Nautical has become a HUGE trend over the past year, and I can’t help but love its crisp simplicity! During the summer, there was a Tommy Hilfiger beach cover up dress for $79, that I really really wanted, but unfortunately, at the time, sold out in my size. Now, I should be glad, because this Striped Ponte Dress, $14.90, is a dead ringer for it, and at a fraction of the price, count me in! Navy or black paired with white stripes feels so contemporary and fresh, and is just right to wear in the start of 2012 in the form of a dress, blazer, or something beach-bound.

-Julia DiNardo

Go ahead and shine on! Sparkles, beads, feathers, fringe and velvet are the perfect way to add a bit of edge, glam, or a jovial holiday spirit to any ensemble.

1. Aldo Celuch in Gold, $35

2. Topshop Velvet Bow Chain Bag in Emerald, $41.10

3. Asos Nude Feather Clutch, $32.88

4. Forever 21 Beaded Fringe Bag, $19.80 - such a steal!

5. Topshop Glitter Bow Cross Body Bag, $45

Now, you only have one thing left to do (besides to plan your outfit around your bag, naturally): go buy a loved one a gift with the cash you saved from our fab handbag pics under $50!

-Alana Quagliariello

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For the first time ever, Forever 21 has announced a capsule jewelry collection with punk designer label Alex & Chloe for Holiday 2011. Sharp spikes, mean metals and anything-but-preppy pearls make up an original 12-piece collection, priced from $4.80 to $15.80, for both men and women, available now.

Distinct geometric shapes characterize Alex & Chloe’s aesthetic; we particularly love the cross ring for its obvious edgy appeal. Or shake up the pearl’s status quo for a formal affair with the spiked pearl earrings. Available in stores and online, each edgy piece is sure to add sass to your repertoire of accessories.

-Alana Quagliariello

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[ASOS Knitted Leopard Snood, $35.94]

A scarf can be an easy outfit lifesaver. Too easy, perhaps; all you have to do is grab it and toss it around  your neck for instant effortless chic. This simple addition can update and transform any look, from the most basic, to a 9-5,  to an evening ensemble.  Plus, who says there is anything wrong with wearing scarves with  gym clothes on a chilly day?

The details and texture of the scarf are up to you, from patterned, solid, silk, chunky, ruffled, hooded, infinity, snoods (yes even Yves Saint Laurent and Burberry use this term for the hooded scarf option), pom-pom detailing, sequins… you get the point. Every woman should own a scarf, if not two or three!

Part of the beauty of it is that this item can be found at relatively low prices, so anyone can easily participate in this trend. What’s more, they are versatile enough to work in every season! Chunkier, woolen knits will keep us warm right now, while silk varieties spruce up a basic tank or blazer in the spring/summer. Channel your inner “model-off-duty” look ladies, and embrace that scarves are here to stay!

[AllSaints Alexi Snood, $33 (originally $110!)]

[Kimchi Blue Rustic Floral Eternity Scarf, $29, at UrbanOutfitters]

Ah, the incessant issue of how to tie a scarf (for 25 options check out this video posted by ISPYDIY )has finally ceased to exist thanks to the incredible eternity scarf; with this, all you  need to do is pull it over your head, possible wrap it twice, and you’re done- no loose ends are left to tie.

[DKNY Ruffled Scarf, $125 via Bloomingdales.com]

[Free People Druki Pom Pom Scarf, $78]

Oversized, Long

These super long options offer great versatility — there is no need to wrap these around your neck over and over again. Let them hang long and low. I LOVE the idea of wearing a solid version with a skirt and flat boots so the scarf reaches the bottom of the hemline.

[AllSaints Ikat Scarf, $57.50 (originally $115)]

Patterned

Here is where the scarf gets really fun! Add a patterned scarf to a basic tee or even try mixing patterns to create a look that is truly your own. Scarves come in sooo many patterns, and for this fall/winter 2011 season, you really can’t go wrong. See FPD editor, Julia D., wearing a plaid one here!

[Marc by Marc Jacobs Lee Lee Fur Pull Thru Scarf,$168 via Shopbop.com]

[ASOS Faux Fur Red Scarf, $35.94]

(Faux) Fur

Rock star meets ski bunny. Not only do I want to wear a (faux) fur scarf, but I doubt I’ll ever want to take it off. Who wouldn’t want one of these draped so warm and cozily around the neck?!

[JCrew Refined Silk-Cashmere Wrap, $75]

[Forever 21 Light and Easy Scarf, $7.80]

Silk, Light

Wear these again and again — a silk scarf paired with a sweater dress or lbd makes an ideal holiday or office look. Yet, carry this accessory through to the next season and give it some casual flair with jeans and a tee. Silk scarves also look celeb-esque worn as a head band or cleverly tied to the straps of a handbag. Get creative!

-Alana Quagliariello

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This Forever 21 Color Blocked Leatherette may just be the perfect purse for fall. Fall colors tend to be more sober, which is why I cannot get enough of these rich autumn tones juxtaposed together. The orange adds just enough color to pop against  an outfit, but the bag still remains in a neutral positioning overall. For a price of $24.80, you simply can’t go wrong with this one! With a shoulder strap and hand strap, this is practical, functional, and sophisticated.  Color and color blocking were all over the runways, and now it’s time to get this look in your everyday wardrobe.

-Alana Quagliariello

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-Ambika Makin

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[Images via Forever 21]

Stop feeling bad about giving into your biggest vice; shopping. Instead, head over to Forever 21 and grab a fashionable and affordable World Wildlife Fund Tee (all $14.80), which gives to charity at the same time. The lightweight t-shirts come with various choices of cool, fun, and trendy animal prints, such as, cheetahs or giraffes. For every animal tee purchased between now and May 31, 2012, $1.00 will be donated to the World Wildlife Fund, with a minimum guarantee of $20,000. Get fierce with a white tiger tee!

- Ambika Makin

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Sparkle, shine, and sequins are a hard sell for the daylight. There are many reasons why, but for example you are competing with the effervescent shine of the natural sunlight, and it might be assumed that you took the “walk of shame” this morning.
The best way to choose garments sequins, if your intention is to wear the item beyond a night out is to go for sequin accent details, such as at the neckline or shoulders, and to select a clean pattern design, such as a small geometric unit or in a single row. Also look for options that aren’t too arts and craf.ty or highly reflective; you wouldn’t want to get sequin glare reflecting off of your computer monitor and blinding a work colleague.

I wore “day sequins” to work this week, with my piece being a Sachin + Babi for Anksana dress with inserted sequin slits at the shoulder. The hue is slightly bronzed, and the overall aesthetic reminds me more of the chain mail underneath medieval armour than a night clubbing. The cut-out is kite-shaped and made up of dulled bronze sequins that nicely compliment the lightweight unfinished edges of the charcoal grey jersey.
-Julia DiNardo

Full look info:

Dress: Sachin + Babi for Angsana (a ShopBop exclusive, no longer available)

Belt: Banana Republic, “borrowed” from Fashion Pulse Mom

Shoes: Forever 21 Roman Leatherette Sandals

Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs Tote (courtesy of Degree for Women)

Earrings: MiMi by Sorrelli Metaliic Studs

Watch: Kenneth Cole Stainless Steel Case with White Ceramic Bracelet (courtesy of Kenneth Cole)

Eyeglasses: Eyefly Blackburn Cove in olive gradient (courtesy of Eyefly)

- Ambika Makin

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