Jazz Up A Plain Ensemble This NYE With Affordable Statement Jewelry!

imageUnless your New Year’s Eve plans involve a date with your couch, some footie pajamas, and a bottle of champagne for one, you’re likely experiencing pressure to track down a killer evening outfit to ring in the new year in style. But let’s face it — unless you have the admirable patience required to tolerate the post-Christmas mess at Forever 21, it can be easy to burn a hole in your wallet trying to snag the perfect cocktail dress on the fly. But try this idea on for size: raid your closet for your favorite trusty LBD or skirt-and-blouse combo and make it occasion-appropriate by adding some statement jewelry to the mix. Despite what that fashionista conscience is telling you, it isn’t a crime to wear the same thing twice if you rock it the right way. Plus, you’ll be surprised how dramatically a jeweled bib necklace and some stacked bangles can amp up a tried-and-true look. View the slideshow to see some night-out jewelry for instant glam under $60!

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Keep Yourself Looking Cozy and Cute This New Year’s Eve

imageNot all of us are planning on spending New Year’s Eve in a swanky club in New York or LA, sipping champagne while a celebutante DJ spins the hottest tracks. Every year when the ball drops I’m usually up in the mountains sneaking in some snowboarding and just enjoying a snow-filled holiday. Being in the cold and snow makes wearing a sexy little sequined dress and sky-high heels rather impractical, yet I still want to have a little bit of NYE flair for the special night. If you’re like me and will be spending the holidays in somewhere cold and snowy, look to chic, warm knits and heavier soled shoes that are dressy, but still snowy weather practical. A knit camisole dress by 3.1 Phillip Lim shows just the right amount of skin while still having a thermal long underwear feel with the henley style buttons and wrap sleeve front. A digital plaid coat is warm and cozy for braving the elements and Tory Burch’s lug soled lace up boots will keep you more anchored than 5 inch Louboutins on icy patches will. But you can’t forget some traditional NYE sparkle and shine– a chunky jewel and chain necklace and some black tinsel striped tights will take care of that. Check out the slideshow to see how to get the look!

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Bag Of The Week: Kate Spade ‘Watch Hill’ Striped Shopper

imageKate Spade is usually quite the minimalist queen (okay, maybe not when it comes to her shoes), so while I love her practical shapes, it’s rare that I’ll get super excited over any particular design, save for the occasional sparkly hobo or bright pink Stevie satchel. And now, I can add the “Watch Hill” Striped Shopper to my rather modest “wow” list! While the patent leather and basic tote shape are nothing new, there’s something about the bag that’s totally cute in a nautical-gone-preppy sort of way. I love the chain-detailed straps and for some reason, the ribbon bow seems to make the handbag like ten times more adorable! Winter may have just begun, but the bag has me already looking forward to a sunny spring day out on my personal yacht… or something like that.

What: the Kate Spade ‘Watch Hill’ Striped Shopper
Price: $395
Where to Buy: Nordstrom
Who Found It: xgalexy was the first to add the Kate Spade ‘Watch Hill’ Striped Shopper to the Hive.

Madonna Cleans Up In The New D&G Ad!

imageShe may have been dismissed from Louis Vuitton, but Madonna didn’t waste any time getting another high-fashion gig. This time she’s playing a sexy Italian housewife in a Dolce & Gabbana ad campaign. I have a feeling Madonna doesn’t generally participate in any of the activities she’s seen doing in her new ads. For instance, washing dishes? Peeling onions? Even eating pasta. Something tells me Madonna just doesn’t do a whole lot of household chores. Nor does she eat a lot of carbs. But she sure looks good doing all these things in the ads! In fact, I would say the 51-year-old looks younger and prettier than ever! And she certainly has the perfect cleavage! The ads are for the Spring/Summer 2010 campaign and were photographed by Steven Klein. Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have said, “to have Madonna in our campaign is a dream come true.” Do you think she’ll help the brand sell? Check back with our friends at LimeLife for a slideshow of Madonna through the years!

Stylehive’s Stylescopes Help You Look Chic In The New Year!

imageThe new year is almost here! It’s all about loved ones, parties and turning over a new leaf for this time of year, whether it be in diet resolutions (guilty!) or trying out a new style you were never daring enough to try before. Our differing signs also mean different personality traits and personal tastes, as well as affinities for certain trends that other signs may abhor. Maybe shimmery silver tones look amazing on the sizzling Sagittarius, while washing out the usually glowing Leo. Virgo may want to try on that dress with the shorter hem for something a little different than their usually down-to-earth style. With all of the styles, trends and colors available in so many different products, how do we know which trend to try, or what color is the best for us? Leave it up to Stylehive and the stars to help find which item, be it beauty or fashion, is the best for you for the New Year! So whether it’s something that will really make you stand out at the many New Year’s parties coming up, or a style or color that you can try next year, click on the slideshow to discover your new must-have item!

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Which 2009 Trend Are You Most Eager To See Die In The New Year?

imageOh, 2009 — it shall go down in history as the year of the Twilighters, Kanye West apologies, and Twitter. But let’s not forget that the fashion industry has plenty of its own mishaps to ruefully look back on. We revisited a couple old favorites, including the rise of the rompers — nostalgic of our playground playsuit days (only much harder to look cute in) — as well as a resurgence of 80’s neons (just in case you needed to blind yourself with an overload of clashing brights). As for the realm of pants, we witnessed the invention of jeggings (for those who want the jeans look but have a phobia of actual denim), and we channeled Aladdin with totally unflattering harem pants. As for the guys, they apparently were jealous of us girls stealing their duds for the boyfriend trend, so they took a page from our book and started showing off their chests in deep-v necklines. Vote below on which trend of 2009 you’re most hoping will end by the time the fat lady sings “Auld Lang Syne.” ’80s photo: Lookbook.nu
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‘Tis The Season For Something Sparkly… Like Louis Mariette Hairbands!

imageHoliday hairstyles are always a bit tricky. Most of us get our hair cut and styled in such a way that we can just wear it down without accessories, but at the holidays you kind of want something a little bit more festive. If you don’t want to be bothered with the full up-do you can just wear your hair down and accent it with a crystal embellished hairband — something sparkly and shiny. I’ve been buying a few hairbands here and there, but by far my favorites are from Louis Mariette, made with Swarovski crystals. They are elegant and understated, and the perfect addition for a bit of glittery glow to your LBD! Check back with The Find for more trends you can rock through the new year!

Budget Babe Talks Rodarte for Target: What Say You?

imageRodarte for Target is finally in stores and selling out fast online. Sadly, I haven’t see it yet (I called two stores near my house and braved post-snowstorm roads only to find that the collections had not yet been put out), but I am dying to know what you all think! Whether you’ve seen it in person or just browsed the collection online — which includes illusion tulle dresses, sheer cardigans, bow belts and lacy bikinis, ranging in price from $9.99 to $79.99 — share YOUR thoughts on Rodarte for Target in the comments section of Budget Babe! Click to check out more pics of the Rodarte for Target collection too!

Coquette Finds Fashionable Raincoats!

imageIf you live in a climate that’s susceptible to lots of rain (I’m looking at you, Seattle!), then it makes sense to invest in a quality raincoat. Raincoats are making a comeback and making their own fashion statements. This year, go for a raincoat in a different color or style than just plain khaki or black. I love the brown color and the delicate details of the Marc by Marc Jacobs Long Raincoat ($358 at Neiman Marcus). The standard trench coat goes purple with this Gallery Satin Twill All Weather Trench Coat ($98.90 at Nordstrom). Click over to Coquette to see so many chic raincoats, you’ll be wishing for the rain to come again.

Quick! 10 Last Minute Holiday Gifts Under $100.

imageUnlike the disaster I had last year in all the last minute shopping I did, I vowed to get most of my gift shopping done before Black Friday. I succeeded for the most part but I still find myself just a handful of days away from Christmas without gifts for a few people. When the clock is ticking, shopping online may not be the best option unless you can find free upgrades to expedited shipping. The best thing to do is pre-shop online at popular stores like Nordstrom and Gap, and then make your purchase in person. One of my favorite beauty gift options is the Sephora Collector’s Edition Fragrance Sampler where she can try the latest perfume and then redeem the included certificate for a full sized perfume of her choice. If all else fails, there are always e-gift cards which can be emailed to your intended recipient almost immediately. Take a peek at my slideshow for more last minute gift ideas!

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