Recession Chic – The Perfect Winter Coat For $100 Or Less!

imageThe freezing temperatures outdoors has made it a necessity to bundle up in cozy layers and thick winter coats just to maintain a tolerable body temperature. But while staying warm is the top priority, not looking like a disheveled hobo is pretty high on the list too.


Minimize the bulk by finding a coat made of an insulating material like wool, or really stay toasty with a trendy faux fur or even (faux) fur-lined piece. With so many different styles and cuts in winter coat fashions, there’s one to flatter every body type.


Look for a cropped version that hits no lower than high-hip to elongate legs, or opt for a longer version with a cinched waist to show off a slim midsection and create an hourglass shape. Double breasted versions are classic, while moto style zipper details make your look edgy and youthful.


The best thing about a good winter coat is that you don’t have to spend big bucks to stay warm and stylish. For $100 or less, you can snag yourself the perfect look. Or get one that’s classic and another that’s edgy to play up your naughty and nice sides!


Click the slideshow to see a variety of sleek and chic winter coats at $100 or less!

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MAC Cosmetics Signs Lady Gaga as Face of MAC Viva Glam for Second Year

imageWhen you’ve got a winning formula, you want to stick with it. Such is the news coming from MAC Cosmetics today, as the beauty brand has announced it has signed Lady Gaga for the second year in a row as the face of its fundraising MAC Viva Glam franchise.


In a sneak peek at the visuals shot by Nick Knight and styled by Nicola Formichetti, Gaga is dripping in diamonds and pearls, as well as, painted in a glammed-out smokey eye that contrasts nude lips and platinum blonde locks.


‘The beauty of using rock stars … is that women of all ages listen to stars in a way they won’t listen to the surgeon general’, MAC AIDS Fund Executive Director Nancy Mahon told StyleList.


This past year, Gaga joined 80s music icon Cyndi Lauper in a frilly and fun coral lip campaign to rake in the most amount of money the lipstick series has ever made – over $32 million.


Cumulatively, MAC’s efforts have raised more than $190 million since it began the MAC AIDS Fund, which looks to spread awareness and blast stigmas surrounding the disease, as well as, provide help and resources for patients suffering from the fatal strain. In order for a vendor to sell the highly sought-after MAC line of products, Mahon says the store must be on board with selling the Viva Glam products – which benefit the MAC AIDS Fund in their entirety.


‘Retail partners like Macy’s, Nordstrom and Selfridges in London all give their margin back to us, so nothing is taken out of that $14.50 you pay for a Viva Glam lipstick. We owe a lot of our success to their generosity as well’, said Mahon.


Gaga will be going it alone for the 2011 campaign, and we’re dying to see what else the eccentric singer will flaunt in the photos. Will it be more heel-less shoes, a hair dress, or gravity-defying hat?


We wait with baited breath …



Brought to you from our friends at StyleList!

CH Editions: Rickshaw

Cool Hunting teams up with Rickshaw for this special CH Edition messenger bag and iPad case
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Exceptionally durable, Rickshaw waterproof bags are designed specifically for the active urban dweller. The San Francisco-based brand not only keeps us impressed with their ability to make long-lasting, thoughtfully designed bags, but also their commitment to sustainability supersedes most environmentally-conscious labels. For example, Rickshaw produces their Zero Messenger bag using domestically sourced materials, recyclable nylon and designs it around the cutting process to reduce material waste.

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We like this bag so much that for our collection of Cool Hunting collaborations we worked with Rickshaw to design a customized CH Edition. A stylishly functional messenger bag, our version features a “Cool Hunting Green” interior, waterproof X-pac black exterior, a detachable zippered inside pocket and extra compartments under the flap for all of your daily essentials and gear.

What’s more, we produced a limited-edition iPad case too, also featuring a fetching green interior.

Those in NYC can pick the bag ($150) and iPad Case ($30) up at our holiday Cool Hunting for Gap pop up shop or through our
online shop
.


Get The Winning Look From Our ‘Parade’ Poll!

imageThis recent Thanksgiving had some of our favorite stars showing up to parades decked out in the their cutest cold weather gear. With cozy outerwear and chic boots, all the ladies were dressed their winter best.


Jessica Simpson looked sweet and femme in her long pink coat with silver embellishments and soft grey boots, but only received 11% of your votes. For such a young star, Miranda Cosgrove showed some real style savvy in a classic cream coat with gold button detailing, leather knee boots and a youthful mini skirt and patterned tights and we could tell you were all impressed as well with 28% of the votes.


But it was Brandy that stole the show with 61% of votes, in a flattering grey coat, sleek thigh-high boots and a gorgeous black leather bag. You spoke and now we’re showing you how to get her style for yourself! Click on the slideshow to see some fave picks on how to get Brandy’s style!

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DIY Accessory – Wire Wrapped Ring

imageHere is a great idea for accessorizing your holiday look with a unique stone ring made by whom other then €¦ you! These wire wrapped rings can easily be purchased at high-end boutiques for well over $100 dollars but why waste your money when you can customize your own pieces and become a designer without going to fashion school?


Nothing feels better then wearing a wire wrapped jewelry piece knowing that you made it. It might seem a little complicated it’s not! Follow the easy steps to make this stunning turquoise ring for yourself!



Materials



– 2 ft of 22 gauge metal, silver, or gold wire,
– 1 Semi- precious stone bead of your choice,
– A ring mandrel €“ used to form rings of your desired size
– Wire cutter
– Flat nose pliers
– A good grip.



Follow these easy steps


– Begin by wrapping one end of the wire around the Mandrel four times.


– Keeping the wire band wrapped tightly around the ring form, string the bead through the long end of the wire and wrap it three times tightly around the 4-layered band, at the end closest to the beads hole.


– Continue to wrap the wire four times beneath the stone, around the wire going through the bead. This will create a platform where the stone will sit.


– Then, again tightly wrap the wire three times around the 4 -layered band closest the beads hole.


– Finish by cutting the end of the wire and pushing it flat with your pliers so that it doesn€™t poke you



By the time you master this wire craft your hands will be blinging and you€™ll be in the market for a new jewelry box. With a little extra free time over the holiday break, explore you inner artist with this DIY idea!

Coquette – DKNY Cozies on Sale!

imageI can’t emphasize enough how versatile and stylish the DKNY cozy is. Give yourself a holiday treat (or nudge your loved one) and pick up now on sale for $136.50 (regular price: $195)!


It comes in all the 12 colors (see here) and essential black, which I just purchased. It’s perfect as a stylish cover-up for an evening out at holiday parties or New Year’s eve, not to mention the many ways you can wear it every day of the week!



Check out all the colors by clicking over to our friends at Coquette!

Cool Hunting Video Presents: Jill Platner

Our video on surfer-jeweler Jill Platner

by
Gregory Mitnick

As longtime fans of
Jill Platner’s
nature-inspired jewelry, we waited a few years to find the right moment for documenting the artisan’s creative process and studio. This video catches up with Jill at her Crosby Street space as she works on her current collection to learn more about how she started and what informs her work.


Daily Obsesh – Orkney Mukluks

imageIt may not officially be winter yet, but we’re certainly in the winter state of mind! During the long winter months, nothing sounds much better than cuddling at home, snug under some blankets, with hot cocoa in hand and a chick flick on the television. Yes, it’s the season to be snug, comfy and cuddly.


It’s the time of year when running around the house barefoot just doesn’t cut it, and we’ve been find ourselves in un-matching, not so cute socks much too often. It’s seriously starting to cramp our loungewear style! Why splurge on the perfect pair of sweatpants without some cute socks to complete your outfit?!


We’ve found the perfect pair to keep our toes warm and our outfit stylish – the Orkney Mukluk by Eloise at Anthropologie. With the fair isle knit pattern and the ultra adorable pom pom ties, we definitely won’t be relegating these winter wonders to the couch only. Paired with a cute skirt, oxfords and a sweater, these socks are adorable!



Where to BuyAnthropologie



Price – $22



WhoZuzubean was the first to add the ‘Orkney Mukluks‘ to the Hive.

Bag of the Week – Alexander Wang Darcy Slouchy Hobo

imageOften times, when we choose to splurge on a fabulous handbag, we go for the safest color. The most versatile, the one that allows you to say, ‘I can wear with anything.’ Usually, that means black. Black is beautiful, timeless and classic, but it’s black and probably similar to so many of the other purses you already have in your repertoire. Why not step outside the box this season and get super spendy on something slightly more eye-catching?


The Alexander Wang Darcy Slouchy Hobo in Mustard is the perfect piece. In a creamy chartreuse, this pebbled leather beauty is still as versatile as it’s basic black counter-part. It’s sure to add a pop of color to all the dark hues you’ve filled your closet with. Big and roomy with an over-the-shoulder strap, the hobo bag is embellished with brass hardware and etched over-sized studs at the bottom. So go ahead and get a little color crazy! You’ll find yourself using this more than you think!



Where to BuyShopBop



Price – $595.00



WhoMelimeli was the first to add the ‘Alexander Wang Darcy Slouchy Hobo‘ to the Hive.

Marion Cotillard as Lady Dior in the London Installment of the Mysterious Ad Campaign

imageThe Lady has played the Femme Fatale in Paris, armed with a chic black Lady Dior bag – which, apparently, gives a girl superpowers, given Cotillard’s balancing precariously atop the Eiffel Tower in towering heels – in a short directed by Olivier Dahan; a singer in NYC with a red Lady Dior (Jonas Akerlund); and reciting poetry in Shanghai, mysterious handsome admirer in tow & blue Lady Dior well in hand (David Lynch). Now, she (the bag) surfaces in a fitting shade of grey in London as she (the actress) transforms the life of two men. John Cameron Mitchell directs, and all promises to be (somewhat) revealed on December 8, 2010 at LadyDior.com.



Brought to you from our friends at FashionTribes!