“When it’s three o’clock in New York, it’s still 1938 in London.” – Bette Midler

It’s Fashion Week Eve for the city that never sleeps… and whether you’ll be visiting the retail capital of North America, attending any shows, or just living vicariously through the media’s coverage – I’m dedicating this week’s must-haves to what every traveling lady needs in her life.

10 – an on trend blazer to throw over skinny jeans, a skirt or dress – I love ELIZABETH and JAMES Preppy Blazer in Black/Ivory. I can’t get enough of stripes lately, and it’s a great update on a black boyfriend blazer that can take you from day to night (over skinnies, trousers, a dress, skirt…). The pattern mixes prints for you instantly, whatever you pair it with. And the black piping is so regal!

9 – a bag big enough to go from day to night, without sacrificing style - Alexander Wang Rocco Duffel’s is my go-to bag right now, I get at least one complement on it a week. Big enough to fit your wallet, PDA, keys, makeup, water bottle, camera – yet small enough that it’s not a suitcase.

8 – the perfect polish - Chanel had me at hello… their nail polish hues can do no wrong in my eyes (she says as her collection grows monthly). Three of their most popular of-the-moment shades: Particulière, Paradoxal and Black Satin now come in a tri-pack. Pick one and rock it all week long.

7 – a statement watch, to get you to the church (show) on time… whether it’s gold, silver, rose, mixed metal, translucent, ceramic, plastic, rubber, tortoise – a big men’s size watch on a woman’s wrist is practical and just plain hot. So you can keep your iPhone and BBs off when it’s showtime.

6 – chic travel garment bag - LeSportSac’s bags travels so well, I love their weekenders as carry-ons (small to large) and checked (extra large) bags. My latest purchase is their patent garment bag, it has a strap so it can fly solo as carry-on or checked – yet it’s small enough to also fit in a suitcase.

“They say life’s what happens when you’re busy making other plans. But sometimes in New York, life is what happens when you’re waiting for a table.”

- Carrie Bradshaw, ‘Sex and The City’

5 – back to basics – go for a white blouse, add ruffles or a classic tie to your silks shirt – tuck it into a high-waisted skirt (I’ll be wearing #1 tucked into an Alice + Olivia white blouse that’s not online yet to their February 14th show at the Park Plaza), skinny or trouser pants and glam it up.

4 – Tory Burch patent Eddie black ballerina – the perfect plane shoe! And yes, that’s “plane” not “plain”. There’s nothing plain about a shimmering black flat that takes you through the terminals of JFK, LaGuardia or Newark before changing into winter-faring boots. Fashion meets function.

3 – the perfect coat, that actually keeps you warm - if you haven’t been following the weather in NYC this year, it’s been one storm after another (along with Chicago, Toronto, and even Dallas!)… the East Coast has been getting a lot of snow and/or cold fronts. So while I’m all for trying to get away with my fall and spring coats in East Coast winter months when you’re going for a certain look, 2011 is a year for WARM LAYERS. I’ll be wearing my Mackage – AKA warmest coat ever.

2 – KILLER heels – helloooo Prada, nice to see you again. The perfect balance between first-date heels (3 inches +), and second chances (everything else)- I lived in Prada heels for three years in my previous corporate gig (suited up everyday) and they are as comfortable as they are sexy. 10!!

1 – one gorgeous detail / INDULGENCE - for me this year it’s Alice + Olivia’s leather tulip skirt in tan. And yes, it’s just as DIVINE in person as you can imagine. I tried it on at their Robertson boutique and knew it had to be mine within seconds (OK, when I saw it on the mannequin in the window just a few days before I knew…). The leather is soft and luscious, and there’s a gold zipper up the back that adds the perfect finishing touch. I will have, and wear, this FOREVER. Thank you!!

“One belongs to New York instantly, one belongs to it as much in five minutes as in five years.”

- Thomas Wolfe

I ♥ NYC.