OOTD: A Burberry Hangover

As we all know by now, I believe firmly in investing in the basics - wardrobe classics that will take you day to day, season to season and year to year. Of course, a trench falls among the most classic items imaginable, but even I was not mentally prepared for the significant investment that I spontaneously made on Sunday, when I popped by the Burberry flagship on 57th Street after a particularly rigorous Physique 57 class.

There, I was (as one might expect) greeted by trenches of all varieties, and an extraordinarily patient Outerwear Specialist named Lisa, who allowed me to try on every single khaki or honey colored trench (among my only requisites) in stock in my size...despite the fact that I was wearing cropped Lululemon leggings and an Old Navy fleece hoodie for the occasion.

And while I almost caved on an uber-classic style, at the very last moment, I spotted the Leather Strap Trench Coat (seen above) out of the corner of my eye. As soon as I put it on, I knew - THIS was the trench for me. It's classic, but with just enough edge to allow me to still feel like myself. As Edith Piaf so sagely sang (cc Felicia Sullivan), Je Ne Regrette Rien (that's I Regret Nothing, for the non-francophiles among us.)

Head to toe, here's how I wore my latest acquisition in today's dreary, WINDY New York weather:

• Burberry Leather Strap Trench Coat
• J. Crew Funnelneck Cashmere Sweater (no longer available, other options here)
• 7 For All Mankind Skinny Second Skin Legging Jean in Clean White (no, it's NOT too early for white jeans, but thank you for asking)
• Loeffler Randall Claudette Platform Wedge (no longer available)

Photo snapped by Christine White of Court and Hudson, whose hair inspires me on a daily basis.

Sip This: Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkeley

Today was my final day in London and I was determined to make the very most of it.  So, I started off the day bright & early at Kensington Palace and then shopped at the quintessentially British Fortnum & Mason, where I snagged some fabulously luxe beauty goodies, including my fave Italian Nesti Dante soaps (they're nearly impossible to find in NYC) and some beautiful loose teas (one of the store's claims to fame.)

But the highlight of the afternoon was definitely an untraditional take on afternoon tea, Prêt-à-Portea (£35 per person) at The Berkeley, a luxe hotel in Knightsbridge. Served in the chic Caramel Room on fine-bone china by Paul Smith for Thomas Goode, this experience is a must for any fashion lover in London.

Inspired by the themes and colors of the Autumn/Winter 2009 runway season, today's service included sweets inspired by the designs by Christian Dior, Burberry, Christian Lacroix, Louis Vuitton, and Mulberry, among others. I also enjoyed a generous assortment of savory bites and delightful Pear Caramel and Chocolate Mint Truffle teas.

Seeking inspiration for his beautiful (and delicious!) creations, the pastry chef at The Berkeley attends the shows, which means that the menu for  Prêt-à-Portea changes every six months to coincide with the new fashion season (the A/W 09 menu kicked off just last week.)

Check out the gallery below to experience  Prêt-à-Portea for yourself - and if you're in London anytime soon, I'd definitely recommend a visit to The Berkeley.

Classic Tea Sandwiches

This Season's Inspiration for Prêt-à-Portea

A Detailed Description of "Cakes & Fancies"

Savory skewers, taster spoons and canapés

An Assortment of Sweets

More Sweets...

In addition to the biscuits seen here, Emanuel Ungaro cassis and cranberry bavarois with Curacao jelly and high-heeled tuile (back) and Emilio de la Morena caramelized banana mousse with red currant jam and over-sized chocolate collar (front).

Roger Vivier & Burberry Biscuits

Roger Vivier chocolate ‘over-the-knee’ boot biscuit with signature buckle and heart and Burberry Prorsum classic trench coat biscuit with rich cinnamon flavours and caramel belt and buttons.

A Closer Look at the Second Tier of Sweets....

Louis Vuitton pale pink bunny ears on a base of chestnut and pomegranate mousse

Matthew Williamson joconde sponge cake dress filled with lychee cream and spun sugar ruffles

Christian Dior almond macaroon with layered texture and white chocolate and blueberry ganache

(Impractical) Rainy Day Style

Making a Spectacle: New Glasses at Lenscrafters

While I'm a contacts girl through and through, glasses are a great way to add some style to your everyday look.  My go-to pair are interestingly shaped tortoiseshell frames from Booth & Bruce but when Lenscrafters invited me in for an update, I was excited to try out a new look.

The flagship store on 5th Ave was recently revamped and a full assortment of designer frames and sunglasses abound. The store manager asked me several questions about what I was looking for (something fun - and a rectangular shape to balance out my round face) and once she had that info in hand,was able to narrow down the huge selection of frames available to a handful of great designer styles (including Burberry, DKNY and Versace) for me to try on. It was tough to choose just one but I eventually settled on some great bold red frames from Versace to take home with me.

For a glimpse at the glasses I selected as my finalists (and the red Versaces), take a look through the gallery...and if you're in the market for new glasses, be sure to check out Lenscrafters - glasses start at just $99.95 and come with a 30-Day Unconditional Guarantee!

p.s. It was snowy, so please excuse my flat hair and lack of makeup:)