The perfect pointy-toe flats

Jackie has champagne tastes on a student budget. That’s why she keeps a close eye on celebrity trends, then scours fast fashion outlets to recreate the look for less.

I am absolutely loving these pointy-toe flats from DV by Dolce Vita.

Dolce Vita has long been one of my lust-after shoe brands, but is a bit on the pricey side.

DV by Dolce Vita is much more affordable and has some adorable shoe options, like this!

Every woman should own a great pair of pointy-toe flats, as they look amazing with many different outfits. My favorite pairing? Slightly slouchy skinny jeans and a faux-fur vest.

Do you have any pointy-toe flat favs?

Posted November 17, 2009 in News

Fall 2009 Jewelry Trend #1: Classic Colors

Cate Cadbury lives and breathes jewelry at ice.com and is eager to share the latest gotta-have bling at prices you can afford.

Light up your new fall look with jewelry the color of a classic autumn landscape. From bright orange sapphires to chocolaty smokey quartz, to vibrant peridot gems, you can drape yourself in the same fiery shades that ignite millions of leaves every fall. Pretty hot and tempting, I’d say.

At the warmer end of the spectrum, you’ll find citrines, orange garnets (also known as spessartites) and gorgeous orange sapphires. Fulfill your heart’s desire with a sun-kissed orange sapphire heart pendant that is as affordable as it is stunning.

Orange Sapphire Sterling Silver Heart Pendant

Should you want to highlight the earthier shades of the palette, look for smokey quartz, tiger’s eye or mocha-colored diamonds. My suggestion: a fabulously regal smokey quartz, citrine and diamond cocktail ring that is sure to showcase your flair for high fashion.

Smokey Quartz Citrine Diamond Ring

Get the whole scoop »

Posted September 1, 2009 in News

What’s Hot: Black Diamond Jewelry

Cate Cadbury lives and breathes jewelry at ice.com and is eager to share the latest gotta-have bling at prices you can afford.

Black diamonds are the essence of contemporary elegance and have become more popular than ever on today’s fashion scene – most notably since Victoria’s Secret’s release of the ultra luxurious 2008 Black Diamond Fantasy Miracle Bra®.

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.

black diamond stud earrings

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.

Black Diamond Ring

Get the whole scoop »

Posted August 17, 2009 in Fashion, News

Summer Jewelry Trend: Fiery Flair

Cate Cadbury lives and breathes jewelry at ice.com and is eager to share the latest gotta-have bling at prices you can afford.

Is this summer’s gloomy weather getting you down? Do not fret, dear fashionistas. Although the sun has failed to show its pretty face in the last few weeks, you can find comfort in colorful and sparkling jewelry that will surely add some brilliance to your rainy days.

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!

Posted July 28, 2009 in Fashion, News

Nobody does casual chic like Jennifer Aniston

Jackie has champagne tastes on a student budget. That’s why she keeps a close eye on celebrity trends, then scours fast fashion outlets to recreate the look for less.

Picture 38

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

Posted July 27, 2009 in Blogroll, Fashion, People

Matthew Williamson for H&M–Part Deux!

Jackie has champagne tastes on a student budget. That’s why she keeps a close eye on celebrity trends, then scours fast fashion outlets to recreate the look for less.

Because of the smashing success that was his first capsule collection for H&M, Williamson has once again decided to bring great style to the masses through frugal fashionista favorite H&M.

I’m raiding this collection ASAP because it’s just so darned gorgeous. Want to see my favorite items?

picture-15

Posted May 15, 2009 in News

Seeing red: bold colors for spring!

Jackie has champagne tastes on a student budget. That’s why she keeps a close eye on celebrity trends, then scours fast fashion outlets to recreate the look for less.

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?

Posted February 17, 2009 in Fashion, News

It’s the most wonderful time of the year (for fashion!)

Jackie has champagne tastes on a student budget. That’s why she keeps a close eye on celebrity trends, then scours fast fashion outlets to recreate the look for less.

It happens like clockwork: each winter I haul out my boots and warmest sweaters and begin to sacrifice style bit by bit in favor of the comfortable and the cozy.

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?

Posted December 31, 2008 in Fashion, apparel

Best gifts for creative types

With her photographer's eye for detail, Brie is always scoping out jewelry, handbags and shoes that perfectly complete an ensemble.

It’s that time of year again…when the jolly man dressed in red sneaks in during the middle of the night to leave gifts under the tree. It is also the time when people start dropping hints to friends/relatives about what they want for Christmas.

What happens when the friend/relative doesn’t drop hints and they are the type of person who isn’t into the latest American Idol Winner CD or fuzzy slippers as gifts? You know, the loved one who walks to the beat of their own drummer and is of the creative mindset. What do you do then?

I have been wandering the Internet for the past few weeks looking for inexpensive gift ideas for those types of people because, well, being a photographer, I am one myself. So let’s see if I can help you out a bit.

For The Artist:

These colored pencils are made out of recycled Chinese newspapers! The come in their own tube for storage and are fun, as well as functional. They are also only $10!

This book offering tips on how to be creative when making cards and envelopes for postal mail is perfect for those artists who love to keep in touch with faraway friends. It has 25 different creative projects for those who love to write snailmail and is only $20.95!

For The Writer:

Every writer, professional or someone who just loves to journal, loves to have a place to write down all their thoughts and ideas. Why not get them a classy blank book to capture all the ideas running around in their heads? This blank, unlined, moleskine journal is only $15.00.

This book is for the writer who wants to publish their own books, zines, graphic novels, or any other form of book on their own. It is full of ideas and resources to get the writer published and it is only $21.95.

Get the whole scoop »

Posted December 5, 2008 in News

Favorite CB2 finds (and cool contest)

While scouting on behalf of her clients everywhere from Pier 1 to High Point, Julieann of Jace Interiors has a birds-eye view of what’s new and different in home décor. You can also follow her on her blog CreateGirl.

First let me apologize to all my Tastemaker friends, I have been a little distracted lately, but for good reason! After great response from my fellow Stylefeeders, I decided to launch my own blog, CreateGirl.

Along with setting up the blog, I have been working on some really great design projects, which I will share with you over the next few months. Now I am back with the promise of regular posts again. So please forgive me and if I may shamelessly plug, take a peak over at CreateGirl, where you will find even more budget friendly home decor ideas and even some fashion finds! OK, back to work.

Across my desk this afternoon came a fabulous email from CB2, one of my “go to” stores. If you write a review on one of their products, you will be entered to win a $1000 CB2 gift card! We all know you like to share your opinion on products, so hop on over; in this crazy economy, don’t we all want to save a little? The lucky winner will be drawn on December 17th…now that would be a great Holiday gift! Below are a few of my favorite CB2 products:

Oh, not to mention all the pieces above are on sale! Have you purchased from CB2? Share your favorite pieces…and happy product reviewing!

Posted December 3, 2008 in Home