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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[Top: Rag and Bone, Bottom: Burberry Prorsum, Images via Style.com]

Patterns and prints can feel so timeless, while also feeling fresh at the same time. Each season new interpretations of the hottest prints are showcased on the runway. Following are the most on-trend, favorite prints for Fall 2011 that we can’t wait to wear!

1. Plaid – The classic school uniform print has gone from good girl to edgy. Plaid can be oh-so chic on and off the runway. Seen on scarves, bags, pants, ponchos and more, this pattern is always appropriate for fall weather.

[Top: Marc Jacobs, Bottom: DVF, Images via Style.com]

2. Polka Dot – A “spot-on” trend right now, polka dots are DEFINITELY making a fashion-forward statement. Marc Jacobs set the tone with his head to toe dotted looks, however for a more realistic approach try micro dot polka dot tights, a sheer polka dot blouse, or even a blazer. This retro-inspired look has proven to be modern one whether done in bright colors or more neutral tones.

[Top: Valentino, Bottom: Celine, Images via Style.com]

3. Animal: Snakeskin- Take a walk on the wild side with an animal print as exotic snakeskin was all over the runways! If you’re feeling really daring, try a snakeskin in a bright hue! We prefer faux, and think overall the style and sheen can be oh so SSS-sexy.

[Top: Chanel, Bottom: Altuzarra, Images via Style.com]

4. Tweed – I can’t fathom Chanel without its signature tweeds, however, this classic look does not have to be all business all of the time. The glory of tweed is in its wearability, lasting you for years to come! Be it blazers, skirts, sweaters, clutches, or shoes, tweed is a smart choice because of its permanent high-fashion appeal.

[Top: Piazza Sempione, Bottom: Rebecca Minkoff, Images via Style.com]

5. Watercolor -Fall 2011 has a lot to do with the bright, the bold, and the beautiful when it comes to washes of color. Be on the lookout for watercolor inspired floral prints, photo prints, geometric prints, and vintage paisleys on blouses, pants, accessories, and more. Channel your inner artist be creating your own color story via mixing and matching!

-Alana Quagliariello

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Celebrate with fashion royalty, Diane Von Furstenberg, as she travels around the U.S. for the launch of her newly released fragrance Diane. Those who purchase her premier perfume will have the opportunity to meet the designer and have their fragrance autographed, an incredible memory and keepsake.The fragrance is deeply personal, reminiscent of all of Diane’s accomplishments, fame, and influence in the industry (not to mention that it is ultra-feminine and we love it!).

Catch Diane at one of her next five stops in the Diane fragrance tour:

October 19th – Bellevue, WA @ Nordstrom 7-9 pm

October 21 – South Coast Plaza, CA @ Nordstrom 6-8 pm

October 27 – SoHo, NY @ Sephora 6-8 pm

November 1 – Dallas, TX @ Sephora 2:30-4:30pm

November 3 – Aventura, FL @ Sephora 5:30-7:30 pm

-Alana Quagliariello

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-Alana Quagliariello

Diane von Furstenberg, I’ve always been a huge fan! The first dress I ever bought from you was one of your quintessential signatures, a three-quarter length sleeve wrap dress in the splotchy ink-print, you know, the same one you wore while posing in front of your Warhol portrait. I thought I was trés chic, and still do, when I wear it. It was a stroke of luck that I found that dress in that very special print, but now, finding a vintage print in your collection will be easier than ever: introducing DIANE, a new collection of twenty archived prints re-released in newly tailored silhouettes  The collection launches February 28th, and will include (of course) the iconic wrap dress styles, ready-to-wear accessories, shoes and swimwear. Can’t wait? Me neither!

Check out the new video preview of the collection!

The Cut Exclusive: DVF Vintage

Posted to New York Magazine

Click to Play | View Details

[Image via Elle.com]

The opening of fashion week – Nicholas K! Shoes were custom by Vintage Shoe Company.

[Image via WWD.com]

Rugged is most definitely in at Perry Ellis, and everywhere else for that matter, for fall 2011. Another Vintage Shoe Co. show!

[Image via Elle.com]

Hot bag – great color combos and tassel action at Charlotte Ronson

[Image via Elle.com]

Rebecca Minkoff’s girl has grown up a bit, as has her bags -one of my favorite new ones!

[Image via Elle.com]

Pity I couldn’t get a closer image of these shoes (from Jill Stuart fall 201!), but trust me, they are beyond fab!

[Image via Elle.com]

I draw attention to this close up shot not for the bag- but for the ring (from Diane von Furstenberg)! I recently got one from my friends at Sorrelli that is identical!

[Image via Elle.com]

Tory Burch Fall 2011: I.want.this.bag!

[Image via Elle.com]

Super high, super tuxedo, super cool at DKNY.

Diane Von Furstenberg’s F/W 2011 collection entitled, “American Legends,” was anything but minimalist.  Wide-brimmed hats set the tone, paired with silken dresses, printed pants, and all things signature to the brand.  Diane von Furstenberg obviously has no fear of color or asertive prints, as decades have proved, and  vibrant hues were present throughout with the most standouts found in  various hues of green.

-Dana deBoer

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Via thefind.com:

When it comes to planning your perfect party outfit for the holiday season, making a statement is key. You may think you have the head-turning impact down pretty well with that trendy cocktail dress or sleek pencil skirt and sequined top, but let’s face it — no special occasion ensemble is complete without a pair of seriously chic shoes. In fact, I’m all for planning your outfit around some stellar heels as long as they don’t fail to bring the “wow” factor — and this season is no time to be shy when it comes to statement-making shoes!

Go for something slinky and snaky like these shimmery-detailed strappy Jimmy Choo “Feline” sandals (black and blue never looked so sultry!), or walk on the really wild side with a pair of leopard print bandage sandals by Emilio Pucci, which can make even the most understated LBD look ridiculously fierce! To add some much-needed glitz to an otherwise matte outfit, a pair of glittery platform sandals like these by Diane von Furstenberg are fun and festive without overpowering your cocktail dress of choice. However, if you prefer to stick to your tried-and-true platform pump, put a spin on the classic look with an unexpected pop of color like bright fuchsia, courtesy of YSL!

- Alex Gambardella

Don’t forget to enter our NET-A-PORTER $5,000 Shopping Spree Giveaway by December 10th for a chance to shop these sexy statement-making shoes and more party-ready looks!

Who: Calypso St. Barth
What: Women’s RTW & accessories, home decor, candles, fragrance – savings up to 80%
When: 12/15 – 12/18; Tuesday-Thursday 10am-7pm, Friday 10am-2pm
Where: 260 5th Ave (between 28th & 29th)

Who: Magnes Sisters
What: $40 – $99 a bag
When: December 8th-10th; 11am-7pm
Where: The Collective Showroom, 16 W36th Street, suite 501 (between 5th and 6th)

Who: Ports 1961
What: Prices start at 85% off!
When: December 11th, 11am-7pm
Where: 601 W26th, Suite 875

Who: Opening Ceremony
What: 60-90% off Acne, Alexander Wang, Erin Wasson x RVCA, Jeremy Scott, Opening Ceremony, Vena Cava & more
When: December 11th-13th; Friday & Saturday 11am-8pm; Sunday 12-7pm
Where: 201 Mulberry (between Spring & Kenmare)

Who: Proenza Schouler
What: RTW from previous seasons as well as F/W 2009
When: December 10th-11th, 8:30am-6:30pm
Where: 495 Broadway, 8th floor

Who: Theory
What: Coats $199 and under; Jackets $149 and under; Dresses $119 and under; Sweaters $109 and under; Pants $99 and under; Shirts $89 and under
When: December 7th-9th, 11am-7pm
Where: 261 W36th Street, 2nd floor (between 7th & 8th Avenues)

Who: Balenciaga
What: 40% off select merchandise
When: December 3rd-January 1st, 11am-7pm
Where: 542 W22nd St

Who: Simon Showroom
What: Merchandise by A Peace Treaty, C&C California, Citizens of Humanity, Falls, Goldsign, Iro, Wren *cash only*
When: December 7th-9th, 10am-7pm
Where: 95 5th Avenue, 3rd Floor (corner of 17th Street)

Who: Helmut Lang
What: Women’s merch up to 60% off
When: December 9th-13th, 11am-8pm
Where: 819 Washington Street (at Ganesvoort)

Who: Lauren Merkin
What: Handbags, clutches and accessories up to 70% off
When: December 8th-11th, 11am-7pm and December 12th 11am-4pm
Where: 231 W29th St, Suite 201 (Between 7th & 8th avenues)

Who: AKA New York
What: Prices $20-$100; up to 80% off *cash only*
When: December 10th 10am-7pm & December 11th 10am-5pm
Where: 246 W38th St, Suite 1109

Who: Diane von Furstenberg
What: Up to 75% off
When: December 8th-11th – Tuesday 9-6:30pm; Wednesday 10-8pm; Thursday 10-7pm; Friday 9-3pm
Where: 260 Fifth Ave, near 28th Street

Who: Autumn Cashmere
What: Up to 75% off
When: December 7th-11th 9am-6pm
Where: 251 W36th St, 2nd floor, near 7th Avenue

Who: James Jeans
What: Jeggings, straight & skinny legs $80, bootcut styles $70-$80, one-of-a-kind samples $15-$50
When: December 8th-11th; Tuesday-Thursday 9:30-7:30pm, Friday 9:30-2pm
Where: 500 Greenwich St, Suite 202, near Spring Street

Who: Alice + Olivia
What: Party dresses $179, pants $99, tops $89
When: December 8th-11th, 8am-8pm
Where: 80 W40th St at 6th Avenue

Who: Rag & Bone
What: T-shirts $40 and under, denim $80 and under, dresses $170 and under, blazers $190 and under, leather jackets $450 and under
When: December 10th-13th; Thursday-Saturday 12-8pm, Sunday 12-6pm
Where: 100 Christopher Street, near Bleecker Street

Who: Vera Wang
What: Bridal & bridesmaid dresses 25-75% off
When: December 12th, 9am-5pm
Where: The New Yorker Hotel, 481 Eighth Ave at 34th Street

Who: Olive & Bette’s
What: Trina Turk, Cynthia Steffe, Velvet, Splendid, Free People, Nanette Lepore, Theory, and more up to 75% off
When: December 10th, 8am-7pm
Where: 384 Bleecker St at Perry St

Who: Miguelina
What: Prices range from $25-$195
When: December 9th-11th, 8am-8pm
Where: 20 W36th St, near 6th Avenue

All Images from WWD.com

Pick #1: Diane von Furstenberg — what’s more American than a wrap dress?

Pick #2: Monique Lhuillier –the vibrant red hue and silken layers would look amazing against her complexion.

Pick #3: Marc Jacobs — this tulip-esque silhouette will give the First Lady a slight fashion forward edge at the ball.

Pick #4: Oscar de la Renta — he proves over and over again that he is truly the best at gowns!

Pick #5: Zero Maria Cornejo — She’s already a fave of Mrs. Obama’s – she really understands how to compliment a figure while displaying a disctinctive design.

Which is your favorite? Write a comment and let me know!