Category Archives: Budget

Black Magic for Fall 2011

Posted on August 30, 2011 | Leave a comment

It’s time to get ourselves ready, and by ourselves I mean our closets, for fall.  I have already made a visual wish list for Julie, and now I am working through my favorites themes from Fall Fashion Week 2011.

The pervasive theme for fall was bold and highly saturated color, however, we would be kidding ourselves to think that fashion would abandon the non-color, color black.

My favorites from the runway:

L - R: Ralph Lauren, Elie Tahari, Milly by Michelle Smith, Michael Kors

On first glance, they have nothing in common beyond their color.  But look further… There is movement, exoticism, layering, something special.  This is not your basic black. This is high-powered, glamorous, strong, fierce and sophisticated.

And, I’d like to think, that when paired together well, these pieces exude that same kind of magic.

Black Magic - Fall 2011

Source: Maxi, Shift, Shirt, Tee, Pleat Skirt, Legging, Maxi Skirt, Jacket, Cape, Necklace, Cuff, Cuff

More color coming soon!  Are there trends you want to see visualized?  Do tell in the comments!

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Posted in Accessories, Budget, Fashion Inspiration, fashion week, Her Closet, Jewelry, Shoes, Shopping

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Fall Wish List, for Julie

Posted on August 23, 2011 | 1 comment

The other day I had the following conversation with my sister, Julie:

Me: What is on your fall wish list?

Julie: Replace my Chinese Laundry brown boots with boots that I enjoy with jeans, leggings and skirts b/c those don’t go with skirts and I need to be able to wear boots to work, colored denim – in a red and maybe an awesome blue or mustard or something – no jackets, I’m prob good on scarves, ooh I kind of want a suede flat – like a boat shoe or loafer, obviously more maxi dresses and like 3-4 awesome sweaters in bright fall colors – purple, green, etc – and that’s it for now

Me: great job, nice selections

Julie: Thank you

Me: I particularly like how you say, “enjoy” with skirts

What I like about this look: It is a mix of a lot of things, with a focus on color.  Julie often has a bolder vibe than I do, but walks the fine line between DC conservative and bohemia.

Julie’s Fall
Source: Maxi Dress, Stripe Dress, Sweater Dress, Polish, Loafers, Slippers,  Cardigan, Sequin Top, Sequin Cardigan, Envelope, Maxi Skirt, Midi Skirt, Skinny Jean, Flare Jean, Suede Boots

What do you think, Jules?

What is on your fall wish list?

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Posted in Accessories, Budget, Fashion Inspiration, Her Closet, Jewelry, Shoes, Shopping, Uncategorized

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A Dress Worthy of the Final Rose

Posted on August 2, 2011 | Leave a comment

Last night America tuned in to see Ashley Hebert break one man’s heart, and make another man’s heart soar.  I will admit, I have phased in and out of my Bachelor/Bachelorette fandom, but this season I did watch.

Ashley wasn’t my favorite bachelorette, and I didn’t always love her style – even though we both have a penchant for backless tops.  However, I do think she looked very pretty when she finally got her man, her ring, and her happy ending.

Ashley wore Randi Rahm, the same designer of her dress on the first night, and the designer of dresses that Carrie Underwood, Mariah Carey and Beyonce have worn.

Ashley Hebert in Randi Rahm

The dress is beautiful, but also $16,000.  That’s a lot of roses…

Get the look for less:

A Bachelorette's Look for Less

From L – R: Amsale at Nordstrom, Aidan Mattox at eDressMe, Mikael Aghal at Bluefly, Sue Wong at Nordstrom, Sue Wong at Bloomingdale’s
 
 
 

What do you think?  Did she make the right choice?  Was this the ONE?  Or would you have picked a different dress?

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Posted in Budget, Her Closet, Red Carpet, Shopping

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Black and Blue, a Look for Less

Posted on May 20, 2011 | Leave a comment

First let me say that I am in LOVE with the Diane Von Furstenberg Spring 2011 collection.  It’s like swoon, double take, amble mindlessly through the collection when I visit it in stores, kind of love.  However, I am not currently in the spend $300+ on a bolt of berry blue silk wrapped around me.   It’s a look I love, but I want for a lot less.

Aspire: Reara draped silk-crepe dress by Diane Von Furstenberg at Net-A-Porter, Jimmy Choo Candy Collection Clutch at Nordstrom, AO3541 by Sergio Rossi at Zappos Couture

Attain: Aqua Sleeveless Ruffle Wrap Dress at Bloomingdale’s, Effe Patent Clutch by HOBO International, Sam Edelman Novato at Zappos

What looks are you loving for summer that you want for a lot less?  Style at a steal!

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Dress Like a Princess, Spend Like a Commoner

Posted on April 29, 2011 | Leave a comment

For as much as Kate loves Will, I’ve noticed a few other things that have really caught her fancy.  Among them, tights, boots, blazers, and a great cocktail dress.  Kate has a style that is contemporary and accessible.  She knows her shape, colors, and what works best for a life in the limelight.

She favors deep v-necklines, which I suspect will become less deep after the “I do”, cinched waists, and fabric details.
Want the Kate look for less?  Try these on for size.
Like any good Brit, Kate often dons the trench coat, but like any savvy shopper we’ll forgo the Burberry for a chic coat for less than $200.
Casual about Town, Top Row: Macks Trench Coat via French Connection, English Rose Kimono Blouse via Anthropologie, Broome Street Jeans via Kate Spade, Calvin Klein Metallic Scarf, Heeled Stretch Boots via Boden.

Kate is often photographed in dresses, like the one in the original engagement photos, the highlight and accentuate her slender waist.  Expect to see more dresses and conservative style in her new role.  She also isn’t afraid to shop off the rack – we should be no different!
Dress for the Occasion, Middle Row: BCBGMaxAzria Ruched Jersey Dress via Bluefly, Tahari ASL Sheath Dress via Bluefly, Contrast Tank Sundress via White House/Black Market, Cole Haan Opaque Tights via Zappos, Michael Michael Kors Flex Low Pump via Zappos,  ASOS SUGAR Bow Court Shoe via Asos.

Will and Kate got engaged while on Safari in Africa, and I am sure they will honeymoon somewhere fabulous.  Whenever they get the chance for some R & R, expect more dresses and chic, simple resortwear.

Princess on Holiday, Bottom Row: Free People Tiered Lace Dress via Nordstrom,  Crisp Chambray Blazer via Anthropologie, Off White Anglaise Bikini via TopShop, Sapphire and Diamond Ring via Ice.com, Melin T-Strap Pump via Nordstrom

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Shop till you drop – and save

Posted on March 18, 2011 | Leave a comment

I’ll be working this weekend, but if you’re not, and you find yourself at the mall – don’t miss out on these great gear up for spring sales:
Great time to stock up on the “in today, out tomorrow” trendy styles for Spring
Nine West
Still lots of cute pieces up to 50% off and good to transition into a slow coming Spring at J. Crew, plus free shipping over $100.
Fall into the Gap (and Banana Republic and Old Navy) Give and Get is Here!: Enjoy 30% off from March 17-20 at Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy plus we’ll make a 5% donation to a non-profit.
Also, take 15% off when you buy one pair of jeans, 25% off when you buy two or more pairs at Bloomingdale’s Denim Days 
Have a fashionable weekend – see you Monday!

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Dress for Success (for Less)

Posted on March 4, 2011 | Leave a comment

You probably know by now that I looove spring/summer.  I love warm weather, flip flops, big hair and sunglasses (yes Summer means big hair for me).  But, then I stumble a little bit.  You see, I am not really, truly a dress girl…

I love looking at dresses; gowns, cocktail dresses and sweet sundresses, but, I don’t really own too many.  I am a jeans girl.  In DC, and frankly in most places during the heat of summer, skinny jeans can be well stifling.  

So, here were the rules: fun dresses that could be worn to brunch, a game, dinner, or just out and about, nothing black and nothing over $100.  

Fashion tip: when exploring a fashion category or color you’re less than confident about, start slow and inexpensive.

See Row 1 for work; row 2 for social hour; row 3 for running around.
Okay Spring, I’m ready – where are you?

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Red Carpet Inspiration: Jewels

Posted on March 2, 2011 | Leave a comment

Again, I loved Gwyneth Paltrow’s dress, hair and jewels. 

Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein via InStyle

I thought she radiated.  In fact when watching the pre-show with my sister I kept noting the man/intern/earring showcaser who relentlessly adjusted Paltrow’s hair to show off these:
Louis Vuitton Earring via People.com

Those earrings are to die for, and I am fairly certain the originals fall under the category of “would kill your bank account”.  But all hope is not lost. The idea behind the earring is a cluster of multicolor stones in an organic shape (not specifically round or square).

Here are my top picks for the look for much, much less:
From L – R: Rachel Leigh Nico Shooting Star Cluster Earrings at Charm & Chain; Gas Bijoux Faux Turquoise and Quartz Gold Plated Cluster Earringsat Ylang23; Wing Studs at Top Shop; Sorrelli “Wild Meadow” Earrings at Endless; Oscar de la Renta Multi Stone Drop Earrings at Net-A-Porter

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Posted in Accessories, Budget, Her Closet, Jewelry, Red Carpet

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Favorite Looks from Spring 2011 Fashion Week, for Less

Posted on February 21, 2011 | Leave a comment

In September I featured my favorite looks from the Spring 2011 Fashion Shows, and now that Spring 2011 is almost upon us, it is time to revisit those inspiring looks.

I have taken my stand out favorites from September and searched the Internet to find affordable and wearable version inspired by the real thing.
Marc Jacobs – Spring 2011 was like the most glamorous, 70’s inspired, color infused show. 

This look is completely wearable, and probably could be assembled with items you already own, but if not…

Carolina Herrera – Spring 2011 was a favorite of mine, and while I don’t have the need for an evening gown currently, one can’t help but be inspired by the painterly details of this beautiful dress.
Carolina Herrera – Spring 2011
This look is admittedly DIY but if done right it’s a major wow.  And again, I think the larger aesthetic point here is painterly details in a black and white color palette.

Oscar de la Renta – Spring 2011 was for the ladies who lunch set.  The important rules to follow here are texture: tweed and silks and colors within the same color family.
Oscar de la Renta – Spring 2011

With such a ladylike and refined shape and staples, you can really go bold with the color and have fun playing with spring’s best and boldest hues.


Ralph Lauren – Spring 2011, this show was Rancher Fabulous if there is such a thing.  It is certainly difficult to imagine wearing beaded cocktail dresses on the farm, but somehow Ralph Lauren, as the master of Americana pulls it off.
Ralph Lauren – Spring 2011
To attempt the same look, on a budget start here:


Monique Lhuillier – Spring 2011, know for red-carpet worthy evening gowns, it was fun to see Monique Lhuillier play with different shapes and pieces, and I really liked the belted, sophisticated look of the high waisted trousers and refined bustier top.
Monique Lhuillier – Spring 2011

To build this look on a budget, you can assemble pieces that are completely wearable in a variety of ways. 

 What trends are you most excited for?

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SAG Awards Red Carpet for Less

Posted on February 3, 2011 | Leave a comment

I mentioned that I thought the SAG Awards, in terms of grandness of attire, is sort of like High School Homecoming.  That is said with no disrespect to the Homecoming Queen – it’s just that the Homecoming Queen is not a bride on her wedding day, and so the SAG Awards is not the Oscars.

Anyway, because it’s like the little sister there is a sense of attainability.  Let’s explore, shall we?


I raved about Sarah Hyland’s youthful twist on orange (cute pun!) and the strapless gown from Nicole Miller does the trick for $355

Loved Natalie’s chic mom-to-be white gown.  This look is easily recreated with the Vanilla Strapless Gown from Laundry by Shelli Segal and the addition of some sparkly pins and brooches.

Lea Michelle and Tina Fey’s straight from the runway Oscar de la Renta were a little difficult to recreate on a budget but I think we’re pretty close with a gold infused Sue Wong gown ($488) and the Nika gown (for a budget busting $788).

My favorite, in the category of “I would rock this anytime” was Julie Bowen’s pantsuit jumper.  She admitted it was risky, but she neglected to mention it would be a cinch to recreate.  Halter jumpsuit from TopShop ($90) and sparkly pins and you’re red carpet, or disco ready.

Shop Happy!

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Posted in Budget, Fashion Inspiration, Her Closet, Red Carpet

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