Style Diary

Need an excuse to buy another pair of jeans? You're in luck! Not only do you get a free limited edition "Hit the Road TXT L8TR" T-shirt with any Express jeans purchase, but you'll be doing your part to keep the roads safer. Added bonus: Express jeans are currently buy one, get one half off.

A recent study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that the risk of a crash was 23 times greater when drivers were texting. Express has partnered with RADD (Recording Artists, Actors and Athletes Against Drunk Driving) to raise awareness of the dangers of texting while driving. Check out the public service announcement featuring Ciara at express.com and pledge your support of text-free driving. It's the fashionable thing to do!


-- Alla Byrne

The countdown to my much-needed vacation (going to Ireland!) has begun and I'm gearing up for a fabulous time. But as I'm preparing for my trip, I realize that my travel accessories aren't nearly as chic as the ones I'm seeing at all the Holiday 09 accessory previews I have been attending. So I'm on the hot pursuit for fashionable toiletry bags and cosmetic cases so I can be sure I'm traveling in style. I'm really inspired by all things studded and a little rock mixed with a little glam. That's why this Felix Rey cosmetic case ($120; felixrey.com) is absolutely perfect for my jet setting.

It comes in 3 different sizes to ensure that all my travel needs are met. And the decorative bow doubles as a functional pocket with a magnetic closure--just the place to store my make-up essentials for jet lag touch-ups. With this pre-vacation purchase, I'm no longer stressed about packing and can focus on the fun times ahead.

Despite the heat wave attacking our fair city, I'm beginning to crave some new pieces for fall. I blame it on all the September issues hitting newsstands. The trends this season come together to create what would essentially be my dream wardrobe -- leopard print, Breton stripes, über-high heels, rocker chic jewelry, and lots of leather. Suddenly, it seems, the fashion gods have smiled on my closet and everything I want to wear feels so right now. But given said heat wave, I'm not exactly ready to shop for that new faux fur vest. Enter Derek Lam's genius use of sequins.







As I've mentioned before, I'm a sucker for all things shiny, and his seemingly cavalier smattering of sparkle on the sleeves of this dress is perfection -- and, of course, a bit out of my price range. But H&M has come to my rescue.


























Their super soft cotton knit ($35; hm.com for stores) marries my love for casual boyish pieces and girly sequins. I literally plan to wear it with everything: denim cutoffs for a chilly night out, navy cigarette pants for a polished work look, a leopard mini for a dose of serious fashion cred. Because really, what outfit doesn't look better with a little sparkle.