The Holiday Sweater.

When and where did the "ugly holiday sweater" originate? I had to Google it, because year after year they never cease to amaze me. In fact, I get more and more fascinated by them each year! While I have not worn such a sweater, I truly enjoy being a spectator to the many combinations of garland, lights, bells, reindeers, cats, and pom poms people come up with to wear on a single sweater. It's amazing.

While flashing lights and reindeer may not be making their way onto my clothes anytime soon (although I do find this sweater cute,) the sweaters I do tend to gravitate to this time of year are of the sparkly variety. Whether it be sequin, metallic, or glitter, the more sparkle, the better. Best of all, they can be worn well after the holidays are over.

1.Mossimo Colorblock Sweater with Sequins,  2.Topshop Necklace Sweater,  3. Topshop Embellished Harness Sweater, 4.Mossimo Sweater Jacket with Gold Foil

What's your holiday sweater style?

My friend Gabriella

Everyone, say hello to my absolutely FABULOUS friend Gabriella. Gab and I go to school together and met last year in an awfully boring Philosophy class. From day one, I was kind of obsessed with her style; in a sea of sweats and slop, Gab's style stood out for being super chic, while also being laid back and school appropriate.

As we had more classes together, we got to become friends and realize we had quite a bit in common: a love of fashion, shopping, ASOS, and Blake Lively, amongst other things.

To pick just any one thing that I love about Gabriella's style is extremely difficult. So I will share my top three:

1. Splurge v. Save: 
Some of Gabriella's favorite stores to shop are ASOS, H&M, and Century 21, further proving looking great, doesn't have to mean sacrificing quality or breaking the bank. Which leads into the splurge...

2. Investment Pieces:  From a statement watch to a fabulous Chanel handbag, Gabriella invests in the classic, timeless pieces that, take her from season to season. 

(FYI: Her handbag collection makes me sick, especially her navy Balenciaga. Amaze.)

3. Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize!: Whether its a great scarf or a stack of bracelets, those little touches make an already perfect look, absolute perfection. 

[Top to bottom, L-R] Gab finishes off a simple day look for shopping, with a classic Chanel handbag. 
A gold statement watch serves as fashion and function.
 A classic coat and a chunky knit infinity scarf are paired with the season's best accessory: a Starbuck's red cup.

So there you have it! Up there with Alex Curran, and Hilary Duff, is my friend Gabriella, one of my style inspirations. Show Gab some love (or else...just kidding) and have a fantastic first weekend of the holiday season! 

My 2¢-Kate Middleton: Fashion or Style icon?

via

In today's Style section of the New York Times, there is an article about Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge by Eric Wilson and her wardrobe seen on her and Prince William's North American trip. Besides going over her highlight wardrobe choices, and how her wardrobe choices sell out almost instantly (and how some of those wardrobe choices are quite affordable), the question was raised whether or not Catherine is a fashion or style icon.

I had to stop and think for a bit, about what either of those terms even meant. Since the article made mention of Amy Odell, editor of The Cut, and how she considers Lady Gaga and Willow Smith "fashion icons", it gave me insight in defining the terms.

So I figured: a fashion icon is one that wears fashions, whether it be a runway look, trend, or for shock and awe (ala Lady Gaga) whereas a style icon is more about the individual and "them wearing the clothes, and not the clothes wearing them". Their fashion choices are personal ones, wether it be current or not.

Whether Catherine is a fashion icon or style icon, I do think she is a great example to women when it comes to dressing and personal style. Here are some examples of what one can learn from the Duchess:

• She dresses appropriately: Some say her style is "too conservative" or "Talbot's". However, she is a woman with a title and position that requires a sense of refinement and class. Running around town looking like Paris Hilton on a good day, is just not an option. When so many people I see can't even dress appropriately for a job interview, let alone the work place (oh, the things I have seen), I think Catherine gives great examples of what women can wear to look stylish and put together in the workplace

• She knows when and how to take a risk: I'd like to see all of those naysayers that say the Duchess doesn't take risks, work a fascinator the way she does or a white dress. Definitely not for the faint of heart. 

• She repeats pieces: Catherine was seen wearing dresses she has worn in the past as well as articles of clothing (like her Goldsign jeans) repeatedly. Because that's what people do when they go on a long haul trip/in their everyday life. 

• She's a savvy shopper: She has got the high-low mix down pat, and wears affordable pieces by home country designers, further proving the point that high price tags doesn't equate style. In addition, Catherine is doing a great job of stimulating the home economy, since even the common folk can easily afford to go out and purchase the same items. 

• She knows that it's okay to splurge a little every now and then: A classic Diane Von Furstenebrg dress? Check. A fabulous gown for an evening out? Check (OK it was probably borrowed, but you get what I mean.) When the occasion calls for it, splurging on a timeless article of clothing, or a piece that will make that big night just perfect is in fact OK! 

So what do you think? Is Catherine a fashion or style icon? Do you have your own definition of the two terms? 

Style faves for the week

Cameron Diaz

Cute and casual in the city. No one does casual better then Cam.

Victoria Beckham

Her style has no limits and I love her for it.

Jessica Simpson

The perfect summer look. 

Fergie

I have been intrigued to say the least with this outfit. Do not ask.

*pics via People Style Watch

My favorites from the Met gala last night:

images from OMG Yahoo

Lauren Conrad

Lauren Conrad. Her style is the perfect balance between casual and classy, and no matter what she is doing or where she is going, she always looks her best from head to toe. 

Unfortunately for her she had to attend the Speidi spectacle of a wedding over the weekend, but she looks just absolutely stunning doing so in a blue Valentino Red dress, Christian Louboutin pumps and that fabulous Chanel bag! I am especially loving this new do of hers, definitely a nice change from her usual curls.

In other news, come October, Lauren will be introducing a new line for Kohl's. The price point? $20-$80. Now this to me makes sense. Hopefully the line will still reflect the style we have come to know Lauren Conrad by, and not a complete train wreck. 

Michelle Obama Style: The week in review.

Governor's Ball

Presidents Adress

(I obv. loved Mrs. Obama's dress. But the hottie man candy next to her? mhmm.) 

Official White House Portrait

My Oscar Night Winners:

And the best dressed of the night goes to:

Sarah Jessica Parker in Dior Haute Couture

First Runner-up:

Taraji P. Henson in Roberto Cavalli

Second Runner-up:

Kate Winslet in YSL

Third Runner-up:

Alicia Keys

And just too amazing for words:

Meryl Streep and Sophia Loren

On a witch hunt.

I really love Kim Kardashian's style. The whole Kardashian clan as a matter of fact are very stylish women. I love the way they put outfits together and I would def love to raid their closets one day. Recently, Kim posted on her official blog about a photo shoot she did with a high school friend who is now a stylist. She put up some of the pics from it and all I have to say is that I'm OBSESSED with this outfit she wore. I'm not sure if its a dress or a top and a skirt, but either way I WANT IT!!! Its just so fun and hot and i neeeeeed it! After all, my 21st birthday is coming up in a few months, and that outfit just screams PARTY!!

*photo source: Kimkardashian.com

Lady Gaga

I know a lot of people don't like Lady GaGa, but I cant help it, I LOVE her. OK I'll admit that sometimes when I see pics or performances I'm like WTH is she wearing and why? But at the same time I can't help but appreciate the fact that she does and wears whatever she wants and doesn't care what anyone else thinks. And in addition, she has the sickest collection of Louboutins. I die! She is the real deal and I cant wait to see what this year brings for GaGa. 

photo source: Just Jared, Yahoo