Cheap, Chic Couture for Cash Conscious Chicks

Trend Focus: FRINGE

2009-01-30T14:53:00.007-05:00

Fringe is one of those trends that you have to be careful with. Over-do it and you'll look like a cowboy. Do it just enough and you'll look boho, casual, and cool. Here are a few subtle ways to add fridge to your look:

Jeffrey Campbell - Women's Brown Leather Wink Fringe Sandals- Kitson ($75)

Sam Edelman Women's Gemma Fringe Flat Sandal- Endless.com ($54.97)
Silence & Noise Ombre Fringe Halter Top- Urban Outfitters ($19.99)

Fringe Hem Tunic- Forever 21 ($22.80)

Silence & Noise Flapper Skirt- Urban Outfitters ($58.00)

Silence & Noise Fringe Back Top- Urban Outfitters ($9.99)

Trend Focus: ZIPPERS

2009-01-30T14:44:00.008-05:00

Zippers make any outfit bad-ass and edgy. A plain black dress looks so much more updated if it has an exposed zipper on the back. If you are into DIY, this trend is great because zippers are really inexpensive and come in so many different colors. For those less crafty, here are some ways to incorporate the zipper look into your wardrobe:

Insight Strar Squadron Zipper Dress- Urban Outfitters ($78)

Young, Fabulous & Broke Zip Racer Ruffle Top in Red- Revolveclothing.com ($48)

Marc by Marc Jacobs Solid Silk Twill Top- ShopBop ($74.40)

Jessica Simpson Women's Deluth Pump- Endless.com ($78.95)

Zipper Detail Tote- Forever 21 ($22.80)

LnA Zipper Leggings, Midnight- ELuxury.com ($59)

LBD Bonanza

2008-03-06T11:21:00.008-05:00

I can't get enough of the Little Black Dress. I personally own about 10 of them, each one unique. The LBD is always flattering, classic, and gives you the opportunity to go CRAZY with accessories. Here is a roundup of a few I've come across that caught my eye (and wont clean out your bank account!)

As U Wish Bow Dress, $68

SO darn cute....I'm really into bows lately. They're feminine, but without the tackiness of flowers. Me likey!

Buy here

Ruby Rox Sweetheart Tube Dress, $68

This one is a little sexier. The ruffles give it a lolita-like quality. And this is perfect to wear after a carb-laden dinner, cuz the bubble-shape keeps your tummy under wraps.

Buy here

Malina Ruffled Bubble Dress w/Accent Gems, $27.99

This is considerably less fancy than the others, but I like its light, floaty design. I'd wear this on a stroll through SoHo.

Buy here

Janine Ribbed Detailed Cocktail Dress, $24.99

So this is pretty much a blatant copy of the VERY-IN-DEMAND Herve Leger bandage dress that EVERY celeb has been spotted in lately (Remember LiLo's rainbow dress?). This material is really good at sucking everything in, and the silhouette is really flattering. The open back is a really sexy surprise (go to the site to see it). Accessorize this with simple jewelry (diamond studs, perhaps?) and some stilettos and you're all set to go out and break some hearts.

Buy here

Sweetheart Satin Top, $19.80

Not everyone can pull this one off. It's for the super-confident gal. Wear it with opaque black leggings, roundtoe platform pumps, and your hair UP, please.

Buy here

Belted Halter Dress, $82.35

It's a spicy little dress, with the ruffles and the belt detail, and it's perfect for a night out dancing. Red lipstick optional.

Buy here

Sales of the Day Roundup

2008-03-05T10:14:00.006-05:00

Taylor Halter Dress, $14.99 (originally $44.50), from Delias

Just a cute little summer dress that can go from work to dinner and drinks (provided you don't work anywhere too corporate). For 15 bucks, you can't really go wrong.

Buy Here

Perf Pump, $19.99 (Originally $39) from Delias

OH.MY.GOD! I am obsessed with these shoes! They are KILLER! They would look amazing with black leggings and a leather jacket or skinny jeans with a loose-fitting cotton top. I just ordered these in a 7 1/2, eventhough I wear an 8, because I can't bear to not have them in my life. There are more sizes in the black color. Boo ya!

Buy here

CHINESE LAUNDRY Faux Crocodile Hook Belt, $15 (Was $37) from the 15-Dollar-Store.

This one looks like you stole it from your grandma's closet, in a GOOD way.

Buy it here

Beaded Fringe Tank, $19.99 (Originally $48) From Urban Outfitters

I just like it, OK? Don with cut -ff jean shorts and flip flops and buy yourself a ticket to Coachella.

Get it here

TOTALLY UNAFFORDABLE BUT AWESOME ITEM OF THE DAY

2008-03-04T15:59:00.006-05:00

MARC JACOBS Oversize Colorblock Pouchette ($1275)

Preorder Here

Ok, so it isnt the most PRACTICAL bag in the world. And the colors are a little OUT there. And it costs the same as my rent. But there is something so delicious about this larger-than-a-clutch by the "man who can do no wrong", Marc Jacobs. Sure, this would look silly with any actual colored clothing, but if you're like me, your wardrobe is about 80% black anyway. And as much as I tell myself the whole "padlock" thing is overplayed, I am not getting sick of it! The more hardware, the better!

Now for us poor folk, here's a budget friendly alternative:

Patent Retro Clutch from Forever 21 ($15.80)

Click here to buy

Cute, unique, and kinda colorful, this clutch will stand out without burning someone's retinas. I'm truly into it.

Daily Dose of Shoes

2008-03-04T10:40:00.007-05:00

I love the vintage-y appeal of these adorable Pagoda pumps by Steve Madden ($79.99). Pair them with skinny jeans and a short swingy jacket, and I might just die. No promises, though.

Click here to buy 'em!

Suggestions:

3Q Trapeze Jacket from Forever 21 ($27.80)
Buy HERE

Sass & Bide "Worlds Apart" Skinny Jeans ($77)
Buy HERE
P.S. Why is the jeans mannequin shaped like an anorexic 12 year old? Yuck!

Coo-Coo Coupons of the day

2008-03-04T10:10:00.003-05:00

VICTORIA'S SECRET
Free Shipping on $100+ purchase
Coupon Code: SP89193
Exp: 03/05/2008

$15 Off $100 - $30 Off $150 - $75 Off $250
Coupon Code: VSSPRING
Exp: 03/10/2008

Free Pink dog with Pink products order
Coupon Code: PUPLUV
Exp: 03/10/2008

Cheap (but killer) Duds of the Day

2008-03-03T18:27:00.007-05:00

Lace Detail Ra-Ra Jersey Dress from ASOS.COM - $60.68
BUY HERE

There is something so cute, simple, and SPRING about it this dress. You can wear it to work with flats or dress it up with hot wedges for a night out. Not for the bloated though, it seems like it would show every single dimple and curve (even the unwanted ones). AKA IM NOT GETTING IT!

Fin.