Stranger Change Her Stylist and Host Crystal Fambrini interviewing winner Toni Barsch

Stranger Change Her is back on KTLA Morning News and taking the work force by storm, one make over at a time. We selected Toni Barsh of Burbank to receive a makeover that would help her land a new job. Having moved from Wisconsin four years ago, Toni came to California seeking a fresh start and left her work wardrobe behind. In between four children, ages 19 to 30, volunteering at a foster care organization, and raising animal rights awarenesss, Toni decided it was time to land a great job in hopes of saving enough dough to buy her own farm. Stranger Change Her reporter Crystal Fambrini stepped in to style Toni for success.

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Ann Taylor Models: (L TO R) Jenny Giles, Kathryn Dwyer Green, Christina York, Jessica Collins, Kristin Bryan, Summer Tokash and Lauren Wald all looking fab. Photo Credit: Colson Griffith.

A private celebration held to unveil Ann Taylor’s new Palo Alto flagship store had fashionistas talking.

“The new Ann Taylor is chic and stylish with a more fashion forward direction to address the needs of today’s modern working women,” said Lisa Axelson, Head Designer and a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). “Our new concept stores are a reflection of our new fashion direction. They are light, modern, feminine, and designed to showcase the full Ann Taylor collection while making our client feel comfortable and welcome.”

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Express, $79.

The red carpet’s been rolled up for yet another year, and you can almost hear the entire city take a deep breath and relax.  As the celebrity pomp and circumstance make an exit from stage right – what’s left is the “OMG, did you see what she was wearing” and the “how can I get that look”.   Just as much a tradition as “thanking the Academy” on award’s night is dissecting the styles and looks from the Oscars and making them your own.   While you may not go all out J-Lo for your next date night – even a touch of new trend can update your look and keep you in the here and now.  Here’s the cliff notes version from this year’s big event…

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It’s middle of the winter, the holidays are behind us, and spring is still out of reach—all which begs the question—what to wear?  Before you go back to your basic boots and standard sweater– give your look a little va-voom and slip into a sexy men’s inspired suit.  In a sea of cocktail dresses, Jennifer Anniston wowed in her Dolce & Gabbana anything-but-androgynous two piece ensemble at the People’s Choice Awards last week—and the world took note.  So whether you’re walking the red carpet, cozying up at a romantic dinner, or hitting the dance floor with your besties—before you grab that same old, same old—suit yourself in something fabulous and new.  We hit the aisles and searched high and low for our top three picks—check ‘em out:

Great White

This cropped and tailored suit jacket is from BCBG at Westside Pavilion ($198).

Bite off a little something fierce when you suit up in white.  Tame the blinding effect by anchoring your seperates with a pop of a print, or a hint of color.  This sateen version is from Ann Taylor at Westside Pavilion ($169).

Nipped and Tucked

Get ready for any holiday party in style with these top choices from Style Seen Daily. Photo Credit: Macys.com.

Now that the holiday season is in full swing, holiday parties are also right around the corner. No matter if it’s a office party, a dinner party with your family, or a night out with friends, having the perfect outfit can make or break the night.

Combining this season’s big trends, like sweater dresses, metallics and animal print, Style Seen Daily is here to give you a few outfit ideas, at affordable prices. We also will show you these styles seen on such celebrity fashionistas as Cameron Diaz, Rachel Bilson, and Kim Kardashian.

So get ready to be a show stopper at any holiday party you attend this season.

Office Party

This Aqua cashmere sweater dress, available at Bloomingdale's for $188, is the perfect piece for an office holiday party. Photo Credit: Bloomingdale's.

This Aqua cashmere turtleneck dress, priced at $188, available at Bloomingdale’s, is the perfect option to wear to the office holiday party.  Add textured tights, some jewel-toned, chunky jewelry, and black ankle booties to polish off this chic, yet fun look.  Its office appropriate and figure flattering.

Cameron Diaz walking the red carpet in a Stella McCartney sweater dress. Photo Credit: ShoppingLifestyle.com.

Actress Cameron Diaz wore a sweater dress on the red carpet at the King and Day movie premiere.

Meeting The Parents

This D&G Ocelot Print Cardigan, sold in Nordstrom stores, is a great way to a classic little black dress. Photo Credit: Nordstrom.com.

Family holiday parties are all about first impressions and whether you’re meeting your significant others’ parents or spending time with your own family SSD has the perfect ensemble to make a great impression. Start with a classic little black dress (the LBD is a closet staple) and pair it with an animal print silk cardigan, like this D&G ocelot print cardigan, priced at $385 and available at Nordstrom, for a look that’s right on trend for this season and also a classic item you can wear forever. Finish off the look with a pair of black pumps and skinny, cinch waist belt for an ensemble that’s stylish, sophisticated, and sure to wow everyone at any family gathering.

Rachel Bilson looking chic in an animal print cardigan in New York City. Photo Credit: TeenVogue.com

Style Seen Daily spotted The O.C. actress Rachel Bilson in New York City wearing an animal print cardigan to complete her stylish look at an Ann Taylor fashion show in New York City.

Girls’ Night Out

A flirty, sophisticated sequin dress is an ideal look for a night out on the town. Photo Credit: Nordstrom.com.

For a fun and glamorous look try a sequined dress, like this Calvin Klein sequin tank dress, priced at $98 from Nordstrom. A pair of black pumps and simple jewelry tie this look together without stealing the shine from the dress. This dress screams girls’ night out and is sure to shine at a New Years’ Eve party with friends.

Kim Kardashian is ready for a night out in a black sequined mini dress. Photo Credit: TheBudgetFashionista.com.

The always stylish Kim Kardashian was seen sporting a sequined mini dress that is perfect for any holiday party this season.

Winter seems to always sneak up on us  –  is your closet stocked with this season’s on-trend necessities? With so many stylish trends and looks to choose from, the task of narrowing down what to buy and what to pass on by can be daunting.

Want to know what will be in our closet this year?  We’ve pared the season’s trends down to our top five faves to give you a lust-worthy, and essential, list to shop from.  Included in this Style Seen Daily trend report:  Faux fur, leopard, gold, over the knee boots, and red lips.

#1 THE MUST-HAVE ACCESSORY:  Faux Fur

Model Iwona Lis in outfit provided by Los Cerritos Center. Foreign Exchange Faux fur vest: $44.

It’s a fur thing, and a sure thing—this holiday you can’t go wrong with decking out in faux fur.  Gain some instant style cred when you choose fur-trimmed boots, handbags or jackets.  We’ve taken note of the way this trend is spreading like wildfire with celebrities — Kim Kardashian likes to layer on her blonde faux vest when traveling, and Olivia Palmero broke out her faux vest early in chilly NYC — a sleek black version she layered over black skinnys and a dark sweater.   Don’t think California is exempt from this cozy look—as the weather cools here in L.A. we’ll see even more of this hot look around town.

Can’t decide which fur is fur you?

While shopping for our favorite faux-fur, we decided to go with a vest from Foreign Exchange in Los Cerritos Center that looked that it cost much more than it’s affordable sticker price of $44.

Pick a blend and style that fits your personality—are you wild and wooly with an edge?  Pick a longer haired multi-hued vest.  Are you Jackie O’s refined elegance?  Look for shorter haired single-tone cropped jackets.

#2 THE MUST-HAVE PRINT:  Leopard

Model Camila Poindexter. Outfit provided by Ann Taylor, Westside Pavilion. Ann Taylor Leopard Skirt: $118.

Here kitty, kitty….this fall, a little leopard makes your look large on style. Don’t try to tame this wild animal, 2010 is the year to feed your inner feline.  Grab that racy printed heel, or cinch that waist with a touch of cat-like couture—and know you’re not alone.  This fall we’ve seen Angelina Jolie is wrapping up in a stealth leopard trench, Victoria Beckham’s been carrying her kitty on her arm in a chain-strapped handbag, and Keira Knightly tied on a purr-fect printed scarf.

We spotted some decadent leopard looks at Ann Taylor at Westside Pavilion (model is wearing a-line leopard skirt, Ann Taylor, Westside Pavilion, $118).

Pick a lady-like pencil skirt, pumps or cute cardigan, or step out in a printed sheath, or ballet flats—just call a cat a cat, and say that leopard is topping your list for winter.

#3 THE MUST-HAVE COLOR:  Gold

Model Ashley Jeuong. Outfit provided by Love Culture, Santa Monica Place. Love Culture Gold tube dress $19.

The old adage is being redefined—all that glitters is gold this season.  Get your glitz-fix this holiday with this old-school glamour inducing metallic.  Start with jewelry, yes, but then get creative and look to lamé for new inspiration.  Gold-plated blazers, skirts, handbags and headbands are ruling the runways this winter, with glinting new takes on trend-forward pieces.

We recently caught Heidi Klum donning a sequined golden stunner during Milan Fashion Week, and Hilary Swank looking ravishing in bustier version at the London Film Festival.

When we hit the aisles and took a quick peek inside Love Culture at the new Santa Monica Place, we fell in love with their collection of gold tops and accessories.  Our faves that tipped the scales–everything from sequined tunics to gold and rhinestoned cuff bracelets, all for $20 and under.

#4  THE MUST-HAVE BOOT: Over-The-Knee

Model Michelle Marie. Dress provided by Foreign Exchange, Santa Monica Place. ALDO boots, Westside Pavilion, $130.

Over-the-knee boots are so fashion-forward they may make you question your style identity — “is over-the-knee for me?”  The answer is yes—the brave, the bashful and somewhere in between–even you can wear them.  So buck up, skivvy into some skinnys and get to shopping, because these boots aren’t optional.  Get right in a longer riding-boot flat version, or saddle up to sexy suede stilettos, but don’t dare to say that model Claudia Schiffer, and “Gossip Girl” star Taylor Momsen, don’t know where it’s at—they both started the fall wearing boots up to there with boldness.

ALDO in Westside Pavilion is our favorite haunt these days for these leg elongating lookers, (model is wearing knee high leather boots, Aldo, Westside Pavilion, $130).

Aldo carries knee high boots with prices ranging from $60 – $250 and when paired with tights and dresses, leggings and chunky sweaters, or your favorite slimming denim, will raise the roof.

#5 THE MUST-HAVE LIPS:  Red

Style Seen Daily Founder Crystal Fambrini.

Finally—what’s the accessory that compliments everything else you’ll buy this season?  Your sassy, bright red lips.  Pucker up and find the shade that lights up your complexion, and complements your hair and eye color.  If you have pink undertones to your skin, pick rowdy raspberry inspired reds, or blue-based plums.  If your skin is any shade of olive, choose brazen brown-reds or bubbly poppy hues.

If color matching makes you cringe, take a trip over to M.A.C at Westside Pavilion and ask one of their color experts to choose a true red for you.  This universally flattering neutral red is easy to fall for—it looks great on every face.  M.A.C’s color-rich lipsticks are $14.50 each.

This faintly pink tunic from Macy’s at Lakewood Center ($46) is a taste of the flirty match-made-in-heaven when lace and light colors come together.

One overarching trend that’s dominating this fall—looking like a lady.  Not a lady in the stuffy, uncomfortable way that may come to mind when you hear the word, but lady in the true stylish sense of the word–decked out, timeless, couture, and undeniably feminine.

We’ll be exploring the finer elements of ladylike style throughout this season, but let’s start with a quintessential fabric of this haute look—lace.

In the last few years, lace has been reinvented by designers everywhere.  It’s shed its outdated, frumpy past and been reallocated as fresh, girly trim on that lingerie inspired top—decadent overlay on  a classic black trench—and even, a pretty print for a sexy pump.  In other words—shed your past conceptions, and when you’re looking for style this season–look to lace.

Here are three examples of the new face of lace:

Lush and Light

Look for luxe layers of ruffled lace, or vintage-inspired tops or even stretch Ts and soft sheath dresses—all in nudes, neutrals or blush tones of this lightweight fabric.  The combination of the sheer lace in a tame hue—is positively ethereal.  This faintly pink tunic from Macy’s at Lakewood Center ($46) is a taste of the flirty match-made-in-heaven when lace and light colors come together.

Edgy and Extroverted

The asymmetrical lines of lace make this piece from Ann Taylor at The Oaks ($98 ) look modern, trend-forward, and dazzling.

Style outside the lines.  Look for old favorites—a classic lace top—in new forms.  The asymmetrical lines of lace make this piece from Ann Taylor at The Oaks ($98) look modern, trend-forward, and dazzling.

Delicate and Daring

This long top from Express at Los Cerritos Center ($69) shows the richness of a contrasting shade.

Overlay always makes the delicateness of the lace, pop.  Choose pieces with color on color lace to backing for a subtle touch of glamour, or be forward with your femininity and look for contrasting base layers to demand more attention.  This long top from Express at Los Cerritos Center ($69) shows the richness of a contrasting shade.

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Look To Lace

Get the Lace Look for Less

BCBG at Westside Pavilion ($398).

In Spring, your go-to top layer is an on-trend lightweight trench—this fall, choose a cover-up that is just as classic and versatile, and a bit warmer—the camel coat.   This autumn is all about refined elegance, classic styling with fresh twists, and old-school glamour, and a camel coat is your first stop to make it yours.  We’ll look at three variations of this must-have piece and how to pair these with the perfect something underneath.

A Mod Nod to Camel

Rock the retro look with a block cut camel coat with quiet details like this one from BCBG at Westside Pavilion ($398), pictured above.  Perfect for overt and classy style at the office or over a glam LBD and tights—c’est tres chic!

Tucked and Tawny

Ann Taylor at The Oaks ($398).

Nip it in at the waist for a preppy, and timeless take on this investment piece.  Pair with your skinnys and your boots du jour for style on the go, or layer over your leopard print sheath for instant party style.  Here’s a “one-style-fits-everyone” look from Ann Taylor at The Oaks ($398).

Courting the Camel

Nordstrom at Lakewood Center ($595).

Go flirty and feminine for the freshest new take on the camel coat.  Try romantic ruffles, draped cuts with cozy, rounded silhouettes and then belt them for a little flair on the bottom.  Wear this with just about anything– it’s an outfit in and of itself and you likely won’t take it off.  Here’s a soft, buttery version from Nordstrom at Lakewood Center ($595).

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Retailers such as Ann Taylor, Sears and Talbots face store closings, bankruptcies, takeovers in 2009

From:  New York Daily News

This holiday season hit retailers hard.  As a result, many are facing mass store closings and bankruptcies.

Retailers will close 12,000 stores in 2009, Howard Davidowitz, chairman of retail consulting and investment-banking firm Davidowitz & Associates Inc. told Bloomberg News. 

Retailers such as Ann Taylor,Talbots and Sears are among the many retailers expected to close underperforming stores, Bloomberg News reported.

Britt Beemer of America’s Research Group dubbed this ”the worst holiday retail season in four decades.”  He predicted a 2.8% drop in sales nationwide from last Christmas season.

Citywide, the number of shoppers in stores Friday through Sunday fell 15% from a year ago, he said. Due to Wall Street woes and tight-fisted tourists, the amount of money spent could easily be down 30%.

Many retailers such as Circuit City, Linens ‘n Things and Sharper Image have already sought bankruptcy protection. The abysmal holiday sales may spur consolidation and further bankruptcy filings, Gilbert Harrison, chief executive officer of retail advisory firm Financo Inc, told Bloomberg News.

“You’re going to see deals that you never thought you were going to see before because of the necessity of both parties,” Harrison said in a Bloomberg Television interview Dec. 26.

The International Council of Shopping Centers tracking survey found that 6,387 stores had closed this year as of Decemeber 10, and that this number would likely hit  6,600 for the year, as reported by Bloomberg News. 

“The situation is not going to right itself in January, it’s going to be a long while that discounting’s going to be around,” Patti Freeman Evans, an analyst at Jupiter Research in New York told Bloomberg News. “Consumers are going to get used to it and it’s going to very difficult for retailers to move forward in a full-price mode.”