Cold Weather, Short Shorts?

imageYes, it may seem rather silly to wear shorts in winter, yet it’s so brilliant! I think it’s especially funny since I don’t particularly like wearing shorts in summer, yet there is something about layering the shorts over tights and wearing them with boots that make the seem more modest and less beach-bound teenybopper. But to do this trend right, you can’t just simply throw on your lightweight summer shorts over tights and expect it to work. Choose a winter weight fabric that’s appropriate for the season like wool or tweed for day or silk, leather or sequins for night. The one pair of shorts that can make the cross over? denim cut offs. They have a great rock and roll Erin Wasson feel when layered with legwear and cozy sweaters. Once you have your shorts picked out pick out a base layer like opaque tights, or get try some of this season’s patterned or embellished tights for a little something extra. On top, the more layering the better, and definitely play with proportions. A micro mini short looks great with a looser sweater or top while a more fitted knee length trouser short needs something a little more fitted like a sharp little jacket or coat (extra style points for a blazer with strong shoulders). Check out the slideshow to see some of our top picks that will show off your legs even when temperatures drop.

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The Reluctant Givers’ Gift Guide

imageEveryone has ’em: people who you’d prefer to send a gag to rather than a gift. The busybody mother-in-law. The frenemy who’s somehow firmly entrenched in your crew of friends. The jerky coworker you happen to draw in the Secret Santa pool at the office. Or maybe it’s the awkwardness that comes along with gifting someone you’ve just started dating. Manners dictate that you not overlook them on your holiday list yet how do you shop for people who, plain and simple, are unavoidable thorns in your side when it comes to gift giving? I recently attended celebrity stylist Robert Verdi’s guide to holiday gifting event, and got some inspired ideas for those one or two difficult someone specials that fall on everyone’s list. Check out the slideshow for suggested gifts and tips!

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Buzzworthy Deals From Bloomingdale’s, Acne, Banana Republic, And More!

imageA friends and family discount, an Acne outlet, and free lipgloss? Don’t say we don’t take care of you.

Bloomingdale’s Friends & Family sale is here! Take 20% off all regular and sale merchandise online, now through October 4th with code FANDF.

Take an extra 20% off sale items at Banana Republic, for 4 days only! Use code BREXTRA10 at checkout.

Acne has an online outlet store! Save up to 50% on tons of cool styles.

Get a free NARS lipgloss duo sample with any NARS purchase from Beauty.com, now through October 8th.

Check back Thursday for more Buzzworthy Deals!

Stylehive’s Stylescopes Show That Accessorizing Is A Cinch!

imageIt’s no news that nowadays belts are more about fashion than function. Gone are the days that belts should only be discreet and embellishment-free for maximum waistband-cinching without the buckle bulges. Now they’re all about accessorizing, bedazzling, shaping looser ensembles, or even adding pops of color to otherwise drab monochrome outfits. So with all the stylish choices in the realm of belts, how does a girl choose? Look no further than Stylehive’s Stylescopes to see what kind of waist-hugger is written in your fashion future! Geminis can ditch the chunky jewelry and dress up an LBD with a hammered gold belt for some flash, and the Virgo gals can hop on the chain trend and toughen up a girly dress with this multi-strand silver belt. Take a look at the slideshow to see what kind of belt will make your sign’s next outfit!

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Katy Perry Interviews Karl Lagerfeld At Paris Fashion Week

imageQuirky songstress Katy Perry chats with Karl Lagerfeld after his show at Paris Fashion Week in an exclusive interview for Elle.com. It’s certainly a rare chance to peek into the personality of one of the world’s most esteemed designers. Is he intimidating? Yes, but there is a certain warmth about his demeanor, even as he corrects Katy when she expresses her adoration for the fabric, not metal embellishment on a particular dress. The two discuss music and fashion, and we learn fun facts like what he listened to as he got dressed this morning and what song he feels describes himself best (by none other than Lily Allen, of course). His response to the requisite “if you could trade places with any designer” question is a careful mix of smug satisfaction and pure respect. Oh, and he makes jokes too! Click here to see the interview for yourself.

Recession Chic: Statement Jewelry Under $50

imageIt’s all about making a personal statement through jewelry these days. Chunky bracelets, multi-layered necklaces and huge earrings help add character and individual style to sleek outfits, but many times, these gorgeous works of wearable art cost more than we’re willing to shell out. The great thing about statement jewelry is that it’s eye-catching and highly memorable, but the downside is also how memorable it can be. Sure, you could wear your statement piece every day, and you’d certainly get your money’s worth, but people would probably begin to notice and you might get bored of the piece yourself! Check out the slideshow for our favorite standout pieces and scoop up a few to add to your outfits- at under $50 each, you can shift your thinking to style statements, not bank statements!

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Amsterdam International Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010: Ilja Visser

imageWhile designer Ilja Visser juggles three different labels at once, she manages to convey one overall cohesive message that spans across all three innovative lines: easy sophistication. For this year’s Amsterdam International Fashion Week for Spring/Summer 2010, she focused on presenting this theme while showing off all three unique labels. The three collections — “Ilja” (couture), “Ready To Fish” (business line), and “Valizz” (affordable fashion) — each had a clear target audience, yet all managed to have that relaxed, fluid silhouette and a soft color palette. Valizz looked very wearable and appropriately commercial with soft pastels, fluid fabrics and classic basics like simple jackets, jeans and wide trousers. Ready-to-wear< consisted of dresses, jackets and skirts in softer colors and faded prints. Couture by Ilja boasted a variety of extreme volume in dresses but also through some chic pieces in a summery tweed. Love what you see? Good news: next year she will open her first boutique in Amsterdam! Check out the slideshow for some of the runway highlights!

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Vintage Fashionistas Prepare Their Thanksgiving Feasts in Style

imageSo Turkey Day is a just a few weeks away, and maybe your family allows you to wear Uggs to the dinner table. But maybe not. Maybe you’re going to be meeting his parents for the first time this year. Or maybe it’s your turn to channel Martha Stewart and host all the relatives at your place for the first time. Maybe you want to be thankful while feeling confident and looking great. (And certainly looking great will help you feel more confident!) If so, then you’ll love this selection of dresses for the Thanksgiving Hostess-with-the-Mostest. After consuming waaaaay too many calories, these knit and jersey beauties will still be comfortable. And, if you do happen to dribble a bit of cranberry sauce on their deep, rich prints, no one will notice. And that makes them perfect Thanksgiving Day dresses for vintage fashionistas. Now just click the slideshow to see the selection.

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Learn Some Tricks Of The Trade Straight From The Experts At Sephora!

imageWant to “brush up” on your makeup skills or just learn a few new tricks? Pop into your local Sephora Beauty Studio for a complimentary one-on-one consultation to learn how to master a look in just minutes. The Express Services cover three different looks: “Hi-Definition” makeup, the perfect pout and the smoky eye. A Sephora trained beauty expert will give a quick makeover and mini lesson to achieve one of these three hot looks and answer any questions you have. These complimentary lessons will leave you walking out of Sephora with a new look and the knowledge of how to recreate it. They’ll provide step-by-step instructions, a diagram of what product to use where, and recommendations for new products. Walk in or call your local Sephora to book an appointment!

Buzzworthy Deals From Steve Madden, Bloomingdale’s, Benefit Cosmetics, And More!

imageTime’s running out if you’re planning on ordering gifts online! Lucky for you, many of today’s deals are valid in stores too. Read on to see them all!

It’s the Steve Madden Friends & Family sale! Take 25% off your order with code FF25, online and in stores.

Take 20%-40% off thousands of items, plus take an extra 20% off with code HOLIDAY20 from December 10, 2009 through December 14, 2009 at Bloomingdales.com! Exclusions apply.

Select winter shoes and coats are 30% off at Piperlime– today only!

Get a FREE silky-finish lipstick with any $50 order at Benefit Cosmetics. Enter PRINCESS at checkout. Plus, for every order placed today, Benefit will give The Princess Project a full-sized lipstick for prom. Offers valid 12.10.09 only.

Check back next week for more Buzzworthy Deals!