Marc By Marc Jacobs Turnlock Teri in Red

I can't lie... I kind of forgot I had this bag, and I unearthed it when I was home for the holidays. I bought it from last year's epic Saks sale and have never carried it. I actually have this bag in black and use it constantly. It's a great day bag with two large exterior pockets with turnlock closures, large slip pockets on front and back, and three pockets in the roomy middle section.

J.Crew Bow-Tie Skirt

I can't believe that this $350 J.Crew Collection bow-tie skirt is sold out, but apparently some people are not feeling the recession. The site description boasts that the silk jacquard for this skirt was developed from a vintage swatch and recolored for J.Crew. Apparently the skirt is dressed in self-fabric bows, each requiring meticulous handiwork and only a very select few were created. It's definitely a statement piece and I've never seen anything like it before--here's hoping Eric Daman snagged one for ultimate bow-lover Blair Waldorf.

Nicely Done: Mila Kunis

Mila Kunis attended the opening night for the New York City Ballet with director Darren Aronofsky. I have mixed feelings about her gray ruched strapless cocktail dress by Dolce & Gabbana teamed with a black tuxedo jacket, but her makeup is lovely--click the photo to check out a close-up.

Ann Taylor Wool Bow Neck Coat

I love this Ann Taylor wool bow neck coat, and it reminds me of the Marlene Birger Justinas jacket. This Ann Taylor piece would make for a lovely cocktail coat, but the simple shape could also work with jeans and heels for a more casual evening out.

Banana Republic Easy Lightweight Sweater

I had some old rewards cards from Banana Republic to use, and decided to pick up this sweater from the winter sale before the dollars expired. It has a slouchy, sexy fit and the color is a lovely deep purple. I was thinking about pairing it with a black lace camisole, skinny black pants, and black boots, but I'll have to play around with it before deciding on styling.

Acquire It: J.Crew Trifecta Ring

Trifecta ring, $65 at J.Crew

Admire It: Stephen Dweck Three-Stone Bubble Ring

Stephen Dweck three-stone bubble ring, $585 at Neiman Marcus

What Would Blair Wear? Chuck's Been Bad

When Chuck misbehaves, punishment is in order. Mistress B is ready to dole out the appropriate scolding in a leather bodice dress and thigh-high boots, accessorized with jet black drop earrings and a fringed clutch. I'll leave you to decide what's in the bag.

Martin + Osa

Martin + Osa is my latest obsession, and their sales are unbelievable--you basically get J.Crew quality at Old Navy prices. I've been on a mission to replace my worn-out knits and layering pieces, and also acquired a few other fun items. This long-sleeve slouchy pocket tee is a good substitute for the $$$$ Alexander Wang version, and it's incredibly soft. I also bought the rocco purple version.

Raw-edge waves of silk chiffon add delicate texture to the long and lean silhouette of this feminine long-sleeve cascade ruffle tee.
I am basically living in this gray rolled u-neck sweater—it’s a blend of cashmere and soy with a slim cut and cute button detailing on the cuffs.As you can see, I loved this shade of gray, and also picked up this Flashdance-esque sweater. It's a soft silk-wool knit that can be worn as a cowlneck or off-the-shoulder.

More gray! I also picked up this long-sleeve contrast trim scoopneck tee to pair with a navy skirt and burgundy cardigan. The tonal ribbon is a nice way to spice up a basic tee and it’s made of soft combed cotton.

The black leather east-west clutch has a single front pleat and silver hardware, plus a nice roomy 6.5” x 13.5” size.

I was on a roll, so why not throw in a skirt? The ponte button-tab skirt is a great black basic in a modern short length.

I have this cardigan in mustard yellow, and couldn't pass up a chance to score the purple version.

And maybe the matching jacquard circle skirt, too--the pleated waist detail is a nice touch and the fabric is great quality.

I'm not about to bust out the ponte cigarette pants with the attitude of this model, but they're a good basic to wear with long cardigans and tall boots, allowing me to avoid the dreaded leggings-as-pants look.

The skinny leggings from Hue are great, though I'm using them more as a substitute for super opaque tights. I got these to wear with my shorter dresses, and they're great quality and incredibly comfortable.

Kate Hudson's Bazaar Cover

I love Kate Hudson's cheery Bazaar cover--it just looks so fun, and the dress is awesome. I scanned in all the styling details--check them out here.

Anthropologie Monochromatic Corset Dress

I scooped up this Corey Lynn Calter dress on sale at Anthropologie and can't wait for spring so I can wear it and show off the corset back. I've been thinking about trying to winterize it with a black cardigan and tights, but I'm really not sure if it will work. Regardless, the dress is very va-va-voom, especially with the corset and the flatteringly short skirt length. Plus, it has pockets!

J.Crew Crystal Fireworks Earrings

I received these pretty earrings as a Christmas gift, and the oversized studs are about 3/4" in diameter that make a major statement. I'm wearing them today with a casual sweater and jeans, and I feel very glam as I lounge around at home.

J.Crew Stretch Toothpick Jeans

I've been meaning to post about the J.Crew toothpick jeans for awhile, and I'm not sure why. I have curves, and it's difficult to find denim that works for me. I took the ankle jean in twilight wash in my standard size, though they do stretch and I probably could have gone down one size. I bought these to wear with strappy heels in the summer and have been wearing them now tucked into knee-high boots.

The toothpick full-length jeans in midnight wash, and I sized down in these. They look great with oversized cardigans and the wash is great--no fading or trendy whiskering. I've worn them with my J.Crew Penelope Mary Janes for an approximation of the look below and the skinny leg helped to show off the shoes.

Diane von Furstenberg Alejetta Ponte Knit Dress

This Diane von Furstenberg Alejetta dress was a Black Friday impulse buy, and I managed to find it for about 75% off--between that price and the awesome exposed zip back, how could I possibly resist? The dress is very body conscious, but it's also a classic LBD that seems incredibly versatile. I just modeled it today but haven't worn it out yet, but was planning to style it with nude fishnets and my black patent Kate Spade Karolina heels.

Ann Taylor Crimson Sweaters

Merry Christmas, readers! I'm in my Midwestern hometown, celebrating the holiday with family. Is there anything more perfect than cheerful red at this time of year? I'm celebrating with two Ann Taylor sweaters, both acquired on sale with an additional percentage off. Last night, I wore the layered cardigan sweater and everyone loved the ruffles.

Today, I'm planning to don the perfect bow short sleeve sweater. You can't really tell from the photo, but it's merino wool with a chiffon overlay and a satin bow detail and--best of all--an exposed silver zipper up the back. It was difficult to avoid buying multiples of this top, but I think the crimson was the best color. If I recall correctly, it also came in ivory, blush pink, charcoal, and black. I'm pairing mine with my bargain Old Navy skinny black pants (with ankle zippers!) and black patent flats. Happy holidays!

Hue Purple Tights

I got these Hue tights for $7 each, and the colors have been a fun pick-me-up for winter work days. The shade on the left in aubergine purple, and I teamed then with a heathered olive green wool skirt that's a bit mumsy, so I have to funk it up a little when I wear it. I teamed the look with a white blouse and rolled the sleeves up over the outside of a charcoal gray cardigan, and threw on a triple-strand green beaded necklace at the last minute. The dark purple were actually a little easier to style, and I wore them with a black skirt, black Mary Janes, an ivory silk shell, and an emerald green cardigan.

J.Crew Dream Silvie Dress

This J.Crew dream Silvie dress is an oldie-but-goodie from last year, and I bought it in the dark charcoal color. I would love to find this dress in a similar style, especially one with full-length sleeves, because it's a fantastic piece. I especially love it for travel with black leggings, as it makes for snuggly, comfortable, and perfectly chic airplane attire.

Rescue Beauty Lounge in Mismas

Purple is my favorite color, and the Mismas shade by Rescue Beauty Lounge is the perfect deep, pure violet. I used to only wear Essie Mademoiselle, a pale pink, or Wicked, a deep dark burgundy, but lately I've been experimenting with more fun colors. Cheerful colors on nails are a nice pick-me-up in the winter, and this shade might have to go on my wish list.

Nicely Done: Eva Mendes

Eva Mendes glittered in a sparkling sweep of plum silk chiffon by Calvin Klein Collection--one of my favorite colors and rarely seen on the red carpet. Though the dress looks somewhat traditional from the front, the side view reveals a flash of leg. She accessories with a silver mesh Calvin Klein clutch and a Cartier ceramic-and-diamond cuff and diamond ring.

Acquire It: Anthropologie Rainbow Drops Necklace

Rainbow drops necklace, $48 at Anthropologie

Admire It: Tom Binns Multicolored Sparkling Necklace

Tom Binns multicolored sparkling necklace, $967 at mytheresa.com

J.Crew Stretch Flannel Olive Top

This stretch flannel olive top has an unusual shape that, in the words of the J.Crew description, is refined and incredibly chic. It features an open cowlneck, three-quarter sleeves with vents, and a hidden back zip. It seems versatile, too, and would work with a slim pencil skirt or jeans. I also like how J.Crew styled it with an oxford underneath, and I think that it would be striking with a short clustered necklace.

Gilt Groupe Sales

Gilt always comes through with tempting items... I can't wait to see what they have from fab jeweler Daniel K. If you need an invitation, click here to join.

Monday, December 21: Carolina Herrera, Ralph Lauren Sunglasses, Alexis Bittar Jewelry, Magaschoni

Tuesday, December 22: Baby Quasar, Wendy Mink Jewelry, Charriol Jewelry, Burberry Prorsum, Shipley & Halmos, Versace

Wednesday, December 23: Mouawad, Daniel K, and Vendoro Jewelry, Guillaume Hinfray, Archipelago Candles & Diffusers, William Rast

Thursday, December 24: Elizabeth & James, Trina Turk, Jewelry by Gerard Yosca, Kenneth Jay Lane, Lee Angel and Chan Luu, Moschino Cheap & Chic and Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, Gryson

Jennifer Behr Double Chain Headwrap

The Jennifer Behr double chain headwrap is on sale at Lock and Mane--take 20% off with code "instyle" at checkout. It would be great with a sweet dress or to add a tough edge to a sleek ensemble.

What Would Blair Wear? Sick Day

When mere mortals are sick, it's time for yoga pants and an enormous hoodie. Blair would wrinkle her nose at the mention of either of these items, and thus takes ill in fashionable and luxurious separates. Should Dorota not answer her bell promptly enough, a pair of Lanvin flats will suffice if Queen B needs to rise from bed.

Kate Hudson's Shopping Ensemble

This pap snap of Kate Hudson is from 2006, but this look still looks completely current. Her Thomas Wylde boots are completely swoonworthy, and the off-the-shoulder tee and simple necklace perfectly complete this casual outfit.

J.Crew Jackie Cardigans in Winter Colors

I love the J.Crew Jackie cardigans and own a stack of them--some favorites include fresh pine, navy, ocean, wild berry, and bark. I know I have a cardigan problem, but seriously, these are the perfect ones. They truly can be worn year round and wash beautifully, though--full disclosure--I baby mine by handwashing with a detergent formulated for delicates. This winter, I'm enamored with these shades. The dried orchid would look great with the light pewter tissue sparkling rose tee and shades of gray.

The bright seaside is another lovely color. I've seen this in store and it's a touch darker in real life, and it would be beautiful with creamy pearls and a winter white dress. I'd also like to experiment with pattern--I have a white-and-black leopard print silk shell that I think could work with this cardigan and a black pencil skirt. I'd use colored heels to add an additional pop of color--maybe dark pink would work.

J.Crew has had this burnished olive shade for awhile and I admit, I didn't really like it at first. It's since grown on me, and I think it could be dynamite with brown tweed or dark navy. The color might also team well with the Anthropologie Cloaked Vista dress.

Anthropologie Florry Dress

This adorable dress by Knitted & Knotted has stretch intarsia knit pairs two cleverly matched patterns in a face-framing, waist defining silhouette. It's a great take on the graphic look--I'd pair it with black tights and knee-high boots for a little extra sass.

Michael Kors Leather Moto Zip Jacket

This Michael Kors leather moto zip jacket was an absolute steal, and in person it's a smooth, buttery leather--the stock photo shows it wrinkled, and that is thankfully not the case. The jacket runs true to size and has a tough luxe style that's great with basic jeans, but makes a big statement when layered with girly pieces like floral Anthropologie dresses. I don't know if I could pull off this style when zipped and buttoned (as show on the far right) but with the collar folded into a v-neck? Love it!

J.Crew Marled Wool Cardigan

This J.Crew marled wool cardigan was a splurge, but one of my friends in college had a similiar sweater and I have always regretted not getting that one. What's a girl to do? (Answer: Buy! Buy! Buy!) No regrets, though--I wore it this week with a fitted white blouse from the Gap, black skinny pants, black Steven by Steve Madden Intyce boots, cheery red scarf, and a J.Crew tuxedo headband.

Hype Sprout Washed Silk Habotai Dress

I saw this Hype dress in the December issue of Elle, and it reminds me of the Vena Cava Papyrus dress Serena wore on Gossip Girl. I think this version is a bit more flattering thanks to the fuller skirt, and of course, I love the exposed zipper. I'd love to wear this in the summer with tough gladiator heels.

Kate Spade Lady Marmalade Studs

I bought these Kate Spade Lady Marmalade studs with an about-to-expire coupon code from Piperlime, and they're a fun little indulgence. They coordinate well with the sparkly J.Crew jewelry, and I bought them specifically to team with the pearl cluster necklace. I haven't worn studs in a long time, but they seem right with the statement necklace that I've been collecting this year.

Short Hair

So, I cut my hair to shoulder-length a few months ago and saved all these pictures of celebs with cute hairstyles. I wanted to archive them here in case anyone else was looking for ideas, and also so I have some inspiration when I go to the salon. (My typical M.O. is to plop in the chair and say, "Surprise me!" which has worked out well, but maybe isn't the most organized approach.) The pics of Parker Posey at the very end of this entry are scans from Mademoiselle--I had that haircut sophomore year of college and though it sounds shallow, it had a big impact on my life.