Margaret Logan Style

If I lived in a big city, I would buy this coat. I would live in this coat, dashing from meeting to market, hailing cabs and catching planes. It’s feminine, it’s throwback, it’s retro chic. And yet it’s modern, without era, like something Audrey Hepburn would wear in Charade or, dare I say it, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Instantly coveted by all who come within its immediate vicinity, few actually possess the comportment, the good eye, and the joie de vivre it takes to pull off such a statement piece.

Leave it to Kate Spade to feature such a fabulous little number in its new clothing line, making its debut for fall ‘09 with the headline Dress Boldly. If it looks this good and feels this infectious, absolutely!

The Madeleine Mona Coat with Bow has bracelet sleeves and a swing silhouette in zebra print Italian tweed. The shawl collar can be removed and worn separately as a wrap (or stole, as they say on the website), which is an added bonus with its steep price tag of $745.

So bring out the pencil skirts, the shift dresses and the svelte dark trousers. Bring out the denim and your very best fitted suits. The Mona covers it all with style and panache ~ the ultimate icing on the cake.

Okay, not really. Unless, of course, we’re talking diamond studs. Then, by all means. The bigger the better, you lucky dog.

No, I’m talking about all manner of studded accessories ~ belts, shoes, hand bags and jewelery. This fashion trend continues to be front and forward with a vengence, which continues to surprise me for nothing else than its sheer staying power. When we first started seeing the emergence of studs on handbags and accessories a few years ago, I thought for sure it would be fleeting. What do I know?

Even though I’ve been reluctant on all things heavy metal (baggage from coming of age in the ’80s, perhaps?), I am happy to report that I have stumbled upon something studded that is not only acceptable, but something I would really love to wear. As in, everyday.

Tory Burch’s Logo Studded Belt takes the trend and kicks it down a notch. It’s subtle, it’s sophisticated and it’s terribly chic, in a way that will eventually outlast the trend and emerge as “go-to” accessory over the long haul. It will never look dated and should wear well with age.

At $250, which is pricey for a belt, we’ll call it investment dressing.

Available in chocolate brown with gold studs and black patent leather with gunmetal, at www.toryburch.com.

I saw a guy at the beach yesterday, mid-30s, with a tat of Mick Jagger (circa late 60s, very early 70s) on his arm.

I’m not sure how I feel about that.