Holiday Fashion Faux Pas

By: Wendy Owen

Is it a fashion sin to mismatch your gloves and your scarf? What about white cowboy boots in the winter months? Sweaters with high heels?

During the winter months, people are more likely to make fashion faux pas then ever. Why you ask? Well, the simple answer is; it’s cold and people just want to get warm.

However, by following a few simple rules, you can avoid being a winter fashion victim and still keep warm by following these “guidelines,”

1) Limit your holiday wear to Christmas Eve and Christmas Da.y
Yes, that blinking Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer sweater that your mom made is cute, but a little intense year-round. Save it for family gatherings only.

2) Don’t forget to bundle up!
Shivering in a mini-skirt and sandals just isn’t cute. Being uncomfortable is definitely a faux-pas, so if you have to wear a skirt or dress, get some cute textured tights and close-toed shoes to keep you warmer.

3) Don’t get too mad about plaid.
Or leopard print or paisley for that matter. Only a choice and brave few can pull off these bold prints in an oversized jacket. If you do opt for animal prints, keep everything else monochromatic so you don’t go overboard.

4) Make sure it fits.
That pretty much goes for anything you wear year-round, but people seem to forget it in the winter months. Yes, that University of Michigan sweatshirt your ex-boyfriend gave you is comfortable, but face it, not exactly glamorous. Try a sleek turtleneck instead.

5) If it glitters, it’s gold.
Many people forget that this is the best time of year to wear your sparkles with pride. It’s a fashion faux pas to let that cute gold purse hide in the closet. Bring out your sparkles during the winter month for extra shine during dreary days.

New York, New York

By: Wendy Owen

Graduation is upon me and this December, yours truly is taking a little fiesta in the big apple as a graduation present to myself.

The Statue of Liberty, The Guggenheim, The Empire State Building…I’ve never been before, so I truly can’t wait to do all of the touristy stuff. Who knows, maybe I can have coffee with Ben and Jen or snag some sushi with one of the Olsen’s. It could happen.

However, as you may have guessed, one of the real reasons that I am excited about going to New York is THE SHOPPING. I’ve already got my SOHO and 5th Ave shopping wishlists planned out. Agent Provoceteur, Tiffany’s, Bergdorf Goodman….and all around the holiday season!

So my little lefashionista’s, cheers and I’ll be thinking of you all as I run my hands over a Prada wallet and sample desserts at Serendipity.

Got a favorite New York moment? Tell us about it! My claim to fame: my best friend sited Elizabeth Berkley (Saved by the Bell, Striptease) Parker Posey (Best in Show, You’ve Got Mail), Mr. Big and that guy from Office Space all in one summer.

"House of Dereon" Beyonce Line Debuts

House of Dereon, originally uploaded by leFashionista.

By: Wendy Owen

This isn’t your average J-Lo or Kathy Lee collection.

Like so many other stars that have started their own lines, Beyonce Knowles is now among the ranks of other celebrities like Sean Combs who have launched their own line of ready-to-wear luxury casuals.

Now available at Macy’s and Dillard’s department stores, the House of Dereon line offers lacy blouses, sportswear, and ever-classic blue jeans. The line will also feature handbags, furs and shoes, shoes shoes.

The name of Beyonce’s brand is rooted in family tradition. Like her mother Tina, Beyonce’s grandmother was also a seamstress, and the name of the line is a tribute to her.

Get it and love it:

Sailor jeans with a nautical flair, perfect for that military look this fall.

Design on a Dime—Discount Designers

, originally uploaded by leFashionista.

By: Wendy Owen

With recent rumors circulating that Tommy Hilfiger may
soon have a line at Wal-Mart, someone has to ask—is
discount retail the new department store?

Brands like Isaac Mizrahi and Mossimo slowly crept
into Target’s lines years ago, and now Wal-Mart seems
to be catching up. Even K-Mart (now Sears Essentials
in many places) is beefing up their clothing lines to
reach out to a wider audience.

My personal favorite has to be the many lines at
Target like the Cynthia Rowley “Swell” collection of
accessories and bedding. However, the Isaac Mizrahi
line is also to die for.

Snag up some hot Mizrahi items this fall like this
adorable tulle skirt and match it with a sweet
embroidered purse for that czarina look this
Thanksgiving.

Poll: How do you feel about designer duds at discount
chains? Tacky or Terrific?

Snow Bunny Accessories

Shearling Gap Bag, originally uploaded by leFashionista.

By: Wendy Owen

Even if you don’t live in cooler climates, winter is
always a fun time to bundle up. Some of the best looks
of the season look just as cozy as they feel!

While Ugg boots are unanimously on the way out,
shearling lined boots and jackets are very hot for
this winter. Not only is shearling cute and comfy,
it’s completely luxurious, without putting a hole in
your pocket.

My favorite looks are shearling lined peacoats, boots
and this sweet bag from the Gap. So perfect in winter
white, it will look great paired with a bright sweater
and mittens or an earth toned jacket and scarf. Get
your shearling look now and enjoy your snow bunny look
all season long.

Wedge Boots are All the Rage

Wedge Boots, originally uploaded by leFashionista.

By: Wendy Owen

Your ankles will thank you�wedge boots are totally hot
right now.

That�s right, spiky-heeled thigh-high boots have been
trumped by the more sophisticated (and reasonably more
comfortable) wedge boot. They give you the same kind
of height that you crave, without the hassles of
balancing on mile-high heels.

Celebrities like Jessice Simpson and Beyonce were
rockin� these months ago, but now you can too, and
just in time for the holiday season. Miss your wedge
shoes or lace-up espadrilles from the summer? Get your
hands on some wedge boots for the same feel, but with
more power to beat winter chills.

My favorite for this winter are these burgundy studded
leather wedge boots from Diesel. Sooo cute and perfect
paired with all of the styles that are hot right now. By: Wendy Owen

Your ankles will thank you�wedge boots are totally hot
right now.

That�s right, spiky-heeled thigh-high boots have been
trumped by the more sophisticated (and reasonably more
comfortable) wedge boot. They give you the same kind
of height that you crave, without the hassles of
balancing on mile-high heels.

Celebrities like Jessice Simpson and Beyonce were
rockin� these months ago, but now you can too, and
just in time for the holiday season. Miss your wedge
shoes or lace-up espadrilles from the summer? Get your
hands on some wedge boots for the same feel, but with
more power to beat winter chills.

My favorite for this winter are these burgundy studded
leather wedge boots from Diesel. Sooo cute and perfect
paired with all of the styles that are hot right now. By: Wendy Owen

Your ankles will thank you�wedge boots are totally hot
right now.

That�s right, spiky-heeled thigh-high boots have been
trumped by the more sophisticated (and reasonably more
comfortable) wedge boot. They give you the same kind
of height that you crave, without the hassles of
balancing on mile-high heels.

Celebrities like Jessice Simpson and Beyonce were
rockin� these months ago, but now you can too, and
just in time for the holiday season. Miss your wedge
shoes or lace-up espadrilles from the summer? Get your
hands on some wedge boots for the same feel, but with
more power to beat winter chills.

My favorite for this winter are these burgundy studded
leather wedge boots from Diesel. Sooo cute and perfect
paired with all of the styles that are hot right now. By: Wendy Owen

Your ankles will thank you�wedge boots are totally hot
right now.

That�s right, spiky-heeled thigh-high boots have been
trumped by the more sophisticated (and reasonably more
comfortable) wedge boot. They give you the same kind
of height that you crave, without the hassles of
balancing on mile-high heels.

Celebrities like Jessice Simpson and Beyonce were
rockin� these months ago, but now you can too, and
just in time for the holiday season. Miss your wedge
shoes or lace-up espadrilles from the summer? Get your
hands on some wedge boots for the same feel, but with
more power to beat winter chills.

My favorite for this winter are these burgundy studded
leather wedge boots from Diesel. Sooo cute and perfect
paired with all of the styles that are hot right now.

Give Yourself the Royal Treatment

Crown and Tiara Industries, originally uploaded by leFashionista.

By: Wendy Owen

Ready to treat yourself royally to comfort and luxury?
Crave designer items that no one else will have?

Crown & Tiara Industries knows that there is an inner
princess in every woman. With their quality luxurious
tanks, now every woman can show it too.

Made with genuine Swarovsky crystals, their line of
tanks are a gem that will make you the envy of the
neighborhood. Perfect for peeking out beneath your
warm winter ensembles, Crown and Tiara tanks add just
enough glitz and glamour without sacrificing comfort.

http://www.crownandtiara.com

Disco Back from the Dead

Madonna, originally uploaded by leFashionista.

By: Wendy Owen

With stars like Madonna sporting the Farrah Flip
hairdo and off the shoulder tunics coming back in
style, it appears that disco has made a revival.

This comes as no surprise…after all the 80’s look has
been around again for nearly five years. Seems as
though stylists and fashionistas are hanging up their
day-glo brights and getting their groove on in gold,
platforms and furs.

Not ready to make a full-on disco expression?
Incorporate a few pieces at a time, and don’t
overload. African-American girls should go au natural
because ‘fro’s are hot again, if worn in the right
context.

Even if you can’t afford to buy a few trendy disco
inspired pieces, take a look at your wardrobe—you may
already have some key items. Look for:

Gold hoop earrings (large)
Bell bottoms
Platform espadrilles
Platform dress shoes
Gold Accessories
Fur-lined jackets
Tunics
Handkerchief tops


Tip: Dust off your curling iron and make like Madonna
for some hot flippy layers around your face for a new
look this winter.