Friday, July 29, 2011

Fabulous for Less Under $250: A Casual Chic Friday

Happy Friday!! Translation... Gone with the strict uniform of suits, jackets, dress pants or even pumps to the office. Hellooo, Casual Friday! Now, that doesn't mean itty-bitty tops and mini skirts (for some employers-PR and fashion may pass). But for most, a level of appropriateness is still expected. Denim, twill pants or chinos with a chic blouse... Casual jackets and tees... The look should be polished yet effortless.

In this fabulous for less, I push the rules slightly by substituting twill shorts for denim. Frayed or cut-off shorts would be an absolute no in this case. Some things are just better suited for the weekend.


The Look: It may be sweltering outside, but with the AC on high the office could get chilly. A simple solution is a great jacket. I love it with everything. This jersey style by H&M has an amazing tailored shape and instantly dresses up the look. A silky tunic would be a fabulous option here, but a printed tee will also do. Madewell's "Japan Love" limited edition tee is equally chic. Bonus, 100 percent of the profits from the sale will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross Society. Do good, look good. Love that. Just simple gold hoops and a chunky cuff makes a mega statement (rolls the sleeves and let it shine). Adding my shoe of the moment-espadrilles. This strappy two-toned sandal by Nine West offers fantastic texture and chicness to an all neutral outfit. A gorgeous lush leather bag is all you'll need to finish this perfectly polished Casual Friday style.


PS, I broke the budget by just under $1. But I think it's worth every penny.


Note: Every employer has a different policy on Casual Friday. Be sure to check first for what's appropriate for your workplace.






"Casual Chic Friday"


H&M Jersey Blazer in Grey Melange $39.95

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Get the Look: 1 Leather Skirt 2 Ways to Wear It

Would you consider buying a leather skirt, pant or even dress this fall season? Designers and editors are referencing them as the new wardrobe classics. Celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston, Rihanna, and Nicole Richie have all been spotted recently in their LBLDs looking gorgeous and seem to be embracing the trend.

Can the everyday girl make this work for their wardrobe? The idea of leather separates as wardrobe staples could be daunting for most-myself included. There hasn't been a leather skirt or dress in my closet for years. But I think we have to look at it as taking an essential piece like the pencil skirt and giving it a luxe twist. Exciting!! Making it day appropriate for the office and transforming it for night with just a switch of accessories.

Here's how you can get the look. I went with the same BB Dakota Leather Mix Skirt and worked it two different ways. Love the panel design on this. Such a fab find at just over $100 and a steal for genuine leather!




Daytime Chic: A beautiful silk blouse softens the look and adds a sophisticated touch to this office style. Done in a striking teal, this Haute Hippie is a must for fall and I'm loving the button tab sleeves; perfect for showcasing a chic watch. Jewelry is simple and understated with stacked textured gold rings. Another gotta have it this season are gorgeous pumps. These Jimmy Choos are designed in sumptuous suede, have a fabulous one inch platform, and are an office must. Finish with a statement-making bag; Reed Krakoff offers a lust-worthy leather and leopard-printed calf hair tote for fall. Amazingness.






Nighttime Cool: Wonderfully feminine and sexy with a fabulously draped top. It's all about choosing the right accessories to give it that bit of edge. Stand-out gold cuffs, spine ring, and gold bar earrings all play off the diamond cage design of these Jimmy Choos. Head out on the town with an oversized leather clutch in black or gold. Done. Love.

Note: Tuck in the blouse for volume control and show off that waistline.


Monday, July 25, 2011

Fall 2011 Accessories Trend: Make it Gold-en


Get Ready... From daring cuffs to stunning eye-catching jewelry, bags, and sumptuous heels... Fall's must-have accessories will be unapologetically BOLD and Gold.








GIAMBATTISTA VALLI



GIAMBATTISTA VALLI




LANVIN



LOUIS VUITTON



YVES SAINT LAURENT



photos/style.com



Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Steal of the Day: J Crew Cotton Cady Aveline Dress

Don't miss out on today's steal! Such a gorgeous shift; elegant and refined. Whether you're curvy or not so, this little piece is super flattering and would be a fabulous addition to your wardrobe. On trend for fall too!! Available in 4 colors. Originally priced at $225, now on sale from $69.99-$99.99.





Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Get Ready for Fall 2011 Fashion Trends

Luxurious fur, shimmering pieces, saturated brights, and deep bordeauxs... Just some of the top trends that ruled the fall runways. Expect the return of ladylike chic with floor grazing pants and dresses; incorporating luxe fur with your day to night styles and a stunning array of rich hues to brighten our fall wardrobes.










FUR
J Mendel


Emilio Pucci


Gucci




RED/BORDEAUX
Gucci


Naeem Khan



SUBTLE SHIMMER
Naeem Khan


Alice + Olivia



SATURATED HUES
Emilio Pucci


Gucci


Victoria Beckham



THE CAPE
Halston



COLORBLOCKING
DKNY



GRAPHIC
Diane von Furstenberg


L.A.M.B



THE PANT
ADAM


Michael Kors



photos/style.com



Saturday, July 2, 2011

Mens Fabulous for Less Under $250: 4th of July Style


The Look: Plaids paired with ripped denim shorts... It's a bit grunge with an All-American spirit. So easy and cool. Looks like he threw it on in just 5 minutes. Right??? Went with the classic boat shoe in white. Really fresh and perfect for going sockless. I'm loving this modernized version by Vans. Woven and earthy beaded bracelets are back for summer. Keep it minimal. Piling on too much and you could be stealing her style. Finish with a great pair of sunnies. If you want to play with patterns, these tiger stripe aviators are a subtle yet forward way to do it. I think it really gives this look a rock n roll feel.



Note: A lightweight hoodie for night. For a more dressed up feel, chino shorts are also a fabulous option. And love a chic pair of metal aviators.








"Happy Independence Day"


Alternative 'Eco-Heather' Zip Front Hoody $40
(Total $218.34)




Friday, July 1, 2011

Fabulous for Less Under $250: 4th of July Style


Our grill is set! Just a small family affair for us this 4th of July. Even so, getting dressed for the holiday is always fun. In this fabulous for less, it's about easy and no fuss.


The Look: Classic, Chic, All-American. Celebrating Independence Day with simple notes of patriotism. In red, white, and blue. Perfect for a day on the boat, BBQ hoppin' or an evening of fireworks. I'm loving the idea of white-on-white. A sheer polka dotted blouse is just timeless dressing up denim shorts. Going with a summer obsession... The crossbody. Love the classic shape of this bag and it's roomy enough for all the extras. Mixing in favorites: retro wayfarers, gold accessories with chain-link details, and a chic star pendant necklace perfect for the 4th. Flirty espadrilles in vibrant red couldn't be more fabulous for this occasion-major standout at this price!! Get the entire look for under $250!


Note: Evening time, cover up with a chic cardi or knit jacket.





"Happy Independence Day"