Lady in red

(vintage dress, Armani Exchange belt, Jeffrey Campbell shoes, Blair's Bow headband from Etsy)

You know how some girls are just born vintage-shopping wizards? They're either vastly patient, able to sift for hours through piles of musty, smelly clothes until they unearth an exquisite find, or very lucky. I'm neither when it comes to vintage treasure hunting.

So I was shocked when an idle Sunday at the Fairfax Flea Market rewarded me with this $15 dress. At first, I was hesitant: the zipper was rusty, the material scratchy and flimsy. But as soon as I heard the price, I knew I was taking it home. I mean, it's a red dress with a cascade of ruffled tiers down the front and a skirt that shines in the sun. There was no way I could say "no."

And I'm so glad I didn't!

Flowers in your hair

I've always loved the thought of wearing flowers in your hair. During my sister's wedding, our stylists wound fresh flowers in our hair and the pretty floral additions lent our outfits a very fresh, youthful vibe. No wonder ban.do, founded by two Los Angeles native stylists with a great eye for color, is at the top of my go-to list when seeking gorgeous hair accessories. One of my faves is this eye-popping fuchsia silk flower attached to vintage silk netting. It's so versatile that you can tie it in a myriad of ways for different looks. I like the way it's styled on the model. The enormous flower--so pretty, so whimsical!--rests on the side of her head, as if she'd just plucked a fresh flower and pinned it to her hair. Beautiful!

The humdrum gray blouse with a twist

Usually I gravitate towards bright colors and vivid patterns in my clothing, scarcely ever choosing shades of brown or gray (black being one of the few dark colors allowed in my closet). But this Barbara Bui blouse, with its satin cap sleeves, fanciful loop detail and textured silk fabric, is just the kind of neutral shade I need to complement all the bright clothes I own! The elegance of the blouse is balanced by slightly edgy cut-out loops and a loose, casual silhouette. To bring out the whimsical side of the top, I'd definitely match this with fun, but not overbearing, accessories, like this butterfly headband or bow headband.

Headbands Heaven

For fall/winter 2007, I've noticed one emerging trend, and it's headbands. I remember wearing them often as an elementary school kid, and I'm happy they're appearing on the fashion radar again. The most current and stylish headbands now are not the painful, thin, plastic ones I wore in school. Today's headbands are often elaborately patterned and embellished...and rather expensive. But if you're willing to shell out big bucks for a hair accessory, then check out headbands by Stacey Lapidus or 3.1 Phillip Lim, two brands that make some of the most outstanding headbands I've seen thus far. Bonus: Stacey Lapidus is offering free shipping for the holidays until 1/1/2008. These extravagant headbands might make a great stocking stuffer for the ultimate fashionista.

3.1 Phillip Lim Silk Organza Headband with beetle appliqué, $135

3.1 Phillip Lim Pleated Star Headband with Swarovski crystals, $275

Stacey Lapidus Silk and Crystal Headband, $120

Stacey Lapidus Crystal & Chain Silk
Headband with Bow, $90

Stacey Lapidus Killer Headband, $130

Tasha Jewel Metallic Silk Headband, $64.90

Cara Accessories Veil Wrap with Silk Flower, $58

Stacey Lapidus Silk & Crystal Braided Headband, $100

On the other end of the spectrum, Forever 21 offers super affordable headbands that are just as stylish. I love the idea of wearing a huge, floppy bow in your hair. It's a classy look perfect for fall/winter and a great accessory to pair with your holiday outfits!

Forever 21 Ashley Headband, $2.80

Forever 21 Petite Bow Headband, $2.80