Harper's Bazaar December 2012-January 2013

Take flight into the new season As the New Year approaches, it's a time of celebration and transformation. Our cover star, Taylor Swift, shows off a sleek new style and talks about wearing the pants in life and love (page 304). There's plenty of inspiration in the Best-Dressed List, which crowns the world's most stylish women (page 155). From style icons to icons of cinema, Steven Spielberg marks the release of his new film, Lincoln, with a collaboration that reinterprets his beloved hits (page 322). Another legend, Giorgio Armani, reveals a day in his luxurious life (page 103), while Carolina Herrera's daughters Patricia and Carolina and some of her grandchildren entertain us family-style in Patricia's elegant New York loft (page 245). Speaking of the season, this year's gift guide has…

FESTIVE ATTIRE It's the time of year when the invites start to pour in, along with the dilemma of what to wear. But fear not, our comprehensive guide—cocktail dresses, le smoking suits, chic shoes, tiny bags—is here. After all, a girl's got to have options. On Lily Donaldson: Dress, Altuzarra. Bracelet, H. Stern. 800-7-HSTERN. Clutch, $1,495, Michael Kors. michaelkors.com. Shoes, $1,590, Lanvin. bergdorfgoodman.com. FETE FASHION THE NEW SECRETS OF PARTY DRESSING We loved the elegant simplicity of Kate Bosworth's Stella McCartney sequined column dress. Check out other inspiring red-carpet moments and get the look. HOT ACCESSORIES THIS MONTH'S TO-DO LIST      • FOLLOW THE BEST PARTIES & EVENTS OF THE SEASON      • STAY ON TOP OF FASHION NEWS WITH THE BAZAAR REPORT      • SHOP OUR DAILY PICKS Bulgari brooch. bulgari.com. COVER…

Glenda Bailey on the highlights of the new season During Paris Fashion Week in October, I was fortunate enough to be awarded the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, at an event hosted by Hearst International's Duncan Edwards and Jeannette Chang. It's an honor as big as its name, and to make the occasion even more special, my dear friend Alber Elbaz gave a speech (not to mention making me a special sash to pin my medal on—pure pageantry). Alber and I have been on many a fashion adventure, including the time I had him sit in the lake in Central Park for a portrait just before the 2005 CFDA Awards, when he was named International Designer of the Year. He recalled arriving at the ceremony in a…

42 navy T-shirts 5,700 + employees 2 cats, MairÌ and Angel 10 homes 7:00 A.M. I wake up at seven—I've always been an early riser. I used to think that I did it because I had to, but I realized that I actually love to follow the day's natural rhythm. I sleep in lightweight, comfortable pajamas in the softest cotton. I like to wear something that feels different from my daytime uniform; it's a sort of ritual that induces sleep. After getting up I go to the gym for my daily training session. It seems like a nearly military regimen, but in reality it's extremely satisfying. There's nothing mysterious or out of the ordinary about my exercise routine. I work out for an hour and a half every day with…

1 A cuff to razzle-dazzle them. Wilfredo Rosado cuff. Bergdorf Goodman; 888-774-2424. 2 The sunburst necklace is haute right now. Coomi necklace. Neiman Marcus; 888-888-4757. 3 A festive clutch for all seasons. Alexander McQueen clutch, $1,545. Saks Fifth Avenue; 877-551-7257. 4 This embellished-heel sandal is de rigueur. Michael Kors shoe, $1,395. 866-709-5677. 5 The cocktail ring that's a conversation piece. Kara Ross Fine Jewelry ring. 212-223-7272. 6 A mechanical minaudière. Reed Krakoff clutch, $2,290. 877-733-3525. 7 Strike holiday gold with party patent. Nicholas Kirkwood sandal, $850. nicholaskirkwood.com.…

Onstage and off, Taylor Swift is a champion of all-American style. She counts Ralph Lauren as one of her favorite designers and loves visiting his stores, which she says are "like a library but with gorgeous clothes." For her signature sparkly dresses and swingy shifts on the red carpet, Taylor favors "J. Mendel, Elie Saab, and Reem Acra." Her favorite look? The silver sequined Kaufman Franco dress she wore to the Video Music Awards in 2009, which she paired with a red lip. Beautywise, Taylor likes a retro eye (using CoverGirl LashBlast mascara and LineBlast eyeliner) and bright nails ("I paint them blue, purple, or red"). And she always follows her golden rule: "Pick one thing to go bold with, either your lips or your eyes. Don't try to make…