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!

Via thefind.com:

While deciding what to wear in the morning often turns out to be one of the most time-consuming decisions I make all day, it doesn’t always take me a long time to build an outfit. I often find that when I have post-work plans to look forward to, it tends to complicate my office wardrobe. I’m suddenly faced with the feat to plan an outfit that can take me from work to cocktail hour, while keeping things suitable for the office, but without looking like a total snooze when it’s time to finally unwind.

The solution? I find that a fashion-forward blazer (by Smythe) and the perfect pair of skinny slacks are often the key ingredients to a versatile work-to-play wardrobe — and from there you can choose more statement-making pieces to complete a look that wows while still staying professional. Downplay a shimmery sequin tee while letting it just peek from under your tailored blazer during the day, then shed your outer layer later for maximum shimmer when it’s time to hit your favorite happy hour spot. Opt for a pair of Reva flats during the day (so your feet aren’t killing you by the time you’re ready to hit the town!). Then step out for the evening in a pair of statement making Louboutin Fifi 100 satin and lace pumps! And for that last eye-catching piece, ditch the briefcase and bring along a festive Lanvin Mini Pop bag to make that final transition from day to night!

Step Into the Party Season with Style! Enter the NET-A-PORTER $5,000 Shopping Spree Giveaway by November 30th! In addition to the shopping spree of your dreams, the winner will also receive the support of a dedicated fashion advisor, and shop from the most coveted luxury brands in the world, including Alexander McQueen, Christian Louboutin, Marc Jacobs, Lanvin, Yves Saint Laurent and many more.

- Alex Gambardella

From our friends at thefind.com:
Bantu Swimwear may look like just a collection of seriously chic printed swimwear, but it’s much more than that. Bantu, according to their mission statement, is a celebration of artistic and ethnic diversity, and the chance to share African culture, style, and influence with the word via resort style and swimwear. With their lively bright prints, Bantu strives to show that African style is full of vitality and life, not victimized or “backward.” After all, if Bantu’s fashion-forward bikinis are a reflection of African culture as a whole, it’s anything but backward!

Select styles are available for purchase at Net-A-Porter, and I’m loving the fresh, trendy takes on the typical swimsuit silhouettes. The sunflower-printed one-piece is anything but demure or boring, featuring a plunging neckline and a figure-flattering tie-waist detail. The high-waisted bandeau bikini is undoubtedly trendy with a vintage-modern twist, though it definitely takes a tall, slender figure to pull it off! While this season’s collections is heavy on flowery prints, the line’s ethnic flair puts a unique, fresh spin on the traditional floral, making the bright, contrast prints look anything but matronly!

Save on swimsuits for summer at Macy’s from TheFind.com’s coupon site

From our friends at thefind.com:

White is on fire this spring. I am loving the cool crisp shades in bold shapes inspired by the season’s futurism trend. I hope you didn’t miss Kate Hudson’s all white Marchesagown at Sunday’s Golden Globes. The Marchesa gown and sky high Casadei platform pumps are a definite departure from Kate’s typical Malibu-inspired boho casual look.  And she looked ahhhmazing! We are not personally hitting the red carpet anytime soon, but we love the look of white this spring.

Set your springtime eyes on this all white body con bandage dress from Preen (Preen Power dress $1,185 at Net-a-Porter). Show off the body you’ve been working so hard at toning up since making your New Year’s resolution to get in one full Pilates class every day. Stretch out those gams with a pair of high stepping Fendi wood strappy platform sandals ($790 at Net-a-Porter). These chunky wood sandals would look great with shorts, dresses and even white denim jeans. On your shoulder this head-turning Rock & Republic Capri handbag ($632 at Zappos.com) is dual purpose. Wear as a more formal shoulder bag or as a cross-body bag for a casual look. Polish off your look with some opaque Rescue Beauty Lounge white nail polish ($18 at Beautysak). White sunglasses always look dramatic. Get a jump on the round sunglass trend for spring with these these round Christian Dior white ‘Josephine’ sunglasses ($143.99 at Bluefly). And what could be more white-hot than these Kenneth Jay Lane Crystal drop earrings ($80 at Net-a-Porter)? Fire and ice really do make a nice combination, don’t you think?

Save on your purchases with Coupon Codes from Zappos from TheFind.com’s new coupon site

Via thefind.com:

Setting the trend for patterns this season is the black and white plaid made classic by Dior. Houndstooth can be seen on everything from coats, dresses, pencil skirts and many accessories. Houndstooth or as the French call it, pied de pole (chicken’s foot) is the black and white check made classic in many decades including the ’40s, ’60s and ’80s. And it is back again in 2009! Seen on the runways at Alexander McQueen houndstooth took on McQueen’s dramatic sensibilities with sculpted almost origami like silhouettes and accentuating the waist. The houndstooth pattern is seen in both the traditional smaller pattern as well as very large blown up patterns that take on a graphic quality all their own. Houndstooth even takes on a patchwork effect as seen on this McQueen tote. The black and white palette of houndstooth invites room for pairing with bold neon accents or pop art primary colors. Or go classic and accessorize a houndstooth dress with black tights and shoes. Whatever your choice this fall, houndstooth is a classic choice for you to check out!

Our picks for houndstooth clothing and accessories (top left, clockwise):

Preen Hound Power mini dress $1,120, at Net-a-Porter
Alexander McQueen Houndstooth check pencil dress, $1,845 at Net-a-Porter
MICHAEL Michael Kors Houndstooth Gloves, $150 at Michaelkors.com
MadieDeluxe Chelsea Houndstooth Small Pleated Clutch with Ring, $48 at buildanest.com
Loeffler Randall Gathered Tier Jacket in Houndstooth, $248 at RevolveClothing.com
Alexander McQueen Houndstooth Tote, $1995 at Saks.co
2 Tone Large Houndstooth Long Fringe Scarf Shawl Wrap, 14.95 at Skhatshop.com

Via our friends at thefind.com:

Explore your inner moto girl this fall with motorcycle inspired style. With all of the amazing leather jackets and leather vests, studded ankle booties and zippered Alexander Wang handbags there is plenty to choose from. Even if your style is more Upper East Side than Easy Rider I’m sure you’ll be tempted with these irresistible options.

Yes, you’ve been seeing all of the leather motorcycle jackets complete with requisite zippers, asymmetric zipper detailing, chrome studs and buckles. The ultimate daddy of all the biker jackets this season is the Balmain leather motorcycle jacket that is cut to a fitted silhouette with peaked shoulders, epaulets and chain swags.

In addition to the trendsetting Alexander Wang hip belt and McQueen stud textured resin cuff, other motorcycle inspired accessories include the chunky heel Juicy Couture motorcycle boot. This Juicy boot has just the right shape on the toe and the brass studded strapping completes the look. I’ve been wearing my traditional Hunter Wellies for years, but these limited edition Festival Hunter Wellies are giving me an urge to hop on this customized Chanel bike (used by Karl Lagerfeld in a recent photo shoot). I can imagine myself zooming down the Champs-Élysées on this motorcycle wearing the ultimate leather moto jacket from Balmain. Vroom vroom!

Get the look from upper right clockwise:

Hunter Festival Limited Edition lace-up Wellington boots $225 at Net-a-Porter
Alexander Wang Max Fanny Pack, $790 at Shopbop
Juicy Couture ‘Chief’ Bootie, $475 at Nordstrom.com
Alexander McQueen Stud-Textured Bracelet, $330 at Saks.com
Mike & Chris Double-Breasted Leather Vest, $495.00 at Saks.com
Balmain Leather motorcycle jacket $12,050 at Net-a-Porter

Photo source motorcycle: WWD

Via our friends at thefind.com:

Gray is the go to color for the minimalist look this fall. Gray is a neutral that will give you maximum impact when detailed with pleats, draping, gathering and other sculptural elements. We love all of the options for gray dressing this fall. Minimalist sculptural gray dresses and coats work well with the black leggings, tights and super skinny jeans you already own. Black works well, but you can also get daring by partnering gray with primaries such as red, royal blue and yellow. Or go with a monochromatic look with various shades of gray. One of our editors’ favorites is the Marc Jacobs sweatshirt dress. This dress totally reminds us of the Norma Kamali huge shoulder padded dresses of the ’80s! The RM by Roland Mouret coat is a classic that you can wear for many seasons. Mouret is a true artist when it comes to draping and minimalist statement dressing. The coat reminds me of my warmest winter Hussein Chalayan coat from my favorite store, Workshop, in San Francisco. Go ahead and go neutral this fall and stock up on this wardrobe staple.

Will you be buying into the gray trend for fall? Let us know in comments!

Gray dresses and coats from upper left clockwise:

Marc Jacobs Sweatshirt Dress, $1,100 at Saks.com
Vanessa Bruno Draped jersey dress, $410 at Net-a-Porter
RM by Roland Mouret Norther wool-blend herringbone coat, $2,695 at Net-a-Porter
Vince Silk-blend over-sized sweater, $245 at Net-a-Porter

Dress shown in center:
Theory Gray Silk And Jersey Tank Dress, $165.00 at FarFetch.com

Via our friends at thefind.com:

In honor of Bastille Day which takes place on July 14th we take inspiration from one of our favorite Parisian destinations, Ladurée the patisserie made famous by its delectable macaroons. The luscious crisp little cakes are filled with smooth creamy centers with flavors like jasmin mango, bergamot, caramel with salted butter, red fruits and orange blossom just to name a few. The colors of these little treats are worthy of a trend story touting summer’s pastel infused fashions, many of which are marked down to make room for fall arrivals. So indulge in a sweet treat whether it be a macaroon or pastel Elizabeth and James blouse which you can pair with white jeans. Or how about these pretty Maloles flats, they’ll look charming with a flittery silk summer dress. Even everyday basics like skinny jeans or classic aviators will look perfectly lovely for a quick jaunt to the patisserie for a box of what else? Pastel colored macaroons!

Shown above from top right clockwise:

- Elizabeth and James “Lillian” Blouse, $206.50 at Bloomingdales.com
- Ray-Ban Classic aviator sunglasses silvertone with brown graduated lenses, $135 at Net-a-Porter
- Marc by Marc Jacobs Magazine leather clutch, $168 at Net-a-Porter
- Maloles Zoe pastel pink ballet flat, $159.99 at Piperlime.com
- Pastel Blue Skinny Jean, $9.99 at Wetseal.com

Via our friends at thefind.com:

As a tribute to the new fall season which is flowing into stores as we speak, the leopard print accessory is on the prowl again. Love ‘em or hate ‘em leopard print is the trend that seems to return with out fail. If used sparingly leopard print handbags add some graphic interest to your favorite LBD or all black ensemble. The Jimmy Choo Mandah hobo bag is patched with solid leather which diffuses the leopard print to prevent leopard print overload. Look for graphic batik or faded leopard prints which pair rather nicely with denim such as the Lauren Merkin ‘Eve’ clutch.

Shown here are some picks for leopard print handbags (from top to bottom):

Christian Louboutin Leopard-Print Pony Fur Clutch – Leopard, $940.00 at Saks.com
Yves Saint Laurent Palma Leopard Print Canvas Tote, $599.99, at Overstock.com
Jimmy Choo Mandah hobo bag, $3,495 at Net-a-Porter
Lauren Merkin Eve Leopard Print Fabric Clutch, $165 at Bloomingdales.com
Anya Hindmarch Leopard Print Clutch by, $172.00 at Vivre
Yves Saint Laurent Muse Two bag, $2,295 at Net-a-Porter