It's not. I'm a sucker for an artfully constructed top. I like the high-wattage fuchsia here, particularly because it's tempered by gray and black. I'd keep it really simple, by wearing it over a T-shirt, or under a fitted blazer. I'm really into the back, too.
Read MoreA Lucky editor just asked me what the most fail-safe, beloved piece in my closet is. I'm having trouble deciding—it's actually a really tough question. As is very well documented in this column, I have big love for J.Crew cashmere cardigans: They're simple but luxurious, fit perfectly, and can be incorporated into just about any outfit. But there are other contenders too. My Grey Ant high-waisted jeans are not only the most comfortable pair I own (their stretchiness and stomach-constricting properties have made them pretty addictive) but also the most versatile. And I'm hooked on white James Perse scoopneck tees; I ended up buying three of them because I couldn't keep up with washing them as often as I wanted to wear them. Now it's your turn to tell: What's the item in your wardrobe that you can't live without? My editor and I want to know!
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Especially Pantene Pro-V shampoo and Dove bar soap, which look even cuter when they're tiny and travel-size.
—Rachel Siegel, fashion assistant
Read MoreWalt Whitman-like, I often roam New York City contemplating the Big Questions: What is my purpose? Does the Scientology Center have a room for secret man-on-man celebrity canoodling? Is it okay to hate someone who knows a single quote from The Canterbury Tales and uses it often? Can a pink wig be high art? What broke up Bennifer? Who IS Charles Schwab?
And finally: Should I be using toner for my acne? Because I don't.
There are arguments on both sides.
"It doesn't do anything," says a supremely knowledgeable Lucky editor, who gives better acne advice than anyone (plus, no co-pay).
"I see you don't use toner," says masterful New York facialist-to-Gisele Christine Chin, correctly, studying my skin under an unforgiving microscope/lamp contraption.
Vexing.
What do YOU think (and if you do believe, what specifically works for you)?
—Cat Marnell, associate beauty editor
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Despite the fact that I am way too old for it and that I don't even know if I enjoy the characters or plot, I am still watching Gossip Girl. And last week during the "very dramatic" Thanksgiving episode, Blair was wearing a green dress—forest green satin, actually—with a little pleating-type situation at the neck. And it made me want green things. Like, immediately. The problem is I turn kind of ashen in "forest" hues (I know this because of a bridesmaid's dress I once had to wear—the color was the least of its issues, but still). Anyway, this is my solution: Instead of the pine shade, how about a jaunty kelly green? It's actually such a great, bright accent for winter, and looks so cool and cheerful with all-black ensembles. Here it is in a pretty scarf, an elegant evening bag, and a sexy sweater, which would be perfect with a pencil skirt and heels.
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Just when I thought I'd satisfied all my urges for tights, I saw this pair from Anthropologie, which I think I have to add to my collection. They're nice and thick and come in slate gray (my new favorite hosiery color), and they're crocheted. The pattern is very atypical—it's comprised of a series of lines and dots that zigzag and crisscross all over the place, so the look isn't too girly nor old-fashioned. I like the idea of letting them stand out against a solid black or white T-shirt dress with patent-leather flats.
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Suddenly, in the past week, my five-step routine has quietly experienced a coup, and the regime change has brought in ... MAC. I don't know why I'm the last to the party on this, but MAC is AWESOME. I suppose I always figured it was a line for pros—the types who can put on liquid eyeliner in the car—but no. Not so. I'm currently using quite a pile of MAC, but the most urgent thing you should know about is the soon-to-be-discontinued, perfectly inky-purple Pearlglide eyeliner in Rave (I forgive them the first part of the name, which sounds a bit like an intimate feminine product, because there really is no more accurate description: It IS pearlescent, faintly so, and it glides beautifully). And there's no smudging. AND it's water-resistant. I know I am prone to superlatives, but it is the MOST AWESOME pencil liner ever.
... I don't want to overload you, so I'll stop there. Next week: Eye Primers.
—Cristina Mueller, senior beauty editor
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My calendar has slowly been filling up with holiday parties, so I spent some time this weekend taking stock of my fancy tops and dresses. I'm in pretty good shape, but it's always fun to add a few new pieces to the mix, which is why I found myself clicking over to BCBG's site, since they're something of a mother ship for special-event attire. The sale section is bursting with fantastic bargains (50 percent off!)—so many options, in fact, that I felt too overwhelmed to deal, and decided to buy this seriously awesome, armor-like clutch instead.
Read MoreThere's dozens of sites like it, all bursting with fervor. Not unlike showoff-y, Facebook-loving Disney stars, members named "OhNoTangles!" and "WiccaVixen" post saucy photos of their glorious splint-end-free manes (their word, not mine!). Gothy makeup is popular. Flatirons are not. Everyone is on suspicious-sounding "Hairtopia Vitamins", and there are DIY-conditioner recipes involving castor oil and organic bananas.
Members are a mixed bunch: whimsical ("I feel like a mermaid and I love braiding my hair like a medieval goddess"), poignant ("It was growing by itself and I didn't notice it at first, but then people started telling me 'your hair is getting longer' and then I knew my hair was growing"), even male ("EAT LOTS OF PROTEIN AND BEWARE OF RAT'S NESTS KNOTS LOL").
Admittedly, however, there were excellent tips for getting long hair:
1) Avoid hot tools and super-hot showers as much as possible.
2) Trim regularly (split ends are the enemy).
3) Don't brush hair while wet, and detangle only with your fingers.
4) Deep condition; sometimes switch it up with a hot oil treatment.
5) Sleep with on satin pillowcase with your hair a velvet scrunchie topknot (awesome).
6) Attend the Renaissance Fair annually to meet up with your online posse for Medieval role-playing games and a Wiccan moon ritual. (JOKING! I have no idea where they hang out.)You can also buy these products by a company called "Long Hair Lovers", if so inclined.
Do YOU have any hair-growth tips?
—Cat Marnell, associate beauty editor
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Is it too crazy-old-lady to wear a hat? Not a like a woolly beret but a "dress" hat, the kind you pin on and wear to a cocktail party and pretend you're a lady. This is the major style dilemma I'm pondering lately. I totally want to attempt party hats, but I fear the look may be too contrived and will look like some kind of creepy time-warp costume. Then again, with the right outfit, a feathery, netted-head topper could be the coolest thing ever, and I could be considered stylish and brave (my dream). Thoughts?
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