Earn your style stripes this fall by outfitting yourself in the latest animal print: trustworthy, attention-grabbing zebra. Trendier than leopard and more versatile than peacock or python, this instantly recognizable black-and-white pattern is easier on the eyes than you might think. Paired with a simple black jacket and skinny jeans, a zebra-striped shirt or blouse adds dimension—not to mention an instant edge—to an otherwise basic outfit. If you’re too timid to put your stripes center stage, try some zebra-print pumps, a belt or handbag. If you’re ready to go all out, grab a zebra-print jacket in the long-and-lean shape of the moment and have fun flaunting those stripes.

Above, clockwise from left: Sibyl Tribal Zebra Tank from Torn by Ronny Kobo, $238 at Shopbop.com. Paris zebra-print snakeskin pump by Saint Laurent, $795 at Neiman Marcus. Hair-calf belt from Banana Republic, no longer available. BB Dakota Moselle Zebra Coat, $145.00. Diane von Furstenberg Sutra Zebra mini cross body bag, $345. Etnia Barcelona Africa 01 Mirrored Zebra Sunglasses, $265.00 at Shopbop.com.

To see more amazing zebra fashions (and where to buy them), visit Red Typewriter’s Pinterest Page.

Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today to get through this thing called wardrobe transition. And there’s no better way to shift into a new season than to channel the spotlight-grabbing layering style of Prince, who cloaked himself in shades of aubergine and goth-black for his big-screen debut, Purple Rain. The movie, now a rock-and-roll cult favorite, came out exactly 30 years ago, just as ’80s fashion reached its screeching guitar-solo climax.

The film showcased Prince as a flamboyant, emotionally suffering leading man. Clad in 6-inch platform shoes, purple-velvet coat and Victorian-style ruffled white shirt (something the Seinfeld crew would, a decade later, dub the “puffy shirt”), he was crowned the newest rock royalty. Never mind the fact that he would befuddle us by renouncing and then reclaiming his name. With Purple Rain, Prince made his mark as the era’s most provocative eyeliner-wearing, stage-polishing, … //READ MORE

When it came to churning out clothes with a wow factor, designers passed with flying colors this fall. Of course, gray appeared (yet again) to be the new black, while black itself remained in fashion’s hot seat (especially combined with white in bold graphic prints). But surprisingly, a rainbow of glorious hues appeared on most runways, surprising some of us who expected a more subdued autumn palette. A few colors made a particularly strong impact: red, purple, royal blue, emerald green and gold.

Which of the season’s hues best suits your personality? Read on and find out. And don’t forget to check Red Typewriter’s Pinterest pages to see our top runway and ready-to-wear picks in each color family. … //READ MORE

I got my first and only tattoo when I was 32. I don’t know what triggered the desire, but suddenly I just knew I had to have one.

I was a busy mother of two small children, and I was working full time. Amidst all my family and work responsibilities, I realized that I needed to do something that was just for me. For my tattoo, I chose the astrological symbol for Pisces, which is my horoscope and rings true for my “fishy,” artistic, emotional, fluid/water nature. So that fateful night, for whatever reason, I dragged my already much-tattooed friend to the Electric Rose tattoo parlor and got my “sign” tattooed just above my panty line (the notorious “tramp stamp” location—sexist labeling, whatever). The procedure hurt, but I was proud of my new tattoo and didn’t really care what anyone thought. … //READ MORE

My 83-year-old mother called me with the following question: “My friend Janie has a rash and the ladies at cards looked at it. Dina says her husband’s cousin has the same thing and that it’s psoriasis, do you think it could be psoriasis?”

Now, the card ladies do have their talents, but their diagnostic skills are dubious at best. Convincing them that their pooled illnesses and hospital stays do not add up to a medical degree is an impossible task. It takes a great deal of discussion, sometimes aided by photos, to counter the collective expertise of the card group. And yet, when they consult me, it’s more for confirmation of their diagnosis than for my medical opinion.

The modern version of the card ladies is the internet medical site. … //READ MORE

Fall 2014 fashion is all about warmth, coziness and comfort—with some ethnic influences and a little sparkle thrown in for good measure. The majority of designers sent models down the runway swathed in oversized outerwear, super-soft knits, plush fabrics and faux fur. While themes ranged from ’60s mod to country-and-western, relaxed silhouettes and earthy colors reigned supreme throughout most lines.

Here, a breakdown of the top 10 trends you might want to try this season.

1. Robe Coats. As seen above, bathrobe-inspired coats emerged as the top outwear pick for fall. But don’t get us wrong. These babies are too chic to be worn as housecoats and too versatile to be mistaken for smoking jackets. Designers like Chloe, Richard Chai Love and Altuzarra presented roomy, comfortable shapes with contrasting-color belts that amp up the sophistication. Throw your favorite version over one of the season’s super-soft sweaters and cinch at the waist. Heading out into the brisk fall afternoon has never been more relaxed. For more robe-inspired coats, visit Red Typewriter’s Pinterest Page. … //READ MORE