I think that legs are one of the sexiest parts of the body. Showing a little bit of leg is one of the easiest ways to add a pop to an outfit, whether you’re rocking shorts in the summer or a dress for a night out. But there’s a fine line between showing just enough and showing a little too much.

In this video, YouTube user BritPopPrincess shows us her take on how to wear a mini skirt without looking “slutty.” I do think that the line between just enough and too much is different depending on the occasion, but she has some great tips regardless. Check out the outfits she puts together – do you think she made the mini skirt look classy? Read More »

You are not alone when you look into your closet and see black, black and – oh – more black. Every fall we swear we are going to reinvent ourselves; make our closet over to look like a packet of Skittles (mmm Skittles). Yet every fall, without fail, when we’re in a tizzy at the register debating between a black cardigan or an orange one, we end up with black, reasoning that it goes with most things, that it’s the most practical.

Snooze. Fest.

The easiest way to get a “new” outfit and incorporate a color that’s not black without having to buy everything over from head to toe is to rock the staples you already have and add in one piece:

The adorable rockin’ mini.

We all have black shoes, black tights and black tops – the essentials needed for this look. And to spare you from going around town in a top, tights and pumps (you wouldn’t be the first person to think their shirt was long enough to be a dress), Budget Stylista is here to cover your butt. Literally.

Here are my favorite mini-skirts on the racks right now (but there are so many options out there, so you’re bound to find one you love). Itty bitty pieces that make a big outfit statement. You’ve already got everything else you need to complete the look and the boldness, shortness, tightness and color of the mini is all up to you!

Who knew lookin’ so good was so damn easy? Read More »

It was close to impossible to find a magazine this year that didn’t have editors raving over the bandage trend. “They are the most flattering shape of the season!” “For every shape and size!” they cooed.

I had one response to that: “Yeah freakin’ right.”

Of course your stick skinny models look amazing wrapped in a skin tight mini dress or skirt; they’d look hot in a paper bag. And while I am usually one to give a trend a try before labeling it unwearable, I just couldn’t see how stuffing every lump and bump into a super tight micro-mini would result in a flattering look.

And then I walked by the BCBGMaxAzria near my apartment and cried inside every time I passed the adorable bandage skirts in all colors of the rainbow. Don’t get me wrong, I was still 95% sure that I would put one on, let out a yelp of horror and hide inside the dressing room, but they looked so damn cute on the mannequins that I just had to give it a shot.

And I did leave the store screaming…but not because of how big my ass looked. I didn’t even get that far; instead I took one look at the price tag and ran as far away from that place as possible.

After this I spent months ignoring the trend, even though I’d see girls out at bars sporting the look and never once had bitchy thoughts about how she must have no mirrors in her dorm room. It seemed the editors may have been right…this look did seem to fit every body type. Read More »

Polka dots were all over the runways for spring, and really, how can you not feel more peppy when you’re rockin’ the dots? There’s just something about polka dots that are fun, flirty and innocent. And there are plenty of options out there to let you have your fun without looking like Minnie Mouse at a house party.

Here are some pieces that are perfect for the warmer months.

Read More »

When we finally finish up finals and return home for the holidays, of course we must run to the mall and soak up the holiday cheer: hum along to the cheesy department store music, watch some kiddies take a picture with Santa and sip on a to-die-for Starbucks Peppermint Mocha (seriously if you haven’t tried it, go get one immediately). And then, after an hour of battling the crowds, we realize we can’t afford anything and walk back to our cars with nothing but a caffeine buzz and an empty red Starbucks cup.

And that, my friends, is when you should head to Target. Not only can you get a gift for everyone on your entire list there, but you can also pick up stuff for yourself without feeling guilty. Seriously, they’ve got a ton (and I mean a TON) of really great stuff under $20 lining those racks. I just want it all. And at these prices, I may just get it all. Read More »

Don't let your skinny jeans stop you from eating it all (twice) on Thanksgiving!

The two things I love most about fall are the food and the fashion, which means Thanksgiving is a major jackpot. I get to dress up all cute and stuff my face with turkey. It’s wonderful…for the first ten minutes. Then my stomach begins to protrude over my skintight mini and I start having a hard time breathing. Undoubtedly I end up taking an intermission, putting on my stretchy sweatpants, then heading back for seconds.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. It’s possible to look cute and eat until you’re curled up on the couch in a food coma. You just have to choose your outfit wisely. I’ve combed through this season’s hottest trends and built outfits that are holiday appropriate, both in how they look and how they stretch to fit the 5 lbs of stuffing you will inevitably inhale. And I’m sure enjoying Thanksgiving dinner without the need to unbutton your pants at the table is something we can all be thankful for this year. Read More »

Last month, 20 year old Geisy Arruda was expelled Bandeirante University in Brazil. What would cause someone to be expelled from a university?

Did she cheat?
Did she vandalize?
Did she hurt someone?

No, Geisy incited a mass riot among her fellow students. For showing up to school wearing a mini skirt and “heavy makeup.”

That’s right, when she arrived to school dressed up for the day her fellow students crowded her classroom door, shouting for her to come out so that they could rape her. As she was escorted out, the male students screamed “Puta!” and “whore!” while grabbing at Arruda and attempting to take cell phone pictures between her legs.

The next day Arruda was informed through an ad in the school newspaper that she was expelled, not even given the courtesy of being called and informed of this directly. Their reason for expulsion?  Her dress provoked a “collective reaction in defense of the school environment.”

And what environment is this exactly? One where the male students can do whatever they feel like?  Threaten women with violent and disgusting acts like rape? Leave class and start rioting in the hallways without even a slap on the wrist? Not only are they not being reprimanded for their outlandish behavior, but they are actually being defended by the school, all while this poor girl is made out to be a criminal. And for what? Putting on some eyeliner and wearing a cute sweater-mini to class? Read More »

The jacket that started it all.

About 3 years ago, I was visiting my Grandma in… wait for it… Florida. Perusing her closet for vintage finds (clothes that are too young for her, clothes that don’t fit her, or clothes I think I can make look ‘cool’ all the while loving that I will be able to say “it was my grandma’s!”) is a standard for every trip down to the land where dinner is eaten somewhere in the 4 o’clock hour.

Over the years I’ve found some GREAT things in there. Amazing costume jewelery, crocheted ponchos (when they were at their peak) and the coolest belts. But this time, this time I stopped dead in my tracks. Behind her housecoats and orthopedic shoes, shining in all their amazing glory: 2 sequined, shoulder padded, totally rad blazers. And I was in L-O-V-E.

Keep in mind, this was long before sequins made their way back to the shelves, but I loved the extravagant elegance of it all. I loved putting it on and feeling like I should be back on stage doing my time steps and shuffling off to Buffalo. So I took them with me and finally got the confidence to wear them last year.

This season (as we pointed out yesterday) sequins are everywhere and if you haven’t gotten in on the trend yet, try it on for size. It’s intimidating on the hanger – maybe even ugly – but once you bathe yourself in the glitz that you used to only use for art projects in 2nd grade, you will never want to go back!

Of course, you gotta do it right or else you may end up looking like Cher circa 1988. The key to wearing sequin pieces is keeping everything else SIMPLE. Really simple. Super duper simple. Get it? Got it? Good. Read More »

If it’s one thing I love for fall, it’s the boyfriend blazer. (Note: not the boyfriend…cuz I don’t got one.) Sure, cardigans are great, but sometimes you don’t want to look like your MOM. This season’s boyfriend blazer is a great option for those August-October months when it’s chilly out at night, but you don’t want to be schvitzing in a heavier sweater or coat. And with it being such a huge trend, there is NO need to shell out the big bucks for an awesome looking one. I’ve seen them everywhere from Saks to Delia’s and everywhere in between.

The BB (which, should be worn open in most cases) looks effortlessly cool, pulls together almost any outfit, and, might I add, gives a perfect balance to your ‘fit when you’re sporting mini-dresses and skirts. I.E. the BB makes the outfit and – duh – you look sexy and not like a hooch.

There are so many ways to rock this badboy – great for class with a pair of jeans and motorcycle boots, paired with a cute dress, a skirt, boyfriend jeans and heels, shorts and a tucked in tank- the options are endless! I think I might even love the boyfriend blazer more than any boyfriend I’ll ever have.

Here are 3 ways to wear the trend… and to wear the trend for cheap! Read More »

If it’s one thing there’s no shortage of this season, it’s cute skirts. Really cute skirts. And sister, you’ve worked hard all season to get those legs in tip-top shape. Giving up that late night pizza for extra lunges and calf strengtheners (or maybe doing extra lunges and calf strengtheners to make up for that late night pizza…).

With so many options available there is really no need to spend at Barney’s what could be spent on booze when you can just hit up a cheaper store and still look effortlessly chic. So here are a few of my favorite affordable skirts for your summer wardrobe: Read More »