Daftbird Heather Tank Long Dress via Shopbop.com, $124

1. Maxi Dress - The maxi dress is here to stay for a while, in its full, unstudied elegance. This Daftbird scoop neck, racer back version in a heather gray is ideal for layering over a bikini or pairing with wedges and statement jewelry at night. It says laid back and sexy with its fantastic seam detailing, without appearing overdone.

Alice + Olivia Savannah Platform Wedge Sandals via Shopbop.com, $295

2. Wedge - Stacked platform wedges are every woman’s best friend when traveling. They offer comfortable support, provide perfect height, lengthen legs, and come in a variety of neutrals (as seen above with a dash of metallic), colors, and patterns. They’ll easily transition you from day to night as they compliment a plethora of ensembles. Your feet will love and thank you!

Cheap Monday Lori Hat via Shopbop.com, $30

3. Beach Hat - While we love a little sun-kissed glow, wrinkles will never be on trend. Get the proper dose of Vitamin D with this adorable floppy straw hat. It’s glamorous, yet low key and will pull any beach look together.

Gypsy Junkies Brentwood Rouched Blouse, $70

4. Tunic- Tunics are almost too versatile, which is why you absolutely must bring along this fun frock. Try this as a cover up alone, pair it with shorts, or rock it with your skinny white/pastel jeans. No matter which way you work it, tunics are classic and cool. We adore this color-blocked version from JCrew, a total bargain, above!

Suede Messenger Clutch Bag via Zara.com, $79.90

5. Colorful Clutch -Brighten up your summer neutrals with this rainbow bright accessory, a vivid clutch.  Pair with neutrals for color that pops, or with brights for a look that’s powerfully illuminating. These small accessories are a HUGE trend right now!

Basic Sandal via Zara.com, $35.90

6. Flat Sandal - A flat sandal will still leave you looking impeccably dressed. They can look carefree, but also polished with nearly everything in your luggage. Try them with your bikini on the beach or toughen up a flowy mini dress with our favorite, a leather pair. The quandary of what to wear on your feet has been forever solved.

Tiki Bikini via NastyGal.com, $195

7. Bikini - I mean, this goes without saying. You haven’t been hitting the gym since New Years for nothing. Be confident in a bold print or keep things simple with a basic black suit. Take a cue from the model and stack some bangles on your wrist for a fun, tropical vibe.

Slasher Flick Cutoff Short via NastyGal.com, $78

8. Jean Shorts -Bring on the jorts. There is just something we crave about this destroyed high-waist cutoff pair, but a more tailored version will certainly suffice. We see it with a cropped tank and your platforms or your tunic and flats!

Daphne in Rose Shaded Brown via TomFord.com

9. Shades - Easily the best accessory to have on hand is a great pair of sunglasses. Not only are these incredibly important for protecting your eyes, but eyewear makes even the plainest of getups seem luxe. Find a pair that flatters your face, enhances your personality and brings the celeb out of you. (We’re currently lusting over these Tom Ford iconic cat-eyes.)

Multi Layer Beaded Bracelet via Forever 21.com, $5.80

10. Statement Jewelry- All vacation looks require some ornamentation. We’re not talking beads in the hair, but rather try an arm stacked full of beaded strands or a geometric necklace that stands on its own. Beachy baubles are always fun. Try eye-catching hues and unexpected metallic shades to accentuate your look.

Bon voyage you fashionable jetsetters!

-Alana Quagliariello

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From our friends at thefind.com:

While your classic black envelope clutch may never go out of style, the warmer months ahead provide the perfect opportunity to amp up your handbag style and have a little fun with colors, patterns, and textures. Think of beaded tribal clutches as the upcoming season’s answer to metallic and sequined bags. Instead of relying on bling, these beaded bags provide an earthy alternative that manage to be glamorous and statement-making without coming off stuffy or overdressed. Pair these beauties with a gorgeous flowing maxidress, your favorite silky sundress, or any of your new spring party ensembles to take you through the hot summer nights out! If you can’t get enough color, this Aztec Beaded Clutch from Nasty Gal and its similar Forever 21 counterpart will certainly turn heads, while this multi-beaded clutch by Ricky Designs plays with different textures and shine. For a more muted take on the trend, this SANTI convertible cross-body/clutch is perfect for jazzing up your trusty little black dress. Looking for a real conversation starter? Check out this Matthew Williamson beaded suede clutch, with pom pom embellishments for extra pizazz!

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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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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