Forever Plaid: Wear This Season’s Preferred Print

imageIt’s something we’ve all got somewhere in our wardrobe — mainly because plaid could quite possibly be one of the most versatile five letter words in fashion. The thick and thin lines crossing each other in contrasting colors dating back to the first bag-pipers can be dug back out of the closet — with the right pairings, plaid can say a lot about your style. While some moments of seasons past are too horrible to return to, the look of plaid flannel shirts that dominated the nineties are an acceptable role model for today’s trends. With motifs from comfortable to casual, plaid makes looking cute natural and effortless. Add a pair of light-wash jeans, and plaid’s preppy; add a bow, and plaid’s sweet. Draw attention to yourself with whichever plaid personality you want to flaunt this season and take a peek at the slideshow for ideas!

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Become A Jewelry Party Hostess With Stella & Dot!

imageTupperware parties are so retro and Mad Men chic. But do you really want to try and sell tupperware to your friends when they have kitchens the size of a broom closet? Why not throw a new type of party where you can share your expertise on super cute inexpensive jewelry instead? Started in California, Stella & Dot has been popping up all over the states now. Sign up to be a party hostess and a Stella & Dot stylist will come to your house and provide a free personal shopper experience by letting you and your friends find some fun jewelry. Prices for the jewelry range from $29 to $250 and they have everything from dainty stackable rings and charm necklaces to large statement chains and beaded bibs. As a hostess you get a percentage of sales to use towards Stella & Dot (say hello to free jewelry!) as well as the option to buy some half-priced items. Check out the slideshow to see some of the jewelry and log on to www.stellanddot.com to find a stylist to book a party.

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Stylishly Spooky Halloween Jewelry You’ll Want To Wear All Year Round!

imageWho says you need a campy store-bought costume to be festive this Halloween? I’m all for dressing up, but there’s more to getting into the haunted holiday spirit than black lipstick and fishnets. If you’re a jewelry gal (but then again, what girl isn’t?), there are tons of trendy Halloween-themed charms, pendants, bangles, and even cocktail rings that are bound to appeal to your inner trick-or-treater. This Swarovski Ghost Charm is an adorably festive addition to any charm bracelet or keychain, and if you aren’t a huge arachnophobe like I am, this spider ring from Betsey Johnson is appropriately gothic-chic. But just because they’re perfect for the spooky season doesn’t mean they’re too kitschy to wear after the 31st — this skull-embellished wrap bracelet by Alexander McQueen will still be stylish even after all your candy has been devoured! Browse through the slideshow for some of my favorite festive jewelry!

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Karmaloop Introduces MadeMe Designs, Made For You!

imageMadeMe’s Fall collection, “Tough Love,” is now available at Karmaloop.com! First conceived in 2007 by designer Erin Magee, the brand features super stylish clothing that is rich in culture and quality. Inspiration for the collection stems from androgyny and the concept of moving society forward by means of challenging what is conventionally sexy. Using traditionally masculine silhouettes with feminine fits and a New York sensibility, “Tough Love” is a collection defined by aesthetic and attitude. The Leather Motorcycle Jacket in Rose and The Rose Leggings in Gray are my top picks from the line. The striking rose pattern throughout both yields nothing short of beauty and rebellion. Check out MadeMe’s special look book here, which features the designer herself and a cluster of her dope friends rockin’t the ill threads! For the full collection, check out Karmaloop.com.

Also, catch MadeMe’s new collection at the Karmaloop Fashion Show on KarmaloopTV.

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Pump Up Your Beauty Regime With Plum Makeup Shades

imagePlum, aubergine, eggplant… what is it about the dusky purple shade that conjures up thoughts of fall? Well, whatever the reason, it’s time to embrace it — beauty trends for the upcoming autumn months are all about going plummy with your eyes, lips, and cheeks for a sultry yet sophisticated seasonal look. But before you raise an eyebrow at the thought of your grandmother’s purple eyeshadow, you should know that these products are anything but retro-tacky! Update a smoky eye with a color-coordinated Stila eyeshadow quad in Montemarte, finished off with Urban Decay’s Ink For Eyes in Empire. The contrasting color works wonders in bringing out the gold flecks in your eyes. And if you’re all about the flushed cheeks, take your rosy glow up a notch on the color spectrum with Clinique blush in Plum Gorgeous. Scroll through the slideshow for my favorite plum products!

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Hot In The Hive: Flat Flower Vases

imageI bet you’re the type of person who gets lots of flowers delivered to you on a regular basis. Whether it’s your significant other sending a dozen roses to celebrate your anniversary or your best friends delivering a birthday bouquet, your home always smells like a garden. So I can also understand why you’ve also run out of vases to store the beautiful flowers. I’ve seen makeshift vases from small mason jars, milk boxes, and even wine bottles. While those options may do its job, it certainly doesn’t do the flowers (or the giver) any justice! Then again, it’s not like we have tons of storage space for glass vases under the kitchen sink. Well, I’ve found a perfect solution and they’re called Flat Flower Vases! These vinyl vases lie flat, but when you need to use them, just fill it up with water and you’re ready to go.

Price: $24
Who Found It: kevygee was the first to add Flat Flower Vases to the Hive.

Lemondrop Is Livin’ Large With Oversize Accessories

imageThere are some things — the California Redwoods, Mount Everest, Mo’Nique — that are just born to be big (and we wouldn’t love ’em any other way). This season, designers are also embracing the big-is-beautiful mentality, churning out whoppers like slouchy boyfriend blazers and cavernous totes. Go ahead and supersize your style with these great fashion finds. Try the ABS Indigo Boyfriend Blazer for a fun play on proportion, pair this chic oversize blazer with a pair of short-shorts and a frilly blouse ($295). Paging all Nicole Richie wannabes: These colossal Forever 21 shades are perfect for those morning-afters when the sunshine is a little too bright ($5.80). With the Charlotte Russe Metallic Brushed Bangle, Wonder Woman will have nothing on you once you’ve slipped this gigantic bracelet on your wrist ($4) Check out our friends over at Lemondrop to read more!

Add Some Charm To Your Fall Kitchen With A Teapot!

imageInstead of waking up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee in the morning, I like to pour myself a cup of hot tea and enjoy some buttered toast. Maybe I was British in a past life or maybe it’s the fact that coffee has the opposite effect on me, but I do love tea. However, even the best tea leaves need to be brought to their full potential with piping hot water. That’s why a whistling teakettle full of boiling water poured into a teapot with tea leaves–never tea bags–can be almost as relaxing as a day at a spa. If you still have an old one your mom passed onto you that’s full of nicks and dents, it’s high time for an upgrade. One of my favorite and affordable options is this classic stainless steel teakettle from World Market, a steal at less than $20. If you’re looking to splurge, this teakettle designed by Frank Gehry for Alessi is a design snob’s dream. I even found some electric kettles so you don’t have to watch over the stove. And of course, these tea kettles can also be used to heat up water for your instant noodle cups. Check out my slideshow for more teakettles that will have you whistling while you work too!

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Vintage Fashionistas Go For The Gold!

imageJames Wilson Marshall discovered gold in California in January 1948 and started the California Gold Rush that profoundly changed America. Now, with gold prices reaching record highs, many people are scrambling to cash in on a modern-day Gold Rush by selling their old gold jewelry. But consumers should beware. Gold-buying scams are rampant, and, according to the BBB, some of the worst offenders are the companies advertising on late-night cable television. So take the time to read these tips before you join in the stampede. And of course, not everyone is selling. If you’re a fashionista, you can invest in gold for a fraction of the price charged by the US mint. Just click the slideshow to go for the gold with these fabulous vintage gold clothing and accessory finds.

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Couture In The City Honors Breast Cancer Awareness Month With Keds

imageAh, Keds. They bring me back to the carefree days of morning recess and monkey bars… and now exude simple low-maintenance sportiness. These Keds, however, spotted by Couture in the City, give back a little more than grade school nostalgia. Keds Champion Pink Ribbon canvas sneaker features the Breast Cancer Awareness ribbon on the side and tongue of the shoe and comes with white and pink laces. 100% of the sales of the Champion Pink Ribbon Sneaker will benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. BCRF is dedicated to preventing breast cancer and finding a cure in our lifetime by funding clinical and translational research worldwide. For more information about BCRF, visit www.bcrfcure.org.

From our friends at Couture In The City.