Celebrity Chic on the Cheap: Leighton Meester is Pretty in Peach

I’ve gushed about Leighton Meester  before, but what can I say, I have my faves (I even paid to see Monte Carlo the weekend it came out…and legitimately enjoyed every cheesetastic second of it).  I fell totally head over heels for the outfit Leighton recently wore on the set of Gossip Girl. It is ridiculously frilly, bold and boasts not a single layer in sight. I don’t know about you, but when it’s 94847383 degrees outside, that’s exactly what I want from my summer couture. Read More »


Fashion Porn: Statement Skirt Orgy

Dresses are usually the go-to item when getting ready for a night out on the town. And for good reason! They’re cute, they’re sexy and there’s nothing easier than slipping on a dress and some shoes and heading out. But I challenge you to think outside the box a little bit and embrace the shirt and skirt combo. This alternative is far more versatile in that it allows for more choices; you can mix and match tops and skirts to create infinitely more looks. That means that the skirt you buy goes way further than that LRD that you can’t wear more than once a month because (oh the horror!) everyone recognizes it.

Skirts in all their sexy, flirty glory are the perfect alternative to the dress. Heck, you can even make a skirt and top LOOK like a dress, all while getting the versatility of picking the type of top you want. Want more coverage? Go for a crewneck long sleeve tee. Want to exercise your right to bare arms? Go for a tank. Really the possibilities are endless.  Read More »


Budget Stylista: Summer Style Goes on Sale

Every year it boggles my mind when boots and wool sweaters start showing up in stores in mid July.
I mean honestly, people! Sweat is dripping down my back and I’m supposed to be shelling out dough on the over-the-knee leather boots and colorful wrap scarves? I think not.

But all these early fall shenanigans in the stores means one thing: they need to clear room.

Enter: the summer sale (!!!). Read More »


Wardrobe Wish List: Arden B Tie Dye One Shoulder Ruffle Tunic

In the winter months I get really moody.

And I’m not just talking snapping at people on the subway because my skin hasn’t seen the light of day in months and the lack of Vitamin D has sent me into a permanent state of PMS. Not only my overall disposition, but my entire style changes during the winter. It’s part brooding downtown rocker-chick, part sleek uptown-chic. And while it is many things (bad-ass included), one thing it definitely isn’t is colorful.

Which is why when summer comes around I fully embrace the rainbow.

Catch me out at a club now and there will be no trace of the head-to-toe black ensemble complete with chunky rings and metal-chained necklaces. In its place will be a vibrant fuchsia ruffled mini-dress or a white linen pencil skirt and a floral top.

And if you catch me out next week, I just might be rocking the Tie Die One Shoulder Ruffle Tunic from Arden B.

For me, summer outfits are all about fresh silhouettes, fun colors and patterns and comfortable fabrics, and this dress hits all of the criteria on the head. I am obsessed with the one-shoulder trend, it perfectly channels chic, sexy and modern all at once –not an easy feat. This dress kicks the trend up a notch by adding a cascading ruffle detail down one side; adding a dose of flirty movement to an otherwise form-fitting and sexy shape. Read More »


Wardrobe Wish List: Express Escalating Ruffle Strapless Dress

I’m in one of those (very sad) stages where I don’t actually need anything. I know it’s hard to believe. But with months of winter buying under my belt, I have leggings and cashmere cardigans and sweater dresses everywhere (no seriously, I sleep with at least three articles of clothing every night).

And with spring yet to have shown us a glimmer of hope that it’s on its way, it’s just depressing to purchase anything floral and skimpy, catching a glimpse of it as you trudge out of the house in snow boots and a down filled jacket.

But then that amazing little thing creeps into my agenda pages, the one thing none of us college girls can resist shopping for, and which totally warrants the purchasing of, at minimum, a new bathing suit and a super sexy party dress. Spring Break, baby!

This being the last of my Spring break’s ever (I know, I am most definitely in mourning right now), I am going all out, spending 7 glorious booze-and-sun-filled days in Cancun, the spring break capital of the universe.

Which means I am now in need of something again (whew!).

Of course, I’ve already found the perfect dress. And it’s sitting in the display window of Express. Their Escalating Ruffle Strapless Dress is pure sex. The perfect combo of spicy vixen and flirty girlishness. Read More »


Fashion Porn: Ruffle Orgy

I rarely keep clothes I get for Christmas – there’s usually something just not quite right with them (read: they’re totally not me). However, this year, I was gifted this gorgeous BCBGeneration blouse (thanks, Mom & Dad!) that is absolute perfection. It’s slate grey, it fits perfectly, and it has ruffles (!!) which are oh-so-hot this season.

Ruffles are my latest obsession and they should be yours, too!  They are not only a soft detail that instantly feminizes a piece, but they are also ultra forgiving when worn in the right place (there’s nothing like a tiered-ruffle top to camouflage your over-indulgence at the end of ’09). And they can be worn just about EVERYWHERE – on your tops, cardigans, dresses, and even bags and shoes! Meaning that there are many, many ways to incorporate ruffles into your everyday outfits.

And why wouldn’t you want to? Soft ruffled details add a romantic feel to the most basic of pieces, while the sculptural ruffles on skirts and dresses make a bold statement. As ruffles have been popular in seasons past, you probably have a few pieces you can bust out again this season. But with all that holiday money burning a hole in your pocket (not to mention the holiday sales that are still going on right now), how could you not afford to pick up a few new ruffles for your winter wardrobe? Read More »


Fashion Porn: Cardigan Orgy

We all have our own personal style. That’s a fact.  However, no matter what your style is, there is one staple that every college girl (and boy for that matter) should have in their closet – a cardigan.

While the cardigan can be associated with our favorite childhood neighbor, Mr. Rogers, the cardigan is no longer just for old men.  A cardigan is easily the most versatile piece of clothing you can own.  Chicer than a hoody, the cardigan goes with everything, be it with jeans or over a dress.  This year is the perfect time to purchase a cardigan (or 20), as stores have pulled out all the stops.  Name a trend this year, and you can find a cardigan that incorporates it. Of course, there’s also basic cardigans in every color imaginable if that’s more your thing.

So whether you’re looking for sequins, plaid or ruffles, there’s a cardigan out there for you. If only there were room in my closet for all 16 of these… Read More »


8 Under $20: Tilly’s

8under600x360

I’m pretty sure there is nothing better in life than a really fantastic sale section. Especially at a store stocked with things you already love. Take home some awesome finds on the cheap? Yes please!

Much like Urban Outfitters and Express, Tilly’s is chock full of really cute stuff at a somewhat “affordable” price. But it is in their fabulous sale section where you really hit the fashion jackpot. They’ve got everything from basics to statement pieces to stock your closet, and all of it is ch-ch-cheap. Here are a few items I found to be totally darling and will fulfill your inner frugalista. Read More »


Wardrobe Wishlist: Charles David ‘Spicy’ Pump

red pumps red pumps 2

It’s about that time when I start looking around for my holiday go-to outfit. It may seem a little early given that we just entered November, but the second Halloween ended I saw Christmas decorations shoot up in every Manhattan storefront, so I’ll take that as my cue.

Now, it isn’t easy to compile the perfect ensemble. Holiday parties, dinners and dates pop up in short notice and with any extra cash sent directly to the Christmas gifts fund we can’t run out and buy a new outfit for each one (well, we could, but let’s try to remember it’s the season of giving…to other people). So you have to have the perfect outfit to get you through the season, and all the events it brings about.

And I ladies, have found the one item that will instantly make anything in your closet party appropriate. Read More »


8 Under $20: JC Penney

8under600x360

The recession is bad news for anyone looking to get a job, save some money or sell a house. But it’s great news for fashionistas! Stores that were once dowdy and just screamed “crazy cat lady” are bringing in new designers to create chic lines at lower prices.

Take JC Penney. When was the last time you stopped in there (not counting those post-Starbucks bathroom emergencies)? I know: never. Because their clothes were cheap, outdated and just not cute. Well, that’s not the case anymore! JCP now sells several lines by popular designers (Charlotte Ronson, Nicole Miller, and Allen B. Schwartz, to name a few) and they not only have stuff that is totes cute, it’s totes affordable as well.  I can’t wait to add some of these pieces to my closet… Read More »