Stylish and talented journalist Lauren Collins started her career at Vogue and went on to become the deputy editor of The Talk of the Town at the New Yorker, where she is currently a staff writer. Her insightful and playful voice always shines through in her writing and she has interviewed many fashionable and formidable figures, including Michelle Obama and Donatella Versace. You might have also read her recent feature on Kate Hudson in January’s Elle. We caught up with her to find out a bit more about who she is hoping to interview next and what’s on her spring wish list for fashion. Originally hailing from Wilmington, North Carolina, but now firmly entrenched in “The City,” Lauren blends her southern charm with a chic New York look. Her taste, like her writing, is always spot on.

What does your dream closet look like? How would you describe your personal style?
My dream closet would have somewhere to put shoes, so they don’t get all jumbled and dusty. It would not have wire hangers. Unlike my real-life closet, it would not have a big red wine stain on the front door.

How do you describe your personal style?
My personal style: nothing itchy, comfortable shoes. (Last time I wore heels to work, I ended up running around on the West Side Highway for an hour in the ice.)

Who is/are your style icons?
Style icons: Dolly Parton, Silda Wall Spitzer, Jay-Z, Isak Dinesen, Joan Didion, Mario Batali, Carine Roitfeld, Camilla Parker Bowles.

Wish someone would have told me?
I wish someone had told me not to spend my lemonade stand money on a Billabong jacket. And to pluck my eyebrows. (Someone finally did!)

Who are your favorite designers?
My favorite designer is—by a mile—Philip Lim. I also like Acne, Rag & Bone, Helmut Lang. For jeans, J Brand. I don’t, but I would love to wear Balenciaga, Prada, Rachel Roy, and Thakoon.

Favorite stores in NYC? Your hometown of Wilmington, NC?
NYC: Steven Alan, Uniqlo, Barney’s, John Derian.

Wilmington: I shop in North Carolina more than I do in New York. Kellie Woodbury, who owns a boutique called Beanie + Cecil, sends me things she thinks I would like, and my mom has an standing request to snap up all the cut-rate Vera Wang she can at the local Kohl’s.

What are you reading right now?
“Light Years” by James Salter and “Women of the Raj” by Margaret Macmillan.

Who would you like to interview next?
Sarah Palin is high on the list.

What’s on your wish list right now for spring fashion?
A washed-silk blazer from Philip Lim, and cotton ones from the GAP. A new wallet (any ideas?), sundresses, and these patent leather studded sandals from Target, which, actually, I already bought.

http://www.target.com/Mossimo-Pavla-Flat-S…lack&page=1

What is your favorite fashion find from your many travels?
I love raiding Topshop in London, but I won’t have to travel to do that much longer. Yesterday I got back from Hong Kong, where I didn’t buy any clothes, but I did buy a paper lantern with cherry blossoms on it to hang in my kitchen.

Any funny experiences in covering fashion?
I once got carsick in Donatella Versace’s Mercedes. The road was windy, it was hot, you know the rest. She was really nice about it. She had a packet of travel Kleenex.

A favorite sight during Fashion Week are MOD's…no, this is not a new designer or a new trend, but Models Off Duty. These runway mavens make their public debut on the runway where they flaunt the newest designer looks, but off the runway, their style is often just as inspiring. Fans, show go-ers and photographers can often catch a glimpse of these stylish twigs running out of the backstage entrance just after a show. MOD's have become an obsession because their style is enviable, and of course, everything looks good on them. Here are a few shots of MOD's post Jill Stuart and Donna Karen shows in New York.

Having just presented her Fall 2009 collection during New York Fashion Week, Melissa Coker, the brains and the beauty behind the charmingly feminine label, Wren, was kind enough to let us into her world for a little Q & A session.

1) How would you describe your personal style?

Feminine, colorful, winsome.

2) Who are your style icons?

Miranda July, Goldie Hawn in the 60s, the girls of Picnic at Hanging Rock.

3) How would you describe the Wren girl?

Not afraid to get her dress a bit mussed.

4) What does your dream closet look like?

A lot of space to move about. Mine’s a bit crowded at the moment.

5) What is your favorite city to shop in and why?

Tokyo. I especially love all the office supplies you can find there.

6) What 3 items could you never part with?

My cat, Pepper, paintings my boyfriend gave me and the Chanel purse my mom gave me for my last birthday.

7) What is on your spring wish list?

More colorful cardigans and vintage Ferragamo’s in cream and navy.

Photos:

Melissa Coker

Fall 2009 Wren presentation

The girls from Picnic at Hanging Rock

Miranda July

Goldie Hawn

As Culture Editor for Stylesight.com, Cassi Bryn Michalik always has her ear to the ground for what’s new and what’s to come, reporting on fashion, art, and lifestyle trends around the world. Based in Paris (but a New Yorker at heart), she has a wealth of knowledge that always inspires. We spent a minute with Cassi to find out more about her personal style and exactly what it is that she loves about “The City of Lights.”

1) My personal style could best be described as:

Uncalculated—just whatever I feel good and pretty in!

2) My favorite designers are:

Maison Martin Margiela (for artful inspiration), Raf Simons (for his clean and sculptural lines—I especially love his work for Jil Sander and his eponymous men's collection), & Lyell (for her nostalgic, vintage-inspired pieces)

3) Right now I’m reading:

A collection of Joan Didion's magazine articles from the 60s called Slouching Towards Bethlehem

4) The last thing I bought was:

A black Margiela pencil skirt with exposed zippers all up the front and back (during the Paris January sales!)

5) The 3 items I could never part with:

My black tank dress from The Row

My Acne Jeans

My black leather motorcycle jacket

6) I love Paris because:

It's where I fell in love.

7) My 3 beauty essentials are:

Crest toothpaste, Lisa Rodin's Olio Lusso, and Guerlain bronzing powder

Right now I’m listening to:

Nina Simone & Kanye West

9) My favorite places to shop are:

Le Bon Marche in Paris & A Detacher in New York

10) On my spring wish list:

A Helmut Lang cropped tuxedo jacket, Alexander Wang's super soft t-shirts, and Dries Van Noten strappy footwear

Magda Berliner is known for designing cool, ultra-feminine, and easy to wear clothing that makes an ingenious statement. The Los Angeles-based designer has a knack for capturing the independent spirit of fashion-forward women, and for that we can’t help but follow every design move she makes. We took a peek inside Magda’s world and found out what the inspiration was behind her brilliant Spring ’09 collection that we’re all lusting after.

1) How would you describe your personal style?

Modern Romantic; feminine/masculine mix and match. I also enjoy color and texture.

2) What was the inspiration behind your spring collection?

Easy dressing incorporating floral and animal prints.

3) What is your favorite city to shop in?

Paris, France and Budapest, Hungary; Paris for the artisanal finds from paper to pastries and Budapest for leather goods.

4) How would you describe the Magda Berliner girl?

She is in fact a girl; quite petite, expressive and independent.

5) What was your most recent luxe buy?

Chanel two-tone tights!

6) What 3 items could you never part with?

Maybe not NEVER – but my Blackberry, Balenciaga sunglasses and a yummy cardigan sweater.

7) What is on your spring wish list?

Louis Vuitton monogram hosiery, Lyn Devon studded mini skirt, LD Tuttle Slasher sandals and a Lulu Frost African Diamante neck piece.

Photos: Magda modeling her Spring '09 collection

As the Accessories Editor at Vogue, Sylvana Soto-Ward is responsible for selecting the best and brightest accessories each season to feature in the magazine. Needless to say, her taste is impeccable, and her look is always polished and chic. With New York fashion week quickly approaching, we caught up with Sylvana to find out what she is looking forward to this Spring and how she survives fashion week.

How would you describe your personal style?: I think I subscribe to a downtown-chic look. I like to mix soft, feminine pieces with tough accents and accessories, make pretty frills a bit more modern. I like to mix tailored blazers or fun sequined tops with a casual loose fitting jean and a sexy heel or a floral print chiffon dress with a shrunken leather jacket and booties.

Who is/are your style icons?: I would say Kate Moss. I love her originality and her risk-taking style – it always works!

What is your best and/or worst fashion moment?: Worst fashion moment was definitely in college when I thought an aysmmetrial all-suede floor length skirt with a halter top was a great look for a formal – yikes!

Who are your favorite designers?: I love the young designers: Alex Wang, Phillip Lim, Rag and Bone and Proenza Schouler and of course the regulars: YSL, Balenciaga, Chanel, Marc Jacobs ( although I buy much more Marc by Marc) Prada/Miu Miu, Marni…the list goes on and on…

Flats or Heels?: I have quite a heel collection so I try to wear heels a lot. However there is nothing beter than a great flat with a mini-skirt.

What is on your Spring wishlist?: Louboutin lace up sandal heels in tan, floor length summer dresses, Sigerson Morrison summer flats (they are the best!), striped Chloe shoulder bag, add to my collection of Jennifer Fisher gold bangles.

NY Fashion week is upon us, are there any shows that you are you looking forward to seeing?: Always Marc – his shows are always incredibly inspiring whether you like what he does or not. And then my favs, Phillip Lim, Alex Wang, Rag and Bone…the stuff I can actualy afford!

What is the best thing about fashion week? The worst?: The best thing about fashion week are the clothes that come down the runway and seeing what new twists the designers will bring. The second best thing is just the energy level, the fashion industry really comes alive. The worst part is, by far, the SCHEDULE — too many shows and appointmrnts packed in to each day. It's truly exhausting.

What are you secrets for surviving a Fashion week?: LOTS OF STARBUCKS.

What is your favorite city to shop in?: Paris, I love going to the Parisian stores to get things we cant get here – I'm a huge fan of Et Vous!!

Are there any Spring trends that you are excited about?: The multi-strap tough sandlal heel – it's everywhere and it looks great with EVERYTHING! I'm also excited about the soft, no-hardware hobo bag; I am so over bags that weigh a hundred pounds before you put anything in them! Also, I'm getting more into the idea of a jumpsuit, although it's stretch…

See Sylvana's Closet here

As one of today’s most revered style mavens, Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti has garnered as much of a following for her impeccable personal style and she has for her wildly successful e-commerce website, Vivre. With a discerning eye for uniquely beautiful clothing and accessories both old and new, Eva’s approach to getting dressed is as much about the visual aspect as it is personality. We spent some time with Eva and her extraordinary closet to find out more about her fashion philosophy and about her style icons.

How would you describe your personal style?

Style to me is ones visual persona. It is an expression of details that are unexpected, individual and acquired. I am always trying to mix pieces in an imaginative way. I feel that jewelry is a form of art that should be complemented by a background of simple clothing. For day, I prefer clothes to be well tailored and elegant. I also love collecting accessories and interjecting the old with the new. Whether it is jewelry, a great handbag or a fabulous shoe, it should be a piece that highlights your outfit and expresses your personality.

Was there anything in your childhood that impacted your personal style, viewpoint, and sense of self?

I grew up with a mother and grandmother who always had tons of rules, which had a great impact on me. My sense of style was definitely impacted by my mother who has a very sophisticated sense of style. She is a great shopper and collector!

What are some treasured items in your closet?

My evening bag collection, my vests, a Chanel raincoat from the ‘50s, flea market bangles from the ‘40s, Chanel evening dresses, all of my incredible jewelry and definitely my Rene Caovilla shoes!!

Do you have a philosophy about fashion/how to put together an outfit?

I really think that the key to putting together a great outfit/look is creating a great palette. I know I’ve said it before but the most important aspect of any outfit is that it is well cut. You should then decide what you want to focus on; i.e. a great pair of earrings, a necklace, etc. but the most important thing is that you should stand out, not the outfit.

Do you have any signature pieces?

Big Jewelry!!! (My Lucite ring.)

How do you like to shop? In one fell swoop? Little by little?

Definitely little by little – it should be like a collection.

What is your favorite luxury in life?

I’d have to say my favorite luxury in life is having a fantastic dinner or lunch with my friends.

Who are your style icons?

Maria Felix for her exuberant and extravagant approach to life, The Marchesa Luisa Casati for her eccentricity, Frida Khalo for her passion and inner strength to surmount and Babe Paley for her simplicity, strength and elegance.

View Eva's closet

We caught up with effortlessly stylish aspiring actor, Bettina Adger, to get a taste of what she is loving right now. Born and raised in Texas, Bettina's style mixes her Texas roots with her laid back Los Angeles style. Bettina never fails to look chic and on trend, but always stays true to her own personal style.

Style icons:
Ali Mcgraw, Erin Wasson (I love the new line she just did), Kate Moss, Sienna Miller

Style inspiration:
My stylish friends!

Favorite stores in LA?:
Barneys, Satine, Decades, Diavolina

What are you pining for right now:
Where do I start?? A Ricks Owens leather jacket, a Chanel vintage bag, and a red Chanel vintage dress at Decades are on the top of the list.

What are you perpetually on the hunt for?
A cute boy…oops we are talking about clothes…probably the perfect flats for Fall/Winter.

Wish someone would have told me…
Straight leg jeans don't look good on me. Nor do wrap skirts.

Currently, the favorite thing in my closet is:
My new Isabel Marant suede boots and my Kain tees — I have them in every color.

Imagine traveling to New York and spending a day shopping in some of the most exquisite boutiques with your very own style guide; someone to help you find exactly what you have been searching for at a gem of a destination you might not have known to exist. Sounds like heaven, right? Enter Lucia Tait and Amanda Sheppard, the owners and style guides of Coup de Coeur, a personalized service that offers private shopping tours in New York. As experienced shoppers with the inside scoop on which stores to hit, both well-known and unknown, Lucia and Amanda are the go-to sources for a New York shopping experience like no other. Closet Couture caught up with them for a Q & A session to find out their favorite boutiques, whose closets they would love to raid and, of course, what kind of shopping advice they have. Here is what Lucia and Amanda had to say.

1) Coup de Coeur is known as a highly personalized service providing private shopping tours in Manhattan, all guided by in-the-know stylemakers. How did the idea come about for creating the business?

L & A: Amanda and I were continuously asked by family, friends, and friends of friends for advice on shopping, what to wear and new brands and designers. We realized there was a need for this type of service that could serve both NYC visitors and locals. Tourists and out-of-towners get insider knowledge and discover stores and neighborhoods they wouldn’t have otherwise and New Yorkers save time and hassle – everyone gets amazing service, special Coup de Coeur discounts, our style advice and a variety of other perks and luxuries!

2) Which are your favorite stores to shop in New York? And if you had to pick one store as a go-to source for an amazing head-to-toe look, which would it be?

L: All the stores we work with are great in their own way, but if I had to say for a head-to-toe look, either Curve in Soho – which carries gorgeous accessories, designer pieces and a dash of vintage – or my favorite standby, Barneys.

A: I find that Barbara Bui designs amazing shoes and accessories with an edge. For one-of-a-kind jewelry, Sucre in the West Village has a collection of keepsake jewelry that stands out. Ludivine, which carries only French labels, always features classic pieces. Bergdorfs is the go-to department store– every age and style, you will find the perfect head-to-toe look.

3) What are you pining for right now?

L: Well I’m not quite ready for Spring shopping yet, but as far as resort I would love Chadwick Bell kaftan to bring to St. Barths in February. To wear now a chiffon Keith Lissner dress and Scoop’s private label exotic skin clutches. I lust after Manju Jasty’s fine jewelry line, although it is not in my price range!

A: The sold-out motorcycle boots by Miu Miu – I’ve even searched ebay!! A great place to find sold-out or discontinued pieces. I also lust for tailored styles from Rag & Bone, clutches by Paige Gamble and Allessandro Dell’Acqua’s asymmetrical trench.

4) What is your favorite city to shop in?

L: New York of course! New York is one of the most dynamic, inspiring, and exciting cities in the world for shopping and style, and that is why Coup de Coeur works. There are always new stores opening, new designers starting up and influential runway and street styles emerging. Outside of NYC I love shopping in Marrakech, Istanbul, Paris and Florence.

A: New York is obviously the favorite. It truly is a city that offers the best-of shopping experiences whether at a luxury department store or a small boutique. The attention to detail and level of style is unsurpassed. Second, I would have to choose the Marais in Paris, an eclectic neighborhood that includes boutiques where you will find special pieces with a Parisian touch.

5) What is on your spring/summer wish list?

L: Another Misela bag (the white/silver canvas tote with fringe), an Otera evil eye print scarf, and I’m obsessed with the line from House of Waris.

A: Nude Christian Louboutin Pumps, flowy dresses by Pencey, Barbara Bui handbag and a Mara Hoffman swimsuit.

6) Describe your personal style. Which designers rule your closet?

L: My personal style is classic and polished with a twist. I like clean and simple cuts with a touch of romantic or bohemian tossed in. I have a lot of Christian Cota, Zac Posen, Temperley, Missoni, Alexander Wang, J Brand jeans, James Perse tees and tanks, J. Crew and American Apparel separates and Sergio Rossi and Christian Louboutin shoes.

A: My style has a menswear twist with feminine touches. I adore Hermès accessories, Pamela Love jewelry for it’s quirky edge and Twenty-8-Twelve separates. My staples are J Brand jeans, Miu Miu shoes, J. Crew separates and Temperley Dresses.

7) How do you like to shop? Do you prefer going with friends or alone?

L: I like to shop alone because when I go with friends I always focus on them! I never go on ‘sprees’, I just stop in to my favorite stores when I am in the neighborhood to pick up a few things, or when I’m really lucky I do personal orders and showroom appointments with friends. I also shop online (net-a-porter.com, lagarconne.com and discounted sites like Gilt Groupe and ideeli), as well as sample sales.

A: Lucia and I are always ‘shopping’ for clients or researching new stores, so I always have in mind what I want – then prefer to go alone for my personal shopping excursions.

When is the best time for shoppers to find a great deal?

L: Right now it is hard to not find a great deal, for better or worse. After Christmas and late summer are annual sale times.

A: In NYC there always seems to be at least one good sample sale a week, so check listings before you head out to shop.

9) What was the last piece of clothing or accessory you purchased?

L: This week I took advantage of the severe sales and picked up a silk Marc Jacobs flower print dress, an Yves Saint Laurent ring and an embroidered Fiona Paxton necklace.

A: A gorgeous Hermès Collier de Chien belt. It is the perfect accessory to update any look!

10) What is the best style advice you’ve ever received?

L: Two pieces of advice will change to way you dress if you stick with them; the first being to not shop based on trends except those that truly fit in with your personal style and the second being to get everything you can tailored for you. Your clothes will fit better and you’ll feel more like ‘you’!

A: Having style is how you wear what’s in your wardrobe, knowing what works for your body type – not seeing how many labels or trends you can fit into one outfit.

11) Whose closet would you love to raid?

L: I’ve just been loving every single thing Anne Hathaway puts on, so definitely her closet.

A: My mother’s in the ‘60s. Everything that she did keep I now have.

12) Do you have any shopping tips or advice?

L: Without giving our professional secrets away (!), I would advise that this is the perfect time to stop buying so much ‘stuff’ and start buying classics and investment pieces, with a few indulgences thrown in. If you are craving something trendy, try shopping at Target or choosing a new fabulous piece of jewelry. If you have a few formal events coming up, buy one quality design from a designer who does formal really well (think Oscar de la Renta or Peter Som), not a bunch of trendy ‘party dresses’ you probably won’t like in a year or so.

A: Absolutely, quality over quantity!! Make your look unique with accessories that personalize your style and always tailor pieces to fit – as we mentioned. And last, if you favor a certain designer or trend, vintage or resale might be the way to acquire one-of-a-kind or unique pieces that will stand out in your wardrobe.

13) What are the benefits of using a guided shopping service like Coup de Coeur?

L & A: With Coup de Coeur, shopping is an experience that is both fun and productive! Each client fills out a Style Profile and we base their entire day around just what they are looking for. Boutiques, brand flagships, department stores and designers offer our clients pre-arranged merchandise, extended hours, dedicated salespeople, champagne service, sales and event invites and discounts up to 20%. Coup de Coeur shopping tours also make stylish gifts – perfect for upcoming Valentine’s Day!

Visit www.coupdecoeurny.com to find out more about shopping services.