UrbanOutfitters

December 13, 2011

Don We Now Our Favorite Apparel: Holiday-Hued Inspired Dressing

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Jeffrey Campbell Lita in Red Suede, $159.95

Holiday cheer is in the air as we are inspired to shop, shop, and shop some more! In the latest edition of “Nourish Your [Fashion] Palette,” we have found more reasons to indulge in fashion related fun. While holiday foods call for tradition and satisfaction, holiday clothing is all about sheer delight.

May your days be merry and bright

Traditional Christmas cookies are bright and cheerful, and certainly make a sprinkled statement. Make your own statement with color this season! For example, try red pumps like the pair pictured above from Jeffrey Campbell or a slouchy Deena & Ozzy Slouchy Red Beanie like this one from UrbanOutfitters.

Topshop Zip Front Faux Fur Coat, $220

Naughty or Nice?

If you’re wild enough to down some eggnog, you’re ready to don a fur coat, even if it’s faux! Maintain a neutral palette, but still have spunk with a creamy statement coat like this one from Topshop.

Topshop Foil Velvet Flippy Tunic, $64

Burning Bright

Set the room ablaze in more ways than one. Metallics are ideal for holiday gatherings as your ensemble delicately catches and reflects the lights around you. Be prepared to shine like Hanukkah gelt!

Topshop Knitted Short Cable Cardigan, $84

Winter Whites

Meet that first snowfall with a sensational cozy sweater like this cable-knit cardigan. Don’t shy away from winter whites this season! There are plenty of soft knit options to keep you toasty.

Zara Blazer with Elbow Patches, $89.90

Gingerbread Men[swear]

The menswear trend is a great way to stay casual, but look put together for the holidays. Why not try a classic schoolboy blazer in a ginger-brown color? The elbow patch details are the icing-on-the-cookie!

ASOS Red Pom Pom Mitten, $10.14

Enjoyable Embellishments

The jelly filling in these Sufganiot, traditional Hanukkah deep-fried donuts, mirror the cute red pom poms on the gloves. Deep fried translates to comfort food — it makes you feel warm inside. Here, gloves for the hands are like food for the soul.

Stay festive with FashionPulseDaily and Happy Holidays!

-Alana Quagliariello

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November 16, 2011

Jack These Jackets! Runway to Real Way Fall/Winter 2011

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[Topshop Leather Collar Wool Boyfriend Coat $340, Celine Image via Style.com]

What makes a great jacket? I found myself really asking this after we experienced a blustery blast of cold weather mixed in with some early fall flurries.

Runway presentations make the most of women’s outerwear in all colors from neutral to bright with fantastic detailing or subtle minimalism. However, when it comes down to it, a jacket needs to be functional. Maybe you demand a hood, large pockets, or a full-length zipper. Regardless of such basics, I am not willing to sacrifice style, and I doubt our readers are either.

This is why I’ve compiled my favorite “Runway to Real Way Jackets.” While extremely trendy, these jackets are still practical. There’s nothing unrealistic about incorporating any one of these into your wardrobe.

1. The Bright Jacket

Brighter shades have been popping up everywhere recently. Despite the opposing forces, bright hues work well for a fall/winter trench coat. Tip: Ground the rest of your outfit in black or other neutrals.

[Topshop Glossy Faux Fur Bomber Jacket $170, Alexander Wang Image via Style.com]

2. The Fur Bomber

Fur bombers are classic and luxe simultaneously. Again, fur took over the runways, seen everywhere from Alexander Wang to Rachel Zoe. You’ll be sure to turn heads in a glossy piece like this, but if you’re trying to be more subtle, try a faux-fur collar for starters.

[NastyGal Darcy Drape Jacket $78, Burberry Prorsum Image via Style.com]

3. The Camel Coat

Has this look ever done us wrong? I love both belted ones accentuating the waist, but I especially adore the robe-like vibe of NastyGal’s drape jacket (pictured above). Normally a structured trench, camel will always be timeless, regardless of what form it takes. It’s a celebrity must, a runway favorite, and an every day woman’s go-to. Tip: Pick the shade that best works with your skin tone.

[Topshop Collarless Boucle Blazer Jacket $140,Chanel Image via Style.com]

4. The Tweed

Chanel has always done tweed right. Now, it’s our turn to channel Karl Lagerfeld’s feminine vision and prove tweed is anything but stuffy. Topshop’s blue version of the fabrication is fun and funky, but boxy jackets like these are all about playing with proportion. Wear it open with jeans or alone with a skirt; just remember to keep everything sleek.

[Urban Outfitters Vasia by Ulla Johnson Camilla Vest $99.99,Tess Giberson Image via Style.com]

5. The Fur Vest

It’s still crazy cool, and I couldn’t be happier! I wasn’t ready to give up my fur vest just yet. Part edgy, part glam, this piece is all about attitude. Brown, black, white, grey, beige, it won’t be hard to find a vest you’ll love. Tip: Fur vests can add bulk if done incorrectly. Be aware of proper fit, watching for armhole size.

[Land’s End Women’s Essential Down Jacket $69.65, DKNY Image via Style.com]

6. The Puffer

Perhaps the most basic, but also the warmest, a puffy jacket is a winter must-have. DKNY reminds us that style and functionality can easily coexist. I LOVE the bright cherry red and quilted looks, (and especially love anything down-filled). This look will keep you warm and safe; no need to fear the elements in this one!

All that’s left to do is to pick your favorite, and  stay warm!

-Alana Quagliariello

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November 4, 2011

Scarves, the Easy Outfit Transformer

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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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