From Designer Chic to Frugal Fashion

It happens when I’m searching for brilliant buys for my readers, that I stumble upon something that I like as well. (Okay, this happens all the time!) So as I was scanning Shopbop.com’s sale items, I found this Iisli dress.

The original cost? $338, which is completely out of my budget. However, it was on sale for $101.40! I thought, what a great bargain! I knew I had to have it.
When I find something that I love, something that I can’t resist–I envision it in my closet or better yet, I see myself walking the streets of New York City in it. For this dress I had the perfect fantasy: Relaxing at some upscale lounge sipping martinis.
It qualifies for four of the five categories of my self-created designer label buying guide. 1) I would wear it more than once, 2) it isn’t too trendy, 3) it would be a fashion staple for my personal style, and, 4) since I’m working more hours this summer, it is within my budget.
So why didn’t I buy it?

As a curvy girl, the straight style of the skirt would be unflattering to me. Although it was in my size, I couldn’t risk buying it. First of all, final sale items at Shop Bop are non-returnable. So if I got it and didn’t like it, I was out of $100.    Furthermore, I knew I could recreate this same dress for a lot less , and have money left over to splurge on my favorite thing–accessories.
I recreated this dress for $29.50!
I chose this cowl neck tank ($20) because of the similarities it has to the draping on top of the Iisle dress. Then I found a skirt that was similar, but had a little more leeway in the hip area than the Iisle dress did. This knit tulip skirt ($19.50) was perfect! The best thing about my recreation of the Iisle dress is that the top and skirt are separates, as opposed to being bound together as a dress. So, if I want to wear the top separately or the skirt separately, I have the option.
To accessorize this look, I shopped Forever 21 for great deals. I added a pair of zipper trim pumps ($28.80), a sweet pink clutch ($22.80), a jewel striped ring ($6.80), and faux pearl earrings ($2.80).

And now I’m ready to sip on martinis in an upscale lounge!

Trend Alert: Colorblocking & Where to Find It!

The Colorblock trend was seen all over the spring and fall 2009 runways, especially in the collections of Isaac Mizrahi and Michael Kors.

Though similar to the 80’s trend, the new colorblocking trend is a little more subdued and sophisticated, but it is still a fun trend. With everything from dresses to blouses to shoes to bags, you can find this trend almost everywhere.

The best thing about this trend: You can wear little to no accessories and still look fresh and stylish in a colorblock blouse or dress, while colorblock accessories can add flare when paired with a neutral ensemble.

Where to buy:
1. This one shoulder color block dress from Alloy ($36) is feminine and trendy. Pair it with simple black heels for a polished look.
2. For a more casual take on the colorblock, get this Colorblock tank from TopShop ($24). Pair it with jeans and wear it to a casual lunch date, or wear it over your swimsuit at the beach.
3. For an ultra chic take on the colorblock trend, check out this Bow-Accent Mini Dress ($20). It’s perfect for the office or an evening out.
5. Going on vacation? Pack your clothes in the WeSC colorblock Guido Bag ($52).
6. For a mod-influenced take on the colorblock trend this Forever 21 tunic ($22.80) makes a powerful statement.
7. These perfect pink and yellow pumps ($12.99) are perfect for the summer and add pizzazz to any outfit.
8. Great with skinny jeans, this silky yellow blouse ($27.60) is a brilliant buy and will also look great during the fall too.
9. I love these belted colorblock shoes ($29.99) from Charlotte Russe! With a 4 ½” heel, they are sexy and trendy.

The Boyfriend Jean

Ladies, finally we can enjoy the comfortable, relaxed fit of our boyfriends’ jeans! We’re used to jeans that hug and squeeze our butts and thighs, or jeans that we have to lay down on the bed to zip up (I can’t be the only one, right?).

     While I’m not completely disregarding the alternative of tight skinny jeans (which are cute too), I am more partial to the boyfriend jean as my favorite style of denim this season, and I’m crossing my fingers that they aren’t just a fad.

     The boyfriend jean is popping up everywhere and celebrities are supporting the trend, too. (Above, left to right, Charlize Theron, Eva Longoria, Jennifer Aniston, and Victoria Beckham all sporting the boyfriend jeans.) Instead of spending hundreds of dollars for your pair of boyfriend jeans, try these alternatives instead:

1. Clearance Special: Hurry to buy! For perfect distressed denim jeans at a low price, try Revolt Destroyed Boyfriend Jean $19.99.

2. This jean also coincides with the lightwash denim trend, and they look super cute when rolled up, American Eagle Favorite Boyfriend Jean $39.50.

3. Sale Alert: This traditional 5 pocket boyfriend jean comes with a removable braided belt, Wet Seal Rolled Boyfriend Jean $19.99. Also a fabulous find!

4. Sale Alert: I love this dark denim pair of boyfriend jeans with detailing on the back pockets, YMI Destructed Women’s Jeans, $29.97. (These are on my wishlist!)

     So what do you think, fab or a fad? Will you be buying a pair?

Big Buddha Bags

My new fashion obsession: Big Buddha Bags. The only problem: expensive. However, they are a good purchase and definitely worth the price. There is a range of styles to choose from, from classic to playful to ultra-trendy. Big Buddha has a bag that can match anyone’s personal style.  

     I bought my mom a Big Buddha bag for her birthday, and I’ve been jealous ever since. She isn’t one to rave about the latest styles or gab about what celebrities are wearing. But for her birthday, she wanted a nice new bag. So, I bought her the Tyler bag (featured above, bottom right) in tan, and she absolutely loves it. (Victoria Beckham has the Tyler bag in pink.)

     Featured above are four of my favorite Big Buddha bags from www.shopstyle.com. Beginning from the top left, there is the daring Gigi snakeskin hobo ($85), the chic mustard yellow Groupie Satchel ($88), a bold red Grace shoulder bag ($80), and the ever-classic Tyler Tote ($90).

     There are more Big Buddha bags out there, but these happen to be my personal favorites. Whatever your favorite is, I recommend that you treat yourself to one of these delicious bags this summer!

     What style will your favorite Big Buddha bag be?

Feathers for styleandsensibility.wordpress.com by valeriekw featuring Forever21 hats

The Feather Trend

Feathers have been featured on the runway since Autumn/Winter 2008/2009, but it finally seems as if the trend is gaining popularity.

     Sarah Jessica Parker has been spotted wearing feather accessories from headbands to purses. Kate Bosworth made fashion headlines when she wore the brown Burberry feather dress (featured above) at the Fashion Group International’s 25th Annual Night of Stars in October 2008.

   This trend can be considered costume-chic, and some of you may be scared to wear it. While a feather dress may be too much for you, try a simple feather accessory. Feather accessories can take an old ensemble of yours from plain to sassy in seconds. 

     I have two feather headbands that I wear frequently. My favorite of the two has become my signature accessory. They are perfect for a bad hair day, and I always get compliments when I wear them.

     Just make sure to stick to ostrich or peacock feather patterns. They compliment the bright spring/summer color palette, while being both sleek and trendy.

1. For a bold statement, try these peacock feather leggings (www.modcloth.com, $29.99). Pair them with a neutral dress to make them stand out.

2. Add a little flair to any outfit with this delicate feather necklace (www.unique-vintage.com, $15).

3. Having a bad hair day? Take your hair from bland to glam with this feather headband (www.girlprops.com, $8.99).

4. I love these avian inspired flats because they are more neutral and they can go with black and brown tones (www.modcloth.com, $27.99)

5. This bag from Isabella Fiore is my favorite among the items listed here. Though it is still in the $50 and under range, it is more expensive than most of the items I feature on this blog. However, it is a splurge you can borrow for a while (www.bagborrowsteal.com, $50/month, $17/week), and when the feather trend dies down, you can return it.

6. This woven straw hat is the perfect summer accessory that mixes both the comfort and ease of summer styles and added feather flair (www.forever21.com, $10.80).

Copy Cat-Olivia Palermo

It sounds cliche, but floral prints are popular for spring/summer this season, and celebrities from Olivia Palermo to Rihanna have been spotted wearing this trend.

     While floral prints are adorable and feminine, they tend to go in and out of style quickly. Typically, it’s not worth spending more than $100 on any item in floral print.

     I took this look from The City’s Olivia Palermo that is $1,250.98 and redesigned it for $115.83!

     Oliva Palermo is wearing a black Stoosh Halter vest (www.dillards.com, $34.99), Diane Von Furstenburg Mala Floral Blouse (www.net-a-porter.com, $225), Tom Ford Anouk sunglasses (Bloomingdale’s $330), Ralph Lauren Ball Stud Earrings (www.macys.com, $28), Alexander Wang’s black 80′s style running shorts (www.bluefly.com, $69), black patent leather flats (www.oldnavy.gap.com, $14.99), Fontanelli black handstitched leather satchel, (www.forzieri.com, $399), and Kendra Scott Jewelry Demetria Cuff (www.maxandchloe.com, $150). In total, her outfit costs $1,250.98!

     While Olivia has enough disposable income to spend a thousand dollars for an outfit, the rest of us don’t.

     However, you can get a similar look for only $115.83!

     What I love about Olivia’s Diane Von Furstenburg blouse was the comfortable look and feel. I found a blouse with a floral pattern and color palette similar at Forever 21 (www.forever21.com, $19.80).

     The vest that Olivia chose from Dillards is a smart buy, but I found one a little cheaper. For a different vest, try this black vest featured above (www.yesstyle.com, $20).

     Olivia’s Alexander Wang black shorts are a little more casual, but I like that they are not tight or clingy. For a dressier pair of black shorts, take a look at these cuffed black shorts from Charlotte Russe ($19.99).

     Her patent leather flats are also a sensible buy, but you can also try Forever 21′s Perez shine flats ($8.50).

     I love the black hobo bag (www.forever21.com, $22.80). It’s roomy and also conforms to the loose look and feel of the ensemble I recreated.

     To complete the look, I chose a Polished Press Metal gold cuff (www.forever21.com, $4.80), ivory pearl studs (www.funaccessories.com.au, $7.95), and these awesome Modern Marilyn Sunglasses (www.modcloth.com, $11.99).

Luggage Worth Buying by valeriekw featuring Diane von Furstenberg luggage

Luggage Worth Buying

Vacationing this summer? Luggage is a splurge worth considering. You need something that is durable because, let’s face it, the airport doesn’t take care of luggage.

Diane Von Furstenburg has the best luggage all around. I’ve been using her luggage for years. (I have a simple pink suitcase and carry on by DVF.) This luggage has lasted me from my move from Mississippi to California, and on my move back from California to Mississippi. I’ve carried it on numerous other vacations, like trips to , Flor., New Orleans, Louis., etc., and I plan on carrying it to Hawaii in three weeks.

The truth is: no matter how much my luggage has been thrown around, it has remained durable. Sure, I got a few scuff marks from the airport, but one trip to the dry cleaner’s and those stains were removed. The interior of my bag is in perfect condition, and the frame is still in good shape, too.

So if you’re planning on traveling this summer, or if you feel like you need new luggage, invest in Diane Von Furstenburg’s luggage. The best deal I found was this 2 piece DVF luggage set (www.luggage.com, $167.99).

Don’t forget the extras! If you wear glasses, a stylish investment may be Marimekko Kaarna’s stylish glasses case (www.finnstyle.com, $19). Everyone should travel in style with this ALFA zebra print makeup bag (www.tillys.com, $11.99).

The Monokini