[Zara Long Draped Dress, Forever 21 High-Low Lace Maxi Dress]

The much anticipated Coachella Valley multi -day annual music and art festival is upon us, and now’s the time to ponder your festival fashions. What is the ideal ensemble to rock out, chill hard, and stay looking and feeling cool until sunset? Let FPD help you, devoted attendees, capture the mood of the eclectic line up of indie, rock, hip hop and electronica via our wardrobe essentials for Coachella 2012 (and of course translate this look for any of your concert-going this spring/summer!).

1. The Micro Mini Dress - You will only look hot, thanks to the simplicity of these lace and crochet dresses.

2. The More is More Maxi Dress- Modern, yet exuding feminine sensuality, the maxi dress is ideal for transitioning from day to night.

[Both via UrbanOutfitters.com; BDG High-Rise Cheeky Short, Green BDG High-Rise Cheeky Short]

[All via UrbanOutfitters.com; Jeffrey Campbell Feather Tassle, Bryna Bay Ikat, Ecote Ruched Tassle]

[Both via Shopbop.com Club Monaco Barbara Straw Hat, Genie by Eugenia Kim Darcy Crochet Fedora]

3. The Craved Cutoffs- Cheeky and a little badass, these shorts will be all the rage, and of course, temperature-perfect!

4. The Coveted Crossbody- Don’t get bogged down by a heavy purse, let your arms and spirit be free thanks to these petite crossbodies.

5. Happy Hippie Hats- Outdoor concerts call for some wide brim or fedora hats, and some casually tossled, or “second day” hair will be right at home with this accessory.

[Shopbop.com Super Sunglasses Lucia, UrbanOutfitters.com Retro Round Metal Sunglasses, UO Spotlight Sunglasses]

[Sam Edelman Leona Flatform, NastyGal.com Carina Cutout Wedge, Shopbop.com LD Tuttle The Cuff Open Toe Bootie]

6. Retro Shades- Paired with just about anything, the vintage feel of these shades will have you looking “sundeniably” chic.

7. The Flat, Flatform, and Fabulous Florals- While shoes may be optional for some, any variety of flat boots, a chunky flatform or an espadrille (we love the floral!) will complete your look this season.

-Alana Quagliariello

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The North Face‘s  Skinster Pants , $199, and Columbia’s McQueen Boots, $140

It’s been an extremely mild winter thus far, but we are holding out hope for some fun snow days, and wintery fashion, ahead. What’s more fun than hitting the slopes with friends and family?! We have the answer: hitting the slopes in style.

There are currently so many options for fashionable winter gear- whether you’re skiing, snowboarding, or falling down repeatedly, take a moment to be chic in the natural surroundings.

The North Face Pants, pictured above: They’re like skinny jeans for skiing, in a tough charcoal grey that are waterproof and breathable, while the Columbia McQueen Boots feature waterproof suede, lined with fleece, Omni-Heat insulation and thermal reflective technology. Look aprés ski ready in both of these items!

Hot Chilly’s Women’s Micro-Elite Chamois Midweight Stirrup Bottom, $55

Clever name, high functionality. These stirrup leggings are a win-win.

The North Face Women’s Greta Down Jacket, $299

This puffy coat screams snow bunny! And there’s nothing hotter than winter white.

Patagonia Women’s Capilene 3 Midweight Baselayer Crew in Magenta, $49

Try this basic crew neck for essential layering. It’s warm and durable in a gorgeous magenta hue.

Forever 21 Pom Pom Knit Gloves, $7.50

These gloves simply can’t be beat. Pom-poms and a pinky mauve knit hue make for cozy, very affordable, fashion.
The North Face Ear Gear, $20

Hat hair be gone! Headbands are such a hot accessory for winter sports, and this one will look sporty and sleek with EVERYTHING.

Ray Ban RB4163 Sunglasses, $140

Shades aren’t only for summer. Winter snow can be blinding too. Try a classic, yet subtly rounded cat eye shape for an extra glam factor.

Forever 21 Two Tone Purl Knit Scary, $8.99

Finish off your look with a cute, chunky scarf. You can wear it out later too!

Always get the most out of your ensemble, and use that chairlift as your runway!

-Alana Quagliariello

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So, you’ve scored the invite to celebrate Thanksgiving this year with your boyfriend and his family. With the excitement and anxiety that comes with the invite also comes the dilemma of what to wear. You want to look classic, feel comfortable, and exude confidence all the while wowing them. At FPD, we solved the dilemma of getting dressed by offering a few options to help you look your best, so you can focus on baking the most delicious pumpkin pie they’ve ever tasted!

[Shoshanna Turtleneck Sweater Dress $375, Funktional Knit Dress with Silk Back $125, Ella Moss Evie Sweater Dress $242 all via Shopbop.com]

The Dress

You can truly wear a dress to almost any event. Sheath dresses are timeless and reliable. Remember to steer clear of of ones too short and too tight! Save that for the club, not the “meet the parents” moment. For fall, we favor a sweater dress or a shirtdress with tights. Determine whether or not the affair is normally casual or more formal to decipher between heels, wedges, flats, or flat boots.

[DVF Panel Marta Skirt $147, Rachel Roy Lurex Striped Pencil Skirt $208.60 McQ Alexander McQueen Contour Skirt $325 all via Shopbop.com]

The Skirt

Much like a dress, a skirt can say formal, but not over-the-top. With so many pencil varieties and mid-length skirts, it’s easy to find a look that showcases the best you. Again, avoid the mini! Mini skirts scream wild, party girl.

[Look 1: Hacking Jacket in Herringbone $198, Suzette Blouse $128, High-Waisted Skinny Jean $125, Marceau Hobo $278, Mona Suede Pumps $198, Look 2: Honeycomb Cable Sweater $79.50, Stretch Perfect Shirt $69.50, Cafe Capri in Wool $118, Look 3: Double Cloth Chesapeake Coat $398, Merino Turtleneck Sweater $69.50, Matchstick Jean in Overdyed Denim Black $79.99, Biennial Satchel $348, Darby Glitter Loafers $215, All 3 looks via JCrew.com]

The Pants

If you’re more casual, there are certainly plenty of pants options. We recommend avoiding jeans, unless they are a darker wash. Basic black never fails, but dress pants come in all colors now from camel to red to tweed. Nonetheless, dress your pants up with a blazer, a nice sweater, or a pretty blouse. Remember, we all tend to overeat on this holiday, so make sure your ensemble leaves enough room to be forgiving.

[Nadine Structured Bag, $42.95, HandbagHeaven.com; Mineral Deposit Necklace, $64.99, ModCloth.com]

The Accessories

Having one or two gorgeous accessories can transform an outfit (like the J.Crew purses or pumps above), plus offer a conversation starter! A necklace or a structured bag can absolutely pull an outfit together. Word of caution: don’t overdo it! This is not the time to be super trendy; let your personality be the focal point, but of course, don’t be afraid of a stylish accessory being a conversation starter.

A key thing to remember: When you feel good about yourself, it shows.

-Alana Quagliariello

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[Images via Elle.com]

Nicole Miller’s Spring 2011 Collection was in two words, effortlessly elegant, just as we expected. While the broad-shouldered jackets gave her collection an exciting edge, the silk and chiffon fabrics in delicate neutrals created an airiness that was so quintessentially “Nicole.” The subtle details made each garment feel sexy and chic, while pleats, sequins, and dangling strips of fabric were used in fresh, innovative ways, and gradient hues enhanced the artfully arranged fabrications. The layering and draping of the flowing material was truly breathtaking, giving the collection a majestic charm.

-Claire Schmidt

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[Picture via Flocdesigns.com]

Pocketflops are the fabulous new foldable flip flop designed out of recycled tire rubber, and organic cotton, making them an ecofriendly shoe solution for the woman on the go.We love that they fold in half, and when you wear them, you can’t feel, or see, that they fold downward (you can trust us, we tested them!)

[Pictures via Fabbys.com]

Fabbys are a unique twist on the classic ballet flats that roll up to a compact size and come in a chic velvet pouch.

[Picture via Cityslips.com]

Both convenient and comfortable, CitySlips foldable ballet flats are the perfect backup shoe to carry along to any high heeled event. Not only are they functional and affordable, these shoes will definitely come in handy on those long city walks back to your apartment after a night out in strappy stilettos.

[Picture via Fitinclouds.com]

Fit in Clouds are portable flats with a thick rubber sole that provides support and comfort, so when your feet are sore, you can feel as if you are walking on clouds!

FootzyRolls (come on, don’t you love the name?) are rollable flats that have a water proof and skid proof sole, with the upper made from a PU that you can easily wipe and clean!

-Claire Schmidt

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You may associate the brand with chic scarves, luxury-leather totes, or shoes adorned with the signature bow tie, –  or with sure-to-please-daddy-on-his-birthday-ties always wrapped to induce oohs and aahs. This spring, Ferrgamo skews younger with a jelly version of their signature shoes, which are priced at a much more affordable $140. Buy them online at Bloomingdale’s and get ready for spring!

-Maria Eilersen

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[Image via ssense.com]

Held at the historic St. Marks theatre, the aged venue immediately evokes an essence of Bess’ A/W 2010 Collection.  After complimentary absinthe, the red curtain unveils the  first model who creeps across the stage to the eerie soundtrack of a Japanese lullaby. Bess’ designs are hauntingly beautiful, thematized by a rich variety of texture in the form of black lace, leather, fur and stitches. The morbid undertone recalls Tim Burton’s endearing dark characters, epitomized by embellishments of rough patchwork on fitted leather. We love the macabre aesthetic – as do other creative experts including Alexander Wang and Marc Jacobs. Check out our favorite looks below or experience the enchanting Bess fairy tale here.

MODERN ELEGANCE: ROBERT TONNER A/W 2010

Robert Tonner is a true gentleman, a trait that thoroughly resonates in his designs. The collection epitomizes elegance and was aptly previewed at the oh-so-fitting Algonquin Hotel.  In fact, the talented designer claims the venue “became a part of [his] inspiration, fueled by his affinity for the space’s “vintage feeling.” The other half of his influence is drawn from the heroine of his newly finished novel, Ellowyne Wilde, who typifies the modern city woman. With their hair pulled tight into an exaggerated Audrey Hepburn-like bun, three models at a time flaunt fitted female suits, romantic ruffles and elaborately embroidered evening gowns in the glow of antique chandeliers. Below are some of our favorite looks:

WELCOME TO THE LAND OF CHADWICK BELL: F/W 2010

Carefully placed live mannequins showed off Chadwick Bell’s A/W 2010 Collection at La Venue in the Meatpacking District last night. Doused in tranquil earth tones, his designs were simple & refined. Despite the rather limited preview, the line is pregnant with aesthetic intrigue: seductively exposed backs, wooden heels and low-yet-sophisticated necklines.

- Maria Eilersen

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We’ve been really into the whole biker chic motif lately, so it seemed quire apropos to feature a fashion pulse stylist write-up on the look. Let’s start with the essential biker jacket: we discovered a quilted version of the classic with this  Croft & Barrow Quilted Biker Jacket ($26.99, Kohl’s). The quilted fabric adds a touch of feminity to the hardcore look. We also thought this Rampage Sleeveless Zipper Front Motorcycle Jacket, ($54, Rampage) could add a fashion-forward interpretation, as well as softening the look up with a bit of fleece opposed to leather.  Layer underneath of the jacket with the Destroyed Tee ($35, AlternativeApparel.com) or the Burnout Deep V-neck w/Pocket ($38, also AlternativeApparel.com). It’s kinda like a chic update of the Rebel without a Cause James Dean jacket and white tee combo. And of course, you’ve gotta do denim:  we like the dark hue and zip detailing of the Zip Ankle Skinny Jean ($12.50, Forever 21).
Top it off for a pair of shoes that look great on, or off of a Harley — these Patricia Field for Payless Conga Boot ($35, Payless) will certainly give you some height, along with a “don’t mess with me” attitude.

It’s time for the accessories that will give your biker chic aesthetic a powerful punch of personality: go for standard with the apt. 9 Motorcycle Gloves ($21.60, Kohl’s) or go fingerless in the Military Fingerless Gloves ($20, Urban Outfitters). Next, top it off with the Grace Hats Round Beret Hat ($36, Tobi.com), and/or slap on these Gold Standard Sunglasses ($11.99, Modcloth.com). Keep your possessions safe and chic in this Blackout Buckled Clutch ($29.99, ModCloth.com), and let them know you mean business by donning the Gold Heart Doorknockers , ($10, FredFlare.com) in your ears.

Now you’re equipped and ready to roll with the knockout look of biker chic!

–Julia DiNardo

The cold weather is here to stay, and we admit that we’re prone to resorting to Uggs and a bulky ski jacket to brave the blistering New York City winter. However, just because the weather is frightful doesn’t mean that you have to look that way too! Plus, with all of the holiday parties you’ll be sure to snag invites to, you’ll have to be prepared to look your best from the moment you walk in the door. Luckily, Fashion Pulse Stylist is here to help! We’ll tell you what to wear so you’ll look more like a snow goddess than a bundled up Eskimo!

The central feature of this look is most definitely the coat. The other pieces should be built to compliment this crucial item. A white or cream coat is chic and feminine, and will give the look a decidedly pristine finish. We love the wide collar and flair of this wool blend Kenneth Cole Reaction Coat, $159.99 (originally $280) at Bluefly.com. What better way to contrast the white coat than with Lipstick Red Leather Gloves from Mulberry (about $200)? We think the bows on the gloves are the perfect touch for this dainty look.

The fashion flair of the second half of the coat is just asking to be paired with a skirt or dress underneath. The metallic surface and tulle underlay of the Izzy Skirt, $38.50 at dELiA’s, is a great holiday look, and should be layered over a simple tank like this American Apparel Tri-Blend Racerback Tank ($19) in Athletic Grey. Next, add this Sequined Embellished Cardigan, $36, from Forever 21. The bow belt and black sequins will make you look more appealing than an actual present!

Of course you’ll need tights that will keep your legs super-warm. We recommend these Marled Sweater Crochet Tights, $18 from Urban Outfitters. For boots, there’s nothing that combines durability and style as well as Frye boots. These Elizabeth Wings Boots, $648 from TheFryeCompany.com, will keep your feet dry in any winter condition that the weather may throw at you, but still look very sophisticated. For an inexpensive shoe, check out these Etienne Aigner Venezia Boots, $178.50 at Zappos.com.

Now for your crown — ear muffs! These white and fluffy Juicy Couture Luxe Fur Earmuffs, $95, are certainly fit for a snow goddess like yourself!

–Sarah Ferguson