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.

Purse, Shoes, Tights, Sunglasses, Dress, Jacket

I LOVE this look on Taylor. The sexy dress, the grungy jacket, the trendy booties. It’s a perfect mix of girly, sexy and rock; ideal for a night on the town.

The metallic clingy dress and leather jacket are practically made for each other, especially for those chilly fall nights coming our way.  The lace tights add some texture, while also feminizing (yet rock-n-roll-izing) the look even more.  And opting for suede booties instead of a standard pair of black pumps just looks….cool. Throw on a bag with chain details for some extra glam and you’ve got yourself a going-out ‘fit that’s fit for a rock ‘n roll queen.

And the best part? You can break these pieces down and work them again and again. Pair the tights with a high-waisted skirt and a cami. Wear the jacket with a flowy, floral top and some skinny jeans. Slip the dress on for date night or even a more formal date party. The possibilities are endless.

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!)

Ruffles in the Sunlight
This look is great for day; the bows on the shirt (along with the ruffles on the shorts) add a feminine/sweet touch. I like it tucked it, but for day you really can get by with either. The bold sunglasses and denim jacket with the removable hood toughen the look up, so you look more fashionable and less “I bought this whole outfit in the children’s section of Target.” While the jacket is $80, it is super versatile (day or night, summer or fall, sunny or raining….) and already looks worn in. I love it and I’m a big proponent of spending a little extra on timeless or high quality pieces, which this clearly is. I added the red sandals for a touch of color and fun. Oh, and this shirt – you really could ditch the shades, shoes and jacket, throw on some heels and wear it for a more casual night out. So there’s that.

Product Information: Shorts – Lulus, $29.00; Denim Jacket – Lulus, $80; Shirt – Forever 21, $27.80; Shoes – Charlotte Russe, $7;  Sunglasses – Lulus, $8

Ruffle Shorts After Dark
Again, tuck this sexy embellished shirt into the flirty shorts and pair with fun sequined wedges for that rocker vibe. Add the bright pink patent bag (I love pink with slate grey!) and the big bow adds the sweet feminine touch that takes this look from totally badass to “a lady in the street but a freak in the bed.” What? Usher said it, not me. Regardless, it’s the perfect mix of hard and soft, plus it’s incredibly comfortable. Can’t beat that.

Product Information: Shorts - Lulus, $29; Shirt – Express, $34.90; Shoes – Forever 21, $25.80; Bag-  Lulus, $26.

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.

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.

I love Debbie’s style because she takes two opposing styles – the glam of the 70s and the edgy alternative attitude of the 80s – and puts them together seamlessly.  She was one of the first to popularize the vintage tee during performances or parties, and she was rocking over-the-knee boots decades before they were cool. And even when she was going more formal in an evening dress and feathery hair, you could see the soul of a bad ass waiting to be unleashed.

She is just cool and she makes me want to be that cool, too.
Want Debbie’s style? It’s time to channel your inner rock star.

Boots, Shorts, T-Shirt, Ring, Brush, Contour Palette

To achieve a look that would make Debbie proud, I paired some very distressed shorts with an oversized graphic tee. But then I went one step further and threw a very sexy, very edgy-glam pair of over-the-knee boots into the mix. It’s details like that – in addition to the gun ring – that set this look apart from something Avril or Ashlee Simpson would put together. (If you aren’t a fan of boots and shorts, try her new line of Converse sneakers Debbie designed herself.) The overall look is cool, edgy and relaxed, like you just rolled out of bed after a night of partying and just happen to look this good.

As for your makeup, Debbie was all about enhancing those gorgeous cheekbones. Don’t have any to work with? No problem! Create the illusion of a defined face like Debbie’s with a contouring palette and an angled brush.

Everyone’s got a little rocker in them; let Debbie Harry inspire you to bring it out in style.

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:

Number 1:  Rocker Chic.

Product info: Shorts, Forever 21, $17.80; T-shirt, Urban Outfitters, $24.00; Handbag, Lulus.com, $48.00; Cardigan, Urban Outfitters, $38.00; Bracelet, Lulus.com, $10.00; Shoes, Bakers, $49.95

If you’re feeling like a rock star and want to go casual glam, here’s how.  Pair these shorts with a graphic tee with an edgy print.  In case of blasting air conditioning, throw on a lightweight cardigan over top.  To complete any rock star outfit, splashes of leather and metallics are a must.  The leather bow cuff pictured is the perfect compliment to a chunky gold necklace.  Of course, a studded hobo ties the look together.  You can either pair it with a matching metallic gladiator or a trendy fabric sandal.

Number 2: Flirty fabulous.

Product Info: Shorts, Forever 21, $17.80; Blouse, Urban Outfitters, $19.99; Belt, Macy’s, $19.98; Shoes, Aldo, $60; Clutch, Lulus.com, $48.00; Sunglasses, 80spurple.com, $10; Hair accessory, Forever 21, $3.80; Ring, Lulus.com, $9.00

Same shorts, different vibe.  Get this girly girl look by pairing your shorts with a lace top; exaggerated sleeves like these always give extra feminine flair.  To show off your womanly curves, tuck in your blouse and finish the look with a wide belt.  On a sunny day, oversized sunglasses in an unexpected shape add fun to any outfit.  As they will be the focal point of your accessories, you only need minimal jewelry to look put together without going overboard.  A unique rhinestone ring is perfect to do so.  A ballet flat (especially with ruffles) gives off a sweet vibe.  Add a splash of color with this lime green clutch (don’t forget your pink lipstick inside).  You can also pin back one side of your hair with a pearl-based clip to give you the ultimate classy look.

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?

The pearls and feathers make this head piece look luxe enough to be seen on a red carpet and glam enough to make even that my-hair-is-so-so-greasy ponytail look chic.

I love how ethereal this metal leaf headband is. It’s so simple yet it could totally make an outfit.

An easy way to work the sequins, this headband definitely makes a statement. And that statement is: I know how to make a boring jeans-and-tee-outfit look damn good.

Another twist on the bow headband, this one is perfect for the preppie girl with a love of pearls.

This rhinestone rose clip can dress up your everyday look, or be the perfect dose of old school glam for that LBD you’re sporting on V-Day.

Animal print is huge right now, but if you’re worried it will make you a little too Snooki, adding it in small doses is the way to go. Unless you use these clips to hold up that giant pouf…

If you want to rock the embellished headbands but aren’t quite ready for the giant bow, these two headbands are the perfect medium. And, let me just say, they are the best accessory when you know you can’t wear your hair down (because you’re going to a sweaty frat party), but don’t want to look like you just came from the gym.

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!

I know it can be a bit overwhelming (lord knows you can’t pile everything on top of a cotton tee like I pile on every. single. topping at Yogurtland), so let me help. As an example I took one simple gray conservative-ish looking dress and broke it down into 3 totally different, totally awesome Budget Stylista ensembles.

Look #1: Rocker Chic
Throw some lace, patterned or colored tights into the mix with a leather jacket. Add some rocker chain earrings and a pair of sky high platform pumps and this dress just laughed in the face of Hilary Clinton’s conservative pantsuits.

Dress: American Apparel
Lace tights: Apostrophe by Sears
Black leather jacket: Urban Outfitters
Black heels: Forever 21
Chain Earrings: Stella & Dot

Look #2: Casual With a Twist
Take that gray dress and work it for daytime with a pair of leggings and some adorable flat booties. Add a little touch of sparkle with a fun headband and make it more Fall-appropriate with a cozy scarf. If you wanna add more layers, slip on a long cardigan and you’ll be comfy and put-together.

American Apparel Dress
Black leggings: Forever 21
Headband: Forever 21
Flat booties: Yup, you guessed it, Forever 21
Scarf: Urban Outfitters

Look #3: Day or Night Glam
I love the option of this over the knee boot because you can rock it high or fold it down! Hide the tie that comes with the dress under this sequined belt (or put the belt on over the sweater in place of the cardigan tie), throw on black opaque tights and the beret and you are good to go! You can wear this for day (especially those days when your hair is dirty but you don’t want anyone to know) or trade the cardigan for a vodka soda and hit the town at night.

American Apparel Dress
Detailed Belt: Urban Outfitters
Chunky Cardigan: Old Navy
Black Tights: Hue (the best tights in the business, fo sho)
Over the Knee Boot: Forever 21 (these bad boys are a steal compared to the hundreds you’d pay elsewhere!)
Black beret/beanie: Forever 21

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.

For added drama, Carefair suggests using a pencil on the top and bottom and liquid on the top to get the cat eye effect. That seems like a lot of work, but hey, give it a shot or if you haven’t had too many shots.

Cheeks

Contour your cheeks with a bit of matte bronzer but don’t go overboard by using blush. The rest of your makeup is standout and a rosy cheek isn’t needed in this situation.

Lips

Red lips are sexy and fun and totally rock star. If you’re going for bold, red lips try these tips on for size:

-To start, soften the lips using a lip balm. If you find that your lips are extremely dry, use a soft toothbrush and brush your lips gently to remove any flakiness.

-Using a red lip liner, line the lips and extend the lip just outside of the natural lip line to give your lips a pouty look.

-Next, fill the lips with a matching shade of lip color and blot with a tissue.

-If you would like the color to last longer, you can dab a bit of translucent powder to your lips and then reapply the lip color.

-For a little added shine, dab a bit of clear gloss to the center of the lips.

Or if you’re going to be drinking all night, spend the cash on a good deep red lip stain. You don’t want to leave lip marks all over the glasses or end up with lipstick on your teeth. It’s more drunk rock star than fab rock star, so opt for a fool proof stain and gloss if a frat party is in your future.

Rock On!