Dots!

                                                     
          There is truly nothing new under the sun!  While polka dot prints are not novel, they are certainly as fresh as ever when worn the right way.  To keep this look sophisticated as opposed to saccharine, here are some tips:

-pair dots with a masculine item, like this jean jacket 

-dots are chic with a black background, not childish

-wear just one piece at a time

-evening wear is a GO (keep the make-up and accessories understated)

- a scarf is a safe way to try the trend with items you have.

Let the polka dots (I even like saying it!) be the outfit.  While a classic in fashion, they have bold graphic punch.  Keep the rest of your ensemble simple and YOU will wear the dots, instead of the dots wearing you!  

                                                                                                photos by Pinterest

The Nude Lip

     
            What makes a girl happier than a new tube of lipstick?  The nude lip is the perfect beauty trend to try on a budget.  Celebrities are wearing it for both day and night looks.  Stylist tip: Consider a more pronounced eye when going pale on the lips.  If you have fair skin, pump up your blush so you won't look pale.

                                                                 Budget Pick:

Happiness is just as close as your local Drugstore!

Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in Soft Nude $8.99

Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Peach Petal $6.99

                                                                                                                                          photos by Pinterest

Colorful Skinnies

        Colored "skinny" jeans are having a moment.  You might see these in stores as "jeggings," and in corduroy as well as denim. The fit is the same: slim and snug down the leg and over the calf.  These comfy stretchy jeans are not for every body type.  However, if you have not tried them I recommend it.  You might like what you see in the mirror.  If you're concerned about your midsection, try a long flowy top untucked.

Keep the focus on the jeans with a neutral top like a boyfriend sweater, coat, blouse, or blazer.  They look great with flats, boots, or heels.  The look is playful and confident:  

coral with nude heels...

black and camel boots...

rust with black and hounds-tooth...

and bright blue. 

While this is a cool trend, it may not last as long as others.  Get in on the look at a great price!

The look for less:

Old Navy Rock Star Jegging

$34.94

* come in a variety of colors, super comfy*

Piperlime Blank Denim Skinny Cords

$88.00

Zappos Gabriella Rocha Kamilla Skinny Jean

$53.99

                                                                                                                          photos by Pinterest

The Call of the Wild

      Animal prints have become a neutral within the world of fashion and interior design.  They go well with almost any piece.  Leopard, giraffe, and zebra prints look equally good with basic and punchy colors.  This trend is bold and FUN!

A big zebra print coat IS the outfit.  It can be worn as a dress or just your top layer.  I have one that I like to pair with black tights and black suede booties.  

The easiest way to wear animal print is with accessories:

a small clutch,

a slim belt with jeans or pants,

or a fun pair of pumps or wedges.

Mix it up.  These prints are showing up everywhere in stores in apparel as well at every pricepoint.

 

                                                                                                                               photos by Pinterest

Black Friday

         As this blog is about budget friendly shopping I cannot possibly ignore Black Friday.  Crazy deals, people!  I think I am a pretty laid-back person but a few days ago a friend told me this (Target) lady and I have something in common.  My response was only that she makes me so happy.

           Hmmm, maybe it is my spastic enthusiasm for holidays and deals.  When I love something, I crazy love it.  I hope you are all crazy loving your family and friends this Thanksgiving.  Let the holiday fun begin!  And if you are out there tomorrow with the masses, good luck!

Color Class: Camel & Black

For fall and the holiday season, combining a black item from your closet with something in the camel or brown family is an easy way to be on trend.  This color combination is a nod to the 70s and the whole Ralph Lauren equestrian vibe.  There are so many different ways to wear these colors. Almost everyone has a black top and leather belt in their wardrobe.  Shop your closet and pull an ensemble together. 

Love it!

Here is a great example of how separates can work together to create a cohesive look.  You do not need all of these pieces achieve a similar effect.  Do you have a black jacket or chunky cardigan?  You could wear your favorite black outfit and simply pair it with a brown leather bag. Use the picture as a guide and see what you have.  You'll be surprised.

The look for less:  

Old Navy Dolman Sleeve Sweater in camel

$34.50 $25.00 

J. Crew Matchstick Jean in Overdyed Black Denim

$98.  $79.99

Cashmere/Lambswool Scarf in camel on Amazon

$29.95 $18.95

Both camel and black are classics that never go out of style.  

Ikat crazy!

Ikat prints have been HUGE for several seasons...

on fashion runways

as well as home design.

  As I mentioned in my previous post on Hot Pink, a scarf is a perfect, inexpensive way to "zhush" up looks you already have in your closet and add colors that are on trend.

I found these fabulous colorful scarves on Zhush.  They are $23. and come in several punchy colors: red, orange, blue, and purple.  Adding a bright scarf is an easy way to add style to outfits and coats.  Accessories like this can be worn year-round.    In the colder months, sometimes your coat and scarf are the only part of your outfit people see for the day.    Don't ignore the opportunity to make a good impression- even if it's chilly outside!

                                                                                                                                          photos by Pinterest

Coming soon...

          Following an eye-wear launch earlier this year, Toms is debuting a line of ballet flats for Spring 2012.  This is a fantastic venture for so many reasons!

If you do not know about the company, Toms' motto is "One for One" as printed inside the flats shown above.  For every pair of shoes they sell (and they are super comfy), they give a pair of shoes to a child in need.  The new line of ballet flats will retail for $74-129.   For more info, the company story, and an email when they hit the stores go to Toms.

If you are looking for shoes, Toms is the epitome of guilt free shopping!

Hot Pink: Color Class

          Hot pink is such a feminine, exuberant color.  Women wearing it exude confidence and style.  This season, designers have paired hot pink with so many different shades in accessories, pants, dresses, make-up, and tops.  In order to freshen up your wardrobe, consider these fun styles and color combinations:

Hot Pink and Orange or Red:

Hot pink with red or orange is a very current and bold color combination. Most of us are probably not this daring in our everyday dressing.  I recommend a more subtle and budget friendly pairing with accessories like a belt or scarf.  A faux pashmina is a great way to add color without breaking the bank.  Department stores usually have these in the $10-30. range.

Paired with Navy:

Fuchsia plays well with navy blue.

Paired with Gray:

     Gray with pink is subdued and lady-like.

Paired with Black:

Hot pink and black is edgy and cool.  Prepare yourself for lots of attention! 

This is a fun grouping of items that might be in any of our closets.  The smartest and easiest way to keep your look current is to play with color combinations.  Mixing two colors in a new way from your existing wardrobe gives pieces new life and is easy on your wallet.

                                                                                                                         photos by Pinterest