More Holiday Party Looks

The Holiday Season isn't over yet! Don't get stuck with nothing to wear! There are still so many more parties to attend and celebrations to have. But for those of you who think you've already worn your entire wardrobe in front of family and friends, get inspired by these six color stories. From cocktail to formal or business casual, these colors will make your holiday outfits stand out from the crowd!

Oxblood is the color of Fall/Winter 2012. Burgundy is Oxblood's cheerier cousin and a perfect wintertime color story. This daytime outfit shows you how easy it is to use colorblocking so that you don't end up looking like a blob of burgundy. 

Topshop Embellished Jacket $190

J.Crew Colorblock Cashmere Colorblock Turtleneck $169

LNA Velvet Leggings $99

Cole Haan Sabrina Loafer $218

Kenneth Jay Lane Rhinestone Studs $75

Pantone has announced that emerald will be the color of 2013. Didn't we predict it here first, dear readers? See my previous blog on emerald. Get a head start and go for green this holiday party season. And green isn't just for the clothes--accessorize with a green clutch and cocktail ring! 

Reiss Tali Sparkle Wrap Bodycon Dress $360

Luxury Rebel Judith High Heel Sandals $125

Alexis Bittar Siyabona Gunmetal Midnight Cushion Ring $275

Henri Bendel Flapper Clutch $350

Midnight Blue brings the va va voom to black-tie dressing. This velvet dress is rich and warm from the color alone, so you don't have to complicate it with accessories. See how inexpensive this dress is!

Adrianna Papell Draped One Shoulder Velvet Blouson Gown $168
Frieda and Nellie Blue Braided Earrings $238
Badgley Mischka Vita Pump $215

When you're letting a color inspire your look, you don't have to stick to one shade. In this outfit, the inspiration is purple, but I use all different shades to make a complex layered look.

Veronica Beard Fur Collar Herringbone Blazer $999

J.Crew Rummy Metallic Brocade Cropped Pant $140

Ganni Idaho Wedge Ankle Boots $209

J.Crew Chiffon Top $79

Coralia Leets Purple Quartz Teardrop Pendant $180

Black is a color too, no? Black, AKA the signature color of New York City, never gets tired if you do it right. It's flattering, chic, and sophisticated. When you add different materials and patterns--like on these tights--you create a fun, interesting black outfit that works from day-to-night. 

Spanx Tight-End Tights Filigree $28

Corso Como Boots Darling High Heel $275

J.Crew Dream Turtleneck $88

Dagmar Zemorah Suede and Leather Mini Skirt $175

House of Harlow Zig-Zag Tribal Collar Necklace $180

The combination of black and gold is classic. The gold really makes this outfit pop like champagne on New Year's Eve! The velvet floral jeans make this outfit casual but cool. 

Current/Elliott Black Velvet Floral Print Ankle Skinny Jeans $275

La Fee Verte Disco Blazer $250

House of Harlow 1960 Platform Booties Natalia High Heel $177

Cruelty-Free Fashion Is Fabulous

This post is for Erin B. and Alissa B! It's almost 2013, and who isn't thinking about how to be kinder to the environment? Even the fashion industry has become more eco-conscious. One of the biggest ways that designers have instituted better practices is in making cruelty-free pieces. These pieces are great for everyone, not just practicing vegans! They're often more affordable as well. Faux fur isn't new, but it used to be like the inexpensive stepchild of fur--now, it looks so good that it's a trend on its own! So if you want clothes or accessories with the look of fur, leather, or snakeskin, but couldn't imagine actually buying real ones, cruelty-free fashion has become a chic, simple alternative. Here are some cruelty-free essentials:

ASOS works a lot with faux leather, and the results are winners. This small satchel is perfect for traveling light when walking around the city all day. Love the scalloping detail!

ASOS Scallop Detail Satchel Bag $49

This larger satchel is good for when you need a bit more bag... Cornelia Guest, once known as a socialite, has gotten a lot of press recently for her cruelty-free designs. Her bags are now carried at stores like Bloomingdales and Intermix.

Cornelia Guest Nicholas Weave Large $290

Olsen Haus makes cruelty-free, vegan shoes and accessories that would be right at home on the floor at Barneys. These heels fit the colorblocking trend we've been seeing all season. 

Olsen Haus Spirit $225

Make an entire outfit with faux fur and show the snow who's boss!

Kate Spade Carriage House Earmuffs $61

Pieces Faux Fur Bits Mittens $22

See by Chloe Faux Fur Leather Boots $351

Topshop Faux Fur Collar $50

Kate Spade is another designer who has shown her passion for cruelty-free fashion. As a sucker for real vintage coats, I love this faux vintage, faux fur-trimmed option!

Kate Spade Toni Coat $798

You can start your children shopping for cruelty-free fashion while they're still young! Ralph Lauren went fur-free in 2006, and he's been designing adorable pieces with faux fur ever since. 

Ralph Lauren Girl's Aran Faux Fur Cardigan $67

Sometimes, you just need to add a little edge to your wardrobe. Gunas makes edgy bags that are totally luxurious, and totally cruelty-free. 

Gunas Rockstar $299

Stella McCartney took a staunch stand at the beginning of her career to never use fur or leather. These faux leather and suede wedge booties are on-trend, eco-friendly... and on sale!

Stella McCartney Faux Leather and Faux Suede Wedge Boots $305

So cozy! This coat is kind of amazing. Its oversized shape and faux fur make it very this season, plus it looks super comfortable and the grey will match everything!

ASOS Faux Fur Collar Oversized Coat $194

Matt & Nat, the name of this vegan brand that is sold at places like Urban Outfitters, comes from "Mat(t)erial and Nature." This satchel is a knockout--hip and stylish, practical and affordable. 

Matt & Nat Red Vegan Taxi $148

HAPPY SHOPPING!

Neiman Marcus + Target + 24 Awesome Designers = The Best Hi-Lo Collaboration Ever

On Dec 1st, a beautiful thing happened. Target and Neiman Marcus partnered to launch the Holiday 24. If you have read my blog loyally, you know that I have a big weakness for a good partnership, and an even bigger weakness for telling you about great deals! This partnership was perfectly timed and perfectly executed. Basically, 24 amazing designers created one or more exclusive pieces of clothing for adults and kids, housewares, luggage, and so much more! Many items are already sold out online already, but you can probably still find them in store at Target and Neiman Marcus. Here's a look at what the Holiday 24 has to offer:

These Altuzarra glasses and shaker look vintage but are brand new and beautiful. What a great gift for your holiday host and hostess!

Joseph Altuzarra Cocktail Shaker ($50) & Double Old-Fashioned Glasses ($50)

Traveling over the holidays? This suitcase is small enough to carry-on, and the neon detailing makes for a chic airport look. 

Alice+Olivia Rolling Luggage $180

Who knew that Band of Outsiders made Cookie Cutters?! They would definitely make your holiday baking a little more entertaining. 

Band of Outsiders Cookie Cutter & Stamper Set $30

Like I said in last week's Holiday Outfit Must-Haves post, a sparkly clutch is necessary this holiday season. If you don't do sequins, go for a metallic/shimmery clutch like one of these by Marc Jacobs. 

Marc Jacobs Metallic Zip Clutch Bag $70

This is the yoga mat I tweeted about. DVF, Lululemon, and a good yoga flow... what more do you need?

Diane von Furstenberg Yoga Mat $50

Is this not a fabulous party top? Balance its shape with skinny black pants and spiked heel booties. 

Tracy Reese Sequined Blouse $80

Sometimes when you're wearing black-tie attire, it's hard to find a coat that doesn't ruin the look. This lightly sequined cape would solve the problem and look awesome with denim, too! Also, this is a lot more affordable than the exquisite $5,000 cape I tried on this week at the Etro store on Madison Avenue... 

Prabal Gurung Sequined Cape $80

It wouldn't be the holidays without a proper party dress! The colors, floral pattern, and shape make this Lela Rose dress super feminine and sophisticated. 

Lela Rose Watercolor High-Low Dress $100

Don't you wish this came in adult size?? This Marchesa dress is angelic without being cheesy. Adorable!

Marchesa Girls' Hand-Beaded Dress $100

Studded leather for boots, jackets, and now gloves. At only $50, these long Brian Atwood gloves are a steal!

Brian Atwood Studded Leather Gloves $50

There is even something for men. The retro-looking white piping detail on this Thom Browne blazer makes it a little more formal. If you know how much Thom Browne usually costs, you know what a great deal this is!

Thom Browne Rib-Trimmed Blazer $150

Holiday Outfit Must-Haves & Cyber-Monday Deals!

After our inspiring brunch and shopping day, Rosa from Rosa Loves... and I decided to partner this week for a post about the pieces that would make killer holiday outfits. We both chose our favorite things, and I am so totally into Rosa's sparkly bobby pins! Yes, there is a lot of shimmer and glitter in our choices, but could you imagine dressing for New Year's Eve without any?

Don't wait too long to click through to your favorite items, the sales are happening today!

My Picks:

I am beyond obsessed with this Alexis Bittar necklace! It's big and practically has an entire story happening inside... talk about a statement necklace! (And if you visit Charm & Chain to purchase today, Cyber Monday, enter the code LOVEIT for 35% off sitewide!)

A sequined blazer is an easy, fun, comfortable way to make your outfit instantly festive. 

For a holiday party or New Year's Eve, carry a glittery clutch. This whole season has been about over-the-top bedazzling and whimsical, bold shapes, so a glitter box-clutch hits every trend. (On Cyber Monday, 30% off orders of $100+. Use code CYBER12 at henribendel.com.)

Rosa's Picks: 

Don't stop with a glittery clutch... add some glittery flats! Pair these with black denim and a velvet blazer for a casual but festive holiday look. (Visit madewell.com on Cyber Monday and use code TREAT for 25% off and free shipping!)

From wild-colored nails to crazy hair accessories, this season has found love in all of the details. Put in fun bobby pins for a quick way to spice up an outfit. 

Nothing tops off a holiday outfit like a sparkly ring. When you're holding a glass of champagne, why not give everyone something sparkly to stare at? (For 25% off and free shipping Cyber Monday only at jcrew.com, use code MONDAY!)

Fabulous graphics by Rosa!

Black Friday Special

Black Friday: you either love it or hate it. If you're in the "love it" party, this post is for you. A lot of the deals haven't been announced yet... but I'm all for spreading the word on a great deal, so here's what I've found so far (and if you know about more, feel free to mention them in the comments!).

Bloomingdale's is opening at 7am on Black Friday and will have steal-deals, like 25% off women's denim. However, they've started their deals already--including the designer handbag sale--in-store and online, so get shopping!

 

Shopbop.com also started their sales earlier this week--forget Cyber Monday, they're celebrating Cyber Week! Shop online and use the code BIGEVENT12 to save until 11:59pm on Monday. 

 

Remember my ode to C.Wonder? They win again, this time by doing a half-off sale between midnight and 8am on Black Friday, and 25% off purchases $100+ from Saturday to Monday. Now there's really no excuse to check out this amazing store!

Target is giving shoppers a head start by opening at 9pm on Thanksgiving. Here's a preview of their great deals: 

Banana Republic already has a lot on sale for 40% off, and that sale will continue until Black Friday is over. Need a new coat? This might be your best bet!

 

If beauty is your focus, check out Nordstrom. Bobbi Brown is holding the Pretty Powerful Event, where you can get a make-up lesson and a Pretty Powerful tote bag with purchases $50+. There will also be discounts on Chanel, MAC, L'Occitane, and other great beauty brands. 

 

For more Black Friday beauty finds, check out MAC. They'll be previewing their new Taste Temptation collection at Macy's MAC counters, and from 12pm to 4am at the Times Square location and online, you can find this exclusive nail polish and lipstick duo. 

 

H&M will have sweaters and dresses starting at $5, outerwear, kid's jackets, and pants starting at $10. Street locations will open at midnight. 

 

Were you inspired by my post on JCP (JC Penney) to find those inexpensive, on-trend items we all need? On Black Friday, JCP will open at 6am and you can find stylish boots starting at $25 and coats starting at $40. 

 

And if you're looking to tackle BlackFriday with some digital help, use mobile apps to shop instead. To buy shoes, use the Zappos mobile app: