The Fashion Editor - True News and Good Buys

Our agenda: be true. When we tell you a new product is worth a try or a store is worth a trip, we won't be wasting your time - or money. Please let us know if you agree, or more importantly, if you don't.

DOGGONE GOOD

Find inspiration in "Flea Market Fidos", an adorable new book by stylists and best friends Barri Leiner and Maria Moss. The two have traveled here and abroad to unearth cute canine collectibles, which are gathered here and shown in great style. Barri says, "if one more person tells me what a great gift book this is . . ." Well, we need to state it here - this IS a great gift book for anyone who loves foraging and/or fidos.If you'd like to see some of the items in the book close up and personal, check out Marie's booth at the Heritage Trail Mall Antique Center, 401 N. Ridge Avenue, Wilmette. Flea Market Fidos is $20 at your local book store.

NEW STORES IN CHICAGO

I. D.
3341 North Clark Street
773-755-IDID
I am so ashamed - this store has been open a year and I hadn't heard of it or visited . . . until now. I am making up for it by telling everyone I know that they must visit this Soho-styled shop full of sleek, elegant accessories for you and all of your fashionable friends. Half the store is devoted to eyewear of equally stylized caliber; the service for both the eyeglasses (the optometrist is on site) and the gift goods for the home is as exceptional as the selection. Cool reading glasses that fold in half and are stowed in t little chrome case, the coolest electric shaver you'll ever see, beautifully hued tumblers in a fist-friendly shape and other bits and pieces that will make you want to stock up for the upcoming birthdays.

G BOUTIQUE
2131 North Damen Avenue
773-235-1234
boutiqueg.com
The owners explain, the "g" stands for girl, or string, or spot". Get the picture? Sexy stuff and sex stuff - we'll start slow for you. Underwear by Cosabella, Aubade and Only Hearts. Books like the Kama Sutra and A Hands on Guide to Erotic Sex. Candles and body lotions and bubble baths. Liquid Metal jewelry. And toys for your very own erotic pleasure - vibrators including the Rabbit (remember Sex and the City?) and the Hitachi Magic Wand. Go, girl.

SAC BOUTIQUE
2154 North Halsted Street
773-529-4070
Designer Calvin Tran makes versatile clothing easily ready-to-wear -- skirts that double as ponchos - dresses that wrap three ways, and kilts that dress up and down. I like the simple lines of the clothing, the vibe in the store, the friendliness of the staff. The collection is spare but worth checking out.

BELLY DANCE
1647 N. Damen
773-862-1133
bellydancematernity.com
Attention, pregnant women and the people who love them! This is the best maternity store I have seen in all of my travels. This owner knows what she is doing . . . Collecting great clothing from designers who specialize in FASHION design for women who happen to be pregnant. At two month or at seven, you will love shopping here as much as at your favorite specialty boutiqe. Scads of black pants, party dresses, adorable tops and well chosen accessories rule - there are even choices - like cute cloches, frilly handbags and other items for your non-pregnant freinds as well.

DO IT YOURSELF

I have friends who can whip up their own party dresses, upholster a chair and make their own living room drapes or scrape and paint the kitchen. I can make soup - which is about as crafty as I get, but recently I found my own recipe for an amazing hand softening formula, the type of which is sold in chic shops like Fresh for $50 a jar.

Take a couple spoonfuls of sugar in a cup and add cooking oil - olive, vegetable, whatever. Mix until it's a fairly gooey paste. Stand over the kitchen sink and rub into your hands -- or use it in the shower on arms, buttocks, hips, knees, wherever you need softening. Rinse and feel how soft and smooth your skin has become. Don't rub dry, just pat and let the oil penetrate your skin.

TIS' THE SEASON

... To update and protect your boots and shoes for fall showers and unexcpected snows (if you live in a climate like Chicago, or even New York). Take your boots to the shoemaker and request a rubber sole to cover your leather one. Buy or ask for a silicone spray, and if you haven's checked your shoes since last year, have him (or her) fix any tears on the seams or remove stains. You can polish them yourself; it will feel like you have a whole new pair of shoes.