I’m just going to start this off by saying I would have absolutely no qualms switching lives with Leigh Lezark for a day, or a month, or longer.

I don’t remember how or when I first heard her name, but I immediately wished my name was an alliteration that easily rolled off the tongue like hers. Too bad we can’t always get what we want (thanks, parents!). On the bright side, something we can achieve is her effortlessly bad-ass sense of style.

For those of you still wondering, Leigh Lezark is a DJ in the trio Misshapes in New York City.  Oh yeah, and she’s a model.  Yes, a DJ and a model.  Très, très jaloux (which is French for, I’m mad envious).

DJ Leigh and her Misshapes posse like to bump electronica and indie rock.  They are also known to attract the Hispter crowd, but I try to stay open-minded to the boundary-pushing that she, and her party-mates, tend to inspire people with. I just love their sound. I also find Leigh Lezark incredibly chic, cool and mysterious with her all-black ensembles, signature jet-black bob and aversion to ever smiling in a photograph. And while The Misshapes tend to dress in some brands that are a bit out of my league (Alexandre Herchcovitch, House of Holland, Imitation of Christ, Jeremy Scott, Obesity and Speed, Pleasure Principle, to name a few), I’m going to toss some more affordable options in your general direction.

Because you don’t have to spend like a DJ/model to dress like one.

Product Info: Shiny tank body-suit -American Apparel, $34.00; High-waist jeans -Urban Outfitters, $64.00; Draped cardigan -Wet Seal, $14.99; Studded booties -Forever 21, $36.40; Sunglasses -Bleudame.com, $5.00; Studded handbag – Aldo $24.49

I like this outfit because while it still exemplifies Leigh’s personal style, anyone can make it their own for class, a party, or even a not-so-strict-uniformed job. You can really turn the rocker edginess up or down depending on what you’re going for. Plus, most of us already own all the separate components that make up the basic structure of this look; just grab shoes, a bag, or even a stack of bangles with some studs and you’ve got the Leigh Lezark edge. Now work on that pose and pout and you’re good to go.

If you’re like the majority of women, you’ve had it drilled into your head that the “little black dress” is the answer to all your wardrobe issues. It’s listed in every “must-have” wardrobe list because it “looks soooo great on everyone!” But experts now say that in actuality, only 1 in 5 women look good in black.

Cue my heart shattering.

According to some, black has the ability to “severely age” a woman’s face. It can “highlight dark lines under the chin, shadows around the eyes and wrinkles on the face.” Plus, wrinkles and other sunken areas can “appear darker and more pronounced.” (Someone should clue Kelly Cutrone in on this one…) This means the older you are, the more haggard black can make you look. And no matter how slimming that LBD is, it won’t matter when your face looks like this.

Well isn’t that just wonderful. My entire wardrobe consists of black, grey and white. I have been told that these colors were uber flattering by innumerable fashion mags, and like a lost puppy dog (which is essentially what I am when it comes to fashion), I blindly followed their advice. And now look what I’ve got: a closet full of clothes that make me look old and wrinkly.

How do you know if you’re the black exception or the rule? “Hold the color up against your face, stand in front of the mirror and look for dark lines under the chin, shadows around the eyes or lines on the face that are highlighted. If there are no dark areas or shadows, you can probably wear black close to your face and look great.”

And if holding up that black v-neck makes you look less Jackie-O and more Barbara Bush, it’s time to figure out what you should be wearing (and taking all that black to the local resale shop). There are three factors that go into picking out the perfect colors for you – skin tone, hair color and eye color. It all gets a little complicated, but there are some great guides out there to help you find your perfect palette:

How To Match Colors from TheSoko.com. Simple.

Fashion Help for Recovering Goths from GalaDarling.com.
If you’ve got a little time and want a more comprehensive (albeit, slightly confusing) tutorial, this one is for you.
Which Season Are You from AskAndyAboutClothes.com.

Choose Colors to Flatter Your Skin Tone from eHow.com.
Another simple how-to to help with revamping your wardrobe with colors that won’t make you look like a witch.

Now that you know what works best for you, take your other 3 friends who can’t wear black and hit the mall. This is nothing a little retail therapy can’t fix.

H&M, which was still under construction the last time I had been at the mall, had finally opened! We did a little jig. Then we ran in and started loading up on everything we needed to try.

I was rifling through a pile of shirts when, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a pair of glimmering black sneakers. I dropped everything in my hand and went to them.

They weren’t really low-tops or high-tops, settling on a height in between. What made them gleam was that they were made of black velvet. They came with black shoelaces, a black rubber sole, and a small loop at the back. Now, usually I would say that this was too much of one color on a sneaker, but the rich, deep velvet stood out from the other components of the shoe for a subtle contrast. I also really dug the zippers on the sides, and at only 15 bucks, I couldn’t resist.

So I made them mine. And I can’t wait to wear them. They are pretty comfy and are great for casual looks, but the velvet definitely amps up the style and sets them apart from your basic Converse, Pumas or Nikes. Plus, they’ll look super cute with skinnies, which is exactly how I plan to rock them for their first trip onto campus.

With fall here, it’s time to start adding new outerwear to your closet, and while many people argue that everyone needs a boyfriend blazer, I think everyone should be picking up this military jacket from Banana Republic. This sharp, dapper blazer can pull together any combination of a T-shirt and broken-in jeans (you know, the super comfy ones you wear every other day) when a decent outfit takes too much effort, or make you look even smarter when paired with a crisp, collared shirt.

It features pockets at the chest and waist, a standing collar, shoulder epaulets (for that extra touch of cool), a concealed button placket and cinching at the waist that creates the perfect hourglass shape. Roll up the sleeves for a more laid back look or add a necklace or two for some glam. Available in black and gray, it practically goes with everything, so, like your jeans, you can wear it every other day as well.

Planning my next trip to Banana Republic as we speak. See you there?

“You know,” she said, “black on the outside, white on the inside.”

I gaped at her, trying to figure out what I could possibly say to that. She thought she was genuinely complimenting me. I mean, I don’t even like Oreos.

We had just gotten our SAT scores back and I had done really well, surprising even myself at how much knowledge cramming I had retained. But apparently my friend thought scoring well on a standardized test is something that doesn’t fit with the black race. I just changed the subject because I didn’t want to seem touchy or like a drama queen, but instances like these have happened to me so many times. I’m fed up!

Do I get classified as an Oreo because I’m a voracious reader (apparently all those SAT flashcards paid off)? Or because I might seem reserved when you first meet me? Or is because of one of the other billion facets of my personality? Yes, I would seriously contemplate selling my soul to be front and center at a Lil Wayne concert, but I also can’t help but belt out Taylor Swift songs when they come on the radio. Toni Morrison and Zora Neale Hurston both have works on my list of favorite literature, as do Shakespeare and Jodi Picoult. Oh, and if you see me out dancing, I might be bouncing around to the latest hip hop song, but I could just as easily be showing off some complicated salsa step I learned during the two years that I took salsa classes.

I’m not meant to be categorized or labeled. Try to put me in a box and I’ll do my best to claw my way out, because I just don’t belong in one.

I understand that people use phrases like these to joke around. I do have a sense of humor buried somewhere under the tirades and attempts at being politically correct. Still, the time I was called an Oreo fits in with other times people have acted like I, for some reason, don’t seem like a member of my race. “I don’t think of you as a black person,” is one I’ve gotten a few times. And then there’s the “you’re so pretty, you don’t even look like a black girl!” Uh, thanks?

I used to stay quiet when people would say things about my race that they thought would boost my ego, as though I should be happy if I didn’t fit in with black people. Well, my days of avoiding these confrontations are over. My silence insinuates that I agree with the statements people are making, and take pride in the fact that I’ve got a little “white” in me. And I definitely don’t. I’m proud of who I am. Even if I could wave a magic wand and change some part of me, it would never be my race.  I wouldn’t want my skin to be even a smidgen of a shade lighter.

In fact, the only thing I’d want is Beyonce’s derriere. But who wouldn’t?

I love flats. I practically wear them every day and to all occasions. I can’t even remember what I used to wear before I started slipping on those cute and comfy babies. Wait, yes I do. It was sneakers (love my Chucks), but I had to find something else after I realized that old school Nikes are not acceptable for all occasions. Like job interviews.

And now Adidas has taken my two favorite forms of footwear and morphed them into one mega shoe: the Gazelle Ballerina. Not to quote Miley Cyrus or Hannah Montana or whoever she chooses to be today, but you do get the best of both worlds with these shoes. Revel in the cuteness and convenience of a flat and the stylishness and comfort of a sneaker with its rubber outsole for added support.

So if, unlike the Spice Girls, you’ve got a little Posh and a little Sporty to ya, these shoes are your perfect match. And if you find yourself running from parties when campus security shows up, these are probably right for you too. It’s those girls in the stilettos that always get caught.

So as I write this, I’m sitting on my lanai (balcony) overlooking the beautiful, blue Maui ocean (yes, I’m on my first “real” vacay in years), which means I’m not particularly keen on scouring the internet for under $20 deals for long periods of time (not to mention, they’re only giving me an hour of free wifi). So where did I head?

The mother of all cheap & trendy spots: Forever 21.

And no, she did not disappoint. Checking out the website or a store near you is a necessity before you head back to school, as there are loads of insanely awesome deals on ridiculously cute clothes.  What are you waiting for?  Read, set, GO!

Here are a few things I know I’ll be grabbing up. You know, when I get back to the mainland.

Denim leggings have been spotted on the likes of Whitney Port and Fergie, and are a big for fall. I know it’s a difficult trend to wrap your mind around (or shove your legs into), but we were all resistant to normal leggings at first, weren’t we? Just give these a shot. I love that they are black (more slimming), will look great with a cute pair of sandals or some sexy booties, and are only $16.90.

Cardigans are definitely a fall necessity and this one is perfection with it’s darling lace details and cropped sleeves. It’ll look great with jeans, a pencil skirt or, if you wanna totally prep it out, a pleated mini.  SO CUTE!

Ballet flats are a wardrobe staple and these ones will liven up any look with their bold color and reptile print.  Tack on the $8.50 price tag and who can say no?

Once school’s back in session and that hottie from O-Chem asks you out, you’ll want a sexy top to wow him and this does the trick, fo sho.  Bustiers always work wonders for the girls and have a great way of slimming the waist as well.  Pair it with a pair of dark jeans and some sassy stilettos and soon you’ll be makin’ your own chemistry.

Simple shirts are so important, especially for those days you overslept and are already 25 minutes late to your review sesh, and there’s something so tomboyish yet sexy about a basic raglan tee. I can’t explain it, but at $5.50 you can grab a few and figure it out for yourself.

I’ve always had a thing for big ass earrings and I love the gold/turquoise combo and the Indian vibe of these.  Just be sure not to go overboard with other accessories or crazy bold prints; these can be a centerpiece on their own.

Belts are such a fantastic accessory: they’re cute, they add some flair, and they give nice definition to your waist.  And this one does all that with an 80’s elastic band and the gorgeous lotus flower deet on the front. Sigh. I’m in lust.

A skirt for under $7, seriously?!?  This is such a versatile piece that can be used to create so many different looks from casual day to girls’ night out. And it comes in 3 great colors (this awesomely bold royal blue, and 2 neutrals; black & grey)! This might be all you’d ever need for a complete wardrobe overhaul.

Seriously now, Forever 21, have I told you lately that I love you? And this isn’t the distance talking; this is real.

[I want it, I need it, I can’t live without it. There are so many things on store shelves and racks right now that we want to take home and hang in our closets. Things that are so cute, everyone should know about them. We’ll share ‘em with you here (because we’re that nice), but as far as actually getting them goes….well, you’re on your own with that one.]

I’ve never paid much attention to the Tory Burch brand. Seeing every girl and her mother walking around in those flats with the instantly recognizable golden medallion was quite enough. However, I recently stumbled upon these gladiators, and I have to say that they’re one of the nicest pairs I’ve seen.

I need em, I need em, I need em!

The Stanton sandal is made of leather and comes in black or tan. There are three square buckles: one each at the ankle, arch, and toe. The sandal appears more elegant than some other gladiators, which can have so many straps or buckles covering your feet that you might as well wear sneakers. What also makes this design a bit different is that the straps do not simply run parallel to one another. I like how two straps form an X across the top with two straps running along the sides, making it incredibly flattering on any ankle.

What I don’t love, however, is the $265 pricetag. I’d have to work long and hard (and turn up the charm for some major tips) to add these to my collection. A girl can dream, though.

[I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not the epitome of prim and proper- heck, who really is nowadays? But looking around at the misguided youths of today *ahem drinking buddies*, I’m starting to think that Miss Manners might have been onto something.

While you may never need to know how to greet a duke or how to tell which fork is REALLY the oyster fork, knowing how to deal with people whom owe you money, how much to tip, and how to address the ever annoying licorice-in-teeth conundrum without being rude might actually come in handy in the real world. I'm not trying to be your mother - oh goodness, no - I'm just here to help you out of those little etiquette dilemmas. So here goes: a quick lesson in etiquette. The sh*t you might actually need to know]

One of my oldest childhood friends is getting married this Saturday and, quite frankly, I am horrified by the thought of attending his wedding. Not that I have anything against the lovebirds; on the contrary, I’m glad he’s happy. It’s just, well… I never know how to act at weddings. There are just too many unspoken rules, too many unanswered questions: What do I wear? Black? White? Should I go casual or dressy? What do I bring? Who do I bring? Can I bring someone? And so on.

It’s enough to keep you from going to the blasted wedding at all. Well, I’m here to speak those rules and answer those questions. Buckle up my lovelies…

Dress code:
Can I wear white? NO! Never, ever wear white to a wedding.

What about black? Yes, black is perfectly acceptable at weddings. In fact, most people do. As long as you keep from looking like part of a funeral procession, you should be fine.

How revealing can I get? Well, the way my book put it, “Don’t dress like you’re there to sell anything - Tupperware, insurance or yourself,” and I think that’s pretty darn good advice. Also if the ceremony happens to be in a place of worship, remember to keep yourself decent: spaghetti straps and tube tops should be covered up with a sweater/shawl.

Overdressed or Underdressed? When in doubt, always go for the overdressed. No one will say anything if you tell them that you just came from a really fancy party/lunch/meeting/whatever. However, if everyone is standing around sipping champagne and eating caviar in cocktail dresses and you roll in wearing jeans, expect a couple of glares.

The deal on dates:
Can I bring one? Well, it depends what your invite says. If the invitation names both you and your significant other, then he/she is allowed to come. If the invitation bears your name + “guest,” then you’re welcome to bring anyone, from your dorky lab partner to that hottie bartender you’ve been drooling over. If the invitation says your name and your name only, then it’s non-negotiable. The couple is inviting you alone and unless it’s absolutely crucial for you to bring a guest (and this also depends on how close you are to the couple to begin with), then don’t bother asking. This will put them in the awkward predicament of rejecting you flat out.

Do I HAVE to bring one? Nope. Even if your invite allows it but you don’t want to bring the guy you’ve just started dating or you can’t find a date, you don’t have to bring anyone. Plus, it’s more fun flying solo anyway – you don’t have to worry about “babysitting” the new guy or introducing him to all your friends. And if you’re single, even better! What better way to meet guys than at a wedding? They already know some of the people you know and they’re less likely to be serial killers or drug dealers. Maybe you’ll even score with a couple of hot wedding crashers a la Owen Wilson (a girl can dream!).

Your presents will be your gift (Ha!):
What the hell do I give them? I remember how my mother used to freak out whenever she’d have to find her best-friend’s-half-brother’s–second-cousin’s-uncle’s-daughter a gift. I also remember telling her, “That’s why God made wedding registries.” But honestly, the wedding registry is definitely a win-win solution. Basically, the couple makes a wish-list of everything they need/want to start their new life together and it’s up to everyone else to cough up the gifts. This helps the couple because they get exactly what they ask for and it keeps you from showing up with a set of shot glasses (apparently married people don’t use those as often as we do….).

What if the couple isn’t registered anywhere? Well, then you’re screwed, aren’t you? Kidding. If the couple’s not registered, play it safe with a gift certificate or a check written out to the couple. The amount should be equal in value to how much they mean to you (seriously) or how well you know them, whatever comes out to more.

Is straight up cash acceptable? I’m not going to lie, I don’t see why not. I’ve done the “wads of bills (wads… who am I kidding?) in an envelope” before. Some couples even go around with money bags strictly for this purpose. It’s okay in most cases, but keep in mind who your recipients are – while some people will lap up the bills faster than a stripper during a lap dance, others might see this as a sign of disrespect.

Drinks in my cup:
Can I drink? It depends. Are you legal? Do your hosts care if you drink illegally? Just know that if you’re going to drink, try not to get piss drunk at someone else’s wedding. It’s rude, especially if you oh-so-classily get wasted before the ceremony. Or worse.. during!

Does open bar mean that I don’t have to tip? No.

So that’s all folks. And just in case you guys were wondering: I’m totally open to cash at my wedding (whenever that may be). Remember that.

And on a side note: I’d love to get your opinions on this feature. What do you guys want to hear about? Are there any topics you want to see featured on next week’s Miss Manners? Sound off in the Comments section!

[I want it, I need it, I can’t live without it. There are so many things on store shelves and racks right now that we want to take home and hang in our closets. Things that are so cute, everyone should know about them. We’ll share ‘em with you here (because we’re that nice), but as far as actually getting them goes….well, you’re on your own with that one.]

This may look like any ordinary knit dress from the front, but turn around to reveal (and surprise your friends!) some awesome and sexy cutouts on the back. They turn this otherwise plain dress into one fit for a fabulous night out on the town. Adorable and flirty, showing just enough skin, this dress may rival your current little black dress. It has a flared skirt and even includes side pockets for your essentials (like your cell phone, just in case a cute boy wants to exchange phone numbers).

The dress comes in three colors: the classic black, a bright passion, and a cool blue. Though, with such a cute find, you may need one in each color. The dress looks nice by itself or with a few accessories such as a belt or a necklace. A basic, yet chic article of clothing like this is great for expressing your own style, so don’t be shy, and try it with other pieces!

I’m on my way to Urban to get it now. I just L-O-V-E it.