Seeing red: bold colors for spring!

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

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

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

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

Posted February 17, 2009 in Fashion, News

Bundle up in style for Winter 2008

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

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

Check out these 14 hip and stylish winter coats.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take your pick: which coat is your favorite?

Posted October 20, 2008 in Fashion, apparel