Style at a Steal: February 2011

Sunday, February 27, 2011

$teal Your Spring 2011 Wardrobe

After bulking up all winter long, it seems that when spring hits,

we forget how to dress for a warmer and sunnier season.

Someone recently asked me how to update thier wardrobe for spring without breaking their wallet. My first tip would be to dig in your closet. You will be surprised at what you've forgotten you owned. As for classic peices that you can wear this season and beyond, I suggest these:

Levi's Denim Jacket from Amazon: $44.99 (down from $54)

Minnetonka Mocassins from Zappos: $45

Trench Coat from Old Navy: $37.50 (down from $49.50)

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I would also suggest using your basics and accessorize them. Here are a few accessories that will take your wardrobe out of hibernation:

Floral Sunglasses from Fred Flare: $12

Chartreuse Infinity Scarf from Bleu Dame: $16.80

Straw Fedora from Nordstrom: $29

Yellow Earrings from Forever 21: $3.80

Taupe Bag from Forever 21: $26.24 (down from $32.80)

Use a basic accessories to spruce up your plain colored tee and jeans.

Use a cardigan or jacket from last year to layer.

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I always seem to see the same trends when the spring lines hit the stores.
Here area few style ideas that are always popular during the months of April, May and June:

Flirty Florals & Paisley:

Floral Cropped Cardigan from Asos: $26.90 (down from $44.83)
BCBG Paisley Blouse from Dillards: $31.35 (down from $78)

Floral Pencil Skirt from Forever 21: $15.80

Sheer Paisley Maxi Skirt from Lulus: $28.00

Ruffles:

Red Ruffle Dress from Pitaya: $32

Violet Cardigan from New York & Company: $19.99 (down from $42.95)

Beige Ruffle Top from Asos: $35.86

Grey Ruffle Vest from Charlotte Russe: $22.50

Light & Bright Colors:

Light Blue Cotton Shirt from Forever 21: $17.80

Pink Wrap Dress from Pitaya: $29

V-Neck Colorful Tunic from Macy's: $32.99 (down from $44)

Blue Bomber Jacket from Asos: $35.86 (down from $80.69)

Nautical:

Black & White Nautical Skirt from ModCloth: $39.99

Red Striped Cardigan from Forever 21: $15.99 (down from $22.80)

Grey and Black Striped Jacket from Love Culture: $21.90

Bow Tie Shirt from Forever 21: $17.80

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As for shoes, peep toes and flats are the perfect footwear for springtime! Enjoy these fun styles I found:

Purple Flats from Amazon: $14.89 (down from $19.99)

Yellow Peep Toe Flats from Amazon: $26.98 (down from $74.95)

Grey Flower Flats from Amazon: $29.99 (down from $42.99)

Strappy Sandals from Lulus: $26.00

Magenta Floral Heels from Amazon: $22.39 (down from $44.99)

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Design it yourself!!!

My mom saw this on the Today Show this morning. Bobbie Thomas did her "Bobbie's Style Buzz" segment on how to design jewelry, shoes, bags, clothes, coats, and interior decorations yourself!

Take a look: Design it yourself!

(The videos scroll on the left---make sure to watch the top clip!)

Here are the websites she references:

Jewelry: http://www.sheyna.com/

Shoes & Bags: http://www.jeffsilverman.com/

Clothing: http://www.modcloth.com/

Coats: http://www.garmz.com/

Interior Designs: http://www.inmod.com/

Though some of the prices for these items aren't necessarily a "$teal", they are an investment. If you are creating something that might have sentimental value, you plan to have for a long time, or is the exact way you would like something, then it may be worth putting forth the money.

Have fun designing!

...and "Thanks" Mom <3

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

My way--

I did my own peek-a-boo lace bra look which I had previously posted about here.

Just wanted to share so that you could relate to someone who is just an Ordinary-Jane. You can be just as stylish as your favorite celebrity!

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Curvy & Fabulous!

I think there are a lot of misconceptions about dressing curvier bodies. I often notice that women with curves try to hide them or dress plainly, feeling as though they don't have the right body type to follow trends. In actuality, smaller sized women even make the mistake of not dressing their bodies correctly and end up looking heavier than they actually are.

Curvy bodies can still follow the same trends as the stick figures. Just buy your size and make sure it is flattering. In my opinion, the most important thing is that clothes fit correctly.

Browse these websites for stylish plus size clothing.

http://www.swakdesigns.com/

http://www.lanebryant.com/

http://www.forever21.com/

http://www.avenue.com/

.....Here are a few cute outfit ideas I threw together.....

Wedding. Holiday Party. Special Event. Etc.

I chose this dress because it defines the waist and also has a low enough neckline to have a bit of cleavage without being too much. The shoes are great because they match with pretty much everything and can be worn over and over again. I'm sure you have jewelry lying around that you could wear. Even though I didn't show this option, don't be afraid to wear a bracelet or earrings with some color! Show your personality :)

Black Dress from Avenue: $42.99 (down from $59.90)

Bronze Shoes from Amazon: $44.99 (down from $80)

Earrings from Forever 21: $4.80

Bracelet from Forever 21: $11.80

***

Errands. Casual Friday. Movie Date. Etc.

I actually just bought this jacket yesterday from Forever 21. When I saw it in the plus size section on the site, I thought it would be a perfect way to show how the same look could translate for those with more curves. Wear it with your basic black or white tee you've got folded in a drawer.

I love these flats with the zippers on the back and since I always love adding some color to an outfit full of neutrals, I would wear a necklace along the lines of this turquoise one.

Jacket from Forever 21: $19.80

Jeans from Swak Designs: $51

Black Flat from Amazon: $24.95

Turquoise Necklace from Forever 21: $7.80

Earrings from Forever 21: $2.80

***

Trip to the Zoo. Outdoor Lunch. BBQ with Friends. Etc.

Black Skirt from Swak Designs: $19.99 (down from $27)

Purple Tank from JC Penney: $6.99 (down from $16)

Colorful Necklace from Forever 21: $8.80

Sandals from Amazon: $29.98 (down from $40)

Gold Bracelets from Forever 21: $5.80

So I'm a little anxious for summer. If you're going on vacation to a warm destination, this is probably a little more practical for this time of year. May will be here soon enough, so stick this outfit idea in the pocket of your parka until then.

I tried to make all three outfits age appropriate. Although Forever 21 is a juniors store, my mom still picks up an item or two from there every now and then. She's in her 50's and still looks like she is dressing her age, but quite stylish at the same time. If you're still feeling like it just isn't "you" to shop at F21, at least puchase your accessories from there. Great jewelry for next to nothing.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Peek-A-Boo-Lacey-Bra

I'm a fan of a little bra showing. It has to be done properly though.

Nicole Richie, Blake Lively and Sienna Miller are great examples of the peek-a-boo-bra look.

Their lacey bras are showing just enough for a some sex appeal without looking tacky or trashy.

Here are a few bras I found that will look pretty under a loosely fitted tank, wide-neck tee, dark sheer blouse, or whatever you find in your closet that works...appropriately!

Whatever you do, just make sure you are covered and have support. The look will totally be ruined by saggy boob if you have a bra that does not fit. It would be a shame.

Purple Bra from Asos: $17.93

Pink Bra from Victoria's Secret: $38

Green Bra from Urban Outfitters: $16

Black Bra from Forever 21: $5.80

Exposed bras should NOT be worn this way:

Sorry Miley, you do not look sexy and you are way too young for this look. Lady Gaga's wardrobe should never be replicated for daywear and Leighton Meester just had an error in judgement. She leaves nothing to the imagination.

Most importantly, never, EVER do what my favorite, Britney Spears, has done:

There are so many things wrong with this picture that I don't even know where to begin.
And I love her all the same.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Pretty Blue Bag!

At the gym earlier this week, I was looking at the pictures in a magazine (unfortunately I don't remember which one) because that is all I can pretty much handle while on the tredmill. I never can understand people who can read a book while running, but that is a seperate topic. Anyway, I saw a picture of a really pretty shoulder bag with a chain strap that was BLUE! What stood out most to me about the purse was the price!

Personally, I don't understand why someone would spend so much money on a bag that is only for certain outfits and not every day. And even so, every day purses aren't worth several hundred dollars, at least in my opinion since I change them up so frequently.

Below are similiar looking bags to the one I saw in the magazine. Some are pricier, just to show how similiar each item is to one another aside from cost. My favorite is the first one. One of the less expensive ones.

Go figure!!

Prices and links are listed below.

But please do me a favor, and don't buy the ones that are over the $20 range!

Christian Siriano at Payless: $22.99

Marc Jacobs at Nordstrom: $525

Stella McCartney at Bergdorf Goodman: $935

Forever 21: $20.80

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Cold-Weather-Hot!

Here is a hot outfit to get you through the cold winter.

It is never necessary to go out and buy every item to complete the outfit. Surely you have a basic white long sleeve t-shirt to wear under the vest, or some colorful earrings and gold bangles to accessorize.

Wear your favorite skinny blue jeans, brown bag and flat camel boots to change up the look of the vest. It can also be worn with a black sweater, black jeans, and moccassins.

You can always wear something old in a new way if you just play around with the things you already own. The idea is to work around an interesting piece and use color and textures to compliment.

My suggestions aren't the only ways to put this outfit together...

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Britney Spears: Fashion Disaster

Regardless of whether she is sober or not, Britney Spears always looks like a mess. I am a huge fan of Brit, but would love to help her out with her sloppy wardrobe.

Here is my Britney Spears makeover: