Thank goodness for mothers. In addition to bringing unconditional love (no matter how long it's been since you've done your laundry) and imported presents (there are some things that you just can't get in NYC), they also come in quite handy for taking outfit photos, even at 10pm on a Monday night. My mother and I spent the evening at a pre-holiday dinner with a dear friend - naturally, we didn't think about the need for an outfit photo until it was completely dark outside. Oh well - that's what a camera's flash is for ;)

Funnel collar tweet coat: Avenue via One Stop Plus

Elbow length knit fingerless gloves: Tracy Reese (no longer available)

Black clutch: Christian Siriano for Payless (no longer available)

Jeweled necklace: Forever 21 (no longer available)

Velvet Boyfriend Shirt: Just My Size

Straight leg trousers: Lane Bryant (no longer available)

Leopard flats: Jessica Simpson

Bravo's golden child and winner of Project Runway, Christian Siriano, has inked a deal with Payless for an exclusive line of shoes.  Set to debut in February at New York Fashion Week and hit stores for Fall 2009, Siriano joins the likes of Lela Rose, Abaete, and Patricia Field - quite a coup for the young designer.

I appreciated his innovative and avant garde spirit when he was on the show, so it will be very interesting to see how he transforms that innovation into footwear.  Furthermore, I'm looking forward to seeing how his attention to detail translates to a Payless price point - you'd be surprised at the details exchanged for price points - a lesson I learned well while sitting through a Wal-Mart "big picture" meeting.  Fortunately Payless' price points have more wiggle room with their designer collections, set to retail between $25 - $45.

What would you like to see in Christina Siriano footwear?