Fab thigh high Rodarte boots with buckles

They’re practically like leggings, the over the thigh (and jeans) boots put out by those Goth-loving Rodarte chicks. Yes, they still run over a cool two thousand, even at wholesale prices. But the good news is that these two are planning on launching more shoes and boots in the coming year. One notable feature to their walking gear: buckles. YSL boots also sport slim buckles, but not in multiples.  Fabrics that cross, overlap, and again– like the glasses that tease (see yesterday’s post) — dare people to wonder what’s underneath.

In fashion, belts will still prevail, as well as buckles and twisting leather over tunics, dresses, around the waist. Whether you buy a simple vintage belt to top off a great pair of skinny jeans, or you get a Bliss Lau gold or silver chain for an arm or leg, or you go the Rodarte route — the coolest boots of the year– you’ll be in tune with the style vibe. For now let’s just say, “These boots were made for walking!”

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM HUDSON!!! UNTIL NEXT YEAR…

Right to left, YSL shoe boots and Rodarte gray shoe boots, both with buckles

Central blond artist, Aurel Schmidt, and her band of merry bespeckled artists and bloggers

Have you noticed that some girls and metro boys of a certain arty persuasion, even pretty ones, are donning big black eyeglasses all over town? I can never tell if artist, Aural Schmidt, really can’t see a damn thing or if she thinks it’s funny to wear body hugging micro minis with librarian frames. I’d err on the second explanation since other ladies with attitude, like Purple Magazine assistant editor, Caroline, now wears them after years sans eyeglasses. Ditto for comely stylist, Masha Orlov, whose catlike features and simian smile certainly stand alone. But there’s something about the glasses that dare boys (or girls) to remove them to get a closer peek. Nerd specs are not going anywhere soon. If you dress like a hooker, pick up a pair and fool them all in the New Year. Wear a pair with a great tank and Hudson jeans when in LA or with waterproof thigh high boots in London.  It’s a sign of the times, screaming, take me seriously. Take more than a minute with me. There’s more than meets the eye…

The Meatball Shop to take over Lower East Side…

Gone are the days of long fine dining when top chefs like Michael Chernow and Daniel Holzman pull up stakes and open a meatball shop! Coming by March (likely February), the two chefs will open an outpost at Stanton and Allen called the Meatball Shop.

“It’s definitely a sign of the times,” the rep told me. “People want comfort food.” And Chernow and Holzman, both native New Yorkers, have come home to roost. Holzman started cooking as a teen in the kitchen of Le Bernardin and went on to other gigs, the last most notably, opening San Francisco’s SPQR. SPQR specialized in rustic Roman dishes, homemade dried pastas, and various sauces including carbonara, antipasti, and short ribs.

At the Meatball Shop, the boys will deliver dozens of varieties of meatballs. I bet there will be lines around the block. I can already smell the revolution!

DJ Paul Sevigny…. the next Beatrice, coming soon!

New Year 2010 alert number one! I have it under good advice that the next hot hipster spot, where we can lounge and dance and knock over the Olsen twins, will open upstairs at Civetta, the Italian restaurant on Kenmare Street. It’s just down the street from that other popular enclave, Serge Becker’s La Esquina. For those old timers who remember Moomba, the downstairs eatery and upstairs VIP bar on Seventh Avenue, the same formula will apply. Civetta will still serve the food and the second floor, overseen by nightlife impresario Paul Sevigny, will pack in those stylish enough to get in.

Civetta will still serve its famous risotto balls and other Northern Italian fare to the diners, but be prepared for late night high jinks by fashion week in February in NYC. I’ve even heard the decor will take a Balinese theme. It seems a little divergent for the speakeasy loving crowd, but who knows? It could be a nice global touch. And thank bloody God we won’t need to head to Marquee-like clubs or places filled with obese, ancient model hunters to have a good time now.

Gumby earring, worn by Jethro Cave, Nick Cave’s son, fastened by a safety pin

In my trend spotting, some bombs go off. Here’s the list of what to trash for the New Year and the worst spotted. Strappy sandals that go all the way up the leg go too far! Flannel in black with one other color, like red or blue or white, for guys counts as cool. But flannel in multicolor hits the dweeb file. Next!  “Eastern European before the wall came down” style, as worn in the slideshow by the Rumble Sticks, should not be attempted by blokes who are not rockers. Plastic or foam Gumby dolls should not be fastened to any ears and safety pins, whether plain or studded, cannot be resurrected well in the modern age. Sorry! Jethro Cave sported one all fall and looked ridiculous. Printed tights require sexy ass platforms and not blocked shoes.  And finally, David Lee Roth look-alikes in red robes and Michael Jackson doppelgangers who sport leather facemasks need to get a grip!!!!

Sky high platforms and tights, still riding high…

Some things stick! Here’s the list going into 2010 of what will make it into the New Year. Of course Hudson jeans are eternal since great denim lasts for centuries. But for all else, remember… Keep all Christian Louboutin shoes (see blue trellis sandals in slideshow) in various strappy forms, plus the glittery shoes for winter. Ray Bans, in colors and especially white paired with black, worn here by deejay Leigh Lezark, represent the latest wave in shades. Rock tees and big rings are “in.” Bicycles for city and country now count as status symbols that show you care about the environment whether in NYC, LA, or Europe! Old style hats for dudes will stay strong (poster boy Sean Lennon). Leopard prints are not just for gals and Dolce & Gabbana, but also for guys as seen on Matt Kays from Showroom Seven PR, and also worn on babies.

Babies in general top both shoes and bags as accessories. If you’re not ready to get knocked up, crazy print tights add personality. Plus they’re cheaper than a kid! Anything with glitter is still happening, and when you’d like to switch out of jeans, jumpsuits reign, like the one designed by Jen Kao and worn by Gossip Girl Taylor Momsen, here.

So whip out your glitter and jungle cat as we slide into the holiday weeks! Once the party’s over, don’t trash ‘em. They are here to stay, for now. HAPPY STYLISH HOLIDAYS!