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Carolina Herrera, the Venezuelan-born designer who has dressed high profiled ladies including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, went for a 18th-Century look in her Fall 2009 collection. Herrera’s models walked the runway at The Tent in Bryant Park donning slim silk pants, high-waisted textile skirts and gorgeous gowns with a Mermaid touch. Take a look at some of my picks from Carolina Herrera’s collection in the gallery below:

- Mercedes Sanchez

KICKING OFF FASHION WEEK IN STYLE

If you saw many people dressed in black, it wasn’t because it’s Friday the 13th. It was because today marked the first day of the Fall 2009 season of fashion week. Thanks to a great friend, I was able to kick off the season at Jason Wu’s show.

Fashion Week consists of photographers and writers talking to celebs on the runway before a show begins. But I haven’t seen so many journalists at a fashion show until this afternoon. Obviously they wanted to get more familiar with Jason’s work after First Lady Michelle Obama wore his gown during the inauguration ball.

Jason’s Fall 2009 women’s collection included a variety of styles such as pleaded dresses, skirts and and several Crystallized Swarovski embroidered dresses. Dominican model Arlenis Sosa, who is also making her own buzz in the industry, was part of Jason’s line up and wore a chartreuse graphic printed chiffon tee with a black and white checker wool double breasted pea coat.

The models wore shoes provided by Manolo Blahnik for Jason Wu.

Celebrity sightings: Anna Wintour, who believe it or not had her sunglasses off for the most part, but put them on right before the show started; the beautiful model/actress Joy Bryant; Olivia Palermo, the annoying “socialite” from “The City” (The Hills spin-off on MTV).

Check out this video on Jason Wu:

Who doesn’t like jewelry? But with the lousy economy, splurging on precious jewels might not be the best idea for most of us. Yet, if you want to treat yourself after your tax return, we found some cost friendly pearls.

“People from all walks of life are cutting back – the economy reflects that,” says Jeremy Shepherd of PearlParadise.com. “Even so, men will always remember their ladies on Valentine’s Day. Many of them will buy from us because we sell the same akoya and freshwater pearl necklaces that the fancy jewelry stores sell – only our pearls cost 80 percent less”.

Shepard says his Web site offers the largest selection of pearl necklaces on the Internet today. Take a look at their collection at PearlParadise.com

Pearls necklaces start at $70. – Mercedes Sanchez

ISABELLA OLIVER NOT JUST FOR PREGNANT WOMEN 

With Spring just around the corner, it’s time to start looking for a light jacket and put that heavy coat you’ve been carrying back in the closet. The designers at Isabella Oliver, whose day to evening ready-to-wear collection has made fans out of celebrities like Jessica Alba and Angelina Jolie during their pregnancies, have revamped their collection with the launch of 365. Isabella Oliver introduces ‘The Mac,’ a classic trench coat with a stylish flair that remains traditional and timeless.

‘The Mac’ trench is constructed from the highest quality fabric sourced in Italy and is soft on the inside for comfort with an elegant exterior.

The Mac trench coat is available at IsabellaOliver.com. $360 - Mercedes Sanchez

If there’s one thing you and your hunny have in common it’s shaving. And if you celebrate Valentine’s Day but still haven’t purchased a gift for your significant other, here’s a quick and thoughtful item he won’t just put aside to collect dust.

Celebrities such as Will Smith and Matthew McConaughey are fans of the Art of Shaving products that your man will make good use of too.

Whether you take random weekend getaways or your guy often flies on business trips, this carry-on shaving kit (which is TSA approved) comes with a pre-shave oil, shaving cream, a brush and an aftershave balm. When it hits the skin, the custom blend of essential sandalwood oils becomes sweetly spicy and intoxicating.

And fellas, if you’re reading this, here’s a chic kit for your lady. The Rose Absolute Perfect Shave Set is a little more pricey ($146) but it includes a pre-shave oil, shaving cream, shaving brush and stand and body milk. You know she’s worth it so go for it! Jennifer Lopez and Kelly Ripa are also fans of this product.

Purchase these products at ArtofShaving.com . - Mercedes Sanchez