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It's official: the Jazz Age era of elegant dressing is back. It's all over the pre-Fall 2012 runways, and magazines and retailers are going gaga over it. And no where else in the world (except Paris) can one find true inspiration for 1920s fashion than in glorious New York City. A simple stroll down the avenues of this fashion capital can influence and inform your wardrobe like nowhere else. 

Couture brands like Gucci, Marc Jacobs and Chanel have all integrated the elegance and geometric emphasis of art deco structures like the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building into their latest collections. 

Adding a bit of Great Gatsby to your wardrobe can be easy and fun with a few key separates. Take a look: 

A pretty camisole-style blouse by Sabine screams art deco... 

This mother of pearl knob ring is constructed with brass and adds art deco flair to a well-manicured hand. 

For a very bad hair day, enter the cloche hat. This number gives off a slightly seductive twenties look, as it falls just above the eye. Great for avoiding eye contact if you're just not in the mood to deal. And the cloche needn't break the bank, this one is from Target. 

Cuff Bracelet by Tinley

I'm a big fan of cuffs as an easy means to make a statement, and this metal bracelet will jazz up any clothing ensemble... 

In-Flight Pajama Party

I always struggle with what to wear on the plane. Many factors play into my wardrobe choices - how long is the flight, what's the weather like at the destination, are my kids tagging along, etc etc.

Now that pajama wear has officially taken hold as a trend du jour, this opens up a few options when it comes to looking fresh, yet staying comfortable on a short flight or a long haul.

Check out this pajama top from j.Crew - it's pure silk guaranteeing comfort, and it's black which will hide any spills from sudden turbulence.

(I'm a big fan of black-on-black dressing for flights. It hides everything, and can pretty much give you a fresh look regardless of miles clocked.)

Tuck the pajama top into a pair of black stretch jeans. DO NOT WEAR PAJAMA BOTTOMS. A high quality black stretch jean worn with this top will prevent you from looking like a slob who just slid out of bed.

And then add a warm cashmere scarf for a dash of color and ultimate warmth. Finally step into some basic black flats or go for any kind of boot depending on climate and season you travel. Et voila, you are ready for a stylish, comfy take-off!

Feeling Green in NorCal

Temps are WAY up in the Bay Area with nary a drop of snow in the Sierras... Green feels like just the right complement to the warm sunshine this January. So I've stolen this fun ensemble of green wardrobe ideas from LUCKY Mag and posted it here as inspiration to add a bit of "kelly" to your life...

Made in Malawi

Bright, Happy Tunic Dresses: Photo by Holly4Macoha

Malawi may not be one of my top ten places to visit anytime soon, but a new fashion collaboration is helping to raise my awareness about this southeastern African country. Holly Dunlap – know in fashion circles for her fun and popular shoe line Hollywould – recently founded Holly Dunlap 4 Macoha - an org that helps sustain handicapped artisans in this small underdeveloped country. 

The result is a hand-made collection of wonderfully colorful tunics, pretty handmade dresses, and home accessories.

When I last checked the collection was selling out quickly... visit ShopLatitude to browse these pretty pieces – ShopLatitude