And when I’m feeling extra fierce, I like to jazz up my basics easy-bake style with man-made synthetics from Hollywood Mirror. Every modern maven needs a punchy power tie and trendy belt to secure her smart status.

Now you got it, girl. And I think I’ve got it down too. Just one quick tip for sure success: Don’t take any lip – unless it’s from New York Color (or maybe a critical client – P.S. they all are) – ’cause they know what they’re yappin’ about. N.Y.C.’s Retro Red lipstick sends me off with enough moisture and shine to make it through my dizzying day. And although they put in a lot of lab time in order to pop out these top-notch tubes, they never test their products on animals.

[$41 Liquorbrand cardigan at greasegasandglory.com, $15 cap-sleeved shirt at oldnavy.com, $39.50 low-rise trouser at delias.com, red leopard tie and silver skull belt at hollywoodmirror.com, $0.99 ultra-moist lipwear at newyorkcolor.com]

Icons like James Dean, The Fonz, and Danny Zuko have all donned one. So why couldn’t I? Slipping on a leather jacket instantaneously warrants you a brand new bad-ass attitude. But did cool really have to mean cruel? Definitely not. Or so I thought. My quest for the perfect leather-like jacket was perhaps the most arduous must-have fashion task I’d ever set for myself. I mean, let’s face it, I can’t even count the ways poorly done pleather can go so very, very wrong. I even uncapped my budget, hoping to expand my search a little further. But after sifting through dozens of designer digs and sites like TheFind.com, I was spent – while my cash, on the other hand, was not. But then it happened. I found my steal in the unlikeliest of stores. dELiA*s has always been my go-to guide for denim and tees, but I never expected to find such a luxe looking item as their Ashton Pleather piece. As I gave it the once-over – cropped sleeves, an off-center zipper, and brassy buckle – I knew I had found the one.

[$69.50 at delias.com]