Stylish And Comfy Countryside-Chic Inspiration For Your Home!

imageAs much as I like the more edgy take on fashion these days, it’s all about comfort and relaxation for me when it comes to my home. So while I may don some leather leggings and fingerless gloves, I want to be able to return home and breathe a sigh of relief, curl up and be comfortable. Overstuffed furniture, wicker accents and countryside-inspired prints and florals are reminiscent of a cozy house and home style. So while mom can’t be there everyday whipping up her famous chicken noodle soup and green bean casserole, you can add a few things around the house that give you that warm, fuzzy feeling inside. Check out the slideshow for some easy ideas on how to make your living space country chic and comfortable!

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YOOX Celebrates “American Glamour” With FIT And An Exclusive Vintage Sale

imageVintage Halston, Bill Blass, Rodarte. If your heart rate sped up just a bit upon reading those words, you’ll want to check out the vintage sale going on at YOOX right now! It’s a part of American Glamour, a YOOX shopping event, and American Beauty: Aesthetics & Innovation, an FIT exhibition that debuted last Friday. The exhibit features about 75 couture masterpieces from 20 designers, while the American Glamour sale will showcase a collection of samples by fifteen designers including the aforementioned Halston and Blass, plus other legendary couturiers and even some contemporary designers (Laura and Kate Mulleavy of Rodarte, Ralph Rucci, Isabel Toledo, to name a few). Part of the motivation behind the event is to show that America’s contribution to fashion goes far beyond the invention of sportswear and the rise of mass marketing, and also to provide a highly curated collection of one-of-a-kind items to breathe life into an industry where trends are exhausted and uniqueness is often hard to come by. Click here to shop the exclusive collection and learn more about YOOX and FIT.

These Platform Pumps Make It Chic To Be Square!

imagePointed, rounded, almond, peep toe… you may think you’ve got your bases covered when it comes to shoe shopping, but there’s a new style on the block that’s ready to take over. Square toe platform pumps are popping up everywhere lately — designer and bargain brands alike — and are bringing that ballerina-inspired pointe shoe look to the style scene. The flattened toe provides a vintage feel, especially if you go Mad Men style with a pencil skirt, while the platform gives the look a modern edge. Be careful when indulging in this trend, though — if you’re looking to elongate your legs, you might not want to throw out all your pointed pumps and replace them with their snubbed-toe counterpart! However, all you leggy girls can lust after the trend without fear! Of course, your credit card may have reason to fret if you go overboard… check the slideshow to see a selection of hot square-toed platforms!

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A New Kind Of Animal Print

imageFashion-y types are often quick to say that anyone can pull off the trend du jour, but we all know that this isn’t the case. For me, that trend is animal prints– while I can appreciate them on others, leopard spots and zebra stripes just aren’t for me. Lately, however, a different kind of animal print has been on my mind — a more literal interpretation, if you will. Wren’s silk tunic gets whimsically wild when a stampede of tiny elephants settle in rows. Maeve’s printed shirtdress is easily the pick of the litter — look closely and you’ll see different dog breeds! Perhaps you haven’t worn a critter print since you were a toddler, or you feel they’re strictly for wellies and pjs (penguin printed flannel pants come to mind), but they take on a stylish edge when stamped on fall’s rich fabrics. See the entire menagerie in my slideshow!

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Hot In The Hive: PowerCup Charging Port

imageLet’s face it — we live in a technology-dependent world in which our daily routine is shattered when our PDA battery depletes to empty. But while we make the necessary room in our budget to get all the latest electronic gadgets, that old jalopy you’ve been driving may not have the modern accommodations to keep you wired on the go. Welcome PowerCup, a 200-watt outlet inverter for your car, complete with a USB hub to charge your phone, iPod, PDA, laptop — whatever your techie heart desires! And the coolest thing? It’s shaped like a coffee cup to fit perfectly in your car’s cup holder! How genius is that? You can finally call off the search for separate car chargers for all your gadgets!

Price: $32.50
Who Found It: xgalexy was the first to add PowerCup to the Hive.

Find Endless Style In An Infinity Scarf This Fall

imageFall is my favorite season of the year because I can wear cute boots, peacoats, and scarves galore. However, I have to wait while the fickle San Francisco weather decides whether we’re going through one last heat wave or if it’s finally going to get chilly. In the mean time, I’ve been window shopping online for some new scarves. I’ve got long and short scarves, but don’t own any infinity scarves. Also known as circle scarves or loop scarves, these scarves are one big knit ring that you can loop around your neck. Hang it over your neck once like a casual necklace or wrap it around twice (or more) to protect you from the cold. I’ve found infinity scarves ranging from under $15 to $350! On the lower end, American Eagle has a rugby-inspired Sparkly Striped Circular Scarf you can take to a sporting event or on a day out with friends. If you’re looking to splurge, I’m loving the super luxurious Infinity Cashmere Scarf by James Perse. Check out my slideshow for more infinity scarves!

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Get Cozy With Handmade Knits By Efia

imageStep back in time and put some sexy in your step with a pair of spats by Efia. Efia handknits all of her designs. Efia, an aspiring actress and accessories designer, is often inspired by handmade materials from other independent artists. She loves soft textures, natural fibers, interesting ribbons and unique buttons. And she loves to use rich bold colors as well as nice feminine touches in her designs. She not only designs spats, but also handmade scarflettes, scarves, and fingerless mittens. The Bluebird of Happiness scarflette is darling and will add such a splash of color to your winter wardrobe. And who can pass up accessories in this shopping season, they are your easiest way to extend your wardrobe. Efia even has some handsome man mitts for the guy in your life. We’ve picked some of our favorites accessories to share with you in our slideshow.

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Top 10 Fabulous Bustier Dresses That Mix Structure With Sexiness

imageI don’t care what my credit card statement reads — I say it’s never too early to pick out the perfect New Year’s Eve dress (unless you plan to really let yourself go at the dinner table this holiday season — yikes)! What I’m really loving for the cocktail party season ahead is bustier dresses — a little reminiscent of Madonna’s “Like A Virgin” days (in a cool way, of course), yet updated with more subtle hidden boning, chiffon layers, and fun florals and lace. Bustiers juxtapose conservative structure with a snug fit that without revealing too much, yet unlike an old-fashioned corset, you can actually breathe. Blur the lines between girly and edgy with this studded belt bustier from Forever 21, or go full-on flirty with this floaty strapless sheath by Donna Morgan. Browse through the slideshow for a selection of my favorite 10 bustier dresses!

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Buzzworthy Deals From Bloomingdale’s, Banana Republic, Fred Flare, And More!

imageHoliday sale season is almost here! Or maybe it already is here. Either way, the deals are hot- read on to shop them all!

Take an extra 40% off select sale merchandise at Bloomingdale’s and bloomingdales.com, and take 25-40% off select regular price merchandise! Plus, spend $150 on Y.E.S. contemporary sportswear before Nov. 8 and receive an advance screening pass for two to see “Nine” on Dec. 8. Movie offer is available in store only!

For one day only (today!) shop Banana Republic’s After 5 Style Event and take 25% off your purchase of $100 or more, or 30% off $100 when you use your Banana Republic card. To redeem online, enter code BREVENT25 or BREVENT30 at checkout.

Shop the Fred Flare holiday preview sale! Save 30% on your order, now through 11/16 with code PREVIEW.

All flannels at American Eagle are $24.95 for a limited time! Plus, take $10 off all aerie bras.

Check back next week for more Buzzworthy Deals!

Velvet Is Back, And It’s Here To Stay!

imageWhen I hear the word velvet I think of three things- red velvet cake, the ’90s and Stevie Nicks (not necessarily in that order!). Lately though it seems that velvet has entered my fashion vocabulary in a way that isn’t making me cringe — it’s fashion forward, colorful, and surprisingly cool. This fall, the fuzzy fabric goes way beyond the basic little velvet blazer or velveteen rabbit bow headband. Marc Jacobs origami-folded bright yellow velvet into ’80s space-age bustiers and dresses. Ralph Lauren gave us neutral toned draped jodhpur pants and Miuccia Prada incorporated hints of velvet into tweed skirts and jackets. If you must go the blazer route, try a different shape like Surface to Air’s ‘Bleys’ jacket or go for a slouchy version like Gryphon’s smoking jacket. Alexander Wang peppered his runway show with black velvet, in a super rock and roll way; try the cool oversized vest for a totally unexpected velvet touch. Still scared of all the heavy fabric and shine? You can still stick to a touch of velvet with a cute pair of ballet flats. For more ideas for wearing velvet, check out the slideshow.

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