[Lustr image from iTunes.com]

“Apps,” or application software, are designed to aid users in specific tasks. The majority of the time, when referencing apps, we are referring to the programs made specifically for our mobile phones. As our phones become sophisticated, naturally so do the applications. If you want to stay on top of fashion trends, synthesize coverage and news feeds, or maintain your virtual closet, we’ve got the app for you! The following list rounds up our 10 most lauded apps. They’re simply too cool to pass up!

1. ThisNext.com, an independent social shopping platform, partnered with luxury retailer Neiman Marcus to launch ShoeDish, an innovative Facebook application that allows users to catalog their favorite shoes and share interests and purchases with others. ShoeDish is the first product-based application dedicated solely to shoes.

2. Emergency Medical Center Locator (EMCL) is an application designed to save your life, literally. The EMCL app directs you to the closest medical center in time of dire emergency, while also targeting the best-qualified care for your specific emergency. The app offers recommendations for six specialty areas: trauma, stroke, eye pediatric, cardiac, and burn. This internationally accessible application may not be fashion oriented, but it is crucial when time is of the essence.

3. Style.com: The Style.com FREE iPhone app provides it all: in depth coverage of runway shows, fashion feedback, designer collections, and hot international party scenes. The iPad app includes all of this and more. Get your fashion on the go.

4. Chicfeed: If you’re anything like us at FPD, you’re constantly browsing a number of sites for fashion related info, images and inspiration. So why not bring together all of your favorite feeds in one place? Chicfeed is absolutely genius for fashion eye candy as it compiles images from our favorite blogs and puts them all on one site.

5. Are you a shoe addict? iShoes is an app to satisfy the Carrie Bradshaw in all of us. Browse 50,000 + shoes, shop now or later, or create a wishlist. iShoes even alerts you when a shoe is on sale!

6. If shoes aren’t your thing, maybe bags are! iBags delivers 20,000 + bags right to your phone. When you find one you love, select the bag and get details and retailers who sell it. There’s nothing wrong with loving both shoes AND bags however.

7. Trendstop.com‘s Trendtracker helps track and forecast trends. This app is superb for fashion and creative professionals who want to be on the cutting edge. With everything from magazine news to global street style, Trendtracker is spot on. Available for iPhone, iPad, Android and Blackberry.

8. Lustr is for the NYC girl who needs to be in-the-know. The Lustr Fashion Finder app tells you where to find stores, brands, sample sales, trunk shows and all fashion-related events near you!

9. My Style Fashion Assistant: It’s your virtual closet! Simply take pictures of all items in your closet enabling you to scroll through and create head-to-toe original outfits. A fashion organizer and a personal stylist, this app has been called a “time-saver” for making getting dressed quicker and easier.

10. The ShopStyle app is ideal when looking for a specific fashion item. Are you craving a lavender pastel peplum dress? Whatever it may be, simply enter it into the search and let ShopStyle browse for you. All the stores and styles you love in one place: talk about fashion luxury!

-Alana Quagliariello

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Anna Sui and SOREL have crafted a special boot, the Anna Sui Tofino, exclusively available at the Isetan flagship store in Tokyo’s Shinjyuku (the premium Japanese department store that launched Sui into the global arena. However, a limited number of these standout boots will be available at the Anna Sui SoHo Flagship store in NYC as well.

Purple, subtle polka dots, and unabashedly sexy faux fur are grounded in a black boot that will appeal to “the most gypsy-soul of glam-rock girls.” I’d like to deem these boots a plush pair of “wild warmth” for the winter season.

-Alana Quagliariello

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[Image via geekwithlaptop.com]

Cyber Monday, the Monday immediately following Black Friday, is round II of exceptional deals for shoppers and insane profit for retailers, however, it’s all done online. This holiday season you can avoid the mobs and shop from home, all the while saving money. Cyber is the new chic.

Following are the deals we don’t want you to miss out on:

1. Nordstrom.com Half Yearly Sale for women and kids. Shop apparel, shoes, accessories and more.

2.Sorrelli.com Get free shipping at the site, and like them on Facebook for 15% off one Holiday style.

3. Target.com for Exclusive Cyber Monday Savings. Sign up for exclusive email offers to be in the know.

4. Butter London 30% off sitewide discounts Nov. 28th-30th. Enter CELEBRATE11 at checkout.

5. Macy’s.com sitewide savings and free shipping coupon on fashion clothing, fragrance, accessories and home.

6. Piperlime.com save 20% off all items with code LUCKY20, plus free shipping and returns always!

7. FragranceNet.com 15% off entire purchase with code CMLS. Perfume and cologne make wonderful gifts!

8. EddieBauer.com 30% off everything + free shipping on all orders - Nov. 29 only.

9. Brushlove.com 30% off sitewide, free $5 gift card with every $25 purchase, and free compact mirror and tote bag with EVERY order.

10. MARK.com 4 free gifts and free shipping with $40+ orders using promotion code MARKBF

11. NormaKamali.com Up to 75% off original prices Nov. 28th and free ground shipping. Plus, all orders placed before noon are entered to win a $100 gift card.

12.  Shoes.com 15% off sitewide and free shipping.

-Alana Quagliariello

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After previewing the SS12 lineup of Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, all I can think of is traveling. It’s that simple; the line allured me to a bohemian, distant land where maxi dresses, tunic blouses, and basic slips gracefully coexist and transition from an early stroll to an evening beach gathering around a fire pit.

The collection portrayed an ephemeral ease that can only be produced in such one-of-a-kind prints such as Ikat, Bow and Arrow, Peacock Floral, Powder Floral, Kaleidoscope, and Patchwork. Glorious color remains prominent for spring in shoes (ballet flats, cork platforms, and espadrilles), bags, and apparel alike. The palette of melon, chartreuse, hibiscus, teal, blush, black, and violet provides endless options to introduce new shades into your wardrobe.

I ‘m impressed with the convertible skirt (pictured above), which works as both a maxi dress and a maxi skirt. I also adore the mini dresses (summer knits and soft slips), great for a beach cover up or a night on the town. The collection left an impression in its effortless transitional capabilities, and with one piece, you have plenty of easy-to-wear chic options.

-Alana Quagliariello

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[Image via WeSC Lookbook]

We attended a bevy of spring 2012 collections, bringing forth our most favorite brands and products with the most amazing items for the upcoming season to FPD’s readers. Check out the roundups below, and enjoy!

WeSC (WeAretheSuperlativeConspiracy):

WeSC was founded in 1999 in Stockholm, Sweden. From then until now, WeSC has become a culmination of dynamic people, often activists, and the apparel holds on to that spirit with it’s washed out crop tops, chambray, and funky bathing suits. With a semi-skater appeal, the tees, sweats, and denim are perfect to hang out, chill, and have a good time in.

[Mata Hari Collection, Image via Delphine Charlotte Lookbook]

Delphine Charlotte

“A woman on the rise to power” inspired jewelry designer Delphine Charlotte to create her SS12 line of costume jewelry. Half art-deco, half Hollywood glam, the collection includes rhinestones, pearls, circles, cages and more!  The necklaces are the standout pieces for FPD.

[Cartegena Leather 3-Tie Shoe in Raspberry, Image via Dr. Martens Lookbook]

Dr. Martens

The now classic Dr. Martens shoes, especially boots for spring show  a lot of crocodile, monochrome (my personal favorite) and bright neon hues. Apparel holds on to the same history of innovative youth culture: embrace being an individual.

["Bizante" Jacket Image via Duvetica Lookbook]

Duvetica

Despite the fact that the line is for SS12, each piece of outerwear has at least 5% down. Great for traveling, many of these jackets can fit into a small pouch zipped into the jacket itself. So fun-ctional!

[Images via Rousseau Lookbook]

Jerome C. Rousseau

Yet again, Rousseau has crafted incredibly distinctive shoes, heels, and flats meant for the girl who is not afraid to be admired (ie: Siobhan Fahey). The coral suede platform with platinum leather is certainly one of the standouts from the spring season’s collection. Modern art, pop culture, European design and nightlife are just some of Rousseau’s many muses. There are jewels, glitter, ribbons, mesh, ostrich, cheetah… need I say more?

[Campus Pack Image via Incase Lookbook]

Incase

If you’re reading this blog, you very well know the value of technology in our modern, demanding, hectic live over here at FPD. We can thank brands like Incase for always creating reliable products (covers, backpacks, cases and sleeves) to protect and enhance our Apple gadgets. I’m particularly glad to see the company continuing with the Andy Warhol collaboration, a man who understood contemporary culture well (and a native of our editor Julia’s hometown, Pittsburgh!). Fashion, meet functionality.

-Alana Quagliariello

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Launched in 2002, alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet is clothing that packs a powerful personality punch, and lots of it. This year’s spring 2012 assortment was inspired by the idea of the “Very Secret Garden,” a classic concept of knowledge, mystery, and wonder.  It is a ready-to-wear collection of party dresses, crop-tops, bustiers, here-to-stay maxi dresses, high-rise wide leg pants and other separates that do not fall short of a feminine magnetism.

Entering the showroom was like entering the closet of my dreams…and that’s before I even noticed the shoes! Bold purple, poppy, orange, green, strawberry pink and icy blue all popped against the white walls of the room. Pretty suede, silk, and tweed fabrics captured the essence of the private garden theme. One-shoulder shift dresses and the incorporation of numerous bustier tops offered a sensual feel, while both exaggerated and miniature floral patterns maintained the season’s girlish charm. I can totally envision the summery knits paired with the brand’s premier line of colored denim; a fun rack filled with bubble gum pink, lemon yellow, and robin’s egg blue jeans.

The spring assortment of a+ 0 shoes, Bendet’s first full line, presented gorgeous bright wedges, some plain and some adorned with painted snakeskin. Yet, neutrals also remained essential to the sky high pumps, wedges, and flat sparkling sandals. Overall, the looks can certainly please a number of girls, moods and styles. Bendet also continues to expand her aesthetic collaborating with the legendary Gene Meyer on a scarf collection.

The alice + olivia girl is the life of the party, in a sweet, refined way. You can’t take your eyes off of her — there is glitz and glam via sequins, feather, and leather, but there is also a delicate undertone beneath the entire line. Perhaps this ethereal duality is what makes the clothing and accessories so appealing and enduring.

-Alana Quagliariello

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Just when we finally have mastered our skinnies, wide leg pants have made their comeback and resurfaced in a major way on the runways. I finally bought a pair of wide leg jeans and in wearing them, felt a renewed and revived sense of style!  In order to make your look appear effortless when transitioning to this new shape, we are offering up some of our best tips on wearing… scratch that– rocking wide leg pants.

How to Rock Your Wide Leg Pants:

1. Length- The pants should not be dragging along the ground, but ideally should not be any higher than an inch off the floor either (when wearing heels or flats). You’ll want your cute shoes to peek out, yet not be completely on display.

2. Tops- Stick to form-fitting tops or something you can tuck in. A cropped jacket adds structure. It’s best to define the waist (belts look great with wide legs!). The width and span of fabric  is on the bottom of the silhouette, and the goal is to keep it that way.

3. Shoes - Any excuse to wear heels and I’ll take it, however, not everyone feels that way. If you’re comfortable rocking flats (especially if you’re tall with super, long legs then go for it), do it, just remember our rule #1 with length-.  For this look, the only absolute NO is a pointy toed shoe. Stick to a rounded toe or open toe pumps or wedges or platforms that are slightly retro without being too literal.

[Cropped Jacket, Lace Crop Tee; both via Topshop.com]

4. Accessories – The pants are making a statement on their own, so it’s best to keep accessories minimal. This doesn’t mean you can’t pair your wide legs with a sleek clutch for night or a structured handbag for day or chunky bangle bracelets. Just don’t go into costumey, overkill mode with too much.

5. Vibe- Wide leg trousers are appropriate for the office, but can also be funky and retro. It’s up to you to decipher the mood you are going for, and what is appropriate. For a business vibe, tuck in a classic, crisp button up. For an edgier look, try a cropped jacket or a simple tee. No matter what look you are aiming for, just be confident in your stride.

[Pour La Victoire Platform Pumps, Elizabeth and James Open Toe Pumps, Sam Edelman Platform Wedges; via Shopbop.com]

[Darby Glitter Loafers, Lula Snakeskin Ballet Flats Flats via JCrew.com]

-Alana Quagliariello

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Drawing upon exotic, distant lands, Cazabat showed a collection of women’s suede platform loafers, collared heels, python, and crocodile skin wedges, and leather and metallic booties (ranging from $245 to $425). The men’s collection certainly speaks to the fashion-conscious guy with its use of rock’n'roll metallics and leathers, in a fuchsia, blue, and gold color palette on boots and loafers ($550 and up). Likewise, the store itself was rather edgy with its fire-engine red velvet couches, a fake fireplace aflame, and Vegas-like neon signs.

The designer beamed as guests sauntered in and observed the layout and surroundings.  The highlight, in my opinion, was the back wall of glorious shoes (pictured above) presented in what appeared to be gold-dusted cubbies, giving each shoe the attention it deserved. Together, however, the collection of mainly neutral shoes (black, beige, olive, gray, and red) formed a cohesive, rather majestic unity thanks to the ruffles, studding, ruching, and exotic skins incorporated within.

Be on the lookout for the brand’s new website at jeanmichelcazabat.com, as mentioned on WWD.com– the “first step in making the brand present online.”

-Alana Quagliariello

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DKNY has always embodied the eclectic energy and spirit of New York in a fashion forward, yet practical way. So it comes as now surprise that the brand presents a modern alternative to the rainboot; featured above is their HSN exclusive  DKNYC Active “Rainbeaux” Croc-Embossed Ballet Rain Flat, for $59. The flat comes in three fantastic color choices – black, gray and raspberry – and is the perfect option to the ever-popular, ever-clunky rain boot/Wellie. To purchase, visit HSN.com.

-Alana Quagliariello

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[Images via ELLE.com]

Handbags

JCrew (pictured above) absolutely nailed it with their ladylike collection of handbags for spring 2012. Blue, orange, green, yellow…did we mention leopard?! Perfectly practical, but still extremely fashion forward.

[Images via ELLE.com]

Clutches

I simply can’t pick a favorite, so let’s call it a tie. Proenza Schouler (at top) mixed textures to create tweed clutches with chunky chain detail straps, while Chloe mixed accessories to make what looks to be a bracelet-bag combo. Gotta have it!

[Image via Style.com]

Shoes

Celine really wowed with their take on the platform heel/pump for the upcoming season. Basic black or the marriage of black and red, simplicity says it all. Even more incredible, with your ankle strapped in, these shoes look totally wearable – dare I even say comfortable?

[Images via Style.com]

Sunglasses

Frameless sunglasses at Fendi felt interestingly academic. Deviating away from the line’s normal sexuality, the glasses definitely added to the serious, studious woman, a style rather novel for Fendi.

[Images via Style.com]

From left to right: Givenchy, Donna Karan [Images via Style.com]

Jewelry

Bracelets: The stacked multi-colored bangles at Carolina Hererra proved that wrists should not be left naked. The more, the merrier come Spring 2012.

Necklaces: Donna Karan went wild with her tribal-inspired neckpieces strung with wood and plastic. Meanwhile, Givenchy’s statement shark-tooth pendants give “sharp” a double meaning.

Fashion Week SS12 was an accessory-studded event; which piece is your favorite?

-Alana Quagliariello

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