Ever wish you knew the how-tos of being a socialite gal (also known as “socials”) about town? It’s tough work and takes years of ruthless training (debutante balls, gallery openings, spa appointments–le sigh…). But The Fashion Bomb‘s got a new fast-track course for those of you too impatient to get on to the right charity committees, cozy up to publicists for exclusive invitations, or buy that duplex on Park Avenue. So, what are the essentials for occupying this exalted perch on the social ladder?

1. Have a Go-To “Ladies Who Lunch” Outfit:

Socialite style is the perfect marriage of chic and quiet elegance: subtle, timeless pieces that whisper “Wealth” instead of screaming “RICH!” A little daring is not unwelcome, and some socialites (like Zoe Kravitz) prefer a more bohemian style. Maggie Betts and Susan Fales-Hill, above, wear perfect examples of “Lunch” outfits (and don’t forget to reserve your lunch date at The Four Seasons dining room, where any social worth her salt goes to see and be seen).

2. Perfect Your Blasé Stare:

Practice diligently in the mirror, thinking thoughts like “I could so be on Roberto Cavalli’s yacht right now” or “Woe is me: another front row seat at Zac Posen.” The stare is all about projecting “I have better things to do but sure, I’ll indulge you and take a photo.” Then, of course, secretly scour socialite photog sites, like Patrick McMullan and New York Social Diary, the next day to see if you’ve got it down like Zoe and Genevieve Jones.

3. Develop a Signature Piece:

It’s important to have a fashion signature, whether it’s inventive evening clutches or headbands–a little stylish eccentricity adds some color to your social profile. Studio Museum in Harlem Director Thelma Golden is known for her bold jackets and coats, quite fitting given her artistic background. Ms. Golden is the perfect model of a career woman with socialite status, which leads us to…

4. Cultivate Accomplishments:

In this day and age, it’s OK to be smart and social (hey, not everyone’s parents can be multimillionaires). A successful career of your own lends your socialite sheen some purpose and depth. Some of the more accomplished socials include White House Social Secretary Desiree Rogers, finance mogul Pamela Joyner, and fashion publicist Bonnie Morrison. Today’s socialite should have an interesting answer to the perennial conversation opener “And what do you do when you’re not front row at B. Michael?” (and if you don’t know who that is, well, I just can’t bother to tell you dahhhling…) 😉

Finally, one of the most important requirements for flaunting your socialite status is…
5. The Quiet Statement Bag:

So exclusive yet low-key that only other socials may know the brand, the bag has to be big enough to fit your Smythson planner but small enough to carry easily in your manicured hands, have few to no embellishments, and, of course, must almost always be black. Favorite socialite brands include Bottega Veneta (for their famous woven leather pattern), Hermès’ Birkin Bag, and, of course, the classic quilted Chanel Caviar bag. Take your cue from the above socials, actress-socialite Kerry Washington, and philanthropists Prudence Solomon Inzerillo and Grace Hightower De Niro.
Ready to channel your socialite soigné but lack the trust fund? Here are a few options to indulge your inner social gal!
Toodles, daaahlings…
~Adri
Source, Source, Source

My guys over at Stuff Fly People Like featured Beyoncé’s new video, Sweet Dreams:

A lot of people call it Single Ladies Part 3 (two backup dancers–yawn…), but it’s kinda dope!

It doesn’t push the envelope, but her dancing is ridiculous.

What do you think?

Make Fetch Happen caught the scoop that model Jourdan Dunn is currently shooting for makeup mainstay Maybelline:

The twitpic above was taken behind the scenes. No word on when the ads will launch, but I’m sure they’ll be beautiful.

Keep an eye peeled!

FWD.com reports that omnipresent bedazzler, Ed Hardy, will show during Paris Fashion Week in October:

After showing for many a season for Los Angeles fashion week, he’s taking quite a jump, going against the likes of Balmain, Jean Paul Gautier, and Thierry Mugler.

Do you guys think he has what it takes?

And in true Christian Audigier fashion, he promises to have a big name celebrity in the house to perform. I wonder who it could be…

~Vuitton

While surfing the blogosphere, I stumbled upon a very interesting jewelry line by designer Dominic Jones:

Animal inspired, his pieces comprise claw rings, tooth like necklaces, and gloves that would make Beyonce Sasha Fierce purr:

Do you love?

If so, check out more of the collection here.

~Vuitton

I was recently on t-shirt webstie Dangerous Negro, and fell in love with this Michelle Obama Baby Tee:

For only $24 you can rock a fashionable tee representing our super fab first lady!

Purchase at www.dangerousnegro.com.

Channel Jackie O in a Plum/Peach pair of $89 Circular Oversized Sunglasses by Ralph Lauren:

The classic style is updated with fun colors, the perfect accent to a holiday look.
Pair with the following for a day of sunning:

Fashion Bomb friend and funky British designer Kesh recently released her first new t-shirt designs since 2007:

The unisex t’s have a generous fit, and the black and white print means you can wear them with just about anything!

Get yours for $28 at www.inaworldofherown.com.

Read more about Kesh (the designer and model) in this vintage Fashion Bomb Post.

Hey Bombshells!
Haute Couture houses Chanel, Lacroix, Givenchy, and Dior are currently showing in Paris, flaunting their word class custom dressmaking skills and attention to detail. While most dresses can cost as much as $100,000, it’s still fun to look at the highest common denominators when it comes to forward thinking fashion. Here’s a quick run down:

Chanel:

Karl Largerfeld stayed true to the Chanel legacy of nubby tweed suits and coats reinvented for the modern career woman. Each collection begs for a new take, and Karl offered interesting plays with proportion and silhouette, presenting jackets and dresses with long tales or trains and lovely lace patterned tights.  I kept looking for a standout frock, and it came in a classic belted black shift with tulle. Unfortunately, for me, it was the sole standout:

Christian Lacroix:

Christian Lacroix seemed to be mourning the current state of his company with his latest and perhaps final Haute Couture collection. Using funereal blacks and navy blues, Lacroix relinquished his typical opulence and fearless use of fabric, opting instead for decidedly more subdued colors and surface decoration. Bereavement aside, Lacroix’s fine hand and history of grandiosity were evident in the details–swing coats with gold embroidery and fur accoutrements, neck high lace tops worn under cinch waist skirted jackets, and strapless dresses peppered with crystals and beading:

Givenchy:

Riccardo Tisci also went for subdued colors like black or white, but amped up his collection with piles of statement jewels that seemed to draw inspiration from Moroccan royalty. Layered black outfits (replete with head scarves) were presented in contrast to gold face jewelry and stacks of chunky bangles. Intricate beading and embellishments contributed to a collection searingly rich in details, yet pedestrian enough to be worn by celebrity trendsetters:

Lastly, Christian Dior:

In high contrast to Chanel, Lacroix, and Givenchy, Dior went above and beyond blacks, grays, and whites to offer punches of bright pink, orange, and purple. On top of the onslaught of technicolor, Galliano continued to push the envelope with models shown in various states of undress, wearing bras with full skirts, jackets with girdles worn under sheer skirts, and slips with dresses. Exposed underpinnings aside, Galliano managed to harken back to Dior’s 1950’s cinched waist New Look while also offering silhouettes that would appeal to the modern well heeled fashionista. This collection made Haute Couture interesting and droolworthy in a way the others failed to do:

Which was your fave?

Bisous!

Take a look at Adriana’s Spring ’09 review here.

Photos via Style.com