I’ve been watching my clothing budget a little more closely these days, so I’ve had my eye out for basics with maximum versatility. Turns out, convertible clothing has come a long way from the days of Units and Multiples (remember those mall stores that sold tube tops that could be worn as belts, skirts and dresses)? I was surprised at how stylish the options are in terms of clothing that can be worn a multitude of different ways.

Check out this basic white burnout tank top that can be worn as either a racerback or a deep V-back:

I’m loving this convertible collar jersey dress, which comes in neutrals like charcoal, black and chocolate. The neck line can be worn in a number of different ways: as a cowl, a capelet or an asymmetric drape. And you can’t beat the price at $38.

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Got your eye on something at Bluefly? They’ve kindly extended a special savings code for StyleFeeders: $20 off your first order of $150 or more, plus Free Shipping!

Just enter code STYLEFEEDER20FS at checkout; it’s valid until 1/31/10. Thanks, Bluefly!

Limited sample sale sites aren’t your only option for snagging major discounts on your favorite designers. Now Saks Fifth Avenue is getting in on the action with their “FashionFix” sales, which last only a day, but feature up to 50% designers like Ali Ro, Alice + Olivia and Herve Leger.

Shop before noon tomorrow to take advantage. Personally, we’re coveting a beaded Milly cardigan and a cropped Elizabeth and James blazer. What are you waiting for? Go shop!

Forget the vampire obsession currently gripping the country…werewolves and shapeshifters may not be the starring characters in New Moon or True Blood, but for me, these fictional humans with the ability to fully inhabit their wild side are even more intriguing.

Animal jewelry, particularly rings, seem to be popping up on lot of StyleFeeds as of late. What would your animal totem be, if you had one? What does your choice in jewelry say about your personality and alter ego?

I see this owl perched on the hand of someone simultaneously approachable but a little aloof, fiercely loyal one you get to know her, with a quiet and slightly absurdist sense of humor:

Are you a social creature who prefers running as part of a pack? You’ll want to wear this wolf ring every night, even if there’s no full moon.

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Still struggling to find that last gift? Haven’t started your shopping yet? Either way, we’ve got some ideas for those hard-to-buy-for people on your list in our annual holiday gift guide. Here’s some of my personal favorites that anyone would love to see under the tree.

For the fashionista:

It’s hard to please a fashion addict whose always on the lookout for the hot new thing, but it is possible. Try picking out something special in this season’s sophisticated neutral, grey, in an always-classic material like leather. If you’re on a budget, you can score this wrap bracelet in gunmetal leather by Gorjana for just $50. The totally on-point studs will sweetly toughen up any outfit.

If you’ve got the Benjamins to splurge on someone special, go for a cropped motorcycle jacket like this one by For Joseph:

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I won’t be dressing up for Halloween this year — as a first-time parent, I’m more interested in watching the infant monkeys, ladybugs and penguins that will be populating our party. But if I were, I think I would go for a costume with some retro allure that would recapture a little of the magic of playing dress-up.

Which immediately rules out any adult Halloween costumes that include the word “sexy” in front of an otherwise respectable profession — so no naughty nurses, librarians or referees.

I love the idea of a gorgeous period costume….what a great way to try on the styles of a previous era. We’re seeing a lot of influences from the past in this year’s trends, so why not invest in a piece that will do double duty? You could go for a full-on flapper costume:

Or just splurge on one of this season’s dresses inspired by the roaring 20s. Add some pearls and a pair of Mary Janes for Halloween…and wear it again with modern accessories on a date or a night on the town!

Likewise, the 80s are making a fashion comeback. You could get decked out in an 80s costume worthy of Krystal Carrington:

Or you could take inspiration from that decade’s strong shoulders and neon brights to put together a wear-anytime look. How about a jacket or top with padded shoulders? Pair it with costume jewels, a bright blouse, a pencil skirt and a Joan Collins updo for All-Hollows Eve, then work the versatile piece into your regular fall and winter rotation.

What are you going to be for Halloween this year?

This week, I’m ceding control to a guest writer and one of our favorite StyleFeeders, John Palfrey. John is a trusted advisor to the company, as well as a very active StyleFeeder who also happens to have great taste. So rather than guess what the stylish men in our life are craving for Father’s Day (coming up fast on June 21, 2009), let’s ask one! Take it away, John!

For the sporty dad

We always need a new pair of running shoes, but it can be dicey to choose the right pair and the right fit. Tennis shirts are safer. A light jacket is a versatile pick. And Nike’s golf gear is rarely looked at askance on Father’s Day by the sporty dad.

For the classic dad

Dads who have to grind out a 9-to-5 in a suit-bound environment often appreciate a wardrobe pick-me-up. Think of a nice new suit, an Armani tie, new Cole Haan kicks, or some stainless steel cufflinks. You can never have too many.

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I’m loving two current trends: brightly-colored heels (think demure, ladylike peep toes or pumps in orange, yellow or lime green patent leather) and crazy booties and sandals with sky-high heels or creative cutouts. I love a good pop of color on the foot, and I admire an out-there heel…but I don’t know if I’m ballsy enough to combine the two trends.

Lately, I’ve been seen lots of fuchsia and purple-colored confections show up on my Watchlist, so obviously someone out there is loving the combo. But are they actually wearing them? I want to hear from you fashion-forward ladies….would you sport these stunners? And if so, what are you pairing them with?

I’ve always loved the kimono silhouette. It’s hard to go wrong with comfortable, dramatic sleeves, a nipped-in waist, and a universally flattering length…kimonos look good on just about everyone. Flutter-sleeved tops are a subtle interpretation of the kimono sleeve, and I’ve been a fan of that trend as well, but I’m glad to see more dramatic kimono silhouettes coming back for spring.

There’s a variety of ways to wear the kimono, depending on your body type. The top and dress below are more traditional interpretations, and would be flattering on almost anyone.

I particularly love the silk top by Single on the left. The color/pattern combo is a little out there, but I think I would wear this throughout the summer with jeans, wedges and a set of bangles. It puts me in a Saturday-afternoon-shopping-with-the-girls state of mind.

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Prints are everywhere for spring. No matter what your style, there’s something for everyone, even if your wardrobe revolves around basic neutrals.

Luckily, you’re not restricted to buying just one patterned piece, but I’m curious…If you could only buy one printed item for spring, what would it be?

A fabulous floral?

A wearable watercolor?

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