Style Report: 'Pretty Little Liars' Finale

Now that we've come to the summer finale of "Pretty Little Liars" it's time to talk fashion. I love Betsey Johnson, and she was getting some serious love on last night's episode.

For their wedding outfits, Aria was decked out in a pink rosette dress and pink skull pendant necklace by Betsey. So I scouted the internet to bring you Aria's amazing style.

Pretty Little Liars: Aria by fashionistaerin featuring a patent belt

Dress
$347 - amazon.com

Kvoll high heel shoes
$50 - yesstyle.com

TopShop patent belt
$28 - topshop.com


The bad news? The pink skull necklace she wore in the episode has been sold out in regular stores since July. The good news? I found it for a fraction of the price on eBay (grab it here) AND it's going to auction for as little as $1.04 for another 7 hours.

What were you loving about "PLL" fashion last night?

Fall Lookbook: Jennifer Lopez for Kohl's Preview

How I love thee Kohl's, let me count the ways...

But, seriously, between their amazing women's collections (Vera Wang, Lauren Conrad, and Elle to name a few) and fun housewares you'll soon be having a closet affair as well.

I wasn't sure what to think when Kohl's announced the upcoming Jennifer Lopez collection to debut in September. She had a clothing collection on her own, once upon a time, and I only remember it as ghetto-fab.

Her new Kohl's line, however, has me seeing her (and her fashion) in a whole new light. Think, a touch of old Hollywood glamour with modern flare. Check it out for yourself!

What do you guys think of J. Lo's line?

Trends to Wear Now: Mustard Yellow

I wouldn't consider myself a "yellow" person, but the market has me changing my mind these days due to a beautiful new color on the block - mustard.

I was first exposed to this season's golden shade during a shopping excursion with a friend when we stumbled upon a gorgeous mustard and white striped 3/4 sleeve cardigan. If you're having visions of this being a Big-Bird type of yellow, erase them. Mustard is a deeper shade of yellow, leaning more toward gold and it's oh-so flattering for all.

Get your mustard on now with a slub cardigan, a pair of flats with dark denim shorts, or a handbag!

mustard yellow by fashionistaerin featuring a flared dress

Later in the season, layer it up with a skirt, sweater, or dress.

mustard yellow by fashionistaerin featuring sleeved dresses

2011 VMA Fashion in a Nut Shell

We all love award shows! Usually it means fierce fashion, awesome performances, and the occasional candid moment of sheer hilarity.

And the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards delivered! Well....mostly.

As with pretty much any awards show, there was the good, the bad, and the just plain strange.

We'll start, on a good note, with the best dressed crowd.

VMAs Best Dressed by fashionistaerin on Polyvore.com

Beyonce was absolutely stunning in a floor-length, one-shoulder orange Lanvin gown (not to mention her newly preggers glow!).  Zoe Saldana rocked the black carpet in a black, embellished Barbara Bui mini dress. Newlywed Kim Kardashian flaunted her hourglass figure in a metallic Kaufman Franco gown. Katie Holmes strutted her stuff in an Azzendine Alaia dress and lace-up booties. Selena Gomez went for high-drama and a touchy of edgy in a Julien MacDonald mini dress with matching train.

Katy Perry 2011 VMAs by fashionistaerin on Polyvore.com

Even though some may disagree, I'd like to nominate all FOUR of Katy Perry's VMA looks for best dressed also. She began the night in a geisha-inspired mini dress. Then she presented an award in a Victorian-inspired, floor-length purple Tom Ford dress (which I'm still in love with!). Next, Katy accepted an award in a mod Dior Couture dress with neon Giuseppe Zanotti heels. I have to be honest about this one, I didn't love the cheese hat (who knew she was a Packers fan!?). However, the quirky stylishness of the overall outfit outweighs the oddity that is that hat. Katy ended the night in a Furne One "Breaking Records" black mini dress (how appropriate!).

Worst Dressed 2011 VMAs by fashionistaerin on Polyvore.com

I'm not sure what Kreayshawn was thinking when she donned a sequin Minnie Mouse dress, but it was definitely lost in translation. Top it off with a pair of Nike sneakers and you have a strange, unconnected mess. I thought you could never go wrong with a classic LBD, but JoJo proved me wrong. The overall idea is great - black dress with sky-high black pumps, nice, right? Wrong, when you add a butt-flap to the mix. And finally, for worst dressed, is Deena from "Jersey Shore." I know their whole schtick is to be gaudy and over-the-top, but seriously? You can't just let someone else dress you for one night and leave the zany stuff for the clubs on the Shore? Needless to say, the too-tight-on-the-titties, rainbow-sequin mini dress and green contacts didn't do it for me.

The Strange 2011 VMAs by fashionistaerin on Polyvore.com

Lady Gaga never fails to surprise us with her arsenal of odd outfits, but she took it a step further this year by being in drag and committing to her alter ego character, Jo Calderone, the ENTIRE time. Who can blame Gaga? She probably wanted to be comfortable at an awards show, even if it is just once...and in drag. I don't know if I can say what all is strange to me about Nicki Minaj's outfit (if you can call it that), but I'll try. We'll start from the top - why the SARS mask? The huge cupcake necklace didn't make much sense. Then there's the whole metal ensemble of cone-shaped boob cups, and something that resembles a skirt with a pink tutu and purple bloomers. With a hodge-podge of tights under leg warmers under long socks with mismatched bedroom shoes. Complete with what I can only assume is a TAIL made out of tied-together stuffed animals. PHEW! I think I got it all.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, was your 2011 MTV VMA style report.

All of Cher Horowitz's Outfits in Under 60 Seconds!

When Clueless made it's way to the big screen in the mid-90s, I immediately fell in love. Who wasn't charmed by Cher's witty banter and, not to mention, her fabulous wardrobe (hello, revolving closet?!)?

I was so inspired by Cher's fashion savvy it caused me to wear knee socks and mini skirts complete with a mini backpack for my entire 4th grade career. That's also when her staple, "Whatever," (clue two-handed "w") made it's way into my vocabulary. 

You can imagine how ecstatic I became when I saw the girls at Worn Journal decided to make a 60-second montage of all 50 outfits Cher wore in the film. And now I'll share with you, my fellow whatever-ing 90s-addicted Clueless lovers!

Fall Trends to Wear Now: Leopard

By now, in the late summer, we're all getting a seasonal-limbo feeling. It's too late in the summer for the early season's super bright trends, and it's too early to start wearing sweaters.

The solution? Bring on the leopard!

It's one trend you can show off now, and layer it with sweaters or blazers later in the year.

Shop these cost-effective pieces to fall-ify your wardrobe!

Leopard by fashionistaerin featuring a leopard print dress

When to Pay Full Price Tag

I don't often advocate paying full price for something, because I'm a budget girl. Sale-hunting is a sport to me - I pride myself in finding deals on quality clothing for a great price.

HOWEVER, there are times when a budget girl should pay full price. Most of the time when we pay full price, we'll justify it by the number of times we think we'll wear something. Which is exactly what I do when I buy White House Black Market clothing.

I was a loyal WHBM shopper before and after I was employed by the store years ago. If you know anything about what some call "the white and black store," you know they aren't for everyone's budget. Don't get me wrong, when they have a sale you can get some amazing deals but it's not always available to me at full sticker.

More than 6 years ago, I bought my favorite pair of white pants I've ever owned from WHBM. I bought them fresh off the rack, at the time for about $60, and I've worn them so much it's probably equated to $0.10 per wear by now.

If there's one thing you need to know about me, it's that I'm not a girl who can wear white without spilling something on it (God help me as a bride). Now you may be wondering why the HELL I would buy white pants, and part of the reason is because I didn't know this fact until after I bought the pants.

And I may horrify some of you after I tell you all the things I've spilled on these pants, but here it goes: coffee, mustard, soy sauce, marinara, chocolate ice cream, black dust from my car, and probably even more that my memory won't allow me to dredge up at the moment.

Recently one more stain has been added to the list, and I'm pretty sure it's red dye. You'd think from this list my pants should look like a veritable rorschach of white clothing enemies. Surprised to say, those pants are still just as white and pristine as the first day I plucked them off the rack. And here's my proof...

One morning this week, I picked up my white pants in anticipation of putting them on immediately. Instead, I was immediately horrified by an offensive, bright red stain that ran down almost the entire back right leg of the pants.

My pants before, and yes, it was as bad as it looks.

You would think that by looking at them, I should just immediately throw them in the garbage. Never! So I slapped some OxyClean gel stick on, washed them, and prayed. It didn't take one wash, it took about half a dozen plus 3/4 of a stick of OxyClean Max Force, but they look brand-spanking-new again!

My pants after - amazing, right?!

If my horrifying pant story can be a lesson for anything it's to say that paying full price for amazing quality will save you more than you know.

Give Your Legs Some Love

Tights have to be one of my top 3 favorite fall/winter accessories for 2 reasons: 1. they're super affordable and 2. you can wear them with anything.

You may be thinking that tights seem more like an accessory for the frosty winter season than the crisp fall. And to that I say, open up a little bit! You don't have to limit yourself to just one type of leg accesory, because there are so many options out there.

My more recent inspiration for tight-obsession would be "Pretty Little Liars." (As a side note, if you don't watch it you need to if only for the fashion.) Check out Hanna's lacy rose tights from last night's episode.





Black Flower Lace Tights, Top Shop, $24

Transparent, light tights like these can double for fall and winter wear with dresses, shorts, and skirts. If you're like me, and you live in an area where it's a bit hotter later in the year, you can opt for a lighter version. You may laugh, but I love the look of socks (mostly because it takes me right back to watching Clueless)!

And socks these days give us so many other texture and height options than just "knee-high" or "over-the-knee." Socks are a great fall accessory to add with flats or heels for the fall. They add contrast and texture to otherwise bare legs. Check out just a few of the options out there.



Fine Pointelle Ankle Sock, Top Shop, $10



Oatmeal Pelerine Knee Socks, Top Shop, $14






 

How to TransitionYour Wardrobe for Fall

Kids, it's that time of year again. The time when you're about to have to put away those summer brights to prepare for fall and winter.

Sometimes it can be a real pain to figure out how to transition your wardrobe into fall, because the weather doesn't always allow us to do it easily. I don't know about you guys but I live in Georgia where it's summer until December, so it can be difficult to dress for fall and the weather (hot, mostly muggy) at the same time.

Follow my easy tips and you'll be fall fabulous in no time!

1. The easiest fall accessory that you can add to almost any outfit right now is a bright scarf. You can loosely bundle a light scarf with jeans and a tee for a more relaxed look.



Oasis Apple Conversation Scarf, asos.com, $31

 Another outfit idea would be to go for a longer scarf with your favorite maxi dress. You could leave it long for a shawl effect, or bundle it loosely if the weather allows.



ASOS Oversized Leopard Scarf, asos.com, $26

 2. One fabulous accessory I personally love is a great hat. Fedoras, wide brim hats, and floppy knit hats should be in your fall arsenal! Hats easily dress up an outfit while transitioning you into the cooler months. An added hat benefit is also having a low-maintenance hair day (who wouldn't love that?!).



ASOS Wide Brim Fedora Hat, asos.com, now $17.24

 3. Adding a rich-colored bag will also help you transition into the cooler months. Handbags and cross-body bags are staples for the cooler months and add contrast to some of the lighter pieces you're still wearing.


Double Buckle Leatherette Handbag, forever21.com, $19

 4. Wide and skinny belts are must-haves for cinching cardigans, maxi dresses, slouchy shirts, etc. Cinching is a recurring trend for the cooler months, and a must for layering. Best thing about them is you'll use them again and AGAIN.



Multi Strand Wide Belt, forever21.com, $6.80



Glossy Leatherette Skinny Belt, forever21.com, $2.50







The Worst Day for a Shoe Addict

I'll be the first to admit it, I have a "thing" for shoes.

Sometimes, there's nothing better than opening a crsip, new box to find a pristine pair of patent platforms grinning back at you. The first time you slip on those form-fitting beauties is intoxicating - it's as though this is the first shoe your foot's ever felt! You're immediately high on life, and promptly begin running through your mind all the outfits you'll wear with your new friends.  

If you know how wonderful the "new shoe" feeling is, then you'll be with me when I talk about the saddest day in a shoe addict's life - the day you lay a pair to rest. 

We all know shoes don't last forever! From the first day you slip on a new pair, their days are numbered. Your only hope is that you can get in all the wears you can before that day comes. I recently had a day when I not only had to lay one pair to rest, but THREE additional pairs. Not just any pairs at that, some of my most dependable shoes!

As I tearfully laid my reliable black pumps and grey suede booties into their final resting place, I realized the fate of my other two damaged pairs may not be the same. In one hand I had my leopard Guess pumps, in the other I held my fuchsia flower sandals and I thought how much I really didn't want to let either of them go. Then I had the perfect solution - I'll take them to the shoe repair store!

At the time, I didn't care what repairing them would cost, I just knew I wasn't ready to let them go. So I took both pairs to my nearest shoe doctor, and waited patiently for 2 days to pick them up. After a heel repair and double sole replacement they were looking new again! I was thrilled to be able to take them back to their home, that was until the nice shoe doctor asked for payment.

I reluctantly forked over the $50 he asked for while thinking I really should've made a pro/con list before I decided to bring these shoes back from the dead. After I got over the sticker shock of having my shoes fixed, I realized this is a learning lesson.

If I hadn't gotten these repaired, I would've ended up buying 4 new pairs of shoes to replace the holes in my closet, which would cost far beyond $50. Even by spending $50 to keep these two alive, I still saved myself an additional $50+ by not immediately buying new shoes. As an added bonus, I get to hang on to some of my most beloved shoes just a little longer.

All in all, when faced with the sad instance of having to make the decision to pull the plug on your favorite kicks, give them one more look - they might surprise you.

From the Red Carpet Straight to Your Wardrobe

Fall is right around the corner, and that means adding richer colors into your summer repetoire. One red carpet palette trend that's really caught my eye is turquoise/plum.

This inspiration got me thinking, "How can a regular woman get the same effect?" Well, I've got an easy and cost-effective answer - accessories!

Plum + Turquoise by fashionistaerin featuring a full skirt dress

1. One recurring fall trend is adding scarves. You can instantly make your look trendy for cooler weather just by adding a loose scarf around your neck. Add it to a dark plum-colored tank and you have an eye-catching pairing anyone would envy.

2. Cardigans are one thing you have in your wardrobe pretty much year-round. You can layer them up, dress them down, throw a belt on it, you name it - they're like clothing chameleons. Toss this deep purple cardigan on over a white tank, complete with jeans and aqua tear-drop necklace for a fabulous daytime look.

3. For these last few months of the heat wave when we can still wear those breezy maxi dresses, grab yourself one with an aqua or purple print. Here, I paired the aqua print maxi with a bold and rich statement necklace. The awesome news? This same dress also comes in a purple print (I know, match made in color-heaven!).

4. A sultry summer nighttime look will always be the wrap dress. We all get tired of those LBDs sometimes, so just give it a rest and break out a flowy wrap. This particular one comes in a deep fuchsia and would look stunning with a pair of dangly turquoise earrings. Finish the look with a light blue shoulder bag or clutch for extra zing.

The best part about buying turquoise jewelry later in the summer is that most of it will be on sale by now. Stores are also just starting to get fall lines, which will allow you prime pickings for rich purple hues. With any combination of these fantastic fall accessories, you'll be turning heads, red carpet style, in no time!