Known for its advanced skincare line, La Prairie is coming through this season with Life Threads Gems fragrances ($125 each), three special scents that will top your beauty wish list. The enchanting trio comes in Life Threads Sapphire, inspired by the deep-blue Sri Lankan sea; Life Threads Ruby, a seductive floral; and Life Threads Emerald, filled with captivating notes of Indian jasmine and sandalwood. With decanters decked out in silver threads and embellished with jewels, these fragrances are sure to sparkle. Neiman Marcus, 5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW

Neiman Marcus hosted the November trunk show for natural diamond retailer Diamond in the Rough, showing the company’s bridal collection as well as its primary offerings of rings, bangles and necklaces. Anjanette Dienne Clisura, president and creative director, was on hand to guide guests through the line of wedding and engagement rings designed with white and cognac rough diamonds. And while the main collection included everything from cuff bracelets to chandelier earrings, the most exciting piece was a 230.18-carat necklace with a 217-carat rock. Priced at more than one million dollars, that’s a lot of bling.

Miriam Haskell’s handmade silver-plated European filigrees hand-wired with Swarovski pearls and crystals ($1,800) are perfect statement pieces for all your holiday soirées. Vintage enthusiasts and fashionistas alike covet the pieces. Tabandeh, 5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-244-0777

         
Lanvin artistic director Alber Elbaz brings Parisian glamour stateside with his collaboration with H&M, which hits stores tomorrow. The chic collection includes a slew of playful pieces with a timeless French aesthetic for men and women. Elbaz updates classics with a modern twist, adding European flair, cut and color to H&M's wares this winter. The affordable line offers ready-to-wear, ruffled party dresses and colorful shoes and accessories that scream joie de vivre. Get there early! H&M, 1025 F St. NW, 202-347-3306

The coveted jewels created by designer Erica Courtney will arrive at Mystique Jewelers—along with the designer herself—in Old Town Alexandria on November 12–13. Courtney will debut her latest environmentally sensitive collection, Drop Dead Gorgeous, featuring bracelets, earrings, necklaces and rings with colorful stones and whimsical cuts. Her playful approach to fine gold and platinum gemstone jewelry radiates Hollywood glamour. Look for classic pieces with modern twists, like chic tennis bracelets, delicate floral pendant necklaces and vibrant cocktail rings. 211 The Strand Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia, 703-836-1401

ELAINE MENSAH, PHILLIP BLOCH AND JAMES CORNWELL

Fashion BS, an online fashion radio show based out of Washington D.C., discusses everything from trends to beauty without discounting public opinion. On October 2, Fashion BS celebrated its anniversary during All Access: Fashion at Tysons Galleria with guest of honor celebrity stylist and author, Phillip Bloch. 

FBS hosts Elaine Mensah and James Cornwell have interviewed some of fashion’s biggest names (Jason Wu, Nigel Barker and Bloch among them), and Bloch likes their style. “They’re real fashionistas, but they’re not faux,” he says. “The show gives a lot of different perspectives on fashion and the whole style universe.” Before his appearance at the Fashion BS fête, we shared a tête-à-tête with the charismatic stylist about FBS, his latest book The Shopping Diet and his most important piece of advice for every fashion lover.
 

CAPITOL FILE: What do you love about Fashion BS?
PHILLIP BLOCH: They have a lot of varied guests and it’s not just one thing. I think one of the greatest things about that show is that it gives a lot of different perspectives on fashion and the whole style universe.

What was the inspiration for your new book?
The Shopping Diet is kind of similar to Fashion BS. It was a great way to give back all the information I’ve learned in my various jobs and connections in the business. 

What are some of the highlights?
One of my favorite things about that book is it has hundreds of tips, countless solutions and endless ideas of how to be fashionable and fabulous without getting into financial disarray.

How can someone who really needs to change shopping habits turn things around?
Leave the credit cards and money in the car or at home.

How would you recommend saving money while transitioning from summer to fall?
Easy. Tights and turtlenecks are a great way to take that sexy little summer dress right into fall. Another thing I love are capes—you can just throw them over those little dresses. 

What is the most important piece of advice you can give to readers?
Shop smarter. Don’t not shop, but shop smarter and be conscious. Think about what your life is, not what your dream life is—meaning how much you spend, how much you have and what you really do with your life. 

Bid Adieu to crow’s feet and fine lines around the eyes with La Mer’s latest launch, The Eye Balm Intense ($145), a cream fortified with La Mer’s “miracle broth,” a seaborne elixir that promises to lift skin, minimize wrinkles, ease puffiness and protect against future damage, giving you the young-looking skin you crave without the needle. Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, 301-657-9000 and Neiman Marcus, 5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-966-9700