It’s almost the end of the year. As you’re making your New Year’s resolution list, here’s something to think about: punching up your style for 2011.

If you have “budget better” on your list, this might seem like it will counter a resolution to save money, but it doesn’t have to. An easy way to add a little punch to your wardrobe is with accessories! With a pair of patterned tights you can easily change the appearance of your go-to black dress. With a sparkly headband you can add some interest to your in-dire-need-of-a-cut hairstyle. Though Blair Waldorf-esque bow headbands may seem so Constance Billards, adding one with a lot of bling is a way to stray from that UES image.

By adding accessories from head to toe, you can add a lot of pizzaz to an otherwise basic outfit. And I’ve got 15 items to scoop up just in time for the New Year. Read More »

[When moving into either a dorm or an off-campus apartment, your wardrobe will face two major challenges: 1. A major lack of funding (to add more to it), and 2. A major lack of storage space (for all the crap you've got). For these two reasons, maximizing what you already own becomes essential. That's why you need to learn to Shop Your Closet. Each week, I’ll show you how to wear 1 item 3 ways – with the stuff you most likely already own! – to get the most out of your purchases.]

For many of us, right now it’s all about planning that hot NYE outfit. Sure, we can go out and buy something new (we can even do it on a budget), but if you’re like me, you’ve spent every last dollar stocking up on gifts for everyone and their mother, meaning you’ve got nothing left for that special New Year’s dress. And that’s OK, because you’ve probably already got everything you could ever need to plan the perfect outfit for the big night.

Forget battling the crowds at the mall or spending oodles of money on something you’ll most likely only wear once (either because it’s too fancy for any other occasion or ruined when your friend spills her vodka cran down the front); all you need for the perfect New Year’s look is a little creativity and all those basics you’ve got stuffed into drawers. Read More »

[When moving into either a dorm or an off-campus apartment, your wardrobe will face two major challenges: 1. A major lack of funding (to add more to it), and 2. A major lack of storage space. For these two reasons, maximizing what you already own becomes essential. That's why you need to learn to Shop Your Closet. Each week, I’ll show you how to wear 1 item 3 ways – with the stuff you most likely already own! – to get the most out of your purchases.]

There’s a pile of clothes on the floor beside your closet, and you’re still standing in your undies undecided about what to wear. The transitional season wardrobe slump has hit you. Whether key pieces of clothing are sitting in your hamper (two wears over what is considered hygienic) or you just can’t make up your mind, you have nothing to wear. On the verge of running late for your class, your job or meeting up with friends, you know you have to ”Make it work!”

The catchphrase of style guru Tim Gunn can be applied to the battle with your closet. His Top 10 Wardrobe Essentials may seem targeted at career women, but having some of these items can help you on days when you have nothing to wear. Meet the “every occasion” top – a shirt that can be layered under a jacket (or cardigan) but can be worn alone for a night out. For this week’s Shop Your Closet I chose a cute, affordable ruffled keyhole top from Old Navy that will work with the goodies you’ve already got in your closet. Read More »

Okay, before you throw your Choo Steve Madden heel at me, give me a chance. I know “adding sparkle” to your wardrobe sounds like some weird thing Carrie Bradshaw/one of the Real Housewives of Atlanta would do, but trust me: adding a little bling to your wardrobe is the best way to beat the cold-weather fashion blahs. Items with sparkle – sequins, beading, even shine – are quick and easy ways to pump up the volume on your fashion statement.

While you might reserve your sparkle for nighttime festivities, a necklace here or a sparkly cami there (NOT TOGETHER. Sorry, just wanted to make that clear) can add some flavor to your daytime look. So even if you’ve only had 20 hours of sleep over 5 days, you can still shine.

Still not sold on sparkle? Check out these fab 15 items, and I’m sure you’ll be agreeing with Carrie (and me!) that “sparkle” keeps life interesting.

[Click the image for all the deets.] Read More »

Hard to believe that in only 2 days we’ll be ringing in the new year and it’ll have been a decade since all that Y2K mumbo jumbo.

I know; that whole “only 2 days” thing freaked me out, too. Not because I’m not ready for 2010, but because I’m not ready for NYE. I’ve been so busy unwrapping presents and relaxing in front of the TV that I have yet to secure a NYE-worthy ensemble for the big countdown.

But it’s OK. As usual, Forever 21 has come to the rescue with some pretty fantabulous frocks and smocks for under $20. So grab that wad of Christmas cash (don’t worry, you won’t need much of it here!), and head over to the mall. Here are some of the goodies our BFFs at F-21 have to offer for the big, bold and boozy night. Read More »

So maybe I’m a little late in the game, but 2010 is, like, soon. It feels like only yesterday that I was sitting on my daybed thinking, “this is the last time we can sing ‘Tonight We’re Gonna Party Like it’s 1999′” as I placed 5 too many butterfly clips into my hair and rocked out in my platform gym shoes.

God I feel old.

But I digress. New Year’s Eve is hands down the best excuse to dress up. But that doesn’t mean you gotta splurge on some hot frock that will look great in pictures, but not so great sitting in the back of your closet for the next 2 years because you have nowhere to wear it again. There are plenty of ways to spice up your look for the big night by adding some fun pieces to the stuff you already own. Here are just a few not-a-dress options to ring in the big 20-10. Read More »

So, Express isn’t cheap. That is pretty obvious when you walk in and the hot shirt your eying for your birthday party is marked at $49. But every few months, they have a major sale. And I mean major. The kind that makes you giddy and happy and willing to sift through giant over-stuffed racks because the deals are just. that. good.

You see, Express marks their stuff down to really low prices and then gives you an additional 20% off of that! That is some serious saving on a lot of really cute stuff. It’s a frugal fashionista’s dream. And that dream is coming true right now.

I sifted through the (digital) racks for you and pulled 8 of my favorite pieces. They’re all under $20, so you can stock your closet without that annoying guilt getting in the way. Read More »

[I want it, I need it, I can’t live without it. There are so many things on store shelves and racks right now that we want to take home and hang in our closets. Things that are so cute, everyone should know about them. We’ll share ‘em with you here (because we’re that nice), but as far as actually getting them goes….well, you’re on your own with that one.]

I love things that sparkle, so it’s obvious that I am head over heels in love with these rings from Myra Elizabeth. Made-to-order with bands of sterling silver and authentic Swarovski crystals and pearls, these beauties will surely outshine anything within a mile radius. They instantly add glamour to any outfit and, with so many clusters of different colors and combinations, there’s at least 3 that make me weak in the knees.

I would seriously rock one on every finger!

Each ring comes with a friendship poem and is already gift-wrapped, making them really cute presents for birthdays, Christmas, or, you know, me.

Myra Elizabeth also makes necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. All are made of high quality materials and are crafted into gorgeous pieces. Just like the rings, there is a great variety to choose from. I always knew I needed a little more bling in my life, and Myra delivers.

Come to mama, Ms. Myra.

[In early adulthood there is an activity that plays a large role in most of our lives; nights out on the town. And with those nights out always comes the question: “What am I gonna wear?!?”

Each week I’ll be putting together a cute and affordable “going out” ensemble guide (that you can tweak to your own personal style and body type, of course) so that maybe that age-old question can be answered a little quicker than usual. And your friends aren’t waiting - for hours - for you to emerge from your room. Just call me your own personal Rachel Zoe.]

Another weekend, another opportunity to figure out what to wear. This weekend, it’s all about shine and dazzle with sparkle, jewel tones, and a sleek look that can also be easily transformable from day to night. If you are interning or working somewhere that requires business wear, throw a blazer over this ensemble and you’re good to go.

Jewel tones are everywhere this season, so go for a lovely satin jewel-toned top. I love this halter top from The Limited. The ruffles add a little interest, and the cut is sexy and sophisticated. Bonus: If you put in the promotion code 561 at checkout before November 30th, you’ll get 20% off. Cha Ching! Read More »

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, or some other holiday that not many people know about, you have undoubtedly received a gift that made you cringe, bite your lip to keep your mouth from saying something rude, or eyes water from the sheer ugliness factor.

While awesome presents are fun to receive, crappy presents are fun to talk about. So here, in no particular order, are three of the stupidest things I have received in recent memory.

* Box of Sparkly Body Spray – When I was 12, I freakin’ loved sparkly things. I would have killed for something like this in my teenybopper phase. However, once I turned, oh, say 22, I had pretty much left my gaudy taste behind. Too bad a long lost relative didn’t get the memo. When I opened this present—a set of three different kinds of pink, sparkly, heavily scented body sprays with Barbie heads as bottle stoppers—I was immediately mortified for everyone in the room. Either this relative was so out of touch with reality she thought Barbie was still something I enjoyed, or she had just totally and obviously re-gifted. Read More »