Dan's Papers - August 10, 2007

Forget items you'll wear "forever"...the real fun of fashion is having all-new stuff to look at, lust after, and shop for each season. And now that so many fashion designers have expanded into home decor, why not treat your pad like your wardrobe and update it seasonally?

Although some runway trends look better on people than in homes - such as fur...unless, of course, it's kitsch-chic you're after - several make the transition with ease. Here are the Top 5 most interesting trends from the Fall Ready-to-Wear & Couture runways that readily translate into au-courant chic a casa.

FASHION TREND #1: MENSWEAR-INSPIRED LOOKS ON THE RUNWAY: The suited-up power broker proved one of fall's strongest fashion muses, inspiring androgynous slouchy-chic trousers aa la Garbo and ladylike frocks fashioned from traditionally masculine tweeds, gray flannels and pinstripes at Balenciaga, Hermees, Marc Jacobs, Jean Paul Gaultier Couture, Gucci, and Bottega Veneta. AT HOME: Give an old chair new life with some plush navy and beige cut-velvet in "Dragonfly" from Allegra Hicks (GBP 110 per meter; AllegraHicks.com). Snuggle up in a chocolate & black wool knit "Zucchino" throw from Fendi ($1090, NeimanMarcus.com) or Michael Kors gray pinstripe bed linens ($26-$279, NeimanMarcus.com). Alternatively, try Calvin Klein's rich chocolate "Satin Band" tablecloth ($35, Bloomingdales.com) or the imposing steel gray "London" sofa by Armani Casa ($5,000-$10,000, ArmaniCasa.com).

RUNWAY: Overly-serious-with-an-obscenely-low-rise is out; the iconic and non-ironic yellow 70s smiley face is in, judging by Chanel, Balenciaga, Christian Lacroix Couture, Givenchy Couture, Eley Kishimoto, and Duro Olowu. London up-and-comer Henry Holland channeled the mood best with hip-grazing tees straight out of the 80s, emblazoned with oversized neon slogans like Wham Bam, Thank you Stam.

AT HOME: Prints form the focal point of any outfit - or room - so apply judiciously. To test out the trend, try Missoni Home bath towels in a lively ikat ($18-$45 - ThisIsAuto.com), Kenzo's magenta "Azyade" cherry blossom bread & butter plates ($125 for 4; UnicaHome.com), and Etro's red silk "Vias" parrot print pillows ($250, BergdorfGoodman.com). For a bolder statement, Todd Oldham by La-Z-boy makes an eyecatching eight-sided "Jewel Soho" ottoman with alternating facets of graphic black and white. ($500, La-Z-boy.com).

RUNWAY: Timeless and classic, black made a strong appearance on runways from the mainstream (Oscar de la Renta, Jil Sander, Fendi, Calvin Klein, Narciso Rodriguez, Ralph Lauren, Valentino Couture) to the more progressive (Gareth Pugh, Alexander McQueen, Rick Owens).

AT HOME: It is as an accent that black is at its most stylish, such as the smartly angular "Dedalo" lamp by Versace Home (VersaceHome.com), and Allegra Hicks wooden nesting trays with bright coral handles (GBP 135 - GBP 210, AllegraHicks.com). For more impact, use an area rug like "Slate Pop Circles" from the Andy Warhol collection ($200-$1100, Macys.com) or the Nicole Miller armless "West Side" chair with peek-a-boo rectangular cutout ($1500-$2000, NicoleMillerFurniture.com).

TREND #4: BRIGHT COLORS RUNWAY: All-black may be in, but according to Marc Jacobs, Emilio Pucci, Giles, Marni, Lanvin, Emanuel Ungaro, Christian Dior, Isabel Toledo for Anne Klein, Stella McCartney, Bill Blass, and Isaac Mizrahi - so are Skittles. Of particular note, the crayon-bright luxe furs & coats in Popsicle red, glowing green & electric blue by Versace.

AT HOME: Bold colors help a room go from blah to bodacious, and the interactive "Etro Chrome" (Etro.it) explains the meanings that colors convey, such as yellow (richness), black (mystery), and pink (pleasure...hello, Paris Hilton). Worth a look: a green pillow by Alpana Bawa ($48, ThisisAuto.com), tangerine hued Tory Burch candle ($45, ToryBurch.com), or fuschia & red Isaac Mizrahi "Pop Flower" soap dish ($10, Target.com). And for an inspired splash of cheer, Todd Oldham by La-Z-Boy's tomato red 1950s-inspired armless "Valerie" couch ($1320, La-z-boy.com).

Lesley Scott is the Editor in Chief of Fashiontribes.com. She blogs daily at www.fashiontribes.typepad.com recently ranked fourth in the list of the top 50 fashion blogs - and can be reached by emailing Lesley@Fashiontribes.com