Fabulous for Less: Stylish Cyber Monday Deals

As much as I love shopping, there was no possibility of tackling the annual Black Friday madness. Instead, I'm happily surfing the web today for the best online Cyber Monday deals. On my list... fabulous jewelry and accessories for the holidays and "night outs," designer extras, and fab wardrobe basics for my family. Items are going quick! Enjoy!!!

My top picks:

*amritasingh jewelry & accessories (use coupon code "BLACK" for an additional 50% off!!! Plus spend $250 and get a $100 gift certificate *net purchase after discounts, taxes, etc. offer good through Dec 4)
*candccalifornia.com (take an additional 40% off entire site with code "CNCX40NOV")
*tobi.com (take 25%off all reg priced items with code "CHEERFUL25")
*chickdowntown.com (take an additional 40% with code "BF40" on reg priced items)
*bananarepublic.com, oldnavy.com, gap.com (take 20% + free shipping with code "MONDAY")
*anntaylorloft.com (take 30% off entire purchase with code "MONDAY" + free shipping on $100 or more)



Amrita Singh Cilicia Ring



Amrita Singh Cori Ring



ADIA KIBUR Multi Mirror Crystal Clutch



Ann Taylor Loft Jewel Flower Necklace Top

10 Hot Holiday Party Dresses Under $100

Love the holidays... It's just another reason to get fancied up in a fabulous dress. So many styles, but what to wear? This season, I'm going for curvilicous LBDs, sexy jewel-toned and glam sequined minis, and flirty jersey picks. Whether it's a "hot holiday" you want or "sophisticated chic," I've got your top 10 for just under $100!!!

Note: For added coverage, layer with a sharp blazer and black textured or opaque tights. Finish with ankle booties, a fab clutch, and glam it up with statement jewelry.





Armani Exchange Origami Pleated Party Dress
in Jewel $99 (sale)
LuLu Twister Dress $34




Theme Ruffle Trim Drop Waist Dress $88
Topshop Knitted Panel Dress in Magenta $100




Topshop Sequin Detail Dress by Wal G** $64
Marc by Marc Jacobs Colorblock Draped Jersey Dress in
Twilight Navy Multi $88 (available in 2 colors)




INC International Concepts Open Back Sleevless Sequin
Sheath $99
Alloy Drapey V-Neck Dress in Gray $39.90




Victoria's Secret Matt Jersey One-Shoulder Dress $69 (sale)
(available in 5 colors)
Ann Taylor Ponte Cocoon Sheath Dress $79.99 (sale)

And the Winner of the 2009 American Music Awards Red Carpet...

Were the lack of ooohhs and ahhhs just my imagination or were you also underwhelmed by this year's AMAs red carpet? Forget the honorees, I'm giving "best dressed" to the one and only Ms. Alicia Keys for stepping out in the hottest number of the night.

Glam, sexy, and beyond stunning in Armani Prive!!! I'm usually not for matchy matchy, but she looked absolutely gorgeous. Love the many hues of blues and as always bringing the shine with glam accessories.


Alicia Keys

(photo/getty images)

Fabulous for Less Under $250: Holiday Office Party

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and I'm already looking ahead to the holiday party season. Getting dressed for these events is always an experience, but can be stressful without a good game plan. Starting now until New Years, here's the first of many "fab for less" looks to get you on your way. All for under $250!!!

With the "holiday office party," I wanted to maintain an air of sophistication yet bring in just a touch of sex appeal to the look. For evening, hemlines definitely get shorter. I chose a fabulous mini skirt as the focus of this outfit; love the side pockets and metallic architectural details. Accent with a gorgeous jewel-toned blouse. Flopsy bows add feminine appeal and really softens the look. Of course, we're layering with a fab cuffed sleeve boyfriend blazer. Accentuate the waistline with a wide belt-this studded version keeps it modern and sexy. Black opaque tights provide the perfect coverage for this chilly season. Finish with a fab clutch, platform booties, and blingin accessories.

Note: click on photo for larger view.


"Holiday Office Party"



ING Cuffed Sleeve Boyfriend Blazer $29.69 (sale)
Ann Taylor Sleevless Top with Bow in Blackberry $75
UO Ecote Lurex Striped Skirt $48
Merona Opaque Tights in Black $7
Forever 21 Stud Buckle Belt $6.80
Forever 21 Multi Strand Wide Ring $4.80
Style & Co V Pleated Clutch $18.99 (sale)
Michael Antonio McKey Boot $54.95
(Total $245.23)

Nina Garcia + Target = Fab Frugalista

Spotted this series of how-to-vids from Target and just love... Nina Garcia, Marie Claire Fashion Director and Project Runway judge, teams with mega discount chain Target for some pro styling tips and fab frugalista finds. In this latest clip, Nina transforms a mommy of three from basic casuals to date night-ready.

Bold choice of color was the perfect compliment to her hair and skin-tone while houndstooth print gives it a modern feel. Nina finishes the look with a chic cardi, pumps, and little black clutch.

Mens Gotta Have It: Newsboy & Drivers Caps

This fall/winter season, rather than braving the chill in a casual beanie, I'm going for understated chic with the latest newsboy and drivers caps. If you're looking for something a little more dressed up to go with jeans, this is it. Love these caps with military inspired jackets, peacoats, overcoats, and even down jackets; so versatile!!!



Wigens Knit Newsboy Cap



Brixton The Hooligan Hat in Grey Herringbone



Eugenia Kim Jimmy Driver in Black Cashmere

Mens Fabulous for Less Under $250: The Peacoat

When dressing men, it's usually with his significant other in mind. Like her Thanksgiving look (below), his outfit has to say, "comfy yet polished." At the moment, I'm loving all things with a bit of edge. So for this "fab for less," I've decided to go dark once again with a great jacket, sweater, and denim combo.

To compliment her blazer, I opted for a fabulous peacoat in a textured wool-blend. Because it's heavier in weight, I kept the look simple with a chic, striped slim-fitting sweater. To give it that edge, I finished it with black denim, low canvas sneakers, and a black belt. And the perfect accessory to dress this up...a fantastic scarf. Loop it loosely around the neck for a casual cool look.

Note: Also love dark distressed denim for this outfit-fab alternative. Click on photo for larger view.

"Thanksgiving Chic"

Heritage 1981 Rib-Textured DB Coat $49.90

Martin + Osa Classic Striped Crewneck Sweater $39.50

Topman Charcoal Stripe Scarf $28

Topman True Black Slim Jeans $40

PF Flyers Mens Sandlot Center Lo Sneaker $49.95

Topman Black Classic Leather Belt $24

(Total $231.35)

Fabulous for Less Under $250: The Blazer

For most, Thanksgiving is an easy day of eating and relaxing with loved ones. So for this week's "fab for less," I wanted to create an outfit that was casually chic and also very family-friendly.

Highlighting this season's blazer, I chose to layer with an embellished tank to dress it up. The beaded neckline serves double duty as our necklace (big money saver). Again, I opted for skinnies to highlight curves, but straight-leg denim would work just as well. The idea is to go with a tucked-in bootie look for a streamlined effect. Doing without a coat, a striped scarf is the perfect cozy extra and provides a fab contrast to the solid jacket. Finish with chunky standout bracelets, an oversized crossbody bag, and sexy platform ruffled booties; another huge trend this season. All yours for under $250*!!!!

Note: Love this look for everyday dressy casual. Eternity scarves are another fave accessory; so easy to wear. Click on photo for larger view.



"Thanksgiving Chic"


Lulu's Going Corporate Blazer in Navy $43
Forever 21 Metallic Bead Necklace Top $22.80
Express Mixed Stripe Eternity Scarf in Ivory $29.50
Lulu's Wicked Handbag in Black $41
Forever 21 Soft Skinny Jeans $27.80
Forever 21 Metallic Spot Suede Bracelet $6.80
Zigi Soho Zoom Ruffled Suede Bootie in Tan $79.95
(Total $250.85* just slightly over budget)

Fall Accessories Trend: The Crossbody Bag

For the girl who loves her bags... Personally, not only are they an obsession, but it's the one thing I budget for each season. Today's post is an absolute "gotta have it" if you're searching for the bag for fall.

The crossbody is designed to be hands-free and worn across your body (better to carry all those extras). Fellow Moms, I would definitely recommend this style for you. My faves are chic with the perfect combination of functionality and style; fab everyday bags. Love the slouch and hobos-especially with dual handles to alternate as a satchel!!!

Note: Crossbody bags will continue to be a big trend for spring. To really get the most for your money, be sure to invest in a sizeable bag. *Click on photo for larger view.

1. Olivia Harris Trapezoid Satchel in Wood
(also available in grey)
2. The Sak Flap Crossbody Bag

(available in 5 colors)

3. Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Petal to the Metal' Sasha Hobo





4. Linea Pelle Dylan Folding Tote in Teak
(also available in black)
5. Marc by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Aggie Satchel
6. Botkier Aiden Crossbody Hobo in Plum Lambskin
(available in 3 colors)

7. Rebecca Minkoff Loveletter Satchel

(available in 3 colors)
8. Tory Burch Leather Studded Messenger Bag
(also available in cognac)

9. D&G Dolce & Gabbana Convertible Bag

Fall/Winter 09 Trend: Ruffled Coats

The second series in coat trends for fall/winter... Ruffled coats were an easy sell for me this season; classic tailoring combined with a feminine, romantic esthetic. These coats are just effortless-beautiful on their own. Love!!!

Tibi Ruffled Coat



Sunner Biker Ruffle Coat



Topshop Frill Front Belted Coat



McQ by Alexander McQueen Lapel Coat



Loeffler Randall Cascading Ruffle Coat

Have You Met the "New" Ann Taylor?

I've been a longtime fan of Ann Taylor Loft for their well-edited selections of moderately priced sportswear. But big sis, Ann Taylor..not so much. Personally, it's been years since I've visited; so with news of a "makeover," I was ready to give it another look.

All the things that I love...classic yet modern, sexy, feminine, and fantastic quality. So many beautiful pieces for work and the weekend. You've won me over Ann Taylor!!! Check out some of my faves from their latest fall collection.

Note: Happening now!! For 3 days only take 30% off all full-priced items online and in-store.

Metallic Pleat Neck Shell



Herringbone Tweed Sheath Dress



Silk Asymmetrical Ruffle Top



Kylea Sequin Top by Wyeth

Fashion Focus: Leopard Prints

Animal prints are back for fall with a focus on my fave-the leopard. Judging by the number of pieces in my wardrobe, its never left. However, as much as I adore this trend, I would caution overdoing the look. Consider it as an accent piece; keeping the rest of your outfit neutral/tonal. Just a little pop of leopard is more than enough to make a statement.

Note: leopard prints in classic black/brown are surprisingly versatile; amazing with blues, reds, purples, whites, and works perfectly with other neutrals.



Harmony Lane Leopard Print Scarf



J Crew Watercolor Leopard Skirt



Brian Atwood Tan Leather Leopard
Patent Leather 'Starlet' Pumps



The Limited Leopard Skinny Belt



Jimmy Choo Bea Snake Embossed Tote

Gotta Have It: Colored and Textured Tights

Just another essential to add to your list... colored and textured tights. Certainly, they give us coverage from the cold, but these tights are fabulous for adding punch to our fall wardrobes. Love the styling below with wool shorts and shoe booties, office-ready and so chic with pencil skirts, and the perfect holiday style addition with this season's minis.

J Crew Solid Opaque Tights

Express Diamond Texture Full Tights

Mens Fabulous for Less Under $250: Tough Chic

This week's "fab for less" is perfect for day or night. I kept the look tonal in shades of greys and black for that edgy yet chic vibe. Zippers on a traditional cardi gives it that edge, layered with a fantastic military-inspired woven shirt, black graphic tee (optional but also great stand-alone), slim fitting straight-leg denim, tough laced boots, black textured leather belt, and cool driver's cap to top it off. All this for under $250!!!!

Note: Rugged leather suede boots would be just as fab with this look. Love the Bed Stu below. Click on photo for larger view.






Heritage 1981 Black Zip Up Sweater $31.90
Heritage 1981 Charcoal/Grey Kelvin Woven Shirt $22.90
Heritage 1981 Night Life Tee $15.90
Levi's Red Tab 511 Blk Denim $39.99 (sale)
Target Boston Traveler Pebble Grain Leather Belt $19.99
UO 6 Panel Tweed Driver in Black $12.99 (sale)
Bacco Bucci Mulisha Cap Toe Boot $99.95
(Total $243.62)

Rihanna Takes a Walk in My Boots

Had to share... Spotted Rihanna in my Maison Martin Margiela boots (booties)!!! Love how she kept it casual, but still sexy with snug ankle zip skinnies and a tank.

Photo courtesy of denimblog.com