Coco Chanel famously declared that "Fashion is not art," and though this proclamation may be true to some extent (our legal system has been in Coco's camp for some time) we think there's no denying the overwhelming artistic component to fashion.

Miu Miu's Fall/Winter 2007 Campaign featuring French beauty Laetitia Casta is a stunning example of fashion's artistic side. The photography, makeup, styling, and of course clothing come together in a gorgeous study of light and shadow, color, contrast and form.



The photo's dramatic Deco undertones are what caught our attention most, and remind us of one of our favorite painters, Tamara de Lempicka, who was one of the most famous painters of the Art Deco period. Both works of art, if we may, are highly stylized portraits with skin rendered luminous, limbs geometric, lips a luscious red, masterfully desaturated in places then pumped with precious color in other moments of the canvas or frame—similarly crisp, modern, sensual and seductive.


La Dormeuse (The Sleeper), 1931-1932 by Tamara de Lempicka

On a side note, if Tamara—who was said to have loved ''art and high society in equal measure"—were still alive, she would probably be painting today's stars and supermodels and socialites, just as she did during her own decadent lifetime. We would have liked to see her take a stab at designing clothes...and wouldn't you love to see Miuccia Prada paint?

See more of Miu Miu's Fall/Winter 2007 campaign here. >>
Then if you dare, tell us: Do you think fashion is art?

A look at Jill Stuart's Fall 2007 Collection will quickly clue you in to the season's key themes, and show you what to look out for as you plan your cool-weather wardrobe. Now let's let Jill do the talking...



SEQUINS/SATIN/BLUE

PLAID/OVERSIZED KNITS

DOTS/UNSTRUCTURED JACKETS
See the rest of the Jill Stuart Fall 2007 collection here. >>
Of course, TBB will bring you budget-friendly picks in the not-to-distant future. Stay tuned!

Chances are you already own one of fall's hottest trends—the shirtdress. If not, do not raid your man's closet (no matter what some magazines tell us): Find a quality, well-fitted garment that you really love and be willing to spend a tad more than usual as you'll probably wear this wardrobe staple often enough to bring the cost-per-wear down.

How to update the look this time around? Begin with a smooth camisole (a must for anything with buttons down the front), and black or dark-colored tights. Pair your shirtdress with ankle boots or booties for a polished, of-the-moment look. Punctuate with a printed belt or patterned pumps (tweed, plaid, patent and animal prints are all big for fall). Pick one, no more.

Gap is showing their shirtdress with a cropped fitted vest—a good option for certain figures, not all.

And don't forget, you can always bypass the trends and accessorize with a timeless silk scarf around the neck.

Our personal favorite is to roll up the sleeves on the shirtdress and layer atop a long sleeve henley, worn with pointelle tights and near-flat, knee-high boots. It's not for everyone, but the point is to have fun and make the look your own!

Gap's shirtdress is poshest in black, priced at $69.50 here. >>
Check out our other post on shirtdresses here. >>

They're heeee-eeere...

We warned you about those fugly lace-up flats that top designers such as Christian Louboutin, Marc Jacobs, Anna Sui and Jill Sander are unveiling for fall—and now, we regret to inform you, they've arrived at Urban Outfitters.

Sure, we know people who could pull these off, but those people are special. Much more special than we will ever be. So no. No, we will not let these shoes touch our toes.

We advise you do the same...or, if you think you can rock this look, send us a pic and prove it! (We won't hold our breath.)