When it comes to the subject of war, I'm afraid I might just narrowly beat Levi Johnston in a debate.   I'm a peace-loving girl who often wonders why we can't all just get along.  I have no tolerance for intolerance, no patience for fights that never seem to end and a visceral distaste for weapons of any kind.  All that said, I'm inexplicably drawn to the ever-growing military trend that's taken over the fashion world in such a Napoleonic way.  Christopher Bailey's fall line for Burberry Prorsum was heavily influenced by all things military, (ie. cropped shearling aviator bombers and tailored wool peacoats), causing otherwise peaceful fashion circles to break out in near riots as its members battled for his must-have toppers.  Now that's what I call 'fighting the good fight'.  Real Life Runway Tip:  A borrowed-from-the-boys wool blazer from Smart Set (shocking, I know), becomes undeniably fierce when teamed with a studded clutch and over-the-knee pointy-toed boots.  I always like to soften the hard edges of a military look by adding something feminine to the mix - this soft, silky camp shirt from Joe Fresh Style does just the trick. 

Found: Prettier in a Wink

Put a group of celebrity makeup artists on a desert island (likely a 5-star island, mind you) and I guarantee you that every single one would have an eyelash curler in his pocket.  I know it looks totally scary and for curler virgins out there, I understand.  Once upon a time, I too was freaked out by the archaic-looking device with its guillotinesque pincher and its praying mantis-like silhouette.  Finally, I decided to bravely put my lashes into the contraption and was instantly and pleasantly transformed into a Katy Perry-eyed wonder.  This particular eyelash curler, engineered and tailor-made exclusively for Sephora ($16 at www.sephora.com) is super precise, pinch-proof  (thanks to its lash-friendly silicone pads) and being pink, much less intimidating than your average eyelash grabber.  Best of all, Sephora will donate $1 from each sale to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation so you can give a little while doing wonders for yourself.  Here's a step-by-step guide so you can get it just right:

• Start with clean, dry lashes. Open the eyelash curler and, keeping your eyes open, gently place your upper lashes between the two sides.
• Begin at the inner corner of your eye and position the curler as close as possible to your eyelid without pinching your skin. When your lashes are tucked inside, firmly (but gently) clamp the curler together.
• Hold for about ten seconds, then repeat, moving outward to curl the entire lash line. 

Smitten Kitten

Just Cavalli, Dolce & Gabbana, Balmain, Dries Van Noten, Fall 2010 - photos courtesy style.com 

My husband and I have a longheld fascination with feline women; you know, the ones with a penchant for spandex, clubs and cradlerobbing.  Can anyone say cou-cou-cachoo?  We both agree that the cougar can be a scary beast.  In fact, I once witnessed James being pulled up to a stage (by his hair no less), by an impressive-looking specimen in pants so tight, her bum was literally gasping for an oxygen mask.  However, we disagree on how a cougar comes to be.  I believe that cougars are born, not made.  You can be a coug at 18 or 50 if you dress and act the part.  James, on the other paw, believes that as soon as a woman starts wearing animal prints, she qualifies for the title.  This fall saw a proliferation of leopard prints so rampant that the runways were practically purring.  I like cats in small doses - say, a leopard belt here or a spotted flat there, since too much can feel like you're ready to go trick-or-treating.  Will you pounce on this trend or leave it alone for its catnap?  Real Life Runway Tip:  If you want to wear animal prints safely, make a statement with one spotted item and leave the rest of your ensemble strictly vegan.  I love adding a fun leopard flat or purse to an all-black outfit but I also liked how Dolce & Gabbana mixed polka-dots with their leopard prints.  No matter what you do, never, ever mix animal prints unless you want people to start riding Jeeps all over your body in search of wild game.  If you are a proud, successful cougar, a la Demi and Courtney, then go ahead and wear whatever you want.  If you can get a man 20 years your junior, you're obviously doing something right!

Be a smitten kitten with these pretty, spotted finds:

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Go, Alice, Go

Rochas, Michael Kors, Gucci, Fall 2010 - photos courtesy style.com

I remember seeing Ali MacGraw in the classic Love Story and wishing I had my own a) Ryan O'Neal and b) a perfect-for-falling-in-love camel coat.  Lucky for me, my mom kept all of her gorgeous toppers from the '60's and 70's, including a beautifully belted camel coat.  This fall, camel became the go-to colour for designers with runway after runway showcasing the classic colour in dresses, coats and pants.  Some of the coats I've found are certainly an investment but this is one piece that absolutely deserves your hard-earned pennies since, like most good love stories, your relationship will stand the test of time.  My mom's coat has held up for nearly 40 years and still looks amazing.  As for my better version of Ryan O'Neal?  I hope we last even longer.  Real Life Runway Tip:  Camel is a sensational shade because of its versatility and ability to instantly up your fashion ante.  You can pair your camel pieces with winter white, brown, black or red but my absolutely favourite pairing this season is camel with grey.  Or, if you want to be casually chic, I love adding a little denim into the mix as Hannah MacGibbon did at Chloé.

Now go, Alice, go, and get yourself some camel.  Here are some of my fave finds: 

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The Aigle Has Landed

I went to New York five years ago and was astounded by the rubber boot explosion.  At the time, everyone here was still on the Ugg train and I wondered if Canadians would ever fall for the trend.   Fast forward to today and everyone has a pair of puddle-jumpers.  As much as I love my Hunters, I'm thinking of having a wellie-deserved affair.  Aigle boots have been handcrafted in Ingrandes, France, since 1853.  Beautifully designed, completely waterproof and most importantly (according to my mom) totally French, your Aigles will protect your perfectly pedicured toes from our unforgiving Canadian elements.  Wear them with long, wooly socks and cold, wet feet will be a wonderfully distant memory.  Now, just be sure to choose your pair wisely - after all, these beauties are guaranteed to last your entire lifetime.    Aigle Boots are now available at www.aigleshop.ca, Holt Renfrew and select Club Monaco stores.  Bring on the puddles!