I love to cook, but cleaning is definitely not my favorite thing. Now that I’m married, I’ve got even more to clean and an extra mouth to feed–and impress! Wearing an adorable apron makes cooking even the most easy of meals seem glamorous and I’d rather vacuum in one of these than an old ratty shirt.

From left to right:

• Ballyhoo Vintage sheer red apron with heart detail
• Cupcake Provocateur “Cupcake Cutie” apron
• Anthropologie “Sunny Rose” apron
• Jessie Steele “Cafe Toile” apron
• Carolyn’s Kitchen “Dorothy Apron”
• Williams-Sonoma “Jardin des Fleurs” apron
• Addicted to Aprons “Rose Blue Stripe” apron

My favorite new summer shoes include a bevy of adorable, colorful sandals; platform heels and bright-colored flats. All–yes all–of these shoes are under $60 and all are available to purchase online.

A few surefire picks: the gray Havaianas slingbacks, which are perfect for vacation if you are going to be doing a lot of walking or shopping. Also, these $20 Ecote triple-button t-strap sandals from Urban Outfitters are a no-brainer steal.

What are your favorite shoes for summer?

Shoes above: Target blue print platforms, Target pewter ruffle wedge sandals, Target blue pointed flats, Forever 21 brown platforms, NYLA beaded medallion sandals, Urban Outfitters ecote triple-button sandals, Havaianas slingback sandals, Urban Outfitters Kimchi & Blue mint flats, Pierre Dumas beaded sandals, Pierre Dumas white t-strap sandals, Aerosoles gray and brown wedges

When I told my sister I was buying a romper, she laughed in my face. I don’t blame her! I was initially very anti-romper, thinking they looked like toddler clothing or diapers remixed into adult wear. Awkward!

Rompers are a love it or hate it trend, but the four rompers above are undeniably cute and relatively inexpensive.

Will you be buying or wearing a romper this summer?

From left: Silence & Noise knot front gray jumper ; Ecote printed floral halter jumper ; Buffalo black twill romper ; Silence & Noise white romper

Here are my favorite pieces from the line:

From right to left, clockwise:

Strapless floral dress ; Blue floral skirt ; Orange & purple strapless tank ; Colorblock skirt ; Abstract brush graphic tunic ; Zigzag print dress

Some rules for curvier ladies to remember when picking out new clothing:

• Nothing baggy or the wrong size. Lots of women think they are a bigger size than they actually are. Get a measuring tape and measure in the comfort of your own bathroom, then look up a size chart at the store you plan to shop at. Keep in mind that the size that the chart says is fluid and not binding. Every designer and manufacturer is different. If you are a 12 at one store, you might be an 8 or a 14 at two others.
• Wear belts when possible.
• Don’t buy trapeze tops–they are rarely flattering on anyone.
• Don’t be afraid of skirts and dresses. Keep the length decent (i.e. no goodies showing), but show a little leg with a flouncy mini: the most flattering option.
• Lots of curvier women think that black is their most flattering color for clothing, but please! Try a print. See the zigzag dress above? A print distracts from trouble spots, whereas black can–and does–emphasize them on occasion.
• If you are a little shy about going sleeveless, a little cardigan or jacket would look great with any of the outfits/pieces above.

• Dillard’s yellow dress, Arden B cardigan, Forever 21 studded belt

• Target Merona argyle sweater, Urban Outfitters blue skirt, Forever 21 faux pearl necklace, Nine West blue faux-croc heels

Stay tuned for more!

Yesterday I visited my local H&M and tried on one of the Matthew Williamson dresses. I loved it, but thought it was slightly pricey for H&M–$80! What do you think of the dress?

The best thing about spring and summer is how you can transform an outfit with simple, stylish accessories.

Check out how I created two separate looks: one funky and feminine and the other more chic and sophisticated.

Which look do you like better? How would you style this strapless purple dress from Target?

Funky & Feminine : Forever 21 linen cardigan, Forever 21 printed scarf, Payless patent pink wedges, Forever 21 necklace

Chic & Sophisticated : Forever 21 coral earrings, Target Mossimo gladiator platforms, Forever 21 belt, Forever 21 vest

Part of my rationalization for not being more creative is because I know I’m going to put a coat over everything I wear. If that’s the case, why bother trying?

Well, I should bother because there are lots of fantastic (and warm) winter style options.

1. Wear this adorable toggle sweater over a long-sleeved shirt, with skinny jeans, boots and a bright scarf.
2. Most waterproof and practical winter boots are fairly ugly. However, this cute pair from Target has a tie back so you can tighten the top around your jeans (preventing snow from wetting your socks). They also have a subtle wedge heel, which will glam up your outfit a couple notches.
3. This newsboy hat has a Blair Waldorf-like bow on the side.
4. Fingerless gloves are really practical: it’s easier to drive, text and open your chapstick. These have a cool military-inspired look.
5. Shawl-collar cardigans are chic and so comfortable. They look best with a more fitted look on the bottom (either jeans or a pencil skirt, for instance) and really interesting oversized jewelry.
6. If you have the moxie to try out a funky, faux-fur hat, by all means, wear one like this!
7. A traditional holiday sweater like this looks good with more modern pairings. I would try it with dark leggings, flat-soled boots and a great pair of earrings.
8. I would really like to open these Nine West boots on Christmas morning. I can’t lie: I love them.
9. Wear a spin on the traditional Ugg boot style with these cuffed sweater boots.
10. I really like these London Fog boots: they have a little wedge and are fur-lined on the inside.
11. When it comes to scarves, you can’t go wrong with plaid.

What do you like to wear when the weather turns cold?

To wear

From top left: Skull Bib, Raised by Wolves onesie, iPoo onesie, cute baby shoes, My Mom is Hotter than Yours onesie, and My Daddy Rocks onesie.

To Cuddle

From top left: Ludic the Woollyhoodwink, Billy the Tuff Bunny, Drunk Underwear Man (I wonder why its no longer for sale…?), and Bop’N Beep.

To Watch

From top left: Flights of Fancy Mobile and Moo Cow Mobile.

To Read

From top left: The Baby Owner’s Manual and The Baby Owner’s Maintenance Log, great introduction books for techie parents. Baby Fix My Car and Baby Mix Me a Drink, great educational books for your baby to learn how to do something useful for their parents

You can get a lot of style for very little cash, and thank god, because with the current economy, thinking like a frugal fashionista is a big plus.

Check out these 14 hip and stylish winter coats.

My new shopping mantra is no more black, but I couldn’t resist this luxe coat from Target (1). Love the detachable fur collar. This classy wool jacket is also from Target, and is more appropriate for an evening date or for a working woman (2).

A bit more pricey, but exceedingly stylish is this mustard yellow bow-accented coat from J. Crew (3).

For a pop of color, this Forever 21 coat is great, but not too practical. I’d wear this for a date or with an evening dress (4).

DELiAs actually has exceptional coats this year, if you do a bit of digging. The military coat buttons on this navy jacket are what really drew me to it (5).

If you want a more feminine silhouette, try this pink Isaac Mizrahi for Target jacket (6).

This bright, bold fuschia jacket from DELiAs is warm and practical, but not boring (7).

Forever 21 has this genius, vintage-looking faux leopard coat. I’d wear this with very quirky and vintage-inspired pieces: dark/gray tights, a bright-colored dress and maybe high-heeled oxfords? (8). This shorter jacket from Forever 21 is good for a boots/jeans/scarf day, when it’s too cold to dress up (9).

ASOS’s Kylie Minogue-inspired jacket looks almost like a dress. So pretty (10).

I love plaid, and Nordstrom’s bomber jacket with a great black, gray and white print is chic and practical (11).

My absolute favorite coat of the bunch is this bold plaid version by Forever 21 (12).

The most inventive style here is this plaid coat from Urban Outfitters: see the drawstring hemline? (13).

Last but not least is this classic and sexy maroon coat from Urban Outfitters (14).

Take your pick: which coat is your favorite?

For a style blog I started with my sister, I posted a picture in these teal DKNY tights:

(Above) That’s how they looked on me.

(Above) That’s how they look on the DKNY model.

A good source for colorful tights once you’ve worked up the nerve is We Love Colors. They have a bright blue pair I’ve been checking out.

Are you ready to try colorful tights yet? Have you come up with some great outfit/tights combinations? I’d love to see them!

Oversized button-downs are hardly a new concept, but this season, designers and buyers alike have warmed to the idea.

FASHIONISTAS

Most trendy stores like Urban Outfitters and H&M offer the look as an oversized shirt or a shirt -inspired dress. As an alternative, go the cheaper route and raid the closets of the men in your life.

Finding these pieces should be relatively easy, but it is often difficult to style them. Use the look with a heavy hand, and being one step away from a hot mess is probable. The first issue is length. If you’re going for a dress look, it should fall about half way above your knee. If going for an oversized shirt look, slim/tapered pants or leggings are a necessity and you’re going to want the length to cover a good six inches of your thighs. Imagine you’re wearing a mini-skirt. The length should go down at least that far. You might want to go a tad longer, depending on the fit of the pants and your individual proportions.

The second issue is silhouette. The sheer volume of an oversized shirt often needs to be balanced by cinching the waist with a belt. Take note — retire your thick wide belts. They are not only often overbearing, but have been killed to death! The new belts are skinny and a fresh breath of air. Just take a look at the belt in the first picture.

Let’s talk accessories. If you are beltless or using a belt that blends well with the color of your top, a gold or silver chained necklace is a great addition. Also, bangles would work with mostly any top. Just keep your color palette in check. To finish the look, throw on a pair of heels or wedges. As a special touch, the right full skirt might pack extra punch if worn under the top…just pay close attention to proportion.

FASHIONISTOS

It’s true. Guys often have it easier than girls. If you do not have the money to pay Henrik Vibskov prices, I recommend sizing up one or two sizes. Any flannel will do. It’s that simple. Now here comes the fun part – finishing the look! My number one style tip is balance. If you’re going to do oversized, you’ll need tapered/skinny jeans.

To complete the look, layering is encouraged. The more layers you can accomplish without looking or feeling heavy, the better. An excellent and easy layer example would be to leave the shirt unbuttoned and worn over a tee. On top of the button-down, wear a thin cotton buttoned vest; think sleeveless cardigan. B.Son offers the perfect vest. To top it off, add a scarf in a solid color or subtle pattern. When pairing multiple patterns, pick one bold pattern and one subtle pattern. Link the patterns with a dominant color. For shoes, I recommend a pair of TOMS or Converse.

Here’s what to look for when you shop for a retro glam or collegiate charm look:

1. The print of this gingham dress is new and trendy, but the old-school 50’s cut is all vintage-chic. To dress retro glam, don’t be afraid to wear vintage cuts in new and unexpected ways. If a print is a little too old-fashioned for you, have the dress, skirt or blouse altered into a more modern shape. On the other hand, if the cut of the item is very vintage, pair it with modern accessories to avoid a costumed appearance.
2. Jewelry is key to a retro glam look. A little goes a long way, and try mix up what you wear so as not to appear straight out of Grease, for example. Pearls would be too much with this outfit, so I paired the retro-fitting dress with a long, rock-and-roll chain necklace.
3. When it comes to retro glam, the bigger the sunglasses, the better.
4. Much to my eternal dismay, the shoes pictured above are no longer available on the fickle friend that is Forever 21 online. However, try these alternatives. Here’s what to look for: a chunkier heel (no stilettos), buckles, round-toes, vintage (gold, red, etc.) or muted colors, mary-jane styles or classic peep-toe pumps.
5. A scarf completes the retro glam outfit. Tie it loosely, or with a more retro-flair by flipping one end over your shoulder.
6. For a bit of authentic ladylike coordination, use a clutch instead of your huge, leather tote.
7. A 50’s/60’s style jacket finishes off the outfit. A bit of boxiness is a must. Look for large buttons or a peter pan collar. With longer dresses/skirts, try a cropped jacket. If you’re wearing something shorter on the bottom, then make sure your coat falls slightly above your hemline, but not too far.

1. Start off with an interesting blouse. It can be longer, like a tunic, or a bit shorter. Ruffles are preferred, but not required. A print is good also, but a solid color is easier to coordinate the accessories with.
2. Every collegiate girl worth her salt knows that some plastic-framed reading glasses add a bit of quirky charm.
3. A few bright-colored items in a coordinating color family add some conversation pieces to the entire outfit. See how well the colored pants, bracelet and blue cardigan look together? The yellow on this bracelet is a bright color, yes, but is also surprisingly neutral.
4. A long, grandpa-style cardigan worn over the blouse helps keep you warm, but that’s not the real reason I included it. Skinny jeans are tricky to proportion: if your top is too short, you end up looking very “hippy,” or bottom-heavy, without balance on your upper-half. Use a longer cardigan to correct that and balance out your collegiate charm look.
5. A big, leather tote bag serves two purposes: one, it has that collegiate–and somewhat scholarly–look we are aiming towards without seeming like a briefcase. And the second reason is that the bag adds a good neutral base for the entire outfit.
6. Interesting, comfortable shoes with a slight heel to accentuate the skinny pants: these are exactly what I’m talking about.
7. An outfit with a bit of quirk would not be complete without a standout piece of jewelry, like this snake bracelet.
8. Skinny pants with color, instead of the classic denim washes, are fun and easier to wear than you might think.

Do you have more Retro Glam or Collegiate Charm?

I’ve created an outfit that plays into a few of my current favorites:

1. Bold use of color
2. Whimsical, slightly vintage-looking touches
3. Birds!

Besides all this, the absolute best thing about this outfit is that every piece is available at Forever 21 online.

1. This whimsical blouse has a gorgeous colored print. The pairing of a flowy shirt with shorts gives a good proportion and silhouette.
2. The organic wood appearance of this bird necklace is perfect matched with vintage-looking attire.
3. I’m loving linen or cotton shorts for summer. The high temperatures this week will be in the upper 90’s, so you can see why shorts have become such an attractive option! This pair is classy, not trashy, and the fabric is versatile enough to be worn with many different tops.
4. Keeping with the bird theme, use this oversized tote to carry your books, magazines and other kitsch.
5. The color of these sandals is absolutely perfect: not too bright, not too dark. The eyelet detail is also timely, since I’ve been reading that eyelet is becoming more prominent again.

See you next time!

• Etsy.com

Etsy.com is addictive. With hundreds of thousands of items, you are literally guaranteed to find multiple things you absolutely musthave. Luckily, almost everything on etsy.com is quite affordable.

My favorite things to buy on Etsy include jewelry, vintage clothing and paper-related products. Most of these things are either re-worked new pieces (like American Apparel shirts with appliques) or created from scratch/by hand.

When buying jewelry from Etsy, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. If you are buying a genuine pearl necklace for around $20, contact the seller for a guarantee. Although it may be vintage and being re-sold for a steal, you want to make sure you aren’t buying something cheap or poorly made. There are so many quality sellers on Etsy that there’s no excuse for something that may fall apart or not live up to your expectations.

Keep an eye out for really unique items. One of my favorite things I’ve found on Etsy were bracelets with letters all over them made with different fonts…sort of an jewelry-themed ode to typography, if you will. The seller is taking a hiatus right now, but keep an eye on her shop space. You’ll want to pick one of these up when she starts producing them again!

Vintage clothing/items are another good thing to look for. There are plenty of home items and trinkets to be found at a steal of a price, and there is some very good vintage clothing. Just keep digging until you find a seller you like and then bookmark it!

The great thing about Etsy is that you are dealing with real people, not a large corporation. If you become a regular buyer, you can start a dialogue with the seller and maybe get alerts to new items before anyone else.

• Alloy.com

Don’t be put off by appearances: Alloy may seem like your average teeny-bopper clothing site, but it’s actually a fantastic resource for reasonably-priced cute clothing and has an amazing denim selection that every woman should look at.

I always give Alloy a rave review when people ask me where I got my pants or jeans. They carry every size imaginable. Many of their pants go up into the high-20’s plus sizes — and they also carry petite and long inseams. We’re talking long, long inseams: up to 37”, which happens to be the inseam I buy.

Some tips: look for stylish, fashion-forward clothing, not necessarily the stuff that’s marketed directly at the teen audience. Stay away from anything too cheap-looking.

As far as jeans are concerned, make sure you consult the size guide, because Alloy primarily goes by Juniors sizing, which means you may have to buy up a couple sizes from what you normally wear.

The shoes are another good section on Alloy. They copy designer looks at a really great price (usually less than $30), so give that a look.

Any question about jeans or pants? Let me know…I’m a veritable expert by now.

Check back next time to see my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE online shopping site. See ya!

How do you find your own sweet deals and which online shopping destinations will give you the most bang for your buck?

Here are a few of my favorite sites and a few of the best items from them that I’ve added to my StyleFeed over time.

• Forever 21

Forever 21 has incredible selection and style and the prices are outrageous, especially if you do a bit of digging. I’ve unearthed fabulous dresses for less than $20 and great costume jewelry pieces for around $5. The shipping from the site is painless and quick and they have easy return policies should something not fit.

Here are my tips for shopping online at Forever 21:

Visit the store before you shop the website so you know what fits you and what you’re looking for. Often, the actual clothing looks different in person than it does on their website, especially in the dress length area. Some “dresses” Forever 21 sells are more tunic-lengthed, meaning you’d have to wear them as shirts or with leggings in order to make them street-appropriate.

Don’t expect pristine quality. Forever 21 keeps their prices low by mass-producing huge quantities of clothing that aren’t meticulously made. Don’t expect your clothing to hold up for years-or sometimes weeks-on end.

Beware of dresses or shirts you need to zip. Forever 21 has fairly cheap zippers that often break.

If in doubt, go up a size. Their clothing runs tiny–truly tiny. If you have a wide rib-cage, like I do, you may need to go up two sizes if something is really fitted around that area.

• Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters is a true fashionista’s paradise. Chock full of interesting bohemian pieces, you can find some great clothing for less than $50. Often Urban also carries more expensive lines (upwards of $200), so make sure you don’t fall in love with something before checking the price.

Some things to buy from Urban:

Accessories are always a great bet. They have tons of belts, handbags, scarves, etc. Their shoe selection is also enviable. Check out their flats and sandals, especially now. They have lots of cute new things.

When cold weather is once again upon us, Urban carries a wide-range of outerwear which is all pretty affordable and cute, without being cutesy.

Urban always carries Converse All-Star sneakers in hard-to-find colors and patterns. Check the men’s shoe section for more.

• Cutesygirl.com

Cutesygirl.com has shoes for unbelievable prices. Truly unbelievable. I tell people I got boots or heels for $12 and they don’t believe me until I show them the webpage.

The thing about Cutesygirl.com is that they mix some really awful, ugly shoes in with adorable and stylish ones. You’re going to have to be willing to put in some search time.

The quality is fairly good, about what you’d expect from Target or Payless shoes. Not great, but they’ll do. Some of the brands (like Steve Madden) that Cutesygirl.com has are obviously better quality than others. Just be choosy and you’ll be okay.

Watch for these styles from Cutesygirl.com:

Flats or pumps are always a good pick. Search by “Price- Low to High” to find the best deals. If you see something you like and they have your size, snatch it up quick. The cheaper shoes go fast, and they often run out of the most popular sizes quickly, leaving only 6’s to be had.

There are some great boot offerings from Cutesygirl.com, but once again, search carefully. Avoid stiletto, pointy-toed boots at all cost. You can get those almost anywhere now, but they really aren’t tremendously popular anyway. Don’t fall into the trap of buying something just because it’s cheap: there are lots of inexpensive shoes on Cutesygirl, but don’t sacrifice style just because something is $10.

Next time I’ll reveal even more of secret sources for great deals. Check back!

This season, there are all sorts of bangle bracelets, in all sorts of styles, that fit all sorts of budgets. Bangles are my favorite way to dress up that nude wrist just dying to be covered in a bit of flash. Why leave it out of the fashion fun?

Go for a distressed look with a touch of ethic beauty, like this Cairo Bangle from Lulu’s:

Or try etched enamel in a subtle shade:

A painted bangle can add a lot to an outfit if you come across something this pretty:

Or go “Russian folk art” in style:

Wood-carved bangles can be very eye-catching:

Beading can give you a primitive, yet beautiful look:

Or, if you are into conservative and sleek, you can never go wrong with the classic bangle:

With so many possibilities out there this season, do not let your wrist go unadorned. Add some flash!

• This mock-croc purse from F21 echoes the feel of Mrs. Longoria-Parker’s, but at a drastically cheaper price point.
• For petite women, it’s heels, heels, heels, all the time. Try some sky high platforms like these.
• Watch out for over-enthusiastic air conditioning in the summer and keep some of your body heat with a cashmere scarf.
• This melon-colored dress is light, airy and good to wear on this long, humid summer days.

• Copy Heidi’s platforms-with-jeans look with these navy sky-high platforms. I love the jeweled accent on the peeptoe.
• White camisoles are indispensable for layered looks. Wear this one like Heidi, underneath a vest.
• Forever 21 has this great sweater vest that echoes Heidi’s look pretty well. I like the white stripe at the bottom.
• Finding the perfect pair of high-waisted jeans requires a bit of trial and error, so I found three different options from Urban Outfitters. This pair has a lighter wash and a cuffed bottom.
• I like the wash of this denim. The two-button detail at the top makes for a more flattering fit too.
• This is the most expensive of the denim for this look, but the lighter wash and wider hem bear the most resemblance to the jeans Heidi wore.

• Start out with a great pair of wedges, like these by Madden Girl. They’re only $59 and come in brown and black. Stick with brown for this outfit.
• If you don’t already have a pair of distressed jeans circa about 2005 when Ashley Olsen made them popular, pick up this pair from Alloy. They come in petite and tall inseams, and have plus-size sizing.
• This Forever 21 blouse is soft and pretty, but with a bold, flirty color.

• I love this Roxy maxi dress. Because I’m so tall, I’m afraid that wearing a maxi dress will even further elongate my body. I’m willing to risk the potential giantess-ness for this lovely dress, though.
• Nicole Richie paired her maxi dress with platforms. Try these red ones from Target.
• If you’d rather forgo the platform look (or if you are a giantess), these earthy sandals from Forever 21 should do.

See you next time!

Alas, I am not wealthy enough to afford to buy their wardrobe suggestions. $300 for a dress? Not gonna happen! I’d like to have a settled career, thanks, before I start spending large chunks of rent and food money on clothing. As fun as that is, a girl’s gotta eat!

My thought was to re-create the same idea: a week of fashion, made from a few simple items, but all affordable. Mind-blowing, right?

Day One – Bohemian Chic

Pair these great (and cheap) sandals from Forever 21 with a Lux skirt by Urban Outfitters and a top from Delias.

Why should you wear this? It’s got a great, “oh-this-old-thing” casual look, but still looks like you took time in choosing your appearance.

To mix it up – Add a bright colored scarf, a couple gold bangles or hoops or a light, loose jacket.

Day Two – Dressing Down

Go for a more muted look with Forever 21 sandals, Delias dark-wash denim, a gathered-sleeve cardigan (also Forever 21) and a vintage-print blouse from Urban Outfitters.

Why should you wear this? It’s that elusive blend of high-and-low. Touches, like the gathered sleeves on the cardigan, and the open-back on the blouse, add a wow-factor to what could be a pretty basic outfit otherwise. Wear the cardigan open to show off the print on the blouse.

To mix it up – Add a really standout handbag: bright/jewel colors are fun. Also, a ethnic-inspired necklace could add a bit of texture.

Day Three – Going Out, Looking Good

Mix colors and textures for an outfit that’s got great classic shapes, but unusual punches here and there. These Payless wedges look comfortable and a bit sexy, while this trench from Nordstrom is–and you won’t believe it–less than $60. I like this Urban Outfitters dress for the more fitted look–I’m slowly developing a distaste for trapeze! Show off those curves, woman!

Why should you wear this? You could wear this to the movies, dinner or just on a jaunt to the local bookstore. It’s dressy and casual together–which is a combo that you should always be looking for when warmer weather rolls around.

To mix it up – Add a deep blue scarf, if it’s still cold. If not, try a funky knit beret cap. For jewelry, almost anything goes. I’d be partial to wearing some faux-pearl drops, but hey! That’s just me.

Day Four – Sens(ual) and Sensibility

Start off with our favorite Forever 21 sandals. Add this purple v-neck dress from Target. Here comes the tricky part: put this Forever 21 blouse over, yes, OVER the purple dress. Cinch the tie tightly. Layer with the gathered sleeve cardigan if you get chilly.

Why should you wear this? The sensual purple and flowy fabric of the Forever 21 blouse go beautifully together, and the sandals are neutral enough that they don’t attract from the colorful prettiness up above. The cardigan is the ideal backdrop, should the evening temperatures drop unexpectedly.

To mix it up – Add a brown belt over the Forever 21 blouse for even greater cinching power. Try a thin, gold chain around your neck for jewelry.

Day Five – TGIF

Pull out your Payless wedges, Delias jeans and add something new: this Forever 21 pinstriped jacket. Instead of wearing a traditional shirt/blouse, why not wear a cardigan as your shirt? Look at all these new ideas you’re getting for old stand-bys!

Why should you wear this? The deep v-neck on the cardigan is a good going-out look, but is countered by the ladylike aspects of the pinstriped jacket. Jeans and wedges are a surefire bottom-half look. What girl doesn’t like to sit around with friends at the local hangout in comfy wedges and denim? Much better than trousers, right?

To mix it up – Put a skinny belt in a punchy color over the cardigan at your waistline. Try navy or purple…or yellow! Or, tie a vintage-print silk scarf around your neck, in sort of a French-girl way.

Day Six – Dinner and a Movie

Oh, those trusty Payless wedges! You’ve both come so far! Pair them with your Lux skirt, Forever 21 pinstriped jacket and the vintage-print Urban Outfitters blouse.

Why should you wear this? It’s got all sorts of fun things going on. You can show off your tanned (or pasty, in my case) legs, or just flaunt a tiny sliver of skin on your back, via the Urban Outfitters blouse.

To mix it up – Wear funky jewelry with this one: think bright and bold. Maybe Indian-inspired red chandelier earrings, or a big faux coral-bead bracelet.

Day Seven – Errands Away

This outfit requires: those Forever 21 sandals, Delias jeans, Nordstrom trenchcoat, and one of my favorite items, the Delias blouse.

Why should you wear this? Most people wear their most casual clothing (i.e. sweats) to run Sunday errands. I say, pull out your chicest looks, grab some coffee, relax with a book, and then go get your groceries.

To mix it up – I’d replace the belt on the Nordstrom trench with a long, bright-colored ribbon tie, or with a flexible brown belt. A faux-pearl necklace that rested right at the bottom of your neck on your collarbone would also accentuate the pretty boatneck neckline on the blouse.

Have a great week! Any questions about the clothes in this post or ideas for another “week of style?” Just message me on Stylefeeder!

Like I mentioned in my previous “Get the Lucky Look” post, Lucky magazine is a great source for hunting out new trends and styles to incorporate into your own wardrobe. The only problem with Lucky? Most of the clothing featured is way out of my price range. $250 for a blouse? $400 for a casual dress? I don’t think so!

Instead, I like to see what Lucky staffers wear to the office each day—and then find inexpensive ways to copy their outfits or styles. They’re in the fashion magazine industry, so I think “Cute Outfit of the Day” is a fairly reliable source for fashionable and creative style ideas.

Here’s some of the outfits that caught my eye recently–and ways to recreate them for much, much less.

Jenny Kang, Fashion Assistant

Jenny’s wearing a mix of high and low-end clothing: H&M, American Apparel and Chloe brands are all incorporated into her outfit. I like the casual-chic look of this, and you could wear flats or Chucks instead of heels for a more weekend-friendly version.

Jenny wore a three-quarter length sleeved white blazer with her outfit, but for the warm weather ahead, I prefer this Forever 21 short-sleeved version. The price is unbelievable: less than $16! This gray tee from Urban Outfitters adds a neutral base to the outfit, and I like the extra length on it, which gives a good proportion to the whole outfit. Skinny jeans are a must–and if you don’t have a dark wash pair already, these Truck brand skinnies from Alloy.com come in petite, regular and long inseams, as well as multiple washes and colors. These Madden Girl wedge heels have a little bit of a retro flair to them, but in case CutesyGirl runs out of your size, these 70’s-inspired Target wedges will also do the trick. For a last bit of flair, throw on a purple scarf: either this one from Forever 21, or this multi-colored one from Urban Outfitters.

Ann Brady, Associate Fashion Editor

I really like the way Ann has added equestrian-inspired pieces (like her boots and jacket) to what would otherwise be a casual outfit. The jacket, made of rich, supple and expensive leather, adds a classy touch, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a leather (or faux leather) jacket in stores right now. I’ve tweaked what Ann’s wearing just a bit, to make it more spring-friendly.

One of the cornerstone pieces of Ann’s outfit are her flat, brown boots. I like these from Urban Outfitters, although they are a little pricey. If you want a cheaper version, these boots from Forever 21 will also do nicely. Forever 21 makes a good pair of skinny jeans (my sister owns several) for less than $30. Pair them with this red belt from Target. On top, you could go two routes: either wear a brown leather bomber, like this one from Urban Outfitters, like Ann did, or try something a little different, like this wool bomber sweater.

Desiree Marr, Fashion News Contributor

Desiree’s outfit has a look that I often try to emulate: muted colors, feminine touches and a trendy bit here-and-there, like her platform boots.

Start off your outfit with a pair of black opaque tights, like these. Add a dress in a muted color palette, but with an interesting pattern, like this one from Urban Outfitters. Don’t worry if the dress has spaghetti straps or is sleeveless, because you’ll be adding a layer. Add some platform boots, like these from Urban, and a cardigan layer. I like this one from Forever 21 because of the preppy look, which would add a twist to the overall look, or this one from Lux that’s a perfect length for wearing over a dress. If you don’t feel like wearing the platform boots I mentioned, try these ankle boots by Isaac Mizrahi for Target.

Alexandra Willinger, Editorial Assistant

Alexandra looks cool and casual, dressed like I think a young Parisian would as she sat an outdoor cafe drinking cafe au lait. Maybe it’s the stripes, or maybe it’s the all-black look, but I’m definitely getting a European-girl vibe.

Leggings, like these from Urban, are perfect for tucking into boots. This striped long-sleeved shirt from Forever 21 is only–and you won’t believe this–$7.50. A sweater vest over the striped shirt and flat, buckle-accented boots complete the ensemble. Throw a bag over your shoulder, grab a coffee and you’re good to go.

I had no idea what to wear.

Washington, D.C. is about 90 degrees in the shade come June, and it only intensifies from there, ending in a blaze of glory about the end of August/beginning of September. How ironic that this is also the time when interns descend on D.C., slaving away for the good of their resumes.

I didn’t want to show up sweaty and gross for the interview, and neither did I want to seem underdressed. What a problem!

But it’s not a problem for you. Experience has taught me the “do’s” and “don’ts” of dressing for internships…and interviews…and I’m happy to share my knowledge.

The Stuffy Interview

Working as a government intern? Or at some generic federal outpost? Or a law firm?

Etiquette dictates a more modest, professional attire for jobs or internships in areas such as those. Note, however, that modest and professional does not have to equal boring.

See the clothing above? It’s all from Victoria’s Secret. How illicit of you, young lawyer or government worker, to dress in Victoria’s Secret for a strictly dress-coded career!

But, you can get away with wearing a Victoria’s Secret label when the clothes look as classy as this. The french-cuffed shirt is a perfect staple piece for a more modest work wardrobe. Play up the shirt with interesting cuffs…just don’t leave the top button undone too far. It is supposed to be modest, after all! The pencil skirt above has a great little bow on the back, so although you may look staid from the front, you’ll show off your playful side from the back. The best deal is on the far right, with the skirt suit. Victoria’s Secret has a whole host of suits you can buy for less than $99, so take advantage of that offer. To add a bit of spunk to your suits, wear a brightly colored oxford or a blouse with an unusual ruffle detail.

The Semi-Creative Interview

Some lobbying firms, communication/PR firms and other areas of business have a more lax dress code policy with the vague tag of “business casual.” Many college students make the mistake of thinking business casual means their nicest, unripped pair of jeans and their hooker boots underneath them. That is not business casual.

This is business casual:

Emulate the look of a matching skirt-blazer suit with a pencil skirt and blouse in complimentary styles or colors. I like the look of this summery-chic white skirt from Forever21 (it also comes in black) with the more formal black buttondown.

Although it may be 100 degrees outside, chances are, your office will be pretty chilly. I caught dozens of colds last summer going in and out of a 50-degree building into the sweltering heat, and vice versa. It’s best to dress in linen pants, which are light enough to withstand the heat, but still pants so your legs will be warm in the office. The Gap has some great dress pants in petite and long inseams. This Sashimi jacket from Nordstrom has a business-y look, but still keeps a casual vibe with the taupe color. Wear a simple safari-esque buttondown under your jacket, like this one.

The Uber-Creative Workplace

Fashion internships or a workplace that requires a severe creative bent (think a design firm or video production company) is probably the hardest to dress for. If you show up for your interview in a pantsuit and feel severely overdressed, you know you are in the uber-creative workplace.

You can get away with wearing more daring choices as far as dresses are concerned if you keep the color palette neutral or monochromatic. I’d wear black shoes with both of these dresses. The first, from Forever21, could be dressed up more with a long-sleeved blouse underneath, a jacket on top or a vest with a belt around the waist. The second dress from Twelve by Twelve is more “fashion-y,” and would certainly look good with a cardigan or tights, if you should choose to go a more modest route.

I have to admit: this is my favorite of all the interview choices thus far. I wore outfits very similar to this last summer during my internship. The blouse has short sleeves, which is great for warmer temperatures. The great thing about the blouse, though, is how versatile it is. It would look good under a sweater, blazer, jacket, or even layered over another shirt. This skirt from ASOS is perfectly acceptable business attire, but with a stylish flair that you don’t often see in plain-old pencil skirts. If you tuck the blouse in, you’ll get a look similar to the one in the photo. If you leave it untucked and tie the sash in the back on the skirt, you’ll end up with a completely different–and equally cool–look.

The Only Shoes You’ll Need

You should only need a select pair of shoes to get you through your summer internship. Start with a pair of classic black peeptoes with a fashion-y twist, like these from Victoria’s Secret. Note that I said black, not pink! Also, a pair of black pointy-toe stilettos are a must, as they’ll go with everything from dresses to skirts to trousers. Brown heels are also necessary, as you won’t be able to wear black with everything. On days when you don’t feel like wearing heels, try a pair of classy, Audrey-esque flats. For casual Fridays, or on days where you just want to shake things up, try these navy pumps (I also featured them in this post).

Last, but not least, please do not commute in Crocs or flip-flops. There are plenty of lovely sandals out there that are begging for commuting rights, but I tend to favor these lovely Naturalizer espadrilles. They are comfortable, flat-soled, but have a hint of a platform for a more pulled-together look as you ride the subway in the morning.

Don’t forget a bag!

Easily overlooked, but quite important, is your handbag. When you walk into an interview, your accessories say a lot about you. Try a briefcase, or some version thereof, for a more formal position, but for everything else, a classy tote should be sufficient. Make sure it fits your portfolio or anything else you need to take with you. This one from Urban Outfitters is inexpensive, but fits the bill perfectly.

Good luck!

The key to relaxing at home after work or on the weekends is to have proper loungewear. Abandon those Juicy sweatpant combos and try a chemise or slip instead. Fashioned like a dress, but far more comfortable, pajama-like and yes, even sexy.

Here are some of my favorite affordable chemise/slip choices.

• The Gap sleep shirt below is a good choice if you want something to lounge AND sleep in. It looks like something you might have taken from your boyfriend (or ex-boyfriend) and neglected to give back.
• I also like the affordability of this Forever21 chemise.
• This Forever21 slip has a cool crinkle effect on the fabric, and black flatters all body types.

• Victoria’s Secret is the perfect spot to find affordable, comfy lingerie. This chemise has sleeves: helpful if you are the type to get cold when you sleep. This also comes in several other color combos.
• This knit chemise from Victoria’s Secret has such a pretty lace border around the bodice.
• Floral is really big for spring trend-wise, so why not invest in some on-trend lingerie as well? This one from Victoria’s Secret is quite nice.

• Target (surprisingly) has some great lingerie choices. Heather gray gives off a comfy sweatshirt vibe, and this tunic-styling means you could get away with wearing this out of the house if you needed to.
• This chemise is also from Target. It’s a little more innocent-looking thanks to the eyelet and pocket detail.

• Bluefly’s Tart Intimates lingerie is well-priced (less than $30). The lace on this one looks sophisticated, not skanky.
• This chemise is also from Tart Intimates. I adore this…I could almost wear it out. The print is soft and feminine, but doesn’t look too overtly like pajamas.
• This camisole-styled chemise from Nordstrom is more fitted than the others I’ve shown here, but sometimes it’s more comfortable to sleep in a fitted chemise than a loose one. Chemises with loose fabrics tend to irritatingly cling to bedsheets when you turn over.

Dinner and a Movie

Start out your evening with a “romantic cheeses” gift box set. Serve with bread, crackers and the like.

While nibbling the different varieties of cheeses, sip some wine or champagne. Leave the choice up to the pros, and have it shipped to you.

For dinner and dessert, pair a gourmet Italian-themed meal with individual mousse desserts. This picnic basket comes stocked with pesto, cheese straws, pasta, olive oil and loads of other goodies.

After dinner (or while you eat), relax with one of my favorite movie collections: the Doris Day and Rock Hudson anthology. This set comes with three movies included: Pillow Talk, Lover Come Back and Send Me No Flowers. All are incredibly funny, sweet and romantic.

What’s your favorite way to spend an evening at home?

Color, color, and more color! After the drab and dark days of winter, I am so happy to see bright, fun colors taking over my favorite shopping spots.

I wear a LOT of monochromatic colors like black, gray and white, with the occasional pop of navy or taupe, but I am determined to wear a lot of fun colors this spring and summer. And why not? Just looking at the page above from People Style Watch makes me feel better about my day. Imagine a double-page spread of black clothes? Not nearly as exciting.

Check out some of my favorite (and, as always, affordable) finds for spring.

Blue

My favorite spring shade is an eye-popping cobalt blue. Blue with black is no longer taboo, so feel free to match these separates with black accessories or other items at your heart’s content.

Jackie’s Favorite Blue Picks: These deep blue Forever21 slingback platforms are super-inexpensive and have a great glossy patent finish. These could be worn with jeans, pencil skirts, dresses…they’ve got a really versatile quality. I also love this cobalt blue peacoat. Since it’s still a little cold in DC, I’m still gravitating towards warmer clothing!

Turquoise

I must be honest: I’ve not always been a fan of turquoise. Because I’m drawn to “boring” colored clothing, turquoise was–and still is–a little bit “out there” for me. However, I’m going to try my very hardest to circulate a few of the jewel-colored items into my wardrobe.

Jackie’s Favorite Turquoise Picks: A tunic is an easy, casual way to mix in a bright color. Worn with jeans, neutral flats and a spring scarf, this Forever 21 turquoise version is surprisingly wearable. This Victoria’s Secret maxi dress is so stunningly pretty on the model (unsurprisingly) that I feel an urge to try out the style myself.

Red

Red is the color of passion, love, and apparently, springtime. Bright reds, dark reds, wines…every shade of red is in play for spring. Luckily, red is a great color on lots of women, regardless of race or skin tone. Dark skin tones should try a darker, merlot color, while women with a yellow-undertone in their skin should aim for jewel-toned shades. Pale women can wear lighter shades of red, as well as dark shades, but be aware that the brighter your clothing, the more pale you’ll look.

Jackie’s Favorite Red Picks: Forever 21 is really stealing the show where my favorites are concerned! This bright-red, embellished shirt is great. I love the price and the effortless style. This turtleneck dress from Nordstrom is another good piece. It’s a good style to wear year-round, and it has such a good, rich red color.

Pink & Yellow

Pink & yellow bring to mind a certain holiday, that of course, being Easter. But worn separately, each color brings an unexpected, cheery element to an outfit. I’m definitely feeling a mustard-y shade of yellow for spring. Plus, mustard really compliments gray…and I have a lot of gray clothing!

Jackie’s Favorite Pink & Yellow Picks: These mustard heels from CutesyShoes are a no-brainer. They’re inexpensive, patent and have a nifty retro appeal. Would you believe this yellow blouse is from Charlotte Russe? I fell in love with it when I saw it. It’s got a studious vibe going on, making it work-appropriate, but with the right jeans and heels, you could transform this into a pretty great going-out shirt.

Purple

I’ve fallen in love with the color purple. I used to loathe it–I refused to wear it, even try something on if it hinted at “indigo.” But, I’ve come around, and the virtues of purple are many. It’s flattering, easy to pull off and quite the versatile shade. Also, since I was engaged wearing a purple dress, there’s a bit of sentimental feeling left for all purple clothing as a result.

Jackie’s Favorite Purple Picks: BCBG is one of my favorite designers, as you’ll know if you read my Stylefeeder or Tastemaker posts regularly. These BCBGirl heels are a good example of why I dote so on their designs. It’s got a super-chunky heel–always a plus, as they’re easy to walk in. The buckle adds a professional touch, and the darker purple color makes them suitable for work without being loud. I’m also a sucker for anything romantic and ruffle-y, so this indigo dress really caught my eye.

Green & Orange

I’ve grouped these colors together because each one is difficult for a different reason. Orange is not flattering as a general rule. Pumpkin orange, that is. It can wash you out, clash with your coloring…orange is quite problematic. However, I’ve selected some orange items that tend to run more in the direction of coral-y orange, instead of Halloween-orange. Now, green is difficult, because it’s got a bit of a preppy vibe going on at times, and at other times, somewhat of a vintage air that you may not always want to give off. Hopefully I’ve selected enough different shades that you can make up your mind with ease!

Jackie’s Favorite Green & Orange Picks: Tunic shirts are so nice for summer: not too clingy, usually made of light fabrics and, as always, featuring a body-flattering cut. The orange-y/coral shade of this one from Forever 21 would be complimentary to brown leather sandals and skinny jeans. At first, I wasn’t too impressed with this bright green dress from Charlotte Russe, but once I enlarged the photo, I fell in love. It looks like a vintage find, and has a naughty-nurse styling that would look good paired against with demure flats, long, loose hair and minimal jewelry. Another favorite, which is more pricey, is this dress from J. Crew. It’s loose, breezy, wearable and easy to dress up or down.

Scans from People Style Watch’s latest issue.

Spring is coming, and with it comes a whole new set of fashion “rules.” As the weather heats up, clothes get lighter, shorter and more comfortable, but you also must start shaving your legs daily, getting manicures and pedicures, applying the self-tanner…you know the drill. Summer can be a pain. Just keeping yourself looking good is hard enough, but to worry about clothing and accessories on top of that is far too much thinking, in my opinion.

I’ve compiled some items for you that are guaranteed to make you look great this spring/summer season, and most of them will even be wearable once the weather turns cold again in about eight months or so, depending on where you live.

Thanks to People Style Watch for inspiring this post! I highly recommend People Style Watch (take some of their suggestions…bulldogs are IN, milkshakes are OUT…with a grain of salt) if you want to get some great shopping ideas.

Shoes

Every good spring/summer outfit should start from the ground up. Why? Because spring and summer temperatures allow you to wear every kind of shoe you own. Sandals, flip flops, pumps, peeptoe heels, flats, boots…every shoe (except for Uggs) is fair game once warm weather hits.

The BCBG fuchsia heels on the far left have a vintage quality to them that I love. It would pull together an outfit really well, and still have a spring-y, romantic look to it. The next pair is my favorite of the set: the Michael Antonio color-blocked pumps. The chunky heel is great, because it’s fair easier and more comfortable to walk in. The price is amazing on these, only $20. The pink Bamboo flats with the ankle strap have an adorable mini wedge heel, so if you’re the type that can’t go out in flats, these might be a good go-between. Dove gray is my new favorite neutral. It goes with everything and can look either tough or soft and romantic depending on how you wear it. The hidden platform in these would add a little extra height in a more subtle way. The pink mary janes are by Charles David, and they are also on sale. I like the vintage cut and the subtle brown and white piping on the side. The yellow Payless heels look a little “Easter,” but with the right dress or pair of jeans, they could add an unexpected element to a plain outfit.

Shirts/Blouses

Spring tops should have an easy, comfortable look, and I like romantic colors: white, ivory, gray, navy, pink, etc. Stay away from light, light pastels: color saturation is more trendy this season. Anything with ruffles, eyelet or the like is a safe bet and can be worn in multiple ways for work, play, dates, etc.

The Kensie Girl tunic from Nordstrom has my favorite color combo right now: blue and black. Once taboo to wear these together, it’s now commonplace and stylish. This tunic is long enough to be worn as a dress, but short enough that it wouldn’t look strange worn with skinny jeans or leggings. The 40’s-style bow blouse from Nordstrom looks soft and romantic, and proves that shirts don’t have to be Easter-colored to look that way. One of my favorite blouses in the bunch is the Macy’s voile tunic. It’s a great length (girls love anything that covers their hips, right?) and a good, comfy fit without hiding your figure. I’d buy this a size smaller than I usually wear for a fit that doesn’t beg a “is she or isn’t she?” pregnant question. The mint-green tunic from Alloy looks so retro, but has a great, bright color. With skinny jeans and black flats, this is the ideal going-out shirt. The embroidered blouse from Urban Outfitters looks like something you bought handmade in Mexico. Forever21 makes great ruffled blouses, like this Victorian-style one. In order to keep the look modern, I’d wear it with fitted skinny jeans and platform heels. Another great blouse from Forever21 is this one, with a navy satin sash. It looks cheery and bright, and could be worn with a pencil skirt to work or with jeans out to dinner.

Sweaters

No matter how warm the days are, you’ll need to take a layer with you in the spring and summer for cold restaurants, over-AC’d cars, chilly stores and breezy nights.

Alloy makes some great sweaters. The romantic bell sleeves on this one echo the other romantic looks for spring, and the Renaissance-styling on this one would look great over a plain t-shirt and with jeans. For a less subtle look, try American Apparel’s long cardigans with a belt.

Dresses

Dresses for spring should be made of light fabric, loose but not too loose and have a soft, feminine look. Try these:

This dress from Delias combines a lot of different trends, but to a great effect. The light color, ruffles, bubble hem and detailed back make for the perfect spring party dress. This strapless, nude-colored lace dress looks romantic, but also a little sexy, thanks to the cut and (lack of) color. For a more casual spring look, this Roxy eyelet dress does the trick, and is easily my favorite dress featured here. Target always has some great dress offerings, like this linen Mossimo one. A dressier option is this layered Forever21 version. I like the subtle print on the front and the sexy tie sleeves. The least expensive dress here is this shift dress at only $15, but I love the neutral color and pleats in the front, which are always flattering.

Other Accessories

Spring accessories are always fun–and these are especially fun considering the price.

This Dominique Cohen necklace from Target is on sale, so snatch it up quick. Spring scarves always look great against neutral outfits. This handbag from Old Navy is also on sale for about $13, and comes in a taupe color. I like the versatile style–it could be worn out to dinner or to shopping. Last, but not least, a flower necklace is always a welcome addition to any spring outfit, and for less than $7, I’ll take one, thanks.

Which trend for spring do you like most?

That makes buying accessories difficult. I always want the latest “It” bag or shoes (who doesn’t?), but I absolutely do not have the budget to buy them. I find interesting ways to compensate, though, namely what I like to call “designer-inspired goods”.

Designer-inspired has a much better ring to it than the more common “knock-off,” and really, they’re nearly as fun as the real thing. As long as they come from reputable sources…NOT street vendors. You can rest more easily knowing that your designer-inspired look came from Steve Madden, not a street vendor in Mexico selling goods stolen from unsuspecting tourists.

Want a piece of the action? Check out the following:

These YSL tribute pumps are actually being sold from Bluefly, which makes them marginally less expensive than buying straight from the source. But, sadly, marginally less expensive still means you’ll need to pay $528. Sigh.

BUT: do not despair that you cannot own one of the most sought-after shoes of the past year or two or three. because you can own something inspired.

Starting from the left, these Steve Madden Laveda’s are a pretty good inspired look. I love the sexy stiletto heel. The Xhilaration Sveta pumps from Target are only $19.99 and come in four different colors. I liked the red and brown, but not the black: it looked a little cheaper than the other shades. BCBG is one of my favorite designers, and their BCBGirls line is less expensive and much more accessible. These white and black platforms also come in a sexy, vampy red. My favorite pair of YSL-inspired pumps are Nine West’s electric blue version. Steve Madden also makes a pair of pumps called the Reede, and this version has a more classic styling/vintage feel than the Laveda’s. But, the most true-to-Tribute pair you can buy? Jessica Simpson’s Miami Maryjanes. They are nearly an exact “inspired” match for the YSL Tributes…and such a great deal, too, at $50.

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Lanvin flats are a celebrity/rich people favorite. You see celebrities wearing them constantly and I don’t blame them. They come in all sorts of colors, some patent, some suede, some with mary jane straps. I prefer the classic, elastic style like the ones pictured above. But, come on…$600 for flats? Ha. Whatever.

I can vouch for the first pair pictured here on the left. They are by Charles Albert, and apparently he thought they looked so much like genuine Lanvin flats, that he named them “Lanvin flats.” I own two pairs (in nude pink and gray). They are a crazy deal (only $9) and extremely comfortable. The TopShop pair has a great elastic band making for a comfy–not tight–fit. The Xhilaration flats from Target are also a complete steal at less than $13 per pair. They come in lots of different colors, but I like the black and red best. And, for the deal of the day, Piperlime is offering their Unlisted by Kenneth Cole flats on sale for $19.99 in two great shades.

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Christian Louboutin makes me angry. His shoes are SO beautiful, the curves SO amazing, that for one split second, I can justify spending $900 on shoes. Then, in the next second, I can see the look on THF’s face as he wonders how any shoes can be worth $900. Fortunately, because there are so many similar styles to this classic platform pump, I tend to agree with THF’s shoe theory: if it looks good, who cares how little you paid?

You may not be a fan of Jessica Simpson herself, but you must admit that her shoe line is fairly genius. The first pair pictured here (starting from the left…hopefully you’ve gotten the idea by now!) are Simpson’s Josette pumps. They come in black and white and have a sexy d’Orsay cut-out on the side. I like the wider peeptoe on these, too: sometimes small peeptoes can cramp your toes all together. Once again, BCBG proves why I love them with these sky-high platform slingbacks. If you can’t handle all that height, this Naturalizer pair is slightly less high, and probably more comfortable since it’s well, Naturalizer. Nordstrom also offers a pair of slingbacks at a pretty decent price and with a sexy patent finish. My favorite pair of this set is Nine West’s offering. It’s cut well, got a great high heel and has all the necessary curves to pull off a Louboutin-inspired look with flair.

Which designer “It” accessory would YOU rob a bank for?

I’d buy a Chloe purse, like this one.

So I asked myself, if I were a modern day Bond Girl, what would I wear and what gadgets would I own? The inspiration for this post came from Lauren Conrad’s new Spring 2008 Collection. I love Lauren’s style and think some of her new pieces are quite classic and would fit very well into a current Bond Girl’s Closet. Don’t believe me? Decide for yourself as you take a ride with my wild imagination and check out this modern Bond Girl’s 24 hour mission:

7:00 PM: Charity Gala
Location: New York, New York
Check out this combination from The Lauren Conrad Spring 2008 Collection which includes the Nicole Skirt, Jackie Tube Top, and the Katherine Wrap. It reminds me of a bond girl at a Charity Gala right before she runs into James Bond while tailing the bad guy. Add a secret flash drive necklace, like this Heart Beat USB Memory Key by Phillip and Swarovski and wait for love and scandal to follow.

11:00 AM: High Speed Chase
Location: Los Angeles, California
This outfit reminds me of a Bond Girl trying to be undercover but stylish while tailing the bad guy. This top by Lauren is called the Britton Top, add some skinny jeans, platforms, and a floppy hat… and of course sunglasses and you’ll be in a high speed chase behind the wheel of the 2009 Camaro, convertible of course! (Okay, I know the 09 Camaro isn’t necessarily a “gadget”, but I’m in love).

4:00 PM: Mission Accomplished
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Finally, it’s time lock up the bad guys and say good bye to James. Try this kimono style Sophia Dress by Lauren Conrad with an empire waist. But don’t leave the house without a LG watch phone, which was unveiled at this year’s CES awards.

As women, I’m sure we’ve all used different techniques to help us investigate something in our lives, hopefully you’ve learned how to do it in style and with some really cool gadgets.

But, InStyle has some great online features, like the Hollywood Hair Makeover (so much fun) and Hot Finds.

My favorite feature is Look of the Day. Readers can vote for their favorite of 5 different looks, while seeing what InStyle has chosen as their pick. This section is updated daily, with five new looks to view, and their archive features thousands more.

Although InStyle offers places where you can find and purchase items from the Look of the Day, I find their suggestions a little pricey. So, I’ve taken some recent “Looks” and found inexpensive ways to make it your own.

Natalie Portman in Derek Lam. I think Natalie looks adorable in this outfit: it’s age-appropriate AND weather-appropriate, with the tights and long-sleeves.

If you can afford something a little pricey (upwards of $200), the Betsey Johnson dress from Urban Outfitters is perfect. If you want something a bit more budget-friendly, Urban Outfitter’s also sells a great shirt dress by Lux for $48. ASOS has a pair of platform pumps similar to Natalie’s that come in red and hot pink and are only about $50 U.S. If you live in Great Britain, then they are quite a steal at 25 pounds.

Don’t forget to add a pair of black opaque tights!

Rachel Weisz in Alexander McQueen. I like the play on colors and neutrals that Rachel wore here, and the belt really accentuates her waist. Corset belts are probably on their way out, especially after seeing the light and airy fabrics for Fall 2008, but have no fear: if Rachel can wear it and get Look of the Day, so can you.

This Forever21 metallic dress has great pleats on the front, which will really flatter most body types. Everyone can use a little extra flattering in the midsection: even Rachel Weisz. The wide red belt from ASOS would look good worn a little bit high on the Forever21 dress. Make sure you cover the waist seam, whether it’s at the natural waist, above, or below, with the belt. Add a pair of hot red shoes, like these from Michael Antonio at CutesyShoes. Or for a brighter red, these Nina shoes (reminiscent of Reese Witherspoon’s infamous yellow dress at last year’s Golden Globes) should do the job nicely, and for under $100, reasonably.

Anne Hathaway looks so pretty in a tough-and-sweet combination. I like the contrast of the frilly, almost ballerina-like skirt with the tough biker jacket.

Copy Anne’s style with a voluminous skirt like one of these from Victoria’s Secret, Delias or American Apparel. My personal favorite is the American Apparel skirt, simply because there it’s available in a plethora of colors and is easy to dress up or down. Try the bomber jacket below from TopShop. I liked that it had a vintage, worn-in look. Pair these things with Madden Girl’s $40 t-strap pumps from ShoeMall, and last, but not least, a sculptural clutch from Target.

Charlize Theron in Thomas Wylde. Charlize looks comfortable AND chic in this photo. I love how her outfit blends a bit of high-fashion style and low-maintenance ease. This is something every woman could wear and look equally good in, and luckily the pieces she’s wearing are fairly basic (i.e. easy to find at a cheaper price).

If you don’t already have one–and you probably do–get a shrunken jacket or blazer. The Gap is a great source for these. For a trendy, comfy blouse like Charlize is wearing, Forever21 is an invaluable source for cheap and straight-off-the-runway styles like the white shirt below. The Delias skinny jeans I recommend come in multiple inseams, including 36” for all you fellow tall women, and a 32” for all you midgetors—I mean petite women. Add a knit cap, like this one, from Forever21 and some black flats, and you have an outfit that can take you almost anywhere.

Rachel Bilson in Jenni Kayne. Can Rachel Bilson ever look bad? I really don’t think it’s possible. I keep waiting for some sign that she (or her stylist) is slipping, but she continually wears outfits that I want to wear, dammit! But, since I can’t afford Jenni Kayne, I’ll have to improvise and do a bit of hunting.

This Lux tulip skirt from Urban Outfitters is the closest thing I could find to Rachel’s Jenni Kayne version without spending over $100 or sacrificing good taste for Vegas-showgirl-style metallics. Pair it with this buttondown oxford from Forever21 (less than $20, too) and a classic pair of black pumps by Kenneth Cole Unlisted for $40 and you have a Rachel-worthy outfit, in my opinion.

Which look is your favorite? Any suggestions on where to find pieces similar to what these ladies are wearing?

The Global Woman
Spring 2008 brings in a global theme that focuses on tribal-like patterns, bright colors mixed with earth tones, and natural but strong makeup! Every global woman needs a multilingual electronic talking dictionary. Try this one, the E15C800, by Ectacto which includes a car charger, headset, microphone and power converters for any country. Pair it with this cute global-inspired dress from Etro’s Women Spring 2008 Collection and you’re ready for any tribal adventure.

The Greek Goddess
Last year’s gladiator sandals have now inspired an entire goddess vibe this spring. The look is almost whimsical and is a great trend to incorporate into your wardrobe if your trouble spots include your tummy! Try this dress from Marchesa’s Spring 2008 Collection and pair it with the new Chanel Choco Phone designed by Fred de Garilhe. Too bad the phone is still a concept; hopefully the real product will follow soon after.

The High-Waisted Career Chick

Fashion and the workplace are probably the highlight of my 9 to 5! I love career-minded trends like the high-waisted pants shown below by DKNY. To make this look work, add a ribbon or skinny belt with a tucked-in tank and cardigan or a cute button-down boyfriend shirt and you’ll look sophisticated, especially if you check your emails on a Samsung Blackberry Pearl II in a delicious red wine color.

The Safari Diva

Go down under with this cute trend, best represented below in Michael Kors Spring 2008 Collection. I love the way he incorporates the trend with a look of sophistication that balances trendy with glamourous. Pair this look with the new ultra slim and stylish Optio M40 digital camera by Pentax. Specs include a 8.0 mega pixel image quality and high-quality extended movie capture in QuickTime motion.

Hope you are as excited about Spring 2008’s new trends as much as I am. Are there any Spring 2008 Trends that you are planning to incorporate into your wardrobe this year?

A lot of the time you have to assume that the people Sartorialist founder Scott Schuman photographs are wearing vintage or secondhand finds because of the uniqueness of their clothing. Schuman does not often snap someone in identifiable clothing–i.e. anything with bold logos or recognizable graphics. The exception to the vintage assumption is, naturally, NY Fashion Week. The photos he takes in and around Bryant Park feature a lot of stylish women probably wearing a lot of expensive clothing. I doubt women wear anything from a secondhand shop to Fashion Week…unless it’s secondhand designer!

How can you emulate the cool, street-style of these women given their 15 seconds of fame via The Sartorialist?

I’ll show you.

This girl has managed to look both stylish, individual AND comfortable. Luckily, Victoria’s Secret makes a dress similar to the one she’s wearing:

Her gray shoes add a bit of flavor, where black shoes would have just melted into her tights. Try these from Payless. They’re cute and really inexpensive. To finish off, a black coat with a great cut and trendy quarter-length sleeves.

The 50’s flair this woman has going on manages not to look like a costume because she paired the slightly vintage-y dress with really modern shoes and a clean-cut trenchcoat.

I love the vibrant pink of the Isaac Mizrahi for Target dress coupled with the metallic Forever21 heels (only $20) and a khaki trench.

This woman has great universal style. You could wear this look in any city around the world and still be considered chic. It’s practical, comfortable and a little edgy, too.

First, you must start with a great pair of opaque gray tights. This pair from Urban Outfitters is good quality and a great price (less than $15). Then, add a pretty printed dress (with sleeves, if possible), like this one from Alloy.com. For the coat, make sure you have one that’s body conscious (not too puffy), but still substantial and warm and not too fussy. For only $25, these mary jane heels from Alloy.com should do the trick nicely for footwear. All that’s left is an inexpensive, warm, cozy scarf like this one from Forever21.

For the more daring, try copying this girl’s outfit. The shoes really make the whole thing come together, and although I’m a little scared to try wearing high-top Chucks with leggings myself, feel free to try and it and let me know if you can make it work like this woman did!

High-top red Converse sneakers are the obvious things to begin shopping for. After you procure them, you’ll need a warm, knit pair of gray leggings to keep your legs warm since you aren’t wearing any pants (and it’s cold outside, silly!) Get a long, black cardigan to go over your leggings too: although this woman is wearing a very uniquely cut coat, it might be easier to get away with a cardigan for every day. For variations on the top half, try a longer trenchcoat, a trapeze dress (belted or unbelted) or a long tunic in a monochromatic color.

In the winter, the coat really makes your entire outfit, as this woman shows. To avoid spending unnecessary money because it’s so close to spring, invest in a coat that will take you through the chilly March/April mornings, but will also work for the freezing temperatures right now. A plaid print, like this Soo Lee one from ASOS is a good choice. Every woman should also have a quilted bag, whether it’s Chanel or not. This one from Shopsueyboutique.com looks just enough like Chanel to be passable, but not too much that it screams “knock-off!” Flat boots, also, are in my opinion, a closet necessity. You can wear them with literally everything–leggings, tights, jeans, dresses…see?

The first thing I noticed in this photo were the woman’s shoes. There’s something about ankle-length booties with tights that looks really chic and put-together right now. Who knows, in 6 months, ankle-length boots may recede back into unpopularity, but I think they look great right now. ASOS has a sale on this amazing pair.

Have a great week everyone, and enjoy shopping for your own sartorial goodies!

All photos taken by Scott Schuman of The Sartorialist.

(Barney’s Madison Avenue Store Window)

(Image from Inhabitat)

Finally, a New York Fashion Week that brought sustainable design to the foreground. The FutureFashion show has come and gone, much buzz has been created and many have something to say about, skeptics and supporters alike. An article by Lauren David Peden for Vogue shared some inspiring comments from participants, including Barney’s New York fashion director Julie Gilhart, who was instrumental in bringing together the 28 participating designers. Apparently, Julie grimaces at the phrase “eco-chic”, stating, “I hope we don’t use that word anymore. It’s just the way it should be….It’s more luxurious to really think about where your fabric comes from, about the impact of it on the environment, and about fair trade and labor issues.” Adding to the idea of this is ‘just the way it should be done’ was Rogan Gregory, the man behind Loomstate and EDUN, who pointed out that compared to even 5 or 6 years ago, finding high-quality, sustainable fabric is much easier. He tells Vogue, “Now, the demand is greater, so there are all these great fabrics available, which makes designing a lot easier. People understand that this is the way of the future….Why wouldn’t you do this?”

Don’t I know it! When I launched Greenloop in 2004, it was like pulling teeth trying to find even a barely sufficient variety of apparel and accessories to offer that met the ethical and aesthetic criteria I was striving toward. Loomstate was one of the first lines we carried and I was ecstatic to find them. Now, I am happy to say, I can hardly keep up with the new lines being submitted to us on a daily basis. I love it. It is proof positive to me that this was the right thing to do, that the market is growing, and in time, we won’t even need phrases like “eco-fashion” anymore because that is just the way fashion will be.

Of course, the clothes themselves must stand alone in terms of design and quality, in addition to their eco-merits, and from what I have seen and read, they certainly made the grade. Marisa Belger, writing for Todayshow.com, did a really nice review of the event, coupled with an interview with Leslie Hoffman, the executive director of Earth Pledge. Here, Leslie discusses how FutureFashion was born, the impact of the fashion industry on the environment, current trends in eco-fashion, and fibers she is particularly excited about (think fish skin leather and pineapple fiber). Vogue also sets forth a descriptive narrative on many of the pieces, as does Abigail Doan at Inhabitat, reporting that, “Despite the diversity in all of these offerings, it was evident that designers still play it somewhat safe when they are considering an organic palette.”

This is not terribly surprising given the goal here: turning heads toward sustainable fashion to illustrate its potential for becoming mainstream. Abigail at Inhabitat tells us to “drop any ideas that this was a fringe event – early verdicts from around the fashion globe called the designs presented gorgeous and ‘to die for’. If there’s one thing eco-friendly collections are proving, it’s that sexy and stunning can come from materials that are also earth-friendly.”

Well said. Presenting designs that are a little easier to swallow that some of the more cutting edge pieces seen on many conventional fashion show runways helps sway a larger group of people than “fashion for fashion’s sake” concoctions. I mean c’mon now….just how sustainable is a 4 foot wide bubble dress that only covers one breast? (Just making a point here….I hope no one has actually made this, but someone probably has). ‘Sustainable’ fashion of course requires good design and innovation, and nobody says it has to be hum-drum, but it’s also about making clothing that people can actually wear every day. At this stage in the game, being too bold on the design front will keep “eco-fashion” in the novelty realm.

Orli Sharaby, writing for PSFK, applauded Earth Share’s FutureFashion initiative as “genuine, thought-provoking, and world-changing” while also pointing out the lack of sustainable consistency in the other “green” initiatives currently on display at NY Fashion Week. Apparently, “no less than three designers gave out canvas totes as swag at their shows”, an “eco” gesture pretty much wiped out by the same designers’ use of decidedly unsustainable textiles coupled with the staging an energy-sucking runway show. You can read the piece here, which also drags DKNY’s orange bike ‘eco’ stunt through the mud.

I have to say I agree with the sentiments here, yet on the other hand, being a “carrot” (rather than a stick) type person, I applaud any effort at increasing awareness and making change, as inconsistent and seemingly in-genuine as it might be. Let me do one more about face here to say that despite my fondness for carrots, green-washing is a real issue and should be addressed. Progress is small increments is one thing, but “green” initiatives with no substance, that are not followed-up with continuous improvements will only serve to confuse consumers, create confusion and mistrust and move us backwards. I could go on here…and I will, in another story.

The one-of-a-kind pieces that make up the FutureFashion collection are not for sale, but they will be on display in the windows of Barneys New York flagship store at Madison Avenue and 61st Street from February 1st – 21st. I love Leslie Hoffman’s statement here, which really sums it up for me: “Enjoy the show, and consider it the beginning of something that will evolve over time. It is not about this season. It is about every season.”

“I used to wear heels because I wanted to show people I wasn’t ashamed of being tall. But I don’t wear them any more because you don’t have to wear heels to be beautiful. I can’t even remember the last time I wore heels.”

I was 5′11” by the time I was 15, and ever since then I’ve dodged questions about my basketball playing, volleyball playing or modeling ability (or lack thereof.) To clear things up: I played basketball in junior high, never cared for volleyball and the only time I model is for THF.

Nearly every tall woman has similar problems. Finding pants is impossible. Every knee-length skirt looks mini on you. You may have long legs, but you can’t find pajama bottoms to cover your ankles. Being tall as a woman is simultaneously the best and worst thing in the world. You feel empowered when you walk down the street, but end up in tears in the dressing room because pants just don’t fit.

I harbor such a hatred of changing rooms from all the disappointment of never finding pants that, to this day, I’ll rarely try anything on. I’d rather buy it and take it home and return it, than stand in a barren, too-bright changing room trying to pull pants down on my hips so they fit my 37-inch inseam (35 inches, plus two extra inches to allow for heels).

So, to save you the toil and trouble of searching for pants long enough to fit your legs, I’ve picked out some of my favorite styles in denim and trousers for spring…along with complimentary shoes.

Alloy.com is a tall girl’s fantasy. Pants and jeans come readily in 37” inseams, running all the way down to the petite 32”. Skinny jeans are perfect for tall women, too. They compliment your long legs, and you don’t have to worry as much about length, since skinny jeans look fine hitting you at the ankle, or slightly above, depending on what shoes you want to wear with them. This black pair is super-flattering in cut and wash, since everyone looks good in black pants.

Try skinny jeans with a punchy colored shoe for spring. It will update the look and bring it out of the dark winter doldrums.

Tall women can get away with wearing trendy jeans a lot easier than most petite women. Wide-leg jeans, trouser jeans and skinny jeans all look equally good on a tall woman. The proportions work great — just look at supermodels! Having height on your frame gives you more liberty with how “fashion-y” you want to dress. For petite women reading this: check out my posts on Rachel Bilson and Ashley Olsen for good ideas on dressing to fit your height. Once again, these wide-leg jeans are from Alloy.com, which (and I can’t say this enough) is an unbelievable source for denim.

Wide-leg denim looks good with a substantial shoe. Think square or round toe pumps with a thick heel, oxford booties or, my personal spring favorite, wedges. These are from Old Navy and are such a steal.

Every girl needs a pair of go-to jeans that work for every occasion. I like the sophisticated cut and fit of this pair, but the rips in the front keep the look more casual and appropriate for my age. Sometimes I like to dress more casually like this for weekends or on excursions downtown in DC. Being over-dressed all the time can get really old: these jeans keep the look fresh.

Mix more casual denim with more casual shoes, like these red flats. They also come in a metallic color, as well as black. I have to give these flats props: they are some of the most comfortable shoes I own. The leather molds right to your foot, and you feel like you’re walking on air. Great if you have to do a lot of walking…plus, they’re really cute and quite inexpensive at $35.

Finding good trousers with long inseams is hard, but Alloy.com really changed all that. Although they don’t offer a huge selection of dress pants, the ones they do have are quite nice. These come in a few colors and are really versatile for work.

Peep-toe heels like this would dress-up trousers for a more stuffy workplace.

Delias.com, tween-clothing haven, has grown up a lot since I first started receiving their catalogs. These skinny jeans have a great wash, but I must warn you tall women out there: Delias only makes denim up to 36” inseams, so if you’re taller, beware and stick with Alloy.com instead!

Skinny jeans tucked into boots with a tunic and jacket is a foolproof outfit idea that I wear all the time. By the way, how great are these Steve Madden boots?! Love the gray color.

The Gap has a “tall” section on their website now, so if you’re blessed with extra height, be sure to check it out. My only gripe with Gap denim is that there can be variations of fit within each size. For instance, you may try on three pairs of size 4’s in the Long & Lean style, and they will all fit differently and have slightly different lengths. Be cautious when purchasing their jeans online since you can’t try them on. But, if you are tall and need long inseams, online from the Gap is the only way to go: their in-store longs are often not quite long enough.

Since Gap denim is so classic and preppy, shake things up with your

Now for the big leagues: Tall Couture is an invaluable website for tall women, offering links to other sites with clothing for tall women as well as offering a huge selection of their own. If you prefer higher-end brands for your lower half, Tall Couture is the site for you. These Hudson trouser jeans come in long inseams, and you can’t argue with the fit.

These mod wedges would really compliment the flare of the Hudson jeans.

These trousers are a little more trendy than the other pants I’ve shown, but if you don’t want to look like a clone at the office, why not go for it?

Because the trousers above are so trendy, go for a more simple shoe.

Sailor pants always strike me as a little flirty and mischievous. I’d wear this Banana Republic pair to work with a button-down tucked into them. Subtle sexiness at its best!

And my favorite shoe of the moment: these color-blocked Steve Maddens. They come in three color combos and look a lot more expensive than they are. I’ll be watching for them to go on sale–effects of the student budget, you know.

What kind of clothing is hard to shop for when it comes to fitting your body type? Are you petite? Tall? In-between? No waist? Too much waist? Tell me about it!

Ashley Olsen, in particular, seems to have had a more varied fashion history than her sister Mary-Kate. While MK, as she’s known to her plethora of fans, evolved early into the boho chic style later made into a nationwide phenomenon, her sister Ashley dappled in everything from sexy, designer work-like attire, to ripped jeans and flip-flops. Sporting a more muted color palette than MK, she rarely ventured out in anything more adventurous than varying shades of blue.

However, it’s the admirable way that Ashley makes every style work on her figure to its most flattering degree, as well as the ability to carve out her own style niche in a world of celebrity stylists (Rachel Zoe, anyone?) that makes her an icon to women my age, as well as fashion designers, other celebrities, young girls and magazine editors.

Perhaps the best thing about Ashley’s style is that it’s monstrously easy to copy at a low price-point. She doesn’t wear flashy labels–except occasionally on her handbags–and well-tailored, crisp separates seem to be the norm in her wardrobe. You could probably go into your own closet and pick out something similar to what she wears everyday without having to buy anything new. She shies away from prints as a general rule, and sticks with easy-to-copy basics: either platform heels or sandals, denim (wide-leg or skinny), a plain, well-fitted t-shirt and a versatile jacket. Most of her style individuality is reflected in her accessories: handbags, jewelry and shoes, and occasionally headgear (remember the Prada turban?)

It’s a great road map for starting to build your own individual style. She never looks fussy, as evidenced by the fact that her hair and makeup are either way over- or underdone depending on how formal her clothing is. And, she always wears clothing that fits perfectly, or doesn’t fit perfectly, depending on the proportion she’s going for.

If you can’t seem to find that perfect balance that Ashley seems to have effortlessly achieved, there are a few inexpensive items you can incorporate into your wardrobe to give her looks a spin.

In this photo, Ashley looks casual, comfortable and age-appropriate, but not like she’s going to the movies. This look is just enough to translate into a date, casual Friday at the office or some other business casual event. By altering the shoes, you could completely change the way this look is perceived. Instead of heels, wearing flat sandals, for instance, could take the other separates into a day of shopping, a lunch date, or class.

This buttondown from Forever21 is only $15.50, and certainly echoes the color and cut of Ashley’s shirt. Roll up the sleeves like she did for a more worn-in feel.

I have a pair of black skinny jeans, and I have to say, they are one of the most versatile items in my closet. I dress them up with heels, dress them down with flip-flops in the summer to go to the movies…it makes getting dressed so easy. I like this slim pair from Urban Outfitters, which is an excellent source for mid-range priced denim. If you’re tall like me, try Alloy, Delias or the Gap for longer inseams.

It’s a little too cold yet to wear open-toed platform sandals like Ashley, so try a more covered-up pair like these, from Forever21.

This is the quintessential college-girl/weekend/errand running outfit. It’s not too dressy and it doesn’t look like Ashley tried too hard. With her hair pulled up and the shirt untucked, this is something I could see myself wearing every day.

Snap up this shirt from Old Navy right now. It’s on sale for $6, and is probably going fast. If they don’t have your size when you go to order, try Urban Outfitters for similar styles.

Ankle boots are a staple wardrobe piece for the Olsens. This pair from Isaac Mizrahi for Target look pricier than they are, and I like the subtle platform in them.

You can’t copy Ashley’s style without a huge, luxe-looking handbag. Urban Outfitters has great ones for less than $60. If you want a designer look-a-like, try Shopsueyboutique.com.

To complete the look, a delicate gold necklace adds a bit of character.

Ripped jeans have gone out of favor with the general populace, but I still love the casual, edgy look of them. For a lazy weekend, there’s nothing better, and as Ashley shows, they can really look quite nice provided the rips and tears aren’t too obnoxious. Try this pair from Abercrombie & Fitch. They are destroyed just enough, without looking sloppy.

This faux-leather bomber is only $30 from Target, but looks so great. It’s one of those pieces you don’t need to wear much else with: it’s a statement on its own. Plus, you have to love the fact that it is faux leather.

Finish with this pretty handbag from Forever21.

Sometimes I just don’t feel like dressing up at all. No cute flats, no boots, no heels, no “statement jacket.” This outfit is great because Ashley still looks put-together, but not fussy.

This parka from Topshop is good for the colder weather we have right now, but still maintains a stylish look (read: it’s not too North Face).

If you don’t have a pair of Converse already, some great places to look at Urban Outfitters, the Gap, Zappos.com and Piperlime.com.

Ashley and Mary-Kate wear scarves to their best advantage. It’s good to think of scarves as an added accessory, not a cold-weather item, so they become a part of your outfit, rather than something that looks tacked on and not coherent to whatever else you are wearing.

I like this linen one from Forever21 because, one, it’s less than $10, and two, you can wear it throughout winter and into spring because of the light fabric.

As every Olsen fan knows, a big handbag is a must. It finishes off your look and can hold, well, anything (even an extra pair of shoes).

This oversized tote from Urban Outfitters should do the trick.

Whose style do you like more: Ashley’s or Mary-Kate’s?

Who wouldn’t want to emulate Katherine’s style? It’s easily copied (you’ll see), full of easy-to-wear neutrals and she always dresses for her gorgeous body type. What I’ve noticed most about Katherine’s red-carpet outfits, as well as her everyday wear, is that she wears clothes that work for her, not necessarily adhering to seasonal trends. That’s an easy formula for any girl to follow, and for a on-the-go girl like me, it makes going from school to work to a date as easy as changing your shoes.

It’s hard sometimes for me to dress appropriately for classes and work. I don’t want to show up for classes in a pinstriped blazer and matching trousers, but neither do I want to go to work wearing Uggs and jeans. Because I have to go straight from one to the other, it’s important to wear versatile clothing in professional, neutral colors to carry me through my entire day. I know lots of women who have this problem and ask themselves, “What can I wear that’s casual enough for the day, but dressy enough for everything else I have to do?”

I present Exhibit A:

I love the way this outfit looks chic and professional, but gasp! She’s still wearing jeans. Katherine’s outfit has just enough color for me, too. Some colors, like this peach, function just as easily as black, gray or white, especially when you pair the color with denim on the bottom.

Try this adorable jacket from Nordstrom on the top:

And instead of the peach Katherine’s wearing, I like the chambray blue of this Gap shirt.

One of the focal points of Katherine’s outfit are her great wide-leg jeans. This pair of classic Levi’s should do the trick:

Ankle boots look great with wide-leg pants. They are substantial enough to balance the proportions of the pants. Also, the more rounded toe of the boot is more flattering with wide-leg jeans than a pointy-toed shoe.

And to top it off, some retro sunglasses.

Exhibit B:

I love how plaid (very trendy, obviously) is used in this outfit, but doesn’t detract from the professional look of it. By keeping the other elements crisp and clean, you can get away with wearing more risky pieces, like a plaid jacket or bright-colored shoes or a standout handbag.

Try this plaid jacket from Forever21: it’s inexpensive and the color and plaid aren’t too overwhelming.

I love Isaac Mizrahi’s line for Target. The clothes have a great fit and cut for the price. This button-down shirt also happens to be on sale right now.

Part of the modern look of Katherine’s outfit is that her pants aren’t wide-leg or flared, but more a straight, skinny fit. This pair from Hudson on Bluefly.com is significantly less than the retail price of the pants.

As you can tell, Katherine’s signature looks always include a great pair of sunglasses.

Some ankle boots would look great with the cut of the pants.

Exhibit C:

I love this outfit. I wear black and white all the time, and I like how edgy pieces like knee-high boots don’t look trashy with this, just chic. Plus, wearing a coat that matches your handbag pulls the outfit together without being too “matchy.”

Start off with a great black shift dress. Because I like to make sure my clothes are work-appropriate, I like how the hem on this isn’t too long, but isn’t short enough that I couldn’t wear it out.

I collect opaque black tights like they’re going out of style–which they very well might be in the near future–but until then, they will be an essential in my closet. They add sophistication to dresses that may be too casual for work, and they provide an extra layer of warmth in the winter so you can wear things you might not be tempted to otherwise.

Wearing more substantial boots with an outfit like this is important. You don’t want what I call the “hooker-boot” effect, which is wearing a cheap-looking pair of stiletto, pointy-toed boots with clothes that would be otherwise chic.

To counteract the potential demureness of this with all the black, wear a coat on the other end of the color spectrum, like this white one from Nordstrom. Leave it unbuttoned for Katherine’s casual look.

And for a sophisticated white purse–they can be hard to pull off–carry a quilted one like this.

Exhibit D:

I love Katherine’s red coat. It completely makes the outfit, and that’s what’s so great about coats. Adding a really chic one can give what you wear an entirely different element.

Try this one from ASOS, which is an excellent source for designer look-a-like clothing.

Instead of Katherine’s pointy-toed platforms, update them with a more squared-toed version this season from Jessica Simpson’s shoe line.

And, of course, Katherine’s signature look- matching purse and coat. I adore thisdoctor-bag style from Urban Outfitters. It’s inexpensive (about $50), but has a really luxe look to it for the price.

Exhibit E:

This is one of my favorite photos of Katherine. She looks immensely chic and I adore her wide-leg pants. It’s harder for short girls to pull off this look, but if you aren’t blessed (cursed?) with Amazon-like features, just keep the proportions even like Katherine did here.

These wide-leg pants from Roxy, of all brands, are sold from Nordstrom. The trouser-like quality to them really adds a touch of class to denim, and that’s nothing to turn up your nose at. Finding jeans that can work for work is a rarity.

Pair your wide-leg jeans with a short-sleeved cardigan to balance out the look. Try this unusual kimono-sleeved version from Old Navy.

If you have any favorite celebrity looks, or a look Katherine wore that I didn’t cover here, feel free to let me know and I’ll try and come up with affordable alternatives.

(Photos courtesy of people.com)

1. Cashmere. Must have cashmere. It’s soft and beautiful.

2. Strawberry-based perfume. I know that we are right in the middle of winter, but these scents help to ease winter blues with a sexy and summery scent. Mmm. Delicious.

Estee Lauder’s pleasures delight is a floral confection blending notes of juicy Pomegranate, whipped Strawberry Meringue and tempting Caramel with a sprinkling of Sugared Rose Petals, dewy Freesia, White Peony and Fresh Greens. How can I resist?

Yummy! The Strawberries and Champagne collection from Victoria’s Secret! Items are sold separately, starting at about $10.

3. Music. Sigh.. Here are my top girly choices:

A Fine Frenzy, is lyrical, whimsical, gorgeous, moody and wonderful. Go to www.afinefrenzy.com or at www.myspace.com/afinefrenzy for more information! My favorite tracks? Hope for the Hopeless and Rangers.

Adele. This lady is enchanting! She is the perfect soundtrack to everything wonderful and emotional. Adele’s music has a very acoustic and soft indie feel. Listen to her at www.adele.tv and www.myspace.com/adelelondon. My favorite tracks are Hometown Glory and Melt my Heart to Stone.

4. Lipgloss. Who can live without? Even better question, why would you live without it?

These glosses are so amazing. Careful…they are wonderfully kissable. Don’t get caught making out with yourself!

Check out Clinique’s Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss, about $14.

Covergirl WetSlicks Fruit Spritzers, abso-freaking-lutely-scrumptious!!!! About $8 at drugstores. My favorite flavor? Strawberry Splash. I wore this lipgloss in this picture, just so you can see what it looks like on.

(Photo by Coffee For Drew Productions, Portland, Oregon)

5. Jammies. I love getting all dressed up to hit the town for shopping or for a night out. But, when I’m at home, it’s chill time, snuggled up in a warm robe…

…and pajamas. These are on sale for $7.99 and $5.99, respectively. What are you waiting for?

Don’t forget to pamper those footsies in the Acorn Spa Wrap Slipper, about $40.

I will be adding on to this list. What are your favorite indulgences to get through the winter months?

I’ve taken three of Rachel’s distinctive looks and come up with affordable, look-a-like pieces you can buy and wear without maxing out multiple credit cards.

The LBD (”little black dress”) is something that every woman—no matter what she tells you—has at her disposal, awaiting a chubby day, a bad day, a rainy day or the ever-popular, “I’ve got nothing to wear day,” which is exceedingly common in my own home.

A LBD can be elegant, but can also translate just as fast to plain-old boring. How many times have you put on a black dress and added accessories or sweaters or switched up your handbag to try (try so hard!) to look different?

The best mode of action, as Rachel displays effortlessly here, is to pair your LBD with flowing hair, minimal jewelry and standout shoes. Yellow, red, purple or perhaps a color-blocked pair of pumps, but whatever you do, don’t wear black shoes with a black dress to any sort of fun party, because really, it’s not a funeral. It’s not.

Copy Rachel’s LBD look with the following (inexpensive) items:

Or, if you want to add a shoe that’s a bit more expensive:

If a LBD really isn’t your thing, nothing will do but a shocking color. Although Vogue and all the rest suggest adding bits of neon to your everyday wardrobe this season, I say to be a bit more cautious and try a color that stops just short of highlighter-esque.

The great thing about a colored dress is that, one, you won’t need to wear much jewelry, and two, your shoes don’t need to be spectacularly amazing, because really, who will be looking at your feet in a dress like Rachel’s? Color also works great because it’s nearly seasonless: pink looks just as great in the winter as it does in the spring, because whereas the former promises of spring-like colors to come, the latter seems a reflection of the current seasonal change. Genius!

Copy Rachel’s look this way:

Or, for the more daring:

And, don’t forget shoes!

Rachel demonstrates below how fashionable, sexy and party-ready does not always have to equal a dress. On the contrary, I believe that there are many party occasions where trousers should be worn in lieu of dresses. In a post-ice/snow storm world, perhaps. Or during the longest and most rainy downpour of the year.

In cases such as that, pants are a fantastic solution. I love how Rachel has mixed up casual pieces with more dressy ones, making this outfit suitable for a date, visit to a museum, art gallery, theatre, restaurant…this outfit could, quite literally, go anywhere. It’s youthful, but not too young, and still elegant enough to get you into the most snobbish of restaurants (provided you flash a lovely smile at the door).

Here are some inexpensive ways to get this outfit right:

The hat is a crucial element:

As are the shoes (please make sure they are at least complimentary to the hat in some fashion):

And to finish it off, wide-leg trousers and a little cashmere cardigan:

Happy shopping!

That kind of denial only gets me into trouble. Instead of going to buy a gift for my mother, I’ll procrastinate and stay home, curled up in my warm bed reading a good book. My justification? “But it’s been such a long day!”

But, shopping online for gifts instead is a great alternative. I can stay in my PJ’s, and it’s basically killing two birds with one stone–shopping and wrapping done at once (most online retailers offer free gift wrapping near the holidays).

The Mark by Avon Little Black Box can be customized with whatever combinations of makeup you desire. There are some pre-selected options, but it’s more fun to create a unique combo, don’t you think? It’s a great deal (about $6) and perfect for stocking stuffers for friends/cousins/nieces/etc.

My best friend Lisa is a make-up fiend. She adores Eyes Lips Face (E.L.F.), as do I, for their unbelievably inexpensive make-up. This “Ultimate Kit” is only–wait for it–$15. I know Lisa would just love this…and because she lives on the other side of the country, this kit would be easy to ship, as it isn’t perishable or a weird-shaped item.

My mom is simultaneously the easiest and most difficult person to shop for. She’d be happy with anything. THF (”the handsome fiance”), on the other hand, has a family that provides specific wish lists at the holidays. If only my family did that! My mom gives me the standard, “I’ll love whatever you get me. But, don’t feel pressured to get me anything.”

Right! Like I wouldn’t buy my mother a Christmas present. Since she had foot surgery recently, she’s been on the lookout for comfortable shoes, but as you know, comfortable rarely ever equals stylish. That’s why these Aerosoles are the perfect solution: they are so cute and really versatile (can’t go wrong with black).

My sister loves perfume. Her huge collection–she’s definitely not a signature scent kind of girl–encompasses everything from expensive brands to Victoria’s Secret body sprays. She doesn’t own anything from this new Bath & Body Works Velvet Tuberose line yet, but she always compliments me when I wear the lotion. Another plus: the design of the bottle is so pretty.

My poor father owns more ties, cologne bottles and cuff links than he could ever use in one lifetime. I’m sick of getting him the standard “dad” gifts.

He travels a lot for business–think Africa to India to New York City. He doesn’t own a business card holder, and that would be an ideal gift for him, as he passes out business cards often when he’s working. In my personal opinion, pulling a business card out from a smart leather case wins a lot more points than digging it out from a wallet.

Last, but certainly not least, there’s always one sister or friend that you must embarrass with a slightly inappropriate yet still useful Christmas present. That’s why this bra, from Forever21, is great. Not only is it festively colored, but it’s a steal at under $10. Can’t wait to subversively stick this in my sister’s stocking and mark the gift tag from “anonymous.” I’m a great sister, right?

Anyone in your family that’s impossible to shop for?

This year, maybe I’ll try doing all my holiday shopping online. That way I can avoid the pushing and shoving as I near Nordstrom, and I can bypass the evil fat-trap that is the local food court. (”But, it’s only one large ice cream, not my usual two!”)

Some things I’m loving for my fiance:

This chair is quite unique and modern. I could literally shop at uncommongoods.com for hours on end. The gift possibilities are endless, and I know THF (”the handsome fiance,” a nickname of his choosing) would really dig the chair. It’s on the pricier side, but would make a big impression.

THF likes a bargain as much as the next guy, but I swear to god, he would live in Target if he could. Target is on a level he can’t even comprehend: video games, DVD’s, clothes and food…one stop guy-shopping. He’s had his eye on this shirt for weeks. I love the unexpected skyline print on the front and back.

THF is a clotheshorse. This is a guy who must be dragged out of H&M. Dragged. Since he doesn’t own anything from the guys line that Forever21 offers on their website, I thought he’d appreciate this sweater: it’s 100% lambswool for less than $30. The cut, color and style all scream THF.

Restoration Hardware is always a stop for THF and I, no questions asked. Restoration Hardware inspires you to remodel, clean, dream or buy new pillows for no reason whatsoever. I love how their website has a larger range of offerings, and I think that THF would be thrilled with this high-quality “tournament dominoes” set. We like playing games together, eating popcorn and drinking coffee or cocoa on the weekends, and dominoes is a game I know he’d like.

Next post I’ll talk about what I’m getting my family and friends for the holidays.

What presents are you getting that special someone this holiday season?