Fashion Me Fabulous

December hit Indiana in full force. We have a good four inches of snow outside with more on the way everyday. I hear parts of the UK have been virtually shut down under two feet of the white horror. So grab some hot cocoa and a warm winter coat for under $100. Top: green brocade coat, Anthropologie $99.95 silver quilted coat, Michael by Michael Kors at Nordstrom $57.90 classy navy coat, Mod Cloth $89.99 Middle: plaid jacket, Dollhouse at Macy's $59.99 feminine military coat, Mod Cloth $89.99 dramatic collar puffer coat, Nordstrom $62 white knit coat, Bebe $89.95 Bottom: floral wool coat, eDress Me $50 summery plaid coat, Delia's $39.99 ruffle front coat, Nordstrom $68 (Do not tell me about how it's a pleasant 65 where you are. I may cry into my mittens, and then they'll freeze to my face.)

I love sequins, but I don't own anything with sequins. I really hope to find something sequins for New Years Eve. I love sequins because they add something shiny and special to an outfit. They can be bold like an all-over sequin dress or jacket. Or they can just be a pop on a simple tee or accessory. Here are some sequin finds for every price range. Under $10 Pictured: Sequin Beret, Forever 21 $8.80 Large Sequin Bangle, Wet Seal $7 Sequin Bow Bobby Pin Set, Forever 21 $2.50 All Over Sequin Headband, Forever 21 $3.80 Sequin Stretchy Belt, Forever 21 $4.80 Vintage Style Sequin Headwrap, Forever 21 $3.80 Under $20 Pictured: Subtle Sequin Beret, New York & Co $19.95 Foil Sequin Tank, Forever 21 $14.80 Heart Sequin Clutch, Charlotte Russe $19.50 Sequin Scarf, New York & Co $16.95 Sequin Ballet Flats, Target $12.99 Sequin Box Clutch, Target $16.99 Under $50 Pictured: Sequin Front Cardigan, New York & Co. $41.96 Swirl Sequin Dress, Forever 21 $24.80 Sequin Boyfriend Jacket,...

We write in the same tone we have when going through the mall with friends. "You should try on this dress. SHOES!!! Doesn't this look silly? They want how much?!" Our goal, in fact, is to make Fashion Me Fabulous a fun haven from your regular crunch of the day. Maybe it's the added crunch of Christmas, but today I don't want to talk about distractions and frivolity. I want to talk about something far more important than my favorite stores; I want to tell you about my favorite charities. Have you read or seen Guns, Germs, and Steel ? It's an intriguing look at the question of wealth disparity in the world, and part of the author's conclusion is domesticated animals. Raising domesticated animals not only makes work easier (especially in areas too remote for machinery) but they also generate wealth. Heifer International distributes animals to people in need all over the world. From a chicken they can get eggs, meat, chicks and pest control. From a goat, milk...

When I was younger my mom used to attend an annual Christmas Cookie swap. She would spend weeks coming up with the best recipes, most creative packaging and cutest decorating ideas. That seemed stressful, but as a child I thought it was all worth it because she cam home with several dozen creative Christmas cookies. Yum! This Christmas, try a different kind of swap with your friends--a clothing swap. Have a group of girlfriends bring their unwanted clothing and accessories for all the other guests to shop from. Everyone will go home with new items for their wardrobe and have fun digging through everyone's old stuff. This can be a fun Christmas party or even a way for you and friends on a budget give each other gifts without spending any money. The Guest List: Invite friends of all shapes and sizes. One woman's dress is another woman's top so don't worry if everyone isn't the same size. A variety of tastes and styles will also open opportunities for everyone to try ...

We've expressed our feelings about tuxedos for women , but Ms. Janelle Monae would like to put in her two cents as well. While I forgoed the saddle shoe for a classic pump, they are a danceable low heel, perfect for party hopping on New Year's Eve. New Year's Tux by Fashion Me Fabulous featuring leaf rings velvet crop pants, Ann Taylor on sale for $59.99 velvet blazer, Ann Taylor on sale for $89.99 tuxedo blouse, J. Crew on sale for $39.99 pointy toe pumps, DSW $49.95 (I know for a fact you can find shoes in this style cheaper at TJ Maxx. Too bad they don't have a website.) ring, Forever 21 $5.80 True, that's over $150. This week I had the option of making an inexpensive look that would only fit tiny people, or would fit sizes 0 through 14. I chose the latter.

Originally, this was going to be a Love or Loathe, but I'm decreeing you must like this festive bootie by Poetic License . Decree ! It's called "Dinner Out" after all, and who isn't thinking of parties? (And also thinking of how much you hate wearing cold, barely there "evening" shoes in the winter slush.) From the bow on the vamp to the glitter on the heel, this bootie is ready to party. Dare I say it's also ready to peek out from under your dress slacks as well? Yes, I dare. Dare ! Now I just have to figure out which I like best: purple, black or silver.

Give Fashion: For fashionable gift ideas, check out our guide to all our gift guides from past years . Also, we've got some new ideas such as Vintage Photography Books and a selection of stylish cuff links (vote for your favorite) . Give Opinions: Tell us what you wear to family gathering s, what you think of Christmas Sweaters and what you think of these over the top shoe horrors . Give Yourself Something: Stand out from the red and green at important holiday events in royal blue dresses for all price ranges . Use science to look smart and uniquely beautiful with this week's Etsy Shop--Nervous System . Style your accessories for day or evening in our $150 Challenge . And get an everyday skirt and delicate earrings to brighten your wardrobe all year long.