New Year's Eve Outfit Ideas

(photo Chictopia user: LAPETITEBLONDE)

Ordinarily, right around this day in the year I'd be saying something like, "Oh my!  I can't believe this year is over and it's already going to be a whole new year!!!"  And then I'd take a retrospective of what I've done the past year, wonder how the time went by so fast, and vow to do even more in the coming year.

This year is different.  Very different.  Instead of looking in the past and wondering where the time went, I've never looked more into the future and been more welcoming of the new year!  This past year had it's challenges and blessings, but I am so ready for 2014, which I know will be beyond my wildest dreams amazing!  And hopefully, you feel that way too.

photo Chictopia user: LISSAKAHAYON

That brings me to the next important point... what to wear!  Ushering in a new year might be no biggie for some, and all biggie for others.... but one thing is sure, adding some glitz, glam, and bling to your NYE outfit never hurt anyone!

photo Chictopia user: MADAMEDEROSA

You can opt for the all-over sparkle of a mini dress, go for something daring and backless for an unexpected switch-up, or mix your sparkle with something equally dramatic like this larger-than-life red whispy maxi skirt.

And if you're just not that into the whole glitter/sequin look, I recommend the never fail shift dress.  You'll see a lot of black dresses, and silver, so how about something fire engine red to really stand out and make your presence, and future, known!

photo Chictopia user: MEGGSTATUS

What will you be wearing for New Year's Eve?  Instagram me pics of your outfits @SpankieValentine

Posted by:  SV

Season Stocking Stuffers

(Photo: The Art of the Perfect Gift by Saidhbhe Berry)

 

Christmas is now behind us, but it is never too late for gift giving. This season is filled with tons of cozy goodies for those near and dear to your heart. From woven knit scarves to simple knee high socks, accessories bring comfort and joy for the holiday season. Here are some stocking stuffers that aim to please.

Porthole Cozy Infinity Scarf: Boost up any outfit with a warm knit infinity scarf. Need an extra gift for mother dearest? Slip in this must-have winter piece.

 

Bundle Burst Thigh High Socks: Thigh highs are perfect for transitioning summer pieces into colder seasons. Match up any daytime dress with these lengthy wonders and you’re golden.

 

Basket Head Beanie: December wouldn’t be complete without a full beanie to keep the head warm. This woven knit accessory screams perfection.

 

Winter Landscape Gloves: When the weather hits below fifty degrees, a sturdy pair of gloves come in handy. The holiday print gives these babies a look to remember.

 

 

All accessory items can be found on http://www.urbanog.com

Posted By: Christine K.

 

 

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Shine On: New Years Eve Dresses

New Years Eve is fast approaching and you know what that means. It’s about that time to hunt for the perfect piece to ring in another year.

 

Sequins and mesh are a must to wrap up 2013 and what better way to show off these trends then with some of our holiday appropriate pieces.

 

 

To achieve a walking disco ball vibe, aim for sequins. These must-have dresses scream glitz and glamour, and you’ll be dancing across the floor in no time.

 

Become an instant hit during the countdown with these ‘life of the party’ dresses. Jacquard and graphic prints add a lovely touch, especially when in theme with the New Year. You can also incorporate some mesh for a sassy yet tasteful appearance.

 

Looking for the perfect holiday attire can be a headache in itself, but these Urban OG pieces will keep you feeling at ease in time for the big event.

 

Posted by: Christine K

Marc Jacob's Final Campaign for Louis Vuitton

(photo: Louis Vuitton)

Hard to believe that the 16 year legacy of Marc Jacobs designing for Louis Vuitton has finally reached its close.  But though we have to say goodbye to one of our favorites for the fashion label, he's left us with one final campaign for the spring 2014 collection, and we couldn't be more thankful.

With lovely faces of star power like Gisele Bundchen, Catherine Deneuve, and Sofia Coppola, all of whom have had a long and luscious relationship with the brand, we're left to pause a moment at the lovely headshots taken, featuring the collections new handbags.

(photo: Louis Vuitton)

The shots were taken by photographer Steven Meisel on a subdued charcoal color studio backdrop.  The wardrobe is demure, elegant, and portrays the same mood as the looks on the women's faces:  restraint.  The campaign takes on an almost retrospective tone, as if to say, take a moment, settle down, and quietly pay homage to the the legacy of Marc Jacobs, that will cary on long beyond his departure.

(photo: Louis Vuitton)

(photo: Louis Vuitton)

(photo: Louis Vuitton)

What do you think of the campaign?

Posted by:  SV

Congratulations to this week's winner, Jennifer Ann Hayden!

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Winter Holiday Outfit Tips

(photo: Chictopia user SAZANBARZANI)

The holiday season is right on top of us now!  Like, seriously.  How many holiday party invites have you had so far, and they just keep coming.  Or even if you only plan on spending some time with family and away from the party scene, we still need something to wear.  So here are some of my favorite holiday/winter styles to get some inspiration from.

First things first.... the little black dress.  Er, rather... the little metallic dress!  That's right... this season, I think it's a great time to ditch the oh-so-classic black dress, and go for something that shimmers and sparkles.  There's so much glitz in the air, what with all the lighting decorations, tinsel, snowflakes and what not, that capturing that feeling in your dress is the perfect way to go.  Opt for something long sleeve, like the photo above, to give you a little extra warmth, and even pair the dress with some darker toned tights to keep the legs warm.  When wearing metallics and sequin dresses, keep your accessories like your bag and shoes minimal.  Solid colors work best so as not to detract attention from your smokin' hot dress.

(photo: Chictopia user DENTELLEFLEURS )

Got something a little more casual or office friendly to attend?  And want to work in some of the classic holiday colors without looking like a reindeer?  Look no further than the inspiration from the above photo.  We all know the traditional season's colors are varieties of greens and reds, but pairing them together is just too obvious.  That's why I love taking this hunter green dress, and pairing it with a mustard coat.  The color combo is ultra chic and a refreshing surprise, while still tapping into the holiday greenery.  

A slightly boxy shaped silhouette and high neckline make this dress friendly for the office or a family get-together, and the pockets add a casual element to the look.  Pair with sheer tights, again, for warmth, and simple accessories to complete the look.

(photo: Chictopia user NOELLEDOWNING)

Lastly, I don't think the winter holiday season can be complete without incorporating some plaid.  You can work in plaid in many different ways, like a plaid coat, scarf, tote, or in this example, a skirt.  Plaid is festive, with a proper tailored twist, and transitions great through the season as a work, school, and family friendly print.  

I adore plaid skirts when paired with dark tights.  The addition of the deep chocolate loafers and chunky bag were a great pairing.  Tuck in a button down, collared blouse to keep the look polished, and top off with your favorite sweater cardigan for warmth.

What do you think of the looks?  Ready to hit the holidays?

Posted by:  Spankie V

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Rihanna the New Face of Balmain

(photo: Inez van Lamsweerde/Vinoodh Matadin for Balmain)

She had been hinting all summer long, teasing her followers with snaps posted on Twitter and Instagram of her visiting the Balmain headquarters in Paris with Balmain's creative director Olivier Rousteing.

And now "The Wait is Over" as the singer and style icon just announced via Twitter that she is the new official face of Balmain for the Spring 2014 campaign.  And along with the news, Rihanna posted a couple photos to give a sneak peek of the new campaign, to roll out in January.

(photo: Inez van Lamsweerde/Vinoodh Matadin for Balmain)

One ad features her clothed in a denim and chain ensemble, featuring off the shoulder details, large gold chain cuffs and an equally attention grabbing belt.

The second look features a loose fitted, pink houndstooth robe cinched in with a gold and white chain belt, utilizing the same gold chain cuffs, and curly bob cut hair.

We're excited to see the rest of the campaign with it comes out, what about you?!

Posted by:  SV

Congratulations to this week's winner, Keely O'Day!

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Winter Holiday Nail Art Ideas!

I seriously can't believe that the holidays are just around the corner, and we are quickly approaching a new year! I mean, how quickly do the years really seem to fly by now?

And while we're getting ourselves dressed up for all of the holiday parties that are on the horizon, I figure, we might as well dress ourselves from lips to tips.  And what more fun way to achieve such a festive and all around the look, then with holiday nail art?! Nail art is where you can really bring out your personality, show your colorful side, and even get a little bit more daring in your total look.

Honestly, all you need are a couple colors of polish, some glitter polish, and either a toothpick or a nail art brush. While some of the designs get very intricate, which you may want to leave to your professionals, others can be achieved through simple tools that you find around the home.

My best advice if you want to achieve very intricate designs, is to look for glitter polishes that have specs of glitter in the shapes that you like. For example, there are plenty of glitter polish is available that already have star shaped glitters in the bottle.  Look for deep hues like ruby red, Huntergreen, glittery gold, and of course, snowy whites.

So take a look at some nail art photos for inspiration, and have fun! It's all about showcasing your personality in the most unexpected and festive of ways.

So which are your favorite nail art looks?

Posted by: SV

(photos: credits posted on each photo, Instagram)

Ways to Wear a Trench Coat: Winter Staples

(photo: Chictopia user - STYLEINLIMA)

The trenchcoat. Perhaps one of the most versatile, functional, and fashion forward staples for your winter wardrobe this season. It is a timeless peace that transcends most other trends year after year, and also works as a wonderful transition piece, blending the gap between fall and winter, and winter to spring.

So what are some of the ways that you can wear such a transitional piece?  The classic look, as seen above, simply captures the coat by a double-breasted detail and tying a high waisted belt around the waist to cinch in and keep your figure.  I'm quite certain this look will never go out of style.

(photo: Chictopia user - LENAMAGDASPOT)

Let's look at a couple other ways that you can wear the trenchcoat.  How about trying an over the shoulder style?  This style is more so for weather seasons that aren't completely frozen over, but allow you to drape more heavy items underneath like a chunk knit sweater, a sweatshirt, or a variety of layers, that will provide the most warm, and allow you to drape a loose fit trench over your shoulders.

It pairs well with the loose fit denim, or even your best pair of skinny jeans, or leather leggings, one of my favorite trends for the season.

How about a splash of color?

(photo: Chictopia user - PRETTYDISTURBIA)

While most trenchcoats typically come in colors spanning from Gray's two blocks to Hunter greens, I'm quite enthralled with the idea of incorporating a solid bright colored trenchcoat into your winter wardrobe, to add a nice splash of cheerfulness throughout the gray season.

Look for a solid colored coat, or something with the uniform pattern such as plaid, that have larger hemlines and excess cerise like buttons, and double-breasted fits, to accentuate the playfulness of such a vibrant coat. Pair it with solid accessories, splash in a fun handbag, and you have a complete look just with the coat itself, or when coupled with a pair of skinny fit jeans.

So what do you think of the trenchcoat? Will you be working this into your winter wardrobe?

Posted by: SV

See New York Department Store's Best Holiday Window Displays

(photo: Tiffany & Co.)

Have you ever noticed that the holiday season in New York seems just a little bit more magical than other places throughout the world?  People walking around all bundled up, snow falling on the ground turning it into a beautiful white sea of bliss, and of course the major department stores go full out decorating their storefront windows.

(photo: Lord & Taylor - Jernal Countess / Getty)

So I guess we could say, the holiday season is officially in full swing, now that we can see you taste of these beautiful storefronts. Shops like Tiffany & Co. who created a three dimensional seen inspired by the upper West Side, Bergdorf Goodman creating a delicious icy spend with several storefronts seems, Lord & Taylor's sweet tribute to memorable family traditions, and Barney's New York and many others.

So take a whimsical trip down the streets of New York City, enjoy the beautiful sites created for the holidays, and maybe, just maybe, it will motivate you to visit the city for a first-hand look.

 

(photo: Bergdorf Goodman - Neil Rasmus/BFAnyc.com)

(photo: Henri Bendal - Brian Ach)

 

(photo: Bloomingdales Moments from Italy)

(photo: Bloomingdales)

(photo: Bloomingdales)

(photo: Barney's New York)

(photo: Saks Fifth Avenue)

(photo: Saks Fifth Avenue)

Which is your favorite?

Posted by: Spankie V.

Congratulations to this week's winner, Tessa Courtoise !

Thank you to all who entered our weekly Free Shoes Giveaway. Congratulations to this week's winner, Tessa Courtoise !  To enter our weekly Free Shoes Giveaway, visit our Facebook and follow the instructions. Link does not work on mobile devices. Good luck!

Cartier's New Winter Tale Film

Well, the Christmas holiday is officially here my dears, as the new Cartier short film installment for the Winter Tale is live!

Starring an absolutely adorable baby panther and elegant bell hop, this new film, which is the 4th installment of the Winter Tale series, is an animated piece of Cartier magic, set in Paris in the 1920s.

Sneaking from house to house on what one would guess is Christmas Eve, the servicemen and baby panther place coveted Cartier boxes under trees and on vanity nightstands, which magically open to reveal the new collection of watches, rings, and cuffs.  Gorgeous pieces that take center stage, though ever-so-slightly upstaged by the sheer cuteness of the panther playing with ornaments.  

The film was a diversion of last year's truly stunning piece which featured a live panther roaming through the reals streets of Paris, but we're digging the animated version this year.

What do you think?  Ready for the holidays?

Posted by:  Spankie

Wear Katniss Everdeen's Exact Training Clothes!

(photo: Lucas Hugh at Net-A-Porter)

So you can't get enough of the hunger games?  Well, not only can you watch the film on the big screen and soon be able to watch it at home, but you can now dress like your favorite tributes from the film. A London-based designer Lucas Hugh, has brought his ultra chic and futuristic collection of workout attire that was made specifically for the film, to Net-A-Porter where you can now where the items your self. 

(photo: Lucas Hugh at Net-A-Porter)

(photo: Lucas Hugh at Net-A-Porter)

 

(photo: Lucas Hugh at Net-A-Porter)

(photo: Lucas Hugh at Net-A-Porter)

(photo: Lucas Hugh at Net-A-Porter)

 

(photo: Lucas Hugh at Net-A-Porter)

(photo: Lucas Hugh at Net-A-Porter)

This very special collection features pants, sports bras, swimwear, jackets, and tank tops that all feature a nighttime skyline print of New York City. The pieces are made of lightweight fabrics so that you can get your optimum workout on, whether or not you're up actually fighting for your life. Hopefully not!

So what do you think of the new collection? Will you be wearing your Katniss Everdeen clothes?!

Posted by: SV