Elegant Earth-Tones

Many of us associate earth-tones with boring, wall-flower clothing. Oatmeal, taupe, beige and wheat hardly evoke the same excitement as shades like sapphire, jade, crimson, or midnight.  However, if you do it right, you can stand out as an example of elegance and sexy sophistication with these gorgeous picks, say no to oatmeal and yes to champagne, gold dust, and shimmering lambskin taupe..  Gorgeous earth-tones can scream anything from "Old Money" to "Career Girl" all while quietly whispering that you are an amazingly gorgeous fashionista (if you can't hear your clothes speak to you, then you are not shopping properly).

The Showstopper:

I think that this gold dust Tadashi Shoji one sleeved gown singlehandedly refutes every person who has ever said that earth-tones are "boring".  This draped silk gown says drama and glamour better than any brighter color ever could.  It is the height of refinement, and is perfect for a black-tie event.  It happens to be on sale on the Saks Fifth Avenue web site for $256.99; 30% off the original price tag.  If you're looking early for a sorority formal or prom dress that is not tacky, or if you need to look great for an evening work event, this dress is perfect for making you look like money, without breaking the bank.  

The Killer Bag

I absolutely adore this Nanette Lepore lambskin satchel.  It is a perfect casual bag for taking to class, the office, or (my favorite) shopping for other amazing items.  If you pair it with brown leather boots, dark jeans, and a graphic tee, you have an envy-worthy outfit for back to school.  This bag is 40% off at nanettelepore.com in their sale section.  If you want to reward yourself, I can't imagine a better way of doing it than getting this bag.  

The Classy Top:

Dolce and Gabbana are my go-to dream brand for classy cute clothing.  This champagne colored silk bubble sleeve top is a perfect choice if you're dressing for a conservative occasion like an internship, or a college interview.  This top proves that you can dress for your career without sacrificing your awesome fashion sense.  This top happens to be 70% off at bluefly.com. That's right, 70% off.  Nothing smarter than investing in a piece like this to complete your wardrobe.

Happy Shopping, Fashionistas :)

Leighton Meester's Look for Under $100!

As far as fashion icons go, there are few who beat Leighton Meester in consistently putting together to-die-for fashionable outfits either to grab coffee, or go to a red carpet event.  After all, who can beat a Gossip Girl at style?  Unfortunately, Leighton Meester and Blaire Waldorf both have expensive taste...unattainably expensive taste.  Example: the Marchesa gown that Blaire Waldorf wore to Prom on Gossip Girl was one of a kind, and literally priceless.  It takes a lot of research and a little bit of luck to put together a Leighton Meester outfit without having to sell your car, but I believe that I have done it successfully.  Read on to find out how to get "the look" for less.

Leighton's Look

This is Leighton looking undeniably fab at a party for Kira Plastinina, wearing Kira Plastinina.  Her black and white look is timeless, and chic; she looks hip in menswear but also manages to look delicate and feminine.  This is definitely a fashion win for Leighton.

The Vest:

It's a little less shiny, and a lot less expensive.  This black scoop-neck New York and Company vest fits the silhouette of the Kira Plastinina vest that Leighton is wearing, without the astronomic prices that the Russian designer demands for her clothing.  It is a cute take on business casual clothing, and will add a certain hip feel to your wardrobe.  It also happens to be 50% off at newyorkandcompany.com where you will be able to find it for just $24.99.  Great deal? I think so, too.  

The Tank Top:

It is not that hard to find a white tank top for not a lot of money, but what is definitely more of a challenge is finding one that flatters your body and makes "the ladies" look nice without taking that fatal, yet so common turn to being trashy.  This Victoria's Secret bra cami top will keep you feeling sexy without going slutty, and the added length on bottom makes it perfect for layering under a shorter vest.  It's only $14.50 at victoriassecret.com, so you can look sexy without breaking budget.

The Jeans:

I did include a pair of skinny jeans, because Leighton is wearing some, but I do so with the warning label: wear with caution. We do not all have the bodies of Leighton Meester (sadly).  For those of us such as myself who will not be flattered by skinny jeans, let us choose a fit that flatter our own bodies, rather than our idols. For those who can pull off the look, however, these Dollhouse sequined skinny jeans glam up denim, and look adorable. I love the subtle sequins on the waist.  They won't make you look too hipster, but they still give off a modern, funky vibe.  Get them on sale for just $19.99 at http://shop.dollhouse.com/.  

The Shoes:

Are you too proud to buy a cute pair of shoes from Payless as long as nobody finds out where you got them? I, for one, am not.  These Christian Siriano pumps are similar to the round-toe black heels that Leighton wears, and they are so cute, I want to run out and buy them in three different colors.  They can make the transition from campus to internship effortlessly by switching the skinny jeans for a pencil skirt, and they will make your legs look fantastic.  They also happen to be just $34.99 at payless.com making them a great, and affordable fashion must-have.  

This outfit costs a total of $94.50, and the best part is that you will have four adorable articles that you can pair with other outfits to create new looks that are completely your own.  

Happy Shopping :)

Fantasy, Feasible, and Frugal Dresses

There are some special moments when you meet that dress that you love, and you can't get it out of your head.  Like true love, you just cannot get over that dress. However, there are times when you fall in love with someone unattainable, like Matt Damon, or a $1,880 Fendi dress.  Although  people tell me it is "unhealthy" to shop for guys to find a Matt Damon replacement, shopping for affordable dresses based on characteristics of your fantasy dress is perfectly normal.  Find your fantasy while still being frugal by reading on :)

The Fantasy:

Fashionistas worship Fendi for being irresistibly chic, trendy, and sophisticated.  This one-shoulder blue Fendi dress could just as easily be worn to a club as to a cocktail party, or a chance encounter in a store where your ex happens to work.  Unfortunately, this dress is only attainable for those of us willing to sell a kidney on the black market to afford it...and that leaves back scars.  If you can spend $1,880 on one dress without crying, buy this from Barney's New York without regret.  For the rest of us...try some of these lower budget alternatives.  

Feasible:

This Badgley Mischka Platinum Label blue asymmetric dress is absolutely adorable.  It will make you feel like a lady (keeping things classy) but it will also make the men want you.  The shine keeps things formal, so keep it to the evening, but pair it with a matte hue clutch and wear with pride.  Buy it at Bluefly where it's $244.99 marked down from $430.  

Frugal:

If you love the one-shoulder look but can't afford the top two, this David's Bridal blue dress is a great alternative.  Although technically a bridesmaid dress, this dress is versatile enough to wear in a variety of settings.  Wear your hair down and pair with heavy baubles before hitting clubs, or a party.  It's only $79.99, marked down from $120.00.  

Happy Shopping :)