Who or what inspires your style? Many of us use celebrities (Nicole Richie or Emma Watson) as style inspiration even though, most of the time, they are being dressed from head to toe by the best stylists. Which we don’t have. And sometimes it’s damn near impossible to work their Hollywood looks into our not-so-Hollywood lives. I’ve made it my mission to tap into the mind of a fashion stylist and show you how to take your style inspiration – whatever it may be – and make it more you!

As you may have come to notice, I seem to have an affinity towards style icons that dress like they’re a little peeved about something. And Taylor Momsen is the queen of the peeve. While 17-year-old Jenny Humphrey on Gossip Girl has a few things to be angry about (namely, playing second fiddle to her perfect brother and bombshell step-sister), I’m not exactly sure what’s getting Taylor’s panties (when she wears them, that is) in a bunch. I mean, the girl works alongside some serious dime pieces like Penn Badgley, Chace Crawford and Ed Westwick, fronts her band Pretty Reckless, and models for Madonna’s upcoming fashion line called Material Girl.

But this girl is spicy, outspoken and seemingly angry, and it all comes through in the clothing (or lack thereof) that she dons. Taylor did a complete 180 and went from Upper East Side preppy with her compadre (and fellow style icon) Willa Holland to X-rated rebel. Gone are the girly dresses and frilly tops, replaced by ripped tights, heavy eyeliner and garter belts (?!). But while she’s still not legal, the way she rocks that wardrobe makes me realize that age ain’t nothing but a number.

I’m diggin Taylor’s style because it’s extreme.  Not to the point of Lady Gaga covered in fake blood, but it’s extreme to where you wonder, “What could she possibly wear next?”  It’s a little bit scandalous considering she’s still jailbait, but inspiring because she pairs it with an edgy attitude….and the mouth of a sailor. She doesn’t care what people think or say; she wears what she wants, when she wants. Some may judge her for it, but Taylor doesn’t care. And, quite frankly, I don’t care either. Taylor does rocker chic and she does it well.

And because we’re well past our barely-legal days, we can work her look without worrying about the judgment of others.

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When I’m out and about – struttin’ my stuff, doin’ my thang – there are two things I’m seeing a lot of right now:

1. High-waisted shorts
2. Feminine/sweet touches combined with a tougher/rocker edge

It sounds like a strange combo, yes, but it’s totally workin’, so for this week’s Budget Stylista I’m bringing it to you. And on top of that, because I like you and want to have you covered for all potensh style situations, I’ve brought you two looks for two trends. One for day and one for night. You, my friends, are welcome.

So let’s start with some shorts because, let’s be real, a good pair of shorts aren’t the easy to find. These black shorts, featured in both looks, are great. What I like about them is that they have a higher waist without being TOO high-waisted (i.e. flattering and not mom-from-1992 looking) and they are short without being TOO short (i.e. sexy without showing off your lady bits). The ruffle is sweet and feminine but there isn’t TOO much going on. And you can wear them day or night. Score, score, score and score! (Yes, that’s my nod to World Cup soccer. Go USA!) Read More »

A few weeks ago Sarah Jessica Parker inspired Fashion Porn. This week, it’s inspired by someone completely different.  While doing my usual online browsing, I discovered Forever 21′s “Inspired by La Roux” page.  I’ve been drooling over pictures of Elly Jackson of La Roux’s style.  And while I won’t be donning her angular, statement hair anytime soon, I am coveting some of the rock ‘n roll elements of her style.

Very few things scream rock ‘n’ roll like studs and chains.  The metallic hardware adds edge to items, and adds an instant accessory to any piece of clothing.  With studs appearing on everything from shoes to skirts this year, and chains gracing the shoulders and front of dresses, these are two elements easy to incorporate into your wardrobe.   Just remember: while you can find studs or chains on absolutely EVERYTHING this year, be careful not to go overboard. You wanna look chic, not like some reject from an ’80s heavy metal band.

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Coolest girl at camp, hands down.

Who or what inspires your style? Many of us use celebrities (like Willa Holland) or movie characters (like Elvira Hancock) as style inspiration, even though, most of the time, they are being dressed from head to toe by the best stylists. Which we don’t have. And sometimes it’s damn near impossible to work their Hollywood looks into our not-so-Hollywood lives. I’ve made it my mission to tap into the mind of a fashion stylist and show you how to take your style inspiration – whatever it may be – and make it more you!

Many know her as the one-name, Blondie. As I was growing up, I knew her as the one other woman my dad probably loved besides my ma. But was Paola (my mother’s 2nd name after “Mom”) ever jealous?  Hells to the nah.  She idolized her too!  Debbie Harry has been turning heads since our parents were our age (before the days of Ke$ha-style auto tune and daily Facebook creepage).  How could she not with her voice “like buttah,” cheekbones that could command foreign nations, and especially her iconic style that would make single men drool and married men hide their wedding rings in their pockets?

Oh, in case you weren’t already aware, Debbie Harry was the lead singer of the band Blondie in the late ’70s/early ’80s era of glam-punk persuasion.  She set the bar for those who wanted to add some glam to their rebelliousness, or some edge to their sweetness.  Although it’s been said that Debbie Harry prefers to NOT be referred to as a style icon (how humble), whether she likes it or not, people want to emulate her signature look. Read More »

Windows are up, shades are on, legs are tanned (hopefully) and it’s time to whip out the shorts for the summer.  But don’t worry, just because your sweats are going in storage doesn’t mean you have to spend your life savings on shorts to beat the heat.  Buy one pair of tailored, cuffed, lightweight dark denim shorts, and you can dress them up, down and all around.  Take these adorable pair from Forever 21, for example, and check out a few ways to style them: Read More »

Though grossly under-rated, hair accessories might be one of the best ways to spice up an outfit and add a special flair. Cheaper than a hot pair of shoes and more practical than a bunch of bangles, headbands and hairpins do double duty: they accessorize and pull that hair out of your face.

Whether you’re looking for something rocker chic, vintage, boho or classic, there are adorable hair pieces out there at super cheap prices. So instead of spending $30 on a shirt you will really only wear once, why not spend $20 and load up on some hair accessories that will enhance the stuff you’ve already got hanging in that closet? Read More »

We all have that friend who can wear the same dress over and over and over again, but each time it somehow looks new. Or different. Or cooler. “I wish I could do that,” you think as you stare at your dress and think that by wearing different shoes you will somehow achieve a whole new look.

FAIL FAIL FAIL, my friends.

Fact is, in order to make a dress look new and different you must change all components surrounding it. If you wore tights and heels last time, wear leggings and flats this time around. If you rocked red lipstick before, do a smokey eye and a muted lip. Add accessories, switch out the belt that came with it for a new chunky detailed belt, throw on a blazer…

Think about that piece in your wardrobe like your favorite fro yo place with an add-your-own-toppings bar: Oreo makes everything better the options are endless! Read More »

The Rocker chic look is in for fall and what better to accessorize your silver mini, small studded bracelet and black booties but some kick ass rock star make up?

There are very few components to achieving the rocker chic makeup look, but a lot of effort into getting it right. Below, with the help of Carefair.com, some rockin’ beauty tips for the rock star look.

The Eye Shadow

Go for dark, dramatic eyes. Carefair suggests “deep shades of blue, gray, green or any color that draws attention” but I’m going to say stick with a muted metallic gray. It’s understated without being crazy. And the last thing you want are crazy eyes. We’ve all seen the girls with the crazy eye shadow. Don’t be that girl.

Make sure it’s a deep smudgy effect.

Since we’re poor and buying special cream eye shadow for a night out is not an option, put a little Vaseline on your lids and then apply your regular shadow with your fingers. Make sure you highlight your brow bone with a nude or white shadow and define your eyebrows.

If you want to go with an understated rock look, skip the dark eye shadow all together and concentrate on creating the look with just the eyeliner and red lips.

The Eyeliner

You want to do the cat eye for the rocker chic look. If you opted out of the deep gray shadow, stick it to the man with a dramatic cat eye. Otherwise a little upturn at the edges will do. For easiest application, use a gel liner, or if you have a steady hand go for the gold with the liquid. But I’m clumsy and usually already a bit tipsy when I get to the makeup application part of the pre-gaming/getting ready bit of the night. Read More »