Luxe in Lace

The minute designers premiered their Fall 2011 collections during New York's fashion week, everybody knew: lace is very, very hot.  Don't believe me? Check out the collections of Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Emilio Pucci, Christian Dior, Jason Wu, and Stella McCartney- they all sent their models down the runway looking fabulously feminine and flirty in lacy pieces.  The real question for us frugal fashionistas is not whether or not to love lace, but where to find it without breaking the bank.  Here are some of my favorite lacy creations that will keep us all safely within budget.  

The Reformation: 

It is impossible not to adore this sheer lace top by The Reformation.  Its classical lace pattern makes it elegant and glamorous, but its sheer daring makes it edgy.  If you feel bold, pair it with a nude tank top, and strut your stuff; you'l look risqué without going too far.  For a more vintage feel, try a black top under it with a sweetheart neckline; it will evoke a Victorian feel with an undeniably modern twist.  The best part? It's 45% off if you look for it at Bluefly.  

Giuseppe Zanotti

As Coco Chanel once said "A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous" and in this pair of lace-covered Giuseppe Zanotti pumps, you can't help but be both.  If you have to dress up for college interviews, or for an internship, these heels are perfect to keep you looking fashionable and feminine while still being professional.  Look for the at the Outnet where you can snag them for 60% off!

Dolce and Gabbana

I just adore Dolce and Gabbana's dresses, like this cotton lace sundress.  It is light and airy, and a great way of showing off your summer tan.  It's perfect to wear to a garden party or graduation, and will create that polished look without making you overdressed. At $899, I can't really say that it is a frugal find, but seeing as it was originally $2230, it is discounted enough to make my list.  If you like the 60% off price tag, then look for it at Gilt Groupe. 

Happy Shopping! :)

 

Head to Toe Marc Jacobs

Hello Fashionistas,
It has been a while but I am finally back, and returning to my favorite designer, the demigod, Marc Jacobs.  We all want him, but few can afford him, so for those of us without deep pockets, discount designer outlets are a godsend. I found the perfect springtime outfit that is fantastic but affordable.

The Top:

It's purple, it's hammered silk, it's Marc by Marc Jacobs.  This adorable top is dressy enough to wear to the office and casual enough to wear to a barbecue, but no matter where you go in it, you will look fabulous.  It's not clingy, it's not low-cut, it doesn't show a lot of skin, but it is still flirty, light, and girly.  Plus it's 38% off at bluefly, so well within the reach of all of us.  

The Shorts:

Ever since the first whispers of Spring arrives, women everywhere have been prepping for this moment with spray-tans, crash diets, and ankle weights.  It is the season of sexy legs and these white Marc by Marc Jacobs shorts are the perfect way to show yours off.  They are the perfect bottom to complement the classy purple silk top by being risqué within reason.  Look for them as well at Bluefly, where they are 37% off.  

The Shoes:

Whether or not they are the focal point of an outfit, the shoes will make or break your look.  These leather t-strap sandals will lengthen the legs we have all been working so hard on --and keep the attention on our legs, not our feet.  They are chic and sophisticated, but they know their place as supporting actors and won't try to steal the spotlight.  Make sure to get a pedicure before wearing though, because nobody likes a naked toenail.  Best part? They're 43% off at DSW.   

Happy Shopping :)

Dress to Kill for less than $100

I have so far covered a lot of dressy clothing because I have a weakness for glitz, but now I am writing on how to get an awesome everyday outfit for under $100.  If you're going on a casual date, or just want to look great in class, read up on how to get that perfect outfit for less.  

The Pants

I do not know who decided that faded jeans would be a good style, but they were clearly no friend to womankind.  These dark blue AE artist jeans look great on all body types, and their wrinkled appearance gives them a funky off-beat look. American Eagle is hardly a designer brand, but because they are adorable, and on clearance for 29.99 at ae.com, I decided to include them. 

The Top:

With a pair of artist jeans, you need to choose your top carefully to make certain that you look trendy and not unwashed.  This Piperlime Mystree tank top is perfect for dressing up a pair of jeans.  This top is light and summery and shows skin while managing to remain classy.  The braided straps add a hint of glamour to this very wearable everyday top.  What's even better is that it's marked down to $33.99 at piperlime.com, so you can wear it with the confidence that comes from getting an excellent deal.  

The Hat:

We all watched the royal wedding with fascination, looking at British hats that ranged from tame to outlandish.    While I would not recommend trying to pull off Princess Eugenie's hat, http://adf.ly/1R9KR, there are a lot of hats that transform an outfit from forgettable to fabulous.  This Hothats cloche style hat accents the jeans and top and creates a memorable style.  Wear it with glamorous big curls, or a messy updo - as long as you wear it, you're sure to be chic.  Get it at http://www.etsy.com/listing/64500492/cloche-style-hat-made-of-flocked for only $28.00.  

Throw on your fave pair of flats and you've got a great, wearable outfit for only $91.94.

Happy Shopping! :)