Fashion Pulse Stylist: Get the Snow Goddess Look!

The cold weather is here to stay, and we admit that we’re prone to resorting to Uggs and a bulky ski jacket to brave the blistering New York City winter. However, just because the weather is frightful doesn’t mean that you have to look that way too! Plus, with all of the holiday parties you’ll be sure to snag invites to, you’ll have to be prepared to look your best from the moment you walk in the door. Luckily, Fashion Pulse Stylist is here to help! We’ll tell you what to wear so you’ll look more like a snow goddess than a bundled up Eskimo!

The central feature of this look is most definitely the coat. The other pieces should be built to compliement this crucial item. A white or cream coat is chic and feminine, and will give the look a decidedly pristine finish. We love the wide collar and flair of this wool blend Kenneth Cole Reaction Coat, $159.99 (originally $280) at Bluefly.com. What better way to contrast the white coat than with Lipstick Red Leather Gloves from Mulberry (about $200)? We think the bows on the gloves are the perfect touch for this dainty look.

The fashion flair of the second half of the coat is just asking to be paired with a skirt or dress underneath. The metallic surface and tulle underlay of the Izzy Skirt, $38.50 at dELiA’s, is a great holiday look, and should be layered over a simple tank like this American Apparel Tri-Blend Racerback Tank ($19) in Athletic Grey. Next, add this Sequined Embellished Cardigan, $36, from Forever 21. The bow belt and black sequins will make you look more appealing than an actual present!

Of course you’ll need tights that will keep your legs super-warm. We recommend these Marled Sweater Crochet Tights, $18 from Urban Outfitters. For boots, there’s nothing that combines durability and style as well as Frye boots. These Elizabeth Wings Boots, $648 from TheFryeCompany.com, will keep your feet dry in any winter condition that the weather may throw at you, but still look very sophisticated. For an inexpensive shoe, check out these Etienne Aigner Venezia Boots, $178.50 at Zappos.com.

Now for your crown — ear muffs! These white and fluffy Juicy Couture Luxe Fur Earmuffs, $95, are certainly fit for a snow goddess like yourself!

–Sarah Ferguson

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Forever 21 Pick of the Day: Belted Ruffle Front Dress $46

We’re constantly on a search for “dressy dresses” that don’t cost us our entire month’s pay, but still look uber-expensive. We most definitely discovered this important component in the Belted Ruffle Front Dress for only $46. Although this is a tad bit more than we’d want to pay at our beloved Forever 21, the yellowish/green hue of the dress is amazing, its actually silk,  the ruffles are well-crafted, and the belt gives it just the righ amount of sass. We’d definitely wear this to a formal occasion or to the upcoming New York Fashion Week in February, and if someone compliments us on it, all we have to say is “Thank You”.

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Forever 21 Pick of the Day: Peacock Pleated Top, $20

Over the years I’ve kind of had a thing for peacocks — I’ve worn their feathers as earrings, I’ve been inspired by the shape of their tail to create garments that mimicked the silhouette, and grew up near the Pittsburgh Zoo, where the cavalier birds would frequently escape and stop traffic. Anyways, back to shopping: I love the styling and drape of this Peacock Pleated Top, $19.80, which can be worn either casually, as pictured, with a worn-in leather jacket, or dressed up with a woven pencil skirt and 4-inch platforms! Add $5.95 for s&h.

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Fashion Pulse Stylist: Grunge-Chic

What do you get when you mix Marc Jacobs’ ground-breaking grunge looks of the 1990’s with the iconic and classy style of Chanel? Grunge-chic, naturally. We’ve spotted the look on celebrity fashion icons such as Mary-Kate Olsen, Lindsay Lohan, and Rachel Bilson, who are all donning Kurt Cobain- inspired plaid flannel paired with leggings and sky-high heels. If you still love Nirvana but dream of quilted purses, or if like us, just have style ADD, then this look is perfect for you! The key to achieving this style is to successfully contrast girly pieces with edgy and grungy pieces, and of course Fashion Pulse will show you how to do it!

To begin you’ll need a basic black cami, like this Cassandra Lace Cami from dELiA’s for $19.50, and some black tights (we swear by the UO Supersoft Bamboo Tights, $18 from Urban Outfitters). Next, add a colorful high–waisted tulip skirt. The pop of color will counter all of the black that you’ll be wearing with this outfit, and the tulip shape adds femininity. American Apparel’s Polyester Micro-Fiber Tulip Skirt, for $28, is perfect for this piece.

Now for the main grunge ingredient: over the tank and the skirt, layer a long sleeved plaid flannel shirt, and roll up the sleeves. We prefer the men’s Mountain Pond plaid shirt, $80 at Abercrombie and Fitch (search “mens” then click “shirts”), or you can always just “borrow” one from your dad or boyfriend! The shirt should look over-sized and a little sloppy to juxtapose the chic aspect of the look. Fasten on a black belt, like this Fashion Focus Black Croc-Stamped Patent Wide Belt from Bluefly for $27, over the flannel to accentuate your feminine features under that baggy shirt. If you want to expose the cami, leave the flannel unbuttoned and peel back the front shirttails before putting the belt on.

Image from popsugar.com

The Midnight Suede Bowtie Bootie, $88 from Urban Outfitters is the perfect shoe for this outfit because they’ve got an adorable bow, yet still have a pretty hardcore aesthetic. Finally, to top it off, add a Blair Waldorf-like black headband like this one from Forever 21 for $2.80, and voila! You are now equipped to rock out grunge-chic!

—Sarah Ferguson

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H81 Pointelle Swing Cardigan, $33 at Forever 21

In case you haven’t noticed, we’ve got a bad dependency problem — its called Forever 21, and no matter how had we try, we can’t walk out of there without dropping at leat $60. The pick of the day is this H81 Pointelle Swing Cardigan, $32.90, and although it is a little “pricey” for Forever 21, the style is one that will translate over many looks, and is way cheaper than some of its similar counterparts that we’ve been eyeing at Anthropologie, that start at $90!  Choose from grey or cream. Add $5.95 for s&h.

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Alma Dress with Belt, $23 at Forever 21

Constantly on the quest for versatile dresses that can transition from work to a dinner date, to a night out with the girls, we thought there was no better (and affordable) example of what to wear than this Alma Dress W/ Belt, $22.80 at Forever 21.  The belt/top/skirt combo is enough to make it our go-to piece when there’s not enough time in the morning to drink a cup of coffee, let alone process what to throw together to wear! Add $5.95 for s&h.

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Trend Alert: Leopard Print

One of the prominent trends spotted on the spring 2009 runway was most definitely leopard print. We saw the wild design in a spectrum of colors and speckled across everything from Louis Vuitton bags to Zac Posen dresses. Whether it’s a cocktail party or a day at the beach, these cool spots will certainly add some spice to your look.

We’ve gone on to find a variety of pieces flaunting this wild print — all for under $150!

The purple leopard print on this Sequin Safari Minidress, ($24.80 Forever 21), updates an otherwise ordinary going out dress, while the Leopard Lawn Annette Blouse, ($78, J.Crew), vamps up a modest look. Plan on keeping warm in this Black& Merino Leopard Print Cardigan ($88, Ann Taylor) or the Parfait Animal Print Cardigan ($118, Nordstrom). For the perfect accessory, this Dooney & Bourke Leopard Checkbook Clutch, on sale for $138.75 at Dillard’s, will lend even the classiest girl some wild cat edge, or try the NYC by Perlina Reversible Leopard Print Tote ($59.99, Target). No matter what item you choose, you’ll definitely be equipped with one of the most popular trends for 2009!

— Sarah Ferguson

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Lindsey Skinny Jeans, $12.50 at Forever 21

As I perused Forever 21 in Soho last night, I was quite surprised to discover a table covered with uber-dark, uber-soft, uber-well-cut

Lindsey Skinny Jeans for only  $12.50!!!  Because the dressing rooms were absolutely unbearable, I did the good old “hold up to my waist” method, and the fit looked pretty good!  I took the risk of buying them online, so keep your fingers crossed that the cut is impeccable, if not –  I have “21 days” to exchange them for store credit.  I’ll surely let you know how it goes!

Choose from denim black ( I bought this shade), indigo, or dark denim.

Add $5.95 for s&h, or stop in the store to pick up a pair (or two, or three).

UPDATE: The jeans just arrived, and we love them!! The fit is really great, and the color looks amazing. Just one note: they run small, so perhaps opt for one size larger than what you’re used to!

— Julia DiNardo

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Trend Alert (The Emmys): Not Your Grandma’s Bling!

This year at the Emmy Awards, Fashion Pulse discovered that the red carpet twinkled and sparkled with various gems and baubles not found on the hottest prime-time celebs’ necks, wrists, or ears. Instead, we found quite a bit of bling on their gowns! Lauren Conrad made her own simply-designed dress memorable and unique with the addition of a diamond flower brooch. Stars like Holly Hunter and Brooke Shields also went from boring to dazzling with the same brooch trend, and others, such as Hayden Panettiere, Heidi Klum, and Kate Walsh simply radiated with their gem-encrusted frocks.

Previously, we considered the perfect placement for brooches to be inside our grandmother’s jewelry box or at vintage shops, but as we learned from the Emmys last night, it’s time to bring the trend back! We found some inexpensive and stylish pins so you can be the belle of the ball (or office), too! Affix this Black Studded Brooch from Mango to a dress to add a gothic feel for $29. A pink or yellow Flower Brooch from Jessica McClintock is perfect for spring ($32). Next, this Forever 21 Studded Bow Pin ( $7.80) is chic and classy, while the Faux-Quartz Star Pin from J.Crew ($65) is sure to make you stand out in a crowd.

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Trend Alert: The Bustier Dress

On the runways this season the numerous neutral color palettes gave us a bit of a fall chill. However, designers like DKNY, Carolina Herrera, and Anna Sui heated things up with sultry bustier dresses reminiscent of 1950’s pin-up girls like Betty Page. These fun, yet glamorous frocks were seen in a myriad of prints, colors, and fabrics, thus making the trend work both for a casual day about town or for a big night out. We loved how DKNY paired her dress with a long blazer to contrast the way the top of the garment highlights the female form. This colorful look is perfect on a sunny, spring day. Carolina Herrera added some sophistication and sultry class to this sexy trend via decorative trim and jewel tones.

We’ve found some fabulous affordable versions of the style too, so you can get the look without breaking the bank! We found this Satin and Lace Tube Dress with a lace overlay for $22.80 at Forever 21. Next, TopShop’s aubergine-hued Satin Bodycon Dress ($100) subtly displays a clean, zig-zag pattern on the bust. The Ruffled Tweed Strapless Dress ($159, Bebe). Last, we love how the Kimchi Blue Sunday In The Park Dress ($78, Urban Outfitters) makes the trend casual with a plaid print, halter straps, and puckered skirt detailing.

We can’t wait to give our simple “little black dresses” a rest in exchange for a bustier dress. Pairing it with some bright red lipstick and fierce heels will give any girly girl certainly some edge!

— Sarah Ferguson

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