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When big-name labels like Stella McCartney, Lanvin and Proenza Schouler are leading the way, you know you can't really go wrong with this big trend. And we're talking big — big shine, big statement, big impact. Yep, iridescent colour ain't for the faint of heart. After being deemed one of the biggest trends on the catwalk at the Spring 2013 shows late last year, we swooned when we saw the oyster shell-effect skirt Raf Simons created for the Christian Dior lineup, and model-of-the-moment Cara Delevingne worked a maxed-out metallic Burberry dress in reflective green. Not keen on all-over shine? Worry not, for we have found 10 of the best-looking ways to add a smaller touch of metal to your main look. Shoes, bags, earrings, the lot — the world is your oyster.

J.Crew turned it up to 11 for Fall 2013, thanks to creative director Jenna Lyons's deft touch with colour and pattern mixing. Neon citron mingled with bubblegum pink, while a clean Winter-white sweater and pants provided a palate cleanser. Accessories were a highlight with sexy lace-up pumps, jewelled minaudières, and piles of coloured crystal jewellery. Printed pants continued to look fresh mixed with chunky knits under double-breasted coats with ornate detailing. The crowd was abuzz with excitement — and not just because a fresh-faced Julianne Moore moved among the editors viewing the collection.

We're not usually fixated on American politics — but the American inauguration celebrations have popped up onto our style-centric radar. Michelle Obama has actually managed to outdo herself in one fell custom ruby red Jason Wu gown swoop. Yes, the FLOTUS has stayed loyal to the young American designer who was behind her ethereal white Inaugural Ball gown four years ago, and this latest creation is just as stunning. The undeniably adorable image of the Obamas dancing is distracting enough, but we've already set our sights on the chiffon-and-velvet halter-style gown, which doesnt' short on the glamour. To complement the siren hue, she wore Jimmy Choo heels and according to CNN, a custom Kimberly McDonald diamond ring, too. This latest ensemble, albeit the most formal, comes at the end of a long day of epic history-making outfits.Michelle Obama was spotted leaving St. John's Church initially sporting a navy printed Thom Browne coat, black J.Crew pumps and Cathy Waterman diamond stud earrings. While the First Lady later arrived at the Capitol for the swearing-in ceremony wearing the same coat, she punched it up with a seriously embellished J. Crew waist belt, proving her continued prowess in the outfit-revamp department. It also appears she has switched out of her J.Crew pumps and into black suede knee-high boots. To finish, Michelle wore gorgeous berry-hued leather gloves — a fitting Winter accessory that packs as much polish as it does functionality. Stay tuned as we bring you Michelle's always-polished ensembles straight from the second inauguration ceremony. For all of the US first lady's most memorable looks (thus far), click here.

If you're wedding planning (or merely perusing), then J.Crew's newly debuted Spring '13 wedding dress collection is sure to impress even the most discerning of brides. With a focus on diaphanous textures and simple silhouettes, the brand supplied us with a beautiful bevy of gowns, highlighting chic column cuts, rosette-embellished sheath dresses, bohemian halter gowns, and a Swiss-dot princess confection for the most feminine kind of girl. Step inside, the dress of your dreams might be waiting for you.

Nothing makes us want to reinvigorate our wardrobe with a "New Year, new you" attitude more than a bright, impeccably styled J.Crew look book. Shot among the dunes of the White Sands National Monument in New Mexico, with three punchy hot-air balloons as "props," the preppy-cum-cool US brand's tried-and-true pieces got a new lease on shelf life via vibrant hues, reworked denim classics, crisp pointed-collar blouses, sequined pencil skirts, Panama hats and more polka dots than you could shake a stick at. Peep the Up, Up, and Away editorial when you keep clicking.

The northern hemisphere might be knee-deep in snow right now, but it's not reason we can't put this sartorial styling guide on ice for a few months. We may not feel like wearing the cosy knits and clever layering from J.Crew's holiday look book right now, but there are some take-home tips that we can put into practise now, and later. Whether you use the festive red on white on camel colour combo for a chic Christmas day look, or want to save that nifty shirt-under-sequin-sweater idea for the cooler months, we think there's plenty of value in flicking through the US chain's latest offering, seasonality be-damned.

If you want to spend more than a lobster, but less than a pineapple — have we got the Christmas Gift Guide for you! You can buy some really quite cute stuff for less than $50 — covering off that majority of your recipient list, without totally breaking the bank. Think adorable wrist bling from Kate Spade, cartoon-tastic couch candy, designer undies and secret lip balm stashes that moonlight as animal-adorned cocktail rings. Wanna see what else we found? Step right this way  . . .