Style Tabloid -- Exposing fashion. In a good way.

Christian Siriano for Payless (Spring 2011 Collection)

2010-09-13T15:53:00.000-07:00

Christian Siriano has finally debuted his Spring 2011 collection last week. The shoes were inspired by different international cities. The shoes his models were wearing might or might not be toned down for retail (which has happened before), but hopefully they won't be since his designs are so unique. Luckily though they will be selling for under $50 which is a steal.

Forever 21 + Brian Litchenberg

2010-07-23T18:57:00.000-07:00

Exciting news! Forever 21 will finally be doing a collaboration with a designer for a more affordable line. Brian Lichtenberg is a Los Angeles based fashion designer who happened to have designed Lady Gaga's caution tape outfit in her "Telephone" music video. Lichtenberg's line will be available August 13th at Forever 21. We are all definitely excited for this, especially since we're all big Forever 21 fans. It's about time they finally set this up!

4 Great Eyeliners at Different Prices

2010-04-29T14:36:00.000-07:00

We here, at Style Tabloid, love our eyeliners. If we had to choose one makeup product we couldn't live without with, eyeliner would win hands down. They can change your look instantly. I personally feel like eyeliner gives my eyes the definition it needs. While I do adore my mascara, bronzer, and other vast beauty products, eyeliner has got to be the one where I'm willing to spend the extra bucks to get a high quality item. You can trust me when I say I've tried almost every eyeliner brand under the sun. Nowadays I'm loyal to a select few because I've found they provide great color and don't smudge, a huge thing for me. Here are 4 eyeliners that are worth the money.

N.Y.C. Classic Brow and Liner Pencils

For a mere $0.99 this eyeliner is such a steal! You can also get the eyeliner duet which features two colors for $1.99. Both are so inexpensive you can buy a ton at once. Usually the higher priced something is, the better quality it is. But not with N.Y.C's eyeliners! They go on easily, don't smudge, and are super easy to sharpen. You can't ask for more.

L'Oreal Paris Le Kohl Eyeliner

L'Oreal beauty products are always a favorite, but their Le Kohl eyeliner is such a find for about $8.00. It goes on extremely smooth on the eyelid and barely smudges. Plus it comes off easily with soap and water.

Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner

This is the eyeliner I'm currently using, and I can't get enough! They sell for about $7.00 at most drugstores, and I never have to worry about it smudging. Another reason why I love it is that I don't have to sharpen it. Ever!

Make Up Forever Aqua Eyes Eyeliner

While a bit more on the expensive side, $17.00 at Sephora, it's so worth the price. It's a waterproof formula that doesn't budge even while exercising. It glides on easily without any pulling or tugging on the skin. And they come in every color under sun!

What are your favorite eyeliners? I'm always on the lookout for the "perfect" eyeliner, so share!

Zac Posen for Target (April 25)

2010-04-27T00:25:00.000-07:00

We all know how fast the line Cynthia Vincent did for Target ran out...make sure that doesn't happen with this collection! The Zac Posen for Target line came out April 25 and the collection is available both in stores and online. You can find the Zac Posen section on the Target website here.

My personal favorites are the Snap Tape Dress for $69.99, Two-Piece Ruffled Dress for $79.99, and the Floral Print Brocade Tie Dress for $74.99. Get them before the collection sells out!

April Showers Bring May Flowers

2010-04-26T01:29:00.000-07:00

Nothing is more appropriate than a flirty floral dress this season. They can be dressed up or down, and are perfect easy pieces to wear when the weather is nice. Even though big floral patterns are fun, smaller patterns feel more casual/easy/and has that I-just-threw-this-one-yet-look-chic vibe. A perfect outfit would be one of these floral pieces with some brown wedges and a fedora. So comfortable and simple! The four we picked are some of our favorite (inexpensive) floral dresses.

1. Floral Bustier Dress, $19.80
2. Pins & Needles Puff Sleeve Chiffon Dress, $68.00
3. Ruffled Sweetheart Neckline Dress, $59.50
4. Spring Floral Ruffle Tunic, $19.80

MyTights.Com

2010-04-19T14:19:00.000-07:00

We are still in that weird transition period where the weather is bouncing between chilly and warm. I’m jealous of those of you who are already taking out your summer dresses from your closet. The weather here still calls for light layers, and tights are perfect day or night. During the day a colorful, fun pair is perfect with shorts or under a dress. For night a plain black pair is always classic, though right now patterned and lace tights are very “in”.

A website called MyTights.com has an amazing selection of tights. Their products have appeared in a variety of magazines, including Marie Claire and Vogue. The founder of MyTights.com, Laura, started the site out of an actual dislike of buying tights. Through the creation of MyTights.com she now has access to high quality tights without having to step inside a store. This of course means the same thing for you!

The site itself is very easy to navigate, and my first stop, of course, was “fashion hosiery”. There is literally every type of design imaginable; from Christmas-theme tights to preppy-argyle tights. My personal favorites are the lace tights that come so many different designs it’s hard not to find something you like! Don’t worry. The site also provides many selections of classic hosiery including opaque, sheer, wool, and thick tights. On top of their intensive tights collection, they also offer a variety of socks. And no, they are not your typical socks. MyTights.com stocks trendy over the knee socks in different patterns and colors, along with pretty, lace ankle socks and much, much more. They even stock shapewear! And on top of having an amazing selection of tights, socks, and more, the prices are in everybody’s range. What more could you ask for?

Aldo Spring/Summer 2010 Collection

2010-03-09T22:29:00.000-08:00

Aldo's Spring/Summer 2010 collection is out, with beautiful Jessica Stam featured in their ad campaign. The collection is filled with everything from pretty flats to essential, everyday pumps. My personal favorites are the nude pumps that go with everything and the updated, tribal gladiator sandals for warmer weather. Check out the "New Arrivals" section at Aldo Shoes for the full collection!

1. Ledwig, $50.00
Detailed flats in a punchy color are comfortable and perfect for spring. Pair them with a neutral outfit for a pop of color, or be a little bold and wear them with another contrasting color.

2. Lincks, $45.00
Tribal prints and designs have been seen on the runway everywhere. Pay tribute to this trend by sporting it on the ever popular gladiator sandal.

3. Jelen, $90.00
Strappy heels are still in, but make this trend fresh by going with this multi-colored one!

4. Withey, $80.00
A nude pump in a classic shape will never go out of style. Plus it will go with everything in your wardrobe.

5. Gettel, $100.00
If you're like me and have a terrible time walking heels, you'll be glad to know wedges are becoming more and more popular. Rock a super high heel easily in this pair!

6. Gutenson, $100.00
Like I said, straps, straps and more straps! Make it more interesting by getting it in this usually over-looked neutral shade.

Elvi Plus Size Clothing

2010-01-31T14:23:00.000-08:00

It is always tough finding trendy, pretty plus-size clothing. So it is hard not to share when you stumble upon a plus-size fashion retailer that stocks amazing clothes. Elvi has pretty cardigans in bright colors, embroided party tops, and much more, including jewelry. Luckily they ship outside of the UK so ordering online is simple and easy. Their website is also pain free to navigate. Elvi organizes their clothing by garments and you can also browse by outfits. The “shop by outfit” option allows you to view the clothing by occasion. And this is all set up by Elvi’s designers. From looking through their best sellers you are provided with options including a buttery leather jacket, an amazing winter coat, and the perfect little black dress. Elvi also has the perfect basics that every girl needs in her closet. The well-fitting tank tops and t-shirts come in a variety of bright colors, which are not overly expensive. But besides the basics, Elvi also stocks dresses and tops with gorgeous patterns. This shows that anyone can wear patterns and prints, not just stick thin girls. My personal favorite pieces are the Paprika Long Cardigan, the Stretch Crepe Trouser, and the Cowl Neck Jumper. Elvi has plus size fashion for sizes 16 and up so make sure to check them out!

Golden Globes 2010

2010-01-19T10:41:00.000-08:00

Who watched the Golden Globes? I'm sure many of you tuned in to watch the red carpet fashion! I have picked a few of my personal favorites, though there were many dresses that I liked. I'm glad that even though the weather wasn't perfect the stars still came out wearing beautiful dresses.

Kristen Bell and Vanessa Hudgens both decided to pull of short dresses. And both of them pulled it off amazingly well. (Though Vanessa was there for the after-party). Kristen wore a Jasmine di Milo dress while Vanessa wore Alberta Ferretti.

Christina Aguilera looked stunning in a Versace gown with Nina Ricci and Webster jewels, and a Judith Leiber clutch. Diane Kruger went with a bright Christian Lacroix gown, Raven Kauffman Couture clutch, and Chanel jewels.

Olivia Wilde wore a sparkly Gucci gown with Jimmy Choo heels, Tiffany & Co. jewels, and a Judith Leiber clutch. Sandra Bullock pulled off a purple Bottega Venetta gown with Casadei pumps.

Zoe Saldana looked amazing in a Louis Vuitton dress, Brian Atwood pumps, and a Ferragamo clutch. Jennifer Garner wore a form-fitting Atelier Versace gown with Casadei pumps, Bulgari jewels and a Judith Leiber clutch.

Glee star Lea Michele wore a black Oscar de la Renta gown with Cloubs heels, Chopard jewels, and a Fendi clutch.

Holidays

2009-12-25T14:21:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone! We'll be back in January with a vamped up site. See you guys in 2010!

Have You Heard? Molly Brown Jewelry

2009-12-17T21:57:00.000-08:00

Jewelry designer Molly Brown has a collection of jewelry specifically targeted to girls. And they are made with high quality gemstones, precious metals, and pearls. Definitely not the usual plastic jewelry that are targeted to the younger audience. The jewelry is even packaged beautifully, which in itself is a reason to buy from the brand.

Although Molly Brown is "designer girls jewelry", don't fret, I found many pieces that I liked from browsing through the website. The necklaces with colorful jellybeans and charms with bright fairies were appealing. A useful item on the website is the "Gift Guides" which include everything from birthdays, to tomboys, to new bridesmaids. For example, for girls christening gifts, there are pieces such as conservative pearl necklaces, fairy bracelets, and of course, cross necklaces. Some different collections that are also featured are, Alphabet collection from which you can make necklaces out of alphabet charms. My personal favorite is the Princess collection, which was designed to "encapsulate everyone's three favourite fairy tale princesses -- Cinderella, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty." I am especially fond of the Snow White Necklace, which features a pretty sterling silver snowflake with a 18kt gold heart in the center. And of course, there's even a Christmas section filled with other delightful options.

Looking For Contributers

2009-11-30T18:15:00.000-08:00

Style Tabloid is currently looking for contributers. We blog about everything related to fashion and beauty, so if you are interested in becoming part of the team send us an e-mail at styletabloid@gmail.com.

Astley Clarke for Best Luxury Brand Online

2009-11-19T20:37:00.000-08:00

Like my previous post, this one also features on more splurge-worthy jewelry. Astley Clarke is a British luxury brand that centers around beautiful jewelry. Even from looking on the site for no more than ten seconds I was already enamored with many of the pieces. Astley Clarke has long-term investment, fine jewelry created by over 40 of the world’s leading designers. While their pieces are eye-catching, you won’t be finding any cheap costume jewelry on this site. They use only the most exquisite gemstones and precious metals. What’s also great is that they have a speedy delivery service, even if you are outside of the UK! Their jewelry is organized into three categories: contemporary jewelry, designer jewelry, and fine jewelry. Astley Clarke’s contemporary jewelry section is filled with stunning pieces that are stylish and trendy, yet still made beautifully. The designer jewelry section has pieces from designers from all over the world. And finally the fine jewelry section has the most luxurious pieces. All in all every single piece of jewelry on Astley Clarke.com are worthy of drooling over.

So it’s no wonder that Astley Clarke.com won the Walpole award for “Best Luxury Brand Online”. The Walpole awards took place on November 16, 2009 in London, which honors brands that have excelled in seven different categories including luxury, design, online, international, overseas and emerging talent. This year the awards were judged by Nathalie Massenet of Net-a-Porter, Brent Hoberman of MyDeco.com, Guy Salter of Walpole, Erik Wachtmeister of A Small World, Martin Bartle of 270 Degrees and Peter Fitzgerald of Google. Definitely a worthy panel of judges that all decided Astley Clarke.com fit the “Best Luxury Brand Online” category best, even with other admirable contestants like Mulberry and Louis Vuitton in the running.

Astley Clarke.com recently re-launched their website to better fit their company’s mission which is “to make Fine Designer Jewellery a more creative and imaginative category for a new generation of luxury consumer.” From looking through their jewellery pieces it’s not hard to see why they are worthy of recognition.

Fine Jewelry Splurge

2009-11-17T19:04:00.000-08:00

While we're all for fashion jewelry, especially with this sort of economy, jewelry can also be one of those items that you splurge on and keep with you forever. Personally I only have one or two pieces that are like this, but it was well worth the investment. My favorite is a simple, gold necklace with a small, dangling charm. It’s perfect for when I need an understated piece of jewelry to go with my outfit.

If you are like me and tend to stick to more cheap, fashion jewelry because it has more fun, unique pieces, it can be a little harder to find a piece you would like to splurge on. But not to worry, it just takes some more time to find stores like these. One fine jewelry store site I came across is Compton & Woodhouse. They do feature many classic jewelry pieces (ie: studs, charm bracelets, etc) but they also carry a very good selection of pieces that jump out. Their fine jewellery section has a lot of options to browse through. The prices are also pretty reasonable. There are not any pieces I looked at where I literally gasped just from the price (which happens quite often these days, trust me). The prices are shown in euros, but there is a currency conveter on every page for easiness. If you are looking for pretty, long-lasting items of jewelry for a good price, definitely check out Compton & Woodhouse.

I spent a good amount of time looking through the site since there are so many options! Plus, everything kept grabbing my eye. But here are a few of my favorite jewelry pieces. (Prices are approximates).

Celtic Love Diamond Bracelet, $200

A perfect everyday gold bracelet, yet the intricate design keeps it from looking just like any other bracelet.

Protective Garnet Earrings, $177
Scarlett Fire Earrings, $162

While I usually wouldn't give a second glance to these stones, the gold lining embracing them just made them extra special. And the perfect girly earrings, the Scarlett Fire earrings are a great pop of color.

Rose Cameo Ring, $340
Shiva Necklace, $126

Vintage looking rings have been all the rage recently, but unlike the others, this piece is sure to last you a lifetime. And while the Shiva necklace isn't a typical jewelry item you'd see in most fine jewelry stores, it's definitely something you won't see on anyone else.

6 Fab Finds from Forever 21

2009-11-16T15:15:00.000-08:00

No one can ignore that our economy is still down and many of us are still faced with empty wallets. Yet we don't want to give up shopping! This has inspired a new post idea we will be doing once or twice a month. We will be bringing you fabulous new arrivals at your favorite budget friendly stores! And of course we had to start off with the trendy, inexpensive store renowned for this: Forever 21.

1) Hello Kitty Jewel Bow Tee, $15.80
A girly graphic tee, perfect for layering under a tough, leather jacket.

2) Fur Collar Coat, $42.80
Look totally glam in a double breasted coat in a bright color with a faux fur collar.

3) Rhinestone Studded Clutch, $9.80
A faux leather clutch that's perfect for a night out.

4) Antique Chains Bracelet, $4.80
Be unique and mix two metals in this chunky chain bracelet.

5) Belted Sweater Top, $11.50
A simple, but flattering top that looks great on everyone and comes in a variety of fun colors.

6) Sequin Knit Mini, $22.80
Be sparkly and comfy in this trendy, body conscious skirt.

Have You Heard?: Fashion Confidential

2009-11-03T22:40:00.000-08:00

If you’re unfamiliar with Fashion Confidential, you are missing out! They are a website dedicated to bringing fashionistas like you amazing designer finds. Yet unlike typical sites, they don’t actually sell the items themselves. Instead, they do all the work for you and bring you the best designer finds from all over the web to one place for easy shopping. Fashion Confidential makes it painless to browse for designer clothing, bags, shoes, and accessories. But don’t worry recessionistas, there is also a Bargain Hunter section on the website for discounts on designer goodies.

Oh wait, there’s more! Fashion Confidential recently launched their own online magazine that is a “must-check-out”. If you are interested in anything designer fashion, then you’ll be sure to be interested in their online magazine which can be viewed directly from their website. The Fashion Confidential magazine includes information about the newest trends, the latest collections from the designers, how to create trendy looks, and lots more.

The Fashion Confidential magazine is set up to look like a real print magazine, with a clean, crisp layout and seamless organization, but with a lot more convenience. Their November 2009 issue is currently available for viewing online. (Check it out here!) The first page shows a neat table of contents with the second page diving directly into designer fashion content. (With the easiness of being able to click links featured on any of the pages). Unlike some other online magazines, Fashion Confidential magazine makes all 40 something pages a breeze to read on the computer. It also helps that if some delightful piece happens to catch your eye, you have the option of ordering it right then and there from their website. So even if I am not shopping for anything, I will definitely be checking out Fashion Confidential every month for their online fashion magazine.

Fall List: Bright Scarves

2009-10-18T22:27:00.000-07:00

Scarves are what I like to call the perfect cold weather accessory. (If you've been following this blog from the beginning, then you know that we are scarf whores). This season, instead of opting for classic colors, why not put on an eye-catching, bright scarf around your neck instead? They're perfect for a little mood-lifting and for a pop of color in your outfit.

1) Marley Scarf, $16.90
2) Solden Scarf, $38.00
3) Pond Lily Scarf, $68.00
4) Missoni Zigzag Scarf, $172.00

Fall List: Mad for Plaid

2009-10-06T06:48:00.000-07:00

Plaid has been so huge lately, and you're definitely going to continue to see it. A classic way to incorporate plaid into your wardrobe is with a button-down shirt in a simple color combination (ie: black and white). But it is always fun to try this fall trend in unexpected and different ways, such as on a bralet or skirt.

1) Check Strapless Bralet, $40.00
2) Juicy Couture Plaid Scarf w/Knotted Tassels, $78.00
3) Checkmate Tunic, $39.95
4) Plaid Pocket Front Skirt, $16.90
5) Silence & Noise Plaid Wool Moto Jacket, $88.00

LC Lauren Conrad Line

2009-09-16T11:51:00.000-07:00

Lauren Conrad's line for Kohl's is set to launch in October, but her collection, LC Lauren Conrad, is available online at Kohls.com. The pieces include some floaty, "Californian" tops, printed dresses, and jeans. While I wasn't expecting much from her line, I admit I do like the asymmetrical striped shirt and the blazer. What are your thoughts? (Also check out Lauren's fall style tips).

Photos courtesy of Nitrolicious.

Fall List: Tough Ankle Boots

2009-09-02T17:19:00.000-07:00

Ankle boots are definitely here to stay so don't feel bad about adding a pair to your boot collection. For this new season look for details that toughen up this popular footwear. They're perfect with tights (of any color). Wear them with some dark jeans or with a flowly, girly dress for some contradiction.

1) Abaete Antoine Booties, $49.99
The cuffed top of these booties are the perfect compliment to the draped chains.

2) Hurtgen Booties, $130.00
Go for a pair with unexpected cut-outs that are extra tall.

3) Christian Louboutin Charme 100 Ankle Boots, $975.00
Red soles with a peeking out leopard print is plain hot.

4) Steve Madden Wrapp Booties, $159.95
Open-toed booties are super trendy, and mismatching studs make these a total buy.

5) Buckled Zipper Booties, $39.99
Booties with three buckles are cool and totally wearable.

Fall List: Comfy and Stylish Sweaters

2009-08-31T01:49:00.000-07:00

The first thing on ST's must-haves-for-fall are sweaters. They're easy, comfortable and perfect for layering. We've got six of our picks in a variety of styles and price ranges.

1) Merino Argyle Sweater, $295.00
You can't go wrong with a classic argyle sweater. Get one in a feminine color to dress it preppy or funky.

2) Long Cardigan wiht Sequins, $348.00
A fresh take on the boyfriend cardigan. This one is a great way to try out sequins for day.

3) Zipped Hood Cardigan, $118.00
Looks like a put-together coat yet is way more comfortable since it's actually a sweater. It's unique buttons and cinched in waist make it a must-have.

4) Sprayed Floral Sweatshirt, $17.80
A different take on florals for fall! A graphic floral sweatshirt is as comfy as it is chic.

5) Cable Pullover Sweater, $108.00
This cable sweater is definitely not boring. It's bubble sleeves exude a more girly sexy side.

6) BDG Striped Pull Over Sweater, $58.00
Slouchy pullovers are perfect paired with skinnies and they're super comfortable. Go for one with stripes in funky color combinations.

Outfits

While the an argyle sweater can be dressed up the classical way with some jeans and a jacket, why not try something unexpected? A preppy sweater paired with a patterned summer skirt is a fresh take on this timeless piece. Slip on a pair of nude sandals and minimal jewelry to keep the focus on the clothes.

(Forever 21 Skirt, Urban Outfitters Sandals, and Charlotte Russe Ring).

While this sweater's graphic is sweet, make it more edgy by pairing it with distressed shorts on top of black tights, dark hued suede booties, and tough jewelry. With a black and white canvas go for a colorful shoe that will pop out against your outfit. A special talon ring and a stack of studded ones will instantly change the vibe of your floral sweater.

(American Eagle Shorts, Charlotte Russe Tights, Payless Booties, Made Her Think Ring, and Urban Outfitters Rings).

ST's "September Issue" Fall List

2009-08-24T16:17:00.000-07:00

Summer is gone and fall is here, meaning the start of school and a new season of fashion. As many of you know, The September Issue is coming out on August 28th (four days to the delight of all you fashionistas I'm sure!). My favorite quote out of the movie is, "September is the Janurary in fashion." So along with the inspiration of the movie coming out and everyone trying to find the cutest outfits for the new school year, Style Tabloid will have one of its first (and hopefully best) multi-post fall trend post! Of course there are so many trends out there and everyone has different items on their "must-have-for-fall" list, but here are our top 5!

Comfy and stylish sweaters
Tough ankle boots
Plaid plaid and more plaid
Bright scarves
Versatile dresses and skirts

We'll have five separate posts going into more detail on each of our five picks so make sure to watch out for that! And don't forget to tell use what your top five fall must-have's are for this season.

Steal vs Splurge: Studded Booties

2009-08-17T21:34:00.000-07:00

Booties are practically a wardrobe stable now. They're great for a night out, and can easily be transitioned into fall by pairing with tights. If you caught our last post, you saw that we talked about how studs were still going strong. So how perfect was it that these Steve Madden Marrvel Booties caught my eye? Open-toed and in classic black, it was hard to resist. It was even harder once I noticed the studded back and heel. Of course the price tag definitely put it on my splurge list. But luckily, while browsing online, I found these Charlotte Russe Studded Booties for much much cheaper. Now I can get my hot shoes without breaking the bank.

PS, remember to follow us on Blog Lovin'!!

Studded

2009-08-13T13:44:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but I was definitely pleased when I heard that studs were still in. Especially since I've rarely had time to stack up on many studded goodies. Even though my style is more girly girl, studs are such a great way to add that tough factor without looking like you're trying too hard. Go for just a touch on a ring or bangle. More adventurous? Try a hot studded vest or jacket. I'm currently on the looked out for the perfect studded boots.

1) Yumas Black Suede Boot, $150.00
2) Stud Leather Jacket, $290.00
3) Black and 18ct Gold Plated One Stud, $266.66
4) Studded Satchel, $595.00
5) Studded Vest, $24.50
6) Stud Strap High Heel Suede Booties, $587.50

PS! Follow us on Bloglovin'!!

Gilt Fuse Tomorrow

2009-08-11T23:20:00.000-07:00

Gilt Fuse officially launches tomorrow! (Or in about an hour here, though sales don't start till 9am). If you're already a member of Gilt Groupe, then you will automatically be able to access Gilt Fuse. It will feature designer items for even more reduced prices than its sister site. The prices will be around $75 to $100.

If you are not already signed up, click here to get started!

Rips, zips, and bleach

2009-08-09T22:15:00.000-07:00

I feel like there are so many new trends popping up, it's almost hard to keep up! Out of the many, I've picked three that I'm fond of: jeans with subtle to extreme rips, zippers in unexpected places, and purposefully bleached clothing. Pick one, or all, of these trends to try. Though their staying power might not be strong, it's definitely a fun way to spice up an outfit.

1) Silence & Noise Ripped Twig Jean, $68.00
2) Vintage Destroyed Wash, $44.95
3) No longer available online, sorry!

1) Zip Front Halter Party Dress, $22.80
2) LNA High Shine Zipper Legging, $125.05
3) Dark Harts Hooded Moto Dress, $58.00

1) Urban Renewal Bleached Chambray Boyfriend Shirt, $48.00
2) Skinny Denim Joplin Tie Dye, $17.48
3) Urban Renewal Bleached Flannel Shirt, $48.00

My Top 5 Fashion Blogs

2009-08-03T23:21:00.000-07:00

While this might not exactly be a "fashion" post, it definitely has to do with fashionable people so I thought it was appropriate. Although I've really only been reading fashion blogs for about a year and a half, I've looked through many but only have about five that I am seriously devoted to. (Enough to sit there for twenty minutes looking back through previous posts). And lucky for me all of these bloggers happen to post very frequently, which is always A+ in my book.

1) Cupcakes and Cashmere.
Right from the name I had a feeling I would love this blog. Emily posts everyday (not including weekends) with a short, but (very) sweet post. She always includes the best pictures, not even including her amazing outfits. Her "what I wore" posts never fail to inspire.

2) Fashion Toast.
Though I had heard the hype for a while, I haven't started reading Rumi's blog till recently. And I'm disappointed I got into it so late! Her outfit posts are definitely the highlight of her blog. Her style is unique and funky and her photos themselves are always artistically taken.

3) Nitrolicious.
My favorite blog to go to for fashion news I know I'll be interested in. Her shoe collection is to die for, but I'm always excited when she does "H&M Luv" posts which features her favorite pieces from the store.

4) College Fashion.
Even if you're not in college, this blog is entertaining to read. From the "Would you wear..." to current trend posts, everything is wonderfully written. I adore the posts such as, "5 Style Mistakes Every Girl Makes" and "How to Manage Your Wardrobe". I always end up finding the best tips on this blog.

5) Tulle Tarte.
Although it's a new finding, I like this blog for it's wider range of subjects. It is mainly fixed on fashion, including outfit posts which I'm a sucker for, but also focuses on design and yummy food.

Now I'm curious to know what everyone else's 5 favorite fashion blogs are!

Cirque 21 line by Forever 21

2009-07-22T11:01:00.000-07:00

Apparently Forever 21 is coming out with another line called, "Cirque 21" and as cute as the clothes look...it doesn't really look anything different from what I would find at any regular Forever 21 store. But hey, I guess I can't really complain since I shop there all the time. What are your thoughts?

Perfect Summer Dresses

2009-07-21T15:43:00.000-07:00

Long time no update, I know. I thought I would have more time to update once it became summer, but alas I'm taking summer classes which sort of defeats the whole point. Anyways, it's great weather here this week, meaning I've been wanting to bust out some dresses. They're so easy to slip on, comfy, and best of all keeps you cool. Even though floral is very popular at the moment, if you're not into that there's a ton of other designs to go for. Everything from tie-dye, stripes, and paisley.

1) Tie-dye Jersey Vest Dress, $37.62
2) Paisley Tunic Dress, $40.50
3) Blue Babydoll Chiffon Dress, 58.00
4) Stripe Shoulder Pad Dress, $42.75
5) Brush Stroke Print Dress, $22.80
6) Floral Scallop Hem Dress, $26.90

Pretty Patterned Skirts

2009-06-02T13:15:00.000-07:00

I have been obsessing over skirts these past few days. And what's even better is that now it's hard to find one I don't like. From abstract prints to floral to tie-dye, there's so many to choose from. Right now I'm eyeing some cute floral prints since they are perfect for summer. And although I was never a big fan of tie-dye, American Eagle's pleated summer skirt is just too cute to resist. I can already imagine all six of these designs in my closet....

1) Silence & Noise Exploded Floral Tulip Skirt, $58.00
2) Boho Floral A-line Mini Skirt, $9.99
3) Vivianna Skirt, $39.50
4) Pleated Summer Skirt, $29.95
5) Shawna Cotton Skirt, $12.80
6) Kimchi Blue Lady Bug Skirt, $58.00

Summer sandal picks

2009-05-27T14:39:00.000-07:00

I feel like I have way too many shoe/sandal posts, but I obviously have a problem. But I'm sure many of you are looking for some new shoes for the summer. I know I'm still on the look-out for a great pair. There are so many amazing sandals out there in a variety of price ranges, that it's hard not to find one you like. This summer you can't go wrong with a classic gladiator style. And the colors are endless. White is always chic, especially with little details such as gold studs. Or grab a pair in an attention grabbing shade, such as bright blue or purple. Whatever your style, there's definitely a perfect pair out there which you can wear all summer long. (Or if you're like me, way more than just one pair).

1) Lizard Print Sandals, $39.00
2) Fringe Sandal, $29.50
3) Rampage Lila Sandals, $49.00
4) Sam Edelman Gigi, $71.00
5) Steve Madden Siri, $48.00
6) Deena & Ozzy T-strap Sandal, $38.00

Birds of a feather

2009-05-26T23:32:00.000-07:00

Unless you haven't gone shopping (even online) for the past year, you cannot have missed the boom of bird-inspired fashion. Little bird figurines are used in jewelry, bird feathers the inspiration for graphic tees and vintage earrings, and so forth. A figure of a bird can be made to look feminine, punky, or bohemian. I have to admit I've already got two bird inspired tops in my closet. What about you?

1) Irregular Choice Parrot Ankle Boot, $139.11
2) Layered Bird Necklace, $5.99
3) Deep Navy Feather Headband, $28.00
4) Brown & Gold Tone Linear Hoop Earrings, $25.00
5) Duet Bird Tank, $24.00 (as seen on Selena Gomez)
6) One Shoulder Parrot Tee, $44.00

Monokini Swimwear

2009-05-25T21:39:00.000-07:00

It isn't exactly swimsuit weather where I am right now, but I know the sudden summer weather change will hit me faster than I can comprehend. So to prepare I've been on the search for some cute monokinis to wear on the beach during the day, and in the jacuzzi at night.

This will actually be my first purchase of a one-piece suit since I was 10, but because I haven't been keeping up with my exercise regime this quarter I thought certain parts should be hidden till then. My biggest conflict is whether I should go for a crazy print all over, classic solids, or more demure prints. Oh, the dilemma....

1) Under the Sea Bandeau Monokini, $195.00
2) Tropical Leaf Monokini, $22.80
3) Striped Bandeau Monokini, $26.99
4) AE Retro Halter One-piece, $19.50
5) Princesse Tam Tam's Bliss Swimsuit, $126.60
6) Marc by Marc Jacobs Kissing Fish One-shoulder Maillot, $142.00

Katie Costello

2009-05-24T01:53:00.000-07:00

I have just recently found out about Katie Costello Jewelry and I think I am in love. I spotted a celebrity wearing one of her necklaces, and I couldn't keep my eyes off of it! I have been searching high and low for the perfect everyday necklace and she makes a ton of them. Not only that, but she creates the most breathtaking earrings, bracelets, and rings. And it just so happens to seem that every piece is perfectly tailored to me. There is not one thing on her site that I would not wear. My favorite piece is #5.

1) 3 Charm Necklace, $150.00
2) Peace Leather Bracelet, $81.00
3) Square & Peace Earrings, $46.00
4) Turquoise Drop Earrings, $58.00
5) Triangle Knot Necklace, $173 ($132 on Katie Costello's website)

Stacked

2009-05-13T02:16:00.000-07:00

I have to admit I wasn't a huge fan of the Jessica Simpson footwear collection when it first came out. We'll pass on the why, but recently I've seen many people wearing the collection, and I'm quite impressed. Of course I decided to check for myself (even though I have an exam in six hours). Although it consists of mainly heels, there are a few pretty sandals and flats in the mix. But the heels are definitely the shoes that shine. Here are my four favorites.

1) Celine Heels, $89.00
2) Hello Heels, $89.00
3) Delanco Heels, $89.00
4) Karson Heels, $79.00

Summer junk

2009-05-09T13:19:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the lack of updates here. I've been lacking inspiration in everything the past couple of days. I'll try to post more frequently! Anyways, I don't know if you guys remember my obsession with the JJ Winters grey fringe bag that I posted about a few weeks ago. I finally found a close look-alike, though I don't know yet if I want to order it. It's definitely cheaper than $400 (it's $58). I found it at a site called, Fashion Junkee. If you haven't heard about it, it's been featured in many fashion magazines. They offer many designer inspired clothing, accessories, and jewelry for an affordable price. I, obviously, scoured through their handbag selection and found so many expensive looking items that's perfect to use as your new summer handbag.

Nude handbags are a great alternative to your original black handbag. It's less harsh, but it still matches with everything. It's all about details when you're carrying a neutral bag. The braided straps on the Kooba inspired bag is just the kind of detail you should look for when choosing a unique design. And white handbags are classic for summer. It's refreshing and the gold and black detailing in this flapover purse is so simple, but pretty.

Oversized Fauxe Leather Braided Handbag, $63.00

Large Oversized Flapover Tassle Purse, $52.00

If you already have a neutral bag, or you just want to try something new, bright colors are a huge trend for warmer seasons. What's more perfect than a pop of yellow or purple when you're out walking in a white tee and jeans? Patent works great for bright colors by making the color even more noticeable. If you're not a big fan of patent, a woven/mesh material is another great option.

Oversized Large Patent Double Handle Tote, $44.00

Oversized Large Wide Woven Handbag Tote, $50.00

Oh yes, how could I end this post without showing you the look-alike bag I found. Yes it's definitely a close match to the one I was lusting after, though it's very different at the same time. We'll see if it gets ordered or not.

Boho Fringe Faux Leather Messenger Bag, $58.00

Cheap jewelry

2009-04-18T22:26:00.000-07:00

Vintage Earrings for $3.50

Real Gold Doggie Earrings for $10.00

Just a little announcement for those who might be interested, Eiboutique is selling jewelry (mainly earrings) for very cheap. The collection is huge, so check it out! (Though only Paypal is accepted unfortunately).

Je t'aime

2009-04-14T14:30:00.000-07:00

It's really windy today where I'm at, but overall such nice weather. It's warm, sunny, and it's the kind of weather that makes you want to run to the beach without thinking about those midterms that you have next week. I'm hoping the weather will continue to be nice since I've been itching to pull out this cute dress that I bought over spring break.

That's when I actually realized that I really don't have that many dresses! They're so easy to slip on, and perfect for spring/summer weather. But I'm really picky about dresses, which could be another factor on why I don't have a closet full of them. Fortunately, French Connection has an amazing variety of bold, detailed dresses that are so me.

1) Folkland Dress, $128.00
2) Wood Garden Dress, $248.00
3) Glass House Dress, $178.00
4) Java Gipsey Dress, $138.00

C for Coach

2009-04-10T13:09:00.000-07:00

Yes, this is another sandals post. (And for anyone who cares, I still haven't picked a pair of nude sandals to order!). Usually I'm not a big fan of Coach; their bags, wallets, shoes, etc just are not my style. But a pair of their new sandals caught my eye, and I have to admit I like them quite a lot! Yes, the sandals do have the Coach logo on them, but it's so subtle most people probably wouldn't be able to tell. They come in three different colors: white, silver, and black. I personally prefer the silver one.

Silver, $188.00

White, $188.00

Black, $188.00

These sandals are available at Macys.

Satya Bracelets

2009-04-07T22:25:00.000-07:00

I haven't indulged in my bracelet infatuation for quite some time, so I thought I'd release it on ST again. As usual, I'm attracted to non-flashy, earthy jewelery. So it was like finding a gold mine when I stumbled upon Staya Jewelry from flipping through a fashion magazine. Her prices are fairly more reasonable than other brand name jewelry I've found, which is definitely a plus in my book. Here are some of my favorite pieces.

$48

$38

$58

$38

$48

All of these bracelets can be found here.

Nude Sandals for Spring

2009-04-02T10:33:00.000-07:00

Since the weather has been warming up, I've been on the look out for a new pair of sandals. Last year I bought these perfect black sandals from Urban Outfitters. They were strappy but not exactly "gladiator" which I loved since they were simple, but more updated than flip flops. And last weekend I saw some black gladiators for only $10! I wasn't planning on spending any money on black sandals seeing that I already spent quite a bit on my UO pair, but I couldn't pass it up for $10. But I still haven't bought the sandals I've been meaning to get...which are a great pair of nude/neutral ones! I'm a big sandal addict, so I've been looking through some websites searching for my perfect pair of nude ones. Here's a couple I'm deciding between.

1) Carmela Faux Leather Sandals, $7.50
2) Citrone Flat Sandals, $40.00
3) Twist Filigree Gladiator, $29.99 (was $38.00)
4) XOXO Chained Sandal, $44.95
5) Stanaway Flat Sandals, $40.00
6) Multi-colored Gladiators, $39.50

I'm actually leaning towards #6 (the Gap ones). Opinions?

Boho chic on the cheap

2009-03-31T16:29:00.000-07:00

Hello ST readers! I'm so sorry about being MIA for the longest time. It's been a pretty busy two weeks, which is why I haven't had time to be online much at all. I hope everyone had a great Spring break, or for those who haven't had theirs yet, I hope you will have a fun, relaxing break. I definitely needed it to rejuvenate myself after a stressful week of finals. But now that a new quarter has started, I'll hopefully have more time to update.

Now onto the fashion! I've recently been gravitating toward more vintage-y, boho pieces when shopping. I don't know if it's just my personal taste or the sunnier weather. Either way, I love finding unique, no-fuss items that make an outfit look so effortless. I do hate it though when I run into a shirt or skirt I fall in love with, but then look at the price tag and I'm forced to sullenly put it back on the rack (ie: I found the cutest skirt last weekend, but didn't want to pay $60 for it). But lucky for me, Forever 21 has been stocked full of boho chic pieces that are way more affordable.

1) Tribal Mini Skirt, $15.80
2) Drew Platform Pumps, $22.80
3) Fringe Shoulder Bag, $24.80
4) Faceted Flower Ring, $5.80
5) Printed Banded Knit Top, $16.90
6) Painted Reptile Bracelet, $3.80

Lorena Sarbu Luxury Boutique

2009-02-27T11:00:00.000-08:00

New boutique openings are always fabulous news. It's just another place to find special pieces made with high quality fabrics and materials. Lorena Sarbu has recently opened a new store in Beverely Hills, California which is filled with unique clothing and accessories from European designers. Although I haven't been to see the boutique myself (I am about three hours away from it), I heard it is filled with everything from "sexy swimwear to cocktail dresses, fur vests to chiffon blouses". Need I really say more? Here are a few exclusive pictures of the boutique (decorated in Lorena Sarbu's signature colors of red, black and gold) and merchandise.

If you do happen to be near this boutique, and are able to check it out, please let me know what you thought!

Easy DIY project

2009-02-26T20:05:00.000-08:00

It's always a downer when you are in a desperate need for a little shopping therapy but you don't have the extra cash to splurge. One of the best (and cheap) ways to re-invent your wardrobe and make your clothes seem new are to do DIY mini projects on them. I personally wouldn't try to put any embellishments on shirts or sweaters for fear of ruining them instead, but ripping up tights with a simple pin is easy for anyone to do.

I saw this DIY: Ripped Tights post at Miss at la Playa's blog, and I can't wait to try it on a pair of my old tights.

Here's an excerpt from her post:
" This is very easy to do. Remember how upset you used to get when your tights ripped? Now you can wear them instead of throwing them out. Follow the trends the girls from LA in The Cobra Snake are wearing.

Maybe it is too much for you, but I assure you that if you do it well, some runners on your stockings will look très bien.

YOU NEED:

-A pair of tights. It can be any colour, but it looks better on black. You can use an old pair with previous runners on it, but if you want to buy new tights for this experiment, you can go to H&M, there are good quality tights just for 3 $.
-Pins

STEPS:

1. Put the tights on. It will be better as the holes/runners will be at the exact place you want them to be, plus, the ripping is easier as the tights are stretched.
2. Take a pin and pull out a thread. Then, with your hands, pull the thread until a runner appears.
3. Stretch the fabric to extend the runner.

IF YOU WANT IT TO LOOK LIKE THIS:

Just pull more threads with the pin to create paralell runners. This is my favourite effect, it looks like you bought it like that. Don't make any holes, it won't look too grunge.

FOR A MORE EXAGGERATED LOOK:

When you pull the thread with the pin, start a runner and with your hands make holes along the runner. "

All images and steps courtesy of Miss at la Playa.

Necklace crave

2009-02-25T13:27:00.000-08:00

Lately I've been itching to get my hands on a funky, statement necklace. You know what I'm talking about. The kind that you can wear over a plain white t-shirt and suddenly you go from "I-just-got-back-from-the-gym" to "Yes-I'm-still-that-girl-whose-closet-you-want-to-raid". Okay, that might have been a little over the top, but you know what I'm talking about. After seeing Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere pull off a wonderfully, handmade tulle necklace, I've been dying to find a unique necklace to work into my own outfits.

1) French Connection Burnished Gold and Black Necklace, $41.28
2) Layered Flower Collar, $50.00
3) Sherbert Button Necklace, $30.00
4) Asos Short Linked Leaf Necklace, $9.91

Street muses

2009-02-24T09:53:00.000-08:00

Everyone gets into a fashion rut sometimes, and to get out of it there are a variety of methods. My favorite method is definitely looking through my fashion muse's past outfits. I love getting ideas on how to put things together, and it's even better when I have all the essentials in my closet already.

Although most people would state a celebrity's name when asked about their fashion muse, it's not unusual to take a look at your peers. One of my go-to websites for this is Weardrobe. Fashionistas from all over the world post pictures of their favorite outfits, and it doesn't hurt that the website has a contest every week in which you can win $50 gift cards to your favorite stores. Here is a small peek into some of these fashionable girls' wardrobes.

Jessica Shcroeder in a warm and unique winter ensemble.
Bianca Rose showing off her handmade cut-off shorts.

Amelia knows how to mix two fun patterns.
Casey Catherine being funky in a feathered headdress.

Oscar favorites

2009-02-22T20:59:00.000-08:00

I managed to catch the 2009 Oscars this year, and of course found myself anticipating all the amazing fashion. There were so many stunning dresses, shoes, and accessories. And so, I thought I would share my personal favorites of the red carpet.

Who & What: Marion Cotillard wearing a Haute Couture Dior dress and shoes, and Chopard jewels.
Comments: I'm a sucker for dark, princess-y gowns. I think they're such a refreshingly different take on poufy, full-length dresses. The bright blue accents on top are sublte, yet keep the dress from fading into the background. And who doesn't love Dior?

Who & What: Penelope Cruz wearing a vintage Pierre Balmain Haute Couture gown.
Comments: Overall pretty simple, but the lace detailing takes it to a whole other level. It goes so well with her, and I can't get over the exquisite stitching on the dress!

Who & What: Anne Hathaway wearing an Armani Prive gown.
Comments: Another vision in white, Anne manages to look sleek and sophisticated in this strapless number. I love how the sequins start out small, and gradually increase in size as they reach the bottom of the dress. It's almost "fish-scale" like which normally wouldn't be appealing, but it works on her.

Who & What: Marisa Tomei wearing a Versace gown and Van Cleef and Arpels jewels.
Comments: Another extravagant dress that is toned down by it's amazingly simple color. The geometric shaping from the waist down give it some great visual interest to an otherwise subtle color tone. And she pulls the gown off so well.

Who & What: Vanessa Hudgens wearing a Marchesa gown.
Comments: I'm usually against mermaid style dresses, but the fact that its black doesn't make me think too badly of this design. The length is very appropriate for the Oscars, and black and white is always a classy combination.

Who & What: Natalie Portman in a Rodarte dress.
Comments: I love that she went for a gown in a eye-popping color. She manages to stand out from the rest of the red carpet fashionistas in a flattering strapless chiffon dress. It doesn't hurt that she look so amazingly gorgeous.

What were some of your favorites?

Lust du jour: JJ Winters bag

2009-02-21T18:39:00.000-08:00

I am currently obsessed with this JJ Winters Suede Fringe Bag. Honestly, I never was a big fan of fringe, especially on shoes and bags. But for some reason this bag grew on me quite quickly. It's in a nice messenger, hobo shape with a braided handle that gives off that same bohemian vibe that the fringe does. But the main reason I'm fond of this fringe bag compared to all the other versions floating around is the fact that it comes in gray. I know it doesn't seem like such a high criteria, but I can't seem to find a cheaper version in this color anywhere. Fringe bags tend to come in only two colors -- black and brown. But with the $400 price tag the JJ Winters bag comes in, all I'll be able to do is lust from my computer screen.

Vanessa Hudgens carrying around her fabulous JJ Winters Suede Fringe Bag that should be riding on my shoulder instead.

Romance in the hair

2009-02-19T12:30:00.000-08:00

Romantic hair accessories are so hard to resist. They're a quick, easy, and cheap way to update your look without having to think too much. Romantic headbands are perfect for that Victorian-esque, girly-girl inside of you. Or if you're the type who loves to have contrast, slip on one of these with your tough, biker-chic outfits to get a look that's all your own.

1) Satin Bow Headband, $4.80
2) Rosette Headwrap, $24.00
3) Vintage Feminine Beaded Headwrap, $24.00
4) Rhinestone Bow Headband, $7.80
5) Tasha Netted Jewel Headband, $38.00
6) Felix Rey Spot Feather Fascinator, $40.45

Color me purple

2009-02-13T16:06:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a fantastic Valentine's Day! Whether you're coupled up or not, everyone enjoys a nice three day weekend. I definitely am after my stressful week. And what better way to de-stress yourself than doing a little online shopping?

I've been obsessed with the color purple these days. Unfortunately I haven't had much time to shop, but I did end up getting a beautiful purple scarf to add some color to my dark outfits. I even have some dark purple polish on my nails right now. Purple comes in so many different shades but here a couple items that caught my eye.

1) Steve Madden Platforms T-bar Sandals, $130.43
2) Silence & Noise Matryoshka Dress, $54.99
3) J.crew Purple Headband, $(website error sorry!)
4) Enamel Leaf Earrings, $4.00
5) Fringed Colorblock Satin Scarf, $9.80
6) Felix Rey Trompe l'Oeil Bow Clutch, $(currently out of stock sorry!)

Sorry about some of the missing links! Hopefully they start working soon.

Garbo is back!

2009-02-06T15:18:00.000-08:00

How many of you are familiar with Be & D's studded Garbo? If you are, then you know that it was introduced by the designers Be Inthavong and Steve Dumain five years ago. And if you're already a big fan, then you'll be happy to hear that they decided to relaunch the bag along with many similar styled clutches and belts. Supposedly many celebrities have already ordered the bags! And even if you haven't heard of them before, if you're looking for a high quality, trendy but timeless bag, the Garbo satchel would be a good handbag to consider. Studs are hot on everything from shoes to jackets, and a studded satchel would be a perfect toughening element to your outfits.

Of course I had to peek at their website and I couldn't help but drool after these other items featured on their site.

Cosette Hobo, $995.00
A perfect mixture of simplicity and trendy details. Although they come in other colors (and materials) this deep purple is my favorite.

Belleville Hobo, $1,890.00
If it wasn't for the price tag, I'd scoop this up since it'd be perfect for school. Hobo bags look effortlessly chic, and mustard yellow is such an eye-catching color.

Peeptoe Slingback, $695.00
In theme with the tough element, this rocker-vibe shoe in a python texture would be a match made in heaven with a girly dress.

Beatty Wedge, $485.00
Even though this is a wedge, it's still dressy enough to wear out to any sort of formal event. And the black and gold keeps things interesting.

But my favorite of all the items on their site would have to be the Perry Mini. And yes, I would check out the sale section (I'm a college student, hello).

Perry Mini (in fuschia), $415.00
I can't get over this amazing color. Although not as subtle as deep purple, it's still a handbag that can pretty much work with any outfit. Alas, it is all sold out. This would be my luck.

Ruffled

2009-02-02T11:52:00.000-08:00

All things girly seem to be the recent trend these days. Just a couple days ago I featured a post on lace, and if you love romantic details, then you'll love this one too. Ruffles have been seen everywhere on the runways, and there are so many ways you can incorporate it into your wardrobe. When I used to think of ruffles, I'd think about stuffy white blouses. Well, that's apparently not the case anymore. Just look at these pieces I managed to find:

1) Paul & Joe Ruffle One Shoulder Dress, $252.90
The perfect party dress. The color is so rich, and one-shoulder dresses are so "in".
2) Elastic Ruffle Waist Belt, $12.80
If you're not ready to commit, this ruffle belt is very subtle, yet everyone will notice.
3) Deux Lux Ruffle Bucket Bag, $68.00
A big ruffle bag takes any casual outfit to a different level.
4) Patent Ruffle Pumps, $22.99
Shoes are another great way to try just a touch of this trend.
5) Super Candy Ruffle Head Wrap, $28.00
If you're a total fashionista, ruffles on a head wrap is a total unexpected place to wear them.
6) Hawks by Geren Ford Ruffle Tank, $78.00
The easiest way to start; a black ruffled top. It will last you decades.

Tinted moisturizer find!

2009-01-27T15:31:00.000-08:00

I'm honestly not a big makeup user. On most days my routine consists of swiping on some waterproof eyeliner, and sometimes mascara if I have the time. I'm actually quite content with my skin because I rarely get pimples/zits and it's very smooth. The only negative thing about it is that I always have to lather on lotion after washing since my face gets quite dry.

But of course, no one has a perfect complexion. I thought on days when I did want to look more put together I'd want some kind of foundation. I contemplated about different powders before realizing that it would only dry out my skin more. And honestly, I wanted just a light coverage since my skin is a bit sensitive, and I really don't need that much makeup.

Then I realized that the perfect solution would be tinted moisturizer. Not only is it light and moisturizes, it contains SPF 15 for protection! So I bought Covergirl's Aqua CG Smoothers as my first bottle. And I'm in love with it! It does everything it's supposed to, and it's quick and easy to rub on right after I wash up. It evens out my skin tone without making it feel like a have layers of foundation on my face. All this for about $7.00!

If you have dry skin like mine, but are looking for something other than tinted moisturizer, they also carry the following products:

CG Smoothers All Day Hydrating Makeup

CG Smoothers AquaSmooth Compact Foundation

A little bleu

2009-01-26T18:59:00.000-08:00

I don't know how many of you have heard of the online store dubbed Bleu Dame. I actually first became exposed to it through one of the very first fashion blogs I used to read (unfortunately it's hardly updated now). They carry the "latest in designer inspired sunglasses, celebrity jewelry, gauze scarfs, hair accessories, bags & more." All of this for a budget friendly price.

I've been lusting after a pair of classic Ray Ban Wayfarers, but in a time like this I can't afford to shell out $140 for sunglasses. Luckily, Bleu Dame carrys very similar look-a-likes and in a variety of styles and colors (all for $12-$15).

And although they sell tops, I'd spend more time checking out their accessories. They have an amazing selection that'll be sure to catch the eye of every trend-conscious fashionista.

1) Foil Metallic Double Strand Braided Wrap Headband, $4.80
2) Luxe Medium Wispy Peacock Feather Earrings, $14.80
3) Black Heart 2-in-1 Mirror & Keychain, $8.80
4) Fringe Antique Print Scarf, $18.80
5) Louis Vuitton Inspired Millionaire Luxe Sunglasses, $5.00-24.80
6) Luxe Twisted Jeweled Metal & Suede Rope Bracelet, $20.80

I haven't ordered anything from here yet, but these are a few of my favorite pieces. Maybe I'll treat myself to some things off this list after I finish my midterms...

Forever 21's new line

2009-01-25T17:24:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of the new line of shirts Forever 21 has launched? "Inspired by the cool kids of Tokyo and Paris, Shibuya Mon Amour is girly, street, punk and fashion. Live it, love it. Shibuya Mon Amour."

When I heard, I had to check them out since I love myself some graphic tees. They only have a few up at the moment, but the line consists of simple, animal illustrations on black, gray, and white tops. Another plus? The price tag; it ranges from $14 to $18. They're a great way to update your basic color tee, and would look fantastic paired with some trendy accessories.

The above three are my favorites:
1) Owl Cotton Tunic, $17.80
2) Leopard Face Tank, $13.80
3) Wing-Spread Eagle Tee, $15.80

What do you guys think of Shibuya Mon Amour?

Lace 'em

2009-01-22T16:26:00.000-08:00

Although you might not be thinking of lace in a weather like this (rain, anyone else?), it definitely eases my mind about what's happening outside by shopping for some Spring clothing. Lace was blatantly evident in Diane von Furstenberg's Spring 2009 collection, and it would be a great light, feminine piece to add to your wardrobe. I'm not sure about you, but I've never been too fond of the idea of lace till I looked at some less "fruffy" versions like these:

Splurge

1) Generra Pull On Lace Skirt, $99.00
2) Diane von Furstenberg Olvida Lace Top, $164.00
3) T-Bags One Shoulder Lace Dress, $278.00

Steal

1) Floral Lace Flutter Top, $19.99
2) Lacey Chiffon Blouse, $29.50
3) Floral Lace Shift Dress, $14.99

Smidgen

1) Silence & Noise Lace Leggings, $34.00
2) Lace Skimmer, $19.99
3) UO Mesh lace Necklace, $78.00
4) Apt 9. Lace Clutch, $23.80

To be coveted

2009-01-20T13:10:00.000-08:00

I love finding new stores to check out. I recently "bumped" into Tobi, which sells popular and some upcoming designer goodies. Of course this means that I can't afford more than half of what's on this site, but that doesn't mean I can't do a bit of "window" shopping. (You can indeed find things for a steal, such as sunglasses for as little as $35, but you've gotta browse).

1) Prairie Underground Mothette Dress, $253
I'm always on the look-out for unique pieces, and this dress is definitely one. The detail and nipping make the dress ultra-feminine, but in no way would you be uncomfortable in this cotton, jersey material.
2) Toywatch Plasteramic Watch with Crystals, $295
I'm not a big watch fan, but this is so clean and simple, I'm in love!
3) Allison Daniel Chinese Knot Ring, $28
I have an addiction to gold rings, and this one even comes with an adjustable band. It would be a perfect addition to spice up my cocktail ring collection.
4) Super Shield Sunglasses, $178
These glasses give you the perfect vintage feel, but keeps modern with some gold detailing. It would be amazing to have these on hand when the weather here gets confused and acts like it's spring already.
5) Joie Abby Tunic Top, $104
Embroidered tunics are perfect to slip on when you're feeling a bit lazy. They practically accessorize your outfit for you!
6) Sam Edelman Mariella Heels, $129
I adore Sam Edelman's designs, and this is no exception. Especially with it's subtle, but glamorous faux snakeskin straps.
7) Grey Ant Cardigan Sweater, $319
Although this is way too pricey to add to my cardigan collection (only nine so far), it's still worth a look with its decorative prints and stripes.

Site tweak

2009-01-19T13:40:00.001-08:00

Just a little note, we've changed the commenting system to a better format. Unfortunately, this means that all previous comments on the old system are now deleted/not viewable to the readers. Sorry about that! But I hope everyone finds the new comment form more preferable.

Links à la Mode 2

2009-01-16T13:39:00.000-08:00

Another post filled with links to some fantastic blog posts made by other talented fashion bloggers!

We DID get some wonderful posts… a great thought provoking post from 39thandbroadway asked us if our hunger for fast fashion was causing designer burnout. Fête à Fête introduces us to Lia Lintern custom fitted luxe coats. The Coveted dishes her tips on how to keep warm in subzero tempatures (witout looking frumpy).

39thandbroadway.com - Why our obsession for fast fashion is causing designers to burn-out and result in less innovative wardrobe choices for you!
Breakfast at Saks - Style vs. Comfort: What to wear when you’re traveling
dramatis personae - Mischief-Managed Media: My So-Called Life…
fashion forestry - Dressing like San Francisco architecture
fashion in my eyes - For the love of shoes
fete a fete - Lia Lintern custom fitted luxe coats!
Hello, Lover… Shoe Daydreams - The famous SATC: The Movie “Something Blue” shoe is now not blue?
Hollow Star - Spring fashion trends I’m most excited about
Independent Fashion Bloggers - In the Name of the Blog
Iwanttowearit - Kids who dress themselves will make you smile. I promise.
Mademoiselle Robot - Getting summer wardrobe inspiration from Robert Mulligan’s The Man in the Moon.
Nico Assatly - Accessories Junkie
Retro Chick - Warm Chunky Knits for Work, Rest & Play
Shopping and Info - Shopping and Info loves Nicole Richie’s Balenciaga platform black boots.
Solo Lisa y Nada Mas - How to shop for a purse you’ll love
Studio Purpura - Weekly Editor’s Picks - Resolution to Ladies Pesky Fashion Issues!
Style Symmetry - Eyeliah calls skirts over dresses a trend to watch!
Style Tabloid - Staring off the New Year with work-out resolutions? Stick to your plans with the help of some cute work-out outfits inspired by your favorite celebrities!
Style With Anna - 20 Weird and Wacky Handbags
THE COVETED - How to Dress for Cold Weather
the musings of ondo lady - Ok so we had The Real OC and The Real Housewives of Orange County so make way for The Real Gossip Girls.

♥ Celeste

Clutch this bag

2009-01-14T22:21:00.000-08:00

I don't know if you guys remember my Secret Santa wishlist that I shared with you, but there was this black and gold clutch on there that I loved. Well, I did like the gifts that I received from my gifter, but I didn't get the clutch on there. I checked it out at the store and realized I didn't like it as much as I thought I did. But I did find seven that I fell in love with from different websites. Now if only I could choose just one...

1) Kettle Black Studded Clutch, $194.00
2) Patchwork Flap Clutch, $23.71
3) Dialog Xandra Wooden Clutch Bag, $71.10
4) Kimchi Blue Printed Clutch, $38.00
5) Linea Pelle Croco Dylan Folding Clutch, $276.00
6) Paul's Boutique Bow Clutch Bag, $32.38
7) Buckle Box Clutch, $39.50

♥ Celeste

Chic for Cheap: Kate Bosworth

2009-01-12T18:33:00.000-08:00

I remember seeing the most beautiful Dolce & Gabbana hand-painted dress on Kate Bosworth on her way to a Regis and Kelly interview. So I was excited when I saw a similiar version for much cheaper. And since we haven't featured a formal outfit yet for one of our "Chic for Cheap" posts I thought this would be a good one to start with!

Kate lets the amazing, art-work of a dress take the full attention by keeping everything minimal. The shoes are very simple black, pointy heels and she wears absolutely no jewelry. And honestly, with a dress like this you really don't need to. And since the dress is fairly covered on top, bare legs won't look trashy.

1) Belted Painted Flower Dress, $22.80
2) Lance Flex Point Patent Pump, $17.99

Total: ~$41

Compare that total to the estimated cost of Kate's D&G dress (around $2,000).

♥ Celeste

Work-out Chic

2009-01-07T15:21:00.000-08:00

I'm assuming many of you made New Year's resolutions. I made a maximum of three (I definitely wouldn't be able to keep more than that), and one of them included eating healthier and working out whenever I possibly could. And this happens to be one of the most popular New Year's resolutions, so I thought this post would be appropriate!

Now I don't know about you, but looking cute definitely puts me in the mood to get myself off my lazy butt and out the door. And you can even turn to your favorite Hollywood celebrities for some outfit inspiration when working out.

Even though these stars are getting shot by the paparazzi, they still keep their activewear simple, comfy and chic without being totally ridiculous and piling on a whole lot of makeup and jewelry. You might as well look cute while you're working up a sweat, but be realistic about accessories, hair, and makeup. You don't need to be wearing your cocktail ring to the gym, no matter how much you like it. Sure, you can keep your no-fuss, short necklace on, but keep in mind that you're still just working out. If you need to wear makeup stick to the basics, such as a little mascara, tinted moisturizer, and lip balm.

As simple as all these outfit seems, it looks a lot more put-together than just throwing on a baggy shirt and some shorts. Definitely feel free to switch different pieces together to get the look you want.

Walking the dog

Don't feel like doing anything too strenuous? Then replace your gym partner with your pet dog. There are going to be days when you won't feel like sticking to your resolutions, but even taking your dog for a half an hour walk will be more healthier than not doing anything at all. Since you're not going to be working up too much of a sweat, put on a comfortable, slightly-oversized sweater (it is winter after all), and some leggings (in a fun color), then slip on some warm moccasins. It's a perfect no-fuss outfit so you can keep your attention on your furry friend.

Truly Madly Deeply Solid V-neck Tunic, $42.00
Basic Leggings, $4.50
Micaela Moccasins, $24.99

Jogging

Whether it's outside, or the gym, running is great for your health (and your legs!). This outfit is probably more preferable for the gym, since it might be a bit chilly outside. But switch the leggings for some yoga pants and you're good to go. While sticking to blacks and greys is common for workout wear, add a pop of color by wearing a bright tank underneath your basic t-shirt so it peeks out. Just because you can't wear a funky necklace doesn't mean you're not allowed some color!

Yoga and Pilates

I'm sure some of you are devoted yoga/pilates fans. The great thing about that is you're allowed a bit more freedom with your outfit choices. Start off with your basic t-shirt, and form-fitting sweats. Since you're going to be taking your shoes off anyways, feel free to wear some comfy flip-flops for easy slip-on and slip-off. And you can just stick with your normal day bag and just add your workout essentials inside. To keep warm and look chic while going to and from your yoga/pilates class, put on a scarf in a neutral color and pattern. This accessory is easy to stuff into your bag right when you get to class so there's no fuss.

Dance

If you think running or gym-ing is too boring, take up a dance class! It's extremely entertaining, you get to meet tons of new people, and you work out practically all parts of your body. Don't feel pressured to look super cute like you might in your school classes; everyone else will be getting sweaty too! But you can still stand out by wearing a stylish graphic tee with some colorful sneakers.

♥ Celeste

Glove me

2009-01-06T12:56:00.000-08:00

Now that the holidays are officially over, it's back to work and school. Getting up early and dragging myself out into the cold makes it harder for me to choose fashionable outfits, instead of just throwing on that old sweater. But with the help of some chic and warm accessories (and maybe a blast from the heater) it makes changing out of my pj's a whole lot easier.

I've already mentioned scarfs about a hundred times in this blog, so I think I'll stop. And although that's my first choice of cold-weather accessories, I've become attached to another. Gloves. I know some of you may wear them, but I honestly haven't worn them since elementary school. Maybe it's the fact that I never thought they were that cute and also count in the fact that I ride my bike around campus (which equals freezing fingers), I'm definitely shopping around for a pair this weekend! And not only are they a whole lot prettier than I remember, they're inexpensive which is always a plus in my book!

1) Birdseye Convertible Glove, $16.99
2) Full Length Ribbed Gloves, $6.80
3) Striped Knit Gloves, $5.80
4) Striped Angora Gloves, $8.82
5) Cherie Flower Glove, $12.50
6) Marled Shearling Mitten, $(website isn't loading for me for some reason).

♥ Celeste

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T15:52:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone! Obviously we've been on a bit of hiatus due to the holiday season, but we will be up and fully running after New Year's; we promise! But enjoy all your presents and great food. Plus this is the only time of year we will let you slide by on wearing questionable, holiday sweaters!

♥ Chloé & Celeste

Travel Chic

2008-12-19T18:01:00.001-08:00

I know many of you are on your winter break and planning (or already have planned) some fun trips. I myself won't be going anywhere farther than an hour away (especially after taking that horrible five hour car drive home), but a few of my friends are already leaving for a trip tomorrow. So in case you haven't left yet, here are some of my chic traveling trips to ensure that you look as fabulous as you are comfortable!

Now when you're traveling comfort is essential. You don't want to be fussing with your clothing when you're lugging your packed bags into the airport (or trunk). One of the most important things to remember are layers. You don't want to be stuck either too cold or too hot, so make sure to wear two or three lightweight layers of clothing so they can be easily taken off. This is a good tip to remember especially on airplanes because of the fluctuating temperatures.

And now for the bottoms. I'm all for comfort, but still no pajamas or ugly sweats please. But if you don't want to wear jeans, try these cashmere pants from VS. They're more put-together, especially if you keep the top half of your outfit neat (no baggie hoodies!). I prefer to just wear some of my broken in jeans. They're just as comfortable, and you don't look like a mess.

When choosing what shoes to wear, opt for a pair that can be worn with socks. This is also an important thing to remember if you're traveling by plane. Thanks to the tight security shoes must be taken off. You don't want to be walking on the ground with bare feet. Sneakers are always a good option if you're looking for comfort. But don't overlook other options such as the cute boots featured above! They are just as cozy and snug, but a bit more fashionable.

You might think just because all your clothing is comfortable, it can't be chic. Don't be fooled! I'm a big fan of basics since you can wear them so many ways. But you can always up their fashion-y factor by adding some chic accessories! To look put together in the cold wrap a scarf around your neck. Beanies and berets are another way to stay warm and look good. Big messenger bags are perfect for all your carry-ons, and travel tags in a girly pink make it easy to find your luggage!

Stay warm and safe during your holiday trips! And of course, fashionable.

♥ Celeste

Secret Santa Fun

2008-12-17T15:01:00.000-08:00

I know many of you are scurrying around buying your Christmas gifts for your family and friends. Just like last year, my group of seven friends and I decided to do Secret Santa. It's fun and also budget friendly (meaning you only have to get one gift instead of one for each). Since that doesn't mean we don't have to buy gifts for friends outside the group, we concluded that everyone's gift should be around $30-$40. So I've been working on my wishlist all day, and decided to share some of these chic, but cheap finds I would love to receive from my Secret Santa.

1) Studded Hem Dress, $24.80
This is a simple black dress which is always a great item to have in your closet. The best part about it, of course, are the gold studs that adorne the bottom. It gives this dress a unique spin, without making it too trendy or flashy.
2) Feather & Filigree Teardrop Earrings, $5.80
How perfect are these feather earrings? They're a great way to spice up a basic outfit. Plus the tourqoise teardrops give these earrings a great touch.
3) Kimchi Blue Printed Plaid Tunic, $29.99
This cute, plaid shirt definitely caught my eye, especially after I saw that it had been priced down from $48 to a reasonable $30. A perfect addition to my $40 and under wishlist!
4) Twist Lock Clutch, $19.80
Clutches are perfect for all the holiday parties. And I prefer this kind to the flashy, sequined clutches some people carry around. It's more subtle, and can be paired with a million outfits.
5) Leaf & Bead Necklace, $6.80
I need a new, long necklace and this caught my eye. It's fairly simple, with cute details, and is perfect for slipping it on to get that effortlessly chic looking.
6) Abstract Woven Scarf, $7.80
I can never get enough! And scarfs are perfect for adding to a wishlist that has a budget. They're fairly cheap and I like practically every design!
7) Fab Button Tab Fleece Coat, $22.50
For some reason, it feels extremely cold this winter in California. So I thought it would be practical to add this classic, navy coat to my wardrobe. Plus by itself it doesn't even add up to the minimum price limit meaning I could probably get an accessory with it too!
8) Clarissa Crochet Cardigan, $22.80
Although this probably isn't reasonable for super cold days, it's great for layering! And it will definitely make you look cozy.

♥ Celeste

Patterned knits for winter

2008-12-09T16:21:00.000-08:00

I'm usually not a fan of fair isle patterns, or anything like it but I saw this chunky cardigan on Vanessa Hudgens and fell in love with it. I think I like it because it's not too flashy. It consists of neutral colors, such as black, grey, and white. And she keeps the rest of her outfit basic so her sweater gets all the attention. Plus, for some reason, I think these are perfect sweaters for the holidays. Maybe I'm thinking of those classic sweaters with holiday images on them, but hey, these are a lot more fashionable. And you can wear them whenever it's cold out, and not just around this season.

Vanessa's sweater is from Victoria's Secret! I know I said it was from Urban Outfitters, but my sources were wrong. Sorry about that, and thank you for the correction!

Shawl Collar Cardigan, $58.00

EDIT: Some other more similar versions (since apparently Vanessa's is belted)

291 Long Cardigan, $165.90
291 Alpaca Cardigan, $278.00

This is another shawl cardigan alternative. If you want something lighter this will be perfect. True, this isn't a fair isle pattern, but if you'd still like some details but in a more subtle tone, this is the way to go. The pops of white and red keep the grey sweater from being just another sweater. Plus it comes with a self-tie belt so you can cinch it for a different look.

Play by C. Ronson Intarsia Cardigan, $128.00

Can you tell I'm fond of grey cardigans? This sweater has patterns that are more holiday directed than the others. But it still maintains that versatile look so you don't have to be afraid of wearing it once the holidays are over. It features polar bears on the front and on the sleeves. Although this picture shows them in black, if you order online you might get it in white instead since the sweaters are assorted.

MINKPINK Polar Express Cardigan, $92.00

To break the pattern here is a chic tunic sweater. This features a fair isle pattern along the neckline providing an interesting detail on this otherwise monotone tunic. What's even better is that it includes pockets which are also adorned with the same color scheme pattern. It's perfect for a casual holiday gathering!

Tikirani Fairisle Tunic Sweater, $78.00

If you weren't able to tell, all the above were from Urban Outfitters. Sorry for the lack of variety, but they seemed to have the best choices of patterned knits! But don't worry, I did find these two lovely versions for cheaper. The one on the right is a similar version to the one Vanessa is wearing on her coffee run. It also features a shawl collar and more neutral patterns. The second is a cute pullover in a flattering indigo shade. It is also a different way of wearing the fair isle pattern (it's definitely a lot more subtle since it features only white and blue).

Printed Shawl Collar Cardigan, $35.00
Brandi Fair Isle Sweater, $44.50

And in a more administrative note, I'd like to apologize for the lack of posts. Some people have been commenting and emailing about the depletion of updates. It's finals week right now (I have two tomorrow!) and I've been sick since Friday. I hope the rest of you are having a less hectic week than I am! I promise there will be more updating once I'm on break.

♥ Celeste

First pair of booties!

2008-12-04T19:13:00.000-08:00

I want to share a shoe purchase I made recently. It was a total impulse buy, which I normally don't do with things such as shoes. I was actually shopping around for some rainboots, but ended up with these seude, gray booties.

I stumbled upon them at Payless and I loved them! First off, I've been wanting a pair of boots in grey and the suede makes it easy to dress it up or down. And second they were surprisingly comfortable! I'm not a huge fan of heels since I'm terrible at walking in them, but these were a piece of a cake. But the best part about them was the price. They were only $19.99! (Though on their website they're knocked down even more to $17.99; the original cost is at $42.00).

Here's how they look like on the website. Cute no?

And here they are sitting on my desk. You can see they're a bit darker than what's portrayed on the website.

I'm wearing them in this one. I'm pairing it with dark, grey tights and black, knee-high socks I scrunched down. (Sorry about the picture quality. I had to brighten it up a thousand times on my computer).

They have these in black too. If you'd like to snag up a pair you'd better hurry! The stores had limited sizes, but they're available online.

♥ Celeste

Not so basic tees

2008-12-03T12:25:00.000-08:00

I am a huge fan of graphic tees. It just sort of happened starting this year. It's a great way to be comfortable and stylish just by pulling on an article of clothing. You don't even need to spice it up with a ton of accessories! (Plus, they're usually very inexpensive).

Personally I'm not fond of shirts with "witty" sayings on them, but words are okay if they're minimal and don't really refer to anything in particular (such as "peace" or "love"). Overall though, I like uncommon patterns, subdued animal prints, and one solitary image. I'm currently coveting this "LOVE" graphic tee that I saw on the Forever 21 website, but could not for the life of me find it in the actual store over Thanksgiving break! I was very disappointed. But here are some other great ones I found!

1) Animal Print Tee, $10.00
2) Paint Splatter Tee, $12.80
3) Plaid Peace Sign Tee, $28.00
4) Oui Paris Curved Hem, $28.00
5) Flower Tee, $22.50
6) Hello Kitty Holiday Tee, $18.90

For my next post I'll show you guys this pair of suede booties I bought! And sorry for the lack of longer worded posts; finals are a pain in the butt. I'm sure many of you are dealing with the same. But don't worry, a long winter break is already up ahead!

♥ Celeste

Dancing in the rain

2008-12-01T15:33:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving! I had a great Thanksgiving and birthday. I definitely got the cake I'd been craving all month long. My Black Friday shopping was a bit disappointing though! I didn't get many items on my "list", but I did manage to snag a plaid jacket I'd been lusting for plus a bundle of accessories. There's still the Holiday sales though right?

Anyways, I'm in desperate need of a pair of fashionable rainboots after dreading the puddles and mud last week. (Although of course it's bright and sunny now). The weather here is so unpredictable that I'm sure I can't rely on the skies being clear for long. So I thought I'd share some of my rainboot finds!

1) Leopard Rain Boots, $24.80
2) Chooka Signature Printed Rain Boots, $59.95
3) Zetta Tall Rain Boots, $24.99
4) Puddle Rain Boots, $24.80
5) Sperry Top-Sider Pelican Rain Boots, $59.95
6) Hunter Original Rain Boots, $115.00

I especially like the Sperry Top-Sider ones. The color is so clean and simple, and so is the design. Although I'm not sure how practical white rainboots would be. They're fabulous nonetheless!

♥ Celeste

Happy Thanksgiving + birthday!

2008-11-26T23:19:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Celeste!!!!!
(Yes, her birthday is on Thanksgiving this year)

But to the rest of you,
Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy your Turkeys and traditions!

★ Chloé

Designer duds to covet

2008-11-25T14:12:00.000-08:00

The upcoming break and the available time I'm going to have to go shopping is making me day dream about all the goodies I want to add to my closet during Thanksgiving weekend. It actually rained for the first time here since I've been at school. Not that I'm a huge fan of rain when I have to walk around dripping to all my classes, but it definitely signals the start of the cold, but cheerful holiday season. Even though it technically isn't even Thanksgiving yet, I'm already picturing my Christmas party outfits, presents under the decorated tree, and sharing delicious meals with family and friends.

Since the upcoming holidays are putting me in a cheerful mood, I thought to put together a wishlist of designer items I'm coveting. I'm already imagining what I'll pair up each piece with!

1) Kenneth Jay Lane Flower Cuff, $143.00
2) Juicy Couture Patent Driver Gloves, $125.00
3) Dolce Vita Leather Bomber Jacket, $495.00
4) Monrow Tuxedo Jacket, $295.00
5) Corso Como Metallic Floral Punched Flats, $140.00
6) Sergio Rossi Dody Knotted Platform Sandals, $650.00

1) Milly Flower Cap, $150.00
2) Kenneth Jay Lane Oval Ring, $77.00
3) Love Quotes Hand Knotted Fringe Scarf, $88.00
4) Juicy Couture Beaded Charm Stretch Bracelets, $68.00
5) LeSportsac Large Weekender, $98.00
6) Kenneth Jay Lane Leaf Cuff, $88.00

PS, I think I'm mentioning Thanksgiving in every single post I updated this week. I'm sorry! Can you tell I'm excited? I'm leaving for a long drive home tomorrow, but I will get the second part of the "Dress Like..." post up as soon as I get back. Stay warm!

♥ Celeste

Sneak a peek at Gossip Girl

2008-11-23T19:59:00.000-08:00

I know many of you love and envy Blair Waldorf's wardrobe on the hit tv show Gossip Girl. (If only I could afford that Dior handbag of hers...). This is a sneak peek of one of Blair's fabulous outfit from an unaired episode.

I really love that coat of hers. Of course Blair would wear it in her signature color -- red. And she makes sure it's known by wearing red shoes and carrying a red purse.

If you can afford this Milly Diamond Wool/Rayon Viscose Coat, then feel free to splurge since I will leave you with the link. I will also be extremely jealous if you can afford the $684.00 price tag.

Her Dior Large Quilted Patent Lady Bag is probably a lot more expensive than that. Unfortunately I couldn't find it available in any stores. I'm sure if you look hard enough though you can find some great knock-offs.

PS, I hope everyone's Monday is going well. I just came back from taking a crazy hard midterm and can't wait to go home for Thanksgiving.

♥ Celeste

Dress Like Lauren Conrad (part 1)

2008-11-20T16:21:00.000-08:00

This is part 1 on the set of posts I am going to do on Lauren Conrad's style. This post will focus on her dressy outfits, while the next one will focus on her casual ones.

The "Dress Like..." posts are a series I'm going to do featuring a certain celebrity that is known for her fashion choices. It won't be on specific outfits, but more on how their overall style is like, and how you can incorporate that into your wardrobe. I know most of you usually have one celebrity/model or even a girl you saw on Myspace as your fashion muse. But some of you, like me, may have a main one yet also others on the side. And Lauren is one of them for me. I connect with her style because I'm a student and I can see myself wearing many of the outfits she chooses when she's at events or just going out for lunch. She does this effortlessly chic style very well. Her style is usually very basic, trendy and comfortable. That's what I want to go for when I'm just going off to my classes or getting spruced up for special occasions.

Her dressy outfits give off that same vibe. She stays with very classic cut dresses, but always has some kind of special detail that gives her look something different. It can be something subtle like the hem on her dress or something more eye-catching like bright patterns.

The Dress
Lauren opts for sweetheart cuts for her dressier days. They look great on practically every body type and they come in a variety of styles and prints. She switches up their look though by always finding a unique piece. If it's a solid color she adds a fun belt, goes for crazy and colorful prints, or chooses an elegant fabric.

But that doesn't mean she doesn't try out other dress styles. She goes for t-shirt dresses with amazing beaded details and mini dresses in classic colors.

(On the left): Flower Embroidered Satin Dress $27.80 (On the right): Extend Pleat Dress $24.80.

(On the left): Sequin Strippe d Shift $68.99 (On the left): Floral Sequin Chiffon Dress $36.99.

(On the left): AB Studio Jeweled Sheath Dress $69.00 (On the right): Fold Down Neck Puffball Dress $57.00.

The Shoes
Lauren wears shoes that don't compete with the rest of her outfit. They are usually black peep toes or, her current favorite, YSL T-straps. It isn't hard to find a similar pair since Lauren's picks are timeless. Plus this is the perfect chance to add some classic heels to your wardrobe if you don't have them already. They'll never go out of style.

(On the left): Skinny Heel Patent Platforms $37.50 (On the right): Kurt Geiger Glitter Heels $150.00.

(On the left): Charles David Minis Sandals $124.95 (On the right): Linea Paolo Branson Pumps $69.90.

Accessories
Lauren keeps her accessories to a bare minimum. If she's wearing a strapless dress she will sometimes stick to a barely-there, thin necklace, but most of the time she keeps everything clean by having no accessories at all. Her hair is usually curled and kept down so accessories would just make her outfit more cluttered. She does love her bracelets though. Lauren wears gold or silver thin bangles to add some sophistication.

Remember, having a style muse is great for creating new looks, but don't ever copy someone else's style from head to toe. That isn't being creative; you've got to make the look your own. That's why the items I picked are never exactly like the pieces that Lauren is wearing in any of her pictures. But, they are all something you can imagine her in since it's very her. You always want to put your own touch into your outfits too!

I hope you enjoyed this new and different post! Give me your thoughts and look out for part two!

♥ Celeste

New celebrity line and website

2008-11-20T12:27:00.000-08:00

Apparently Mischa Barton has launched her own website, MischaBarton.com. Although she has been getting some digs for her past fashion mistakes, she has been a lot of people's favorite style icon for quite some time. So it's not a big surprise she has some of her own fashion lines.

Mischa has a section on her site labeled "fashion" featuring accessories from her new handbag and headband lines.

source: MischaBarton.com

Her handbag line is going to be available at Asos.com, and she has a few pictures of her ads for them up on her site. And for her headbands, she's working with designer Stacey Lapidu, and more pictures are also included.

So far I have to admit they're quite catching! Mischa currently only has those two posts up, but keep checking back since I'm sure she'll be updating frequently.

♥ Celeste

Early beauty gift shopping

2008-11-18T14:31:00.000-08:00

Sephora.com has some amazing gift sets and many of them are under $25! They're perfect beauty presents for your girlfriends. I know usually makeup isn't a gift you would go for, since handing your friend an eyeliner stick or mascara can seem measly. But these gift sets won't make you feel like that; trust me.

Plus if you're a Beauty Insider member you can collect points for every dollar you spend! By being a Beauty Insider you can shop for limited edition items on the website, and redeem points to get exclusive samples.

Under $25

Shu Uemur a 24k Gold Eyelash Curler, $24
Urban Decay Trifecta: Combination Sets, $22

The Shu Uemura eyelash curler is one of the best eyelash curlers out there. Compared to other brands this works a thousand times better. But honestly, giving someone an eyelash curler for their Christmas present might seem a bit unusual. But this limited edition comes in 24K gold in a luxurious red package. (You might even want to pick up one yourself!)
Urban Decay's eye products are a favorite among many. This great set doesn't make you choose just one. It comes with mini version of their best products so you can try them all. It includes eyeshadow primer potion, glide-on eye pencil, and Big Fatty mascara.

Cargo Holiday Nights Collection, $25
Korres Sugar & Spice Set, $12

This little set contains everything you need to create the perfect holiday look. It comes in a exquisite cloth box which includes a mirror. Inside are four complimentary eyeshadow colors, blush, silver eye pencil, and face and body sparkle. It's easy to just slip into your clutch and touch-up on the go.
This set of trio sweet and spicy showergels are perfect for getting you into the festive mood. Not only do they smell good enough to eat, they each contain vitamins and proteins to give you healthy, glowing skin.

Under $50

Sephora Brand Ultimate Blockbuster, $48
Nars Safer Multiple Orgasm Set, $37

This amazing makeup palette is perfect for your beauty savy friend. It can be used all over the face -- eyes, lips, cheeks, etc. It contains eyeshadow, lipgloss, and powder all on stackable, easy-to-carry, trays. But that's not all, it also comes with makeup tools! It contains four brushes, three sponge-tipped applicators, a lip liner, and an eyeliner. No matter where you are, perfect makeup can be applied with everything in this slick, black makeup case.
Nars is famous for their blushes, but this gift set also comes with two discreetly packaged condoms! This is a great, unique gift for your girlfriend who's bound to end up in giggles once she unwraps your present. Don't worry, a blush cream stick is also included.

Sephora Brand Scent Sampler Trendsetters For Her, $50
Oscar Blandi Collezione di Jasmine Hair Smoothing Essentials, $48

This is a set of nine designer fragrances. It's perfect for your friend who can never set her mind on anything. This collection allows for the wearer to test out all the different sets ranging from Burberry Brit Sheer, Nina Ricci Nina, and Prada Infusion D'Iris. Since you might not know what your friend likes, why not let her try a little bit of each? After she's found her favorite she can fill it in an enclosed voucher, bring it to her local Sephora store, and get the full bottle of the fragrance she's chosen!
This is a fabulous hair-shining kit from the famous Oscar Blandi collection. It comes with a simple regimen you follow, including a conditioning and cleansing treatment, that will fortify, protect, and smooth your hair. Not only that it comes with two of Blandi's best-selling styling aids.

And that's not even half of what's in stock! Check out Sephora's website and look around for the perfect Christmas gift for your girlfriends (and even moms and aunts!). You will not be displeased, and neither will they. Who doesn't like looking beautiful and getting spruced up for the holidays? Start gift shopping early!

★ Chloé

Mad for plaid (overused, I know)

2008-11-16T16:22:00.000-08:00

I see plaid everywhere these days, and not just on shirts and jackets. I see them on handbags, scarfs, headbands, and even tights (who would have thunk?). And this trend comes in a multitude of color combinations, ranging from classic to trendy.

My plaid must-have is a shirt in a black and white or blue. I'm also looking into some scarfs in more unique colors such as this blue and pink one from Forever 21. If you really want to stand out, you can try some plaid tights like the ones Taylor Swift is wearing above. With her patterened scarf you'd think it would be too much, but it oddly works.

If you're like me and want to add an article of plaid clothing, shop around for some cute tops, jackets, and skirts that appeal to you. Plaid comes in so many colors and different patterns that it won't be hard to find one that you like. I like the sweater above since it's in neutral colors that balances out the heavy lines. Plus the shape of the top itself is very feminine. The same goes for the skirt. You don't want to buy bottoms in anything too colorful unless you're planning on only wearing it once or twice. Coats are another easy find. Many stores carry a variety of plaid jackets in different shapes and colors. So take your pick!

Plaid Sweater, $18.99
Silence & Noise Full Plaid Skirt, $58.00
Wakefield Hooded Plaid Coat, $46.90

Plaid doesn't just appear on clothing anymore. You can find them on handbags, tights, and shoes. Finding the perfect kind may be a bit harder if you're looking for long wear. Go for simple colors if you want to continue using your item for a longer amount of time, like the tote bag above. And while plaid tights may not be for everyone, they usually don't go for more than $7 so don't be afraid to try them out if you feel you can work it. And for a touch of preppiness, go for plaid flats with a metal buckle.

Want something a little smaller than that? Don't worry you can get just that little pinch of plaid into your outfit with accessories such as head clips, headbands, and scarfs. Pick whatever you like. If you'd still like to keep it classic go for something like the Burberry inspired scarf. Or go bold and get a headband in a bright orange, which will stand out against your hair. Plus this is an easy to way to try out a trend without splurging.

I'm already staking my claim on a couple coats I found online. I can already imagine them in my closet...

♥ Celeste

I'll admit that I'm a bag hag

2008-11-13T19:03:00.001-08:00

I'm in need of a new handbag. As much as I love the one I'm using (a cream tote that I got for such a deal), I want something new! Not just because my old one is getting a little ragged on the bottom, but also because I want to try out one of the new handbag trends. Sure, totes will always safe, but you're only young once right?

My three favorite trends right now are the slouchy, framed, and messenger bags. To go with the number theme, I picked three for each category priced from steal-worthy to splurge-worthy. Even if they're just "trends" and might not last long, splurge if you know you'll love it and if you're getting it in a classic color.

Slouchy

Bow Detail Hobo Bag, $34.65
Angie & Lola Perforated Hobo Bag, $39.99
Beckon Patch Pocket Drawstring Hobo, $117.90

I've had my eye on a slouchy bag for my next "it" bag, but there's honestly so many to choose from. If you told me to choose just one from the above, I probably couldn't do it! C'mon, how girly is that bow detailed hobo bag? It's like mixing bohemian with Victorian. And the second bag comes in such an amazing color; it would stand out perfectly against my dark clothes. Plus the Beckon bag comes in patent! I'll love anything that comes in patent.

Framed

Framed bags are great if you need something more structured, especially for carrying around notebooks or folders. This definitely scores points for when you need to set it down on the floor and instead of crumbling up like most bags do, this will just stand up all by itself.

Messenger

I would have never considered a messenger bag ever, but after seeing them on certain people I've come to like them quite a lot. I always thought of messenger bags as being those boring, practically-laptop-case-looking things, but I was very wrong. I would never do fringe boots, but the fringe messenger bag is a different story. It's just a small touch of it that makes it just right. And the other two come in such great colors, and don't come in those boxy shapes I always imagined.

I'll probably go bag shopping over for Black Friday! What fashionista doesn't love great sales?

♥ Celeste

Links à la Mode

2008-11-13T09:31:00.000-08:00

These are some great links that take you to some of the best posts (of the week) by other fashion bloggers. Check them out!

This week we’ve got Beyonce in Gareth Pugh on Respectfully Yours, Perez in Levis on Petite Bourgeois, the CDG for H&M lowdown on Fashion Pulse Daily… the mystical fashion 8ball reveals the future of lace on Mademoiselle Robot. For the men we disucss man jewels on The Sunday Best, Amsterdam Fashion Week (its’ goood) on The Live and Times of a Problem Child, Mens’ Vintage on The Poste Office… and sooo much more, check it out.

39thandbroadway - A rant regarding overused and annoying industry terms overused in the fashion business
A Few Goody GumDrops - A Few Goody Gumdrops can’t decide if the latest Pierre Hardy is a pet or a shoe!
Add Bubbles To Taste - How To Shop: A Sale!
Capitola Girl Jewelry Blog - A couture-inspired jewelry collection from a San Francisco artist that is filled with fanciful fun–and made out of LEGOs.
Diary of a Style Addict - sharing beauty secrets by giving away a free copy of Cosmopolitan’s new book
Dirty Laundry - The elusive and other-worldly effect of unraveling a t-shirt and why t-shirt deconstruction is amazing.
Dogmom’s Dish - Five Fab Books For Your Favorite Fashionista Be a haute holiday heroine with these picks!
Dress Me Up Dollie - Mini loves plaid. A lot!
eye4style - eye4style reports back on the fab LuckyShops event in NYC - Botkier, Foley & Corinna, Rebecca Minkoff and more…
fashion in my eyes - Sex on Legs
Fashion Pulse Daily - We’ll be at the stampede, getting trampled for fashion at one of the 8 locations carrying Comme des Garcons for H&M — stay tuned for our updates!
Flights of Fab Fashion Fancy - See Tina Fey’s working girl style- recreated by USA TODAY’S “Celeb Style” at Ann Taylor in Manhattan!
Hello, Lover… Shoe Daydreams - Because most bloggers aren’t traditional media outlets,companies should learn a new, more personal way to approach them.
Independent Fashion Bloggers - How to Social Networks to Scout Content
Iole in fashion - Fur…
Little Black Book - Canine Couture:is it the right way to go or has it gone too far?
Mademoiselle Robot - This week the Mademoiselle Robot ball answers questions about blogging. If you have questions, come & ask!
Or False Glitter - Sister style swap: what happens when you mix two sisters with two very different styles?
Petite Bourgeoisie - Perez Hilton for Levi…
PR COUTURE - Fashion PR Interview: Tierra Wilson on Social Media Optimization Tips and Life as Full-Time Fashion Techie
respectfully yours - beyonce in gareth pugh, britney in rodarte: universe has a sense of humor.
Shopping and Info - Shopping and Info wants you to check out the one shoulder dress Leighton Meester wore at the Lucky Shops event plus more great one shoulder dress options.
Style Discovery - Have you ever wondered if you needed to buy Photoshop? Songy gives you (fashion bloggers) the answer you’ve been looking for. Picasa 3 is here to help and it’s of course free!
The Bare Skinny - Be cute simple & chic! Fashion cues from Audrey Hepburn
THE COVETED - Defeating Envy: When Coveting Goes Too Far
The Life and Times of a Problem Child - Going through some of the most captivating menswear at Amsterdam Fashion Week…
The Poste Office - Discovers Vintage Menswear… Cotton Love
The Sunday Best - A brief look at the perils involved with men wearing jewelry who are not pirates.
Your Style Star - Clutch Worthy Clutches

♥ Celeste

Pump it up or boot it up

2008-11-12T23:21:00.000-08:00

For some reason, I have this desire to add some trendy, fun pumps and booties to my shoe collection. I blame it on the weather. Since I'm no longer allowed to wear my favorite sandals without my toes falling off, I have got to get the next best thing. I mean, sure I have flats but I don't wear them often since they honestly don't keep my feet much warmer than sandals, and they pinch my wide feet. Plus what looks more streamlined with cute outerwear and blazers then a pair of sleek pumps/booties?

I was looting through Forever 21's merchandise the other afternoon and found some great footwear on their site. And what's even better is that I can try out all these trends for under $35! Let's take a look at some of these goodies, shall we?

1) Carson Ankle Boots, $29.80
2) Buckled Patent Platform Stiletto, $32.80
3) Tulip Faux Leather Ankle Boots, $26.80
4) Ellie Elastic Sling Pump, $24.80
5) Alicia Ankle Bootie, $28.80
6) Morgan Peeptoe Pump, $22.80

My favorites, that I've added to my wishlist, are #2 and #3. The heels aren't extremely high, they have pretty details, and can pretty much go with everything in my wardrobe. But I am definitely checking these all out when I get to go home for Thanksgiving. Some home-cooked food and then some shopping -- what can be better than that?

♥ Celeste

Drab: Working your way to worse

2008-11-12T19:56:00.000-08:00

Miley Cyrus is at the CMA's and she shows us why you should never judge a dress by it's top half. When I first saw these set of pictures, I didn't think the dress was horrible even though many people complained about it. Then I observed the full length pictures, and now I can agree with the rest of the population -- it is horrible. What could have been an elegant black and white dress, turns into a blown-up art painting that belongs on a canvas.

Do you agree? I would definitely not wear this even if it was the last clean piece of clothing in my closet.

★ Chloé

Color me nails

2008-11-11T22:36:00.001-08:00

I love nail polish. As sad as this sounds, if I don't have any on my fingernails I feel so naked. That is exactly how much I'm addicted to nail polish. I love it when my nails start growing out, and my polish starts chipping. You know why? Because then I can start all over and choose a new color to paint on. Plus, with all the gorgeous shades they have out these days, how can you not get excited?

Drugstore brands are my usual choices, but my favorites are the OPI ones at Sephora.

Sephora by OPI Nail Color $9

These are my favorite colors for winter. Color that is more deep, yet still pretty! They come in a hundred more different shades, so they are so worth checking out. Plus the price isn't too heavy.

★ Chloé

Reese's basic pieces

2008-11-11T14:43:00.000-08:00

I never noticed till recently, but Reese Witherspoon has great style! Sure she's a mom and all, but that doesn't mean you have to be boring. What I like about her outfits are that they consist of very basic pieces, but she adds an unexpected touch with her accessories.

Here are Reese's style essentials:

Bold Necklace
A great way to dress up a basic t-shirt or sweater is by pairing it with a statement necklace. When you're wearing something as simple as a gray v-neck, it's okay to pick the craziest necklace out of your jewelry box. It's so simple and can be done right before you walk out the door.

(Clockwise from top): Charlotte Russe, $9.50; Forever 21, $4.80; Forever 21, $3.80.

Comfy Flats
Another one of Reese's re-occuring items are her simple, but chic flats. It's nice to have a pair of flats around in a versatile color to keep your outfit "put together" without leaving comfort out of the equation.

(Clockwise from top): Urban Outfitters, $42.00; Target, $16.99; Old Navy, $19.50.

Trendy Handbags
Go with a detailed bag to spruce up your outfit, even if you're just wearing a t-shirt and jeans. But get your bag in a color that will easily mesh with any of your outfits, such as white, silver, or beige. They are timeless colors that will never go out of style. Avoid crazy prints and patterns.

(Clockwise from top): Aldo, $35.00; Forever 21, $26.80; Wet Seal, $21.50.

I've been very into getting some classic, basic pieces that I can make a million different outfits with. Right now I'm coveting a slightly oversized, gray sweater that I can wear with skinnies and a layer of necklaces. How do you dress up your basics?

♥ Celeste

I love fashion photography

2008-11-10T21:17:00.001-08:00

Model: Elyse Sewell Where: Hong Kong Photographer: Baldovino Barani
(enlarging is a must!)

source: elysesewell

♥ Celeste

ST Version 2.0

2008-11-10T14:57:00.000-08:00

Hey guys! We got a new layout after everyone said they'd like to see a new one on Style Tabloid. We had a hard time searching for something we liked, but we found this one. It's a lot more structured than our last one (which makes it easier for our readers) and yet it's still unique from all the other fashion blogs out there.

Thank you guys for all the comments! We love reading them and personally respond to every single one. So keep leaving us feedback!

♥♥♥,

Celeste & Chloé

Inspiring outfits from an unexpected place Part 2

2008-11-09T17:14:00.000-08:00

Here are the next set of outfits I promised from my last pos t. This set are a couple I picked out from just browsing through the Forever 21 website. All three of these are great winter outfits that I can see myself in. The great thing is that they encompass some recent trends and blend them into the outfit so it's easy for us normal people to wear.

Look 1
These two outfits are actually the same, but I wanted to show you the different aspects of it. Here I wanted to showcase the fun, plaid scarf that updates the top part of the outfit. Sure the tights give it something extra, but the scarf gives it that finishing touch that brings everything together. I can't say this enough: stock up on scarfs this winter!

Scarf: Rainbow Houndstooth Scarf, $7.80

Look 2
This shows us a way to wear the very "in" outerwear -- the blazer. To keep it looking too stuffy, pair it with mustard colored tights and black booties.

Blazer: Katri Blazer, $29.80

Look 3
Cardigans are a favorite of mine. I literally want them in every color and design possible. Get a vintage look by wearing a printed tunic. To create a nice, hourglass shape, add a skinny belt in a different color.

Belt: Patent Skinny Belt, $5.80

Look 4
Doesn't this just make you want to go out and buy some white tights à la Blair Waldorf? I wouldn't have thought to consider white tights at all, but this makes me think twice! Paired with a navy peacoat, it looks so put together. Don't worry, you too can get the same look for super cheap!

Tights: Chancey Pointelle Tights, $6.80

Is it horrible I'm already anticipating Christmas? How can you not when stores are bringing out singing Santa Clauses and cafes are suddenly selling holiday drinks? And for most of you, Tuesday means a day off thanks to Veteran's Day. Any plans? :)

♥ Celeste

Inspiring outfits from an unexpected place

2008-11-06T23:42:00.000-08:00

I'm sure some of you guys have certain online store websites that you check frequently. For me, one of them is Forever 21. I usually go to their "new arrivals" section and see if there's anything that catches my eye and I'll put it on my wishlist. The main reason I do this is whenever I go shopping with my friends from home, we always start or end at Forever 21 (sometimes that's the same thing!). The store is pretty big and it can get pretty overwhelming. So, I always like having a few items in mind that I know I want to check out. It is so much easier this way, instead of being swayed by all the pretty things I can get my hand on (especially the accessory section).

And another reason I love checking out their site is that they have models on every page dressed up in unique outfits. Plus they even have a "Shop by Outfit" page just for that! I sometimes use this to find an item I wouldn't have bought, but reconsider after seeing it put on a model. It's basically another place I get some outfit inspiration if I need it.

I compiled some of my favorite looks and the links of some of the pieces in case you decide you have the sudden urge to open your wallet (and your closet!)
Look 1
I adore the plaid coat and the length is perfect. It's an easy, but still very stylish, outfit for braving the cold weather. Topped off with a chunky beret (featured in a previous post), a knit scarf, and a rhinestone pin, it's easy to be warm and fashionable at the same time.

Coat: Tartan DB Coat, $39.80.
Shoes: Alicia Ankle Boot, $28.80
Pin: Rhinestone Snowflake Pin, $7.80

Look 2
Although I would opt for darker boots, this is still very cute. I could definitely see myself wearing this on those chilly winter mornings, waking up for my 8 am classes. Comfort and style goes hand-in-hand in this look by making it all about layers in trendy colors.

Sweater: Elbow Patch Cardigan, $26.90
Top: Sequined Racerback Tank, $16.90
Shoes: Mattie Boots, $38.80
Hat: Blaine Beanie, $8.80

Look 3
This is an ideal way to put a new spin on a LBD that you probably already have! Pair some color tights in burgundy (or another fab shade) to look amazing and keep warm during those holiday parties. To make this feminine piece more tough add some booties and "rocker chic" accessories.

Gloves: Fingerless Long Lace Gloves, $5.80
Tights: Leah Tights, $4.90
Bracelet: Treasure Hinged Bracelet, $4.80; Gemstone Beaded Bracelet, $7.80
Comb: Mini Tiara Hair Comb, $7.80
Bag: Osiris Clutch, $19.80

Look 4
This look is a bit more conservative. But I like how, even though it's more structured, the skirt still keeps the outfit interesting. This is a great way of letting one piece be the center of attention by keeping the rest of your clothing in the same color.

Top: Eyelet Trim Sequin Top, $19.80
Skirt: Paisley Brocade Skirt, $22.80
Socks: Cabled Knee High Socks, $4.80
Bracelet: Interwoven Bracelet, $3.80; Knotted Snake Chain Bracelet, $4.80

I'll save the next set of outfits for tomorrow's post! Out of all these items, I definitely want to add the knee high socks to my wishlist. It's a chic way to keep your feet warm, perfect for pairing with boots, and can be scrunched down (like in Look 4) to give it a new spin. Are any of these items a new must-have for your winter wardrobe?

♥ Celeste

I miss you Little J

2008-11-06T13:30:00.000-08:00

I'm sure many of you watch Gossip Girl religiously. I love the plots and characters, but I also love the fashion. So if you have been keeping up with all the new episodes you know that "Little J" is growing up. And fast. Ever since she started home-schooling to work on becoming a designer, her style has changed drastically. She's wearing super dark eyeliner and has got this grunge thing going on. I don't know about you, but I honestly liked her style better when she was still attending her preppy, private school. I still like Blair and Serena's outfits the best, but Jenny's weren't half bad.

I also think that her past outfits suit this sort of weather perfectly. She always wore bright colors (which I love doing during winter) and even though she doesn't dress like that anymore, we can always take a couple ideas from her past style. So let's take a walk down memory lane, and see some of my favorite outfits of hers!

Wow, anyone remember this? Yes, this was from Season 1 when Little Jenny was desperately trying to fit in. (Doesn't this make you want to re-watch the whole thing?)

Sure she's wearing her school uniform, but overall it's an easy outfit you can transform to wear to class or out for lunch in the cold. Switch her plaid skirt and white shirt for a sweater dress. And just like Jenny does, pair it with some color tights. This changes her whole look from oh-that's-cute to hey-look-at-her-outfit!. If you're more adventurous you can try a brighter color (a red or blue), but I love the purple since it's more subdued.

What's she wearing?
A Lauren Moffatt Hooded Toggle Jacket from Shopbop (which is out of stock). And a Marc Jacob's bag.

Another goodie from Season 1. Isn't her umbrella fabulous?

Your accessories don't have to be limited to something you wear! Jenny keeps her clothing basic and in all neutral tones. Then her umbrella doesn't compete with anything she's wearing! You might be needing to carry one of these around soon(if you aren't already). Get one in a bright color or pattern to stand out from all the regular black umbrellas.

What's she wearing?
A Tocca Amelinda Plum Wool Puff Sleeve Coat from Bluefly ($435.00).

Now I'm pretty sure this was from the famous yogurt-throwing-on-Blair's-perfect-hair episode. Am I wrong? Sigh, the good old days.

I loved this period in Jenny's style history the most. She's still got that preppy thing going on, but it's more grown up than before (compare to the last two outfits I posted). And I loved her short-do on her. Very chic. But she still stays true to her own style by always having that one touch of eye-catching color. I love how her big, blue bag (like my alliteration?) stands out against her pale yellow coat. And her red shoes don't compete with it either.

What's she wearing?
A Valentino Maison Studded Baullato bag from Neiman Marcus ($1,248.00). And a Valentino Red Woven Bamboo Coat.

Oh yes, Jenny at her peak of fame. Remember her and her new rich boyfriend who happened to be dating Serena's little brother? Yes, I do too.

This time Jenny lets three colors, which you would think would compete with each other, complement in the most unexpected way. Although her coat itself would have been enough, she decides to add a dark, practically hot pink bag and a light, but bright, blue headband. Because almost every inch of her is covered in attention-grabbing colors, she keeps her tights and shoes super neutral. Don't be afraid of putting on more than one bold color in your outfit. Just make sure the biggest dose is a light shade (like the yellow) while the smaller parts (the accessories) can be as striking as you want.

What's she wearing?
A Foley + Corinna Mid City Tote from Luna Boston ($385.00). Plus a Michael Kors trench and a Stacey Lapidus Glitter Headband.

Do you like Jenny's new style better or do you agree with me?

♥ Celeste

Winter Hats are Both Cute and Warm

2008-11-04T13:22:00.000-08:00

I'm usually not a huge fan of head accessories, but I've really come to like the winter berets/beanies. Like I said, I'm a huge fan of accessories in general, and these hats do wonders of giving a new spin to an outfit. Plus they keep your head warm and I'll slip them on if my hair isn't looking so great in the morning.

I searched online for a couple and saw that there were so many I wanted! I have a white one a friend bought for me, but I want to get another that's a bit thicker. Currently Urban Outfitters is my favorite place to shop for them since they have so many varieties and they have the style that I want. But Forever 21 has a couple too for a lot cheaper. If you're unsure about trying these hats, I'd suggest buying one from there in a simple design.

Hand Knitted Button Beret $28.00

This is the one I'm thinking of buying from UO. It's still fairly simple, but I love the cute buttons on the side. It's gives a knitted beret a little more uniqueness. They come in black, a dark brown, a bright blue, and grey. I love them in all the colors, but the yellow and grey are my favorites.

Cable Stitch Beret $24.00

This is a slightly cheaper option. It's a cable knit which is also a good option if you really need to keep warm. If you have dark hair like the model above, the red would be amazing. There's also a dark turquoise which is super pretty and would look great if you have lighter hair.

Flower Cloche $28.00

If you love girly details, this hat is a great buy! It gives off a more feminine vibe than the other two. It's like the winter alternative to wearing a headband with a bow or flower.

Spring & Clifton Bow Beret $38.00

Maybe you've already tried this trend and are looking for something different. This beret is adorned with a fabulous black and white bow. It's very Blair-esque and would look fantastic with a trench or jacket in a bright color.

Fab Pointelle Beret $5.50

Not ready to spend over $25 on a hat? These options at Forever 21 are just as cute! This is another simple design to try out, and since they're so affordable why not get two in different colors?

Pom Pom Crochet Beanie $7.80

This is a less expensive version of the Cable Knit Beret from UO. This is better for you than the first option if you want something chunkier.

Chunky Beret $8.80

I love the color of this! Just because the weather has gotten dreary doesn't mean your outfit has to too! This beret comes in three other eye-catching colors to brighten up your cold, cloudy days.

Autumn Knit Beanie $9.80

Maybe this isn't the best option for warmth, but you can't deny that it's cute and definitely lightweight. If it honestly doesn't get that cold in your area, try this one out! You might think it would be a bit ridiculous to be wearing a chunky winter hat when it never gets too cold where you are, but don't let that discourage you from trying these adorable accessories!

Have I convinced you yet? :)

♥ Celeste

Chic For Cheap: Rachel Bilson

2008-11-02T20:04:00.001-08:00

I hope all of you had a good weekend and that your Halloween's were fun! Mine definitely was, and I totally needed the weekend to recharge. And tomorrow is November 4th guys! If you're registered, don't forget to vote! And when you do, go to any participating Starbucks to get a FREE cup of tall brewed coffee. (Disclaimer: The ads on this blog are automatically generated and in no way reflect our personal political views. We're objective!)

Anyways, onto the subject of our post. We're doing the next Chic for Cheap entry on Rachel Bilson.

I don't know about you, but Rachel is one of my fashion muses. She always looks great, and knows what looks good on her. Plus her outfits are original and inspiring. I've definitely taken a few ideas from her and incorporated them into my wardrobe. And this outfit above is no exception. She manages to look chic even on a simple day just shopping for shoes. She has this very vintage vibe going on, but doesn't make it look "stuffy" or "old" by adding trendy Mary Jane heels and Chanel sunglasses.

Just her bag itself costs $2,500! Amazing as it is, you don't have to spend that much to get this same cool, vintage look.

1) Asos Ditsy Print Lace Insert Blouse $12.80
2) Old Navy Bibbed Front Shirt $16.50

1) Charlotte Russe Opal Zip Skinny $32.99
2) Forever 21 Jeweled Skinny Jean $29.80

1) Go Jane Double Strap Mary Jane Heel $22.99
2) Asos Twist Lock Mary Jane $40.00

1) Target Slouchy Hobo $24.99
2) Charlotte Russe Oversized Braided Hobo $19.99

1) Urban Outfitters Blackout Sunglasses $14.00
2) Fred Flare Risky Business Sunglasses $11.00

Total: ~$97 (counting the cheaper of the two)

If you want the originals badly enough, here are some links:
→ Kasia Slouch Tote, $2,500.
→ Siwy Hannah Jeans, $219.00.

♥ Celeste

Ordering Boots from Charlotte Russe

2008-10-30T14:56:00.001-07:00

So I don't know if you guys remember my previous post about finding these cheap boots at Charlotte Russe. I know that shopping online there is still fairly a new thing because I only just found this out two weeks ago! And in case it's new for you too, or you've never ordered from there before but are curious this post should be helpful for you!

These are the boots I ordered from them. Unfortunately, they must have just ran out of the product because I couldn't find it on their website anymore. But they have gotten in a few more new shoes, like the Suede Buckle Boots that come in three different colors and for only $34.99. Charlotte Russe's website is very easy to navigate. They separate their apparel into casual tops and dressy tops, dresses, denim and bottoms. Then they also have footwear, accessories, jewelry and sleepwear. And then those different categories each are separated into more sections, which make it very, very easy to find what you're looking for.

So, I ordered the boots I wanted (in black) for $39.99. They had free shipping (which is always amazing) so the total only came out to about $43.90. Which is what I would have paid if I bought them in the actual store anyways. That was a huge plus for me. They said that my package would arrive in 6-10 days, and it actually came when it said it was going to come. I was able to track my boots through the FedEx website, and got them promptly on the expected delivery date.

The boots themselves look exactly like they do on the website. This was a relief since they only have one angle you can look at them on the site (one of the minuses).

I ordered them a half size bigger (I'm usually a 7.5). I admit they weren't a perfect fit, and if they made these in half sizes it would make them a whole lot better. But I'll be wearing these boots with jeans or tights and socks anyways, so it wasn't a big disappointment. Yes, they aren't made of the best material, but I was expecting that. I was adjusting the three straps near the bottom and you can feel right away that the material is cheaper and it's not made with the highest attention to details. I put the straps on the very tightest hole, and actually had to puncture one of them myself since it wasn't punched through all the way.

But overall I'm pretty satisfied with my order. I knew what I was expecting. I basically wanted a pair of faux-leather, flat boots but everything I saw was well over $100. I'm sure these won't last me forever, but at least this is a way for me to try out this boot trend to see if I even like it without splurging. And from these I know that in the future (when I'm a little less broke) I can buy a pair of nice, black boots and be satisfied with them forever.

So if you'd love to add some boots to your wardrobe this season for cheap, Charlotte Russe is a great place to start looking. And not only for footwear, they have cute dresses, jewelry, and tops. It's definitely worth looking through!

♥ Celeste

Costumes Under $30

2008-10-28T10:15:00.000-07:00

Halloween is coming up, and who doesn't have a costume yet? I know I decided last minute to do something. If you're creative you can always put together something fun with what you already have. A friend of mine is wearing a leopard print dress and just adding some ears which can be bought at any Halloween store for cheap. Or you can always look online and get ideas. I was browsing through some costumes, and I realized many of them would be fairly simple to imitate. All you would have to actually buy would be a few accessories.

But then again, some of you would rather just buy a whole Halloween costume instead of doing all that. Or say you just don't have anything to work with, or you have something specific you would like to be this year. Don't worry, I'm one of those people. But it definitely hurts to fork over $40+ for something you will wear only once out of the entire year. And even if you say you will wear it again next year, it's hard to get your money's worth. Honestly, I don't like wearing the same costume twice in a row anyways.

To save you a lot of trouble, I compiled some costumes all for under $30! These are from three stores that are most likely around your area, so if you think you won't be able to order them on time, just drive there to check them out! Maybe you'll even be able to find things that was out of stock online.

Walmart

Ghost of Marie Antoinette $23.00

Dorothy Costume $19.00

Super Girl Costume $23.00

Target
Mod Chic Costume $29.99

Funky Mod Costume $12.49

Hop Diva Costume $29.99

Southern Belle Costume $20.99

Wetseal
Knock Out Girl Costume $25.00

Sexy Ball Player Costume $27.50

Sexy Maid Costume $26.25

Sexy Referee Costume $26.25

If you still don't want to spend for these costumes, I hope at least this gave you some ideas. Be creative and have fun with it! And don't forget to take a lot of pictures.

♥ Celeste

Chic for Cheap: Ashley Tisdale

2008-10-27T15:34:00.000-07:00

So for the poll it was a tie between Ashley Tisdale and Rachel Bilson. I just thought I'd do Ashley's first because she was the first one on the poll and she just had a hit movie out (High School Musical 3, which ranked in about $48+ million already!). Now this outfit I picked is casual and fun. And the great thing is it's perfect if you want to keep warm, but not look bulky. Just layer up, and if it's not that cold where you live yet, you can still wear your sandals! If it's already freezing, you might want to exchange those for some boots, and maybe add a scarf or a warmer piece of outerwear.

Although most of her outfit is pretty reasonably priced, her bag probably isn't for most of you. Chanel purses usually go for at least $1,000. But don't worry, we found a way you can get her look without spending even half that.

(On the left): Charlotte Russe Sweater Dress $28.99 (On the right): Target Haycombe Dress $29.99.

(On the left): Alloy Boyfriend Cardigan $24.50 (On the right): Old Navy Cardigan $26.50.
(On the left): Forever 21 Leggings $4.50 (On the right): Urban Outfitters Footless Tights $9.99.

(On the left): Old Navy Flip Flops $3.50 (On the right): Target Suede Flip Flops $9.99.
(On the left): Forever 21 Quilted Chain Strap Handbag $26.80 (On the right): Asos Oversized Patent Quilted Clutch $62.40.

Total: ~$88 (counting the cheaper of the two)

Here are the links to some of the originals in case you want the exact items:
→ Havaianas Crystal Peace Sign Flip Flops, $48.00.
→ Juicy Couture Jersey Camisole Dress, $ unavailable.

♥ Celeste

One Shirt Two Ways

2008-10-25T18:25:00.000-07:00

I know you've probably read this on every fashion blog out there, but yes our economy is not in a pretty state right now and we're all doing everything we can to hang on to our cash. But that doesn't mean you have to stop shopping! A good idea is to splurge on one high quality, basic item you can wear all season in a million ways. And when I say splurging I don't necessarily mean $100 for a shirt. You can find good quality tees for as little as $25 at places like J.Crew, Macy's, and Express. Especially go to the clearance racks because you're sure to find amazing discounts on simple tanks and sweaters.

Now to get your money's worth on an expensive piece of clothing, you've gotta wear it! This doesn't mean you should stick with the same outfit everytime; this definitely will not motivate you to wear this piece more often. The best and easiest way to bring out different looks is by pairing it with different accessories.

In this post I'll teach you how to take this J.Crew long-sleeve tee and get two separate outfits.

Outfit 1

Make this fun, yellow tee casual by pairing it with some easy accessories. This is perfect for a day out with friends or for getting to all your classes.

J.Crew Tissue Long Sleeve V-Neck Tee ($32.00 or 2 for $50)
This shirt is made out of lightweight cotton which is perfect for layering. They're a basic essential, but that doesn't mean they have to be boring! You can get them in bright colors like this yellow, blue or orange.

PacSun Venice Skinny Dark Indigo ($39.50 or 2 for $55)
These dark, comfy skinny jeans give a nice contrast against the brightness of the tee. This pair will probably last you a while too, and you can get two different styles for a great deal!

Charlotte Russe Python Ballet Flats ($18.99)
To spice up the basic ensemble, add these faux-leather python flats. You can go a little crazy with the shoes since the rest of the outfit is very simple. And don't be afraid to dress these up or down.

Forever 21 Summer Scarf ($5.50)
Even though this is called a "summer" scarf, it's excellent if you're looking for a scarf that isn't chunky, yet still keeps you warm.

Payless Lindsay Mid Satchel ($9.99)
This bag's structured design balances out the casualness of the outfit. It's a perfect everyday bag because its neutral color goes with everything. And for a mere $10 you can add it to your closet without breaking the bank.

Forever 21 Satin Chic Headband ($3.80)
Whether going to class or going out shopping, you want to keep your hair out of your face. This headband does the job. But don't let it get boring by picking one with small details like this one.

Forever 21 Mixed Hearts Chain Bracelet ($6.80)
Forever is the best place to get trendy accessories for cheap (which is why it's featured so much). Add some bling by getting this chunky charm bracelet.

Outfit 2

The second outfit is a bit dressier. Just because a tee is casual by itself, doesn't mean you can't transform it!

Old Navy Tipped Blazer ($18.99)
This blazer comes in two great colors, both very versatile. By wearing this over the yellow tee, you tone it down without making it completely boring. The shirt pops out against the dark colors.

Forever 21 Lindsey Skinny Jeans ($12.50)
These jeans are a total steal! To keep on track with the dressiness, pick a darker more tight fitted pair.

Target Ariel Patent Oxford Booties ($24.49)
Exchange your flats for these high heeled booties to add length. And for a budget friendly price you can add the trendy Oxford look into your outfit.

Kohl Quilted Knot Clutch ($14.40)
Since the blazer covers up most of the tee, you can add this adorable clutch in emerald without having to worry about it clashing. It's another easy way to add a burst of color to a dark outfit.

Urban Outfitters Coiled Serpent Ring ($16.00)
To make the outfit more interesting, add this unique serpent ring. It's a great way to be a little creative without taking away from the structured feel.

And remember, these are only two out of a thousand different outfits. Try layering this over vests and cardigans. Wearing it with pumps and skirts. Don't be afraid to try new things!

♥ Celeste

Unique Goodies at Fred Flare (part 2)

2008-10-24T11:26:00.000-07:00

This is the second part to the previous Fred Flare post. The first one featured apparel and accessories, but this one features pretty much everything that doesn't fit in the first category. These are only a small percentage of the cute and quirky things that are on their site. All of the items in this post can be found under the "At Home" section on FredFlare.com.

Now I tried to pick a variety of things just to show you what kind of amazing items they carry. And if you do decide to order something, put in this discount code: "store cute" when you check out to save $7.95 on shipping!

(Two different views): Secret Book Camera $55.00.

This 110 camera imported from Japan is crafted to look like a vintage book. It's about 5 inches long and 2 inces wide; perfect for carrying it around in your bag.

(On the left): Candy Cane Shot Glasses $8.00 (On the right): Le Petit Prince Eau De Toilette $32.00.

For $8 you get two of these edible candy cane flavored shot glasses! I know Christmas is still a long ways ahead, but it's never too early to stock up on these for your upcoming holiday party. And who remembers the Little Prince and loved it? Now you can get a perfume inspired by it (alcholol-free), that smells like oak and cedar with a little bit of citrus.

(Two different views): Ice Cream Truck Lip Balm Set $16.00.

This comes with a set of six different flavor lip balms, like Very Cherry Vanilla and Rocky Road. Plus what is not cute about the case it comes in?

(Two different views): Reduce Your Carbon Footprint $13.95.

This book is a great gift (either for yourself or someone you know) for tips on how to save the beloved planet we live on. It is packed with 128 pages of great information in a colorful theme.

(Two different views): Mini Robo Vacuum $20.00.

This small vacuum cleans up all your little messes and it's cute! Just press a button on the top and it will be on it's way cleaning up crumbs and pencil shavings. They come in three different colors and they're only $20! I'm ordering one for the boyfriend (he could so use it).

(Two different views): Illustration by Fashion Designers $40.00.

How could I not include this? For $40 you can get a book filled with sketches from all your favorite designers. It features drawings by Betsey Johnson, Karl Lagerfeld, and many more.

(Two different views): Kate Spade 2009 Desk Calendar $20.00.

This calendar designed by Kate Spade herself is filled with amazing "road trip"-inspired imagery. It contains monthly and weekly pages, plus extra lined pages for jotting down notes. This luxe desk calender is a great way to start the new year off!

(On the left): Wacky Bandages $9.00 (On the right): "I am not a Paper Cup" $22.00.

This is only one out of the many designs they feature. Don't like having kisses on your scrapes? Try the tattoos or the toast! And, the "paper cup" you see on the right isn't actually made of paper, and is totally re-usable. It's made of white porcelain and is eco-friendly and dishwasher friendly!

(Two different views): Cool Jewels Ice Cube Tray $10.00.

For only $10 dollars you can drink a cup filled with jewels. These are great for spicing up party drinks!

(On the left): Lipstick Ballpoint Pen $5.00 (On the right): Rain Parade Mini Umbrellas $32.00.

Another disguise, this lipstick is actually a pen. It's good for carrying around in your purse to write down all those guys' numbers. And you're sure to get noticed carrying around one of these cute umbrellas. They're made to look like they're wearing a raincoat and rainboots!

Sorry it took an abnormally long time to get this up. I accidentally fell asleep for three hours. It was midterm week ya know? Tell me your thoughts!

♥ Celeste

Stylish Goodies at Fred Flare (part 1)

2008-10-23T13:32:00.000-07:00

If you haven't heard of Fred Flare, then you're missing out on a whole bunch of cute items! They carry clothing (for both men and women), accessories, and a lot of other goodies. Their prices range from total deals to splurge worthy. Basically they carry a collection of unique pieces on their site. You're bound to find at least one thing that you will squeal about and want to snatch up right away.

I'm breaking this post into two parts since I can't stop finding things I want to show you guys! I'll use this first part to show you adorable clothing and accessories, and save the next post for "Etc" goodies.

(On the left): This Girl Can Shop Tee $26.00 (On the right): Sweetheart Bustier Dress $65.00.

They have a bunch of cute graphic tees, like this one that probably describes most of you on here! And they go from casual to formal by featuring this red hot strapless dress.

(On the left): Yellow School Bus Tote $34.00 (On the right): Handmade Wallet $28.00.

Looking for a cute and unique tote or wallet? Fred Flare is filled with them! If you think these are too "cutesy" for you, then these can always make great gifts (and you won't have to worry about other people getting someone the same thing as you).

(Two different views): Betsey Johnson Bow Watch $75.00.

I told you they carried practically everything! How many other watches come in this gorgeous color and design? Plus it doubles as a cute bracelet with the top closed!

(Two different views): Blair Mini Bow Earrings $9.00.

Emulate Blair Waldrof with these pretty and proper black bow earrings. And for only $9 these are a total steal!

(Two different views): Disney Treasure Chest Ring $44.00.

This Disney couture ring (made from 14K gold) contains hidden treasure! Close or open the top for two different looks (one showing Swarovski crystals and a note from Tinkerbell).

(On the left): Jitterbug Gemstone Headband $12.00 (On the right): Purple Lace Flats $24.99.

The headband radiates a great vintage vibe. It's lightweight and perfect for dressing up or down. And the purple flats come with some lace detail that gives it a pretty, girly feel. And it has added padding for comfort and style.

(Two different views): Holly Golightly Sleep Mask $14.00.

This is my favorite thing in their store (which I'm probably going to order right after I finish this post!). Made to mimic the sleeping mask worn by one of our favorite movie characters, you're sure to get a goodnight's sleep in this stylish accessory.

Have I convinced you yet to grab up some things at Fred Flare? If not, watch out for part two coming soon!

♥ Celeste