It’s a countdown to couture — when the clock strikes midnight, let your look be part of defining the moment and making a memory.  Get a jump start on 2011 with a sizzling haute holiday look and set the tone for the 12 sparkling new months ahead.  Whether you’re staying in with your close set, or buzzing around town at all the hot spots — slip into a scene stealing dress and ring in the new year.  We searched high and low for our top picks and present to you these three fab finds — all for under $200.

Get Golden

Every other look is just the runner-up.  Glittering gold takes first place hands down, and this leggy dress with draping cut out sleeves is just the ticket.  Paired with strappy sandals and bold bangles, you’ll feel worth every ounce.  We chose this dress from Bloomingdale’s at Santa Monica Place ($188).

Bet on Black

The Kardashians have the corner market on sexy, and this fashion-forward anything-but-basic little black dress is no exception.  With lace up detail and attention-getting lines, this mini dress is mega hot.  Pick this up this dress from the Kardashian collection at bebe in Los Cerritos Center ($149).

Shiny and New

Sequins are a given, but swathed in pure winter white—take on whole new meaning.  Go for the glow–everything looks brighter against the shimmering canvas of this sheath dress.  We picked ours up White House Black Market at Paseo Nuevo ($99).

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Keira Knightley holding a Chanel chain strap purse. Photo Credit: sugarscape.com

From chain-straps to sequins, to bow purses and lady bags, the handbags styles of the season are to-die-for. We here at Style Seen Daily take notice to some of our favorite girls’ selections.  ”The Duchess” actress Keira Knightley clutched on to her beautiful Chanel chain-strapped bag on the red carpet, and we love how some other great designers are following in their footsteps with fabulous chain bags. Check out these styles to draw some inspiration for your new handbag this year.

Chain- Strapped

Shenae Grimes with a Rebecca Minkoff bag. Photo Credit: celebrityfashion.onsugar.com

90210 actress Shenae Grimes has been putting together some stylish, edgy looks. We love the faux fur jacket paired with over-the-knee suede boots. But most of all, her Rebecca Minkoff chain-strapped bag is so practical and cute. She took a classic look and added a modern edge to it. The best thing about these bags is how versatile they are; they can be dressed up or dressed down, worn long or over the shoulder, and they are small enough to not get in the way, but big enough to carry everything you would need for a night out.

Matt & Nat Laroux Bag. Photo Credit: shopbop.com

We love this studded chain-strapped Laroux Bag from Matt & Nat, priced at $180.

Structured Purse

Alexa Chung with a pink structured purse in British Elle Magazine. Photo Credit: British Elle

Former MTV UK VJ, model and rocking DJ, Socialite  Alexa Chung has become one of the world’s most influential style icons, earlier this year we shared with you how Mulberry created a bag named after her, The Alexa Bag, and above she is sporting the structured purse in this spread for British Elle is no exception. These bags may remind you of ones your grandmother used to wear, but what’s old is new again.

Blue Paten Contrast Lady Bag from Top Shop. Photo Credit: topshop.com

So match Top Shop’s Blue Patent Contrast Lady Bag, priced at $60, with a bright pea coat and opera length gloves, and your look will have that old fashioned pristine style.

Sequined Clutch

Olivia Palermo looks fabulous in a sequined clutch. Photo Credit: bags.bonanza.com

Model and Socialite Olivia Palermo looked ravishing at this Mango event where she paired a classic dress with a spunky sequined purse. These clutches fit right into this season’s hottest look of sequins everywhere, like dresses, shirts, skirts, and jackets.

SR Squared by Sondra Roberts Sequin Clutch. Photo Credit: Piperlime.com

If you are looking to fit in with the trend, but can’t see yourself covered in sparkles, try this SR Squared by Sondra Roberts Multi- Sequin Clutch, priced at $55.99. The colors are neutral, but the design and sequins still shows off that shine.

Bow Bag

Audrina Patridge loves bows. Photo Credit: Amominredheels.com

Bongo girl Audrina Patridge loves her Alexander McQueen patent leather bow clutch, and lucky for us almost every designer has made their own version of this beautiful bag this season. Bows have been all over every store window in 2010, and the clutch has become one of our favorites.

Top Shop's Black Beaded Bow Bag. Photo Credit: topshop.com

Check out this Top Shop Black Beaded Bow Bag, priced at $80. It is dressy, but still young and flirty, like Audrina.

Alice + Olivia Velvet Zip Front Legging - $154.

I used to wear leggings typically to the gym, airport and deli, paired with an oversized sweater.  Now, thanks to the recent glam-rock legging evolution, like these Alice + Olivia Velvet Zip Front Legging – $154 pictured above, they have become the focal point of an entire outfit.  Featuring combinations of jersey with velvet, wax, faux snakeskin and leather, this new, textured legging has gone rebel.  Leave the sneakers at home, and grab a pair of stilettos instead.

Move over, Steven Tyler…Sandy’s back, and she knows what she wants.

Wax On

It’s doesn’t get any cooler than this.

J Brand 'Agnes' Waxed Skinny Zip Cargo Pants - $260

Try these J Brand ‘Agnes’ Waxed Skinny Zip Cargo Pants – $260.

Call Of The Wild

Leggings got even sexier.

Alice + Olivia Front Zip Ponte & Snakeskin Legging - $330

Get ready to get noticed in these Alice + Olivia Front Zip Ponte & Snakeskin Legging – $330.

Rebel Yell

The Refined Rocker.

Helmut Lang Jersey & Leather Combo Leggings - $690

Helmut Lang Jersey & Leather Combo Leggings – $690

Ilaria & Danny's Confederacy With Mick Rock's Photograph Of David Bowie & Mick Ronson

One of our very favorite stylists Ilaria Urbinati and Danny Masterson co-own the amazing Confederacy store in Hollywood and tonight, benefiting the lovely Jennifer Howell’s charity, Art of Elysium, they opened their doors to Hosts Riley Keough (this is Elvis Presley‘s Grandaughter if you did not know) & Artist Shepard Fairey to present Mick Rock’s exhibition and launch of his new bok, Mick Rock Exposed: The Face of Rock n’ Roll. Portion of the proceeds go to The Art of Elysium’s Elysium Project, Mick was on site signing books and taking pictures, saying, ” What the Art of Elysium does is incredible, anything I can do to support I will do!”, he added to Jen Howell “I want to do a whole series of photos and benefit your foundation.” Mick’s work is curated by L.A. Gallerist Annie Wharton and will be on display through February.

Bono & Blondie By Mick Rock At Confederacy

DJ Momjeans (that’s Masterson) played music that would make any of the rock legends proud, it didn’t hurt that there were tons of real life musican’s out supporting tonight too, including; Juliette Lewis, Perry Farrell, Tommy Lee, Taryn Manning, Duffy, Linda Ramone, Monet Mazur and Cisco Adler.

Mick Rock At Confederacy

Sponsors of the night included Mick Rock themed drinks by Absolut Vodka and Thompson Hotel Group’s Co-owner Jason Pomeranc brought Mick Rock images from his famed Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel for display. The party was scheduled from 7-10 but went well past 11 as guests were enjoying the music, drinks, artwork and of course the shopping!

As we enjoyed the evening, we also came across the most adorably dressed guest, recent Berkeley Graduate Jeremy Bamidele who rocked out with his black vintage top hat from the 1800′s, a gift from his friend Jan, owner of Berkeley Hat Store.

Art of Elysium Founder Jen Howell, Jeremy and SSD Co-founder Erica Cornwall

We strongly suggest checking out Jan’s blog as its the best place we have ever found to buy a hat! Thank you Jeremy for the amazing tip!

And thank you to Jennifer Howell for making a huge difference in the world through your charity, hundreds of hospitalized children are benefiting from your gift of art and we know that your dear friend Stephen Hatten is smiling from heaven above on how you turned his dream of helping children into a reality. To learn more about Jen’s charity or better yet to donate your time, please log onto www.theartofelysium.org. Come January of 2011, their annual Heaven Gala, dedicated to Stephen, will kick off the new year and you can join by making a contribution by buying tickets to this incredible event.

Check out Confederacy’s blog, or visit them in person at 4661 Hollywood Blvd. (between Vermont Avenue and Hillhurst Avenue); 323-913-3040.

For more information on purchasing a Mick Rock book and benefiting Art of Elysium, please contact The Art of Elysium at 213-389-3201.

MICK ROCK: EXPOSED

Riley Keough & Shepard Fairey Host Mick Rock At Confederacy & Support Art of Elysium

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Depp & Jolie-Pitt

We all need some down time, and depending on your mood, we took the work out of the choice for you, one less thing to worry about. Below are our top picks:

A great date movie: The Tourist ” The Perfect Trip, The Perfect Trap” gives you a luxurious glimpse of Venice with two of the most beautiful people on earth, Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie, this action/Thomas Crown type mystery/comedy/romance follows Depp, aka, Frank, an American tourist in Venice who’s trip brings him Jolie aka Elise, a beautiful, mysterious woman, who seemingly is interested in him, but little does he know its a trap as she is just trying to connect with Alexander Pearce her lover, who is wanted by both the law and the Russian mob for stealing billions of dollars, the almost Hitchcock feel to the filming creates something unique that both men and woman can appreciate. “It should make people feel good. It’s got lovely twists and turns,” Jolie said. “It’s a throwback in a way to old school thrillers,” said Depp.

Natalie Portman

To see someone else frustrated with their mom and finally get your boyfriend to enjoy some form of ballet: escape with a thriller of illusions and racy scenes, with Black Swan. Natalie Portman plays uber innocenet Nina who lands the coveted dual role of the Swan queen in Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, she is the quintessential White Swan, but has to work insanely hard to exude the darkness of the Black Swan. Mila Kunis plays Lily, another, more sensual dancer, vieing for the same role and “friends” with Vincent Cassel’s character who of course plays the Director. Winona Ryder also makes an apperance as the Black Swan retiring. Like all of Darren Aronofsky’s movies, this psycho-thriller was shot in an edgy way that really stands out. Portman went through intense ballet training for a solid year for the film. “it’s so vicious on the body. And you never see it. It’s like you see those beautiful images and underneath it is some really really grotesque detail,” Portman said. Amy Westcott, costume designer, does an incredible job.

Dorff & Fanning

If silence is what you seek, learn to appreciate the art of acting with few lines to speak and the potential sadness of a lifestyle that the tabloids all make seem so glamorus. Stephen Dorff does a great job of covincing us his riches do not nearly fulfill his life, and seems to only find real happiness with his daughter, played by Elle Fanning. Shot at the famous Chateau Marmont, Sophia Coppola wrote and directed this film which, like Lost in Translation, approaches film making from more of an artistic subtle style, forcing the actors to really focus on their body and facial expressions as the verbal language is slim. Somewhere won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and premiered in both LA and NY last week.

Jake and Anne

Girls Night Out: For a healthy dose of love, laughter and tears, see “Love And Other Drugs” this movie follows Jake Gyllenhaal who plays a cocky sales rep who meets a terminally ill patient while posing as a doctor, the firey bohemian patient is portrayed by Anne Hathaway, their relationship grows into something neither of them expected, while reminding us what loving someone really means.

Guys Night Out: The Fighter, based on the true story of the early years of boxer “Irish” Micky Ward (Mark Whalberg) and his brother (Christian Bale) who helped train him before going pro in the mid 1980s, Amy Adams plays Micky’s smalltown sweetheart. It is well, very Rocky like, but it is a beautiful story for the boys and Bale’s perforamce is surely one to snag him an Oscar.

Gwen at Country Strong Premiere

If you want a little Country in your life, check out Country Strong, its a story about a rising country-music songwriter (Garrett Hedlund, also stars in TRON) who sparks with a country legend who lost her way (Gwen Paltrow). Together, they mount his ascent and her comeback, which leads to romantic complications involving her husband/manager (Tim McGraw) and a beauty queen-turned-singer (Leighton Meester). Gwen sounds incredible singing, while we always fall for Tim McGraw.

James Franco

And if you feel like giving up, this will make you think twice, 127 Hours is the true story of mountain climber Aron Ralston’s incredible journey to save himself after a fallen boulder crashes and traps him in a canyon in Utah. For five days, Ralston aka James Franco, discovers if he has the courage to extricate himself by any means necessary, he scales a 65 foot wall and hikes over eight miles. Throughout his survival, he reflects on his life prior to his accident and you will find yourself counting your blessings for how lucky we all really are. Franco’s performance is Oscar worthy.

For more information and listings in your area try www.moviephone.com

We’re in the home stretch people — and that’s when you-know-who comes out.  The tomorrow-doers, last-minute miracle makers, dawdlers, and perpetual putter-offers, otherwise known as — the procrastinators.  You know who you are and this is your week.  The urgency of your timeframe may be motivation enough, but if not—we’ve put together a list of sprint-inspiring hot, last minute gifts that should do the trick. Take a peek–  sometimes it really does pay to procrastinate.  Oh, and in case you’re looking for a little extra help, we got wind of Macy’s new holiday “Gift Shop”—a mini store within the store, chock full of grab-on-the go gifts that we loved—all at great prices.  Thank you very much, yes we will.

Get the Message

Who doesn’t like to have it all?  Gift her with a cross body messenger bag that will keep her lap top, tablet, and personal items at her fingertips without compromising her smart style.  This quilted keeper is from Macy’s “Gift Shop” at Stonewood Center ($16.99).

An Easy Read

Likes-to-read will love to read on this stunning color screened Nook, new this year from Barnes & Noble.  The latest titles at a touch, full color magazines the second they come out, and access to your email and internet—a fabulous find at a reasonable price.  We got ours from the Barnes & Noble at Westside Pavilion ($249).

Great Timing

Flash back to the past with this brightly hued set of strappy watch love.  Give the option to choose a band to fit the mood, a look, or at random—and take special joy in the scent—yes, scent—of each.  White is reminiscent of sugar cookies, orange—a fruity beach-side drink, and pink is a ripe peach.  Can they get any more fun?  These are also from the Macy’s “Gift Shop” at Westside Pavilion ($14.99 for the set of bands and the base watches).

Eternal Love

Add a little ruffle to an eternity scarf and like becomes L-O-V-E.  Pretty up her winter look by gifting her this piece in rich color and up her style quotient.  We snagged this version from Express at Los Cerritos Center ($34.90).

Spot the Hot Gift

It’s addictive and indulgent—where is that man with the striped hat?  Coffee table approved, or a winner with the kids—pick a Where’s Waldo book for a gift that’s spot-on.  Macy’s “Gift Shop” at Westside Pavilion ($20.99).

Where's Waldo The Complete Collection, a Macy's Exclusive Gift.

Shopping for the children on your list is often the highlight of the holiday, right under “accidentally” shopping for yourself, of course.   You can’t top the enthusiasm of a seven-year-old or the awe of a five-year-old opening presents—we all know their joy makes the season brighter.  Rest assured—the hot gifts for kids we have listed below are child-approved, i.e., they are golden, and will elicit said joy.  So, without further adieu, here are our top five picks for the little ones:

Twice as Nice. Hats off to playtime this holiday–these knit layers will keep them warm this winter and turn them into wily animals too.  It’s trendy to love pretending—so let them laugh and oink, leap and bark their way to having a great time.  We found these at Macy’s at The Shops at Montebello ($14.98).

Kinect the Dots. It’s the talk of the town this holiday, and if you’d like to be the Santa of the season, you should start your shopping here.  Xbox 360’s new Kinect technology lets them run, jump and dance their favorite video games without ever touching a video game controller.  The gaming system’s motion detection device translates every one of their movements into action on the screen for hours of fascinating, get-up-and-play fun.   Don’t think you won’t be right there with them—it’s contagious.  We found our set up at GameStop inside Inland Center ($399.99).

Pick a Pillow. Yes, really. These novel friends are a pillow AND a pet, and the kids dig ‘em. Choose a bright bumblebee, a perky panda, or a chunky little monkey and get bonus points for having the inside scoop on what’s all the rage this year.  Our cozy bed buddies came from Target at Lakewood Center ($19.99).

Toy Joy. Disney has done it again, anything Toy Story 3 is epic this year and universally loved.  Pick this true-to-the-movie Jessie doll complete with antique style packaging and old-school pull cord on her back—genius.

Or if your mini loves Woody, indulge his over-active imagination with this pj set that will have him reenacting his favorite parts in the movie—in costume, of course.  These are going like hotcakes at the Disney Store at Westside Pavilion ($59.99 and $16.50, respectively).

Picture Perfect. So maybe they won’t squeal in delight when they open these too-cute winter get-ups, but how can you resist?  Choose head-to-toe coordinated outfits for a gift that will be appreciated by all those over 12 in the room.  These tot togs are from Gymboree at Los Cerritos Center (pieces ranging from $4.49 to $17.99).

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