Wishlist: New Year's Celebration Items

Happy New Year's Eve!

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Sparklers $11 // Party Dress $49 // Cootie Catcher $5 // Champagne Flutes $7 ea. // Noisemakers $9 // Veuve Clicquot Brut Reserve $65

Personal Shopper: Dressy New Year's Eve

Yesterday, I posted a casual New Year's Eve look, but today, here's a dressier one for those of you going to cocktail parties, fancy clubs, etc.

Are you going fancy or casual for NYE?

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Dress $40 // Shoes $24 // Clutch $40 // Earrings $39 // Bracelet $14

Personal Shopper: Casual New Year's Eve

It's only a few days until New Year's Eve. Do you have big plans? What are you going to wear?

If you need inspiration, for the next two days, I'm going to post some fab New Year's Eve outfits - a casual outfit, and a dressier look. I'm starting off with something you can wear to a casual party or bar.

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Top $36 // Pants $50 // Necklace $13 // Earrings $8 // Bracelet $22 // Shoes $46 // Bag $49

Girl Crush: Diane Keaton

I know that it was Marlene Dietrich who started the whole women-in-menswear thing, but Diane Keaton perfected it. She always looks so put together, so effortlessly chic, and can you believe that she's 65 years old?

Here are some tailored bu still feminine pieces that I think Diane would love.

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Skirt $66 // Choker $75 // Shirt $66 // Glasses $15 // Blazer $35 // Shoes $45 // Hat $20

Fashion Redemption: Parker Posey

Allow me to tell you a story.

There used to be a woman who frequented my local mall, who always wore head-to-toe theme outfits. She looked like she was in her 50's or 60's, and she was always impeccably dressed, yet she looked insane, in the best way possible. One time, she wore all hot pink. And I mean, all hot pink. Hot pink top, hot pink skirt, hot pink tights, hot pink shoes, hot pink purse, hot pink jewelry, hot pink headband, hot pink nail polish, and hot pink lipstick. One time, she did the same thing with bright yellow. Another time, she wore all metallic gold. Yet another time, she wore 100% leopard (see my recent homage to her here).

I loved her and still look for her every time I go to the mall. She looked crazy, yes, but I loved her confidence, her effort, and her commitment to her look. She was awesome.

Why am I telling you this? Because Parker Posey looks like a sloppy version the crazy mall lady. And since she's not the crazy mall lady, she can't pull this off. Here's something much, much better.

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Dress $73 // Shoes $45 // Clutch $22 // Earrings $20 // Bracelets $13

Merry Christmas!!

I hope you're all having a wonderful holiday! To celebrate, here are a few of my favorite Christmas songs.

See you in a few days!

Inspired By: The Obama Family Portrait

It's Christmas Eve, and I'm sure that most of us are going to be spending today and tonight with our families. And speaking of family, the new Obama Family Portrait makes me smile.

Source

Could they be any cuter? And not only does the photo give me the warm fuzzies, it also gives me serious fashion envy. They all look amazing. So here's a roundup that's inspired by this fab portrait.

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Blue Dress $72 // Ring $8 // Purple Dress $78 // Tie $21 // Black Dress $57 // Earrings $15

Happy Holidays!

Hello, What the Frock? readers!

I'll be traveling for the holidays, so posting will be light until after the New Year. 

Season's Greetings and Lots of Love,

Dana

Photo Source

Gift Guide: Yours Truly!

In what's become an annual tradition, the final installment of the gift guide is what I'm hoping to get this year.

And please share in the comments what's on your list!

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Kate Spade Mittens $65 // West Side Story DVD $20 // Zara Dress $60 // Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish $18 // Le Creuset Dutch Oven $110 // Aldo Loafers $59 // Asos Clutch $35

Inspired By: Grunge

I was in high school and college the first time grunge was in, and it was freakin' awesome. As a poor teen, I was able to get almost all of my clothes at the thrift store for pennies, and getting dressed required almost zero time and zero thought. Grunge is back with a vengeance today, but since I'm no longer a teenager, I like to adapt grunge to my grown-up lifestyle, body and budget. Here are some grungy pieces that I'd be happy to wear now.

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Shirt $52 // Tights $20 // Doc Martens $125 // Jacket $30 // Ring $38 // Dress $26

Wishlist: Cardigans

Now that it's finally chilly, my uniform has become top + cardigan + skinny jeans + boots. In my opinion, the cardi is the most important part of that equation, so here are some fab ones I'm coveting.

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Striped $29 // Orange $50 // Leopard $29 // Aztec $78

Gift Guide: The Pup

I spoil the hell out of my dog, Basil (rhymes with dazzle). Because how could you not? Look at that face.

Here's a guide for those of us who just love to shower our furbabies with gifts.

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Sweater $45 // Kong Toy from $5 // Snacks $5 // Leash $60 // Personalized Collar from $18 // Dog Bed from $20 // Tuffys Toy $23

Personal Shopper: New Orleans New Year's

I'm going to New Orleans this New Year's with my boyfriend who is absolutely in love with the city. I'm super excited to get to share this with him and can't wait for all the fun we're going to have. But my only problem is what to wear on the big night! We're going to a concert and there's going to be a lot of walking around and standing, so I know I can't wear anything too fancy or any sparkly heels (which would usually be my go-to outfit). I'm 5'4'' and around 120 pounds. I have long legs that I'd love to show off in a cute short dress or skirt. I tend to dress like Alexa Chung so anything in that vein would be great! Please help me knock his socks off when we boogey down in the bayou!

When I think Alexa Chung, I think oxfords, so I built this whole outfit around these adorable shoes. And trust me, you don't want to be walking around NOLA in strappy shoes anyway (Bourbon Street is fun but there are some nasty things you don't want to step in)!

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Dress $69 // Belt $5 // Tights $6 // Shoes $100 // Bag $24 // Bracelets $6 // Earrings $10

Celebrity Copycat: Jessica Alba Style

I love that wide-legged jeans are back, but I haven't found a pair that flatters me yet. Until I do, I'll live vicariously though Ms. Alba, who is rocking those jeans!

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Shirt $15 // Jeans $29 // Boots $25 // Scarf $40 // Bag $20 // Bracelet $25

Gift Guide: The Toddler

Infants may be adorable, but they don't really appreciate gifts like toddlers do. Is there anything more precious than a little tyke who loves his or her newest present? I think not! So here are some gifty gifts that would work for a little boy or girl.

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Blocks $35 // Pajamas $15 // "Goodnight Moon" Book $9 // "Free to Be You and Me" CD $9 // Toy Piano $59 // Rocking Horse $99 // Stuffed Elephant $18

Inspired By: Hanukkah

Hanukkah starts at sundown tonight, so here are some items that remind me of the holiday. Chag Sameach!

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Chocolate Gelt $3 // Earrings $35 // Cards $16 // Dress $25 // Menorah $98 // Dreidel $12 // Bracelet $50

Girl Crush: Edie Sedgwick

If I could time-travel for the sole purpose of raiding someone's closet, I'd be in NYC in 1966 and Edie Sedgwick would be in big trouble.

Source

Here are some pieces that remind me of Edie's iconic style.

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Dress $90 // Cream Eyeliner $10 // Earrings $38 // Lip Lacquer $24 // Coat $62 // Shoes $35

Gift Guide: The New Homeowner

If you've got a loved one who is decorating a new home, here are some practical, stylish gift that they'll be incredibly thankful for.

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Pillow $30 // Vase $45 // Table $39 // Lamp $69 // Mirror $50 // Tray $78 // Throw $45

Personal Shopper: Sequin Tank

Hey there! I got this awesome sequin tank top from the J.Crew outlet and I'm having trouble figuring out how to wear it. The funny part is I wore it today styled casually, but I can't figure out how to fancy it up for NYE! You'd think a sequin top would be easy, right? I don't know why, but I'm struggling! Any ideas for dressing this up for New Year's are appreciated. I'll probably be outside for at least part of the evening with nighttime temps in the low 50's.

This outfit will be perfect for your party - just throw the fur-collared cardi on when you step outside!

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Tank $55 // Skirt $40 // Cardigan $49 // Shoes $40 // Clutch $30 // Ring $17 // Earrings $14

Celebrity Copycat: Jayma Mays Style

What a perfect outfit for a holiday party! I love the stark black-and-white contrast of Jayma's sophisticated look. I can't see her shoes, but that just means that I get to choose my own - sweet!

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Top $33 // Skirt $118 // Shoes $50 // Ring $11 // Earrings $8

Gift Guide: The Bookworm

This is really just an excuse for me to share some of my favorite works of fiction with you. Just do a search on Google or Amazon to find the best price for each book. Each one comes highly recommended!

Gift Guide: The Stylish Grandma

In my experience, grandmothers are the hardest people to shop for. The grannies in my life have everything they need, and don't want for much (lucky ladies) so it's hard to find something that they'll actually use and like. But here are some affordable gifts that I think most grandmothers will actually get some use out of.

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Pearl Stud Earrings $30 // Lavender Potpourri $55 // Initial Pillow $40 // Jonathan Adler Coasters $68 // Polka Dot Satchel $40 // Cashmere Scarf $49

Gift Guide: The Jetsetter

Utilitarian doesn't have to mean plain! Here are some practical but very stylish gifts for the globetrotter.

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Jonathan Adler Sunglasses Case $48 // iPod Nano Multi-Touch from $129 // TOMS shoes $44 // "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck $8 // Travel Hair Dryer and Flat Iron Set $66 // Baggu Backpack $32 // Inflatable Pillow $22 // Tory Burch Makeup Case $95

Personal Shopper: Skirt for Cocktail Party

I bought a skirt from Zara that I was hoping to make work for a holiday party.  The dress for the party is cocktail.  I'm just curious to see if you have any ideas!

It definitely can work for a cocktail party. The trick? Add some sparkle.

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Top $65 // Skirt $60 // Belt $9 // Shoes $20 // Bag $40 // Bracelets $58 // Earrings $8

Celebrity Copycat: Kirsten Dunst Style

Man, Kiki's really been nailing it lately, huh? I'm loving her Burberry coat dress but I could never afford it. Good thing I was able to find a cheaper version, huh?

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Coat $80 // Shoes $75 // Bag $50

Gift Guide: The Lady

She wouldn't be caught dead wearing jeans to a party, and her hair is always impeccable. If she was a fictional character, she'd be Charlotte York, Emma Pillsbury or Blair Waldorf. But she's real, and here are some gifts she'll love.

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Kate Spade Earrings $68 // Anthropologie Cardigan $30 // Monogrammed Bracelet $66 // "Just Being Audrey" by Margaret Cardillo $12 // Dior Nail Polish $22 // Topshop Bag $50 // Modcloth Flats $30

Wishlist: Makeup

I very rarely wear more than basic makeup (concealer, mineral foundation, blush, mascara, eyebrow pencil, lip balm), yet I have more jars, bottles, tubs and tubes than I know what to do with. So, I've put myself on a ban: no makeup purchases, unless I'm replenishing a staple. But there have been a few items that have caught my eye as of late, so I'm hoping that maybe Santa will be nice to me and satisfy my cosmetic jones.

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Blinc Mascara $24 // Urban Decay Urban Ammo Eye Palette $38 // BeneFit Girl Meets Pearl Highlighter $30 // Nars Lipstick in Funny Face $24 // Laura Geller Sugar Free Blush and Brighten $30 // Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Rouge Fatal $25

Celebrity Copycat: Sarah Jessica Parker Style

I love, love, love how SJP added bright tights to an otherwise neutral, conservative outfit! Get the look for less right here.

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Dress $79 // Coat $79 // Belt $10 // Tights $9 // Shoes $49 // Sunglasses $8

Gift Guide: The Glamour Girl

She loves bling, designer labels, and the color pink. Her style icons? Elizabeth Taylor, Beyonce... and Miss Piggy! Here are some fashionable and surprisingly affordable gifts for your favorite glamour girl.

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Subscription to Vogue $15 // Rachel Roy Ring $44 // Juicy Couture Fur Collar $88 // Betsey Johnson Tights $25 // Kate Spade Bracelet $98 // Coach Wristlet $58 // Pour la Victoire Shoes $40

Personal Shopper: Reuniting with Husband

I need your help! I haven't seen my husband in two and a half months, and next week, I'm going to pick him up at the airport...I'm so excited! But I'm not sure what to wear - I want to impress him but at the same time I don't want to look overdressed because his parents are going to be there too. Please, I need your advice!

This look will get your husband's attention, but it's sophisticated enough for his parents. Good luck with the reunion!

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Dress $48 // Shoes $25 // Bag $40 // Earrings $23 // Headband $8

Celebrity Copycat: Mandy Moore Style

I have such a soft spot for Mandy Moore - she escaped the world of manufactured pop and succeeded, she seems super down-to-earth, and she's just adorable. Snag her look for less here.

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Sweater $50 // Jeans $98 // Shoes $20 // Bag $35 // Sunglasses $8

Gift Guide: The Homebody

If you know a lady who prefers her home to a restaurant or bar, who'd rather be curled up on the couch with a book than out on the town, here are the perfect gifts for her.

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Tea Sampler $30 // Yellow Submarine Tea Diffuser $18 // Friday Night Lights Complete Series DVD $75 // L'Occitane Lavender Candle $25 // Anthropologie Lounge Pants $70 // Dog Slippers $70 // Seven Novels by Jane Austen $26 // Apple TV $99

Inspired By: Vintage Orlon Ad

I've got a thing for vintage advertisements, and this is one of my favorites from the 60's. The psychedelic font, the  colors, the hemlines... it's just fabulous. I would wear any of these looks today.

And for anyone else who'd want to wear something like this today, here are some items that remind me of this groovy ad.

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Skirt $49 // Dress $79 // Tights $17 // Shoes $80 // Sunglasses $16

Celebrity Copycat: Lea Michele Style

It's always jarring to me to see Lea in normal (read: non-Rachel Berry) clothing, but she's rocking this look. I'm seriously crushing on her print coat - and it's on crazy sale!

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Coat $60 // Shorts $18 // Tights $15 // Boots $65 // Bag $35 // Sunglasses $22

Gift Guide: The Geeky Girl

She goes to Comic Con every year. She worships Wil Wheaton. She can quote Spaceballs word-for-word. And she'll love all of these geek-friendly holiday gifts.

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Steve Jobs Biography $18 // Wonder Woman Ring $91 // "You Have Died of Dysentery" Tee $6 // Robot Laptop Sleeve $80 // Buffy DVD Box Set $158 // Harry Potter Deathly Hallows Necklace $22 // "Nerd Alert" Panties $6

Personal Shopper: Student Teaching

I start student teaching as a high school math teacher in January. I am 24, and have a 4 year-old daughter, but evidently I look about 18. When I've done other things at high schools students often think I am one of them, and it can be embarrassing! I don't want to dress too old for my age, but I need something that makes me stand out from the students besides 2 piece suits. I have been looking all over for "teacher clothes" but everything I find seems way to old for me. I mean, the clothes have shoulder pads! Heels are a must as I am only 5'3" and I usually wear a size 8. Nowadays teenagers dress so old for their age, so it's hard to find something stylish that looks mature. Thanks so much!

This look is mature without being stuffy - bold tights and a houndstooth bag give the outfit a bit of style. Best of luck in student teaching!

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Cardigan $45 // Skirt $25 // Tights $22 // Shoes $27 // Belt $5 // Bag $30 // Necklace $15 // Earrings $38

Celebrity Copycat: Victoria Beckham Style

I've been really impressed with Victoria's fashion label - her dresses are chic, modern, and appear to be very flattering. Best of all, they're simple, which makes it fairly easy to find similar dresses on the cheap!

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Dress $60 // Shoes $45

Sunday Splurges: Neutral Flats

Usually, when I think of pricey designer shoes, I think of sky-high stilettos or luxe leather boots. But, when it comes down to it, I'm a flats girl, and there are plenty of amazing flats out there that go with everything. Too bad I can't afford them, but here's the eye candy anyway.

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Valentino Studded $859 (similar here) // Giuseppe Zanotti Leopard $550 (similar here, here) // Lanvin Python $1,265 (similar here, here) // Chloe Black Patent $484 (similar here, here) // Prada Striped $520 (similar here)

Gift Guide: The Music Lover

I usually post outfits on Saturday mornings, but for the past few weeks, I've mostly been spending my time in front of the computer in my home, and trust me - you don't need to see me in yoga pants and my husband's sweatshirts.

So, here's another gift guide instead: gifts for the music lover.

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Music Lyric Necklace $50-$60 // Dress $53 // iPod Case $35 // Headphones $60 // iPod Amp Speaker $20 // "The Show I'll Never Forget" by Various Authors $17

Gift Guide: The Entertainer

I wish I was a good entertainer, but honestly, I'm a better guest. So here are some perfect presents that I can give to those wonderful people who enjoy feeding me and liquoring me up!

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Anthropologie Apron $38 // Terrain Rustic Cutting Board $32 // iGourmet French Cheese Gift Basket $80 // Vintage Print Tea Towel $14 // Astrud Gilberto's Finest Hour CD $10 // "Cook this Now" by Melissa Clark $18 // Jonathan Adler Salt & Pepper Shakers $45

Personal Shopper: Broadway Matinee

My mom and I are going to Manhattan for a long weekend, and we got tickets to see a matinee of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying on Sunday. We're going to be Christmas shopping and sightseeing before and after the show, and it's going to be chilly, so I'd love to wear jeans and comfy shoes, but my mother is insisting that you can't wear jeans to a Broadway show. So, can you help me come up with an outfit that is warm and comfortable but still nice enough to wear to the theater, so that my mom doesn't have a nervous breakdown? I have a very nice coat, so I just need help with everything underneath. I want to be sure I'm stylish enough for NYC.


First, you can let your mother know that it's perfectly fine to wear jeans to a Broadway show, especially a matinee. But you want to make mom happy, so here is a look that's totally appropriate for your entire day in Manhattan, including the show.

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Sweater $55 // Tank $15 // Pants $17 // Booties $50 // Bag $48 // Necklace $15 // Earrings $14