net-a-Porter for $2,090.

3. By Malene Birger Hazima Printed Silk-Crepe Wide-Leg Pants: Walking the line between bohemian wide-leg trousers and luxe pajama bottoms, these have a dressy appeal that makes them truly versatile.
On Net-a-Porter for $355.

As laidback as most summer parties are, there’s a strict criterion for the summer party dress! The right choice has fun, high-spirited colors, a bold or eye-catching print. It’s not
too structured and totally unexpected. Whether you’re away on vacation or hitting a backyard BBQ (a fancy one!), make sure you bring the heat and fireworks to the party yourself.

1. Vionnet Sleeveless Bow-Print Dress: Vionnet is known for their longstanding way with ruched fabrics and elegant bows. This brings modern new meaning to their be-bowed dress. At Kirna Zabête for $2,160.

2. Prabal Gurung V-Neck Rose Dress: Prabal is becoming a wardrobe staple when it comes to party dressing. Mix graphic stripes, artful flowers, and a girlish shape, and you have an instant classic. At Kirna Zabête for $1,850.

3. Roberto Cavalli Orchid-Print Silk-Georgette and Stretch-Crepe Dress: Like a blousy tank and mini-skirt pairing, this effortless combines volume and sleekness. Topped with a magnified orchid, it’s picture-perfect. On Net-a-Porter for $1,310.

4. Mary Katrantzou Balalaika Strapless Puff Dress: Bring the garden party with you! Sunshine, color, and in-bloom foliage galore, this is utterly optimistic, just the way a fun summer dress should be. At Barneys New York for $2,045.

5. Clover Canyon Geo Scarf Foulard Strapless Dress: A kerchief-inspired pattern brings country-esque ease to a casual silhouette that’s ideal for hot days and relaxed affairs. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $207.

Ever since getting resurrected last year by Guillaume Henry, Carven is the go-to label for the young and the beautiful. Gazing at this dress, it’s not hard to see why. So effortless yet so glamorous, it’s everything Carven has always stood for (the original Madame Carven was the first design couture tennis outfits!). With a fanciful abstract print, soft white-lace sleeves, and an unexpected cobalt collar, this dress exudes irreverent wit, while keeping you looking pretty and feminine. Don’t forget: dresses should be fun! Variety is the spice of life (or la piment de la vie!). Some occasions call for more joie de vivre than a neutral LBD, and this frock has it in spades.

Be nonchalant about it: keep the accessories minimal and the shoes simple. The dress already has enough elements of stimulation going on, so you don’t want to overwhelm. This is Parisian chic at it’s freshest – and you’ll be playing the part of the ingénue de jour. On Net-a-Porter for $1,200.

Pair with: Keep it in the French family with Pierre Hardy’s classic peep-toe pump, with smooth leather and an angular heel to bring an instant sense of sleek. At Barneys New York for $710.