Yeah, it might not look like much but this little guy will transform your wardrobe.

The quintessential waist belt was not created to hold anything up. It doesn’t fit into loops, it offers no form of support, it’s not durable and it doesn’t save the world from your plumber’s crack. So what does this basic wardrobe staple do for you?

It works harder for you that you did for your A in Intro to Painting; it creates the illusion of a smokin’ waist.

Your closet (aka the storage bin under your bed) and your body are incomplete without this wardrobe essential.  Nothing gives you that perfect hourglass shape quite like a cinch at the waist. No matter if you have curves or none to claim, a braided belt like this one from American Eagle will not only create them, but let your wallet keep a fat curve of it’s own.

This belt is what saved the shirt-dress trend by mercifully adding some shape to an otherwise baggy and unflattering outfit. There are so many shirts and dresses in my own wardrobe that I won’t dare to wear unless I can find a suitable waist belt or I’m left feeling boxy and paunchy. Even if you don’t have a lot of this type of shirt, this belt is so versatile when worn right.

I love this belt because the braided detailing makes it a lot more interesting than any other belt I’ve got. And if I’m going to invest in a nice leather belt, it’s going to be black, so I appreciate that this cheapie option allows for some new color to enter my wardrobe that I don’t have to make above a twenty dollar commitment to.

The key to getting the most out of this belt is twofold, mainly because it will literally fold on top of itself since waists do not come equipped with belt loops. Hint number one: buy it large. It may sound contradictory, but if you can buy this belt large enough to fit your hips as a regular old belt, it will not only double its wearability, but a skinny belt on tailored pants or well fitting jeans also looks so chic. Essential and surprising hint number two you can find in your bookstore – yes, I said your bookstore: double-sided tape.

I’m serious. Since your waist is most likely a lot smaller than your hips, that belt is going to have a very saggy tail outside the buckle that has no loop to be tucked into, which can be a plus or could ruin your outfit. If you’re going for a casual look on your way to class with a baggy shirt or dress that you’re looking to bring some hobo fashion to, then by all means let the tail wag free. But if you’re looking for an added element to a tucked in fitted white blouse or button-up for a meeting with a professor (you need that extension) or a job interview (you need that horribly low-paying campus job), you’re going to need that double-sided tape to make the look professional and polished.

Just beware of a serious fashion don’t: I don’t care how loose your pants are after you join the crew team, if you’re wearing this fabulous waist belt, you will not be wearing another one on your hips. Not even if you convince yourself it’s hidden by that long shirt your wearing. No double belting!

I’m loud, I’m proud and I love accessories! OK, call me lame if you want, but the importance of great accessories is not lost on me. They are absolutely essential in bringing together a beautiful ensemble and the easiest way to update your wardrobe to reflect the newest trends each season. And, fo real, they are really fun to shop for!  Unlike shoes or jeans or dresses, you really can never have too many of them, so I’m always on a hunt for something new to add to my growing collection.

And if you stick with me, you can nab some new pieces on the cheap, too.

As Giorgio Armani once said, “Accessories are important and becoming more and more important each day.” We hear you bro, so let’s take a look at the good stuff.

[Click on the pic to shop!]

These earrings add a total shock factor to any ho hum outfit. Much like me, the spikes are naughty but totally wonderful.  Throw these on with a v-neck and jeans and you’re look is instantly spicy and unique.  And despite their super low $15 price tag, they look like you wore them out of a trendy and pricey boutique.

Here’s a secret: the ultimate fall/winter accessory? The scarf. It will keep you warm and add a hint of fabulous to your outfit, whether it’s a dress shirt or a long sleeve tee.  The zebra and gold chain print on this particular beauty is classy and sexy all in one.  All for only $15.

Think you can’t pull of a sequin beret? Think again. Slipping this on your head (even over greasy, gnarly hair) will make you look cooler instantaneously. Rock it with a pair of skinny jeans, a long tee and a cardigan. That’s all you need. All for $5.80.

I’ve always wanted to pop for a nice pair of feline sunglasses.  These (in both tortoise and red) are only $14 and totally Aubrey Hepburn.  They would look chic and fab with a trench coat and tall boots.  I can see myself now walking down the sidewalk and pulling a Mary Tyler Moore. Or a Kim Kardashian. Whatev. They’re faboosh.

We all know the power a stack of bracelets can have on an outfit. So imagine what this monstrous stack can do for you (for under $9).

Maybe I just have an unhealthy owl obsession but this (100% authentic leather) wristlet is perfect for so many reasons.  First of all, it’s a great little tote for the bar (fits license and cash). Second, the magnetic front strap makes it easy to get at and secure. Third, unlike those lame Coach wristlets that everyone and their mother has, it’s totally unique and a great conversation piece.

Can we talk about this necklace? Who would believe you got this at Old Navy (!!) for only $12.50? It’s pretty much all you need to dress up a blah outfit on a dreary Monday morning or add some shine to that (super) low cut black top on a Friday night.

Don’t laugh at the name – this grey beastie belt is stud-tastic!  It comes in grey and brown and is a measly $15.  Like the picture, it would look fab with a white dress or a longer top.  Just doing the small favor of adding a belt (especially one as detailed and funky as this one) to an outfit can totally turn it around.

Lucky for me, metallics have been all the rage for the last few years and the fashion gods have decided to keep it around for yet another season! And I can see why; a metallic piece adds instant glam to an outfit. And you don’t even need much. A little shine goes a long way, whether it’s on a shoe, in a bag, or across an entire dress.

Of course, metallic pieces are perfecto for New Year’s Eve. There’s no better way to start 2010 than with a hot metallic mini-dress or a slammin’ metallic skirt. If that’s a bit too much for you, there’s a wide variety of shiny accessories out there that can add some heat to any look. And with retailers slashing their prices big time, many of these fabulous pieces will cost pennies, putting a very small dent in your Christmas money (and leaving enough for overpriced New Year’s tickets).  Lookin’ for a little shine? Here’s some of the best out there.

Fashion Week, a sort-of welcome week for the rich and stylish, has come to an end. Come tomorrow, a construction crew will be taking the tents at Bryant Park down, models will hop on planes to London and editors will finally get more than three hours of sleep per night. This week’s had it all: appearances by D-List Celebrities (hello, Kelly Bensimon,) crazy parties (Alexander Wang rented out a gas station) and clothes, clothes, clothes. Ready to stock your closet for spring?

Here are the top trends for Spring 2010:

ASYMMETRICAL

Malandrino, Rebecca Taylor, BCBG Max Azria

Work out those triceps, ladies, because the one-shoulder dress is back in for spring. This trend seems tough to pull off, but a dress like this can literally be worn anywhere. Pair it with flats and a cardigan and you’re perfect for class; add a pair of heels and statement earrings and you’re set for a party. Too lazy to make a toga for that Grecian party? I can tell you from personal experience that these sorts of dresses look much classier than an XL-twin sheet wrapped around you. If only getting that Adonis was this easy…

ORANGE

Yigal Azrouel, Jason Wu, Vena Cava

We’ve all heard it: White is the new pink, pink is the new black, and black is the new Kelly green. In 2010, thought, we’ll all be wearing… orange. Although wearing this color head-to-toe might be a little extreme, wearing an orange tank-top with jeans would look great as a daytime look, while an orange mini-dress will make everyone look at you twice (in a good way!) at a bar. Just make sure your dress doesn’t match your tan…

BELTED

Rag & Bone, Alexander Wang, Proenza Schouler

There’s been some crazy-ugly trends going on lately: harem pants, muumuus, massive shoulder pads… But that’s (mostly) over. Almost every single designer sent looks down the runway that were accessorized with belts. Not only is this the easiest trend to re-create (find a belt, loop it around the smallest part of your waist and BAM!), but it’s also super-flattering on every single body type. Seriously, if there is one trend to go for this spring, it’s this one. After all, who doesn’t want Kim Kardashian curves?

SHEER

Ruffian, Badgley Mischka, 3.1 Phillip Lim

Obviously, this is a tougher trend to follow. Wearing that Ruffian look in 8 AM psychology will probably have some classmates wondering exactly what you do when you “study” off-campus. A more appropriate way to work this trend is a la Badgley Mischka. Shorter dresses instantly look classier with a layer of sheer fabric on top. If you’re extra-daring and want to try the 3.1 Phillip Lim version… take it from me and just don’t go with the white bra underneath. Your older self will thank you.

PRINTS

Charlotte Ronson, Diane Von Furstenberg, Nanette Lepore.

Come spring, all you’ll be seeing in stores are prints, prints and more prints. These aren’t your average polka dots and stripes either; this year, geometric patterns rule. To avoid looking like a fashion wannabe, stick to one print per outfit. Again, you can style this as casual or as fancy as you want. I’d pair a patterned skirt with a solid-colored tee shirt or a printed tank with a pair of jeans. A dress with a pattern will command attention when you walk in the room. By the end of the night, I promise you’ll be so sick of saying “yeah, I got it from Forever 21” to the girls who ask where you got such an adoooooooooooorable top.

Spring fashion is lookin’ good and I can’t wait to load up on all of these trends. Too bad there’s a whole lot of fall and winter to get through first. (But on the flip side, this gives Target/Forever 21 plenty of time to create more wallet-friendly options for all of us.)

[All photos via style.com]

Random I know, but my mom never let me buy ripped jeans saying she wasn’t going to “spend money on something that was already ruined,” and that “ripped jeans are for homeless people.” Now that I’m on my own, I’ve found that there is actually ONE perk of being financially independent and that would be ripped, torn and tattered jeans. Take that, mommy dear.

Second, I know I’m way to old to care about the Kid’s Choice Awards, but – call me a teenybopper or call me a loser – there is just something a lot more fun (like, um, the goo that gets dumped on celebs) than your typical stuffy awards shows.

So it makes perfect sense that I hearted Cameron Diaz’s look at this year’s Kid’s Choice Awards. She looked cute, fresh and not at all like a homeless person.

For those of you who aren’t into watching programs that 10 year olds watch, I’ve broken it down for you here.

Celebrity Chic on the Cheap: Cameron Diaz is All Torn Up

Polka Dotted Top:
The first option is from Bluefly and is a little more muted than Cameron’s, but there are tons out there this season so go for whatever color you like best! The other is a bit more tailored option from Ralph Lauren (on sale!) that will look AWESOME with the belt and bag!

Jeans:
Skinny and ripped, or a little less ripped and a little less skinny.

White Belt:
The perfect accessory for summer! Turn this first option around and clasp is in the back. If you have a little more you wanna hide, go for a thicker belt, like the one on the right.

Shoes:
Great for spring and the platform will help elongate those legs!

Red Clutch:
Cameron’s red bag totes completed the look and gave it a fun pop of color. Here are two great options.

[I want it, I need it, I can’t live without it. There are so many things on store shelves and racks right now that we want to take home and hang in our closets. Things that are so cute, everyone should know about them. We’ll share ‘em with you here (because we’re that nice), but as far as actually getting them goes….well, you’re on your own with that one.]

Sometimes, a belt is all you need to transform a blah outfit into an effortlessly cool one. They can help to define your waist, give shape to a baggy dress, make the layered look appear more chic, and make an outfit look completely different.

This particular belt from Urban Outfitters is a steal at $24 and looks cute over dresses, tunics, or the big flannel shirts that are in right now.

The wide, stretchy-style is especially waist and figure flattering, and as an added bonus, the gold-tone latch buckle is surprisingly reminisce of the Gucci horse bit for a fraction of the price! I can’t wait to get to Urban to pick one up; my wardrobe needs this.

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.

2008 was an interesting year for fashion. Gone (thankfully) were the maternity tops of 2007, replaced by blasts from the past inspirations from the 20s through the days of our best pals on Beverly Hills 90210. We saw everything from the mom-jean to the 90s flannel button down. Some of it was fab, and some of it… not so much. So, let’s take a look at this year’s fashion highs and fashion oh-hell-no’s.

Because without the crap we can’t appreciate the couture.

Here are my top 5 fashion must-haves from 2008:

The High Waist

Sure we spent years trying to get people to stop wearing them only to bring them right back in, but let’s face it: we should be thankful that we don’t have to look at butt cracks and muffin tops a day longer. These pants look good on just about everyone… as long as they aren’t acid washed…or paired with a denim jacket.

The Vintage Scarf

There is something about Hollywood starting trends of cold-weather wear in warm weather regions that seems to catch on like hot fire. First we saw Uggs popularity soar back in 2003 with stars in shorts and boots trudging around LA. This year it was the scarf that made its way to the West Coast. Everywhere you turned, there was Jessica Alba in another fabulously printed scarf. These colorful scarves spruced up wardrobes, covered hickies (for those of you who still get them), and made any drab outfit instantly chic.

The Plaid or Gingham T

I was admittedly resistant to this trend at first. After all, my brothers wore these with hiking boots and Cavariccis to high school back in 1996. I didn’t like them then and I didn’t think I would like them now. Until designers – from the Couture to Forever 21 – made them tailored and colorful and so. freakin. cute, especially when tucked into a pair of those mom jeans I’ve come to love so much.

The Belt

Whereas 2007 was all about hiding that belly under too-big tops, 2008 brought us the cinched waist. Thank you, fashion peeps of the world! Now everything – jackets, dresses, tops – come paired with a belt for an instantly chic and flattering look. The best part: you can take all those maternity shirts from last year and glam ‘em up instantly with this year’s hottest accessory. And if by chance you get knocked up? Just remove that belt and, Viola!

Bright Colors

The little black dress was obsolete this year with the addition of bright colors and jewel tones. Seriously, everywhere you walked looked like a gay pride parade! You name your favorite Crayola crayon color and I will find you a shirt, dress and pair of skinny jeans in that hue.

The Oh-Hell-No Looks of 2008:

One-Piece Jumpers

I don’t care if Rhianna rocked them; they look good on no one. Unless, of course, you are a fan of the camel toe.

Leather Leggings

Leggings as pants can be tricky when not worn in a flattering way. Add the fact that they are leather and you have yourself a recipe for disaster. Leather leggings make women look like they are walking on lumpy sausages. Does that sound even remotely sexy to you? I didn’t think so. These bad boys are never flattering. Not ever. Not even for a second.

All you have to do is click on the goods and - boom - you can buy the entire ensemble. Yes, we know; there is a spot for her in heaven.]

I wish I was a Knowles. The gene pool for that family is just not fair. Gorgeous, talented, smart, successful AND an alter ego to boot?! Some people just have all the luck.

While I know being related to the Knowles is not possible and becoming Besties is not-so-likely (although B, I am a fabulous best friend, you know, in case you need one). I’m left with two ways to tap into my inner bootylicsiousness:

1) Dancing around- jelly and all – pretending that I too can be Sasha Fierce

2) Dressing like the fab Beyonce.

So While I won’t be sharing my best Beyonce moves (that magic is bestowed upon my mirrors and microphones er…hairbrushes only) I will share my Beyonce budget finds!

Here is this week’s Celebrity Chic on the Cheap: I Have an Alter Ego Too… I Call Her… Beyonce.

Black Dress

A staple in every wardrobe, and a must-have for all girls, especially those with curves. This one serves double duty as its appropriate enough for a family dinner yet fun enough to wear out.

Black belt

“If you’ve got it flaunt it- boy I know you want it…” says my best friend Lady Beyonce in her hit song “Check On It.” This belt with help you do just that by cinching you in at your smallest part and showing off that derriere. You bootylicious thang, you.

Layering Necklaces

If you don’t like my recommendations on this, it doesn’t matter! Layer up with whatever necklaces you want: pearls, chains, the choices are endless.

Patent Bag

Big enough to hold all your crap, small enough to still be an evening back. Perfection.

Shoes

While these aren’t quite like Beyonce’s, I fell for their metallic/grey color.

Leather Cutout Gloves

To keep the boys guessing if there is or if there isn’t a ring on it…

So go on, Single Ladies (and taken ladies, too), ‘Put your hands up’ in this outfit and rock out with your best Beyonce moves. I won’t judge. Because well, I believe there is a small part in all of us who wants to be Beyonce too. Even if it’s just in front of our mirrors.

A big, comfy sweater is definitely a must-have this winter. It will keep you warm and looking chic, unlike a baggy hoodie. Kim Kardashian and Kate Hudson, above, look cute but casual, the perfect look for heading to class or shopping. Jessica Alba dresses the look up a little by adding a belt and tights.

In order to pull off this look, however, make sure that the sweater isn’t TOO enormous. You don’t want to look like you stole it from your grandpa’s closet. Buy a sweater that is meant to be oversized or go one size up from what you would normally buy.

Here are some stylish oversized sweaters. Click the picture to visit the store’s website.

Put one of these cozy sweaters on over jeans/leggings and leather boots and you’re good to go! Throw on a belt for a little extra pizazz (and to show that you have a waist), or layer up the bracelets to make this look ultra feminine. Cute and warm has never been easier.