Cyber Monday!

Who's ready to "surf" their way down Christmas gift lane? For those who weren't brave enough to get out there and push through the crowds on Black Friday, here's your chance! You can still capitalize on all the greatest Holiday deals. It's Cyber Monday!

If you're still looking for the perfect party dress for an upcoming holiday fete, fret no more. One of my favorite sites, Bluefly.com has the answer. With an extra 10% off for today only, you'll be sure to find the perfect look. My choice? This sateen strapless, bubble dress with rosette accents in Magenta by Romeo & Juliet ($98.10).

The Style Mayvin is hoping that someone, somewhere will recognize the fact that I am in desperate need of a new wallet! With not only my birthday but also Christmas right around the corner, I'm SURE that's one of the many gifts I'll receive...hint, hint. In fact, one designer in particular has a Cyber Monday discount that's so great, I was tempted to go ahead and purchase my own wallet...but I figured, "Why ruin the surprise for someone else?" Cole Haan's Zip Around Wallet from the Corporate Gifts collection is dainty and girlie, just the way I like...now if I could only stop destroying every wallet I get with my collection of retail receipts (which I refuse to throw out). Regularly priced at only $148, the additional 30% off (TODAY ONLY) is an extra treat. The discount is applicable for any regular priced item online. Simply enter the discount code "Happy40" at check out and it's a done deal.

With all the talk of discounts, please don't forget the diamonds!Regretfully, I misplaced one of my beautiful diamond studs and have yet to replace it so I'm thinking, getting a whole new pair is certainly in order. For the very best in quality and style, Bluenile.com is the best choice. Forbes magazine dubbed this site "Best of the Web" and if anyone knows lux life style, it's definitely Forbes. I'll take the Princess cut, 2 ct. tw., Platinum setting. WOW! Those are a wee-bit pricey but the collection of studs start at around $270 so there's something to fit almost every budget.

Happy Shopping on this beautiful Cyber Monday to all!

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Ask and ye shall receive...

While blogging about over-the-knee boots a couple of weeks ago, I was secretly imagining myself wearing a brand new brown pair...why brown? I needed to replace my old brown favs for a new one so, I thought I should be specific.

So, needless to say I am now the happy owner of the Drive Boot by Natischa Harvey. Complete with the slightly chunky heel I imagined, these boots are very comfortable and of course stylish. Plus for only $99.99 you can have your own! Log on to www.fevershoes.com

Want your company's product reviewed by Style Mayvin? Contact us at stylemayvin@gmail.com. Keep 'em coming!

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Laquered Up!

I usually don't cover beauty products but I am so into this winter's nail polish trends.

Normally not a desired color for your natural nails however, Grey is the new black! Love, love, love Sally Hansen's Xtreme Wear Gunmetal and if you're a designer girl right down to your nails, try YSL's Tuxedo Gray (Yes...YSL makes polish too. Isn't that just great?).

Another great nail polish color for the season is purple. OPI's Purple with a Purpose and Dior's Vernis in Silver Purple are both simply beautiful. And don't forget the ever popular green! Light green, emerald and any shade in between could be that extra style push you need.

These popular colors can help you to glam up your hands as well as your look and although you may not think you could pull it off, try variations of these colors and you might be surprised to find one that fits you perfectly!

Nail Tip: Try the newest technique and polish the ring finger nail on each hand in a tonal, slightly darker color. It will give your hands that little extra pop!

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AMA's Red Carpet Glam

The performances during the American Music Awards were quite "interesting" to say the least...but since I'm the Style Mayvin and not the "Music Mayvin", I'll keep those criticisms to myself.

The red carpet arrivals were as glamorous as ever. There was a sense of originality and creativity typical of musical artists. I have a couple of favs but my pick for best dressed is Alicia Keys. I loved her in Armani Prive' and if you've ever wondered...THIS is how you "do" blue! Right down to the beautiful blue shoes, handbag AND eyeshadow. Way to perfectly coordinate Ms. Keys.

All Style Mayvin fans know that I'm a sucker for a one-shoulder dress and Carrie Underwood literally shines in a gold lame' design by Theia. This is certainly one I would personally LOVE to have in my closet or at the very least on loan whenever I needed it.

Then there was the always classy Nicole Kidman. Not only is she beautiful, she has a very handsome husband. Keith Urban is better than any "purse" she could have chosen to accompany her stunning look. This asymmetrical Balenciaga is in one of the biggest colors of the season...grey. She wears it well.

All photos by Getty Images

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Get on TREND

The hottest boot this season is an 80's punk rock favorite...an oldie but goodie, Over-the-knee Boots!

The Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman" look is not so much what your aim should be but a more chunky heel like the Coco colored, Twiggy Over-the-Knee Boot by Joie available at http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/ for $575. Also available at Saks is the Flat Suede Over-the-Knee boots by one of the most coveted footwear designers, Giuseppe Zanotti ($975).

If that's a bit out of your price range, don't fret...you can still get on TREND!

Try the Zigi Soho Shimmy Leather Over-the-Knee boot which comes in black and brown. Personally, I love the tassel and buckles! A definite reminder of my "big hair" days and a great statement piece for your arsenal. You can grab these at DSW Shoe Warehouse or online at http://www.dsw.com/ for $199.95.

And...if you wanna take it one step lower, Steve Madden presents Blondee. It's a simple, suede Knee-High boot for only $99.95. (http://www.onlineshoes.com/). To borrow a few lines from Dres of BlackSheep, "And you can't beat that with a bat. So you can GET with this, or you can GET with that..." Whatever you do, just GET on TREND!

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Designer of the Month - MARNI

Since the launch of Marni in 1994, Consuelo Castiglioni has designed some of the most chic "looks" to ever hit the catwalk. The Italian label was born from Castiglioni's husband's family fur business and is known for it's use of bold, graphics and prints with a feminine touch and of course, fur. For those who aren't a fan of fur and prefer faux (try saying that three times fast..), this may not be your favorite designer but you can't deny the unmistakable way almost any woman can carry off these trendy styles. If you like what you see, get your clothing, handbags, shoes or eyewear "Marni fix" at http://www.marni.com/ or pick up the latest ready-to-wear collections at Barney's New York, Jeffrey New York and Bergdorf Goodman.

Photo Credit: Style.com Marni FRTW 2009

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Introducing H&M...Again

The ultra fashionable, uber trendy H&M (Hennes & Mauritz) opens the doors of it's NYC flagship store at 5th Ave and 51st St once again. The GRAND REOPENING kicks off Monday Nov 9th at noon and if you're one of the first 300 lucky shoppers in line to view H&M's new fashion forward look, you'll be granted an "Access to Fashion" gift pass valued from $10-$300! That would be the perfect discount to help you score a pair of Jimmy Choo for H&M shoes set to launch on Nov 14th.

Ok...so if the party starts at noon, I wonder what time the line will begin to form...Hmmm...Sounds like it might be one heck of a party! Stop in or check out the Fall/Winter collection online at http://www.hm.com/.

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Growl!

Do animal prints really ever go out of style? I'm not exactly a fortune teller but I can TELL you this...the Louis Vuitton Leomonogram bracelets from Spring/Summer 09 ($385) will and should most definitely cross over into Fall. While most of our animal friends are getting ready to hunker down and hibernate through the winter, don't be fooled...these fashionable accessories can battle any breezy day! So, stack 'em on and add a little spice to your cold-weather wardrobe.

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Shoe Porn

If you're a true Style Mayvin fan, you know that I LOVE Christian Siriano! Although his shoe line for Payless was announced last December, it's finally hitting the stores and has garnered press from the ultimate Media Mogul herself...The "O".

With enough spikes and chains to make even a hardcore porn addict blush, I'm sure you want to know which styles you can actually find in Payless stores. (see www.payless.com) As a student of the fashion game, and former fashion buyer myself, I know that many things "change" in the style department from conceptualization to actual in-store product. Nonetheless, I still love this designer and the fact that his creative eye is now focused on one of my most guilty pleasures (the wonderful world of footwear), I couldn't be happier!

Bring it Christian! They are FIERCE!

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Easy on the eyes

For all of the Tory Burch fans out there, here's a new accessory to add to your "must have" list.

Along with the cute little flats, handbags, jewelry and clothing (I have a gorgeous, linen TB dress that I totally love!), Tory Burch's newest line of sunglasses are now available on line! Just in case you didn't know, sunglasses are not exclusively purposed to be worn during those hot summer months. Your eyes, the windows to your soul, should also be protected from the cold winter winds so I say...perfect timing Tori! You can snag the style of your choice from the Tori Burch Eyewear collection for under $200. Check it out at http://www.toryburch.com/

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TMCF's "Front Row"

What a great time had by all! The red carpet for the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Fashion Show was all a buzz last Saturday evening.

The event's host, Sherri Shepard (The View), dressed in THE color of the season, dazzled the paparazzi and sent the audience into a complete "giggle fit" (including myself) when she graced the stage. HBO...give the lady a stand up comedy special!

The evening of fashion featured looks from designers: Byron Lars, Kai Milla Designs, Russell Simmons Argyle Culture, Nico & Adrian, Amsale (my personal fav), Angela Dean for DeanZign, Annie S Intimates, a special "ethnic" line by Walmart (What does that mean by the way?), Montgomery, Francis Hendy and emerging designers Ellie Owen and Magnami Style & Company.

Naomi Campbell, dressed in a Dolce & Gabbana Dress, Dennis Blasso Fur Coat (yup...I said fur) and square-toe, black heels by Alexander McQueen walked the red carpet with her boyfriend Vladmir. She is even more stunning in person if you can imagine that! (photo at right courtesy nonstopinfo.com)

Overall, a wonderful night for an even better cause and a nicely stocked bar in VIP to boot. Can't beat that!

For more photos or to support the Thurgood Marshall College Fund visit http://www.thurgoodmarshallfund.net/

TMCF Photos by CJ Washington

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