[America has more name brands than Law and Order reruns and while you may want to go unload your entire check at GAP or Abercrombie, you don’t want to buy something that you thought was cute and unique and later have buyer’s remorse when you see something identical for less.

I’m not encouraging you to start buying knock off Jimmy Choos from Payless and wanna-be BCBG dresses at Walmart (although, just throwing it out there, you may find some very GOOD knock offs). All I’m saying is you should know that EVERY store is competing with another store and when you shop competitively, you save money. Money that you can use to stimulate the economy…or your wardrobe.

So I thought I’d help you sift through the proverbial mall and figure out which stores are best for your budget. Each week I’ll be comparing apples to apples (or undies to undies) to give you the real deal and arm you with the knowledge you need to make the wisest wardrobe choices. Ready. Set. SHOP.]

New York & Co. and Express both sell clothes that most would consider “Business Casual/Professional Wear” and “Evening Wear.” And while you may not by your ridiculously sexy homecoming dress there, if you want to look sophisticated, sexy and like a grown up, these two stores are contending for your money.  Going to an interview? Don’t know what to wear to your job’s “Grab Bag/Potluck” Soirée? Still haven’t quite decided what you’re packing for thanksgiving dinner? Read on and win. Read More »

So, Express isn’t cheap. That is pretty obvious when you walk in and the hot shirt your eying for your birthday party is marked at $49. But every few months, they have a major sale. And I mean major. The kind that makes you giddy and happy and willing to sift through giant over-stuffed racks because the deals are just. that. good.

You see, Express marks their stuff down to really low prices and then gives you an additional 20% off of that! That is some serious saving on a lot of really cute stuff. It’s a frugal fashionista’s dream. And that dream is coming true right now.

I sifted through the (digital) racks for you and pulled 8 of my favorite pieces. They’re all under $20, so you can stock your closet without that annoying guilt getting in the way. Read More »

This recession totally sucks. But, if you ignore the unemployment rate and rising cost of beer, some good is definitely coming from it. And one of those positives is the fact that the plummeting sales of retail chains has caused them to re-evaluate their brand and reinvent themselves for fall. Suddenly stores that used to make me feel nauseous (boasting window displays stuffed with mom jeans and fugly tablecloth patterns), actually have some adorable stuff that us college girls would actually consider wearing.

For the closets of fashionistas, this is great news. Now there are a dozen more stores that we can peruse online during class and drool over on our weekly treks to the mall. (Plus now when my mom calls and tells me she’s going to Ann Taylor to pick up a suit jacket, I can ask her to pick me up a cute skirt to add to my care package!)

Check out my favorite extreme makeovers (that don’t involve sexy Ty Pennington) below: Read More »

I freakin’ love fall. It is absolutely, 100% the best season for fashion. The knee-high boots? The patterned tights? The cardigans? The Pumpkin Spice Lattes that come out tomorrow? (Ok, so that’s not fashion but I’m counting down the minutes!!) I can barley contain myself as I drool through catalogs and wander through boutiques in a lust-induced haze.

Every year there’s that one item I MUST add to my closet (even if it means living on Ramen for the next month to afford it). Despite the fact that my shopping addiction has my closet filled to the brim, I always justify the need for a new piece by the “school shopping” tradition instilled in me since elementary school. You have to have some new stuff to start the school year, right? Read More »

Adding a belt is one of the easiest ways to update an outfit. Instead of going out and spending your money on an entire new ensemble, pick up a fun, stylish belt that works with something you already own! In the warmer part of the year, a belt can give a new silhouette and add a splash of personal style to dresses. When it cools off, belts are great for emphasizing your curves which are hiding under all those warm layers.

Here are some belt trends to try for under $25: Read More »

A few pairs of old jeans are probably taking up some of your precious closet space right now. They don’t fit, they’re out of style, and you haven’t worn them in years. But don’t be so quick to throw them out! And stop spending all that extra money on overpriced new ones! Jeans are the easiest clothing items to update. Here are some ideas: Read More »

Boyfriend jeans are a huge hit this season and I love ‘em not only cuz they’re totally comfy, but because they can easily go from cute & casual for day, to sexy & sassy at night with a few quick changes.

The key to BF jeans is finding ones that are still feminine and not too baggy.  It’s easy for this style to quickly look like you’re just shlubbin’ around, but if you find the right fit, they can be super cute and girly.  And don’t worry about dropping a couple hundred bucks on a cut that may not last for more than a season or two; you can get really cute Boyfriends (the jeans…not the lover) at stores like Target, Wet Seal, Forever 21 or Charlotte Russe.

Read More »

We all live busy lives; we go to school or work (or sometimes both), we try to keep our lives in order and, on top of everything else, we try to maintain a social life.

It can all be a bit overwhelming at times, especially when you’re running here, there and everywhere, and in the process of it all, still trying to look cute.  On a weekly basis, I will be posting a guide for an outfit that looks super cute and casual during the day, but you can easily rock out at night with a few accessory additions and/or a change of shoes.  And maybe, just maybe, it’ll help ease the stress of life a little bit because, hey, when we look good, we feel good, right? Read More »

Relaxed fit pants are the must-have silhouette for spring 2009. With the correct fit, they strike the perfect balance between appearing effortlessly chic and professionally appropriate. They can be worn for a day out, a night out, or even to your summer internship.

But without the correct fit, they can also go horribly, horribly wrong.

When you try them on, make sure they are fitted in the waist and butt. They should be looser and more relaxed over your thighs, and tapered and cropped above your ankles.

Since cropped pants can make your legs seem shorter, wear heels to balance everything out if you’re on the petite side. If you’re taller, pair them with heels or wedges for a dressier look, or flat gladiator sandals for a more casual vibe. Just stay away from ballet flats.

Because you’re going loose on your bottom half, you’ll want to wear a more fitted top. A tucked in blouse works for a more professional setting. When you’re not at work, wear a slim-fitting t-shirt and belt around the pants. Click here to see an example of how to rock this trend on one of my favorite blogs, Cupcakes and Cashmere.

Here’s some more outfit inspiration: Read More »

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Express has some really cute shiz right now. Get there.