Chanel has three new coveted nail colors out for spring 2010, including Chanel Particuliere Le Vernis Nail Colour, a color that can be described at "mushroom," "taupe" or "putty." This affordable luxury (oxymoron intended) can be yours for $23 a bottle at uma.chanel.com.




If you want to try this color for less, People StyleWatch offers a great dupe in the February 2010 issue: It's the Complete Salon Manicure Nail Polish in Commander in Chic by Sally Hansen, $7.99 at Ulta.com (or look for it in drugstores). Maybe I'm just smitten by this color because Chanel says it's chic, but I definitely can't wait to get my hands on a creamy putty polish for Spring! If anyone has any suggestions for a similar color, I'm all ears.

I am going to Southern California the first week in February for a 4 or 5 day mini-vacation and wedding and have NO idea what to pack. Please help me out on what to pack and possibly outfit ideas and an idea of what to wear to the wedding—I'm lost! —D

When I'm packing for a trip, I think about the weather and the type of activities I plan on doing, then I lay out a few outfits, and finally, I edit. Pack items that you can wear at least twice. Items that go from day to night are even better.

Having said that, I follow a couple Southern California fashion bloggers (like Cupcakes & Cashmere and Karla's Closet), and those lucky girls seem to be able to wear just about anything this time of year! Still, the weather can be unpredictable, so pack an umbrella, trench, cardigan, blazer, scarf, tights and hat to prepare for chilly evenings or rainy days.

Other than that, I think you can have fun and be as fashion-forward or laid-back as you wanna be. Do what suits you! Here are 4 outfit ideas to get you started. Click any image to get details on all affordable items shown (you know I wouldn't tease you with out-of-reach pricey duds).

Outfit 1

A Formal Affair: For the wedding, why not get a head start on spring trends and try a bright frock dressed up with new neutrals? I think it's a fresh take on evening wear.


Outfit 2

Urban Boho: Pair edgy leggings with a slouchy beanie and chunky sweater for a look that's relaxed yet cool enough to blend in with any scene. Great for sightseeing.


Outfit 3

Casual Sexy: A bandage skirt exudes a sexy-siren vibe, so play it down with a casual button-down and sporty vest. Wear the same skirt with a tank-top later for night.


Outfit 4

Girly: Here's an Alexa-Chung-inspired look that's playful and fun yet wearable enough for a day of shopping. A blazer is the perfect layering piece to pack since it can go with jeans, skirts or dresses. Ditto on the cross-body bag!

Readers: What's your strategy for packing? What did I miss?

Looking for plus size dresses that won't break the bank? Fashion Bug carries plus size and misses clothing fit for every budget in current fashions for women size 6 to 30. (Yeah, I pulled that line from their site, but it sums up everything they do so well!) Here are 5 fab dresses priced so low, you'll think you've died and gone to fashion bargain heaven:

1. Knit Rosette Dress, Was $39.99 Now $15

This versatile and slimming LBD features a delicate rosette detail on the shoulder. I love the sexy scoop-neck and classic cap sleeves that make this the perfect day-to-night dress.



2. Shimmer Dot Emma Dress, Was $49.99 Now $15

If you loved the color of Sandra Bullock's dress at the Golden Globes, then you'll adore this rich purple party dress, available in sizes 6-28. A flowing shimmer dot chiffon layer adds interest without being distracting like so many of the prints you find at fast-fashion chains.




3. Lace Overlay Cocktail Dress, Was $49.99 Now $15

Here's another classic silhouette in chic black and white that you could top with a cardigan for day, or pair with strappy heels for night. I love that it looks just like something you could buy at White House Black Market, but at a fraction of the cost!



4. Shawl Collar Sweater Dress, Was $39.99 Now $15

Comfort and style are the hallmarks of the ever-essential sweater dress. Layer it over a long-sleeve tissue tee, add tights and boots, and you've got the perfect cold-weather look.



5. Cowlneck Sweater Dress, Was $39.99 Now $15

Here's another fabulous sweater dress that you could wear with leggings for a day of running errands, or pair with tights and ankle boots for date night. It's the perfect blank canvas for any number of accessories, too, like a long pendant-necklace or textured belt.

And the winner is… #45 Daniela Ramirez! Congrats to our winner and thanks to everyone who entered.




Please note: This giveaway is now closed to further entries, check back later for the winner!

We've teamed up with DownEast Basics to offer one lucky reader the chance to win this Trendsetter Tote in purple! DownEast Basics is a high-style, low-price fashion retailer that specializes in trendy fashions as well as modest clothing. I placed my first order with them during their MLK blowout sale, so stay tuned for my review!

To enter, visit www.downeastbasics.com then tell us which new arrival has you wishing it were springtime in the comments section below.

This giveaway is open to both United States and Canadian residents. Entries must be submitted by Thursday, January 28 at 12 noon ET to be eligible to win. Bookmark this page, where one winner selected at random will be announced Friday, January 29.

Good luck!

Now that her stint with MTV is over, British-bred Alexa Chung is partnering with Madewell to create a limited-edition fashion collection. The Alexa Chung for Madewell collection will reference the 26-year-old television personality, writer, model and style icon's sexy-tomboy look, and will include polka dot tea dresses, dungaree dresses, high-waisted skinny jeans, oversize wool jackets with velvet and lace accents, as well as tees with Chung's photographs and illustrations.