Slip On A Snood And Stay Cozy This Fall!

imageI’ve never been a fan of the seemingly clever names given to multifunctional apparel. I kid you not, I once came across a nubby knit creation on bloomingdales.com dubbed the “swancho.” I don’t care how versatile your “swacket” is or how much you adore your new Current/Elliot “jeggings”- you sound ridiculous. But back in spring, during a virtual stroll around the Burberry website, I discovered the snood– a sort of tube scarf neck warmer hybrid done in the classic check pattern. A quick Google search revealed that a “snood” was actually a type of headband, from the Old English snod. (It’s also the term given to the skin that hangs over a turkey’s beak, if you want to get technical.) Regardless of your take on its origin, snoods are incredibly versatile and perfect for fall. Some are more hood-like, while others are decidedly more scarf-related than anything else, but they all give off a chic and ultimately cozy feel. Plus, they totally solve that chilly winter morning dilemma of choosing between your favorite pullover and your favorite neckwarmer, and you don’t need to have a Burberry-sized budget to get the look. Check out my slideshow and find your favorite snood!

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Tory Burch’s New Shades Channel A Little Hollywood Glamour

imageYour summer accessories may be hibernating for the time being, but that’s no reason not to look forward to the next sunny season! Tory Burch is launching her new sunglasses line this month! The collection takes inspiration from such Hollywood icons as James Dean, Peter Fonda, Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway. Tortoise and olive green are key shades in the line and all sunglasses incorporate her signature logo design in an innovative way for each style. Keep on the lookout for these stylish sunglasses to hit the Tory Burch boutiques, web site, and select department stores worldwide! Hit up Coquette for more news on upcoming designer collections!

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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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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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!

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.

College Football Never Looked Cuter: Get Your NCAA Gear!

imageThere’s nothing like football in the fall: the crisp smell of fresh fallen leaves on the tailgate grounds, the glow of the bright lights that illuminate the early-to-darken autumn sky, and the sweat steaming off the evening’s heroes as they fight for the game. Unless you’re Van Wilder, college only lasts a good four(ish) years before the real world without attending weekly football games ensues. Luckily, you can live the college legacy though your favorite sports teams with some spirited sportswear! With NCAA football heating up, what better way than to spend your weekends rooting your favorite football team(s) in full gear? And we’re not talking mama’s old college logo sweatshirt from her pep club days — University sports shops nationwide have garnered some pretty sweet collections that would make any fan stylish. With school just having started, football is certainly the sport to start with, but you can let the fun continue through the year with some cutting edge fan wear to support your love for your other big college favorites, basketball and baseball! Take just a peep in this slideshow at the great variety of college sportswear in store for you at your favorite NCAA team’s online shop and celebrate your team spirit!

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Shop For Chic Jewelry And Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

imageAs you may know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month so while we may be thinking of dark fall colors, it’s definitely time to think pink instead. I’m not the biggest fan of wearing t-shirts with words or ribbons so I’m doing my part in the cause by adding some jewelry to my wardrobe instead. Various designers and retailers have partnered together to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Network of Strength, Susan G. Komen Foundation and other research efforts. That means the money you used for the bling you’re wearing went to an amazing cause. Talk about guilt free shopping! Some of my favorite pieces include Avanessi One Love bracelet where 15% of sales will go to the Susan G. Komen foundation. I also really like the bold pink strap and watch face of the Francine Patent BCRF Watch by Coach. Take a look at my slideshow for some of my favorite jewelry that supports breast cancer research and awareness!

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Lily Allen Shows Off Chanel’s Coco Cocoon Collection

imageFor Fall/Winter 2009 Chanel is introducing the new Coco Cocoon Collection, a line of casual handbags and accessories made out of washed lambskin or quilted nylon. The puffy reversible bags reveal the signature quilted Chanel pattern when turned inside out. Combining style with practicality, “Coco Cocoon” handbags smoothly transition from everyday city life to relaxing weekend getaways. The line includes a range of handbags, travel bags and small leathergoods. Lily Allen, portrayed as Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, is the face of the collection, and I have to say, the ads almost tempt me to splurge on the sleeping bag lookalikes! Don’t forget to check out ShopDiary for other news on the season’s new releases!