Paired with skinnies or a pencil skirt, peplum blouses look great with everything. Even better, they are flattering on every body type, and the flowy bottom can hide a full stomach. (So feel free to load up on all the snacks at the party!)
All I can say is that I need something to get me out of this Grinch-y funk. I admit that I haven't found that something yet, but I think I'm on the right track with the following idea: Fake it 'til you make it. In other words, I'm going to dress as festive as possible until I actually feel like it's the holiday season.
When it comes to winter fashion, you can never have too many hats, scarves, or gloves…. It’s a proven fact. The ultimate accessories, these pieces of clothing can instantly update any old, drab outfit. This season’s most popular scarf trend is neon. The brighter the color of your scarf the better! Tassels and bold animal prints are also big. As usual, pom-pom hats and animal-inspired hats are big this season.
Let's face it: Leggings are a staple in every girl's wardrobe. And why shouldn't they be? They're comfy beyond belief and have an elastic waistband. Thus, it comes as no surprise that leggings are, slowly but surely, taking the place of blue jeans... And that's all right by me.
As fate would have it, the army-inspired cargo trend has reemerged on the runway, and to every fashionista’s relief, the old trend is way more stylish this time around. Thank the lord.
Practically any pair of shorts can be worn during the summer season-- all you have to do is pair them with dark-colored stockings, preferably black, maroon, grey, brown, or navy blue.
As always, the ever-fashionable Kristen Cavallari is atop of the latest trend: Pleated black leather mini skirts. All over LA, celebs like Kristen are walking the streets wearing this new style staple, which has become on the hottest fashion trends. What is great about these minis is the fact that they allow the wearer to play up her own unique style; because the skirt is relatively plain, it can be paired with a variety of blouse types and patterns.
Move over pink! It's time for the new summer hue to take center stage- mint! Mint may seem like old news, but as the hot summer days transition into fall, the popular color is making a major comeback!
It’s hard to stay on top of the latest trends these days without emptying your bank account. What are we economical fashionistas to do?
This summer, flaunt that rocking bod in a sweet, constructed suit that fits your shape and personality.
The hottest looks of spring are consistently spread through runway looks, celebrity’s closets, and top designer’s collections; but let’s be real…you’re reading “budget stylista” for a reason.
I have a love/hate relationship with Pinterest. I’ll browse the site until my eyes become glued to a photograph of incredibly dressed fashionistas.
As high fashion and expensive the real runway looks are, imitating them with affordable pieces under $60 will make you regal-ready for any spring event you’ll attend.
It's almost summer, and the days spent cramming for finals and living the dorm life are winding down. To celebrate acing your exams, go out with a second semester bang by clubbing with the girls! Often times I find myself annoyed while packing my clutch, because I have to remove and replace items because of the size. I'm not about to carry around a tote, but I'm an over-packer/planner.
The trends this season have been amazing. Spring is always a fantastic time to renew your style, but for Budget Stylistas, an entire new wardrobe is not in the cards. Purchasing a few key pieces will keep your looks stylish and give the illusion that your closet is just as full as your wallet. The following looks are chameleons of the fashion industry, transformable for any occasion.
Living in a college town typically makes partying Tuesday-Saturday an acceptable after school activity. This is thrilling and all, but the more I go out, the more I begin to realize how skanky the typical “going out” look has become. Sure, we’re all young with hot bods, but when did style become a free show of goodies?
Here in the Midwest, awkward weather has set in. One week, 85 degrees. And the next week? 36. This has caused much style confusion throughout campuses as I witness athletic shorts and tees worn to the clubs, denim shorts and tall UGG boots worn to the dining halls and even sequin dresses and wedges worn to class. As your Budget Stylista, I’ve decided to go over affordable, proper spring attire for the library, classroom and local bar.
Hallelujah. March 20th marked the first official day of spring! I’m sure winter didn’t put a damper on the partying habits of weekend warriors or college girls that go hard; however, I will admit my style took the backseat when venturing out on the weekends this winter. To officially welcome warmer weather, dress up your wardrobe with some affordable fresh party threads via Forever21.
Just when you thought spring-like weather was finally about to peak and unfreeze campus grounds, designers are cranking out fall/winter 2012 collections like it’s going out of style. Collection after well-constructed collection, trends take on new life and begin their journey to boutiques and department stores.
The only thing worse than watching Betsey Johnson’s designs strut down the runway and take a life of their own? Knowing you could afford a tank top…maybe…if you saved up for five months. Thankfully, top designers like the Baby Phat team have graced all college girls and young women alike with reasonable prices and beautiful looks.
For these past few winter months, we've been making statements while keeping warm with layers upon layers of clothing. As we start thinking about lighter looks, it's the perfect time to play up a great statement bag. If you're looking for a burst of cheery color and fashion with a conscience, check out DellaLA, a company that creates gorgeous products as well as helps the women of Hohoe, Ghana.
Though shopping on a budget takes a little more effort, it can keep your closet full and your wallet fuller. With spring approaching new trends have been gracing the malls, outlets, runways and celebrities ensembles. A few major trends, including color blocking and blazers, have been seen just about everywhere. Designers like Jason Wu, Donatella Versace and Balenciaga have welcomed the trend with open arms.
Flares are a big trend this fall/winter, which is surprising as they've typically been a spring hit. This denim cut can add length to any height and looks good on any body type. Now that skinny jeans have become so common -- they are a staple in almost everyone’s wardrobe -- Stylistas are seeking a less skintight alternative.
Red has it's heyday during the holiday season (and Valentine's Day!), but that doesn't mean you can't look fabulous in this feisty color any time of year. Stand out in a crowded bar in a lust-red bodycon dress, or look sophisticated in a berry-red blouse for your in-class presentation. Red is perfect for a first date or just to spice up your look for everything from work to class to Saturday night
Polka dots had a big come back this season. Modern takes on polka-dots have been shown all over the runway by designers who were inspired by the vintage print. Polka dots manage to make a dress look chic without being too busy. They can also make a classic purse look up-to-season. This trend ranges from bold to understated, and is far from just black and white.
Aztec prints are all over every celebrity fashionista and runway model this season. From geometric inspired to floral-esq, the Aztec print is constantly revamped and always fabulous. But with this chic print comes some rules: don't overload, do try in bright colors, and do wear into spring!
Worn correctly, sequins can be tasteful, glamorous and stylish! Revamp the sequin holiday dress, find a sequin daytime look, and even a take on stripes all for under $35.
Everyone loves stripes. If you don't, you're a psycho or you just haven't seen the light yet. Fret not friends because I am here to show you said light. Stripes are fabulous in a sweater a la Les Francais, or to spice up a favorite body-con skirt.
Lace is traditionally feminine but it's lack of elasticity make its a very structured look which provides the perfect amount of contrast. Whether you sport it on a skirt for a night out or on a blouse for job interview, you can never go wrong in lace.
The LBD is essential to any wardrobe, even if fashion isn't your favorite pass time. Slimming, chic, and eternally in style; the little black dress is perfect for every body type. Wear a LBD to turn heads, to look chic, or just polished in class. This must have can come cheap, in fact for under $30!
This fall jade green is the color to wear. Whether you sport it in a darker shade on your nails, lighter in a blouse or on a bold suede pair of pumps. Jade has been spotted all over the place, from Lauren Conrad's fierce nails to Freida Pinto's Juan Carlos Obando Resort 2012 collection gown at the Planet Of The Apes premier.
This season it's all about channeling our inner Lillian Gish in beautiful, enchanting chiffon. Designers alike have been contrasting this sheer trend with 70s inspired flares, or even masculine and military-inspired jackets. Chiffon softens a statement trend (like minimalism or menswear) without going overboard like fellow effeminate trend, lace. Below are three looks that combine the best of chiffon, all for $30.00 or less!
Designer Mary Quant made the mini a mod staple, and it hasn't gone out of style since. This season put away your maxis and bring out your teeny tiniest hemlines. Not big on short dresses (pun intended)? Sport a menswear-inspired pant and sweetheart collar with some chandelier earrings and you'll be mod-ready too!
The classic greaser look is comprised of Levi's 501s, a slightly oversized leather jacket, and Harley Davidson-inspired biker boots. But nowadays this look has been reinvented time and time again. This 50s-inpsired look includes a fusion of structure and slouch, chains, bulk, and general badass.
Each fall fashion season designers announce a new set of colors, this season we’ve been given jewel-toned hues but one color in particular always graces the catwalk: camel. This color is a classic and a must have for every fall wardrobe. Wear it on any piece from boots to outerwear and you’re instantly autumn-chic.
This is one of the things that I love about fashion. Designers can be "inspired" by something, and then channel it in a way that is on an entirely different planet than the original inspiration. For example, just because the Victorian-era inspired designers this season, doesn't mean girls are rocking the insane junk-in-yo-trunk bustle. So instead of the clothes you'd sweat-it-out at the gym in, there are chic, sporty clothes for you instead.
