Get Holiday Party Ready With Non-Traditional Lace!

imageLace isn’t just for gothic looks and wedding gowns. It’s perfect for any occasion! Lace can be soft and feminine, or rocker-chic and super sexy, but the way to wear it now is in non-traditional ways with unexpected shapes and trimmings. Lace is always associated with opulence and glamour, but why should something so cool be so out of reach? There’s plenty of daytime lace like LnA’s t-shirt with a lace inlay, or YARNZ printed lace knit scarf and hat. Lacy, studded pumps and lace vests are totally ladylike-meets-rock and roll and can spice up even the primmest of pencil skirts. Standing out in a crowd of matte black tights is easy with lace tights or leggings; I especially love Emilio Cavallini’s take on the trend. If lace isn’t really your thing but you want to try it out, experiment with lace earrings and necklaces. Whether it’s a gold “lace” cuff or some peek-a-boo lace tights, there are endless ways to get the look this holiday season. Check out the slideshow for some more ideas.

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Hit The Slopes (But Not Too Hard) In The Coolest Snowboard Gear Out There!

imageThe fashion-obsessed shopper side of me likes to think of snowboarding as an opportunity to try colors and patterns that I wouldn’t normally wear. Strangely enough, I never knew white pants were my thing until I saw them in snowboarding gear form. (I also never knew my legs could twist in so many directions while wearing said pants, but that’s another story.) You don’t necessarily need to match your jacket and pants to your gear, though a little bit of coordination is always good (both in the sartorial sense and the, um, sliding down a mountain sense). I’ve selected 10 essentials for anyone who’s looking to invest in their own snowboarding accessories, from boots and bindings to goggles and gloves, and don’t worry- you can almost always find these exact items on sale. Hot chocolate not included! See the slideshow for all of my picks.

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Designer Handbag Gift Ideas Under $200!

imageI’m pretty confident that there’s at least a few people in your life in need of a new handbag. Either they’ve been carrying around the same ratty bag since high school or they’re a die hard collector of anything by Marc Jacobs or Tory Burch. Either way, the holidays is not the time to gift a handbag from the likes of Forever 21 so I’ve rounded up some of our favorite designer handbags for less than $200 (and no, I did not find them on Canal Street)! If you’re looking for a standout clutch for all the parties she’ll be going to, look no further than this bright turquoise DKNY stamped leather clutch. For someone who is a bit more edgy and loves animal print, I think the Betsey Johnson ‘Hottie Spotty’ animal print velour hobo is a perfect fit. For more handbags that will delight any recipient and won’t break your bank, take a peek at my slideshow!

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LimeLife Is Oohing And Ahhing Over Betsey Johnson Jewelry!

imageWhether or not you’re a fan of Betsey Johnson’s clothing line, I can almost guarantee you’ll be a fan of her jewelry. Betsey Johnson’s designs tend to be a little bit out there; people either love or hate them. While you’re probably used to hearing “wild” and “crazy” in conjunction with Betsey’s name, her jewelry is actually much more delicate (believe it or not!) than the rest of her designs and there’s definitely something for everyone when it comes to the necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and more. Plus, while Betsey Johnson’s clothes might be out of many of our price ranges, her jewelry is pretty inexpensive. I’m especially a fan of the little mittens necklace (only $35!) and love that it’s perfect for making winter time a little bit brighter. Check out our friends at LimeLife for more fun winter finds and finish writing your holiday wishlist!

Stylehive’s Stylescopes Make You The Holiday Belle With Shining Cocktail Rings!

imageI’m starting to hear the sleigh bells jingle as people are planning all sorts of holiday parties. With so many of us gathering together with family and loved ones, things are going to get a little chaotic, but in the most cheerful and festive way. The power of the stars are especially influential on these clear winter nights! Some of us, including the ever social Aquarius, will be attending numerous holiday functions and loving every minute of it, while others, like comfort-loving Tauruses, will enjoy intimate soirees with familiar faces the best. No matter what, most of us will be joining festivities with other holiday party goers at office parties, family functions or maybe the neighborhood potluck so we’ll be donning our festive apparel and trying to stand out in a sea of seasonal sparkle and shine. Be a little different and swath yourself in a classic silhouette instead and show your sparkle through a shiny cocktail ring! Click on the slideshow to see which bright bauble the stars have found for you!

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Madonna VS Lara Stone: Which Louis Vuitton Ad Campaign Is Your Favorite?

imageWhen Marc Jacobs, creative director of Louis Vuitton, decided to use Madonna as the face and body to represent the 2009 S/S collection, some people were surprised by his unconventional choice. Was Madonna really the right person to showcase the latest Louis Vuitton collection? Why not go with the hottest model at the moment, or maybe even someone a little younger? Others, such as myself, think that Madonna was a great choice. Sure, she’s a little more ripped than the average woman, but with the wonders of Photoshop, Madonna manages to add a softness to the edgy feel of her Louis Vuitton F/W 2009 Ad Campaign. All those pilates and yoga classes didn’t hurt either, with her effortlessly flexible poses that helped to really showcase the collection. However, the new face (and, um, body) of the latest Louis Vuitton S/S 2010 campaign is model-of-the-moment Lara Stone. Her Brigitte Bardot aura and more voluptuous figure make her a perfect choice and her ad campaign is both ethereal and powerful. The only thing I think that Madonna has on her? That crazy flexibility and unique poses that really let you see the collection. Lara Stone’s ad campaign will be featured in magazines in February 2010, but we’ll let you take a small sneak peek. Just take the poll below and let us know who you like better as the face of Louis Vuitton!
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Recession Chic: Holiday Party Dresses Under $50

imageAside from all the packages that have been coming to my door (90% are Christmas gifts for my friends and family, I swear!) I’ve also been receiving invitations to holiday parties for most of the month through the new year. While I never subscribe to the rule “never wear the same thing twice,” I certainly don’t want to be seen wearing the same thing all month. So it’s definitely time to find a few party dresses that look chic and won’t break the bank. After all, it’s not fun when someone gets clumsy and spills red wine all over a $200+ dress, right? I can always count on one of my favorites brands, BB Dakota, which always has affordable options for night and day. I’m really liking the Domani Dress for a fresh burst of color. For something a little sexier, Victoria’s Secret has got you covered with the One-shoulder Bra Top dress. Check out my slideshow for more party dresses that will have you set for all your holiday bashes.

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Haute Deal: Warm Up In A Luxe Leopard Print Coat For Way Less!

imageFaux fur vests served as an edgy way for us to warm up in the fall, and now that the weather has officially reached a frigid level, the trend has appropriately evolved into full-length jackets. To keep the furry look fresh, we’ve spotted some of these cozy coats straying from the typical tan and black with patterns like faux mink and leopard print, putting a fresh spin on a distinctly Old Hollywood-inspired look. But retro-glamorous outerwear doesn’t have to come at a celebrity-worthy price. For example, while this Graham & Spencer Leopard Print Coat from Free People is super chic for the chilly days ahead, it’s hardly a steal at $759! This similarly spotted version from Topshop is equally stylish and just as warm for a mere $190! I mean, they’re both made from faux fur, obviously, so how does one justify the extra $569? Beats me — if given the choice, I definitely vote for the bargain!

Which Red Lipstick Is Best For You? See Our Top 8 Picks!

imageIf you love makeup but still are too cowardly to hit the town with look-at-me bright red lips, you’re not alone — I have an overwhelming amount of lip products, and they’re all nude and neutral pink. Believe it or not though, no matter how many times you sadly swear up and down that you and red lipstick are just not a match that’s meant to be, there is a wearable shade and formula that will totally flatter you. And me for that matter! Whether your skin tone calls for a coral-tinted red to bring out your face’s warm hues, or you’re fair-skinned and better suited with a “true” red with just the slightest hint of blue undertones, I promise that your soon-to-be favorite new lip shade is out there somewhere and just waiting for you to make the plunge! Browse the slideshow for all kinds of red shades, from glosses and balms to lipsticks and stains — I dare you not to find one you’re dying to try!

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Shoe Of The Week: Matiko Sudi Cut Out Boot

imageAs popular as cut-out booties are nowadays, I have to say they’re getting a little redundant. After all, there are only so many places you can strategically cut holes in a leather shoe before they start to look like sandals… and let’s face it — in these exponentially declining temperatures, there’s hardly any room left in your closet more sandals, of all things. But something about these tall Matiko Sudi Cut Out Boots is refreshingly unique — maybe it’s the cool mosaic cut-out design, or maybe it’s the fact that they’re still recognizably boots despite their aesthetic modifications. Show some skin (or skin-colored tights) through the peekaboo cut-outs or have a little fun with the design by wearing brightly-colored leggings underneath — or even sparkly tights for a sneak peek of shimmer.

What: the Matiko Sudi Cut Out Boot in Greystone
Price: $260
Where to Buy: Revolve Clothing
Who: xgalexy was the first to add the Matiko Sudi Cut Out Boot to the Hive.