This week we take another trip down cheap & trendy lane to Charlotte Russe.  This is a great place to shop if you’re looking for affordable, well, anything. Hot evening looks, basic day looks, super sexy shoes, way cute accessories and everything in between – Ms. Charlotte has it all.  They also recently launched a new line of more upscale/expensive pieces and denim called People’s Liberation that I am totally feelin’. Just not for this, since none of that shiz is under $20.

But this stuff is, meaning you can load up on the goodies and keep that budget in check. It’s a beautiful thing, I tell you. A beautiful thing.

Accessories can make (or break) an outfit and CR offers loads of awesome accessories at even more awesome prices, usually under $10! This bangle can be used for day or night and the gorgeous colors will give a special pop to your outfit. Even if that outfit is a t-shirt and jeans.

If you’re wanting to go Gossip Girl/prep style for back-to-school, this headband just screams Blair Waldorf. Except you don’t have to spend like Blair Waldorf.

Tights are not only a fun fashion statement, they’re a Godsend as the summer warmth is replaced by autumn chill.  This little pack comes with 2 pairs of tights that can be worn 3 different ways.  Style and versatility?  Yes please.

These shoes are cute, easy to get on and off (which is a totally under-rated feature in footwear, I must say), come in 3 different colors, and are totally worth the under-$15 price tag.

Pencil skirts are a necessary staple in any gal’s closet and I am loving the bandage look of this one; it’s sure to accentuate those curves of yours and will look great with anything from a basic tee/tank to a ruffled blouse to a sexified evening shirt.

This blouse is a great addition to any wardrobe with it’s girly ruffles, cinched waist and versatility.  Pair it with jeans, trousers or the pencil skirt above.

Boyfriend jeans…for $19.99? You’re welcome.

School will be in session soon (groan), but heading back to campus also means there’s bound to be loads of back-to-school parties. And you must look hot for said parties.  The sexy bustier-inspired top with a flowing bottom is definitely worth more than the super cheap price tag on this little shirt. You can show off the cleavage and hide any of those extra pounds from eating too much of mom’s cooking this summer.  Bonus: the fuschia will also look fantastic on your sun-kissed skin.

Post courtesy of out friends at StyleBakery.com. For more awesome fashion, style and beauty news, check them out!]

For a quick style update, add a bangle or two. Or three. Or four. These versatile pieces can be stacked, mixed, and worn with anything!

If you’re wearing a solitary bangle, make sure it contrasts somewhat in color and texture to the rest of your outfit. For example, pair a beige wooden bangle with a pink and white floral dress.

If you’re wearing several bangles, make sure they contrast with each other. A set of metallic bangles that come together can look hot, but when trying to create your own mix, avoid picking bracelets that look the same. Mix square shaped with round, wood with metal, neon with black, prints with solids, etc.

Here are 10 bangle bracelets that will brighten your look this summer and add a pop to any outfit:

1. A basic metallic bangle is a wardrobe staple, and this Arden B Twist Bangle ($14) is perfect for glamming up an all-black nighttime outfit or brightly colored dress.

2. A wooden bangle, like this Rachel Leigh Wide Dark Wood Pyramid Bangle ($35 at Chickdowntown.com), is great for mixing with metallics and thinner pieces.

3. This CC Skye Black Woven Leather Crust Button bangle ($96 at Bluefly) will add edge and toughen up an outfit. Pair it with a floral dress or feminine blouse to maximize the effect.

4. A snakeskin bracelet will also bring a tough element to an outfit. This Ted Rossi Large Python Bangle ($118 at Singer22) is hot, but you can pick up faux snakeskin pieces on the cheap at fast fashion stores like H&M and Charlotte Russe as well.

5. The Arden B Rhinestone Studded Bangle ($18) is another option for adding some glam and shine to your look.

6. A few solid, bright bangles are great to have around – you can stack ‘em on to add color to a look without going too crazy. These Betsey Johnson Enamel & Pearl Bangles ($38/each at Nordstrom) are basic with a unique twist.

7. Bright, printed bangles can also make your look pop. These Kate Spade ‘idiom’ Medium Enamel Bangles ($78/each at Nordstrom) are the perfect summer accessories – fun, eyecatching and stylish!

8. Black and white is a no-fail color combo. Pair this Banana Republic Checkered Hinge Bangle ($19.99) with an all-black or all-white ensemble for a retro-cool look.

9. Embellished pieces are hot this year – sandals, t-shirts, belts, etc. Work this trend into your wardrobe with an Erickson Beamon Embellished Bone Bangle ($560 at Net-A-Porter).

10. The whole safari thing is still hot right now as well, so pop on this zebra print Kate Spade House of A Different Color Idiom Bangle ($98) to give your look a wild touch.

Each week I’ll be putting together a cute and affordable “going out” ensemble guide (that you can tweak to your own personal style and body type, of course) so that maybe that age-old question can be answered a little quicker than usual. And your friends aren’t waiting - for hours - for you to emerge from your room. Just consider me your own (free) personal Rachel Zoe.]

So the holiday buzz has warn off, it’s time to get back to the real world, and on top of all that, it’s frickin’ freezin’ out there! Things may seem bleak right now (the economy sucks, the weather sucks, school sucks; I know how it goes) and there may be nothing you want to do more than climb into bed, pull the covers over your head and attempt to fight off those winter blues by daydreaming of sun-drenched days on the beach, but your chin up, girlfriend!

Get out of bed, pull on a cute outfit and get out there. Just because we’re officially in the dead of winter doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of fun to be had…

This top/cardigan is super sexy (helloooo, cleavage), but the belt will give great definition to your waist and the flowing bottom will cover up any of those unwanted holiday pounds. It’s top perfection.

If you’re not brave enough to wear it solo, you can always put a basic black cami or long sleeved top underneath.

Because the top is more flowy, you are going to want to pair it with a more streamlined and fitted bottom, like a pair of super dark wash skinny jeans.

Since the outfit is pretty simple, add some color with the footwear. Purple is still a popular hue and it goes great with gray. Bonus on these boots: the low heel is much easier to navigate snowy/icy walkways than sky-high stilettos, and they’ll keep your tootsies warm!

You can go a bit bigger with the accessories, so throw on a big bangle and some statement earrings. These hoops are great because they’re fun and big, but the thin wiring makes sure they’re not overbearing. And the bangle? Well, it’s just really cute.

Just don’t forget the essentials to keep you warm when you’re not inside shakin’ your booty on the dance floor: scarf, gloves and a coat are essentials and you can make them fun and stylish as well.

Each week I’ll be putting together a cute and affordable “going out” ensemble guide (that you can tweak to your own personal style and body type, of course) so that maybe that age-old question can be answered a little quicker than usual. And your friends aren’t waiting - for hours - for you to emerge from your room. Just consider me your own (free) personal Rachel Zoe.]

So holiday season is in full swing and we all know that means parties galore. So why not move away from the Little Black Dress and rock the uber-trendy menswear-inspired look instead? You will stand out at the many parties you plan to attend, and show the world how hot dressing up like a man can be…

When it comes to rocking the menswear look, there is a fine line between inspiration and actually wearing men’s clothes. It is important to focus on interpreting the look of menswear and not actually shopping in the men’s department.

A cute top is key – you want something that’s got menswear-inspired written all over it, but still has a feminine cut so as to accentuate that womanly body of yours. Tuxedo-style tops are always a fun, flirty way to achieve this look.

You can go with a wide leg black trouser for this look, but I prefer a nice pair of black skinny jeans/pants. Much sexier for a night out on the town.

When it comes to shoes, you can go menswear all the way and rock a pair of oxford pumps (oh-so-popular this season), or just go with a sexy pair of black t-strap patent platforms (also very in right now).

And when it comes to accessories, keep it simple; the shirt is highly detailed and you don’t want to over-do it. A simple pair of black hoops and a cute bangle will suffice.

Now get out there and enjoy the egg nog.