Winter boot season is still a few months away, but these Cole Haan Becka Tall Suede Boots are already calling my name. Made from supple yet surprisingly durable suede, this boot will take you anywhere. Pair them with trousers for work, a long skirt or mini for night, or over jeans for a funky look. I love the leather lacing and buckle detail, but there's also a brass side zipper for easy access—gotta love that! The inside is fully leather-lined and has a comfy padded sock lining. Buy them here for $375 in dark chocolate or black.

To see more designer boots and a less-expensive version, read more

I'm looking forward to Labor Day Weekend: One last chance to spend long summer evenings sipping white wine and dining al fresco. But if there's one thing I don't like about long summer evenings outdoors, it's sharing my food with mosquitoes. Now, you can be mosquito-free without smelling like bug repellant, thanks to these L'Occitane Lavender Mosquito Repellent Towelettes. I have not actually tried these, so I cannot say firsthand whether or not they work, but if they do, they are pure genius. And for a mere $8, it's worth a try. You can purchase them online here.

For most of us, Labor Day means backyard barbecues and icy-cold cocktails. If you're playing host this weekend, here are the essential tools you need to look stylish without missing the party.

Set of 8 Assorted Dinner Plates, $19.99, available here. Made from sturdy but lightweight melamine and not as wasteful as paper plates.

Deviled Egg Halter Apron, $38, available here. Just because you're preparing the grub doesn't mean you can't look stylish.

The Ultimate Guide to Pitcher Drinks: Cool Cocktails for a Crowd, $12.95, available here. Mixing cocktails in bulk will keep you from spending the whole night making drinks.

Three more so read more

This morning we asked you guys to vote on which star you thought looked most fab on the Video Music Awards red carpet. If you watched the show, you know the pickings were pretty slim. Gold was a big trend, but unfortunate fashion choices were even more popular. (Click here to see some of the more woeful attire.)

Perhaps it's telling that the usually hit-or-miss Christina Aguilera was the clear winner, arriving in a floor-length nude gown with dazzling bead work.

Though we neglected to include Shakira in our poll, she was the hands-down favorite among write-in candidates.

For more best-dressed winners, read more

Lorraine E. Schwartz was the jeweler to wear at the VMAs last night. She designs many of her own creations and specializes in fancy-colored diamonds and stones. Her clients include: celebs, fashionistas, and the social girls. Check out the ice she provided for the most famous ladies at the VMAs last night, often in the form of a glitzy stud-and-bangle combo.

Jessica Simpson

Christina Aguilera

Beyonce Knowles

Unfortunately, she does not have an online store, but you can call Lorraine directly at (646) 274-2008 for an appointment if you are ever in New York. Her showroom is located at 580 5th Avenue by 47th Street, in the renowned NYC diamond district.

Labor Day means great sales, and Pink Mascara is having an amazing sale, offering up to 70 percent off on summer clothes and even some great deals on fall fashions, like this very trendy velvet Twelfth Street Shrunken Jacket, marked down to $90 from $297, available here. But there are literally hundreds of other items to choose from. Here are some of my other picks.

Rebecca Taylor Deep-V Dress in Peacock, $175 marked down from $350, available here.

To see some other great deals, read more

• Michael Kors looks to capitalize on his Project Runway fame by opening a major retail chain — WWD
• Isaac Mizrahi gets into the magazine business — Fashion Week Daily
• American Eagle Outfitters mulls a more adult brand, called Martin + Osa — Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
• An upcoming New York museum exhibit explores the history of black fashion — The New York Times
• Proactiv plans to sell its skin-care solutions out of vending machines — WWD via eBeauty Daily
• Benetton will celebrate the Big 4-0 with its first ever runway show — Fashion Week Daily

When the fall full-face palettes hit cosmetics counters, it always gives me a rush. And my favorite face palette ever is Nars Artist Palette in Rapture. I use every color, and they last forever! The shades are perfectly color-coordinated for your eyes, lips, and cheeks, and the oversize mirror inside is crystal clear. All you need are a couple of makeup brushes, and you're good to go. The Artist Palette comes in six varieties—including Cool, Fame, and Lust for Life—and each one contains four eye shadows, two cheek shades, and four lipsticks. Buy it here for $70.

To see two more fabulous face palettes, read more

We know that one of the best ways to remove eye makeup is with baby oil. Now, a Japanese cosmetics company called DHC Skincare and Makeup is applying the same theory to olive oil.

Its Olive Oil Swabs are like oil-soaked Q-Tips that can be used to correct eye-makeup mishaps, remove eyeliner, or sooth irritated patches on the skin. Plus, they're individually wrapped, so you can carry a few in your purse for touch-ups if your mascara gets smudged. You can buy 50 swabs for $4 here.

Gold dresses were everywhere at last night's Video Music Awards, and this slinky French Connection Serpent Dress has been showing up in fashion magazines left and right. But something about the short-sleeved sequined style rubs me the wrong way. What do you guys think? Love it or hate it? You can buy it for $198 here.