American Gigolo in Milan [DSQUARED2 Menswear Spring/Summer 2011]

Perfect tailoring and classic roots bred a seductive and confident collection for DSQUARED2's SS menswear collection. With a distinctly European, specifically Italian, feel, Dean and Dan Caten craft a look for every man from the international man of mystery to a college kid on spring break. And as always, the styling is nothing short of stellar. 

LBD [Stella McCartney]

Recapture your youth with this whimsical lbd from Stella McCartney's fall 2011 collection. Have some fun with the polka-dotted sheer paneled dress, but accessorize carefully and sparingly to avoid looking like a tramp. The look is about balancing something playful with something sexy, so don't lean to far in either direction. And don't worry about your underwear showing; there's a nude sheath in the right places to conceal your unmentionables.

The BEAT Goes ON [Balmain Resort 2012]

Olivier Rousteing is turning out to be a great choice as the new creative director at Balmain. For the labels first resort collection, Rousteing delivers  the very best in tailored blazers, skintight denim and the house's now infamous beaded mini dresses. It is an updated return to the formula that put the high-priced brand on the backs of virtually every A-list celebrity. This season, the Balmain girl goes tribal with native american prints and gold fringe. But what's even better this time around is that I actually like the shoes.  Head to toe, Rousteing's got it covered.

A WORD from the EDITOR [Back to Cool: La Mala Educación]

Summer is over. The grind resumes. Pack away all those summer pieces. Pile on the layers, scarves, hats. Change your attitude. Fill your calendar with more business meetings, fewer social events. Start with NY Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. 

This season is a paradoxical return to a polished, buttoned up aesthetic with an emphasis on edgy, unconventional details. Exclusivity and originality reign with even more prominence than previous seasons. The 70's are back, the 80's are  still here.

Back to Cool is a reminder to look through your history books; do some research. As Lady GaGa advises in her V Magazine column, use your "library card." And don't only look to the past; go into the "classrooms" and see what the "kids" are doing/wearing/saying today. In essence, learn the rules,  then break them. 

Be diligent with your studies. Stay focused! Set your goals and execute them. You'll be happy when your report card reads straight A's.

backpack by Alexander Wang

source: STYLE.COM