Dressing for a wedding is just like dressing up for any other special occasion, but there are a few rules to wedding fashion. The first and most important of these: don’t upstage the bride. This means no white, of course, but also nothing too flashy or revealing. And if the ceremony is in a house of worship, keep your shoulders and cleavage covered up out of respect. But that doesn’t mean what you wear has to be boring!

In fact, summertime wedding fashion is all about having fun — bright colors and playful patterns fit are perfect for these kind of occasions. And the best part? You don’t have to spend a lot to look great at any wedding you attend this summer — all of these dresses would be perfect for a summer wedding, and they’re only $20 or less each!

Around the holidays there are a lot of reasons to dress up, and I’m not talking about putting on anything but sweats (which in college might feel like dressing up). I’m talking up getting all dolled up for a special occasion. Whether you have a sorority formal, a fancy party to go to with the family, or need something special for New Years Eve, now is a good time to start scoping out looks. Though people are starting to get their Christmas shopping in, it’s not quite the rush yet, meaning there will be a slightly shorter line for the changing room than a few weeks from now.

Any girl who’s been to the mall in the past 2 years knows that there are a ton of dresses to choose from out there. That means it’s easy to find one appropriate for every occasion possible, but also hard to choose the very best one. (I’ve never been good with options.) Just remember these 3 key things:

1. Choose what works best for your body, not whatever cut is trendiest. We can’t all wear sparkly shift dress, you know.
2. What you’re wearing to impress your high school crush on New Years Eve may not be the same thing you want to wear to a Christmas party with your parents’ friends. Choose a slightly longer length (you should be able to sit down comfortably in it, without covering your lap with a napkin) and more chest coverage for events you’re going to for work or with your family.
3. Go all out. Ruffles, sparkles, cut-outs – all’s fair in love, war and party dresses.

Need a dress to go with that headband?

We all know that NYE is the most over-hyped, overpriced, overdressed night of the year. While we are stressed figuring out what slutty halloween costume to wear, we also have to stress over where to go 2 months later. I swear every year two things happen: Christmas music and New Year’s Eve plans come earlier and earlier. And frankly I’m not a fan of either. My drunkcapades are exciting enough without having to pay upwards of $100 to go to a crowded club just to dance to Lady Gaga. I do that in my underwear for free in my apartment…

What I do love, however, is the excuse to wear a fun party dress. It almost makes the expensive price tag of the night worth it. And this year, there are so many great options. Lace, sequins, low cut, conservative-yet-sexy, bright colors, flapper inspired, the list goes on. And the best part is that it’s easier than Heidi Montag to find it for under $100. There are even some killer options for under $50.

So throw back some shots and put on some tights apparel because, hate this overpriced night or love it, you know you will look damn good when those pics are posted on Facebook come January 1.

All you need to do is find the style that screams “that’s SO me” click, purchase and rock that bad boy! Here are just a few of my absolute faves.

[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.

First up, Express.

Express
* Colorful, bright and super emaculate, Express gives you a chance to be sexy while still maintaining your adulthood. In 1980, the parent company of “The Limited” created Express to call out to a younger crowd. Then, in 2003, they created Express Men (a great place to find guy-gifts) and finally, in 2007, they became their own brand, after being sold by “The Limited”.

* The store was first launched in Chicago and has since grown to be a favorite amongst young women everywhere, with more than 550 stores across the country. Selling everything from sweaters, to handbags, to denim, this store has everything and is what they call the “must-have sexy, sophisticated fashion brand for work, the weekend, or going out.”

Let’s look at the numbers:
Dresses: $38.00 – $128.00
Lip Gloss: $7.00 (or 2 for $12)
Going Out Tops: $29.50 – $49.50
Everyday Tops: $29.50 (BOGO on some)
Cardigans: $39.00-$69.50
Sweaters: $29.50-$69.50
Denim: $29.00-$88.00
Pants: $41.60- $79.50
Undies/Bras: $7.50-$15.00
Other Accessories: $15.00-$40.00

Ok, so I never said they were cheap.

And now for the competition…

NEW YORK & COMPANY
* New York & Co. (which I’ll call NYC) was founded 1918 to  dress the more sophisticated young women. Selling everything from sweaters to slacks with warm colors, a modern feel, and boisterous patterns, NYC is (as they say of themselves) “rapidly becoming synonymous with modern, sexy style.” And it’s true; NYC brings looks straight off the runway and makes them available for everyday America. And since they’ve been around for more than 90 years, they have managed to become a trendsetter in women’s fashion.

* NYC is simply fashion.Walk in here and you are guaranteed to find fashions “ripped from the runway” that will not rip your wallet.

Here are the numbers:
Dresses: $13.97-$56.00
Make-Up/Fragrance: $12.50
Going Out Tops: $6.00-$45.00
Everyday Tops: $5.97-$39.95
Cardigans: $12.00- $60.00
Sweaters: $12.00- $60.00
Denim: $29.00-$69.00
Pants: $8.97-$49.95
Underwear/PJ’s: $15.00-$25.00
Other Accessories: $45 ( at the most)

And one last thing: NYC sells their clothing in Petite and Tall, which may speak to some of you who have issues when it comes to fitting those extra long (or not so much) legs.

You be the Judge
When polled, this is what you said:

78.6% of you prefer New York & Co. over Express
92.9% of you mostly buy sweaters at either New York & Co. or Express
50% of you guys said you spend $25-$75 a month in either New York & Co. or Express
50% said that you buy whatever is on sale when you shop at New York & Co. or Express (me too!)

When Asked what you hated or loved about NYC or Express this is what you said:

“I love that NYC has a wide range of sizes and that I can have a complete outfit to rock at work!”
“Love Both. I just prefer NYC for business attire.”
“Sometimes I hate NYC prices, they can be a bit steep.
“Express is a little on the pricey side for me and the sizes are a little sketchy”

In conclusion, both stores basically sell the same stuff, so if I were you, looking for holiday attire and possibly even gift buying, I would first create a budget for the outfit and then figure out which store meets the requirements. And don’t be afraid to mix and match! Both stores are offering holiday promotions and there’s nothing wrong with wearing an express camisole under a New York & Co. cardigan. Try it!

Clearly, Britney is still messed up in the head.

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[Do you ever feel like you can’t pull something off? Have trendy pieces in your closet that you would never have the courage to actually wear out? Well take those pieces out, shake off the dust, and continue reading!

In this series, I will choose a different piece that can be difficult to incorporate into an outfit and give you ideas on how to wear it. If there’s anything you would like to read about in the future, please leave a comment!]

Bubble shaped skirts are a big trend this fall from the runways of designer brands like (see above) Dior, Armani, and Erin Fetherston. Like the ruffles we’ve seen all season, this silhouette is really flattering; the volume of the skirt makes your legs and waist appear tiny in comparison. It’s also a fresh look for any holiday parties you will be attending this season (you social butterfly, you).

Before you zip into a bubble skirt, there are a few tips you must remember.

First, this type of skirt is definitely OK to go mini with, but if you think you’re showing a little too much leg put on a pair of opaque black tights. You don’t wanna look trampy! Also, when shopping for a bubble skirt, you must try it on! This is not the type of thing that will always fit you the same, so head to the nearest dressing room and make sure that the fabric stays upright and bubbly and doesn’t droop into a saggy mess. Finally, to maximize the slimming effect make sure you wear a tight fitted top (so as not to appear voluminous all over!) and heels to lengthen your legs.

Here are some cute options for skirts. Just click the picture to learn more:

If you a skirt isn’t your think, you can achieve the bubbly silhouette with a dress! There are a ton of cute options for party/semi-formal bubble dresses out there to choose from. Here are just a few to get you started: