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?

Hi, my name is Carl. I’m 21 and live in California. I’m fashion obsessed and run the Fashionisto, where I blog about menswear. Before starting my blog, I was always on the search for the latest designers and brands, but never found a place I could call home. You see, my fashion tastes are quite varied. I’m all about keeping up with the latest fashion houses like Prada, but also like to be on the lookout for new brands like Without Backbones. I’m also a big fan of mixing high and low fashion. I cannot recommend H&M enough. It’s a very affordable option and an easy way to stay on pace with the trends. In addition, I get a natural high from catching the best sales. You would be surprised how easy it is to snag designer clothing at a stellar discount. In the future, I’ll share some pointers.

Stylewise, I’m currently feeling blacks, grays, pops of deep earth tones (ie: burgundy and forest green), oversized wear, and crazy over-the-top accessories. I hope to use this as an outlet to share and discuss ideas about both menswear and womenswear. I’m excited to join the Tastemaker Diaries and look forward to interacting with you all!

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.

Four months ago, I saved a swatch of fabric by Philip Gorrivan for Highland Court Fabrics, almost identical to the pattern in her coat.

For the last two seasons, orange has been everywhere and as one can see by my StyleFeed, I’ve been a wee bit obsessed. Now that the trend has calmed down a bit, I revisit the pattern and find I still enjoy it. This is a good indication I should have it in my home. This pattern would look smashing as pillows with a fat, corded welt to surround it, or even as a bed coverlet with a wide band of winter white border. This just goes to show once again, that fashion and home decor really do go hand in hand!

What have you saved to your StyleFeed that you may have forgotten about and fallen in love with again? Do you like the trend of orange in home decor?

The bridesmaid deal was awesome – all I had to do was show up and wear what the bride told me to. But as a guest, there are all these unspoken rules. Don’t wear white or anything that could compete with the bride’s gown. Don’t wear anything too flashy (i.e. slutty), but – in the words of an aunt at the wedding I just came from, “make sure your legs are showing and your lips are shining”… don’t ask. So, I’m asking for your advice. Think I should go for something like this lilac Vera Wang dress – strapless and ankle-length with a little fashionista flourish?

What about this flirty Betsey Johnson number? Too much?

Your thoughts, pleeeze!

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…

Statement accessories:

Metallic flashes (that aren’t over-the-top) like this skirt by Abaete:

And all the pretty dresses!

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

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

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

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

See you next time!

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?

To Jessica Alba…

…there aren’t many places these lightweight accessories haven’t been spotted. Even Rachael Ray has donned a jaunty scarf, though that didn’t work out so well for her.

You won’t see me sporting a scarf this summer. I get the arguments for: it’s an easy way to add color and pattern to an outfit. (Believe me, I went through a scarf phase about 10 years ago because I thought they were a professional way to add pizzazz to a suit. I had a very elaborate way of tying the fabric, that in retrospect, made me look like I had been decapitated and was trying to keep my head tied to my body through a small square of fabric and sheer force of will.)

Yeah, yeah, it’s versatile and can be balled up and thrown in a bag. Though I don’t quite buy the argument that a wispy piece of see-through fabric can offer any defense against full-force air conditioning. In my mind, a more substantial wrap or light jacket offers the same portability AND better insulating potential.

But here is my main argument against the scarf trend:

Gorgeous girl, cute tank. But the scarf…just no. If it’s hot enough to wear sleeveless and spaghetti straps, you don’t need to add any extra fabric around the neckular region. Has your neck ever been shivering cold while the rest of your body was sweltering? I rest my case. I would have loved to see this top paired with a colorful chunky necklace instead.

But I’m willing to be proven wrong. Do you sport a summer scarf? What do you like about the look? Is this something you’d like to see on your man, or are you saving this trend all for your own?

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!

A cozy, slouchy fancy designer maxi-cardigan is an indulgence for sure, but this Stella McCartney stone-colored sweater made of heavy cotton mixes nautical with High Street. The white twill tape forms a cool hipster crucifix in the back, while the toggle-type closures look slick open or loose. Throw it on over cargo pants for a mad dash through the airport, or toss on over your fanciest black trousers. Either way, the $1345 knit is a knockout.

Jill Platner is a surfer, sculptor and one of the hottest jewelry designers around these day. Lenny Kravitz proudly loops one of her black corded chokers around his neck, and Mandy Moore stacks rows of the organic bracelets up and down her arm — each one a sculptural masterpiece. Jill’s pieces are not cheap — this dazzling “Sprout” bracelet runs $815, but the cord is made of gortex and the silver is all but bullet-proof. Wear it while you swim, sleep shower and sprint — just as Jill would herself.

This summer, keep things simple. Wear white, white, white every day and notch it up with this mother-of pearl oversized ring. Its easy, elegant spirit is as seductive as a soft summer night. Pair with a sleek white linen tank dress or jeans and billowy peasant blouse. It’s a stand-alone accessory worth every penny of its $325 price tag.

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

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

Day One – Bohemian Chic

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

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

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

Day Two – Dressing Down

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

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

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

Day Three – Going Out, Looking Good

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

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

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

Day Four – Sens(ual) and Sensibility

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

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

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

Day Five – TGIF

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

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

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

Day Six – Dinner and a Movie

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

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

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

Day Seven – Errands Away

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jenny Kang, Fashion Assistant

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

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

Ann Brady, Associate Fashion Editor

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

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

Desiree Marr, Fashion News Contributor

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

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

Alexandra Willinger, Editorial Assistant

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

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

I had no idea what to wear.

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

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

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

The Stuffy Interview

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

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

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

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

The Semi-Creative Interview

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

This is business casual:

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

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

The Uber-Creative Workplace

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

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

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

The Only Shoes You’ll Need

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

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

Don’t forget a bag!

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

Good luck!

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?

Looks like other StyleFeeders have the same idea. Judging by the handbags that have been added to the site lately, shade is going to be more important than shape for spring. So I say, if you’re going to buy one bag this season, make it patent leather in a primary color. Blue, yellow and red nicely offset the other bright shades that are in for warmer weather, and will give your spirits a boost!

If you’ve got the coin, this blue Dolce & Gabbana beauty is a worthy splurge:

If you’re on a budget, check out these lookers that both come in for well under $40: Alloy’s Pedley hobo in a fetching shade of yellow, and ASOS’ patent red clutch, inspired by Sienna Miller’s penchant for Chanel:

If you’re not quite ready to sport such saturated accessories, try satchels in more subdued shades. Deep purple and navy blue still count as color, while reading as neutrals. The Downtown Tote by Yves Saint Laurent is a classic, as is this purple stunner by Barbara Bui:

And while not technically patent, this patchwork satchel from Urban Outfitters is a nice alternative if you’re looking for a pop of purple without spending the big bucks:

What bags have you fallen in love with for spring?

Their website–now upgraded–is actually fairly informative, and I like their new “Cute Outfit of the Day” section in which they single out someone on their staff and take a photo of their outfit. It’s really fascinating to see how Senior Fashion Editors, for instance, dress on a day to day basis. Obviously the Lucky offices aren’t exactly “The Devil Wears Prada”–they dress like everyday women, just more trend and designer-conscious.

I chose some of my favorite looks from Cute Outfit of the Day and found inexpensive ways to copy the style of these supposed (and well-qualified) style experts working in the fashion industry.

Heather Summerville – Senior Associate Fashion Editor

Heather’s look is stylish, but still attainable for the average woman. Sometimes fashion can be too fashion-y (for instance, men STILL do not understand why trapeze dresses were fashionable.) This, however, translates well to all sorts of different vocations.

Try this Urban Outfitters tee (it’s on sale at 2 for $25) with these Gap “Favorite” trouser jeans, which come in longer inseams for us tall women, and petite inseams for you midgetors. Pair these basics with this interesting cropped trench from Target. The tie in the front alone dresses up the whole look. You could also leave the trench unbuttoned for a more casual appearance.

Ann Brady – Associate Fashion Editor

Ann’s look is a little tough, a little sweet. These separates look good together because the black tights and shoes anchor the whole look at the bottom. I like that she wasn’t afraid to take a risk with the skirt color. It’s inspiring to see someone use color so well–if I wore this, I’d almost certainly wear a black or neutral-colored skirt instead.

This Urban Outfitters motorcycle jacket echoes Ann’s pretty well, and I like that it has a detachable hood. That’s so handy for winter transitioning into spring. The American Apparel mustard-colored skirt has handy pockets, so you have somewhere to stick your hands while you’re standing around. I constantly have to be busy doing something, so pockets help to anchor myself when I’m just standing or sitting. Plus, I love the kicky mustard color. And, of course, opaque tights are a must. American Apparel makes a good pair for less than $15.

Natalie Benott – Fashion Assistant

I like how well this look toes the line between dressy and casual, and how wearable this would be for even a more stuffy workplace with a blazer or jacket and heels.

This Gap cardigan really pulls the whole look together, so don’t leave it out. The thin, body-conscious fabric compliments everything else you pair with it. Underneath the paisley Free People dress from Urban Outfitters, wear a long-sleeved Old Navy henley (on sale for $8) to keep warm during the winter. Opaque black tights and Mossimo flat boots–the ultimate steal in this look–finish off everything to great effect.

Christina Mueller – Senior Beauty Editor

This casual look is perfect for a “college co-ed” such as myself. It’s just dressy enough that I can wear it into work, but the jeans and t-shirt keep it class-appropriate. Christina is also giving off this studious, preppy vibe that I really, really want to copy.

First start off with a great braided belt to wear with the jeans–like this one from Urban Outfitters. I chose Piper denim to go with this look because, one, the wash really replicates the wash that Christina was wearing, and two, because they come in a variety of inseams. Although Christina wore black heels with her outfit, I prefer these charcoal ones from Nine West. Christina appears to have rolled up the sleeves on her blazer, so buy a Forever21 jacket a size larger so you can roll your sleeves as well. For the finishing flair to your outfit, try this American Apparel v-neck shirt in a punchy color like green or blue. It’s unisex, so watch out: your boyfriend may steal it.

Kathryn Nirby – Accessories Market Assistant

This casual, edgy outfit is exactly the opposite of what I usually wear, but I appreciate the fact that she stands out and has a unique sense of style. What she is wearing catches your eye before, say, an all-black ensemble. I must try harder to incorporate color. Until then, I’ve found some things to equal what Kathryn is wearing…perhaps in a more subdued palette.

This tuxedo tank from Target’s new Converse line is only $15 and would really look great with this Forever21 jacket. I like the small details on the jacket, like on the pockets and in the pinstripe of the fabric. I avoided pairing these with Kathryn’s choice of footwear: Frye boots. Although Frye boots are amazing, they are also amazingly priced (hard to find under $150), so these ankle boots from Piperlime will do the trick instead at around $40. Pair these items with your favorite pair of skinny or straight-leg jeans.

Jen Ford – Fashion News Director

Jen’s outfit immediately stood out to me–this is something I see myself wearing…uh…all the time. I stick to a lot of neutrals in feminine shapes, with something unusual at play every night and then in either my accessories, jewelry or shoes.

This Urban Outfitters Kimchi & Blue dress–Kimchi & Blue is one of the best lines from Urban, by the way–is just feminine enough to counteract the masculine vest from Forever21. Leave the vest unbuttoned like Jen did, and fasten the belt at your natural waist line to create a more streamlined shape. Although it appears Jen is wearing substantial platform heels with this outfit, I prefer these subdued black wedges from Alice + Olivia for Payless. They’re more comfortable than platforms anyway. Add some tights from the previous looks in the post.

Which Lucky magazine staffer’s style do you relate to best? Mine is definitely Jen Ford’s. Although…I’d like to become more daring and try Kathryn Nirby’s more edgy look!

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?

Exciting. Yes. Stressful? Certainly. It’s a three hour concert with three major works (including Mozart’s Requiem!) — and we will be standing for the whole duration. Meaning that I’m going to need shoes that I can actually stand in for three hours straight.

As comfortable as they are, flats are out of the question. I’m short, and I need some added height. Spice Girls platform shoes won’t suffice in the style department. And as visually appealing as a stiletto heel is, let’s face it — they’re just not that comfortable, at least for standing stationary for a prolonged amount of time. All my weight on a square inch heel for three hours? No thanks!

This is where the wedge comes in. Spreading your weight over a larger area equals more comfort, which is what I’m mainly concerned about. And with the added height, I’ll be able to comfortably see the conductor over everyone’s heads — allowing me to focus completely on singing the right notes!

Admittedly, wedges aren’t exactly worn a lot in the winter — it’s challenging to find a warm, closed-toe, dressy pair of wedges. But when comfort is a priority, a good pair of winter wedges is a necessary component of a well-rounded shoe collection.

While these black suede Steve Madden wedges fulfill the concert hall requirements (closed-toe, black shoes), they are also available in brown, grey, and purple for after-concert activities.

A really fashionable pair of dressy wedges is so hard to find, but these Seychelles fit the bill — they’re comfortable without sacrificing style.

The combination of faux patent leather and faux suede on these shoes makes for an edgier, younger vibe.

Shiny and sleek, these wedges are classic and timeless. Think pearls and champagne.

And now for a couple of winter wedges in a color other than basic black! These wedges also come in black, white, and fuschia, but I prefer the punchy turquoise/teal color.

Feeling bold? Check out these patent platform wedges. They’re available in ten colors, including sapphire, royal purple, and dark red.

Although I was extremely tempted to order the black suede Seychelles, one look at my bank account balance quickly put that thought to rest. Therefore, I think I’ll just be pulling out an old pair of Payless wedges I purchased two years ago for this weekend’s concert. Maybe after payday?…

Enjoy the long weekend, everyone! (And wish me luck!)

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.”

Since interiors are known to follow fashion, I looked for evidence of the trend and there it was in my mailbox in the form of a Pottery Barn catalog. Have you seen it? I swear it was so bright, it would be visible in the dead of night. How do you feel about this trend of bright, bold colors? Trends always make me a bit nervous, because inevitably there will be a homeowner who falls in love with a photo and looks to recreate it. This can be a good source of inspiration, but I always caution. Questions I would ask are: Is this really your personality? Are you this “bold”? When this trend passes, which thankfully most do, will you then be sick of the room? We all like change and want to feel we are in on the latest, so let’s explore adding a bit of brightness without having to completely commit.

This is a fabulous example room from William Sonoma Home. I like the neutral sofa and by adding splashes of color with the area rug and the throw pillows it will be easy to change out as the trend passes. The darker wood pieces also help keep the bright green grounded. It’s bold, but not overpowering.

In this picture from House Beautiful, designer T Keller Donovan adds the warm orange Marais stools from Design Within Reach. They provide the perfect pop of color to this stark kitchen. I might add a bit of wall décor in the same tone and mix in some yellows just to pull it together further. It’s a great example of going with the trend, but not spending a fortune to do it.

If you want to add just a tiny bit of pop, purchase a couple of these fun vibrant frames from Pottery Barn. I really like the green and blue options; mix in a few silver frames and you’ll have a nice grouping.

For a bold accent in the bedroom or living room, add this green apple pillow from notNeutral. I adore its whimsical nature! If you use it in the same room as the green PB frame, it will help tie it the look together!

A small room like the bath would be an easy place to try out the trend. Add fun towels like these from Garnet Hill. They almost have a fun summer beach feel. All of these options are acting bold without screaming from the rooftops!

How do you feel about the bold colored accents that are out there now? Would you add a few pieces to your home? If not, don’t worry there are many other trends circulating between fashion and interiors. For instance, the more subtle hues of orange, gorgeous blues and my favorite, lovely purples. I will post more on these color trends in the coming weeks!

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Finish with this pretty handbag from Forever21.

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

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

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

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

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

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

This oversized tote from Urban Outfitters should do the trick.

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

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

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

I present Exhibit A:

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

Try this adorable jacket from Nordstrom on the top:

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

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

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

And to top it off, some retro sunglasses.

Exhibit B:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Exhibit C:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Exhibit D:

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

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

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

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

Exhibit E:

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

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

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

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

(Photos courtesy of people.com)

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!

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?

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:

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!

It was only after the birth of our second baby that I was truly inspired to design the first HARDWARE bag. This bag had to feel hip, and fit my new lifestyle with two toddlers in tow. Add to the mix my textile background coupled with my love of industrial and post-modern design and the first HARDWARE handbag was born. I’m now focused on slowly building our brand, while still maintaining our ‘indie’ roots.

So, because I’m so busy juggling my family and business I do virtually all of my shopping online. I’m inspired to buy most all of my personal and home accessories from indie designers that I admire for their original point of view. My goal is to introduce you to some of these designers that I’ve known for awhile as well as those I’ve just discovered.

Because we live amongst a sea of knock-off designers and logo crazy fashionistas, I want to bring to you fresh, independent design that inspires you to buck the latest trend and find your own personal ‘indie’ style. And I’m sure you’ll be able to direct me to new designers as well!

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?