1. It has to go with my boots/shoes
Even though you shed your coat once you come in from the cold, outside, your coat is part of your outfit — which is why it’s critical to pick wisely. I have a really diverse collection of shoes: everything from crazy high 5″ Balenciaga platforms, to sunshine-yellow ankle booties, to everyday flat boots, so I try to find a coat that will transition smoothly from high fashion to low-maintenance. I find that leather jackets, peacoats, and belted puffers make the switch most easily.

2. It has to have at least one look-at-me detail
A good coat can last forever so it only makes sense to invest in a new one if there’s something special about it. I look for details that upgrade the coat from cool to drool such as interesting buttons (vintage-looking, colored, toggles, interesting shapes = LOVE); fun prints & patterns (herringbone, houndstooth, striped, plaid, quilted, unusual = HAUTE); or sharp shapes (right now I’m really feeling funnel necks).

3. It has to be WARM
I am (almost) past the stage where I’ll freeze for fashion. I do not play around with NYC winters, so I go for coats that button/zip all the way up the neck (hence, my interest in the funnel neck coat). The coat should also be in a brrr-fighting fabric like wool, cashmere, down, shearling, or fully-lined leather.

What makes a coat worth your investment?

Consider revamping your old New Year’s eve dress with the floating Gem Bib from DoloresPetunia:

Bib necklaces can seem intimidating at first, but they are an easy way to update your wardrobe, as they are both fashion-forward and comfortable.

“To anyone who mentions “style feeder” for the month of november when placing an order I will take 10% off of the total.”

I found these printed socks and tights on Etsy the other day. I love the photography used to show off the products, they have a real sense of whimsy, like Alice in Wonderland.

They are from Tattoo Socks. Everything is hand printed and they come in a variety of skin tone shades:

Personally, I would go with the Alice feeling and get these beauties in white. The octopus and butterfly designs are my favorites.

My name is Danielle, and I have always dressed myself, sometimes disastrously. Pre-school comes to mind… my Dad let me have at it and I layered a sweater over a dress and a pair of jeans, tied a bandanna around my leg and threw on all of the jewelery I could find in the apartment, in a vain attempt to emulate my then idol, Punky Brewster.

Not much has changed since then, I’ve just gotten taller.

I’ve just moved back to Toronto from London, where I lived for six years.  I still go back and forth often, so I hope to bring you the best that both cities have to offer in terms of independent design.

I am fascinated by independent designers because they represent the two faces of fashion, business and art. For me, fashion is just another form of self-expression. I will always go for originality over label. I look forward to sharing my latest finds with you and hearing what’s inspiring you!

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

But don’t let such razzle-dazzle blind you into thinking you must spend millions ($5,000,000 to be exact) to sparkle in the spotlight. Listed below are a few stunning and way more affordable black diamond jewelry alternatives that are sure to enhance your look.

Start off your black diamond collection (because it will turn into one before you know it) with a pair of classic princess-cut black diamond studs. They are understated yet refined, so you can wear them from business hour to happy hour, to late-night delight.

On those hot nights out on the town, complement your little black dress with an eye-catching black diamond fashion ring: a unique design that will reflect even the dimmest evening lights from every angle.

If you are into heart designs, treat yourself to a truly exquisite black and white diamond heart pendant. This piece is one you will treasure forever, so it’s well worth the indulgence.

And if you are willing to splurge on something spectacular – and I mean SPECTACULAR – indulge in a show-stopping 1-carat black and white diamond ring. This stunner will have you reveling in your own fabulousness (and make lots and lots of women develop ring envy).

So be bold when it comes to your jewelry wardrobe: step out of the box and dare to wear black diamonds. They’re hot. They’re in. They’re a girl’s new best friend.

Summer fashions are seeing flamboyant shades of orange, peach, coral, red and pink. So set your flashy wardrobe ablaze with bright gemstones that complement the palette. Light up your next night out with an orange sapphire, rhodolite and diamond ring:

And a pair of orange garnet and diamond earrings:

Or if you want to infuse your summer style with a bohemian appeal, wrap your wrist in a trendy red coral bangle bracelet by jewelry designer Andrea Barna:

Make a bold fashion statement with vibrant jewelry designs, all the while capturing the essence of what summertime should really be like: sun-kissed and sensational!

Jennifer Aniston looks a-a-a-mazing here. Cool and comfortable; chic and elegant. I never thought khakis could look so streamlined!

Steal her look for less:

Shoes: Bettye Muller “Katy” Grey Espadrille Wedge at Shirise

Belt: Women’s AE Square Basic Leather Belt – American Eagle Outfitters

Tank: Banana Republic Petite pima cotton tank: sleeveless tops OR Ann Taylor Modal/Cotton Ribbed Tank with Satin Trim

Khakis:  dELiAs Whitney Low-Rise Chino OR Vena Cava boyfriend khakis

Have you heard of Modcloth? If not, it’s one of my new favorite online retailers. The prices can be a bit pricey, but there is no better place to find vintage-inspired clothing and accessories. Just look at those shoes! They are to die for, no?

Modcloth is perfect if you like feminine, vintage clothing, and if you need a cocktail or party dress, you should definitely check them out.

Items above: Chamomile yellow dress ; Tavern on the Green dress ; Potpourri blue print dress ; Violet bow blouse ; Carriage Ride blue wedges ; Poker Face green heels ; Cocoa Beach yellow wedges

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

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

Jessica Biel… Okay I don’t know what Jessica was thinking but this was one confusing outfit, was it pants… was it a dress.. was it a pant-dress?

Sophia Loren… well, what can I can I say? It was a big orange and yellow mess!

Thanks to DawnDelRusso, Dannigyrl, fashioncitizen, THEflyGIRL for their animated comments! What’s your favorite fashion gossip tech tool?

Maybe it’s the hint of Valentine’s Day chocolates still laying around stores, but there’s something about red and pink that really catch my eye. Accessories, pants, coats: everything looks better in these fun, flirty colors.

1. Delias has expanded their denim/pants collection to include 37” inseams and I couldn’t be more excited! I like the bold red color of these skinny jeans, but keep the rest of your outfit simple. An oatmeal or khaki-colored trenchcoat, some simple flats or boots and wooden or neutral jewelry would be best.
2. I like the zigzag print on this scarf.
3. Bold colors and satin go together like peanut butter and jelly.
4. Bright-colored lingerie is fun to wear underneath more serious clothing. No one needs to know you’re breaking dress code under your banker suit!
5. If you’re still scared of color, start out with a dark red or maroon to ease into it. This dress is a good example of a more subdued red shade.
6. Versions of these red shoes are popping up in every store. Pick up a pair!
7. Turtleneck dresses are a safe choice for work, but also translate really well for going out at night. You can dress this one up or down just by changing your shoes, tights or jewelry.
8. These slouchy red boots are to die for.
9. Babydoll dresses can be hard to pull off, but the trick is to make sure you buy a size (or couple sizes) smaller than you’d usually wear.
10. Stock up on lots of skinny belts in bold colors like red, pink and yellow to add pizazz to your basic t-shirts and dresses.
11. Although winter is winding down in a month or so, keeping a three-quarter-length sleeve coat on hand is smart, at least until the end of April. The nights are chilly and there’s nothing worse than being cold while trying to have a good time!
12. Red sunglasses make me happy each time I put them on. Try a pair like this for a quick pick-me-up while walking outside!
13. My favorite item listed here is this adorable dress. Even the buttons are cute.
14. Every girl–and I do mean every girl–needs a pair of red platform pumps.

What color do you prefer for spring fashion: red or pink?

Crown Your Eco Queen

Still chilly in your neck of the woods? Crown your favorite queen with the chic cashmere cap by legendary eco couture designer Deborah Lindquist. This adorable, super soft hat is made in the USA from 100% recycled cashmere sweaters to keep those regal ladies in your life super toasty. And you know what’s even better than a cute couture hat that’s sustainably made? The fact that it’s majorly on sale. Happy lady, happy wallet, Happy Valentine’s Day! $55 (Down from $110)

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Regift

Who knew regifting for Valentine’s Day could be so cool? Art meets eco meets technology with these beautiful crimson and orange hearts by Heart Is Hot. Made in the US from 100% recycled glass, each HIH piece is etched with its own individual number, the epic flower of life symbol, and the Heart Is Hot web address. What makes these so cool is that everyone who gives or receives this heart logs on to HeartIsHot.com and tells their story of how it came into their life and what inspired them to pass it on to the next person. The physical journey of each traveling heart is tracked at HeartIsHot.com, using a custom Google map, and each piece has an archive of “heart stories” associated with it that anyone can go to the site and read. These make the perfect gift for those people in your life who are huge romantics, big supporters of conscious commerce, need a deeply heartfelt gift, or just really love a good story. As Heart Is Hot founder Sahara Damore says, “Heart Is Hot represents re-gifting at its finest.” $24.99 ($2 of which is donated to the Unstoppable Giving Foundation…this gift really keeps on giving!)

Regifts Refined

Heart Is Hot offers regifting at it’s finest and ExBoyfriendJewelry.com offers regifting at its most refined. Here women sell off the old baubles from their ex-whatevers that are taking up space (physical and mental) in their lives. Men can snatch these beauties up for their babes and pay rock bottom prices for guilt-free and blood-free (because it’s reused instead of new) diamonds and gold. If you think you can’t possibly buy recycled jewelry from someone else’s break-up to give to the love of your life, try finding that Tiffany & Co. Heart Tag Necklace and Bracelet set for $50 somewhere else! That’s what I thought…just follow the hyperlink above gentlemen. $12 and up

Organic Hot Oil Massage

Clearly, this is not a great gift for your mom or boss on V-Day (ahem), but if you want to show your girlfriend, wife, or main squeeze how much you love them, there’s nothing quite like a deep tissue hot oil massage. Most importantly, make sure to use a high quality oil.

Organic coconut oil is sensual (and delicious) and is available at any health food store. I also highly recommend the delectable Chocolate Body Oil by Kopali Organics and the Malagasy Ginger body oil by Pangea Organics. According to Pangea, the ingredients are “stimulating” and “revitalizing.” Sounds like a great way to make love-strike that, I mean show your love this Valentine’s Day.

Step 1-To warm the oil, submerge the container in a bowl of medium hot water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Step 2-Light some candles. Step 3-Take a few deep breaths with your partner. Step 4-Initiate rubdown of each and every part. Step 5-What kind of blog do you think this is? You’re on your own now dawg, fo’real. $7-$21

Light Her Fire

The Soi Company of Northern California makes the very best non-toxic naturally scented candles. Delicious scents for Valentine’s Day include Red Currant, Goddess, and Love Spell Divine. The Soi Company candles are handmade with 100% kosher soy oil. They are soot-free, burn cleaner and about 40% longer than wax candles, and do not emit any harmful toxins (nothing kills the mood like inhaling carcinogens!) These candles are so pure in fact, that the melt pool can be used as a skin moisturizer or applied as a soothing remedy to sunburned skin, eczema, psoriasis, and poison oak. Or you could just pour the wax all over your partner-just make sure they’re into it first. $3.95-$27.95

Dear (Recycled) Diary

Be certain your lady has something to write down just how mindblowing her Valentine’s date was with this adorable journal by Sweet Thoughts. The retro style cover is actually made from a repurposed candy box. Inside is 40 sheets of 100% recycled paper. $12.50

Whatever you share with your lovely ladies this Valentine’s Day, remember, the most important gift for every woman is being listened to with close attention and feeling adored…Though gifts do help on the second part, come to think of it. I’m just sayin’.

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?

1ST WINNER: CHRISTINE LAMB aka Stylefeeder’s mandiwylde2012

What was I wearing?
“I was wearing a dark purple bow hair band, silver personalized name necklace, purple bubble hem tube dress (my favorite!), and purple ribbon flats( sry…can’t see it in the picture!)

Technology device I was using?
“ I was using my Sony Ericsson W380i purple cell phone that matches my outfit!”

2ND WINNER: SHON ADAMS aka Stylefeeder’s tukute

What was I wearing?
“I was wearing a burnt orange square cut top from A’Gaci, a brown crochet material scarf purchased from forever 21, and my earrings are vintage gold tear drops.”

Technology device I was using?
“The LG Voyager- Touch screen, flips open with a keyboard which makes texting easier, mp3 player and you can watch television on it…I love it!”

Special thanks to chicBuds and Stylefeeder for partnering with me this holiday season!

Happy Holidays!

Two Stylefeeder users will receive 6, that’s right SIX, chicBuds to give to your family and friends this holiday season. That’s six gifts you won’t have to buy!

chicBuds…

• Were voted TOP 10 unique earphones by PC Magazine
• Are worn by celebrities such as Cindy Crawford.
• Incorporate Swarovski crystals and artwork by high-end designers.
• Have quality sound compatible with iPods, iPhones, airplane connectors, CD players, work-out machines, DVD players, computers, MP3 players… basically any listening device!

So how do you enter? It’s super easy!

Step One:
Smile! Email a picture (.jpg) of you in a super cute outfit using your favorite technology device to chictechstarlet@gmail.com. It can be a ipod, your mobile phone or a laptop!

Make sure you let me know what you are wearing down to the accessories and what device you are using because I’ll be posting your pictures here and at my blog.

Step Two:
If you don’t have one, sign up for a Stylefeeder account and Add Me To Your Watchlist.

Step Three:
Comment on this post with a link to your Stylefeeder Profile.

So what are you waiting for, smile and pose for your chance to win The Technology Starlet chicBuds Holiday Gift Giveaway. You have until 12:00 am MST December 12th to enter your comments here! Winners will be chosen randomly on December 13th and products will be shipped on the 14th. Only available to USA entries.

So what do we think? Like them any better on real people?

On a separate but related note, I was cruising around at Brown’s Fashion and stumbled upon designer Pam Hogg’s latest collection. You can purchase her superhero-esque collection as separates (leggings and T’s), but I’m digging this jumpsuit more:

Having grown up believing Wonder Woman was a feminist icon, I can appreciate Hogg’s inspiration. But in this economy, is anyone going to shell out more than 500 pounds to look like a glam Power Ranger?

This is one of those times:

We were especially surprised to find these so-called “crotch drop leggings” on Karmaloop, which we generally respect as a fun fashion source.

So maybe we’re missing something here…are there occasions when dropped crotch leggings are appropriate attire?

Perhaps, for Halloween, you’re looking to dress as an 80s version of Mr. Tumnus from The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe?

Pregnant and worried about not making it to the hospital in time?

I’m totally serious here, I need to know.

What do I wear you ask? I go for comfort, creating a dressy casual, modern look.

I may wear a shirt like this one:

With these jeans:

And these very funky, cool, heels:

Then, add accessories, the finishing touches. Something like this very cool necklace:

This simple, yet pretty, bracelet:

This classic looking clutch:

And maybe a ring like this one:

Now I’m ready for anything the night might throw at me! What do you like to wear for a night on the town?

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?

http://blog.stylefeeder.com/?p=501 You’ve seen the iPhone commercials… who hasn’t? The thing that kind of makes me mad is that they don’t really show how you can use the iPhone from a woman’s point of view. Men are not the only people that use technology, and it seems that Apple, and other retailers, have a real problem seeing that.

For example, I’ll bet you didn’t know that you could get up-to-the second updates of Style.com directly to your iPhone without visiting their site, or that you could see Chanel’s entire collection in a few seconds. Below, I’ll go through my discovery of some iPhone fashion features, illustrated by images directly from my iPhone.

Style.com iPhone App (Free)

Style.com’s iPhone application is hands down the best iPhone application I have ever used… especially for fashion enthusiasts and bloggers. You can get up-to-the-minute updates, pictures and videos on ever major collection! I’m not kidding… it’s a powerful application, especially indispensable during Fashion Week.

First I downloaded the application to my iPhone from the iTunes Application Store and synced it to my iPhone… it showed up on my home screen (top right corner).

When I clicked on the application, it took about two seconds to load.

Once I was into the home application, I had choices to see the latest images from Spring 2009, view all shows from Spring 2009, view Fall 2008 couture from Paris, read the latest updates from the StyleFile Blog, or view Style Videos.

I clicked on the first option to view the latest collection and it gave me an extensive list of all designer shows available.

I clicked on Alexander McQueen and images from his entire collection showed up… clicking on a thumbnail launches the slide show.

Amazing, right?

Chanel Haute Couture Show F/W 08/09 (Free)

This iPhone application gives you every possible highlight of Chanel’s Fall-Winter 08/09 Haute Couture show. To get the application on my phone, I first downloaded it on iTunes and synced it to my iPhone (bottom left icon).

Once I clicked on it, it took about one second to load and the home screen comes up where I have a choice to view the show, see looks and accessories, view Chanel news, or locate a store.

I choose Chanel News and when it loads I have instant access to Chanel News directly from Chanel.

As always, I encourage you to research before you buy and make sure your technology purchase benefits you! What mobile fashion apps are you addicted to?

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!

The adistar Fusion Apparel Sports Bra

This bra by Polar and Adidas gives you a sleek design with textile heart rate sensors built into the bra, moisture wicking fabric, and an engineered pattern that maximizes your freedom to move. The chest transmitter has a user-changeable battery.

The Rock Rose T-shirt by Music and Sons

Cute funky green t-shirt by Music and Sons include stereo earphones as part of the apparel. Features a washable, side pocket for your iPod, button hole to hook it to your jeans, and a iron safe screen print. On sale for 31.50 euros, each design is handmade so even though they may look alike, everyone is different in its own way.

Audex Jackets by Motorola

Ready for winter sports? Audex Jackets by Motorola and Burton have Bluetooth stereo wireless technology for streaming music from a Bluetooth enabled devices. The controls are on the jackets sleeve and allow hands free calling with a push of the button. Best part, no wires!

No-Contact Jacket

Attackers beware! The No-Contact Jacket is a wearable defensive jacket made to protect women from violence. Activate this baby and 80,000 volts of electricity burst from the entire jacket and jolts the assailant…. awesome.

Levi’s Red Wire DLX Jeans

Levi’s hit gold with these jeans. Levi’s Red Wire DLX Jeans come in two styles. These jeans are hot, with retractable headphones and a customizable fit. They have a hidden conductive ribbon that connects your iPod to a built in joystick controller. The joystick is the key and acts as a sleek remote control that you can use to control your iPod without removing it from your jeans.

CAMiLEON Heels

A girl’s best friend and my favorite smart clothes product are CAMiLEON Heels which are adjustable-height footwear that go from high heel to flats in an instant. So perfect for office to night out.

All of these are pretty cool inventions, but if I had a say I would probably create glasses and sunglasses that could change colors with a click of a button to match all my outfits. What fashionable clothing or accessory would you invent to make your life easier?

The fruitstripe plus limited edition bracelet by – reware by emiko which retails for $240 is made from repurposed LEGOs, with patented sterling silver tubing and synthetic rubber corundum set in 14k gold.

Dee and Ricky pixel heart pin for $20 dollars. This pin is soooo cute that it’s sold out for now.

Dee and Ricky, who happen to be twins, design jewelry and recently had their pieces featured on the Marc Jacob runway (below).

Jacqeline Sanchez’s Forever One Collection is an elegant version of LEGO jewelry. I love her pieces! Here are four of my favorites:

1. Cufflinks in sterling silver and colored plastic for $150 dollars 2. This cute Forever Young Cuff Bracelet is photo etched sterling silver with plastic and sterling silver rivets for $350 3.This Forever Young Ring No. 02 is photo-etched sterling silver with plastic, 14kt yellow gold and a sing diamond for $250.00 4. Forever Young Bracelet is a 7″ sterling silver bracelet with plastic for $350.00

Etsy also has a great collection of LEGO jewelry. I especially like these translucent LEGO earrings for just $5.99. Each one captures light and are hanging from hypoallergenic French hooks.

What are your thoughts on the nerd chic trend?

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.

Pretty much my whole family decided to wear Ghanaian kente cloth – kinda like our family uniform for the day – and my sister (that’s her on the right in the blue kente) surprised me by having a one-shoulder kaba blouse and slinky maxi skirt sewn for me.

I loved the way it fit (the tight skirt gave me hips!) and I felt like flitting all over the dance floor thanks to the ruffled one shoulder strap. Here’s a full-length view (that’s me with my aunt…not the one who advised me to show off legs and shiny lips).

Ironically, my outfit ended up encapsulating the idea of both dresses I was considering. It was floor-length like the Vera Wang gown, but bright with a flirty flourish up top like the Betsey Johnson dress. Think I made the right decision?

Ego Lifestyle’s new laptop collection entitled Ego for Bentley includes elegant, car-inspired pieces made for glamorous gigabytes. Even the handle of this laptop and the doors that cover access ports are luxurious. The color options match Bentley’s exterior paints and the outside is trimmed with Bentley leather and crossed over with hand stitching just like the inside of a Bentley. Winner of the Microsoft Fashion PC Award, you can bet the inside is just as lovely as the outside.

Lenovo also has great fashion laptops with it’s U Series offerings. Their tagline, “beautiful technology”, doesn’t describe the funkiness of these fashionable laptops. The new IdeaPad U Series blends design and technology while winning best-of-show honors for notebooks at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show. Some highlights of the series include high gloss colors, a “Frameless Screen” that extends all the way to the edge (kind of like those infinity swimming pools), hidden multimedia buttons across the top of the keyboard, and a thin design.

My absolute favorite is HP’s new Pavilion Artist Edition Notebook PC’s are really cool especially if you appreciate art. Each design is inspired by images, travel stories, or lifestyles. My favorite is Asian Odyssey. The design was inspired from the HP-MTV “Take Action.Make Art” global notebook design competition in 2007. A 20 year old, Joao Oliveria of Portugal won the competition with this amazing design that features oriental influences.

So the next time you head to the nearest Best Buy never forget that technology is a part of your overall fashion statement.

Happy Shopping!

Here are some really varied combinations of boots and bottoms so you can find a set that fits your personal style.

1. Look 1 from Forever 21 combines the trendy and the retro. Can you guess which is which? Although the dress is from Forever 21, it has cute, 50’s styling. Ankle boots, which were popular in the 80’s, have made a huge comeback. To spice up the look: Add a scarf, headband and black or colored tights. For something more edgy, wear leggings with the dress.
2. Look 2 from Delias is for the daring fashionista. When I saw these boots, my eyes nearly popped out of my head. Pink! And plaid! And a button! These boots include so many fashion trends in one small package that it’s hard to figure how to pair them. The best way to make these boots be the stand-out item is to pair them with other solid colored clothing. These black skinny jeans, for example, let the boots stand on their own. To spice up the look: Wear the boots with a contrasting solid color up top. Bright blue, maybe?
3. Look 3 from Urban Outfitters is all me. I like wearing muted patterns and colors–nothing too wild!–and pairing them with interesting footwear and accessories. These boots are versatile and stylish, and I can’t say enough good things about this Urban Outfitters shirt dress. To spice up the look: Add a bright-colored jacket (yellow, orange, etc.), throw on some gray tights and put on a chunky necklace.
4. Look 4 from Target is the epitome of ladylike-chic dressing. This dress is fantastic–I love winter white. The boots, though, are the real catch. Less than $35 from Target, and they look hot. I love the mini wedge. Perfect for winter, perfect with a dress like this. Add some tights or leggings if you get cold. To spice up the look: Throw on some big sunglasses and belt that dress!
5. Look 5 from Alloy is trendy, trendy, trendy. From the colored pants to the low-heeled boots, there is nothing subtle going on here. Step out in confidence–after all, colored pants are all over the place right now and be amazed as the compliments roll in. To spice up the look: Wear something patterned on top. A houndstooth scarf with a simple, chic peacoat would lend a mod edge here.

Needless to say, it was a match made in heaven! Straight off, the site stated that it was “created by a working woman for other working women who refuse to settle for anything less than fabulous business cases, laptop bags, handbagsand travel accessories”. To make a long story short, I contacted the working woman who owned Career Bags and Ellen Hart, aka bagguru, is the one of the most enthusiastic lovers of fashion and technology I’ve had the pleasure to meet. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, she is president of CareerBags.com, the leading online e-tailer for laptop bags, luggage and handbags for women. With a personal goal to help every woman bring out her personal style in her business life, no wonder CareerBags Fall 2008 selection is just what I needed…here are my favorite pieces:

1. McKlein – Fratti Laptop Tote – Cherry Red: This fun and chic bag combines function and fashion with Euro-influenced design featuring a top zipper allowing easy access into the main compartment; compartments separated by a secured zipper pocket; a padded laptop compartment that fits and protects most laptops up to 15.4” in size; quick, accessible front pocket with magnetic claps for pens, business cards and small devices; and flat, leather straps.
2. Jack Georges – Andrea Small Dome Handbag: This cute little bag is handcrafted from Croco-embossed Italian calf skin. Features include fixed shoulder straps, three-way zip, closure nickel hardware, two inside zippered pockets, and a cell phone holder.
3. Mcklein – Serra Laptop Tote – Cherry Red: Another chic bag that features compartments separated by a secured zipper pocket, interior organizer for pens, business cards and small devices, interior zipper pocket for documents, front and side pocket for small miscellaneous items, padded laptop compartment fits, and flat, leather straps.
4. Clava – Rectangular Zip Shopper: I love anything with shopper in the name and this bag is no exception. It combines style and accessibility by including a zip closure and a full length exterior zip pocket. Comfort is a huge consideration in this bag, which has an interior that’s fully lined, zip pocket with cell phone pocket, and double sided shoulder straps with a 10″ drop.
5. McKlein – Buranco Duffel Bag – Chocolate: I love this bag! It combines function and fashion featuring, quick, accessible front pocket for pens, business cards and small devices, interior organizer for pens, business cards and small devices, main zipper compartment with a magnetic clap for additional security, main compartment featuring an interior zipper pocket for documents and storage space for personal items, and stylish, tubular arm straps all wrapped up in Italian Croco Leather.
6. ACME Made – Slim Cargo – Ecostripes: Be environmentally friendly with this fab bag made of 100% recycled materials. In order to provide for functionality and storage, the Cargo possesses a large outer cargo pocket that is roomy enough to carry most additional accessories and it’s lined with “cashmere-finish” micro-suede lining! This “green” bag features large outer “Cargo” pocket w/ multiple accessory pockets, removable, adjustable shoulder strap, closed cell foam padding on 5/6 sides, hi-impact plastic inserts on 5/6 sides, top grain leather handles, and quilted satin lining.

When I say I’ve just tipped the iceberg on the goodies on this site I mean it. But below is my favorite bag of all… what’s yours?

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?

You see, usually when I buy ridiculously high priced gadgets, the guilt quickly leaves when I hit the office, a family function, or a party and someone says “OMG, where’d you get that?” or “That must have cost a fortune”. But this time everyone had a phone like mine… my nightmare had come true… everyone had an iPhone! As the resident Gadget Hound at The Tastemaker Diares, and in life, my number one fashion rule is to stand out with my gadgets. I’m not a trend fanatic, I’m more of a classic, like Jackie O meets couture. My gadgets, however, are usually over the top, Kimora Lee Simmons, f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s.

So how do you stand out from the crowd? You pimp out your iPhone! Here are ways to stand out with yours.

Add Some Color

At ColorWare you can customize your iPhone the way you want it. Change the iPhone, the rim of the iPhone, the SIM card holder, the earphones, and the docking station to make a fashion statement all your own. To customize all of the above you’ll probably spend about about $250. Basic customizations range from $20 to $150.

Be Yourself

Visit Skinit and add your own picture and colors to your iPhone for $39. This is a picture of the first (and last) fish I caught on an abandoned high rise off the Mississippi River. (I say last because my fiancé will never take me again. Maybe because of the three hour shopping trip the day before to get the perfect fishing attire… complete with fishing boots, a green cargo jacket, a fishing t-shirt, Baby Phat Jeans, and a pink pole. Maybe because of the pink Barbie tackle box I insisted on carrying…which held my lip gloss, cell phone, and a fingernail file. Or maybe it was the horror screams that had him running to kill an attacker, which turned out to be a bug…not my proudest moment). Anyway, Skinit has some awesome skins that allow you to join a cause, be political, or just be yourself.

Be Luxurious

Okay this is a dream, because even if I had a million dollars I wouldn’t by a $20,000 iPhone. But a girl can wish can’t she? Below is a stainless steel iPhone encrusted with white diamonds, did I mention it was $20,000? But if you feel like splurging like a regular human being in this economy, you can purchase a $255.00 iPhone chain case. Both of these are by the over the top designer Amosu. Visit the website for more outlandishly luxurious phones as well as pictures of celebrities who love them.

As always feel free to contact me by commenting below on more ways to customize your iPhone, for some general tips on pimping out your gadgets, or to tell me how you stand out in the iPhone crowd.

Happy Shopping…

There’s something really romantic and pretty about 70’s-inspired looks. Just check out how hot the cast of the original Charlie’s Angels looked.

Ready to travel back in time? Try these looks on for size.

1. This loose chiffon blouse brings to mind the easy-breezy looks of the 70’s.
2. I adore these wide-leg, high-waisted jeans. Perfect vintage style at a great price.
3. Bangles add a bit of rock-and-roll.
4. Sky-high green wedges add a modern color to a decades-old style.

1. Plaid has a girl-next-door look on the hanger, but is surprisingly sexy on.
2. A belt ties the look together and gives a good proportion overall.
3. I like the dark wash of these wide-leg jeans, and the large cuffs help the jeans dress up a bit easier.
4. Blue wedges equal a down-home, patriotic color scheme without looking hokey or cutesy.

1. Embroidery was a huge 70’s trend. Pick up a modern version from Urban Outfitters.
2. These jeans still have a wide-leg look, but aren’t too trendy or over-the-top.
3. Subdued colors on these wedges lets your shirt stand out.

1. I like the vivid colors (love navy) and flower pattern on this blouse from Forever 21.
2. Gold bangles give an outfit a good vibe: really fun and flirty.
3. I like the vintage-looking pattern on these red wedges.
4. Light-colored denim is more true to the 70’s. This pair doesn’t have an overwhelmingly high-waist or big flare, so they’re more versatile in your everyday wardrobe.

What’s your favorite decade for vintage fashion?

I recently found two looks I really liked and decided to recreate their outfits for as cheap a price point as possible.

First, I found a photo of night.owl, whose outfit was quite basic but had a fun pop of color.

1. Start out with a basic white dress, as night.owl did. I chose one that’s a bit more full in the skirt, which is more universally flattering.
2. I love the edgy jacket that night.owl is sporting. The dark charcoal gray also adds a modern, casual feel to the dress. Try this one by Forever 21.
3. Gray shoes are harder to find in the summer, but come fall/winter they should be much more plentiful. For now, try this pair.
4. Red tights completely made night.owl’s outfit. They added a punchy color and a quirky element that really stood out to me.

Next, I loved the romanticism of Moda-R’s outfit.

1. The slightly hippie print and feel of Moda-R’s dress is well-replicated in this green version by Forever 21.
2. A cardigan makes this outfit work-appropriate, but also gives it a more vintage, 50’s feel.
3. Metallic sandals will go with almost everything and they’ve got a laid-back, summery vibe.
4. Finish off the outfit with a waist-cinching belt.

Where do you look for fashion inspiration? What are your favorite blogs or photo websites?

I have always loved Christian Louboutin shoes but am not a huge fan of pink. But there is just something about these shoes that pop out at me, maybe it’s the HOT pink colour or the big bow on the toe. Whatever it is, I wish I had the cash in my bank account for them.

Then I thought, “Even if I had the cash what would I wear them with?”

Then I happened across this photo on the same site:

It answered my question. How genius of the site, Browns, to pair up the hot pink silk shoes with the green, floral print, silk, Marc Jacobs dress! I love the way the 1940s cut still manages to look modern.

Team the dress and the shoes with a black clutch:

And maybe a necklace like this one:

And you have a complete outfit that incorporates those beautiful, hot pink, shoes that are to die for!

• 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!

The Socialite / Trendsetter
The Dell Inspiron 1526 comes with an AMD Processor and 2 GB of hard drive, which come in handy for the socialite with millions of pictures on her computer. The DVD burner is filled with features so you can burn your favorite (cough) decent movies in style on a 15.4 Wide Screen LCD. Just enough features to keep you happy no matter whose coast you’re on.

Check out matching attire on my StyleFeed: 1)Ribbon Trim Dress 2)Prada Cervo Lux Shoulder Tote 3)Butterfly and Heart Earrings 4)LG enV Vx-9900 Transparent Pink Crystal Snap On Cover Case 5)Ladies Laptop bag KYDD – Black And Raspberry 6)Lock & Key Necklace 7)Dell Inspiron 1526 8 Studded Slippers

The Rich Glamourista
For those of you with a little more cash in your pocket, check out the Toshiba Transformer Laptop with its 17-inch flat screen. It’s called The Transformer because it transforms from the utility of a laptop computer to the fun of a flat screen home entertainment center. Unfortunately, this is a concept laptop, but money talks…

Check out matching attire on my StyleFeed: 1)Toshiba Red Transformer Laptop 2) Floppy Hat 3) Sweetheart bustier dress 4)Marcia Moran Rings 5)Gold ladder bracelet 6)Chinese Laundry “Willy” Evening Sandal

The Rocker / Artist
Artists need music, photos, movies, software, and many various files of different types. They need ports to hook up their cameras, amps, guitars, light boxes, etc. The Macbook is an artist’s best friend because of the 2GB of memory and the ports in the back… you can hook up anything to this baby!

Check out matching attire on my StyleFeed: 1)Zipped hem jeans 2)Graphic Tee 3)Black beaded necklace 4)Handbag Notting Hill Design5)Anna e Alex Nero Earrings 6)Black silver twist bracelet 7)Crystal Icing – Swarovski Crystal Laptop, 8 Apple Powerbook G4 Laptop 9)Black Vest 10)Guess ‘Morticia’ Pumps

From one Tech Geek Fashionista to another… Happy Shopping.

In lieu of those points, sometimes I jump for joy when I run across people who are finally getting the picture. Life! has launched a line of the cutest cases for your cameras and laptops that are stylish, cute, and will fit into any fashion style. The best part about the laptop totes is that each one has these little compartments to hold your iPods, keys, pens, and other things which allows me not to be forced to carry a laptop and a purse to a business meeting. But don’t just take my word; a representative from Life! explains the versatility of the designs:

“Our varied range of sophisticated bags enables women to make a fashion statement at work, while protecting their valuable possessions at the same time,” says Annique Rochecouste, national sales and marketing manager of AZDesignz, owner of the Life! brand. “The fact that major department stores such as Myer are showcasing our designer bags as fashion accessories is a strong endorsement of the high quality of our range.”

“As a global leader in the design and creation of innovative and remarkable lifestyle products, we designed the women’s laptop bags after identifying a gap in the market for bags specifically suited to businesswomen. Women no longer have to be stuck carrying around an ugly laptop bag. Now they can choose a bag that is both practical but which makes a great accessory to their outfit as well.”

I took a couple of looks around and after checking out their website, these are a few of my favorite designs:

Stud Le Clique

This cute studded design comes in black or pink with a lanyard and a belt loop for easy handling on the go.

The Ambrosia 15.4 Laptop Tote

Cute and stylish bag! I love it because the main compartment zips instead of using the same lame velcro or buckle like other bags. It’s also versatile enough to be used as a laptop tote/purse because of all the compartments. There is an internal zip pocket, dog clip for keys, a space for your phone, a space for you iPod, two pen slots, and three slots for your important cards (driver’s license, credit card, etc.).

Acacia 15.4 Laptop Sleeve

For those days that you don’t feel like replacing your D&B for a laptop bag, a laptop sleeve is a lightweight exception. It has a zip and buckle, it’s padded, and it has comfy straps… plus it’s really cute.

There are many more designs at the Life! website that can fit your personal style. But be warned… there are not a lot of summer designs or bright colors.

Happy shopping!

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!

Yep, that’s me. The picture quality is not pristine because of my attempt at taking photos of myself with an iPhone and a mirror, but you get the general idea of what I’m wearing.

Sometimes I find it hard to locate a middle ground between my personal style at work and my personal style in my free time. Can there be a way to get across your personal style no matter what venue you are in?

I think that there is.

I’d describe my personal style as elegant, stylish and a little off-beat. That, however, is in a perfect world. All too often, I stand in my room, staring at my closet and thinking, “I have no idea what to wear!”

Sometimes I get it right, but I get it wrong just as often. But, developing your own personal style requires some trial and error every now and then.

Here’s what I’m wearing in the photo:

Work

• Proenza Schouler for Target skirt
• H&M belted buttondown (without the belt)
• Isaac Mizrahi for Target mary jane heels

Play

• Forever 21 silk strapless dress (bought for $5.99)
• Forever 21 belt
• Target flip flops
• Leather cuff bought in Mexico
• Earrings from Honduras (present from my father)

I’d estimate the total cost of the Work outfit to be about $35-40. The total cost of my Play outfit was probably around $25.

Want to score some similar items on the cheap? Read on!

Your Work

• Unfortunately, Target no longer sells the shoes I’m wearing in the photo in black. They do have them in brown, but I prefer these other Isaac Mizrahi mary janes. They’re on sale now for $14.99, so buy them quick, before your size runs out!
• I like the pleats in this skirt, and it looks pretty similar to mine, which I got from the Target Go International line.
• Weather dictates short sleeves whenever possible in the summer, and I like the ruffled pockets on this Forever 21 blouse.

Your Play

• If you don’t already own a pair of brown flip flops or sandals, try these faux suede ones from Target for $8.
• Replace the belt on the dress with this one from Forever 21.
• Unfortunately you can’t buy the dress I’m wearing in the photo anymore–I bought it on sale for less than $6–but Forever 21 still makes this version of it. Replace the belt that comes with the dress with the other one pictured above.

How would you describe your personal style?

Flip-Flops

Everyone I know wears the cheap Old Navy flip flops. Stand out in–gasp–a Forever 21 pair instead. They come in several different colors, but I like the gray pictured here.

Dressy Sandals

• I have a severe “thing” for gladiator sandals. Brandon, my fiance (otherwise known on here as THF), calls them my “Russell Crowe shoes.” My sister calls them “Jesus sandals.” However you decide to look at them, you can’t deny their inherent hotness. This pair from Madden Girl is less than $50.
• Target has some great summer sandals right now. This bejeweled pair is so pretty, and dressy enough for dinner, etc.
• I love red shoes and this strappy, bare pair from Target is firmly on my “to buy” list.
• Payless is a good place to pick up inexpensive footwear, like these strappy sandals which would look smashing with a skirt or dress.
• The wild card here are these sandals from Alloy. They’re a great deal money-wise, but the serpent design and bright colors might be hard to pull off. My suggestion is to wear them something neutral on top, like a casual black or gray dress.
• These elegant Forever 21 sandals have sexy ankle ties. To keep the ties up on your legs, spray them with some hairspray after they’re tied. Gross, but it works!

Comfortable Flats

Let’s face it. You’re on a beach vacation. You probably got a pedicure just for the occasion. So, why would you ever want to wear shoes that cover your feet entirely? Well, let’s see. Maybe you got sunburned on your feet (it happens). Maybe you are going on a severe shopping spree for hours and hours on end. Perhaps you are hiking up to some distant waterfall and don’t care to wear sneakers. That’s where these Crocs come in. I cringe even as I type “Crocs,” but hey, these ballet flat-inspired Crocs don’t really have the hideousness of their related, ankle-strapped cousins. They come in many colors, but as always, I prefer the neutral colors.

Beach Tote

This $20 basketweave tote from Forever 21 is a good item to pack for the beach. You can take it down on the sand, toting your sunglasses and magazines, or you can pack your regular purse essentials and take it out shopping.

Wide-brimmed Hat

Wide-brimmed hats are the epitome of beach style–and they’ll help shield your sensitive facial skin from the tropic sun. Wear it slightly sideways on your head and cast mysterious smiles out from under it.

Sunglasses

Retro styles are popular in swimwear this season: all the ruffles, high-waisted looks and one-piece suits with boyshorts are a testament to that. Why not complement all that vintage style with some equally retro sunglasses?

Sunblock/Tanning Lotion

I have sensitive skin and I’ve gotten some bad sunburns in the past–my trip to Hawaii, I had to buy a bandeau top bikini because my shoulders were so badly burned that I couldn’t wear any straps over them. Scary! To avoid further damage or burning, I like to wear at least SPF 30 in the sun, but I prefer SPF 45. This one by Neutrogena is light and smells nice and won’t clog your pores.
Some of my friends are “tanorexic.” They visit tanning beds like they’re going out of style–except they already have gone out of style. No one likes leathery skin, so try a self-tanner lotion to build up your base tan instead. I love the Neutrogena Summer Glow moisturizers and they’ve come out with a new solution that includes SPF 30. I’ve recently begun to apply my Summer Glow again as bare-leg weather is coming back, and just yesterday THF remarked upon how tan I was looking. See, no one has to know it’s not from the sun.

Is there anything you can’t live without when you go to the beach? Let me know!

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.

This Rusty Blue Necklace by MARIE FLY FLY is a great example of vintage meets modern. The speckled Czech glass beads combined with the industrial look of the hammered copper hoop and chain really pop…and at just $34, they’re a steal!

Isn’t this clutch sweet?! This is by MOSEY who’s tag line is: “Recycled, Reconstructed, Re-loved,” so you can’t beat that. This Araucana Pocket Clutch is made of soft, felted, boiled wool with a vintage button. Check out the sweet surprise on the back: egg shaped cotton appliqués in a vintage calico print….too cute. This piece measures 6” x 5” and is a mere $22!

It must be my wee bit o’ Scottish blood that draws me to the kilt. There’s nothing sexier than a lad in a kilt, but why can’t the lassies get in on the action? Well, we can if you wear this vintage kilt pin! This would look great as a fastener for a hand knit wrap or scarf. This pin is made of steel wire and vintage beads by SUPERFAY.

These little beauties by FOUNDLING feature a couple of vintage Lucite and faceted stones with a delicate brass chain connected to a cool brass ring (check them out up close) for $25.

This fun “>ring by THE BROKEN PLATE is actually handcrafted from…you guessed it, a broken plate. The vintage 70’s silver adjustable ring setting completes the look.

These super-duper-cute baby hair clips made by DETAILS just make me smile! The Monogram clip on the left and the personalized one on the right are entirely hand-sewn. It’s no surprise then that they use only high quality wool felt on these beauties! Their entire collection for babies and toddlers is a must see!

You can check out all of these designers and more on Etsy, my go-to international boutique for all things indie!

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?

Known for his equal commitment to high style and sustainability, Rogan Gregory has established a small empire of ethical design. His debut collection Rogan, introduced in 2001, is an homage to vintage workwear featuring hand detailed denim of the highest quality possible. Loomstate is the 100% organic spin-off of that line which launched in ‘04, before “organic denim” was even in the American vocabulary.

In 2005, along with partners Ali Hewson and Bono, the Ohio native launched Edun; a company devoted to the “Trade Not Aid” mission of bringing manufacturing and healthy commerce to impoverished areas of Africa. Also in 2005, Rogan found the time to launch his furniture line Rogan Objects (his personal assistant better be getting six figures), that uses reclaimed wood from old factories and barns in Upstate New York and tooled leather trim to create modern handcrafted pieces that are both rugged and refined.

Things got A Litl Betr in 2006, with his line of finely tailored men’s suits. In 2007, Gregory made news again when he won the prestigious CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award. If all this wasn’t enough-watch out ladies-in May 2008 Rogan is putting out an organic swimwear line for none other than Target! Rogan is actually getting an eco-minded maven like me to shop Target again. Will miracles never cease? Apparently he told the execs there, “’If you let me do it with organic, and if you let me do it in the summer, I’ll do it.’ It’s sexy.” This man possesses a keen sense of style, immeasurable energy, and absolutely loads of ambition…Move over Ralph, here comes Rogan.

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?

Technically Terra Plana means flat land, but you’ll be hardpressed to find much flatness with this shoe manufacturing anomaly. Inspired by a deep desire for longterm ecological survival, Terra Plana publishes the life cycle assessment for every pair of shoes they produce. They design their shoes with reparability, lightness (to reduce shipping impact), anatomic design, and durability in mind. According to Terra Plana, they “minimize waste and toxin use and maximize product use and love.” They produce their line using chrome-free and vegetable tanned leathers, recycled materials of all sorts (from rubber to old quilts and parachutes), and pure latex soling materials. Not to mention, they merchandise their products with an arresting, out-there aesthetic (check out the product shots above).

Terra Plana has also debuted a more eco-conscious leather product called E-leather. It’s a ‘re-woven’ blend of leather and textile fibers practically indistinguishable from good quality leather. E-Leather is produced with closed loop water usage and best practice pollution prevention methods. These people clearly care about crafting beautiful fashion statements using only the most modern and sustainable methods possible.

And how do they look? So, so hot! Whether you’re in Milano, Madrid, or the Mid-West, these unique sneaks and heels will be turning heads. Priced from $50-300, a pair of Terra Plana’s is a worthwhile investment in a company that’s setting the bar for eco-conscious manufacturing, as well as your wardrobe.

If you want to check out a sneak peak of Terra Plana 2008, go to smartplanet.com for a look at the super-sexy strappy heels for Spring.

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?

For 2008, I made a resolution to bring eco-consciousness to my wardrobe and take readers of The Tastemaker Diaries with me. Our January installment of Green Your Closet introduced the Clothing Swap, a party combining the noble task of reusing your old garments by acquiring new ones from your nearest and dearest stylish friends. Now, we’re showing you how to love your wardrobe and the planet…by taking good care of the clothing you already have. If you keep just a few simple tips in mind, you can make your “personal classics” last a lifetime. If you take care of the clothes that aren’t your favorites, you can happily pass them on to another lucky person to wear for years more. By lengthening the life of your clothes, you lessen the environmental impact of the clothing manufacturing business, which makes for cleaner water, air, and soil for you and yours. Who knew buying less could have such a big effect on the world beyond our bank accounts? We also show share a few great tips on green washing (the good kind.)

Keep ‘Em Cold
Wash your darks and brights in cold water to keep colors true and save on hot water. And keep any garments that may bleed color far from whites…there’s nothing like one random red sock to ruin a whole load of whites.

Green Your Clean
The bulk from most laundry detergents is made up of water. The concentrated versions are good for just as many loads, use much less plastic for packaging, and require less petroleum to transport. The non-toxic powder versions packaged in recycled cardboard are my personal favorite.

Handwash delicates to keep them looking like new.

If you have to dry clean, make it green! Ask your local dry cleaner if they use “perc” (perchloroethylene) in their processing. In addition to lifting out stains with ease, Perc has also been known to cause neurological damage. Ooh…no bueno. The EPA called PERC a hazardous air pollutant and a potential carcinogen. Perc was a even used a chemical weapon back in World War I! So how do we keep chemical weapons out of our closets? Find a green drycleaner in your neighborhood at LowImpactLiving.com. Enter your zipcode and Low Impact Living will tell you where you can find your nearest non-toxic dry cleaner. If there’s not one near you, make sure your local dry cleaner is aware of the risks of Perc and that you want to see its use eliminated as soon as possible.

Photo by Miss Pupik

Hang ‘Em Up!

All’s well that ends well. Hang your clothes on an old fashioned laundry line and use the power of the sun instead of a coal-fired power plant to dry your clothes. It keeps the color of your garments truer (especially if you turn them inside out) than the dryer; it also saves all the energy (cha-ching) it takes to run it. If you don’t have anywhere to hang your clothes outside, try one of those handy indoor drying racks.

It just goes to show you style mavens- loving your clothes is more than just an attitude, it’s a way of life. Stay tuned for March’s Green Your Closet, which will cover the 3 R’s of a green closet: Reclaim, Reconstruct, and Reinvent. Dust off those sewing machines, fashionistas-it’s going to be a funky ride!

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.

After coming home from St Louis around Thanksgiving of last year, I decided that I had had enough of the whole theory that fashion and technology don’t mix. Why are women in technology afraid to show that they obsess over fashion? From experience, it’s just too stressful to hide your true self, not to mention just plain stupid. I decided that I would pave the way for a new kind of woman, the Tech Geek Fashionista (TGF) by starting my own blog, The Technology Starlet, and proving that my audience, readers like me, should be taken seriously. This was supposed to be a great hobby, but then something weird happened. After a month of emailing and networking, people in the industry and readers started to respond. They did want to know what cell phone a fashion addict would choose, how to customize their laptop, and what web application would help them shop online and find their inner TGF.

So, from one TGF to another, I hope you stay tuned in as I promise to deliver information, reviews, and my personal obsession on the latest gadgets, the coolest laptops, and the best of the mobile world, from a TGF’s perspective (of course), right here on the Tastemaker Diaries. I hope you remember that your laptop, your mobile phone, your desktop, and your cute bags and covers should represent your style. Below are a few definitions that describe a TGF and I encourage you to ask yourself, what makes you one?

Tech:(tĕk ) n. A technician or abbreviation for technology or technical work

Geek: (gēk ) n. A person who is single-minded or accomplished in scientific or technical pursuits but is felt to be socially inept.

Fashionista: (fa-shə-‘nēs-tə ) n. designer, promoter, or follower of the latest fashions

Tech Geek Fashionista: (tĕk gēk fa-shə-‘nēs-tə) n. A designer, promoter, or follower of the latest fashion who is accomplished and single minded in technical pursuits and is known for being a socialite.

(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.”

The sale section of Steve Madden’s website is like a candy store where the really yummy items are mostly $34.99 and under. Here are some of my favorites in that price range (just in time for to indulge yourself for Valentine’s Day!):

I have a ton of black dresses — I brought seven with me when I went home during the holiday season! However, I’m getting tired of the whole black dress/black shoes combo, and that’s where these python-print shoes would come in. Neutral but noticeably different, they’re a classy but not tacky way to channel the animal-print trend.

I fell in love with the following shoes as soon as the graphic loaded on my browser. Not only is this pair unlike any of the shoes I own, but I really like the criss-crossing details — and for $27.99, it’s definitely a bargain!

Brown leather peep-toe pumps make a great everyday shoe for an office environment.

I actually own this pair in black. Not only are they classic (meaning I’ll be wearing them for years), but the pointed toe elongates my legs, making me look a bit taller — which is always appreciated, considering I’m 5′2″!

Black suede shoes are always classy and elegant, but the gold heel on this pair gives it a little more of a sexy vixen feel.

Want a bold, fun color? Try these pretty teal evening shoes.

And now for something completely different: these floral-print d’Orsay-style peep-toe pumps would go great with a white sundress (when it gets considerably warmer, of course!).

Many of these styles are available in other colors, so if you see something you like but aren’t too crazy about the color, go ahead and click — chances are it’s available in one you do fancy! Act quickly, though — sizes are selling out!

That’s THF and I. We both look kinda tired…I remember some Ikea trips and errand-running that weekend. In fact, most weekends we are too exhausted to do anything more exotic than sit around and watch movies with a bowl of popcorn. Wild, spontaneous dates and exuberant gift-giving aren’t an option when you have limited time and resources.

But, naturally, Valentine’s Day presents an opportunity to make all the romantic gestures you missed out on the rest of the year become a reality, if only for one day/night. And, although the holiday may be cliched and commercialized, you still can’t help but get caught up in it.

For THF and I, it’s the perfect excuse to relax, do something we don’t usually do and give each other meaningful gifts.

Like these for her (or buy them for yourself!):

Can’t find the right words to write to your sweetheart? Need some inspiration to jump-start your romantic mood? This book is filled with actual love letters, so there’s bound to be something useful. It’s only $22.50.

Wear something for yourself on Valentine’s, whether you have a date or not.

The problem with Valentine’s Day is that it’s usually freezing in DC (last year there was an ice storm), and yet you still have to make it to restaurant reservations, etc. A cute little jacket like this makes all the difference in the cold and doesn’t hide your hot outfit, either.

Elle Macpherson makes gorgeous lingerie. This set is soft, but still sexy. The pieces are also quite affordable.

These earrings are just incredible. The Carole Tanenbaum Vintage Collection has dozens of pieces that look similar to this on sale 24/7 on the website. Vintage jewelry is a great alternative jewelry gift to the overdone chain store specials that appear near Valentine’s.

For a jewelry gift that’s hand-made, try these pretty red rose earrings. For extra points, attach them creatively to a bouquet of real roses.

Homemade soaps are the ultimate in luxury because–at least for me–I’d never prioritize buying them for myself, but I’d love to receive them as a gift.

Etsy has a fantastic gift-giving guide section, which is where I found this homemade card that’s perfectly suitable for Valentine’s. I don’t have time to make a card myself, so the next best thing is buy one that looks like I created it.

For him:

So creative. Your guy won’t mind doing the dry-cleaning after you slip a couple of these hidden message collar stays in his shirt!

These cufflinks are really tongue-in-cheek and unexpected. Plus, there’s a large percentage of guys out there who are Superman fans, so your odds of the present being well-received are fairly good.

Not all presents must be romantic or expected. A t-shirt featuring the history of rock-and-roll hair would be a great gift for a certain type of guy.

A creative–and not too fluffy–card for the significant other in your life.

The ideal gift—no man can say “no” to Bestbuy. And, so you don’t accidentally get him something he already has…buy him a gift card instead.

Well…boyfriend training cards may not be the most appreciated present, but for a guy with a sense of humor…why not?

A man wouldn’t shy away from this game–it’s couples Truth or Dare. Have fun!

Can’t get your man to take Valentine’s Day seriously? Stop trying and just get him this shirt. And make him wear it. Out to dinner. Take lots of photos, too.

Men always need storage for video games and DVDs. THF has so many, he’s using his chest of drawers for space and stuffing his clothing elsewhere. This media storage unit would solve so many of his problems.

And for that guy,you know, the one that still shops at Spencer’s, I present the SplitShooter.

And a gift everyone can approve of:

If you don’t have an iPhone, you want it. If you don’t want to switch your cell service, get an iPod Touch instead. But, really, the technology is amazing and the features are addictive. Now that I’m the lucky owner of an iPhone, I’m hoping to get THF one as well so we can e-mail photos and snippets at will throughout the day.

This, of course, is not an exhaustive list. There are hundredsof gifts out there that would be perfect for Valentine’s. I suppose I’ve simply gathered things that I know that I or THF would approve of.

So, then, what are you getting yourself or your honey this Valentine’s?

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?

For years now I’ve found myself, a diehard environmentalist, fascinated by fashion. At first I shoved this frivolous fascination to the archives of my mind, thinking of it as a superfluous pursuit that would distract me from all the “important” work that needs to be done in this ailing world. Now and again, I’d sheepishly ponder my profound interest in online eco-fashion hubs like Eco-Chick and Treehugger.com’s Fashion and Beauty pages, and finally realized why fashion really matters. Fashion is our second skin. It is our most intimate possession. Let’s face it, not even our closest romantic partner has (most likely) spent twelve hours straight attached to our pelvis the way a pair of undies does. A favorite warm sweater can be our greatest comfort on a grey, frigid day. And, unlike the bodies we’re born into, clothing gives us the opportunity to choose our hue, texture, and even our shape to some extent; all these choice directly affect how our fellow humans interact with us on a daily basis.

So how can a self-proclaimed diehard environment like myself still have a closet with so few sustainably-made pieces in it? Is it money or not trying hard enough? I’m on the Greenloop team, I work with Aysia Wright, The Eco Fashionista herself, and my closet is barely chartreuse. Well, I’ve decided 2008 is the year to Green My Closet and I’m going to take the readers of The Tastemaker Diaries with me- for the good of the planet! (And it might give us clothes hounds some new ideas for how to get more stuff to wear. Let’s be real.) Ergo, the first in a series of tips on how we can all integrate some eco-conscious behavior into our shopping lives. More clothes, less guilt. Are you with me, ladies? Good. Let’s get started with the fun things first…

Step #1 Beg, Barter or Bargain

Do you ever covet your most fashionable friends’ wardrobes? Make those fantastic threads your very own without spending a single dollar: host a clothing swap at your house! Gather your stylish compadres with similar body types together to trade clothes in good condition that you’ve all grown tired of…make it a cocktail party and you may find bartering for the premium picks a real breeze. It’s for the environment, right? No harm, no foul I always say.

Do your friends have completely different shapes or tastes from you? Join in a community clothing swap like Swap-o-rama-rama where you turn in a bag of clothes at the door and you get to grab as many clothes inside as you desire. As if that isn’t the greatest thing since sliced bread already, Swap-o-rama-ramas have sewing and screenprinting stations to reinvent your latest acquisitions and turn your secondhand pieces into one-of-a-kind couture…and it’s all free!!! No Swap-o-rama-rama coming soon to a town near you? No problem- start a Swap-O-Rama-Rama or watch this feature of Clothing Swap Inc. on the Today Show and head to ClothingSwap.com for their uberfun events in 2008.

Then I encountered temperatures below 50 degrees and this thing called snow, and the need for boots became apparent to me. (Plus, I realized that I was missing out on a whole aspect of seasonal dressing!)

So, join me on my quest for the perfect collection of boots, won’t you?

These calf-high pewter leather boots look comfy and stylish — and they’re actually from Crocs’ new line, You by Crocs! Quite a deviation from their earlier work, no? (They’re also available in black and chocolate lambswool.)

A pair of cognac slouchy boots are a must for fall/winter dressing, and I bought these brown double buckle boots over the holidays — at a very affordable $39.50!

Want a different and more fashion-forward option? Try these unique buckle fabric boots — plus, they’re on sale for $9.99, meaning this risk won’t set you back too much.

If you’re like me, you have tons of light day dresses you love, but are forced to put them away during the chillier winter months. Problem solved — depending on the type of dress, you could wear it with black tights and a pair of flat slouchy boots like these, completing the effortlessly cool look with a scarf, sweater, and a pair of great sunglasses.

I’ve always been a little wary of ankle boots, but I’ve found three that seem to be a little less predictable and more interesting than the ones I’ve seen before.

The details on these Seychelles make them a little less abrupt and much more stylish than the standard visible zipper. The slightly metallic sheen also makes it look a little rugged yet still decidedly feminine.

I love the scalloped edge on these soft and luxe-looking booties.

Looking to add some color to your boot collection? Try these blue ankle boots — not too bright but still different enough to punch up your outfit.

What about you? What boots are you longing for this winter?

Whether it’s well known eco-line Edun by Ali Hewson and Bono, or an up-and-coming Portland local like Emily Katz, we diligently screen each designer’s manufacturing practices and materials before placing their lines at Greenloop. We feature only sweatshop-free and fairly traded garments made from eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, hemp, wool, and reclaimed vintage garments, as well as the most cutting edge renewable fabrics like soy, modal, and seacell (a blend of wood pulp and seaweed.) These fabrics weave their way into affordable, stylish basics by Perfectly Imperfect and Of The Earth to high-end pieces from ethical fashion superstars like Linda Loudermilk and Stewart+Brown. The store’s green ethos doesn’t stop with the designers we stock; Greenloop offsets the carbon emissions from the shipping for TheGreenloop.com with renewable energy certificates called Green Tags. We also donates a portion of sales to ecologically focused organizations like 1% for the Planet, Global Green USA, and the Oregon Environmental Council, among others.

I really think fashion is influential and, as such, it’s a powerful vehicle for education and change. It’s an easy way to spread a message without getting people on the defensive. Overall, it’s not about being perfectly green or perfectly fashionable-I am certainly neither…It’s just about taking steps in the right direction to live a more sustainable life.

The team at Greenloop and I will be bringing some exciting features to The Tastemaker Diaries in the coming months…from what’s hot on America’s eco fashion runways to behind-the-scenes stories on the designers who adorn them. We’ll keep you up-to-date on the greatest green fashion deals, as well as keeping Tastemaker readers in the know on the materials and practices that make eco fashion the feel good shopping phenomenon that it is… Enjoy staying in the (green)loop!

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?

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?

What I did not hear was my alarm.

When I finally made the connection that the smell of brewing coffee meant time to rise and shine, I opened my eyes to see the clock reading… oh… an hour to conference call time! I threw off the covers and did what any self-respecting PR gal would do in this emergency — walk into the closet to search for a great dress.

I ended up throwing on a graphic wrap dress, some black tights and some tall black boots. I added a cuff bracelet and simple earrings, and grabbed my bag. My husband even offered a heartfelt “you look nice”… and with that and a quick kiss, I ran for the bus.

What a difference it made to be able to show up feeling as though my late night (and therefore late morning) was my little secret… hidden by a one-piece wonder of fashion salvation.

I’m of the belief that every working woman should have a handful of great dresses she can throw on to look pulled together on days when you just can’t deal with rifling through your wardrobe to find “all the pieces”… and so here are some picks I’m considering adding to my closet:

I like this one from Kenneth Cole… love the bold lines and the work-appropriate cut…

I work in a creative environment, so this print may not work for everyone’s office… but I love this dress and in fact am planning to purchase it this week…

And finally… love this one from Banana Republic… great color. But you ladies like me who aren’t sporting the size 10’s will need to convince me a sweater dress isn’t fashion tragedy waiting to happen… anyone???

Let me know what you think of these picks… and if you have a go-to dress for work, point me to it. Help a late-sleeping sister out, will you please?

Oh, and one more thing, you’ll never guess where Kim lives. She’s just minutes from the Peterson Automotive Museum in L.A…how fitting! All Kim White handbags are proudly made in the USA.

You won’t need a tag for this clutch. It has CAMARO written all over it! A 1983 Camaro to be exact. This bag has a great spring frame that allows it to open and shut with a snap. The cut-out gives you the option to hold it in your hand or under your arm.

It’s hard to find an optical print like this on a handbag! This vibrant blue with black version (from a vintage 1980 Ford Mustang print) is so striking and versatile from weekend to work.

This style is a great shout out to my favorite decade, the 70’s, in style, textile and color. Brown and orange happens to be one of my favorite color combinations and so classic 1970! I love the distressed brown leather with the oversized grommets. It’s hard to believe the fabric is from a AMC! The adjustable strap goes short for just under your arm, or extends to a messenger, across your chest style.

Kim also found some vintage floral upholstery fabrics from 1950 – 1970…what luck! This yellow floral bag reminds me of my grandma’s soft sofa draped with a crocheted throw! The simple shape, coupled with the contrasting dark brown leather, really shows off the funky pattern. This would look so cute with a denim and corduroy ensemble…don’t you think?

You can check out her entire line and add your favorites to your StyleFeed at her site.

Every component in her work is handmade, from her hammered circles, to the tiny balls placed on those circles. No two pieces are truly alike so you are getting a true ‘original’ from the artist/metalsmith herself.

You can choose from five collections on her shop page: Signature, Preface, Layered, Egg and Bean and Steel and Gold (my ab-so-lute favorite)!

Her SIGNATURE collection is a combination of her most popular, original pieces. I think this necklace is so great for everyday, subtle yet unique:

Get the Shorty handbag for just $60 (normally priced at $90):

Or, choose the Shopper style for just $65 (normally priced at $95):

Hurry…Lori’s generous discount is only good through November 30th! To order, just visit Hardware Handbags and enter code HH3 at checkout.

Target has proven itself to be a veritable holygrail of cheap chic clothing, and I have to hold myself back from going shopping-cart-crazy more than once. Well, I must admit, sometimes it’s the fiance (i.e. Brandon) holding me back, saying, “Leave it! Walk away! Be strong!”

In times such as these, it’s important to have a back-up plan. Mine is to discourage Brandon’s presence by using a Target trip as an excuse to buy the most boring things possible. Toilet paper, dish soap, toothbrush, make-up, fashion magazines, pens & pencils…you do what you can to keep the male presence to a minimum.

But I digress.

The Hollywould for Target collection is one example where I’ll need to ignore Brandon’s conscience speaking in my ear.

For instance:

I put these glossy black heels on my StyleFeed and I haven’t been able to get them out of my head. A similar pair of heels from the actual Hollywould collection runs, oh, in the $500 range. These are $30.

This clutch is the perfect marriage of quirkiness and style, and naturally, would go great with the shoes.

As the holidays are coming up, I am feeling the need to stockpile party essentials: pretty heels, clutches, cocktail dresses, etc. Between myriad parties and a number of Christmas concerts coming up, I’ll need to streamline my holiday wardrobe to consist mostly of black items (it’s a requirement for concert attire).

Since the Hollywould for Target collection won’t be a permanent fixture, I would snap up these items as soon as possible, especially before the holiday shopping rush takes off.

What’s your favorite item from the new Hollywould collection?

Circa 1995-2006, the routine was: enter store… feel force of pull to the racks laden with black wool… select shapeless style in the name of warmth and utility… hope for sale price… justify boring purchase with “It will go with everything!”… check out, go home, envy other people’s cool coats all season long.

Not this year. I’ve decided to forgo shapeless for a waist-cinching belt. I’ve decided to go for a 3/4 style so that the look is sophisticated, not like wearing the same wool peacoat I purchased in college or the long coats that make short people (like me!) look frumpy. I’m looking for color — maybe even pattern! And I’m willing to buy two — a conservative style as a classic investment piece, and then a moderate or cheap one “for fun.”

Here’s the catch — neither coat can be black, unless that black is in a pattern. That’s the whole point of this style update — break out! I’d like the investment piece to be neutral — after all, I do have to look professional and a bubble-gum pink wool coat likely won’t have me taken very seriously. But the “fun” piece can be as bold as I dare.

So right now starts the No-Frump Winter Coat Challenge. I’ve started adding a few contenders to my StyleFeed… let me know what you think.

Should I go for a to-die-for color?

Fun pattern and a belt?

Frilly, feminine details?

Hurry, people! It’s getting chilly!

Are you feeling my rut, people? Like many women in New York, I’ve been dressing like I’m going to a funeral everyday for years. You know you’re in a fashion rut when your color decisions come down to whether or not your blacks match.

So this – coupled with the frumpy feeling that I had an insane amount of clothes and yet no wardrobe – led me to embark on a style overhaul. I’ve got some folks in my corner, of course, helping me make it happen – including the secret weapon every girl should have – a Gay Work Husband (GWH) who has a great eye and ability to tell it just like it is.

And “how it is” according to GWH is this: “You need more color, a good tailor, a fierce bag, and a goddamn haircut. Your clothes need to tell a story, and your accessories need to make people want to read it.”

So what’s the story I want to tell? The one about a 34-year-old, successful woman who takes her work, but not herself, seriously. My story is about someone who is creative, vibrant, funny and social… someone who takes pride in herself. Someone who carries a laptop for work but might be using it to type the Great American Novel (or a style blog) in her spare time… and someone who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to put herself out there to get it.

My story is about comfort in myself, enjoying my life, and having my priorities straight… about appreciating nice things, but loving a good bargain… acknowledging the trends but knowing what works for me. My story is about a woman who wants to feel beautiful, sophisticated, sexy and stylish – but isn’t a size 10 (or even a 12, usually!) My story is about a woman who has her act together – work-wise and life-wise – and wants it to show in her outward appearance.

My story may sound a lot like the story you want to tell for yourself – or maybe your story is totally different, and you just came upon this when you Googled the term “Gay Work Husband.” Either way, I’m glad you’re here. Tell me what you think of my choices along the way – make some suggestions, talk me out of things, offer some encouragement, give me some advice. Don’t hold back, people! I can take it!

Suddenly, once you head off to college, you’re plopped in the middle of one of the most powerful cities in the world. Filled with places to shop, from high-end boutiques to shopping malls.

Welcome to my life. Once I hit college, all of the fashion knowledge I’d like to think I acquired from religiously hoarding Vogue, Teen Vogue, Lucky, etc. suddenly came to light. I actually could wear dresses to school…and cute flats…and trench coats in the fall…and carry nice handbags…and oh, gosh, running out of money! I wasn’t exactly living off, oh, Ashley Olsen’s bank account so I needed to stop shopping like I was.

Fast forward to two years later. Between juggling two internships, planning multiple social events, heading up the school newspaper, holding down a 30-hour-a-week on-campus job, getting good grades, practicing the flute for the two musical organizations…well, let’s just say that shopping kinda took a back seat. I guess I shouldn’t say back seat per se…but I didn’t have the leisure time I used to have.

So my shopping has become streamlined, easy…and much less expensive. H&M, Forever21, Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters and (gasp) Target have become my mainstays. If I need to grab milk from Target, a capsule collection from Hollywould is just steps away. If I need a pretty cocktail dress for a date with my fiancé (yes, I’m engaged!) on the double, well, I can get one from Forever21 for less than $25.

Until I’m making my millions in the world of PR (one can only hope!), I’ll keep shopping where I know I can find things that look great and don’t break the bank. While still keeping an eye on the pages of Vogue, of course.

Oh, and here’s a secret: most people think my clothes cost three times what they do. It’s not what you wear, but how you wear it.

I can’t wait to meet you and discuss shopping, clothes, college, jobs and life in general! Until next time…where do you find the best clothing bargains?