A classic fashionista knows how to pull off a look that is modern, American, and timeless. These fashion femmes know that trends come and go, but an essential, edited look is here to stay. They choose solid colors, bold accessories, and classic cuts. From the days of Audrey Hepburn longing outside the doors of Tiffany’s to Michelle Obama bouncing out of burger joints in our nation’s capital, a put-together look can never go wrong. When shopping, classic chicks opt for quality over quantity. Gals with classic style often have a signature look that they repeat time and time again, check out Audrey’s timeless black look that never went out of style:

Get the Look: Tailored Jeans, Trench Coats, Classic Suit, Knee-high Boots, Black Pumps, Pea Coats, White Work Shirt, Pencil Skirts, Little Black Dress, Floral Summer Dresses, Black, Tailored Well-Fitting Clothes

Celeb Inspiration: Audrey Hepburn, Katie Holmes, Michelle Obama, Kate Winslet, Reese Witherspoon, Gwenyth Paltrow, Scarlett Johansson

Where to Shop: J Crew, Gap, Banana Republic, Ralph Lauren, Tory Birch, Nordstroms, Bloomingdales, Macy’s, 

As always, no matter what your style is, in the words of Mr. Doonan himself, “SAY NO TO HO! … and yes to ECCENTRIC GLAMOUR.”

• We were a little surprised to see Michelle Obama on the front cover of Vogue. On the campaign trail, the new First Lady wore clothes by labels like H&M that everyday people could relate to — things we never see in Vogue. Yet here she is, the second First Lady to grace Vogue’s cover, after Hillary Clinton. And, unsurprisingly, the woman, who said being a fashion icon is “hard,” looks awkward. NYM
• The fashion world heads into next week’s shows amidst a steady drip feed of bad news. Guest lists have been cut in half. Alexander Wang, Calvin Klein, and even Marc Jacobs canceled their parties. Obedient Sons & Daughters, Searle, Bill Blass, and Kira Plastinina went broke. Tracey Ross’s store closed. Neiman Marcus, Saks, Chanel, and Burberry have all seen layoffs. Big names like Vera Wang, Betsey Johnson and Monique Lhuillier are forgoing the extravagance of the Bryant Park tents for something quieter. NYM
• Rachel Zoe trademarks “I die” and “Bananas.” We thought Paris Hilton bogarting the phrase “I’m hot” was the worst offense of trademark’s history. But claiming the genus of an edible plant? If we are indeed now in a time when people can just go around claiming others can’t use the images and names of tropical fruits without permission because you told your lawyer it was yours first, we choose pineapples. NYM
• The IT Holding Company, which owns the Gianfranco Ferre fashion house, has put one of its subsidiaries into bankruptcy protection, and has warned that it too, risks bankruptcy, says MSNBC. Ittierre, which has four licenses to produce Versace Sport and Just Cavalli among others, filed for bankruptcy protection on Monday.
• According to New York Magazine, the Wall Street Journal announced it would close its New York–based fashion-and-retail group. A total of fourteen were laid off, while eleven took a buyout, Forbes.com reports. Managing editor Robert Thompson said the paper would maintain fashion coverage. However, the fashion department will be downsized from a full-time staff of nine people, to five.

No, ladies this time I’m not talking about our favorite breakfast beverage, but the official color for 2009.

“Mimosa” (a shade of yellow) has been branded the “color of the year” by Pantone — the source for color standards in the design and fashion industry.

“I think it’s just the most wonderful symbolic color of the future,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “It’s invariably connected to warmth, sunshine and cheer—all the good things we’re in dire need of right now.”

Our First Lady, having selected a yellow inauguration dress and spotted in this year’s color on multiple occasions, must agree.

Does Mimosa get your vote for 2009?

The day after Barack Obama’s presidential win, the headlines weren’t just about the new milestone our country had just experienced … it was about Michelle Obama’s dress on that historic night.

I applaud our future first lady for this choice and others she has made, that push the envelope and introduce the country and the world to designers they wouldn’t have necessarily come across otherwise. Her bold choices are a sign of independence, confidence and gusto … BRAVO !!

The future of our country seems to be laying in the hands of Obama …Mrs. Obama that is.What will decide this future? The dress she dons on January 20, 2009 for her husband’s inauguration. Of course, we all know what you wear makes a huge impression, but to have so much riding on it is unprecedented. Her choice will signify hope, promise, and for sure influence women everywhere in their fashion choices. Designers will use Michelle as a muse, and inspiration will trickle to the runways for seasons to come.

Oscar de la Renta

Many believe her choice should be an American designer, and I agree. It should stimulate excitement for the garment industry in the US, which is especially feeling the strains of the economy. There is a very delicate balance to focus on. The coveted choice Michelle makes shouldn’t be too over the top, alienating the more conservative mass, yet with her obvious youth and spunk … a fun, fabulous, slightly risky pick would be perfect.

Oscar de la Renta has been a first lady favorite for years, with Laura Bush as a huge fan and before her Hillary Clinton.

Tracy Reese

There’s Diane von Furstenberg,  Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs, Carolina Herrera, Phillip Lim, Peter Som, Rodarte, Nicole Miller, amongst others.

Tracy Reese would be an amazing choice; being a successful, accomplished African-American woman, very similar to our future first lady. Not to mention her designs are simply stunning.

Nicole Miller

Michael Kors has national recognition with his Project Runway fame; his designs are clean, classy and crisp, sophisticated and spectacular. He also is accessible, with a bridge line Michael Michael Kors … making him attainable for the masses, and the pick I am pushing for !!

Carolina Herrera

Quelle colour? Michelle looks amazing in most tones. Purple seems to be her color of choice. Blue would be absolutely appropriate, Red might be too much after her election night pick, and Black might be too basic.

Rachel Roy

In this case, and always: Understated elegance is always best.

She also has her two daughters to keep in mind, Sasha and Malia. They always seem to blend perfectly, with few words; their wardrobe often speaks to their individual and unique personalities.

Rodarte

Now that the election is over, and our choice for president has been made, the question is: What will Michelle wear? I can’t wait to see for myself …

Article written by Alana Kelen, Head stylist for VH1

Harper’s Bazaar is going political again. January’s issue included a fashion spread entitled “The politics of Fashion” showcasing cardboard cutouts of political candidates. This time around Bazaar will be featuring an editorial of the outspoken super model Tyra Banks portraying Michelle Obama. The September issue is notorious for being the biggest and most important of the year. Our current elections are by far one of the most important in history and everyone including fashion publications are taking notice. I cant wait to get my hands on a copy!

Update: Check out these fab pictures now seen on the Harper’s Bazaar website!