In addition to her duties as fashion director at Marie Claire and a Project Runway judge, Nina Garcia is also a proponent for frugal fashion.

“I was at Target last week and went crazy,” she tells Racked. “I found the cutest charcoal sequined clutch for $17! It has a strap to wear cross-body or you can tuck the strap inside — voilà! Two different looks. My rule during the holidays is if it sparkles and shines and makes you feel fancy, wear it!”

That said, she always comes back to a less is more principal. “Coco Chanel gave us the best wisdom here: Before leaving the house, a lady should stop, look in the mirror, and remove one piece of jewelry,” she suggests. “If you are wondering if it’s too much, it probably is.”

And one thing that’s always too much? “No one over the age of 10 should buy Crocs — unless you are Mario Batali,” she says definitively.

–Justine Harman

FOR MORE HOLIDAY SUGGESTIONS, CHECK OUT ‘GIFTS TO MAKE HER FEEL FAMOUS’

With her uncanny ability to add some casual cool to even the most classic silhouettes, Rachel Bilson once again lends her expert eye as a guest editor for Piperlime.

The Hart of Dixie star, who also shills for Sunglass Hut, curates a new selection of affordable to aspirational items to reflect her trademark “comfy” style. “I like to say I’m a moody dresser,” she explains. “I wake up and then I kind of dress according to how I’m feeling.”

Her picks include sensible Rachel Comey booties, a pleated Vince maxi skirt (reminiscent of this bohemian look by Rachel Bruno) and a Splendid striped henley, now on sale for $55. “I love stripes and I love cozy,” she declares. ‘Nuff said!

–Justine Harman

SHOP MORE STAR-APPROVED ITEMS IN ‘I REALLY LOVE MY…’

Hats off to Kate Winslet for making the act of giving that much more beautiful. After lending her voice to the documentary A Mother’s Courage: Talking Back to Autism, Winslet founded the Golden Hat Foundation, named after a featured poem of the same name.

“Lancôme has given me the strength to go all the way, and I know this will open many doors,” the brand ambassadress says of the company’s Golden Hat range. Comprised of holiday-ready luminous powders, moisture-rich lipsticks and five new shades of nail polish, the collection “is so stunning and gorgeous and perfect for now,” Winslet tells Stylelist. “I mean, the colors are really festive.”

Ranging from $15-$40, the products, which are embossed with the foundation’s signature hat, help to promote awareness for children afflicted with non-verbal autism. (The actress has also spearheaded a book initiative of the same name, which features a slew of celebs all wearing the same golden topper.)

Passionate about the cause, the star is also dedicated to the effects of proper skincare. “As you get older, I think it has to change all the time,” she says of her routine. “Based on the seasons, based on whether I’ve had enough sleep or not. What I particularly love about the [Lancôme] Renergie line is that it does actually work and it does right away.”

To shop the Golden Hat collection, and to get a gold star from StyleWatch this season, click here.

–Justine Harman

CHECK OUT MORE BEAUTY SECRETS IN ‘STAR-TESTED TIPS & TRICKS’

With her Speak Now tour over, Taylor Swift is enjoying some downtime in Nashville, catching up with family, reconnecting with friends — and creating homemade snow globes.

“That was my first time making snow globes out of mason jars, antique Christmas trinkets and glitter,” she tells PEOPLE of her recent holiday experiment. “I found out how to do it on Pinterest. It made for a lovely winter activity day — [it] made me feel like a little kid again.”

From the sounds of it, Swift — who turns 22 today — will spend a lot of time reflecting on her childhood this season, considering her favorite family tradition is trimming “a big Christmas tree” with ornaments she and brother Austin made as kids. “It’s so nostalgic,” she says, “looking back at all the Christmases past and comparing them to how different our lives are now.”

“Now” means living life as a recording artist, being a recipient of CMT’s “Artist of the Year” award Tuesday night and releasing her first fragrance, Wonderstruck. “It turned out to be something I wear every day, and I’m so proud of how well it’s done,” she says of the scent. “I love it when people come up to me and tell me they wear it every day.”

The singer — whose toasty “Nashville holiday uniform” consists of sweaters, jeans and boots — is currently taking a break from the busyness, though, and focusing on shopping for friends. “I like to get my friends gifts that show that I really know them,” she explains. “If one of my friends says something about wanting something, I’ll write it down and get that for them for Christmas.”

Her own holiday wish list is a bit simpler: it includes a pasta maker, antique picture frames and “anything from Free People or Anthropologie,” she shares. She has big holiday hopes for her fans, too. “I hope that they’re happy, wherever they are … [that] they feel loved by the people around them,” she shares. “And most of all I hope they feel appreciated by me. My life would look nothing like this without them.”

–Kate Hogan

TAKE OUR QUIZ: THE MANY FACES OF TAYLOR SWIFT

She hasn’t started her holiday shopping yet, but Rachel Zoe knows what she’ll be wearing to all the festive parties in the weeks ahead. “I like to always have a couple of go-tos,” she says in the clip above, rattling off stapes like a black jumpsuit, white tuxedo and classic cocktail dress. “Just kind of dress up a little bit more to get in the spirit.”

The stylist is currently celebrating the spirit of competition through her LG Mobile and Alloy-sponsored web series, Style Rules, which pits two fashionistas in a competition to create the perfect look. Zoe and her team of stylists choose a winner each episode, and award a prize package that includes pieces from her new line. The last episode airs the week of Dec. 26 — and aspiring stylists still have a chance to enter and appear. Visit LG Mobile’s Facebook page to learn more. Tell us: Do you have outfits picked out for the holidays?

Rachel Zoe has very little on her holiday wish list this year — “just spending time with my family,” she told PEOPLE — but she’s gearing up to go shopping for the men in her life, husband Rodger Berman and son Skyler.

“I buy something for my son like every other day,” she joked. “But I haven’t really had time for holiday shopping yet — I think I’ll probably cram everything into a two-day shopping period.”

Speaking to PEOPLE at the Piperlime Piping Hot Lounge in New York on Wednesday, the stylist — who’s been a guest editor on the site for five years — admitted she’s an online shopper. “I love it because I don’t get to go to stores as much as I’d like to,” she said. Her favorite web stops? “I love neimanmarcus.com, saksfifthavenue.com, bergdorfgoodman.com, shopbop.com,” she said. “But Piperlime is awesome because it has everything.”

Though she’s known for her love of shopping, what Zoe is looking most forward to this season is what happens after her purchases are shipped: relaxing.

“It’s been a pretty hectic year,” she said. “So this holiday, I’m honestly just looking forward to playing with Skyler on the beach under a lot of umbrellas, just snuggling with him twenty-four seven.” Her family’s holiday plans include “going to a warm beach and chilling out and seeing a few friends,” she revealed. “It’s always the calm before the red carpet season storm.” Tell us: Do you do your holiday shopping online or in stores?

–Kate Hogan

CHECK OUT THE BEST HOLIDAY GIFTS FROM CELEBRITY DESIGNERS

The turkey is cooking, the family is heading over soon, but we know what’s really on your mind today: shopping! With Black Friday and Cyber Monday upon us, it’s virtually impossible to think about anything but deals today, especially when so many stores — Target, Gap, Best Buy, Kohl’s and Macy’s among them — are opening at midnight.

Lisa Lee Freeman, editor-in-chief of ShopSmart magazine, stopped by the Today show earlier this week to discuss Black Friday deals. And even though she at times warned against shopping tomorrow (as if!), she had some great tips, too.

Before you go out on Friday, visit sites like fatwallet.com, blackfriday.com and bfads.net to learn about what deals are being offered at which stores. Consider “liking” businesses on Facebook and following them on Twitter, too, to learn about exclusive deals for fans.

Be sure to download some shopping apps before you go, too, like Google Shopper, RedLaser, ShopSavvy and PriceGrabber. If you’re in a store and want to see if you can get a better deal elsewhere, apps like these will let you compare prices at other retailers.

Watch the clip above to learn more, and in the meantime, have a very Happy Thanksgiving, and an equally happy Black Friday!

SHOP OUR EXCLUSIVE DEALS

It’s not everyday a girl has a section all of her own in Barneys New York, so to celebrate the opening of Gaga’s Workshop in Manhattan last night, Lady Gaga went all out, wearing a princess-like, one-of-a-kind Karl Lagerfeld creation.

The white tweed dress with black trim was made especially for the occasion, and featured Chanel pearls, camelias and bows.

While the dress was breathtaking, it’s Gaga’s Workshop that’s really something to see. The boutique, inside the Madison Avenue Barneys department store, is filled with whimsical gifts from candy (like a 2-lb. solid chocolate armadillo shoe) and hair bows made from hair to custom jewelry and leather jackets. There are snow globes, holiday ornaments, teacups, fake nails, plush Little Monsters, cookies, totes, T-shirts and everything in between at a variety of price points.

According to a Barneys spokeswoman, Gaga approved every item before the boutique’s opening, and her friend and stylist Nicola Formichetti was “instrumental” in the conception of the space. (Lady Gaga songs and holiday music even play as you shop!) As part of the agreement, 25 percent of all sales will benefit Gaga’s charitable organization, the Born This Way Foundation.

Courtesy Barneys New York

Stars like Blake Lively and Neil Patrick Harris joined Gaga to celebrate the boutique on Monday night; items from the collection are available online now at barneys.com. If you’re in New York this holiday season, be sure to stop by; it’s definitely worth a visit. For a full look inside, check out FabSugar.com. Tell us: Would you buy a Gaga-themed present for a friend?

WOULD YOU WEAR THESE TRENDS?

Forget little monsters: this year, Lady Gaga is recruiting little elves.

The stylish star is collaborating with Barneys New York to create the Gaga Workshop, a holiday campaign driven by the pop icon’s personal take on Santa’s workshop. The entire fifth floor of New York’s iconic Madison Avenue Barneys store (plus the building’s street-level windows) will be decorated with her whimsical creations, made with the help of Mugler creative director (and friend) Nicola Formichetti and artists from Assume Vivid Astro Focus.

According to WWD, the fifth floor will also be filled with limited-edition gift items developed by Gaga; from candies and toys to apparel, accessories, candles and cosmetics, the shop will feature a range of stocking-stuffer items as well as books and CDs hand-picked by the singer. And, in true Gaga style, expect to find some exceptionally unique items like jewelry made entirely of rock candy, lipsticks in special red and pink hues, lip-shaped, hand-painted dark chocolate and an exclusive Rubik’s Cube. Barneys will donate 25 percent of sales from items in the workshop to the charity of Gaga’s choice, too.

The workshop opens in mid-November and runs through Jan. 2, giving you plenty of time to stock up on stocking stuffers (select items will be available on barneys.com, too). After all, nothing says Christmas like some outrageous Gaga-made gear. Tell us: Will you buy your stocking stuffers at Gaga’s Workshop?

–Kim Peiffer

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What’s old is new again for Michelle Obama, who had another groundbreaking moment in fashion history Sunday night, dazzling in one-of-a-kind vintage number by the late designer Norman Norell. The First Lady picked up the black-lace overlay dress, which boasted a full tea-length tulle style skirt and a square neckline (something rarely seen in contemporary designs), at New York Vintage boutique, signaling what store owner Jon Schneck believes to be the first time a first lady has worn a vintage dress to a public event, reports The Huffington Post. Obama donned the elegant 1950s piece to the “Christmas in Washington” concert in Washington, D.C., which airs tonight on TNT and is hosted by Ellen DeGeneres. And while the spectacle, which will feature performances by Mariah Carey, Annie Lennox and more, will surely be packed with flare, we’re sure no one sparkled as brightly as Obama, who glammed up her ballerina-like confection with oversized snowflake drop earrings. And if you like what you see, stay tuned for other throwback looks from the First Lady. The The Huffington Post reports that Schneck confirmed that Obama scooped up additional archived pieces from New York Vintage for future appearances. Saying, “We are truly honored that the First Lady has chosen a gown from New York Vintage as her first venture into vintage couture. Other dresses from our archive have been scheduled for use by the first lady later this year.” To see Obama don the dazzling dress, tune in to the holiday special tonight on TNT at 8 p.m./7 p.m. Central. –Justine Harman

TO SCORE OTHER STAR LOOKS, CHECK OUT YOU ASKED, WE FOUND

The pressure’s on! There’s only seven days left before Christmas and if you’ve been putting off your holiday shopping, now’s the time to flex that retail muscle. Our holiday gift guide is chock-full of great ideas for anyone on your list, like these glittery jeweled clutches ($98 each) sure to spice up any party outfit, or a beautiful jade starlight compact ($175) like the one below. For the Hollywood lover, help them feel like they’re leading a superstar life–vicariously, of course–with a pick from a celebrity designer or our Life of a Star guide. For the foodies, we have great edible deals that come in super chic packages, of course, in Season’s Sweetest Treats. Low on funds? Consider inexpensive stocking stuffers in the 10 Under $10 list, or take a browse through all the exclusive StyleWatch deals we gathered for our loyal readers. And don’t worry, we have moms, dads, kiddies and even Fido covered! Don’t wait, get shopping now! – Hana Choi

Courtesy Estee Lauder

It’s a very couture Christmas for the Kardashian clan! Though the family has a history of elaborate tidings–check out this retrospective through the years–this year’s greeting highlights the family’s fearless sense of fashion. Monica Rose, who dressed the whole fam minus Bruce, Lamar and Scott, says that styling the Kardashians was completely drama free.”We didn’t do any fittings before the shoot,” she tells PEOPLE. Though she had “several options for both Khloe and Kim,” Rose “chose to do more of a princess style Monique Lhuillier dress for Khloe” and for Kim, “sleek and chic white Emilio Pucci.” Saying, “I think these looks really suit each of the girls and their individuality.” In the photograph by Nick Saglimbeni, Kim looks like a Grecian bombshell in her stark white column gown, vintage earrings and a piled-high top bun. Outspoken Khloe looks unusually demure in her fairytale gown reminiscent of her wedding dress, while hubby Lamar Odom looks dapper in a tailored suit. The most daring look of the bunch belongs to Kourtney who makes an on-trend statement in an Alexander McQueen tuxedo jacket, leopard Dolce & Gabbana blouse and Christian Louboutin stackers. “It was actually Kourtney’s idea to wear a tuxedo for the Christmas Card,” says Rose. “I loved it!” Even baby Mason is showing off his sartorial stripes in a custom Astor & Black suit, Ralph Lauren shirt and Pucci pocket square. And while the whole family looks totally posh, we can’t tell which look is our favorite. See more behind the scenes photos at celebuzz.com.Tell us: Who looks the most glam in the Kardashian Christmas Card? –Justine Harman

VOTE ON STARS’ LATEST FASHIONS IN LAST NIGHT’S LOOK: HIT OR MISS?

Stylist-to-the-stars Rachel Zoe is rarely seen wearing anything available to the masses, but for this holiday season the Bravo TV star is dishing out her favorite finds and they all fall under $250! From vintage-inspired to more modern day finds, Rachel has items that will please even the most discerning fashionista on your list, like the $125 Hermès Scarf book. “This Hermès coffee table book is the ultimate collector’s piece for the fashionable bookworm in your life,” Rachel writes on her website. And for the sleek techie on your list? The stylist recommends Marc by Marc Jacobs headphones ($75) or a Gucci Monogrammed iPad case ($230) because, as Rachel says, “Who says Internet geeks can’t be chic?” And if you’re looking for a statement piece to add pizazz to your holiday ensemble, look no further than a Burberry studded ring ($195). “The best way to ring in the holiday season?” she asks. “Burberry of course!” To check out more finds from Rachel’s gift guide, including a poncho by T by Alexander Wang and a Tom Ford beauty set, visit rachelzoe.com. –Jessie Goldberg
SHOP STAR FAVORITES AT EVERY PRICE IN OUR HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE!

Ever wish you could raid Jessica Biel or Sarah Jessica Parker‘s coat closet? Now you can! This season, Ebay and Glad Products Company have re-coined the term, “lots of love,” opening bidding on a ton of celebrity grab bags full of gently used winter coats, generously donated by your favorite style stars. From a puffer worn by Sarah Jessica Parker and an on-trend camel coat owned by Brooke Shields to items from Justin Timberlake, Rachel Zoe and more, there is something for everyone on your list. Each purchase also benefits One Warm Coat, a national non-profit that outfits those in need with winter attire. The A-list auction begins next Friday, Dec. 17, so get ready to place a bid on Jessica Biel’s much-loved William Rast motorcycle jacket or style maven Tim Gunn’s cold weather coat. Here’s to hoping SJP also donated her double-breasted Burberry; You’ll have to fight us for that! To get in on the action and give in style, visit ebay.com. –Justine Harman

Courtesy KompoltTM

SHOP WINTER’S HOTTEST COATS!

Former Dancing with the Stars contestant and Bongo babe Audrina Patridge is getting in the holiday spirit this season by lending her California style to the kids of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The former Hills star hosted a private shopping extravaganza last week at a Kmart in Burbank, Calif., where she posed with Santa and hand picked items to send back to the hospital’s holiday shop. She also selected some must-have pieces for a very special patient named Chase, telling PEOPLE, “I chose a black and burgundy striped, cropped Bongo sweater and a black and blue Bongo sweater for Chase yesterday! Also the dark gray jeggings, which are my favorite and a pair of black motorcycle boots.” And while the selfless star was all about giving at the Kmart/Sears event, you can’t blame the girl for making her own wish list too. “For Christmas, I am dying for a small, diamond cross necklace. I also have my eye on this beautiful pair of YSL heels!” she said. And for the love in her life? “I am searching for the perfect gift to give Corey, my boyfriend! I would love to find an amazing watch.” To style yourself like the sun-kissed beauty, head to Sears.com or Kmart.com, which exclusively carry Audrina’s Bongo goods with a portion of the proceeds benefiting St. Jude. –Jessie Goldberg
SHOP OUR 35 EXCLUSIVE DEALS FOR THE HOLIDAYS HERE!

Michelle Obama may have a closet full of looks from Jason Wu, Narciso Rodriguez and J.Crew, but when it comes to jewelry, Brooklyn-bred designer Alexis Bittar has the First Lady’s undivided attention. Over the course of a month, Obama has been spotted all over the globe in a variety of baubles from the jeweler, whose preferred working materials include lucite and semi-precious stones. For an appearance on Barbara Walters’ Thanksgiving Day special, the First Lady punched up an all-black ensemble with an Alexis Bittar poppy pin. In the following two weeks, her admiration was in full bloom, selecting the jeweler’s $395 flower pin while on a Presidential trip to India and then again at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.! Soon thereafter, the style chameleon demonstrated her versatility with three other Bittar selections, donning a playful hand carved bee brooch on Halloween, a triple strand pearl necklace and then lucite domed button clip earrings while abroad in India. And though Bittar has a fashion pedigree—he was the 2010 CFDA recipient of “Accessory Designer of the Year”—his designs don’t have to break the bank, with pieces starting at just $95 at alexisbittar.com. – Justine Harman

SHOP MORE CELEB-LOVED ITEMS IN OUR HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: STAR FAVORITES

Olivier Douliery/Landov

John Galliano kicked off the holiday season in magical fashion on Thursday when he unveiled his “Under the Sea” Christmas tree at London’s famous Claridge’s hotel. Replacing a traditional tree with a large stem of pink coral made from paper maché, the Dior creative director transformed the lobby of the Mayfair landmark into an oceanic paradise. “I wanted to create an underwater fantasy and have mixed pink corals, seahorses, anemones and jellyfish, all glinting like gem stones, swimming amidst the silver leaves,” said Galliano of the awe-inspiring tree.  And while this is not his first holiday creation for the London hotel–he designed a “frozen” tree last year–this year’s unique design adds a touch of the tropics to Christmas. Galliano’s holiday masterpiece will be on display at Claridge’s until Jan. 5. –Gillian Koenig
CHECK OUT 33 EXCLUSIVE DEALS FOR THE HOLIDAYS HERE!

In honor of Cyber Monday — the online equivalent of Black Friday and the biggest web shopping day of the year! — we give thanks for all of the incredible deals available on Nov. 29! Tell us: Where are you shopping?

-Shopbop.com: 20% off of hundreds of the trendiest items and deals up to $500 off your purchase using code BIGEVENTat checkout. SHOP

-French Connection: Up to 40% off all of their on-trend fall sale items and free shipping on orders over $125 using code FCBFFS at checkout. SHOP

-Tory Burch: 30% off any purchase of $300 or more using code GETGIFTS at checkout (excludes Reva flats and Tory Foundation items). SHOP

-Beauty.com: 20% off hair appliances, up to 80% off Laura Geller makeup and a sample-packed Lela Rose tin with purchases over $50! SHOP

-RedEnvelope.com: Up to 60% off on items like an infinity diamond necklace and travel case. SHOP

-Armani Exchange: 25% off on Nov. 29 on all of their designer duds. SHOP

JCPenney.com: Discounts on more than 40,000 items on the site. Plus: free shipping on purchases over $25! SHOP

-Swirl.com: Tackle over 100 items like soap sets for under $25 and designer handbags under $200 on Nov. 29 using code CYBERMON at checkout. SHOP

DON’T MISS OUR 31 EXCLUSIVE HOLIDAY DEALS JUST FOR YOU!

Gwyneth Paltrow‘s weekly newsletter Goop.com has always been a chic source of well-informed ideas for the savvy shopper, so it only makes sense that the actress-turned-singer would get into the holiday spirit by curating her own gift guide. “Anything personally made for you always trumps other gifts because of the thought and organization put into it,” Gwyneth writes. Her selection includes eclectic finds like customized holiday cards from Cocodot.com and trinkets from Vicente Agor, a San Francisco-based jeweler, who (for $310 and up), will turn a profile picture of your loved ones into one-of-a-kind pair of earrings. And if picking family favorites is too hard, Gwyneth encourages readers to represent their hometown glory with Tophdaddy‘s uber-hip area code T-shirts ($18 to $60). For the frequent traveler she recommends Abernathy Road‘s handsome assortment of leather goods, which includes an iPhone pocket journal ($372), and perfectly rugged duffel bags. However, Gwyneth’s personal go-to luggage? The monogrammed Louis Vuitton Pegase suitcase, of course. To see the rest of Gwyneth’s Goop gift guide, and for more personalized gift ideas, visit goop.com. –Jessie Goldberg

SHOP THE STARS’ LATEST STYLES IN YOU ASKED, WE FOUND: STAR LOOKS!

Landov; AP; Insets: Courtesy HSN

They’ve built fashion empires, launched fragrances and lent their likenesses to home lines. Now Sarah Jessica Parker, Mary J. Blige and Iman want to help you trim your tree. These are just a few of the A-list names who have put their star power behind holiday ornaments, available now for $19.90-$49.90, on hsn.com/hsncares. With 100 percent of the profits being donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (which serves children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses), stars were quick to embrace the spirit of giving. “Anything involving kids touches my heart,” says Molly Sims, whose ornament is a nod to her jewelry line. Tori Spelling, whose own childhood home famously featured a room devoted entirely to wrapping Christmas presents, opted for “a traditional print, which makes for a festive holiday!” Blige took a deeper approach, explaining “This holiday I wanted all of my fans to celebrate women. I chose the Phoenix [design] because she embodies grace, confidence and strength.” Now that you’ve got the makings of a VIP tree, you might want to consider putting a velvet rope around it. –Suzanne Zuckerman

Cr: WireImage; StarTraks; Insets: Courtesy HSN