#WIN IT | A Smart Set Holiday Giveaway

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

The holidays are only a month away (insert panic button here) and while this festive season calls for loads of comfy gear (think PJ's, parkas and plaid scarves), it also requires putting on your party best. From family meet-ups to festive fêtes, it's always a challenge to look unique. Luckily, you don't have to spend a fortune to outshine those twinkly lights. My go-to spot for cheerfully cheap party pieces? Smart Set, of course. This store's always got the season covered with embellished sweaters, sexy dresses and just-edgy-enough accessories to help you shine throughout the holidays.

To inspire you away from your LBD, I've put together 3 pretty party looks that keep style and comfort top of mind, from a bomber worn over a wind-chill-friendly maxi, to a cozy tulle skirt/sweater combo you'll want to wear everywhere.  And to help you shop your fav Smart Set look, we're giving away a $100 Smart Set Gift Card! 

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'TIS THE SEASON: Your Best-Ever Holiday Wardrobe

Photo via H&M

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Now's the time where we start to compile our wishlists and our seemingly endless to-do's. And while it's easy to let our wardrobes take a backseat since we have so many other things to check off our lists, here's some holiday food-for-thought for you. How can you take care of others when you haven't taken care of yourself? How can you shop when you're not properly outfitted? How, pray tell, can you host a holiday party when you're not the best-dressed babe in the room?

And so, I've put together the ultimate holiday wardrobe for you, from the coziest jammies (consider them your down-time partners in crime), to the best boots (some snow-friendly, some sparkly), to the most stunning party pieces to get you through the holidays in enviable style. 

It's all about holiday survival, ladies. And if survival requires shopping, you know I'm all for it...

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THE EDGE | A Conservative Girl's Guide to Achieving Street Cred

Photo via Olivia Palermo on Instagram

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

Pressed, primped and pulled-together is one thing. But cool? Now that's a real challenge for conservative girls. While some are just born with it, most of us have to work a little harder to get an edge. Luckily, the right pieces can score you that street cred you crave. We've pulled together some of our fav ways to add instant edge to your wardrobe this season, no extra piercings required. Phew...

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TREND REPORT | Shades of Grey

A perfect grey moto jacket. Photo via Danier.

Originally posted in The LOOK

Just got back from New York and like always when I get home from this beautiful city, I feel inspired. There's just something about the way a New Yorker throws herself together that exudes character and confidence. And yet after this trip, it's not a boot or a handbag that stood out to me as a must. On this trip, it was the colours that came out on top from the classic neutrals to the pop-brights (see yesterday's post) that stood out like yellow cabs against the concrete. But while I'll always love black, my go-to neutral this fall and winter will be about quiet, subtle but sublimely sophisticated grey.

New York It-chicks sailed through the city this week in all shades of grey, worn most strikingly from head-to-toe, acting a lot like urban camo against the backdrop of sidewalks, buildings and the grey fall skies. And while you'd think all grey would be boring, it's surprisingly not. The NYC secret? Mix up shades of grey in loads of different textures to achieve wardrobe 'grey'tness. 

If this hasn't been played out too much already (and even if it has), I've rounded up 50 of my fav grey finds. Mix these picks up with abandon and you'll look urban in all the right ways for fall, even if you've yet to set foot in NYC...

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BRIGHT IDEA | Rock Colour This Fall

Photo courtesy GAP

Originally posted in The CLOSET

The cold weather hits and suddenly, we're a mass of black - heads down, all angsty looking. In a word: depressing. And I'm definitely guilty of putting away most of my brights when the cold weather hits, too. Sure, I'm in fashion so it's practically a job requirement to have a bright coat here and a shocking accessory there but if I'm honest, it's mostly black. All. The. Time. 

So, I'm fighting against it this season. Not because it's particularly on trend, or because it's what any style expert said we should do. But because I'm in New York this week and against the backdrop of all the buildings and pavement and black-clad people, I can't stop staring at all of those bright yellow NYC cabs.

Let's be honest - you can never go wrong with neutrals (more on that later), but here are 40 bright and happy finds to pop on anytime you're feeling blah this fall. Oh, and I've included loads of gorgeous reds to take you right into the holidays, too...

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