My girl Maxine, and fellow blogger http://thewizardcops.tumblr.com/, posted this question on polyvore about the ubiquitous American Apparel jersey mini skirt:

"I want to wear this skirt out and about, to school, on holiday, etc, but I'm not exactly sure how without looking like a skank. Help? :) "

I'm a major proponent of this cheap-of-the-week basic.  At $25 a pop, I try to make it work for every occasion, from Saturday strolls to late nights.  I was all too excited to offer up some advice to my fellow blogger.  My post is below:

Take this basic mini out on the town with luxe loose silhouettes and elevated accessories. For regular, out and about wear, or just to school, pair it with minimalist leggings, a slouchy top, and flat boots. A long pendant takes the look from sloppy to chic. I wear this skirt all the time! I'm not sure I'd step out in it for a family holiday, but it works for me for most occasions with these simple tips.

The American Apparel Mini by The Closet Editor featuring American Apparel skirts

Fashion's best and brightest, along with their A list followers, turned out last night for the 2010 CFDA awards.  The award ceremony was held at the Alice Tully Hall.  Presenters included Sarah Jessica Parker, Jessica Biel, and of course the one and only Anna Wintour, It was a night full of luxe evening gowns, tuxedos, tears and laughs.  One of the evening's highlights was the presentation of fashion icon, Alexander McQueen's, final collection.  Let's just call it a heartbreaking work of staggering genius.

The Council of Fashion Designers of America voted, and the verdict is out, but it's fair to say that this year the competition was tough.  Personally, I believe that the crashing economy challenged designers to get brave.  They had to take some chances, edit down their collections, and put their best Christian Louboutin wearing foot forward.  My hat's off to all the designers who worked so hard in 2009/2010 to inspire us to buy again, to give us a reason to just "have to have that...".  Winners, nominees, and all the others, thank you for working so hard.  Keep up the good work.

Congratulations to:

• Womenswear Designer of the Year: Marc Jacobs

• Menswear Designer of the Year: Marcus Wainwright and David Neville for Rag & Bone
• Accessory Designer of the Year: Alexis Bittar
• Popular Vote Award: Ralph Lauren
• Swarovski Award for Menswear: Richard Chai
• Swarovski Award for Womenswear: Jason Wu
• Swarovski Award for Accessories: Alexander Wang
• Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award: Michael Kors
• International Award: Christopher Bailey
• Eugenia Sheppard Award: Kim Hastreiter
• Fashion Icon Award: Iman
• Eleanor Lambert Award: Tonne Goodman
• CFDA Board of Directors’ Special Tribute Award: Alexander McQueen

Sarah Jessica Parker gave a little tribute speech to McQueen, and it was lovely. As was the mini-runway show of his last collection, which brought chills down my spine. I felt privileged to be a part of the industry at that moment.

Find a list of all the nominees here, at fashionologie.com

2010 CFDA Fashion Awards - Cocktails

Designer Michael Kors (L) and actress Gwyneth Paltrow attend the 2010 CFDA Fashion Awards at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center

2010 CFDA Fashion Awards - Cocktails

Model Iman attends the 2010 CFDA Fashion Awards at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center

2010 CFDA Fashion Awards - Show

NEW YORK - JUNE 07: Designer Michael Kors and editor-in-chief of Vogue Anna Wintour speak onstage during the 2010 CFDA Fashion Awards at Alice Tully at...

2010 CFDA Fashion Awards - Show

Designer Marc Jacobs and actress Jessica Biel speak onstage during the 2010 CFDA Fashion Awards at Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln on...

2010 CFDA Fashion Awards - Show

Models walk the runway wearing Alexander McQueen's last collection during the 2010 CFDA Fashion Awards

2010 CFDA Fashion Awards - After Party

CFDA executive director Steven Kolb and designer Diane Von Furstenberg attend the 2010 CFDA Fashion Awards at Alice Tully Hall