Budget-Friendly Fashion

Note to Forever 21:

Recently I was in the market for a fabulous pair of very fashion-forward black heels.  I wanted something with a thick strap and a shaped heel, like we all saw on the recent runways.  I also did not want to pay an arm and a leg, because shoes like this would appear dated after one season.  I strolled into one of your locations, spotted these beauties, and never looked back.  I wore them to a fashion show on the night I got them, and got a lot of compliments.  Little did everyone know, I paid less than $25 on them.  Thanks for providing a low-cost fix to my high-fashion craving.

Note to Readers:

Most of us are tightening our budgets lately.  Just because you are pinching your pennies, does not mean your wardrobe needs to suffer.  I have a plethora of tips on how to look like a million bucks, without actually spending that much.  My first tip for you is to mix budget-friendly pieces into your wardrobe.  When buying an item, consider its value.  For instance, spending thousands of dollars on a classic black quilted Chanel purse is smarter than spending an equivalent amount on a more trendy purse from a high end brand.  Think of the more expensive pieces in your wardrobe as an investment.  

If you will not be able to wear an item next season without looking dated or out of style, there is not shame in picking up a similar item with a smaller price tag.  Shopping in stores like H&M, Forever 21, etc. can provide you with items up to date in fashion with a fraction of the price of its designer inspirations.  Buyers beware, you get what you pay for.  If the item costs significantly less, it is almost always a lower quality.  These items are not made to last, but really they are so trendy, you should not wear them in a year anyway.

The key is to mix and match your investment, higher quality items, with the less expensive but more current fashion items.  On most days you can see me in jeans I bought for top dollar at Bloomingdales, with a top I found at H&M, but accessorized with a nice purse and more expensive shoes.  Or if I am wearing less expensive shoes, (like the thrills in the above photo), I will pair them with a more expensive dress or skirt, or more pricey jeans.  You do not want to look like a mannequin at Forever 21, dressed in their wares head to toe.  However you do not need to go bankrupt to stay stylish.

Greta Garbo-Style Icon

Note to Readers:  

Sometimes, in order to draw inspiration for our lives and style, we should look to the past.  I wrote this article about screen legend Greta Garbo for this season's issue of Eliza Magazine.  I hope that you are able to read it and gain inspiration from this amazing woman.

Hey-hey, you-you

Note to Avril:

Recently a reader contacted me and asked me to write about your style.  When I started looking for current photos of you, this is the kind of thing I found.  Honestly, I do not know where to start.  Really, from head to toe, you need some help.  I understand you want to look edgy, and show of your punk-rocker style, so I don't really understand where the bouffant and the hot pink pumps fit in.  Maybe rock some cigarette-leg jeans (J Brand are my personal favorite) with a neon tank and a shrunken motorcycle jacket. That is an edgy look, that does not include mismatched black and hot pink prints.  Seriously, you are making your look way too complicated. (Insert song joke here)  

Note to Readers:

Did you know that Avril has her own clothing line?  Really, I can't make this stuff up.  This goes to show you, you shouldn't go out and buy something from a celebrity clothing line just because you like her songs (or movie, or TV show... you get the point).  Make sure you really look at a piece of clothing, for the garment itself, not the name on a label.  Celebrity lines, are not all bad, like Sarah Jessica Parker's line or The Row from the Olsen Twins.  However, you should not buy something because you like the celeb, because more often than not the clothing is overpriced and under-designed.

Dakota Fanning

Note to Dakota Fanning:

We all know you are an amazing actress.  At the tender age of eight you were nominated for a SAG award.  Apparently you are talented beyond your years in the realms of fashion as well.  The above picture shows what you wore to the recent Westwood premiere of your film Push.  I love it.  It is a sophisticated hue, but a youthful silhouette.  It shows that you are growing up, but you are still dressed like a teenager would (if she had your budget and movie premieres to go to).  I love the dress, I love the shoes, and your natural makeup and relaxed hair keep your look youthful.  

Note to Readers:

I don't know how you are all feeling, but I am beyond tired of seeing teenage starlets looking like they are forty.  If you are in your teens, you should not wear anything that requires double-stick tape. It seems like child stars who try to transition to a more mature career, feel the need to completely push the envelope to show everyone they are not little kids anymore.  Also, this applies to everyone, but it seems the young stars are frequently offenders in this category... do not leave the house without underwear on, ok?  I appreciate Dakota's more mature look, but even more I appreciate that she did not take the look too far.

Anything but Slumming

Note to Freida Pinto:
All eyes are on you these days. Your new movie Slumdog Millionaire is taking awards season by storm.  I admit, I have yet to see it, but it is on the tip top of my list.  What I want to talk to you about is your recent red carpet appearances... you are radiant.  This RM by Roland Mouret dress fits you perfectly, and the color is breathtaking with your complexion.  You are new to the whole awards show thing, but judging by the award in your hand, and your composure on the red carpet, you may be a natural.  

Note to Readers:

Freida is an excellent example of wearing color to complement your skin tone.  In order to do this, you must be honest with yourself.  For example, I know that in the summer yellow and white nicely pair with my sun-kissed complexion.  In the winter however, those hues make me look washed out.  You and your mirror are responsible for your color selection, if you think it may not be right for you, it probably is not.  

Reader Gel-Oh, mother of one of my closest and most fashionable friends, recently asked me to write about fashion for those over fifty.  I urge you, along with everyone else to embrace color in your wardrobe.  The right colors can make your skin pop, and can invigorate your appearance.  Just make sure, with the colors you wear and the silhouettes of your clothing you do not look like you are shopping in the pre-teen section of the store.  No bubble-gum pink and glitter, actually that rule goes for anyone over the age of seven.

UPDATE:

A couple of the posts below (The Bachelor and Sundance) have new pictures.  You ask, I deliver.

Oh Jessica...

Note to Jessica Simpson:
A lot has been said recently about your appearance at last Sunday's Radio 99.9 Kiss Country's Chili Cookoff.  I agree with your sister Ashlee, people do need to stop talking about your weight.  Let's face it, maybe you have gained a couple of pounds, but you still look great and you definitely look healthy and happy.  Your outfit, however is not doing you any favors.  The wrong clothing can make anyone look bad.  You just need to spend less time talking about Tony Romo, and more time talking to your stylist.

Note to Readers:

Most of us deal with weight issues at some point in our lives.  The way you dress can make you look thinner, more curvy, taller, more petite... you name it, there is a way to dress for it.  Basically, if you are self conscious about your tummy and hips, DO NOT wear high waisted jeans with your top tucked in.  These pants draw attention right to your hips and abs, when you are trying to divert the eye from them.  Also, if your arms are not quite as toned as they used to be, do not wear a tank top!  There are a multitude of fabulous tops right now, in all different colors and shapes, all of them with sleeves.  None of us have perfect figures, you just need to know how to dress to make it appear that way. Email me if you want me to write about any specific concerns.  Have a lovely day, and thanks for reading.

The Bachelor

Note to Shannon on The Bachelor:

Last night, we saw Jason did not give you a rose.  No offense, but after the outfits you were wearing this season, I would not have given you one either.  In the last episode alone you wore a leopard and red satin bustier, and for the rose ceremony you wore what looked like a beach cover up, but with heels and an updo?  I wish I could have found a photo of either of the looks.  Here is the thing, you are a pretty girl, with a great smile.  You just need to fine tune your wardrobe a little bit.  I am sorry you did not get a rose though, getting rejected on national TV is something no one should have to endure.

Note to Readers:

What we can learn from Shannon, is you do not have to overtly flaunt your assets.  In the dress she wore in the above photo, Jason could not keep his eyes off her chest, and really can you blame him?  There are more tasteful ways to highlight your figure, and they do not entail anything in satin or leopard.  

Also, since we are talking about The Bachelor, why do the girls always look like they just woke up or worked out whenever they are at the house and not going on a date with Jason.  Sure their date is not scheduled, but they know he is coming over to pick up the other girls for a date.  I do not think they have to be decked out all day everyday, but at least sometimes, put on a cute top and some jeans or something. Come on girls, out of the sweats, if you are going to play, play to win.

Update:
I got a photo of the aforementioned dress. Enjoy.