volume

Who doesn't crank up the tunes occasionally for a rocking cardio session or to block annoying conversations on a morning commute? Unfortunately, dialing up the volume of your iPod can adversely affect your hearing.

We all know that prolonged listening to loud music can lead to hearing loss. Hearing experts say the maximum safe level for listening with ear buds or headphones is 85 decibels, but most people push the volume past competing ambient noise, which for NYC and DC is 80 decibels. This five-decibel window doesn't allow for much play when it comes to hearing your tunes. The European Union recommends a 100-decibel limit to MP3 players sold within its jurisdiction, with the purpose of decreasing associated hearing loss. But the US has no volume cap for music players, and recent tests found that many MP3 players crank all the way to 115 and 125 decibels. Hearing specialists recommend not only decreasing the volume but also the amount of time we all listen to our mighty iPods. Listening to one at maximum volume for only five minutes can begin deteriorating the delicate hair cells that line the inner ear, which decode sound waves into signals the brain interprets as sound.

I just set the volume lock on my iPod to about 80 percent of maximum volume, and I urge you to do the same with your MP3 player, whatever the brand. Easy listening might just mean hearing forever.

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Join the puff party! Not to be confused with the '80s bubble hem, the puff is all about creating contrasting volume. This is an ideal party look. To avoid looking like a puff pastry, make sure the puff starts high on the hip and the top is fitted and structured. See Miu Miu's delectable short and puffy concoction (left) — love!

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Tennis star Maria Sharapova appeared on the Late Show With David Letterman looking quite the style maven in her black-and-white ensemble and to-die-for YSL sandals. I don't normally look to sports figures for inspiration, but I have to give credit where credit is due . . . and Maria's black tulip skirt spurred a hunt to find something equally sexy but not equally pricey.

To see the look for less, read more

The river runneth red at Giambattista Valli. Blood red. Billowing red evening gowns, protruding red crepe necklines, toweringly high red heels, and even a red fox fur cocoon coat were all flowing. When it wasn't red, it was white, or black, or ivory — with lots of protuberances. Tufts of fox fur hang from the back of an otherwise simple ivory sheath. Architectural ruffles, poufs, and anemone-like brooches embellish other notable pieces.

The collection as a whole was a play on volume; and when I say volume, I mean Giambattista really turned up the dial. There was nary a piece in sight without the addition of something bigger . . . but better? Well, I'll leave that verdict up to you.

To see more Giambattista Valli, read more