In honor of casual Friday, I chose the J.A.K. Black and White Western Plaid Shirt for today’s blog giveaway. Below are some of my favorite looks with a plaid shirt. The winner will be chosen on Wednesday. TGIF

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How to wear

Vests are so in, particularly since they mirror the menswear mood that is so big for fall. For a classic look, try layering a vest over a tight tee and pair with skinny jeans and heels. To achieve a more fun vibe, rock a vest over a flowy frock. The fur Blaque Label number and sequined Zoa piece are perfect for dressing up a look, while the Vintage Collection stunner and fringed Mink Pink vest will let you channel your inner hippie.

Which vest are you dying to own?

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This little number is a perfect gift for the tiny one in your life. She is sure to look and feel like a princess wearing this gorgeous frock, no matter what the occasion. This is ideal for the variety of holiday events that are approaching and would look precious paired with black tights and shiny patent flats.

Want to send this as a present? No worries, Chick can include a personalized card with the package!

Check out this pic of Alice + Olivia designer Stacey Bendet and her daughter Eloise, who inspired her to start the line.

What little one in your life would look darling in this dress?

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Black
This fabulous jacket from Liquid takes on the traditional shape, but adds a modern update with its big gunmetal buttons. Check out how Ri-Ri and Nicole Richie rock the black pea coat.

Red
Being a favorite shade for prepsters, you can channel your inner Blair Waldorf in this fantastic cherry-hued coat by BB Dakota. Leighton Meester and Nicole Richie heart the jackets of red wool and you should too.

What say you–is black or red the best color for outerwear?

With the holidays right around the corner, it’s great to have a few options in your closet for those last minute party invites. Chickdowntown.com is here to share a few ideas on how to look fabulous for the holidays without spending a fortune! Be sure to check their online boutique with the hottest clothing and accessories for fashionistas around the world.

The easiest way I can think of to dress up a basic black dress or suit is with red lipstick! A great shade of red that flatters your skin tone can take a simple black outfit from day to night. If you don’t have that go to black dress, you’ll need one. This Black Posh Dress by Blaque Label is priced under $100 and would look great for a night out. I recommend pairing it under a jacket for a more formal event or with some fun leopard pumps for a night out with the girls.

I would also suggest having a few pairs of black tights: one opaque, one sparkly, and one bright vibrant color. A great clutch, like these by Moyna, which are also under $100, add a bit of pop to any ensemble. These accessories can also take just about every outfit from day to night. Another staple piece I love is my vintage sequin bolero. It always comes in handy when it comes to holiday dressing; I reach for it over and over again.

In summary, if I were to choose the top 5 items to have in your closet to make holiday dressing easy, I would suggest the following: a black dress (whichever kind looks best on you), black tights, a sequin or faux fur bolero, a super sparkly accessory (clutch, earrings, necklace – you really only need one to make an outfit pop), and my favorite “accessory” for the holidays are red lips and nails. Happy Holidays!!

Who says holiday shopping has to break your bank? Grab one of these fabulous and affordable pieces for the fashionistas on your list!

1. COLLECTION EIGHTEEN Pleated Chiffon Scarf in Black, $24
2. ADIA KIBUR Chain Necklace in Hematite, $50
3. BB DAKOTA Pfeiffer Skirt, $49
4. HOUSE OF HARLOW Thin Stack Ring, $32
5. BB DAKOTA Ink Blue Burke Dress, $49

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Destroyed denim made its debut in the late 1980’s and resurfaced with the grunge movement in the early 1990’s. Now, with the help of designers like Balmain, distressed denim is back and stronger than ever. Whether your denim is frayed, ripped, distressed, or shredded you can be sure it’s trendy this season.

Fashionistas and celebs everywhere are donning pants in this genre–and it’s easy to see why. Detailing on denim makes a look, with little else needed to look fab. Even a basic tee looks chic when worn with this type of denim.

Try out one of these great pairs from Chick! My personal favs are the Current Elliott Skinny Slouch Loved Destroyed Denim, but any will look hot.

Will you rock destroyed denim this season?

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Cover up this strapless dress with a blazer and wish that you could be somewhere this tropical.

I love anything yellow, so this little dress hits the spot. The cut of the dress would look perfect belted, so wrap a chic leather one around your waist.

This vintage Ungaro dress hits the 80s trend right on the head.

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The Adia Kibbur Chain Necklace in Hematite glimmers darkly, while Streets Ahead’s Rose Nickel Necklace glows with a subtly burnished, warm sheen that complements a wide range of skin tones. For a glam flash of dark sparkle, try CC Skye’s Pave Crystal Link Bracelet. Each link is densely encrusted with black swarovski crystals for a slightly gothic touch that still keeps the look sleek and professional. Overscaled link accessories are the perfect antidote to a blah outfit, and make a sophisticated statement with a citified, urban edge.

Ready or not, winter is fast approaching. Best to stock up on all your cold-weather essentials now so you won’t be caught off guard when the season’s first blizzard strikes!
These fingerless gloves are especially perfect for all you touch-screen phone addicts out there! No need to take off your gloves every time you need to send a text.

Wear it Well
Because of the super long length, these gloves look great with a three quarter sleeved coat. Bundle up with a hat and scarf and you’ll be all set no matter how far the temperature plummets!

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The little black dress gets a new shape in this Riller & Found incarnation. The ideal option for a night on the town.

This Rag & Bone dress is such a sophisticated take on the draping technique. The overall simplicity makes it super easy to accessorize. Try a bold necklace or waist-cinching belt.

Not only is this Allen Scwartz dress a Chickdowntown exclusive, but its the perfect sparkle-enhanced number for all your holiday parties! White is a fun, bright alternative to standard black.

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Because this piece is cropped, it maneuvers effortlessly over pencil skits, high-waisted pants, or even jeans while creating a neatly pulled-together effect. Great to have at the ready, a cropped jacket with clean lines can go almost anywhere. Because of it’s simple shape and minimal detailing, this piece could even be caught at the waist with a great statement brooch for a shot of dazzle at night, over a simple black sheath.
This is the kind of essential that combines smart tailoring with an easy elegance, a real go-to piece that becomes a trusted favorite!

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This silk jumpsuit is the perfect ensemble for all your finger pointing dance moves.

This extravagant sparkler will turn as many heads as your moves on the dance floor. Pull on black tights and your dancing shoes.

Try a liquid dress on for size. You’re bound to enjoy all the attention it’ll receive. Grab a disco-ball inspired clutch before you head out the door.

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Sam Edelman’s Embroidered Devon Flat in orchid leather or blue denim is embellished with colorful embroidery and glittering faceted stones in a fun folkloric effect, adding a pop of brightness and a luxe bohemian vibe. Bloch’s Luxurey Ballet Flat lends a continental flair, with a decidedly French inspiration, and packs in your tote perfectly flat! These high-shine patent leathers come in great color combos, each with a chic contrast toe cap for a great runway look! For a neat profile in basic black, look to Loeffler Randall to provide lasting good looks with their Beulah Flat, a luxurious rendition of the classic ballet flat in richly textured leather. These come complete with a slender, removeable ankle strap to change up your look when the mood strikes!

With the right pair of fabulous flats at the ready, comfort is just a step away!

1. JULES SMITH yellow gold vermeil coral hoop earrings
2. LINEA PELLE vintage floral embossed belt
3. FREE PEOPLE red silk flower kaftan
4. SAM EDELMAN berlin flat boot in chestnut
5. REWASH distressed denim
6. KERSH navy raw edge scarf
7. BLAQUE LABEL mongolian lamb vest
8. E.VIL black skull burnout tank
9. CC SKYE pave crystal link bracelet
10. CITRINE BY THE STONES silver rocker wrap bracelet
11.LOEFFLER RANDALL black vachette hope v
12. FREE PEOPLE silver croc snap button leggings