Jeannie Mai and I ready to glam it up on stage for the reveal of makeover of our girl, Chrystie.

Me, Chrystie, her brother and mom celebrating the makeover.

By Marcello (our guest guy writer)

Q: I met a guy in a European pub over a year ago, during two high drama hours at a bar (friend got in an accident). We’ve kept in touch online ever since, casually communicating. No talk of romantic interest on either side, but consistent friendly emailing. Now he’s invited me to visit him for a long weekend. I’m going for the travel opportunity, and for hell of it - but not sure what to expect. What’s your gut tell you? Is he potentially interested? Or just looking for a friend?
- Passport Experimenter, Hackensack, NJ

Dear Passport Experimenter: There’s something about “long weekend” that says there is a romantic potential in his offer. It’s enough time to let things develop naturally, but (hopefully) not too long to get on each other’s nerves.

It sounds like you’re both casual in your interest. As long as you don’t have any deep expectations either way, I would suggest that you go with your gut. If you’re attracted to him, throw a little caution to the wind and pursue what could, at the very least, be three days of all kinds of fun.

Have a question of your own to ask our guy? Send it to Marcello at [email protected]

By Marcello (our guest guy writer)

Q: My guy gets so reserved and shut down when he’s stressed about work-what’s up? How much does a guy’s work life effect his dating/love/sex life?
- Tammi, Brooklyn, NY

Dear Tammi: For a lot of guys, one’s identity is tied up with what you do for a living. And some of us tend to take it to the extreme. Have you seen Glengarry Glen Ross? There’s a reason it features an all male cast. The workplace is where men are judged most harshly. So a bad week at work is not just a bad week - it could signal the beginnings of a crisis of confidence.

To start, it might help if you simply acknowledge that you’re aware of his stress - and that it’s work-related. At least then he’ll know that you know he’s not clamming up because of you. But if his funk lasts for an excessive period of time, or gets worse, it may help to go a step further and suggest he seek some help. In this case, he’s bringing way too much of his work home with him - and now you have a right to get involved to find a solution.

Have a question of your own to ask our guy? Send it to Marcello at [email protected]

Michael Kors celebrated the big 3-0. He’s been creating coveted collections for thirty years and intends to keep us intrigued. His plan for this collection was to incorporate elements of each decade in which he’s worked, “sporty decadence from the Seventies, the athleticism of the Eighties, restraint from the Nineties,” and “from the Aughties, a little exuberance.”

He made a womanly point with an audience in attendance that ranged from Catherine Zeta-Jones and Angie Harmon to the young starlet Emma Roberts plus Anjelica Huston and Bette Midler.

He said he wanted this anniversary collection to flaunt his core beliefs which focused on making people look longer and leaner. And, of course, that included showing off some skin.

by Marcello (our guest guy writer)

Q: I am a single, very attractive, sane and balanced 40 year-old mother. I have married friends who have single male friends they want to set me up with but these men seem to get very freaked out by the thought of a set-up. They appear want to stay single (or do it their way?) rather than meet a woman their friends really think he’d dig. What’s up with that?
- Karen, Boise, ID

Dear Karen:
Set-ups can be intimidating, even amongst friends. In fact, I wonder if these guys are holding off simply because they don’t want to disappoint their friends in case it doesn’t work out. Such sensitivity has been known to exist in the male species.

In addition, it probably won’t surprise you to learn that some guys aren’t into dating women who have kids. If things progress beyond casual dating, that guy will also have to start a relationship with your children (and perhaps your ex, as well). Not everyone is ready for that many relationships right away.

It’s not all bad news, however. Why not suggest to your married friends that they invite you and these awesome single men to a party? They can make those vital introductions in a casual setting – and where both you and the guys are free to mingle with whomever you wish. It will seem less like a set-up, and more like a pressure-free meeting of (soon-to-be) mutual friends.

Oh, and one more suggestion for the marrieds: when they host the event, let you subtly play the star.

Have a question of your own to ask our guy? Send it to Marcello at [email protected]

By Marcello (our guest guy writer)

Q: Is it safe to use a steaming iron machine near a fire alarm? I have been told the steam can set it off?
- Curious in her PJ’s, New Jersey

Dear Curious: Apparently, just about any hot vapor can set off a fire alarm, or, more specifically, a smoke detector. Thankfully, newer models are less prone to be fooled by such things as kitchen heat or hairspray.

Can you smoke a cigarette or light a candle near one? Yes. But you’re asking for some high-pitched trouble if you take a hot shower on a cold day and open the door to the bathroom. The immediate temperature and humidity change could set a detector off.

As for your steaming iron - I’m guessing that’s one big ass iron you’ve got there. It’s probably best to steam your shirts a few feet away, or employ a room fan to dissipate the steam.

Have a question of your own to ask our guy? Send it to Marcello at [email protected]

Hello Fall Fashion,
See you on me next fall.

For now, these are a few of my favorite things. I’ll make space for you next September!

Isaac Mizrahi-Love the pink poodle! Isaac Mizrahi-Fab shoulder detail

L’Wren Scott-sophisticated high waist skirt Joanna Mastroianni-Best LBD

Prabal Gurung-Must have color mix! Alice + Olivia-Rich mix of textures

Rachel Roy-Pattern play Marc Jacobs-Sheer sparkle

Rodarte-Waist cinching Lela Rose-Flirty with floaty details

Chris Benz-Pretty boho Monique Lhuillier-Sweater never looked better

Carolina Herrera-New black tie Karen Walker-Weekend wear

Milly-Splash of color Milly-Seriously city chic

Tibi-Party invite Tibi-TV appearance

Yigal Azrouel-Power play Kate Spade-Get around town

Oscar de la Renta-Contemporary Mad Men Oscar de la Renta-Sweet

Jenny Packham should be on every female rock star’s speed dial. Packham’s Fall 2011 runway show was a collection of sheer, whisper thin beaded, sequined and crystal covered dresses and leggings. I wish we could bring back the days of Studio 54 and give the masses a reason to wear these sexy little numbers. Of course, may of us will have to put down the cupcakes and work out to get a better set of thighs in order to slip on these barely there numbers. VMA’s, Grammy’s-I expect to see one of these dresses on the red carpet soon.

Diane Von Furstenberg and her still-new collaboration with co-designer Yvan Mispelaere took inspiration for her Fall 2011 runway show from strong women they consider “American Legends,” specifically Millicent Rogers, Diana Vreeland and Gloria Vanderbilt. Von Furstenberg said that meant runway explorations of “rodeo, editor in chief and society lady.” I say bring it on and I can’t wait to get it in my closet!

While the show featured plenty of gaucho accents and I haven’t worn gaucho pants since trying to bring back the trend in high school there were still citified inspirations in smart coats, sophisticated silk blouses and deep, rich seductive colors. While the collection sometimes was over the top in excess it still delivered a sultry mix of items that would work in any gals wardrobe when work or weekend beckoned for sassy meets chic. And I hope to see an actress on the Oscar red carpet in the sequined blue number.

By Marcello (our guest guy writer)

Q: I don’t have sex EVER on the first date (ever, ever, ever!), but recently four girls I know have and now they all are dating the guy they went home with on the first date and I am still single! I find it completely perplexing….
- Tracy, 28, Seattle

Dear Tracy: I don’t profess to know what your average woman wants when heading out on a first date. But I can tell you what’s number one on a man’s agenda: have sex. So, let’s say he manages to succeed in his quest. I guarantee, the next morning, that guy’s thinking he’s some kind of sexual genius.

There’s nothing really wrong with this scenario. It seems to have worked out for your girlfriends (at least for a while). But let’s be realistic: every man has an “inner douchebag” whose lady-killing prowess is legendary. By granting him fast track access to the prize, you will have unleashed the “ID.” And for some, the ID takes over.

This is, of course, the classic reason for the “no sex on the first date” rule. The guy won’t respect you, right? Well, let’s forget about guys and our simple needs for a second…what do you want? What’s stopping you from having sex on a first date? Don’t let the presence of ID keep you from doing what you want to do. It’s your choice.

The point is, there is no (pardon the expression) hard and fast rule about this. If you have sex with him right away, acknowledge there is some ID at play and proceed accordingly. Maybe you’ve already experienced the best he’s got.

Here’s a strategy of sorts. If you’ve just met someone and there are real sparks between you, wait until the second date. If he’s elusive to meet up again, you’ll know his ID Force is strong. But if you can get together at a time that fits your both your schedules - even that short time apart should build enough distance for the two of you to be both objective and eager to recapture what you felt the first time.

Have a question of your own to ask our guy? Send it to Marcello at [email protected]