My FAVORITE city. I visited twice when studying in Rome - and couldn’t get enough of the lifestyle. The landscape is to die for - you kind of feel like you’re in a small world (Disney), with all of the canals, yet the architecture is ultra modern (apartments have glass fronts that nobody seems too concerned about concealing). Bicycles outnumber cars, there’s an H&M on every corner, and it’s incredibly safe. It’s definitely the most progressive city I’ve ever visited (in existence, I’m sure), as well as the most fashion forward.

Every block I saw a girl wearing something I wanted immediately - and it was incredibly hard not to spend my measly student allowance ALL on clothes. Most importantly - there’s a really warm & welcoming vibe – and English is prevalent (and as any study abroad student knows, it feels sooo good to not have to think so hard before speaking).

Now that I’m in TX while my man gets his MBA – I’ve been entertaining the idea of University of Amsterdam – my turn! When visiting Amsterdam, one would need:

Couture-looking lingerie (red light district inspiration) - Victoria’s Secret bra $38, bottom $26

A cute puffer for the winter - Gap (Patrick Robinson) $148

Ballet flats for bicycle riding - Sigerson Morrison for Target $29.99

Rasta colored accessories - Belt $9.99 from E4Hats.com

Just got my absentee ballot in the mail yesterday - and I need to overnight it asap in order to partake in some crooked voting - as Texas is obvi a red state.

Right on cue, I had a friend introduce me to (Miami based) Paul Jacober Obama tees. He designs a slew of graphic tees & hoodies (a much chic-er version of Christian Audigier) that all have an effortless & smart vibe about them - which makes them perfect to wear even after the election. And if Obama doesn’t win, I would wear this every day in pure mourning/protest.

Enter code “Sidewalk” at checkout, and receive 10% off @ Jacober.com

End Note: I can’t go into too much about Sarah Palin - it hurts my brain. So, I’m just going to post this article & pic - and let you decide what you’d rather be wearing. (And yes, she is wearing donkeys that say “vote”)

Jezebel.com “Is Sarah Palin Making An Ass Of Herself?”

Not many people know how beautiful this city is - well, maybe the dirty hippies.

Keep Austin weird!

Leave it to YSL to make an ordinary symbol a must have. Spring 08 featured that outrageous plexiglass star necklace (see post: Seeing Stars) & strappy star shoes that left everyone salivating for more. Next, you see Kate Moss wearing the dress to her (34th) birthday party – envy inducing star face paint and all – and it just keeps slapping you in the face: You can’t have me!

Well, you can totally have it - and have it so much better because you only had to wait one season to pay sooo much less!

Asos $40

Tiffany $250

Delias $49.50

Top Shop $10

Asos $34

Photo taken from www.Ferragamo.com

I wasn’t a huge fan of Prada Sp 08, but when you have the kind of clout Miuccia does, it’s ok to make slight errors in judgement. The shoes, however, were a full on visual trip. This collection hit editorial just as I was finishing up at V and graduating - also when the Whitney had their psychedelic exhibit going on - where I was able to experience a simulated trip via rooms that create sound based on movement (just a regular Sunday afternoon) . When I first saw these pieces it made me feel like that - like I was in a Dali - time is moving really slowly, things are melting, and everything you know is thrown out the window. Since LSD isn’t what it was in the 70’s, we’re going to have to settle for visual stimulation - and retail therapy.

As you’ll see - Forever 21 has proven that it only takes one season to knock off RTW (lucky for us).

Original Prada via Style.com

Take a trip for $34.80, Forever21.com

Ahhh she has the Givenchy chains!

Photo via Perez Hilton, via Getty Images.

I fully predict seeing a Super Sweet 16-er flying to Milano and begging for this dress from the Blumarine Atelier. The jeweled cutouts are reminiscent of Cavalli (who can at least get away with this from pure repetition) as well as the tart everyone had at their senior prom. To add salt to my fashion wounds this was the finale look for Fall 08! There is a very fine line - and I just don’t get it!

For less showgirl, more shamelessly feminine look - I choose Ungaro (in my dreams):