Fabulous for Less Under $250: The Blazer

For most, Thanksgiving is an easy day of eating and relaxing with loved ones. So for this week's "fab for less," I wanted to create an outfit that was casually chic and also very family-friendly.

Highlighting this season's blazer, I chose to layer with an embellished tank to dress it up. The beaded neckline serves double duty as our necklace (big money saver). Again, I opted for skinnies to highlight curves, but straight-leg denim would work just as well. The idea is to go with a tucked-in bootie look for a streamlined effect. Doing without a coat, a striped scarf is the perfect cozy extra and provides a fab contrast to the solid jacket. Finish with chunky standout bracelets, an oversized crossbody bag, and sexy platform ruffled booties; another huge trend this season. All yours for under $250*!!!!

Note: Love this look for everyday dressy casual. Eternity scarves are another fave accessory; so easy to wear. Click on photo for larger view.



"Thanksgiving Chic"


Lulu's Going Corporate Blazer in Navy $43
Forever 21 Metallic Bead Necklace Top $22.80
Express Mixed Stripe Eternity Scarf in Ivory $29.50
Lulu's Wicked Handbag in Black $41
Forever 21 Soft Skinny Jeans $27.80
Forever 21 Metallic Spot Suede Bracelet $6.80
Zigi Soho Zoom Ruffled Suede Bootie in Tan $79.95
(Total $250.85* just slightly over budget)

Fall Accessories Trend: The Crossbody Bag

For the girl who loves her bags... Personally, not only are they an obsession, but it's the one thing I budget for each season. Today's post is an absolute "gotta have it" if you're searching for the bag for fall.

The crossbody is designed to be hands-free and worn across your body (better to carry all those extras). Fellow Moms, I would definitely recommend this style for you. My faves are chic with the perfect combination of functionality and style; fab everyday bags. Love the slouch and hobos-especially with dual handles to alternate as a satchel!!!

Note: Crossbody bags will continue to be a big trend for spring. To really get the most for your money, be sure to invest in a sizeable bag. *Click on photo for larger view.

1. Olivia Harris Trapezoid Satchel in Wood
(also available in grey)
2. The Sak Flap Crossbody Bag

(available in 5 colors)

3. Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Petal to the Metal' Sasha Hobo





4. Linea Pelle Dylan Folding Tote in Teak
(also available in black)
5. Marc by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Aggie Satchel
6. Botkier Aiden Crossbody Hobo in Plum Lambskin
(available in 3 colors)

7. Rebecca Minkoff Loveletter Satchel

(available in 3 colors)
8. Tory Burch Leather Studded Messenger Bag
(also available in cognac)

9. D&G Dolce & Gabbana Convertible Bag

Fall/Winter 09 Trend: Ruffled Coats

The second series in coat trends for fall/winter... Ruffled coats were an easy sell for me this season; classic tailoring combined with a feminine, romantic esthetic. These coats are just effortless-beautiful on their own. Love!!!

Tibi Ruffled Coat



Sunner Biker Ruffle Coat



Topshop Frill Front Belted Coat



McQ by Alexander McQueen Lapel Coat



Loeffler Randall Cascading Ruffle Coat

Have You Met the "New" Ann Taylor?

I've been a longtime fan of Ann Taylor Loft for their well-edited selections of moderately priced sportswear. But big sis, Ann Taylor..not so much. Personally, it's been years since I've visited; so with news of a "makeover," I was ready to give it another look.

All the things that I love...classic yet modern, sexy, feminine, and fantastic quality. So many beautiful pieces for work and the weekend. You've won me over Ann Taylor!!! Check out some of my faves from their latest fall collection.

Note: Happening now!! For 3 days only take 30% off all full-priced items online and in-store.

Metallic Pleat Neck Shell



Herringbone Tweed Sheath Dress



Silk Asymmetrical Ruffle Top



Kylea Sequin Top by Wyeth

Fashion Focus: Leopard Prints

Animal prints are back for fall with a focus on my fave-the leopard. Judging by the number of pieces in my wardrobe, its never left. However, as much as I adore this trend, I would caution overdoing the look. Consider it as an accent piece; keeping the rest of your outfit neutral/tonal. Just a little pop of leopard is more than enough to make a statement.

Note: leopard prints in classic black/brown are surprisingly versatile; amazing with blues, reds, purples, whites, and works perfectly with other neutrals.



Harmony Lane Leopard Print Scarf



J Crew Watercolor Leopard Skirt



Brian Atwood Tan Leather Leopard
Patent Leather 'Starlet' Pumps



The Limited Leopard Skinny Belt



Jimmy Choo Bea Snake Embossed Tote

Gotta Have It: Colored and Textured Tights

Just another essential to add to your list... colored and textured tights. Certainly, they give us coverage from the cold, but these tights are fabulous for adding punch to our fall wardrobes. Love the styling below with wool shorts and shoe booties, office-ready and so chic with pencil skirts, and the perfect holiday style addition with this season's minis.

J Crew Solid Opaque Tights

Express Diamond Texture Full Tights

Mens Fabulous for Less Under $250: Tough Chic

This week's "fab for less" is perfect for day or night. I kept the look tonal in shades of greys and black for that edgy yet chic vibe. Zippers on a traditional cardi gives it that edge, layered with a fantastic military-inspired woven shirt, black graphic tee (optional but also great stand-alone), slim fitting straight-leg denim, tough laced boots, black textured leather belt, and cool driver's cap to top it off. All this for under $250!!!!

Note: Rugged leather suede boots would be just as fab with this look. Love the Bed Stu below. Click on photo for larger view.






Heritage 1981 Black Zip Up Sweater $31.90
Heritage 1981 Charcoal/Grey Kelvin Woven Shirt $22.90
Heritage 1981 Night Life Tee $15.90
Levi's Red Tab 511 Blk Denim $39.99 (sale)
Target Boston Traveler Pebble Grain Leather Belt $19.99
UO 6 Panel Tweed Driver in Black $12.99 (sale)
Bacco Bucci Mulisha Cap Toe Boot $99.95
(Total $243.62)

Rihanna Takes a Walk in My Boots

Had to share... Spotted Rihanna in my Maison Martin Margiela boots (booties)!!! Love how she kept it casual, but still sexy with snug ankle zip skinnies and a tank.

Photo courtesy of denimblog.com

Stella McCartney for GapKids and babyGap

Stella McCartney to design a children's collection for GapKids and babyGap!!! As a parent, this may be one of the most exciting news I've heard all year! Fabrics used in the line will be kid-sensitive; in organic cotton, wool, and cashmere. Included in the 70-piece collection: superhero tees, pjs, peacoats, and denim for the boys; cable knit and cardigan dresses, silk party dresses, and cutesy tulle tutu skirts for the girls. The conscious vegetarian will also be including leather-free accessories in sneakers and glossy yellow-laced grey rain boots.

Note: The collection will hit select GapKids and babyGap stores on Nov 2nd. Those in LA can find yours at The Grove and Glendale locations.






photo courtesy/wwd.com

Men: These Boots Are NOT Made For Walking

Shoes can make or break an outfit. The wrong choice can throw it all off. I've seen it too often; a fantastic jacket, woven shirt, cool jeans, and then these shoes (below). Oh no he didn't!!!

They're narrow, super pointy, with a turned up toe, and by far the ugliest shoe/boot I've seen this season. Is there a reason why they're designed with an extra two inches of toe space? Designer excluded; you know the style. Men, consider this your fashionable PSA. Just stay away from these boots!!!

Note: The hottest boot trends for fall 09 are rugged, edgy, urban, utilitarian.


"PLEASE DON'T"



"DEFINITE DO"

Bed Stu Black Develop Lace Boot



John Varvatos Star USA 'Idea' Boot



Frye 'Fulton' Boot

Celeb Style for Less: Michelle Obama's Glamour Dress

Glamour Magazine reveals its Women of the Year issue with First Lady Michelle Obama. Love this holiday-ready look; the picture of modern elegance. Mrs. "O" is absolutely stunning in a red A-line dress and multi-strand pearl necklace adorned with silk ribbons. The dress is from her very own collection; keeping mum on the designer. Lucky us, we can get the look for so much less.

photo/glamour.com

SPLURGE

Donna Karan Collection

Pleated Tie Dress



FOR LESS

Lauren by Ralph Lauren

Sleeveless Dupioni Fit Flare Silk Dress

Mens Fabulous for Less Under $275: Casual Cool

It's football season which usually means oversized sweatshirts and jeans; so we'll give you a weekend pass. But when it comes to going cas, there's just no slop about it. Hence, the inspiration for this week's "fabulous for less."

This is one of my favorite casual fall looks for men. The idea again is layer, layer, and layer. On trend this season: the military jacket, easy hoodie, plaid shirt, straight leg denim, and fresh black sneakers for that casual, cool "running around town" style.





UO Standard New Valley Military Jacket $68
Heritage 1981 Slub Knit Hoodie $30.90
Heritage 1981 Fitted Plaid Shirt in Purple/Aqua $24.90
Levi's Jeans Vintage Welder Pants $54
UO Waxed Web Belt $16.99
Converse Jack Purcell -Race Around Hi Sneaker $79.95
(Totat $274.74)