Haute Holidays

It's the best time of the year (or second best, let's be real, nothing beats the summer's weather and freedom). But the holiday festivities are approaching, and with them the eager promises of holiday parties and winter soirees. The latest in fashion and beauty boast some interesting new trends to follow this season, but trends definitely worth trying out, no doubt.

#1. The Dark Lip
A little vampiric? Sure. Possibly sexy, mysterious, and totally trending right now? Definitely. A subdued- yet still brilliantly bold- color to pull together a whole look rests in the hands, or lips, of a dark lipstick. Think purples, plums, aubergines, maroons, burgundies, and mauve's. Disclaimer: warning to those daring to pull off the dark lips; think wisely about your whole face. If you're sporting a Gothic pout, don't go overboard on your eyes. Keep the focus on one area of your face versus going crazy and ending up looking like a drag queen. (Unless you're into the drag queen look, to each his own, dude.)

Not a supporter of Jennifer Lawrence's new haircut in replace of those long, golden locks... but she is definitely pulling off the dark lip. And hair or no hair, she still looks chic as shit.

#2. Velvet

This isn't so much a trend as it is a holiday MUST. The plush, warm fabric could be dressed up and down- the versatility oh so appealing, and can only be dragged out from the closet for these few festive months. (Yeah, I know hipsters of America and Free People are telling you differently but honestly, do you REALLY think velvet in July is a good idea?) My personal favorite holiday dress in my closet is a navy, vintage slight peplum velvet dress tied back with a large, navy satin bow. I've worn it to cotillions with open toed sling backs or also with black tights and chunky, dark heels. That is the beauty of velvet. 

PS- check out Free People's Velvet section for an array of wearable velvet confections. 

#3. The Up-Do

Perfectly coiffed and twisted up-do's are difficult to pull off, but simple solutions make elegant do's much easier and fun to try. Up-do's are very chic this season, try out your own experimental up-do on your own. (Many fashion label's blogs usually have a "hair/beauty" section or a "how to" area for further tips and tricks.) 

Kate Bosworth shows off her amazing earrings by double-braiding it.

#4. Holiday Gifts

The dreaded gift shopping that we all inevitably have to face... and pay for. As difficult as it is to find gifts that inspire and excite, small trinkets and tokens of appreciation go a long way. Holiday fall backs? Think pine-tree scented candles, cozy blankets, homemade Christmas playlists, hot coco mugs, YOU NAME IT! Included are a few creative gift ideas- all under $20!!!- to browse through and spark your festive flair.

Whip out your dark lipstick, throw on some velvet, twist your hair and betches, let's get gifting. Because after all, it's the most wonderful time of the year.

Mendham Style Watch

The lastest fall fashion trend sweeping the halls of my very own high school is the classic and cute, down vest. The vest has escalated every-day outfits to a higher level of prep, and not to mention: warmth! The down vest is the perfect compromise between comfort and style, who wouldn't love that? (Almost, but not as creative, as Italian fashionista Anna Dello Russo sewing hand warmers into her dresses for the sake of staying warm on the Red Carpet.)
Here are some great, real-life examples of how to rock the vest and what to wear with it! (Thanks to Nina, Maggie, and Sabrina for allowing me to chase them down and take their photos!!!)

Above: Nina making her cute outfit day-time casual by pairing her long sleeve dress and boots with her black vest. 

Maggie adding a preppy touch to her striped long sleeve shirt, denim jeans, and brown boots with her navy J. Crew vest.

Sabrina pairs her striped sweater, leggings, and brown boots with her navy vest. Sabrina's vest is so stylish with the gold accents on the zipper and deep pockets.

You can find stylish vests at so many stores- the most popular ones in my area include J. Crew, Patagonia and Coatology. Click on the brand names to be taken to their site and shop for your own down vest to join in on the trend.

Possibly Homeless

Playing Devil's advocate to my latest post about the high-class, expensive looks in Sofia Coppola's, The Bling Ring, I thought I should include fashion's ugly step-sister. The return of 90's grunge has fallen upon us. And yes, yes I absolutely love it. If I wasn't such a East Coast, prepster yuppie, you can bet I'd be rocking the over-sized flannels, boyfriend jeans, and beanies on a daily rotation... But, I am part of the Vineyard Vines/Lilly Pulitzer poster family so my flirtations with grunge style are infrequent and sporadic. I can still love from afar though, can't I?

How to: rock "grunge". It's pretty hard to look this bad. It takes deliberate skill to match over-sized pieces with falling apart or worn out items. Start with the basics- over-sized sweaters or t-shirts (graphic t-shirts promoting old school rock bands or bitchy slogans work best), ripped apart or sagging denim, boots or sneakers with snazzy socks, and some type of hat to hide the perfectly-contstructed bed head underneath it.

 One of grunge's biggest poster models, Kurt Cobain, prominent signer and suicidal junkie of 90's punk band, Nirvana.

(None of these photos are my own, they have been found on Tumblr and Google. I do not take credit for these images.)

The Bling Ring

 

If you haven't seen The Bling Ring yet... you should. If you're not in it for the killer fashion then at least do it for the film itself. A fictionalized account of the teenage burglars in L.A. who broke in and stole expensive clothes, accessories, and other fabulous items from A-list celebs in the California area. The fashion they stole and wore in this movie were (in the words of Fergie), GLAMOROUS. I have never fallen in love with so many clothes in such a short period of time. 

Although, I should note-- I am a big believer in the paid-a-little-money-but-I-look-this-hot concept (however, I also believe in the paid-a-lot-of-money-to-look-this-poor look too so follow what you want, I'm conflicted). So although this movie boasts high prices and expensive luxuries, also keep in mind that you can look expensive and fabulous by not spending your college fund on one dress, too.

The one and only Bling Ring (cast includes- from L to R- Taissa Farmiga, Israel Broussard, Emma Watson, Katie Chang, and Claire Julien)

If you're not already in love/obsessed with Emma Watson, after this stunning profile of a snobby wannabe you'll hate how much you love her.

^I couldn't have said it better myself. Sometimes us girls just want a little Chanel? You know? So if you haven't seen The Bling Ring yet, get your illegal movie downloading powers ready or add it to your Netflix queue, because this one is making my fashion flicks top 10.

Bootilicious

Don't get freaked about the title, I'm not talking about big butts or Fergie... I'm talking fall boots. The staple, the icon, THE fashion beacon of the fall season. The classic boots have been changed and modernized over the years but one of the growing boot trends are ankle-height booties.

At first I wasn't all rah-rah over ankle boots, but after doing my research and seeing a more diverse range of booties, I think I might just have to hop on the bandwagon with this trend.

(The majority of these boots can be found from J. Crew or Frye Boots... but of course many other retailers and designers have their own ankle boot models.)