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budget style

December 27, 2009

Budget Stylista: Glitz and Glammer on NYE

by

Via our friends at CollegeCandy.com:

So maybe I’m a little late in the game, but 2010 is, like, soon. It feels like only yesterday that I was sitting on my daybed thinking, “this is the last time we can sing ‘Tonight We’re Gonna Party Like it’s 1999′” as I placed 5 too many butterfly clips into my hair and rocked out in my platform gym shoes.

God I feel old.

But I digress. New Year’s Eve is hands down the best excuse to dress up. But that doesn’t mean you gotta splurge on some hot frock that will look great in pictures, but not so great sitting in the back of your closet for the next 2 years because you have nowhere to wear it again. There are plenty of ways to spice up your look for the big night by adding some fun pieces to the stuff you already own. Here are just a few not-a-dress options to ring in the big 20-10.

Skirt:
You gotta rock something shiny on NYE, and this skirt is just perfect. I love red and gold together, which is why I paired this shimmery skirt with a basic red tank. But if red is only your color when your monthly friend comes to visit, throw on a basic black scoop tank or tee, black tights and pumps and this look is good to go.


Skirt, Lulus.com
Red Tank, Forever 21
Cuff, Forever 21
Cheap and fabulous pumps, Forever 21

Romper
There’s something about a romper that just screams, “I’m totally chic.” And this one has just the right amount of sparkle for the special night. You canpair with tights if you’re not in Miami…and shave your legs if you are. Feel free to play with textures, like sequined shoes, chunky tights and a bold cuff. Or keep it simple and throw on a colored bag or bangle for a pop.


Romper, Lulus
Shoes, Forever 21
Tights, Forever 21
Cuff, Forever 21

Leggings
You already own some leggings, obviously, so dress them up with a bold (and long!) sequin top. You’ll dazzle into the new year and be super comfortable to boot. Just make sure to keep everything else pretty neutral so you don’t look like you just fell out of a Prince music video.


Top, Forever 21
Leggings, Forever 21
Pumps, Nordstrom

Jeans
I love, love, love this body suit. Yes, it’s a body suit. Yes, body suits remind me of jazzercise videos from the 90s. But tucked into jeans (or a skirt) it’s fashion genius: it’s sexy, fitted, and you don’t have to worry about it bunching. And can we talk about how hot the back is?

OK, so it may be a problem when your New Year’s Kiss wants to get busy…or when you drink too much champagne and have to go to the bathroom every 3 minutes, but it’s probably the most versatile piece you could pick up for the big night. Just think of all the other places you could work this thing. And, really, you can sparkle it up as much or as little as you want. Add a big, bold necklace. Throw on some bangles. Slip into a bright colored shoe. And roll into the new year without looking like you tried too hard.

Body Suit, Urban Outfitters
Jeans, Nordstrom
Pumps, Nordstrom
Necklace, Lulus

August 11, 2009

Budget Stylista: A Now and Later That’s Better Than The Candy

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fall fashion

Via CollegeCandy.com:

Let’s face it – August is a hard month for shopping. Everywhere you go, window displays scream mohair and motorcycle boots, but you are still sittin’ pretty (and very happily) in your flowery sundress, thankyouverymuch. And while you know you should be looking to invest in a good pair of boots to walk through the slushy snow in just a few months (ew), you would much rather peruse the racks upon racks of summer dresses that are cute and – um – ON MAJOR SALE.

I mean seriously, $200 dresses on sale for $40? I don’t care if it’s negative 30 outside – we can find a way to wear these badboys a little while longer. Who says you have to part with floral the second the leaves start falling from the trees?

Here’s a way to be stylish and savvy: reuse and rewear your favorite summer frocks. Just pair them with some thick tights, a boyfriend blazer or leather bomber, a scarf, some booties or boots and – presto chango – your springtime floral is instantly ready for a stroll with a pumpkin spice latte (the one good thing about cold weather).

Here are 3 options of summery looks that you can take well into fall, but feel free to try this with most summer dresses in your wardrobe!

Dress:

floral dress 1

For Now:

summer sandal

For later:

leather jacket

For night:

bamboosucess tights

Dress:

old navy floral
For now:

old navy sandal old navy bag
For later:

wrap sweater boot old navy tights hb1402a

Dress:

AUDREYdh4262H

For now:

amflare78blacka

For later:

black sweater bootie grey tight

May 28, 2009

The Budget Stylista: Maxi Dresses

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maxis

Via our friends at CollegeCandy.com:

The Maxi dress is a summer must-have essential. You can roll out of bed and throw it on with flip flops for an outside brunch. You can throw on a pair of wedges or heels and dress it up for a night out. You can dress it up for a night out, then roll out of (a cute man’s) bed and throw it on for brunch with said cute man without it being SO blatantly obvious that you were wearing the same exact thing last night.  The walk of shame is practically eliminated in this dazzling dress.

Like I said- summer must-have. Essential.

And with so many out there, there is no way to not find one to flatter your body. Thicker straps for those of us who must wear a bra for fear that our boobs will drag on the floor without one; a loud print for those of us who want to give ourselves a bit more shape.  No matter your height, weight or proportions, there is a Maxi dress out there for you. Sort of like how Maxi pads come in different styles, only cuter and less like a diaper.

And lucky for you, huge summer trend means huge possibility of finding a dress that doesn’t make a dent in your budget, but still leaves everyone asking you where on earth you found that super cute piece. (Click on the dresses to get all the deets.)

maxi1 maxi 2

maxi3 maxi4

maxi5 maxi6