If ‘having it all’ is out and ’balance’ is in, Tory Burch obviously missed the memo. Perhaps she’s too busy being a single mom to 3+ kids, expanding her fashion empire, and dating Lance Armstrong. Oh yeah, she’s also 40 and gorgeous! (Lance is 35.) It’s enough to make you skip your massage for an extra Pilates session.

Besides genes of steel, she’s had some lucky breaks including stints at Harper’s, Ralph Lauren and Vera Wang. She’s traveled widely and delights in bringing exotic touches to her pieces. These are generally clever and tasteful, although she can overdo it on the sequins (her recent sequined thong was just a teensy bit too much!).

It’s easy to understand her preference for pieces that suit busy, sophisticated working women -- ballet flats in various materials and prints are snapped off the shelves and the tunics and shirtdresses usually follow. What’s more interesting to me are her design inspirations…this is perhaps a more revealing look into the woman behind the brand.

Tory grew up in a wealthy Philadelphia suburb and developed a love for American icons including Jackie O and Grace Kelley. She also frequently mentions Slim Keith -- I didn’t know who she was until reading: Slim: Memories of a Rich and Imperfect Life. Slim was one of the earliest ’social celebrities’ famous for being famous, the Paris Hilton of the 1940s. At first self-made, she endured a number of public romances and divorces, much like Tory did with her split in '06 from a billionaire venture capitalist and father of their three children (in addition to three more from his previous marriage).

Tory is becoming a bit of an icon herself, frequently appearing at events and in media interviews (Oprah was an early supporter). Her latest relationship seems a logical progression -- despite the stalker-like beginning. Lance read a profile of her in Vanity Fair and ‘arranged’ for a meeting…guess all those nights of clubbing w/Matthew McConaughey and Jake Gyllenhaal taught him a Hollywood trick or two!

We’ll see if technical materials and bike shorts work their way into an upcoming collection. Something tells me they won’t, as Tory’s already said she’s too busy to take up cycling. Balance may well be on the way…