Blue Bloods and Blue Collars

Blue is one of my personal favorite colors because it is so versatile. Blue can be worn literally thousands of ways, but because of space concerns, I will just show four takes on it. No matter what your style, you can wear some shade of the color in some way. Fun fact: feeling "blue" in Germany means that one is intoxicated. Read on to find some amazing blue pieces for prices that won't leave you feeling blue. 

Dress it up: 

If you want to feel pretty, girly, classy, and flirty, Campaigne is a great - and underrated- design brand to turn to.  This one shoulder chiffon "Ariel" blue sundress is the epitome of all those adjectives.  It will make you feel like a lady, but there's enough sex appeal there to keep you from feeling drab.  The cut and pale blue print makes it perfect for going on vacation, or for a first date.  It's 40% off at bluefly

Dress it Down:

You can't do a post on blue without delving into the ultimate blue piece of clothing: blue jeans. Blue jeans have transcended age, class and gender to infiltrate just about every wardrobe in the western world, but it's less common to find a pair of blue jeans that will flatter your body, and won't cost a fortune. These Victoria's Secret skinny jeans work best with smaller framed people, and will lengthen the legs. Pair with a flowy tank and heels for a breezy summer look, and look for them in the clearance section where they are $19.99, marked down from $59.99. 

Dress with Class:

I ordinarily am struck by bright bold colors on shoes, often in knee high boot or sneaker form so that it creates an uncompromising block of brightness on the feet. As a result, it was a personal sacrifice to choose these demure Lumiani sapphire blue booties, but because they are so fabulous, I knew they were the right choice to include. You can wear them to class, to the office, to a club or to a party; basically you can wear them anywhere that doesn't require a lot of walking, and you will be the envy of everybody because they are hot and classy at the same time. They also happen to be 40% off at Zappos, which is pretty awesome, as well. 

Dress Apart from the Rest:

So let me tell you why I love these Hanamiusa orchid earrings; they are made with real orchids! I stumbled across a street stall in New York last year who sold flower jewelry that was real flowers dipped in resin in some complicated way to preserve them for a long time, and I fell in love.  They are beautiful and different; you can wear them for an off-beat artsy look with paint-splattered jeans, or you could class them up with a pencil skirt and pumps.  They are fab for an affordable price, as well. Look for them at hanamiusa.com where they are $41.00

Happy Shopping, fashionistas :) 

Seeing Red

Hello Fashionistas,

This is the first entry of my color block series: each post will be one color done three ways for three different looks. For the first color, I chose the boldest, most attention grabbing color on earth: bright, luscious red.  It's associated with danger and sex, so it's perfect for bombshells. but it can also work in wholesome, commercial pieces. The real challenge? Not going broke on your quest to fabulous.

The Bombshell:

I stumbled upon this red BCBG when I wrote my Prom post back in April and I have just been waiting for a chance to use it, because I looove it. The asymmetrical cross strap, the sweetheart neckline, and the rosette detailing on the skirt combine to make this an attention grabbing dress, perfect for any girl who loves the spotlight. It's 40% off at bluefly.com so you can boldly buy without regret.

Danger:

You can't do a post on Red without getting a little dangerous, and dangerous describes these Christian Louboutin, perfectly. They're strappy and sexy, and a little reminiscent of bondage, giving them that edgy look that would go great with a little black dress, and heavy bauble jewelry.  They're 50% off at the Outnet, which makes this one of those rare occasions when Christian Louboutin is actually affordable.  

Street Style:

Ordinarily, I do not recommend hats from small time hat-makers.  They tend to be either outrageously untasteful, or else not skillfully made. However, I was delightfully surprised by UK hat designer Moaning Minnie's fun (and well executed) take on hats. This red and white checked newsboy cap gives an urban street-chic to a casual outfit. Pair with black booties and a sweater this fall! The most amazing part? It's only $45.00 on Etsy.com.  Not a fan of newsboy hats? My second choice was her adorable red and white polka dot rain hat.

Happy Shopping!

Top Finds Under $50

Back by popular demand, I am doing another post on the top finds under $50. We're all of us young, hot and broke, so finding fashionable items for less than $50 is both necessary and difficult. These finds will help us look chic without having to sleep on the streets.

Adorn Yourself:

If you want class, elegance, and charm, these Taryndawn drop earrings are perfect for a night out.  They swing and dangle which keeps them young and flirty.  However, the rose quartz and freshwater pearl makes them gives them an old money feel. If you want to look expensive without spending a lot of money then these earrings are perfect. Get them at http://www.etsy.com/listing/67000791/rose-quartz-and-freshwater-pearl for only $19.99. 

Be Flirty

For those of us who love casual, do NOT settle for blending in. These crazy silk ruffle tank from Banana Republic is comfortable, casual, and the best part is that it's just a little different. You won't be getting any stares worthy of a Lady Gaga ensemble, but the ruffles keep it from being plain and boring. Get it an bananapreublic.com for $44.99

Indulge: 

One of the best things to indulge in is a leather slouchy tote bag. Unfortunately, the leather totes that are cheap generally look cheap as well, and that is the last thing that you want hanging off your body.  This Jessica Simpson tote is on sale for $44.94 at DSW and it is adorable. It's perfect for street style, paired with a fun hat and stiletto boots.  

Happy Shopping :)

Shoes: Steals and Deals

One of the best things about shoes is that, no matter what size you are, you won't feel fat trying them on.  For many of us, when we're having a bad day, the last thing that we want to do is look at our bodies in a mirror, whether we're a size 0 or a size 20. So what to do when you need a little bit of retail therapy? Buy a drop dead gorgeous pair of shoes that you love; it's as comforting as a warm milk, and as satisfying as chocolate fudge. I'll show you how to get that dream pair of shoes for a lot less.  

The Flats: 

If you are looking for comfort and femininity, there is nothing better than a pair of velvet studded ballet flats like these Charlotte Ronson navy blue shoes.  They will make a large foot look dainty, and they'll make a small foot look positively delicate.  In terms of comfort food, they're like a hot creamy soup, perfect for soothing after a bad day.  The most soothing part? Getting them for 50% off at Tobi.  

The Kitten Heels:

Kitten heels are perfect for feeling comfortable in a pair of heels.  They still lengthen the leg and look adorable, but they won't kill the feet or make you feel off-balance.  These Sergio Rossi white kitten heels will make you feel sexy without leaving your comfort zone.  After a bad day, buying shoes like these is like Chamomile tea and cookies, refined and sophisticated, but still providing that comfort you really need.  Get them at DSW because they are 82% off there. No typo: they are 82% off. 

The Stiletto:

When others will not do, thank God for Manolo Blahnik.  These blue satin Blahnik stilettos are just what one needs to feel sexy and flirty after a horrible day. Want to put the day behind you a move on in style? Do it in these adorable shoes.  Forget the timid comfort of soup and tea, these heels are pure chocolate; they are bold and they are rich, but they will also comfort in their own way.  They're also 56% off at Ivory Trunk and there's only one pair left, so act fast.  

Happy Shopping :)

 

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! :)