The worst pants of the year

As a blogger, I feel as though I would be remiss in not presenting to you some sort of superlative at the end of the year. We've seen the best dressed, the worst dressed, the best ad campaigns, the best collections, the worst fashion statements...

You don't need another list like that from little old me.

So, I present you with...

THE WORST PANTS OF THE YEAR!

I could wax sartorially for hours about how AWFUL these white, lacy bellbottoms with built-in hot pants are. And I would like to thank curse Nightcap Clothing for putting these on this planet.

But apparently, there are people out there who actually liked these monstrosities, as they are now sold out at Shopbop.

We can add that to the list of "Biggest Shockers of 2010."

Christmas Post

This Week's Facts: It's beginning to look a lot...

LIKE CHRISTMAS! I hope you are all celebrating in your own wonderful ways.

Coming to you live from Louisiana... my first Christmas without my immediate family, but the Fiance's family - my new family! The weather down here is much better (read: warmer) than DC, and we're having a great time!

And now, for the best news from the web of the week:

Credit: Refinery29 and Cheap Chicas

• My favorite looks of the week: Michelle Williams looking adorable in Azzaro and Jennifer Hudson looking festive and svelte in Lanvin. I ogled this Azzaro dress during Paris Fashion Week in September, and Michelle couldn't look more amazing in it. Plus, I think that Lanvin dress needs to get in my closet. Like, now.
• The year-end wrap-up lists started December 1, but here are some of my favorites: the 30 most stylish people of the year, from Fashionista; the fashion year in review from Refinery29; and the worst fashion of the year from Wonderwall. Also be sure to check out Refinery29's top trends for 2011.
• In case you missed it: The apparent boyfriend of a very spoiled girl with very good taste left her Christmas list on the train, and Velvet in Dupont provided commentary. "Whatever the newest Chanel makeup is (as long as I don't have it already)" - because most boyfriends know exactly what makeup their girlfriends wear. Sheesh. (Meanwhile, I shared my wish list here - not so bad in comparison, right?)
• Still can't find the perfect New Year's Eve outfit? WhoWhatWear tells you how to make your very own feathered skirt - you'll be the flyest girl there (get it?).
• Finally, since it is Christmas Eve and all, you must check out The Digital Story of the Nativity. So fun for Christians and non-Christians alike.

Have a wonderful Christmas Eve!

Luck be a lady

It's no secret that ladylike looks were back in style this season. And how! In fact, FabSugar readers just called it the trend of the year!

From "Mad Men" inspired wiggle dresses, to full skirts, to kitten heels, to my favorite trend, structured satchels, we saw this look everywhere.

I, for one, loved donning a dress over grungier skinny jeans. To me, the ladylike look will never go out of style... So this trend is worthy of investment!

As the year winds down, I thought I'd display some of my favorite ladylike bags.

Jil Sander Madame frame top handle bag, available at Saks: $1375

Topshop burgundy leather boxy bag: $100

Marc by Marc Jacobs Ozzie Square Smith, available at Zappos: $358

Fendi Mini Peekaboo, available at Barneys: $1650

Melie Bianco ruffled bow satchel, available at Target: $69.99 (A great knockoff of this Valentino)

DVF Lytton Minaudiere: $295

Desperately in search of neutral flats

I'm a little despondent. My go-to flats are no more.

The soles are worn through, the back has lost its elastic-ness, and they basically look really junky. (Don't judge me - I love them sooo much)

And I'm devastated. These were the perfect patent flat: Tory Burch Revas in Sand. Not made anymore. Irreplaceable. The neutral color made them 100% versatile and wearable with nearly anything. I miss wearing them already.

So, I'm on the hunt for a new pair of nude neutral flats. I thought I wanted a pair of Bloch cap-toe flats, but I can't find any in my size (even a deal on Swirl yielded fruitless, as they sold out instantly). Back to square one.

Tory Burch has a good track record of comfort and quality with me. So what about her Eddie flat?

Neiman Marcus: $178

Maybe something with more embellishment...

Jeffrey Campbell, available at Jildor: $130

Or another shade of neutral altogether...

Vera Wang Lavender Label, available at Jildor: $195

I thought these babies might be the winner, but suede? Not so sure...

Maria Sharapova by Cole Haan Air Bacara, available at Piperlime: $109.99

While I'm on the hunt, I'll continue to mourn my comfortable, cute Revas. I'm really going to miss those guys. Maybe I should get another pair in black patent...

All I want for Christmas

With Christmas fast approaching, gift-buying time is winding down. Have you finished your shopping? I myself have one or two things to pick up still - and a whole SLEW of packages sent out for delivery... Wish they would get here soon!

In the meantime, I thought I'd share with you my dream Christmas list. You know, in case anyone feels like buying me a little something-something.

1. Burberry Cotton Blend Trench Coat, available at Net-A-Porter: $995

2. Giles and Brother Short Multistrand Necklace with African and Rhinestone Rings: $785 

 
3. Christian Louboutin Pigalle 85 patent-leather pump, available at Net-A-Porter: $595 

4. MICHAEL Michael Kors Chronograph Watch, available at Bloomingdale's: $250

5. Tory Burch Reva Tumbled Leather Logo Ballet Flats, available at Neiman Marcus: $195 

6. Hermes silk twill scarf: $375

7. Kate Spade New York Raya Dress, available at Nordstrom: $236.90

8. Eddie Borgo Block Pyramid Bracelet (I am so obsessed with this bracelet and have no idea how much it costs)

9. Mulberry Bayswater Leather Bag, available at Net-A-Porter: $950 (or while we're at it... a Birkin or Chanel 2.55)

10. Marc Jacobs Lola Gift Set, available at Bloomingdales: $85.00

What are you asking for this Christmas?

She's born to shimmer

I'm sort of a magpie. Put something sparkly in front of me and watch me "ooh" and "aah." I can't resist a little glitter - sequins, shine, bling, all that jazz.

So of course I'm lusting after an amazing embellished jacket. It's the perfect day-to-night piece: Wear it with subdued black pants or a black pencil skirt to liven up any mundane office outfit, then throw on some sassy skinnies for girls' night out. Check out how Maegan of Love Maegan wears her embellished blazer here.

C'est parfait!

Isabel Lu embellished label jacket, available at Piperlime: $278

 

 

 

Aryn K chain detail blazer, available at Piperlime: $68.99

Milly pailette wool blend jacket, available at Piperlime: $450

By Malene Birger Courlan embellished crepe blazer, available at Net-A-Porter: $495

Bellatrix Trophy embelisshed knit jacket, available at Nordstrom: $57.90

Forever 21 embellished dinner jacket: $42.80

Anna Molinari embellished cotton blend jacket, available at The Outnet: $432

Countdown to New Year's

What are you wearing this New Year's Eve? Between shopping for presents, it's hard to find time to shop for the perfect New Year's dress!

I'm not going to lie: I'm partial to sequins on NYE because if you can't wear them then, when can you? And on New Year's Eve, everything sparkles! You're just fitting in.

But I realize sequins aren't for everyone, so I picked out some other options for you party-goers: bold colors, sexy blacks and more fabulous frocks. Everyone can ring in the new year in style!

Sparkling:

ADAM folded-sequin silk-organza dress, available at Net-A-Porter: $1495

ABS sequin scoop back dress, available at Saks: $402

Jessica Simpson sequined holiday dress, available at eDressMe: $148

3.1 Phillip Lim sequin shift dress, available at MyTheresa: $1037.24 

Pop of color:

BCBG strapless party dress, available at Saks: $278

J. Crew hammered silk flambe dress: $495

Twenty8Twelve Porter dress, available at Diani: $143

Rachel Roy Marquesa dress: $119 (This is a little fancier, but I like it a lot)

Thread Social asymmetric silk bow dress, available at The Outnet: $198.40

Sleek and black (bring in your personality with fun accessories):

Rachel Pally Babe dress, available at Shopbop: $207 (I have to credit Liz with finding this number... but it's so perfect and fun!)

Foley + Corinna metallic lace strapless dress, available at Shopbop: $475

Forever 21 tiered leatherette dress: $39.80

A little bit of everything:

Topshop sequin spot tulle dress: $250

Forever 21 Twinkling Sequins party dress: $24.80 (But nix the dumb hat)

Christopher Kane galaxy print silk-satin dress, available at Net-A-Porter: $2,185 (For the adventurous dresser who just got a nice bonus!)

If the glitz and glamour of these dresses is wrong for you, check out Style Bakery's list of non-sequined New Year's Eve dresses. They are pretty cute!

For the final touch, head over to Refinery29 to check out their guide for how to accessorize your party dress. (PS - They accessorize the Christopher Kane dress from above - I totally picked this dress before I read their tips though! Great taste abounds within me, I guess!)

One more note: I do not necessarily advocate spending a ton of money on a NYE party dress. Here's why: A) With lots of drinking, stuff can happen. Clothes can get ruined. Be careful. B) As much as I love sequins, how much are you going to wear the fully sequined dress? That's why the Forever 21 and Jessica Simpson options are so great - fun party frocks without costing all the cash. This is just my 2 cents though... I'd buy all of these dresses in a heartbeat if I could.

Would You Wear These: Jeffrey Campbell Lita Boot

I know I said I wasn't on board with the lace-up bootie trend.

But everyone has their tipping point, and these boots might be just what I need to get on the right side of this look.

Jeffrey Campbell Lita Shoe, available at Singer 22: $175

I don't know if it's the fierce - and I mean FIERCE - platform, the neutral taupe color or the wicked heel, but I can't get these out of my head. I especially love the way I saw these styled on FabSugar:

Credit: FabSugar

These boots speak to me. Mostly, they say "buy me! buy me!"

Then I hear my fiance say "Marta, you could never walk in those."

So, for now, I am asking you: would you wear these 5.25" platforms? And more importantly, should I buy these bad boys?

Sunday Lust List: Ring-a-ling

When it's cold outside - and especially when it's almost CHRISTMAS - there are two types of things I want to wear: tons and tons of warm sweaters and coats and something cheery to warm me up (bright colors and sparkles!).

So, obviously, my lust list looks a little something like this:

Brochu Walker contrast cardigan, available at Shopbop: $625

APC cape with fur-lined hood: $392

Pierre Hardy color-blocked heels: $1470

Vince Sequined Silk Tee, available at Saks: $495

state & lake french kiss top, available at Shopbop: $152

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent sequin front sweater, available at Piperlime: $425

L.A.M.B. Plum, available at Piperlime: $189.99