SPRING’S BEST BALLET FLATS

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While polished pumps and strappy stilettos always make us happy, we’re putting some extra spring in our step this season with colorful ballerinas. Designers are kicking up their skimmers in a big way, elevating them in sumptuous dyed leather, fun florals and ornate embellishments. Chic and timeless (not to mention insanely-comfy) for the office or running around on weekends, channel your inner Audrey with our favorite styles of the season (plus, what to pair them with).

BEST FLORAL: J.CREWScreen Shot 2013-02-27 at 10.55.16 PMKick up your heels for J.Crew’s latest collaboration with UK textile company, Liberty of London, whose feminine florals adorn these Cece flats ($198 at J.Crew; enjoy free shipping on all orders with code FREESHIP). Not only are they incredibly cute, they’re made with padding, a rubber sole and a slight interior wedge for extra comfort. Pair them with accessories that pick up a hue in the print, such as this bubble gum pink stunner by Kate Spade New York ($198 at Kate Spade New York; you can also download their latest music playlist).

BEST COLORBLOCK: NINE WEST

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Add a pop of color with Nine West’s Superfly skimmers (on sale for $49 at Nine West; get $20 off!) crafted of fuchsia and tangerine suede. We’ll be wearing ours this spring with jeans and a tee on weekends, and with chartreuse capris (like J.Crew’s, $168 at Net-A-Porter) on days we’re feeling a bit more daring.

BEST ORNATE: OSCAR DE LA RENTA

Screen Shot 2013-02-27 at 11.30.44 PMEven his flats are red-carpet ready! Oscar de la Renta’s Petalina ballerinas ($825 at Bergdorf Goodman; free upgraded shipping with code SHIPBG) are spun of creamy leather and dressed up with dramatic beads and black florets, making them perfect with an LBD (such as this swingy little number by Topshop, $75) for dinner at a fancy restaurant or cocktail party.

BEST RAIN-READY: TORY BURCH

Screen Shot 2013-02-27 at 11.43.23 PM Add a dash of sunshine to spring showers with Tory Burch’s cheerful bow ballets ($125 at Tory Burch; enjoy free shipping) crafted of water-resistant rubber and finished with a feminine bow. They’re a chic alternative to rain boots, and the perfect complement to Missoni’s cute chevron umbrella ($69 at Saks Fifth Avenue; score free shipping with code SFAFEB).

BEST STUDDED: MARC BY MARC JACOBS

Screen Shot 2013-02-27 at 11.54.59 PMMarc by Marc Jacobs kicks spring’s critter trend to the next level with these adorable flats ($248 at Neiman Marcus, free shipping with code FEBSHIP). They’re spun of supple cobalt leather with studs in a playful mouse motif. Paint your pout with Dior’s Favori Red ($32 at Sephora; free shipping over $50) to balance the whimsy.

GET THE LOOK: OBAMA OUTERWEAR

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Pantone may have declared 2013 as the year of emerald, but we have a feeling that purple—from lavender to grape and every shade in between—will be popping up everywhere this year, thanks to the stylish First Family’s sartorial choices during Monday’s inaugural ceremony.

Channeling true American royalty in a trio of perfectly-coordinated purple jackets, Sasha, 11 (in a violet Kate Spade New York coat), Malia, 14 (donning a J.Crew jacket and merlot infinity scarf) and FLOTUS Michelle Obama (in a checkered Thom Browne topper with eggplant gloves) looked tailored to perfection during Monday’s daytime festivities. Inspired, Shopilly set out to find the perfect purple pieces to add to our own cold-weather wardrobes this season. Learn how to get the look, and tell us what you think of the Obamas’ inauguration style below.

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MALIA OBAMA

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Malia opted for J.Crew’s double cloth lady day coat in fresh plum ($325, take an extra 40% off all sale items), crafted of luxe Italian wool and lined with cozy Thinsulate for an extra layer of warmth against the East Coast freeze. We also found this luxe fuchsia stunner by Chloe ($900 at Farfetch.com) which we think is the perfect pop of color over cocktail dresses and eveningwear.  For a more affordable everyday option, snag a wild cherry topper by Merona ($41.98 at Target) to channel the spirit of the older Obama sib.

SASHA OBAMA

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While Sasha’s custom Kate Spade New York coat isn’t available for purchase, we found a handful of violet delights that may tickle your fancy. DKNY’s darling double-breasted jacket (on sale for $129.99 at Lord & Taylor), Delia’s Devin peacoat ($59.50, score free shipping until Thursday!) and Via Spiga’s belted trench ($111.99 at Lord & Taylor) are a few plum options—all under $150, to boot!

MICHELLE OBAMA

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As for the most stylish First Lady since Jackie Kennedy? Get Michelle Obama’s sleek, sophisticated look by pairing a dark checkered jacket, such as John Richmond’s plaid wool topcoat ($1,475)  or Tory Burch’s tartan jacket ($548.16, both available at Farfetch.com) with black stovepipe skinnies and leather boots. Or opt for Christopher Kane’s lovely leopard style ($1,078 at thecorner.com), perfect for cinching with an embellished belt.

New Year, New Resolutions

Now that the ball has dropped, bottles of bubbly popped and we’ve entered into the new year, it’s time to put our 2013 resolutions into action. And it’s easier (and more fun) than ever to keep them, thanks to the cool gadgets, gear and other goodies we’ve found—from stylish workout clothes to veggies delivered to your door. Happy 2013!

RESOLUTION: FIND TIME FOR FITNESS

Lululemon Pace Setter Running Skirt, $58

Lululemon Pace Setter Running Skirt, $58

The best motivation to get your butt to the gym? Investing in workout gear, such as Lululemon’s Pace Setter Running Skirt ($58, enjoy free shipping!) spun of light, moisture-wicking fabric with built-in shorts and an elastic hem so they stay put while jogging on the treadmill.

Gaiam Cardio Burn Yoga DVD, $11.95

On the days you can’t get to the yoga studio, pop in Gaiam’s Cardio Burn Yoga DVD ($11.98, use code 13NEWYEAR for an extra 20% off) with certified instructor Patricia Moreno to get your vinyasa on at home.

Nike+ Fuel Band, $149

Nike+ Fuel Band, $149

Track your workouts with the Nike+ FuelBand ($149 from Nike), which measures everything from the number of steps you take to amount of calories burned. Download the mobile app and wirelessly share your progress with friends, too. (Bonus: it doubles as a cool-looking watch!)

RESOLUTION: LOOK MORE POLISHED

Clarisonic Mia, $119 at Sephora

Clarisonic Mia, $119 

Just a few small tweaks in your daily routine can make you look (and feel) more pulled-together. Get dewy, fresh-from-a-facial looking skin everyday with the Clarisonic Mia ($119 at Sephora, score free shipping) which helps minimize pores and cleanses so thoroughly, moisturizers and serums absorb more effectively. (We got one from Santa and our skin has never looked better!).

Deborah Lippmann Get Nailed Manicure Set, $48

Deborah Lippmann Get Nailed Manicure Set, $49

Clean, perfectly polished nails go a very long way. Treat yourself to a weekly mani-pedi at home with Deborah Lippmann’s Get Nailed manicure set ($49 at Nordstrom, get free shipping) complete with base coat, top, polish remover and two glossy lacquers.

Kenneth Jay Lane earrings, $56

Kenneth Jay Lane earrings, $56

Always keep a pair of glittery earrings in your purse to add an instant dose of glamour on the go. Jeweled button styles, such as this pair by Kenneth Jay Lane ($56 with 30% off at Last Call by Neiman Marcus) lend just-right sparkle to everything from desk-to-dinner getups to your weekend uniform of skinnies and a tee.

RESOLUTION:  EAT MORE VEGGIES

Chef's Table, $89.95

Chef’s Garden Seasonal Vegetable & Herb Box, $89.95

No time to hit the farmer’s market? Get a bounty of farm-fresh veggies delivered to your doorstep with Chef’s Garden Seasonal Vegetable and Herb box ($89.95 per order, available at Gilt Taste), packed with peak-of-season produce, such as squash blossoms and baby cauliflower.

Breville Juicer, $149

Breville Juice Fountain Plus, $149.95

Save yourself $10 a day on green juice with Breville’s Juice Fountain Plus (on sale for $149.95 at Williams-Sonoma), considered the Bentley of at-home juicers for its powerful, 850-watt motor and easy-to-clean micromesh filter.

The Modern Vegetarian by Maria Ella, $

The Modern Vegetarian by Maria Ella, $15

Dust off your pots and pans and get cooking with Maria Ella’s delicious new cookbook, The Modern Vegetarian ($15.30 on Amazon.com), packed with 120 mouthwatering meatless recipes, such as watermelon panzanella and lemongrass & sweet corn soup.

RESOLUTION: GET ORGANIZED!

Kate Spade New York 2013 Desk Agenda, $38

Kate Spade New York 2013 Desk Agenda, $38

Stay on top of meetings, dinner dates and social soirees with Kate Spade New York’s 2013 daily agenda notebook ($38, take an extra 25% off sale items with code 25SALE). It also comes with extra sheets for jotting birthdays, restaurants and important addresses.

Container Store Shoe Boxes, $1.89 each

Container Store Shoe Boxes, $1.89 each

If your bathroom cabinets overflow with a messy mix of toiletries, here’s how to get organized: dump everything onto the floor and divide into categories (nail polishes, travel sizes, eye makeup, etc). Stow in the Container Store’s stackable plastic shoe boxes ($1.89 each), tuck away underneath the sink or linen closet and—voila!

Palm Beach Chic's Elle Jewelry Box, $79

Palm Beach Chic’s Elle Jewelry Box, $79

Avoid making a jumbled mess of your jewelry using Palm Beach Chic’s Elle lacquer jewelry box ($79 at One King’s Lane), complete with special compartments to keep necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings in pristine condition.

 

 

All That Glitters

It’s almost time to ring in the new year! Whether you’re c­­elebrating the countdown at a glamorous soiree or hosting an intimate party at home, put the Midas touch on your New Year’s Eve look with splashes of gold sparkle, inspired by the Spring 2013 runways. Add just a touch (such as a row of rings, a la Balenciaga) or go all out (hello Oscar de la Renta!) with our roundup of the web’s best and brightest 24-karat pieces.

SPRING 2013 RUNWAY

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From left: Vera Wang, Balenciaga, Oscar de la Renta

ALL DRESSED UP

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Stand out and shine all evening in a shimmering mini. We found a trio on sale at The Outnet (Net-A-Porter’s digital outlet–a goldmine for designer steals!) such as this sweet scalloped strapless by Rachel Gilbert (marked down to $478 from $1,365), seductive bodycon by Herve Leger ($770) and sizzling one-shoulder dress by Opulence England ($160).

PRETTY LITTLE PIECES

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Or, ease into the trend one piece at a time. Tuck this sequined tank ($20 from Target) into a flouncy skirt or pair Diane Von Furstenberg’s metallic twill shorts (on sale for $150 at Net-A-Porter) with a billowy blouse and black microfiber tights for a look that’s as good as, well, gold. Watch how Rag & Bone’s luxurious bronze blazer ($895 at Net-A-Porter) instantly dresses up your plain LBD.

FINISHING TOUCHES

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Dance till dawn in Christian Louboutin’s jaw-dropping peep-toes (a whopping $3,995, available exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman in honor of their 111th anniversary) adorned with millions of crystals & studs. Tuck lip gloss, cash and compact essentials in Diane Von Furstenberg’s lustrous clutch ($295 at Nordstrom), which has a crossbody strap to keep hands free for a glass of bubbly. Or, jazz up a strapless neckline with Kate Spade New York’s heavy-duty gold & pearl necklace ($155, take an extra 25% off with code 25SALE)—the perfect accessory for making a gleaming statement.

GET GLOWING

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And finally, switch up your beauty routine with a dose of shimmer. Dust eyes with Bobbi Brown’s Long Wear Cream Shadow in Goldstone ($24 at Sephora, take an extra 20% off sale items with code EXTRA20) for solid gold sparkle that won’t smudge. Or, turn up the heat with Gucci Guilty ($61 at Macy’s, enjoy an additional 15% off with code JOY) —a sleek, sexy fragrance infused with violet and amber. Lastly, look polished to perfection with Essie’s Golden Nuggets nail lacquer ($8 at Essie.com) at your fingertips.

STOCKING STUFFERS

Decked out office halls, ubiquitous red Starbucks cups and this week’s lighting of the Rock Center tree means one thing: the holidays are in full swing! We know that the holiday rush can be overwhelming. If you haven’t started your Christmas shopping yet, ease into the spirit of things with our favorite bite-sized stocking stuffers. All are under 50 bucks and are as delightful to give as they are to receive!

FOR YOUR FASHIONABLE BEST FRIEND

Izak Mini Lip Gloss Set

Sephora Izak mini lip gloss set, $14

Hanky Panky lace thong

Hanky Panky lace thong, $20

Baublebar earrings

Baublebar earrings, $26

Fill her stocking with colorful treats, such as Sephora’s Izak Mini Lip Gloss Set ($14, free gift with code UNDERWRAPS)–5 glossy minis in wear-everywhere shades like Fiery Red and Tea Rose. Or, pretty panties by Hanky Panky ($20, score free shipping), packaged in a cute star-shaped box. We also think she’ll love Baublebar’s chic violet earrings ($26, play their 20 Days of Buried Bauble game and score jewels for under 20 bucks) because let’s face it, sometimes a girl needs sparkle.

FOR YOUR SOPHISTICATE SISTER

Jo Malone Grapefruit travel candle, $35

Jo Malone grapefruit travel candle, $35

Kate Spade New York USB drive, $50

Kate Spade New York USB drive, $50

C. Wonder monogram coasters, $10

C. Wonder monogram coasters, $10

Fresh and classic (just like your sis), Jo Malone’s grapefruit travel candle ($35 at Saks, get free shipping and gift wrap with code HOLIDAY) is an instant mood-booster on-the-go. She’ll also adore Kate Spade New York’s darling USB drive ($50 at Bloomingdales, enjoy free shipping) shaped like a cocktail ring and equipped with an ample 4GB. Or, consider C. Wonder’s monogram coasters ($10) to put a preppy twist on her next cocktail party.

FOR THE BEST MOM EVER

Tocca mini hand cream trio, $18

Tocca mini hand cream trio, $18

N. Peal cashmere gloves, on sale for $32

N. Peal cashmere gloves, on sale for $32

Herban Essentials lemon towelettes, $16 for 20

Herban Essentials lemon towelettes, $16 for 20

She’s always made sure you were in good hands—treat hers to a little luxury with Tocca’s mini hand cream set ($18 at Spack NK Apothecary, ships free!), a trio of their most popular scents made with shea butter and coconut oil. She can also keep them toasty in N. Peal’s chic, ultra soft cashmere gloves (on sale for $32 at the Outnet, refer a friend and earn $30). If she’s the kind of supermom who always has sanitizer at her fingertips, she’ll appreciate Herban Essentials Lemon antibacterial towelettes ($16 for pack of 20 at Beautybar.com, free shipping on your first order) made with all-natural essential oils in a fresh citrus scent.

FOR THE MEN IN YOUR LIFE

Areaware bottle opener, $14

Areaware bottle opener, $14

Corgi striped socks, $30

Corgi striped socks, $30

On The Rocks glass and ice mold set, $25

On The Rocks glass and ice mold set, $25

Skip the go-to necktie and give him something with more mileage, such as Areaware’s super cool bottle opener ($14 at West Elm, score free shipping), made of sustainably harvested beech wood with a hidden magnet to catch caps. He’ll also get a kick out of cozy cotton socks—just be sure to pick ones with personality, such as Corgi’s striped pair ($30 at Mr. Porter). Lastly, we don’t know a single guy who doesn’t love On The Rocks ice ball mold ($25 on Open Sky, get free shipping over $100), which produces jumbo slow-melting spheres so not to dilute his favorite whiskey.

FOR THE SMALL FRY

Rowdy Sprouts Nirvana onesie, $38

Rowdy Sprouts Nirvana onesie, $38

Old Navy critter hat, $11

Old Navy critter hat, $11

Giggle finger puppets, $15

Giggle finger puppets, $15

Your tiny tot will look too cool for nursery school dressed in Rowdy Sprout’s vintage Nirvana onesie ($38 at Kitson, receive free shipping over $75). Keep baby’s head nice and cozy with Old Navy’s too-cute monkey critter hat (on sale for $11, get 20% off with code ONHOLIDAY). Or, put on a show with these adorable Jungle Finger Puppets ($15 at Giggle, free shipping over $75 with FABFREE12), made of soft, 100% certified organic cotton.

SHOP IT: WINTER COATS

Baby, it’s cold outside! In light of the Nor’easter blustering through New York City, not to mention snowstorm Brutus making his way west, it’s time — in most of the country — to bundle up in your warmest winter threads. And with all the pre-holiday specials going on, there’s no better time than now to invest in a chic winter jacket. After all, it’s the first thing people notice with your outfit, plus if you find the right one, you’re sure to keep it for many more seasons to come. Read on for our roundup of the season’s warmest, most winsome offerings.

BEST NYLON PUFFER
 
   

If you’re looking for a plush down-filled jacket that won’t make you feel like you’re wearing a sleeping bag, Victoria’s Secret’s knit collar coat (on sale for $126, use code FALL12 to receive $15 off) is cinched at the waist to flatter your figure, and comes with a built-in knit scarf to keep you extra cozy. Another great option is DKNY’s opera coat ($495) cut in a relaxed, robe-like silhouette and perfect to pair with leggings or skinny jeans. As for our favorite, most luxurious non-puffy puffer? Burberry Brit’s down trench coat ($995, use code NOVGV to score a free Neiman Marcus gift card), featuring belted cuffs, rain flaps and a chic double-breasted silhouette. (This one’s a keeper.)

BEST BRIGHTS
     

Perk up your look on even the coldest day with a cheerful pop of color. We love how Banana Republic’s sunny yellow jacket ($225, take 30% off with code BRSAVE30) instantly boosts our mood. Or go pretty in pink with J.Crew’s sweet coat ($325, take 25% off + free shipping using code OURTREAT), lined with special Thinsulate to keep you extra toasty. Asos’ darling cobalt blue design ($92.35), complete with a cute hood, is sure to wake up winter doldrums.

BEST (FAUX) FUR-TRIMMED
   

For the perfect day to dinner jacket, opt for luxurious faux fur flourishes, such as Victoria’s Secret’s cherry red topper ($131) which has a removable collar, or Rachel Zoe’s Trish peacoat ($404, get free shipping) which looks equally chic over office outfits and cocktail party ensembles. Or go all out in Kate Spade New York’s Allie coat ($898), crafted in season-perfect pumpkin with a generous plush trim.

BEST LIGHTWEIGHT

As for those of us living in the warmer parts of the country, there’s no real need for a  heavy-duty jacket, of course. But you can still bundle up on our chillier nights in Rachel Roy’s perfect throw-on-and-go sweater coat ($189) For something a bit more daring, try Via Spiga’s sleek black cape ($100, marked down from $170) to wear with skinny jeans and heels, or stick to something classic with BCBG’s khaki trench ($398, enjoy free 3-day shipping) to wear with just about everything you own.