Posts for February 6th 2012

Sugar Shout Out

Sugar Shout Out: Make Chocolate-Covered Strawberries in No Time

Make chocolate-covered strawberries in no time Valentine's date ideas for photographers Five signs you're burned out Best moments from the Puppy Bowl Pretty red and pink pieces for Valentine's Day Surefire ways to pick the perfect red lipstick Things you might not know about Queen Elizabeth II Valentine's Day cake pops for your lil sweetheart Seven ways to decorate with Ikea's Ung Drill frame Delicious recipe for oriental crunch salad Behind-the-scenes on Gisele's topless Versace shoot See new pictures from The Avengers Easy ways to eat more fruit Best quotes from the Oscar nominees luncheon

Celebrity Style

Bring Madonna's Super Bowl Givenchy From the Stage to the Streets

While football fanatics were focused on the fouls and scores at yesterday's Super Bowl, our eyes were peeled on Madonna's halftime-show outfit.

While football fanatics were focused on the fouls and scores at yesterday's Super Bowl, our eyes were peeled on Madonna's halftime-show outfit. Her black-and-gold Givenchy dress was an obvious showstopper, and the gold pompoms fed into her over-the-top performance. While this look was just right on stage, it would look too contrived on the sidewalks. But with just a few tweaks and additions, we can easily bring Madonna's stage ensemble to the streets. Start with a basic black tee, then jazz it up with a gold spiked necklace. Go simple with one strand of spikes, or go all out with a handful. Then for your bottoms, play around with a bouncy skirt like Madonna's, black skinny jeans for something more streamlined, a red leather skirt for a wowing effect, or boyfriend jeans to achieve an edgy casual vibe. Shop endless options below.

Accessories

15 Standout Spring '12 Accessories We Can't Wait to See on NYFW's Front-Row Finest

As much as we're dying to see what NYC-based designers will be sending down the Fall 2012 runways, we're equally excited to see fashion's It girls donning some seriously cool Spring '12 accessories.

As much as we're dying to see what NYC-based designers will be sending down the Fall 2012 runways, we're equally excited to see fashion's It girls donning some seriously cool Spring '12 accessories. While it was hard to narrow down the season's best pieces, we're sure that these ultra-luxe, jaw-dropping add-ons are just what the front-row lineup ordered. From Gianvito Rossi for Altuzarra's sexy, colorful ankle-strap heels to Charlotte Olympia's exotic-print clutch, here are 15 Spring-perfect items just begging to be captured in a glossy street-style shot. Click through to see our editors' 15 standout picks now.

currently trending

Take Black & White to a New Level!

Black and white outfits covered the runways for Fall, and celebrities like Blake Lively and Cameron Diaz have been rocking the classic color combo.

Black and white outfits covered the runways for Fall, and celebrities like Blake Lively and Cameron Diaz have been rocking the classic color combo. In today's episode of Currently Trending, we headed to Saks Fifth Avenue to show you three creative ways to wear this sophisticated color palette right now. From a textural leather and fur combo to Winter-white separates and ladylike peplum, take a cue from these outfits when wearing black and white this season. On Allison: Tibi jacket, Equipment blouse, Zara shorts.

Shopping

Winter Sales: 11 Pieces to Snatch Up Now

Retailers are always thinking one season ahead, so for us, that means prime Winter sale shopping.
Designer Winter Sales

Retailers are always thinking one season ahead, so for us, that means prime Winter sale shopping. We're always looking to boost up our cold weather style quotient and now is the time to do so — Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman, and J.Crew are just a few of the retailers currently slashing prices off of covetable boots, bags, and standout separates. From basic essentials to splurge-worthy designer items, we culled the top 11 pieces for you to consider snatching up now. Just click the slideshow to see our editors' picks.

Celebrity Style

Found! Rachael Taylor's Topshop Polka-Dot Skirt Is Perfect For Work and Play

What's amazing about polka dots is that they're super malleable; they can be playful and lighthearted when they want to be, then on the flip side, they can also be badass, like how Australian actress Rachael Taylor wore her Topshop skirt in Sydney recently.

What's amazing about polka dots is that they're super malleable; they can be playful and lighthearted when they want to be, then on the flip side, they can also be badass, like how Australian actress Rachael Taylor wore her Topshop skirt in Sydney recently. What took this polka-dot pencil skirt to cool places is Rachael's smart styling. Instead of mixing too many colors, the actress opted to keep things edgy with a black ribbed sweater, black oxford booties, and a black leather satchel. For a sassier feel, she could have worn her dotted skirt with a strapless, sweetheart corset top and black patent pumps. If you don't yet have a polka-dot pencil skirt in your wardrobe, be sure to add this one to the mix because it's affordable and can go from work to play in a snap.

Trends

Style Out Plush Fur and Leather Like This Cool Celebrity Crew

Thanks in large part to this fashionable set of celebs, we've taken notice of a new way to layer up.

Thanks in large part to this fashionable set of celebs, we've taken notice of a new way to layer up. This crew proves that the only thing cooler than a leather jacket may just be one topped with a furry vest. The two luxe finishes play off each other with perfect street-chic style quality — one that's just as easy to finish with jeans and sneakers as it is to style up with slick bottoms and heels. Kate Moss, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Poppy Delevigne show off the look's casual capabilities, while Olivia Palermo and Mary-Kate Olsen outfit two dressier versions. Take a moment to study the celebrity gang, then read on to get our styling tips as we take the look from day to night.

To style it out day to night and shop our picks, just read more.

Shopping

Today Gap Launches a Covetable New Basics Line Called Gap Pure

If your basics are starting to look a little worse for wear, check out Gap's new collection, Gap Pure, which just launched today in stores (and online last night).
Gap Pure Basics Collection

If your basics are starting to look a little worse for wear, check out Gap's new collection, Gap Pure, which just launched today in stores (and online last night). Not only is the line affordable — prices range from $24 for a tee to $68 for a sweater — but the quality is also spot-on, highlighting jersey, pima cotton, and cashmere. In fact, we spoke to the designer and was told that each piece goes through a rigorous pilling test. We love the slouchy-cum-cool fit, perfect for lounging around, or if you want to up your style profile, layering with leather skirts and skinny trousers. See and shop our top picks in the slideshow now.

Celebrity Style

Amber Heard Proves She's a Master at the Art of Layering

No matter where in the world Amber Heard is strolling, she always stands out with her uniquely fashion-forward taste.

No matter where in the world Amber Heard is strolling, she always stands out with her uniquely fashion-forward taste. Her latest sighting at The Grove in LA proves that she's a master at the art of layering. It also solidifies the fact that she's obsessed with mid-calf skirts. This time, Amber layered a black ruffle-neck dress over a sheer white skirt and topped it all off with a super-luxe camel coat by Boss Black. For accessories, the actress carried a Stella McCartney bag and wore ankle-strap wedges on her feet. While this ensemble isn't the easiest one to re-create, it should inspire you to be fearless, like Amber, when it comes to layering unexpected pieces. If you're as smitten with Amber's look as we are, shop similar pieces below.