Posts for December 5th 2011

gift guide

5 Cool and Easy DIY Holiday Gift Ideas

Forget the days of colorful construction paper, safety scissors, and Elmer's glue sticks — we have five amazing do-it-yourself holiday gift ideas for you this season.

Forget the days of colorful construction paper, safety scissors, and Elmer's glue sticks — we have five amazing do-it-yourself holiday gift ideas for you this season. Not only are they fun to make, and even more fun to give, but these DIY gifts are also stylish, on-trend, and will leave your friends beyond impressed. That said, we've put on our creative caps, stocked up on affordable supplies, and gone about the task of whipping up five ways to spread the craft love. How exactly will you wow friends and family with your DIY prowess? We think a Proenza Schouler-inspired statement necklace, neon-hued skinny belt, and three more equally chic ideas should do the trick. Keep reading to find out what you'll need to create these masterpieces and jump right in.

Link Time

Link Time: Oscar de la Renta's Pre-Fall Show, Amy Winehouse's Final Fred Perry Collection, and More

Celebrity Style

Celeb Style: Gwyneth Paltrow's Chic Blazer and Booties

Traveling in comfort and style are not mutually exclusive — just ask Gwyneth Paltrow.

Traveling in comfort and style are not mutually exclusive — just ask Gwyneth Paltrow. The style pro paired relaxed pieces with a few luxe accompaniments to pull off the perfect easy-chic look. She swaps out the predictable denim bottoms for a pair of cool riding pants, then tops them with a sophisticated blazer and a seasonal scarf. Of course, the pieces we're really drawn to are the covetable details — a pair of Proenza Schouler booties up the ante on any basic style, while an oversized Balenciaga tote furthers that effortlessly polished vibe. Looking to try something similar for your next dash to the airport? Ditch the sweats and shop our key pieces to channel Gwyneth's pulled-together style on the go.

Celebrity Style

Celeb Style: Kate Moss

Kate Moss layered up in a bevy of black — long sleeve T, skinnies, and cashmere scarf — to combat the cool weather while leaving her London home.

Kate Moss layered up in a bevy of black — long sleeve T, skinnies, and cashmere scarf — to combat the cool weather while leaving her London home. Kate topped off her basics with a luxe Isabel Marant fur coat and classic Ray-Ban Wayfarers. She took her textured ensemble up an extra notch with a noteworthy Louis Vuitton bag and fringe Christian Louboutin booties. Get the look here.

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Shopping

Michelle Obama Shows Elegance in Vera Wang at the Kennedy Center Honors

Michelle Obama attended the 34th annual Kennedy Center Honors last night with President Barack Obama wearing a gorgeous strapless gown by Vera Wang.

Michelle Obama attended the 34th annual Kennedy Center Honors last night with President Barack Obama wearing a gorgeous strapless gown by Vera Wang. The diaphanous layers of tulle and ruched detailing are beautiful, and we love the bold cobalt blue hue. For accessories, the FLOTUS chose statement rhinestone earrings, silver footwear, and a chic updo. Attending your own black-tie soiree this season? Channel the same elegant look with our picks below.

community

One-Minute Makeover Tip: Mix It Up With Patterned Tights

You don't need to buy a new wardrobe to update your Winter looks.

You don't need to buy a new wardrobe to update your Winter looks. All you have to do is tap into your wealth of already-awesome wardrobe options and exercise your impeccable sartorial skills. We've turned to our greatest secret weapon — our chic community and fashion-obsessed Fab editors — for simple tricks to instantly breathe new life into the back of your closet. For today's tip, it's time to get leggy with our love of texture: mix it up with patterned tights.

  • Patterned tights add depth, texture, and spunk to any ensemble. Let them do the talking when worn with a casual wintry layered look. Conversely, dress down a formal outfit with a whimsical print.
  • Don't be afraid to pair your patterned tights with equally playful prints. No need to be matchy-matchy — the more fun you have with the print and pattern mash-up, the more dynamic the finished silhouette will be.
  • Play up your feminine side with girlie patterns. We absolutely adore heart-embellished tights as a cute, easy style add-on. Or if you prefer a daintier dotted print, rock 'em with a pretty floral dress, a silk blouse, or lace-inspired number.

Photos courtesy of JustPatience, CBladyàlamode, and Postgradchic

Best of 2011

Best of 2011: Celebrity Street Style Star of the Year

You've followed their outfits all year long, and now it's time to cast your vote for the celebrity with the chicest street style looks.

You've followed their outfits all year long, and now it's time to cast your vote for the celebrity with the chicest street style looks. Five lovely ladies stayed on our style radar throughout 2011: Zoe Saldana showed off enviable laid-back, easy ensembles while Olivia Palermo stayed on top of her game with her trademark classic with a twist style and funky accessorizing skills. The ever-fashionable fixture Nicole Richie spent the year spicing up her usual boho-cool basics with standout footwear and vintage-inspired wide-brimmed hats, while Kate Bosworth kept us inspired with her eternally crisp, LA-chic aesthetic. Rachel Bilson caught our eye in a smart mix of ladylike-meets-casual combinations and unexpected separates. So, which street style maven wins your vote for the best looks of 2011?

Holiday

The Best Loungewear For a Low-Key Holiday

While we may be gearing up to hit the holiday party circuit in our sequined-embellished ensembles, we're equally excited to catch some downtime at home, bundled up in our comfiest loungewear layers.

While we may be gearing up to hit the holiday party circuit in our sequined-embellished ensembles, we're equally excited to catch some downtime at home, bundled up in our comfiest loungewear layers. To offset the glitz and glam attire with something a little more relaxed, we've compiled our 15 favorite pieces for keeping a low holiday profile. Whether you're channeling Nanook of the North or just don't feel like putting on "real clothes," these plush cable knits, sherpa-lined slippers, and pretty pajamas should keep you at the top of your off-duty game. Click through to see and shop our low-key holiday hangout picks.

Source: Vogue Paris