Last night I was sooo tired but I just couldn’t get myself to sleep. Maybe it was the time zone difference, the insane amount of text messages coming through my Blackberry, or it could have been this crap ass hotel (more to come on that later). Whatever the reason, I wasn’t sleeping.

In an attempt to tire myself out I went through some emails — they had really piled up! One of the emails I received pointed me to the online boutique Kirna Zabete. A lot of the time new ecommerce sites end up being a bunch of ShopBop wannabes but not this one. Kirna Zabete was great! Styles from Alexander Wang, Rick Owens, Proenza Schouler, and other high end designers.

The fashion spark was lit and I ended up going on a ThisNext recommendation spree. Check it!

I got to sit second row (I’m not first row worthy or second for that matter, but whatever) at Rubin Singer’s Spring 2009 runway show this afternoon. I actually didn’t know a lot about Rubin Singer going into the tents but I have to admit, I did kinda dig his show. I wasn’t blown away by it or anything (it’s not really my style) but there were some amazing silhouettes and a few pieces I wouldn’t mind owning.Key Trends:

• Sexy back cut-outs: The racer back gown that went down the runway was amazing
• Collars, collars, collars: Huge shawl collars, extra-tall popped collars — drama is the word!
• Lady-like style: Lots of suits but with a fashion-forward twist, prim and proper looks without looking stuff

Awesome Accessories:

• Feathered headbands: These were not your hippies’ headbands. Very chic usage of feathers in headbands and hair ornaments.
• Top handled bags: Gigantic, statement making top handled handbags looked great with some of the looks.
• Statement necklace: Subversive designed the jewelery for the show and let me tell you something … wow! It’s going to be all about the statement necklace for fall 2008 and spring 2009 ladies.

Color/ Pattern Stories:

• Navy blue and cream
• Black and white
• Teal and orange
• Polka dots
• Stripes
• Paint-like strokes

I may have missed the party (damn you Virgin America) celebrating the 70th Anniversary of The Wizard of Oz but I did get to see a few of the shoes on display at Bryant Park today. Let’s just say I really wanted to bust through that glass to nab the ones from Betsey Johnson and LAMB — They were seriously to die for!!! Thankfully I was able to exercise some restraint. What a headline that would be “Fashion Kitty kicked out of Fashion Week for Going Shoe Crazy“

Oh and just a little back story on just how much I love The Wizard of Oz … When I was a kid I would literally watch the movie over and over again. I must have been put in a trance because that is when my love affair with fashion began. My parents bought me some “ruby slippers” and every picture that was taken with me wearing them, I had my leg up in the air to make sure my shoes got into the shot. Pretty cute and a little trashy isn’t it?

I almost died three times when I saw Betsey Johnson ruby slippers. They are about a 1 million times more stunning in person than they are in the photo. Seriously, shoe-gasm baby, shoe-gasm.

I seriously can’t stop playing this song. I listened to it about 50 times on the plane ride to New York.

Day 2 in New York City is going a hell of a lot better than Day 1 …

• I have already gone to two runway shows (Perry Ellis and Rubin Singer)
• I have had a bunch of fashion celebrity sightings (Jack from Project Runway, James Augier, Miss Jay from ANTM, and Robert Verdi)
• I also got some fabulous news (not telling you until later, would hate to jinx it)

Lots more to post later but I really have to do something with my hair. This damn NY weather turned me into a poodle and am a kitty dammit, a Fashion Kitty.

I woke up at 4am yesterday chipper as hell and ready to take on my big trip to NY. Check out what I wrote before I boarded the plane …

Ready to take flight

After a week of “downtime” in Los Angeles (I didn’t unpack from Vegas until last night), I am on the road again heading to New York City. I am pretty pumped. I am flying Virgin America for the first time (omg, I am losing my “Virgin” virginity) and I already love it. There was no line this morning, the people at the check in desk were competent, and even the boarding pass looked all smooth and modern. The one thing that is pissing me off is that my computer claims I am connected to VAMERICA free wi-fi but for some reason I can’t get online. Booo!

Sounded pretty happy, right? Well that tone quickly changed once I boarded the plane. I walk onto the plane and hear two flight attendants saying “Oh, no that’s gonna be a nightmare.” I was hoping they were talking about something personal, like breaking up with a boyfriend. No, no — they were talking about MY flight.

Apparently Virgin and probably most planes are run by some piece of computer software. Well that damn software was corrupt and had to be re-download. Simple right? Wrong! The download takes a little over an hour. Not horrible if the software loads properly. Of course it didn’t, leaving me grounded for 3 hours!!!!!

Once we finally take off I have the pleasure of being kicked in the back by the kid behind me and smooshed to death by the kid in front of me who leaned his seat ALL the way back. You know how I feel about children. To add insult to injury, once we got to NY we couldn’t land! The plane circled around for an HOUR.

Pretty bad ain’t it? Here is the worst part. I missed the 70th Anniversary Wizard of Oz Party. The party that Betsey Johnson and Nina Garcia were attending. The party about my favorite movie of ALL TIME.

There were many more terrible incidents last night but I won’t bore you with the details. If you follow me on Twitter you will know all about it. To make myself feel better I got stinking drunk with some cute gay boys, so I guess the night wasn’t all bad.

I was lucky enough to interview Michael Fink, the director of women’s fashion for Saks Fifth Avenue the other day. Michael gave me the lowdown on the top trends for fall and a preview of Saks new promotion with Master Card.

Most of the trends that Michael shared with me weren’t surprising but a couple of them were to me. Maybe it’s the L.A. in me (meaning the lack of needing a jacket) but the tailored jacket being worn in place of a cardigan and the return of the sweater coat was surprising to me. Even though it was shocking I am pretty pleased, the return of dressing like a lady will be new and exciting to a lot of people, I think.

Here are the top trends from Michael Fink with a Fashion Kitty spin of course.

Trend #1- The Tailored Dress: Say goodbye to shapeless dresses (thank you) and say hello to a more tailored shape. These dresses will fit closer to the body, will likely be black, and will remind us of Jackie O.

Trend #2- Casual Jackets: More polished than a sweater, the casual jacket is set to replace this cardigan this fall. Wear it with jeans for a comfortable and clean look. Michael says we should “go for boxy shapes with a vintage look.”

Trend #3- Big Bold Necklaces: It’s all about the statement necklace this fall 2008. Michaels tells us “the more the merrier!” Colorful strands, layers of chain — whatever necklace you choose, the bigger the better.

Trend #4- The Sweater Coat: “Cushy and comfortable” is the way to go according to Finks. Go for cable knits and old-fashioned looks to really nail the trend.

Trend #5- The Boot Wardrobe: One pair of black boots and one pair of brown just won’t do this fall because it’s all about the “boot wardrobe.” What should your boot wardrobe have? Mid calf, over-the-knee, scrunchy boots, and ankle boots are a good place to start. Michael says, “Whether they are perched up on a stiletto, a chunky heel, or a flat” boots are a key element to your wardrobe this fall. Oh and a great hint from Michael … boots “are the first to sell out on the floor.” So basically, don’t bother waiting for them to go on sale.

Trend #6- Top Handle Bag: The bag shape to have this fall is the top handle bag. It’s roomy, soft, borders on a hobo, and if you’re lucky it comes with a detachable shoulder strap. Hmmm, sounds similar to a bag I just bought. Some brands to look out for at Saks include Valentino, Kooba, Trisha A, and Marc by Marc Jacobs.

Trend #7- The Romantic Blouse: This blouse is great to wear to the office then later out to cocktails. Lace trims, ruffles, colors or prints – doesn’t matter just make it scream romance.

Trend #8 – Polished Face: 1. Natural color. 2. Soft, rosy cheeks (as after a brisk walk). 3. Glossy lips. 4. Defined eyes. 5. Luminous shine … I can live with that!

Well there you have it folks excellent trend insight from our favorite place in the world, Saks. Check out this link (30 Days of Fashion)to learn more about the trends that Michael shared with me.

One of my favorite runway shows for Fall 2008 was from Gucci. I love, love, love the boho-rocker look. The over the knee fringed boots are to die for, three cheers for the use of velvet, and the skinny pants — oh how I love the skinny pants.

Who What Wear TV featured a video today how to score the Gucci runway look on your own. Were they successful? Eh, that’s debatable but the actual runway look gets an A+ from me.

This week’s ThisNext Designer of the Week is Black Halo. I picked the brain of Black Halo’s designer Laurel Berman on the hottest trends of the season, common mistakes women make in fashion and more.

Also if you want to win a dress from Black Halo, be sure to tag your ThisNext recommendations “TN Fashion.” Good luck.

Fashion Kitty: What are the hottest trends for the season, and the easiest ways to work them into the everyday woman’s wardrobe?

Black Halo: The Black Halo strapless jumpsuit (for easy one piece dressing), any number of black halo sexy close to the body sheath dresses (it’s the new LBD), and Black Halo’s light as a feather sheer silk trench (for layering over just about anything from jeans to dresses).

FK: What are some common mistakes that women make in fashion and how can they avoid them?
BH: There is nothing worse than looking like your trying to hard by over accessorizing.

FK: What’s an easy way for women (or men) to update their wardrobes?
BH: For a woman the Black Halo high waisted pencil skirt is an instant update that is also super versatile.

FK: What is a product that every woman should own?
BH: The Black Halo Jackie O dress it’s a timeless classic.

FK: What product has had the biggest influence on your career?
BH: Beautiful textiles from around the world.

FK: What is your favorite pair/ brand of jeans?
BH: My POB’s.

FK: I never leave home without my _______
BH: Credit card and cell phone.

FK: What is your favorite magazine?
BH: Marie Claire.

FK: Share with us the beauty product that you use every day.
BH: Dream cleanser by Dino Morra.

FK: What are 3 products that you always carry in your bag?
BH: My Dior sunglasses, YSL gloss repulpant, and Serge Lutens Chypre Rouge fragrance.

FK: What is missing from your closet at the moment?
BH: SPACE!!!

FK: What is your favorite guilty pleasure?
BH: Pizza.

FK: What is your current favorite pair of shoes?
BH: Maison Martin Margiela nude boots.

FK: What is a luxury product that you can’t live without?
BH: My unlimited yoga pass.