Fabulous for Less Under $250: Utility Chic

There are so many ways to approach the latest utility trend; uniform styling interpreted in military jackets, slim cargo pants, the trench, parkas, shirt dresses...

In this fab for less, the look is cutesy meets tough with a surplus jacket and pretty bowed romper. Love the combination of military green and indigo blue playing up the combo with a denim bleached scarf. Add a bit of toughness by mixing metal with leather accessories. Finally, complete your casual day style with a slouchy cross-body bag and low wedge caged sandals.

Note: click on photo for larger view.




"Utility Chic"


Ecote Cropped Surplus Jacket $68
NY & Co Sleeveless Romper Cotton/Linen Blend $29.95 (sale)
Oasis Denim Bleached Scarf $27.35
Forever 21 Stud Ribbed Elastic Bracelet $7.80
Topshop Small Leather Stud Pouch Bag $80
Charlotte Russe Suede Woven Gladiator Wedge $34.99
(Total $248.09)

Gotta Have It: The Nude Blazer

Nudes are happening in a big way this season. Think soft neutral earth tones in beige, khaki, and ecru. And if there's one piece you should invest in this spring, it's the nude blazer. A versatile day to evening staple, here are some of my favorite ways to wear it.

Military trend: balance a softly structured jacket with a delicate tank, slouchy cargo shorts, and fab wedges or caged sandals.

Nautical: layer with a striped top or tank, pair with white skinny denim, nude strappy platform sandals, and fantastic watch.

Edgy: sleeves rolled, add a simple white tee, layered metal or statement necklace, ripped/torn/distressed denim, and finished with chunky platforms.





White + Warren Pima Cotton Jersey Blazer




French Connection 'Belle and Ellis' Evening Jacket




Vince Rustic Linen Blazer




ASOS Vila Stripe Lined Long Blazer

Fabulous for Less Under $250: Spring Cocktail

I nearly died when I saw this dress and couldn't believe the price!!! Love the soft colorful palette, ultra-feminine silhouette, and wispy kimono sleeves. With spring just a few days away, it's the perfect little event dress.

Highlighting the latest trends with pretty pales and subtle nudes... I finished the look with nude platform sandals and gold accessories to play off the yellows in the dress. Not to distract, I chose a dainty vine cluster necklace while Swarovski accented bow ring, metallic gold belt, and clutch gives it a touch a glamour. The entire outfit is fabulously priced under $250!

Note: Shoes are from a recent post, but also love these suede sandals in taupe. Click on photo for larger view.



"SPRING COCKTAIL"



H&M The Garden Collection Dress $19.99 (available in stores)
Gorjana Vine Cluster Necklace $58
Hyde Collection 'Super Skinny' Metallic Belt $28
Joomi NYC Antique Gold Mesh Bow Ring $30
ALDO Beabout Gold Clutch $14.98 (sale)
ALDO Kindla Beige Sandals $90
(Total $240.97)

Gotta Have It: Charlie My Love Studded Cheyenne Bag

Spotted this fabulous crossbody handbag... Fringed bags are right on trend for spring; great neutral color, love the studs, and chain strap!!! Perfect accessory for a day of shopping or lunch with the girls.




Charlie My Love Mini Studded Cheyenne Bag

You're Cordially Invited: Jodi Arnold Spring Trunk Show

One of my favorite New York Designers, Jodi Arnold is coming to Los Angeles next weekend to present her exclusive Spring 2010 Collection. Guests will be treated to cocktails, original art as well as 30% off the not-yet-released collection. A percentage of proceeds will also go to benefit Doctors Without Borders, an international medical humanitarian organization created by doctors and journalists.


DETAILS:

Who: Designer Jodi Arnold
What: Trunk Show & Benefit for Doctors Without Borders
Where: Thompson Beverly Hills, 9360 Wilshire Boulevard Beverly Hills, CA 90212
When: Sat March 20, 2010 12-4pm

Note: mention this blog or BBINSTYLE and receive an additional 10% off your purchase.

Get Ready for Spring: The Nude Shoe

If you want great value for your money this season, nudes are the way to go. One of the top trends for spring, it's the most accessible and versatile color for your wardrobe. From shorts, dresses to denim, nude shoes work flawlessly with everything. Favorites are platform sandals with sexy cutouts and fabulously chic hardware.

Note: go head-to-toe in nudes or pair your sandals with this season's pales.






Derek Lam Suede Double Platform Lace-Up Sandal




Christian Louboutin Pique Platform Sandals




ALDO KINDLA Beige Sandal




Tory Burch Suede Leather Thong Sandals

2010 Oscars Red Carpet: Best Dressed & Worst Dressed

For the most part, the stars and their stylists got it right on the Oscars red carpet. The thing about fashion is that we don't all see it the same. For me, the best dressed all exuded beauty, confidence, and glamour. In beautiful pales and soft shimmers... Here are my best and worst dressed at the Oscars.

BEST

This Armani Prive on Jennifer Lopez epitomizes everything I love... Sexy, modern, forward, and beyond wow! Loved the sculptured bodice, dramatic side train, and Swarovski crystals lined the dress. My favorite of the night. Totally breath-taking!!!

Miley Cyrus in Jenny Packham was my #2 best dressed. She finally nails it!!! This was absolutely her best red carpet moment. Champagne color was so pretty and loved the sweetheart bustier. This was modern, elegant, age-appropriate, and Oscars perfection!

Sandra Bullock in Marchesa. There's something about this vintage style gown that really works and is so elegant on her. Metallic gold was subtle and sophisticated; perfectly fitting for Sandra's winning night.

Versace has been a big hit this awards season. And this strapless number on Elizabeth Banks was a stunner. Loved the pale grey color, corseted bodice, and ruffled chiffon train.

Queen Latifah in a mermaid style gown by Badgley Mischka. Jeweled shoulder and asymmetrical detail was so stunning and flattering. Gorgeous lavender color and drop earrings by Chopard. The best she has ever looked.

Rachel McAdams in Elie Saab Couture. Loved the sweetheart neckline and watercolor design was so unexpected on the red carpet. A really soft and romantic look; gorgeous!!

WORST

Avatar's Zoe Saldana in Givenchy. I really wanted to love this. Unfortunately, in this case the dress wore her. Sparkly top was pretty, but bottom half overwhelmed her petite frame. Not loving the giant ombre pom poms.

Inglourious Basterds star Diane Kruger in Chanel. This look was really off for me. Take away the black and this could have been beautiful. Still awaiting her best dress.

Charlize Theron in Dior Haute Couture. Fabulous choice of color, but we couldn't help but notice the swirlies or are those rosettes? We couldn't take our eyes off them. A major misstep on this one.

Get Ready for Spring: Ankle and Knee-High Socks

Trend Alert!!! This spring, it's all about little ankle and knee-high socks with your shorts, skirts, and dresses? I'll be the first to say it, my mother did this look years ago and it made me cringe every time. Little did I know mom's fashion faux pas would be this season's hottest trend.

Surprisingly, I'm not entirely turned off by the pairing. Knee-high and ankle socks do add another dimension to shorts, but with skirts and dresses... Still questionable. Definitely not an office look, but rather an experimental trend for those who like to mix it up.

Get Ready for Spring: Sequin Tanks

From fall to spring, sequins are back! In patterned and all over stripes, sequined tanks are one of my favorite must-buys this season. Layer with a cardi or chic blazer, worn with shorts or denim... Love a little shimmer for daytime glamour.




J Crew Sequined Raye Tank



JOSEPH Striped Sequin Linen-Blend Tank



MICHAEL Michael Kors Sequin Tank



Armani Exchange Sequin Zebra Tank

Celeb Style for Less: Double Denim

Bradley Cooper spotted recently working the double denim trend in a cool chambray shirt and dark-washed jeans. In contrasting tones, this is the way to pair denim on denim. Roll the cuffs on the shirt and keep it casual. I'm definitely on board with this trend for spring; fab look for both men and women. Get this celeb style for less below.






Heritage 1981 Digital Button Down Shirt



Heritage 1981 Chambray Woven Shirt

Get Ready for Spring: Anorak Jackets

I'm loving where the trends are going this season with really easy chic pieces such as the anorak jacket. This "trekker" style makes casual look so effortless with denim or cuffed shorts. A great lightweight jacket perfect for layering this spring.





Tory Burch Cocoon Anorak



Ann Taylor Loft Cotton Anorak



Nicole Miller Drawstring Jacket



GAP Mens Anorak Jacket