Plaid

I've admired the Mascot Puffer Jackets ever since they came out, and the latest ones are even cuter in two new color combinations! This red style reverses to black and a blue plaid to a deep green but both are filled with down and extra snuggly for snowy romps.

If you want to take the preppy pattern to the max, there's also a complementary leather leash and collar for bonus coordination. I'm leaning towards the red tartan since it would make a subtly festive Christmas present, too, but see for yourself in the widget below.

Walk down the street, and you can see the plaid trend has reached critical mass. One might even scoff at the use of the word "trend" for a fabric with such a formidable history. Dr. Jonathan Faiers, being that one, is a cultural professor and author of a whole book on plaid, Tartan: Textiles that Changed the World. He says plaid transcends trends.

It's been worn by both the establishment (Scotland clans, aristocracy, and military forces) and by the anti-establishment (modern-day subcultures), and you can't say that about many fabrics. So what's the theory on plaid's current proliferation? After 9/11, New Yorkers' plaid was spotted through the streets of New York (maybe it was just Fall?), and now the troubled recession times have brought it back.

But, there's another theory. Plaid, along with beards, is a reaction against the metrosexual man of the aughties. Gone is the overgroomed, clean-shaven man, and here is the burly, plaid-wearing dude. I say as long as he doesn't become an urban new-age caveman, he can wear as much plaid as he pleases!

Source: Flickr User bunchofpants

Lyanneperi knows how to stand out, via punchy plaid. Today she went for a modern rural look, denim shorts, boots, and all. I especially dig the black woven bag and chunky bangles. Is that a bovine in the back?

Here's what she has on:
Top: Thrifted
Shorts: Next Jeans
Shoes: Stacatto
Bag: Tianni
Bangles: Bazaar
Watch: Esprit

Congrats to Lyanneperi!

Everyone else, submit your looks, and I might feature you on FabSugar!

It looks like a lot of you were inspired by the latest hit flicks — nice! Peep rmur: she dressed up in a plaid top, riding pants, and boots to emote an old-school equestrian vibe. Can you guess which movie she saw? Sherlock Holmes, of course. It's really elementary, my dear Watson . . .

Here's what she has on:

Boots: Laredo
Leggings: Primark
Top: American Eagle
Plaid Shirt: Forever 21
Watch: Urban Outfitters
Bag: Urban Outfitters

Congrats to rmur!

Everyone else, submit your looks, and I might feature you on FabSugar!

There's preppy plaid, then there's punky plaid. Clearly fashionistaenit is the latter. I'm inspired by everything from her pose to her chunky bracelets, her husky bag to her clear glasses.

Here's what she's wearing:

Top: Zara Man
Leggings: Topshop
Shoes: Nine West
Bag: Charles & Keith
Glasses: Forever 21

Congrats to fashionistaenit!

Everyone else, join the Look of the Day group then submit your looks. I might feature you on FabSugar!

• The Row Spring/Summer 2010 look book — Nitrolicious
• Alber Elbaz art directs for Vogue Brazil December 2009 — Fashionologie
• Zac Posen for Target includes a convertible prom dress — Racked
• Last minute gift ideas: straight from the designers — Lucky
• Nine costume designer prevented Fergie from "flying out" of her corset — The Cut
• Habillées with Mlle. Agnès — Fashionista
• Flaunt magazine shows naked Naomi in "The rape of Africa" — Jezebel
• How to wear black and gray denim — College Fashion
• Stephen Webster announces diffusion line inspired by Aguilera — Stylelist
• byCorpus makes jewelry for Urban Outfitters — Teen Vogue
• Yves Saint Laurent Vanity bowler — Bag Snob
• Feel the holiday plaid with these patterned gift picks! — Refinery 29
• First Look: Olsenboye — NYLON

I've long been searching for the perfect plaid pant. A while back, Ashley Olsen wore this gorgeous blackwatch navy and green plaid coat that inspired me. A recent hunt yielded this A.L.C. Plaid Tux Pant ($298, originally $425). It's gorgeous, all right, but the price is killer. Luckily, I also found another plaid pant that can work for the preppy chic look I'm seeking.

To see the look for less, read more

Vanessa is living her college life to the fullest. Besides getting into rompy threesomes, the Gossip Girl also enjoys showing us her selection of unique and vibrant ensembles. While strolling NYC, Vanessa kept warm in a cozy colorful plaid jacket by Diane von Furstenberg, paired with a blue embroidered dress by Nanette Lepore. Black opaque tights shield her from the Fall chill, while gray ruched boots further her bohemian 'fit.

Photo courtesy of the CW

It's bound to happen. Everyone starts to hibernate as the days get shorter and the temp gets colder. However, that's no excuse to dress drab. I suggest making your Winter retreat a fashionable one via buffalo plaid, sherpa-lined denim, laced boots, and boyfriend jeans. Think Paul Bunyan, or rather, Paulina Bunyan, when styling your warm warfare. Now, all I need is a cabin, fireplace, hot cocoa, and a snuggly stud muffin.