2012 Grammys Fashion: The Glam, The Blah, and The Gaga

The Grammys don't have the best reputation when it comes to style, but there were quite a few winners last night (I mean, besides Adele)! And as usual, some seemed to have forgotten that there are cameras at the Grammys.

And the Best Dressed awards go to...

I struggle with Julianne Hough's fashion sense sometimes, but she knocked it out the park with a simple and chic Kaufman Franco design with criss-cross detail. Katy Perry donned a pale blue Elie Saab gown to match her blue locks. Taylor Swift sparkled in a gilded Zuhair Murad design. Gwyneth Paltrow kept it classic in a black Stella McCartney dress with dramatic cut-outs. Kelly Osbourne dazzled in a gold one-shoulder Tony Ward number (on a totally different note, she makes me want purple hair!). Kelly Rowland's Alberta Ferretti gown was absolutely dreamy - so delicate and feminine!

Rihanna sported a scandalous black backless Armani dress with a deep V. Lady Antebellum's Hillary Scott was sultry in a strapless purple ombre Monique Lhuillier, complete with a thigh-high slit. Alicia Keys had a geometric theme going on in her structured Alexandre Vauthier dress with a bold statement necklace. Carrie Underwood was a stunner in a bright white beaded Gomez-Gracia gown. Some may not agree, but I adored Adele's second dress way more than her floor-length red carpet number. She channeled 60s vintage in her black polka dotted design as she took the stage to perform "Rolling in the Deep."

And now, the blah...

Fergie managed to pull off a fashion oxymoron - she was covered from the neck down, but was still successful in showing off her underwear. Robyn was a bit of a train wreck - the skirt of her high-low ensemble looks too tight and too short in the front. Her shoes do bring me a little bit of joy because they remind me of the Spice Girls craze of 1998. I can't tell if LaurieAnn Gibson was going for dominatrix or patent leather superhero in that red and black disaster.

And for the Gaga portion of the evening (surprisingly, more than just Gaga are in this category)...

Gaga had us scratching our heads in this Versace number complete with golden sceptor and face netting. The next person, you probably haven't heard of (unless you're hip to Russian pop singers, that is) but today she's probably high on the Google scale - Sasha Gradiva. I actually think Sasha's blush pink gown would've been stunning on it's own, but she went the extra mile and added that Terminator accessory. Nicki Minaj didn't have any crazy sceptors or arm guns, but she did show up with a stranger accessory - a "priest." Which made total sense when she reenacted The Exorcist on stage.

What did you think of last night's Grammys fashion? Who were your favorites and flops?

 

Style Report: 2012 SAG Awards Fashion Recap

Awards season is perhaps fashion's happiest (and most ferocious) time of year, and the 18th Annual SAG Awards were no exception. We witnessed some fierce frocks in spring-y hues (which we're secretly longing for!), then there were others that could only be described as head-tilting.

Lea Michele is always a favorite - she has a rockin' body and loves going out on fashion limbs. She definitely shines here in a daringly high-slit Atelier Versace gown! Zoe Saldana is always on my Best Dressed lists because she can do no wrong with me - always classy, always fabulous. Such is the case here with Zoe's crystal studded Givenchy haute couture. Notice the tiny daggers on the collar? Gorgeous. I'm a sucker for fuchsia, and I'm adoring Dianna Agron's v-neck Carolina Herrera dress. The dress is so striking, it does all the talking! Jane Krakowski went for classic black in her Antonio Berardi design, and the twist of the peek-a-boo bodice was provocative yet understated. I just can't get enough of Regina King in that lavender tiered Alberta Ferreti number! The color is stunning on her, and it's totally unexpected that she would go with such a soft look.

Viola Davis is working it in this Grecian Marchesa gown! It's got just enough glitz to stand out without being over-the-top, which I can appreciate. Who can say anything bad about Sofia Vergara? Seriously with that bod, I'd wear nothing but form-fitting dresses too! Of course, she's the epitomy of beauty in this raspberry hued Marchesa dress. Emily Blunt took the biggest color risk in a jade Oscar de la Renta frock that's as elegant as it is bright. Rose Byrne did a modern twist on the go-to gown and wore a 70s-inspired sparkly Elie Saab jumpsuit. Comfortable and chic - I can get on board with that! Emma Stone is posh and mod in head-to-toe Alexander McQueen (jealous, because I would DIE to wear HTT McQueen).

And now for the head-tilting part of the SAGs...

I really want to love Emilia Clarke's Chanel dress, but I can't help but feel like there's too much going on. Between the feather-looking skirt and elaborate neckline, that bears nothing interesting, I'm just lost. I don't know what Busy Philips was thinking when she dressed herself in that tie-dye horror of a dress. It's really something you'd see walking on the beach in the summertime, not on the red carpet at a big awards show. I actually love the Ramona Keveza gown Kaley Cuoco's wearing...I just don't love it on her. I feel like she looks uncomfortable, and it's not accessorized well which makes it look as though she picked it out 15 minutes before Prom. I like the direction Amber Riley was going in with this Badgley Mischka, but what is with that ginormous bow on her boobs? It serves no purpose except to call attention to an area that already gets attention, fail.

Who were your SAG Awards fashion favorites? Any "head-tilters" I missed?

What You're Missing at Marshall's

I know I talk about my love for Marshall's a lot, but now I've finally got some proof to show that if you're not in Marshall's right now you're missing out!

On a whim, I went shopping at Marshall's yesterday to see what they might have on clearance. Which, on a side note, is great to do now because it's winter clearance time and every store is making way for spring items (equaling awesome deals just for you!).

I left with 3 trendy pieces for the moment and a chic pair of coral skinny jeans for spring, all together under $70! A little secret, only one item was actually on clearance, the rest was just plain affordable.

Fun & Flirt hi-low blouse, $12.99

Chunky hi-low poncho, $15 (clearance)

Vigold coral skinny jeans, $19.99

Indigo Rein cobalt skinny jeans, $16.99

The whole she-bang for about $68!

These weren't the only great finds I uncovered! I also found turquoise Jessica Simpson platforms ($49.99), chevron print Steve Madden flats ($29.99), and more at amazingly affordable prices! To see the rest of my chic finds, check out my "Shopping Excursions" album on Facebook.

What trendy, affordable pieces have you come across lately? Will you be hitting the stores for winter clearance sales? (I know I will!)

Shopping Divas, Prepare Yourself for a HUGE (Designer) Bargain!

It's that time of year again - time for Atlanta's Boutique Bargains clearance sale!

Boutique Bargains, a bi-annual clearance event that features more than 20 of Atlanta's favorite shops, is making its return to Midtown this weekend. Let me tell you, ladies, this event is a must for all you hardcore shoppers.

Boutiques from across the Atlanta area such as Fab'rik, Meringue, Tulipano, Bilthouse, Ooh La La, Sandpiper, and Les Nouvelles will flock to Atlantic Station to share their sales with you. You'll shop exclusive brands like Citizens of Humanity, Charlotte Ronson, Alexander Wang, Sass and Bide, William Rast and more for 50-70% off (can I just say, ah-mazing!). The major benefit to the new location? Bigger dressing rooms and more parking!

Get your game faces on, gals, because this clearance only lasts two days. The sale is Jan. 20 & 21 from 10am-6pm, and all sales are cash or check only (so come prepared).

For directions and more about Boutique Bargains, visit http://www.boutiquebargainsatl.com/.

H&M Scores Yet Another HUGE Guest Designer

H&M is pretty fabulous in its own right, they have a great selection of trendy, eclectic clothing for bargain prices without sacrificing quality.

And now they're about to give you one more reason to drool...Versace for H&M!

I know what you're thinking already, "Can't possibly afford it." Let me tell you, at these prices, you can!

Here are 5 outfit ideas straight from the Versace for H&M lookbook:

This Hollywood-inspired chainmail dress is on the more expensive side of the spectrum at $249.

This outfit is such a genius mix of prints, and it's to-die-for! It's glamorous without a single sequin or speck of glitter in sight. The luxurious silk bustier is $129, and the pants are a steal at $69.95.

This hot pink dress ($199) is tough girl glam at its best! And it's something you can wear now until next Spring! Pair this number with black tights and ankle boots for the cold months. In the Spring, opt for bare legs and cute sandals.

This is not your average LBD, and it has me swooning! It's the perfect mix of bad girl (with the tough, bondage-y bodice) and good girl (with the flirty skirt). This number will set you back $149. Gotta have the suede boots? You can walk away with them for $149.

This bright yellow frock looks like a sibling to the hot pink dress, and it's goregous! Another number you can wear year-round for $199. Let me tell you, that printed bag, is an artful show-stopper and it'll make you the envy of every fashion-conscious lady you know.

Versace for H&M hits stores on November 19. Prices will range from $29.99 to $399.

How do you ladies feel about Versace for H&M? Will you be hitting up the stores on day 1? Do share!

If You Don't Already Love Forever21, You Will Now

Every chance I get I shout from the rooftops how much I love Forever21. They always stay trendy, their stock's ever-changing, and they always manage to keep me on budget (which is sometimes hard to do). Well I'm about to give all you non-believers one BIG reason to fall in love with Forever21.

One of my favorite blogs from Glamour alerted me that Alex & Chloe is collaborating with Forever 21 on a jewelry line that's all under $20. Exciting, right?!

Alex & Chloe can retail for as much as $2,500 and gets celebrity praise from the iconic Kate Moss. The line draws inspiration from punk and goth influences (spikes, crosses, studs...that sort of thing). The best part is that the Alex & Chloe pieces will be a bit heavier than normal Forever21 jewelry, so it could pass for something much more expensive than just $20.

Mark your calendars, Alex & Chloe hits Forever21 stores and online on Dec. 2!

Here are a few pieces from the Alex & Chloe winter collection:

What do you think of Alex & Chloe's collaboration with Forever21? Will you be buying any of their pieces?

9 Fall Pieces Under $50 to Mix Up Your Wardrobe

Marshall's has been one of my favorite haunts for years. They have the season's trendiest styles and brand names at insanely affordable prices. Not to mention Marshall's is the best place to get all your seasonal decorations (which I love!).

Here's a sneak peak at 9 drool-inducing fall items about to hit a Marshall's near you. As always, in Marshall's fashion, it's all under $50!




Grey and Black Blazer, $29.99

Use it as a ladylike tuxedo topper or keep it casual with jeans and a tee. 

Plaid Mini Skirt, $29.99

 I can see this dreamy piece with some deep black or grey tights and patent ankle booties.


Dolman Sleeve Top, $24.99

Spice up your fall skirts and pants with this colorful top.


Denim Trousers, $24.99

Denim flares are always a fall must-have--wear them now and every season to come!


Box Clutches, $16.99-$29.99

I have been fantasizing about putting one of these babies in my closet since I saw Alexander McQueen's line of Britannia box clutches. Now I (and all of you!) can be a proud owner of one for as low as $17!


Cowl Neck Sweater, $19.99

Get cozy with this jazzy sweater, then amp it up with skinny jeans and riding boots.


Blue Suede Heels, $49.99

This fierce footwear is easy to wear by day or night with most any outfit.


Ribbed Jacket, $39.99

This piece has a very modern flare mixed with rocker style. You ladies might have to fight me for this one!


Embellished Flats, $39.99

Dorothy would be jealous of these ruby-red beauties, and they'll be the envy of the office too!

Will you be heading to your Marshall's to grab some of these pieces?






Fall Lookbook: Missoni for Target

It's almost here! The uber-colorful, and now affordable, Missoni collection will begin its 40-day stint at Target tomorrow (and this fashionista can hardly wait!).

This is probably one of the largest collaborations Target has done with a designer, period. Missoni's releasing their 400-piece collection with prices ranging from $2.99 to $599.99 starting tomorrow.

Not only will you have a chance to snag their 60s-inspired frocks, but you can also add some flare into your home with their housewares. Personally, I want to grab everything but alas, money is not endless (don't we all wish it was?).

Some pieces will be sold exclusively online, and the line's expected duration is September 13 through October 22.

Here's just the tip of the iceberg of Missoni for Target. Enjoy!

What do you think of Missoni's Target collection? Which pieces do you have your eyes on?

Why You Need to Be on eBay

eBay has come a long way since it began in 1995, and I'll admit my experience with them has been about 50/50 over the years. However, as they've perfected their processes for handling designer items (and the fakes that come with them) I'd say it's becoming safer and safer to be an eBay buyer.

Years ago, my now fiance was crushed when we found out he accidentally bought me a fake Tiffany jewelry set off eBay. The seller swore it was authentic, and at the time eBay had no rules set in place for selling name brand jewelry other than going on good faith of the seller. In the end, I had to get an appraiser at Tiffany to confirm it was fake in order for the seller to refund the money.

Now, eBay doesn't allow anyone to sell any type of name brand replicas. So you could shop for your favorite Coach tote at a fraction of it's normal price. Or the long-since sold out Betsey Johnson skull necklace from the "Pretty Little Liars" finale for just $7. Or any designer item you want! And you can rest easy knowing you're buying the real thing for a great price. (Remember I was recently searching for a sold out evil eye bracelet from Betsey? Now there are at least 2 on eBay!)

eBay has become a haven for the fashion-obsessed to purchase vintage, new, or used designer items for a fraction of what a huge department store would charge. The best part about it? You're helping the environment by purchasing previously-loved items! Visit eBay's Fashion Vault to learn more about their designer brands for real-people prices.  

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?

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.

The Budget Girl's Dilemma

I love finding deals on all things fashion - it's what I do. Now I'm realizing that I may be taking deal hunting too far.

Betsey Johnson is one of my favorite designers, and I especially love her jewelry. Well, about a month ago I found this really versatile evil eye stretch bracelet.

I immediately fell in love with the bracelet! At the time, it was everywhere and for varying prices. So, naturally, I decided to wait on it since it was so available. As time went by, it slowly began to sell out. Then there came a point where I could only find it on Karma Loop for about $30. I waited longer because I thought it might go on sale.

Boy, was I wrong. Now that I'm finally ready to buy it, it's sold out on Karma Loop and the only place I can find it is on eBay for more than twice the KL price ($80). The upside is that the seller is taking the highest offer on the bracelet, so I don't exactly have to pay $80 if I don't want to. However, at this point, I know I'll be paying more than $30 - I can just feel it.

This brings me to probably the biggest dilemma facing the budget fashionista.

We are forever the deal hunters, and most times don't want to pay full price tag for something we know will be cheaper later. It's exactly what had me waiting so long to buy the bracelet, but now I'm stuck and bracelet-less.

To overcome this dilemma, you just have to know when to pull the trigger and that point is different for everyone. I knew I should have bought the bracelet two weeks ago, at least, but I foolishly waited...and waited. As a bargain hunter, you just have to know an item's price floor. You don't have to wait for it to be a crazy deal (like 80% off), but you do have to know when you're getting the best one. It's especially important to know the price floor for a hot item like this one which sold out fairly quickly.

Lesson learned: Do NOT wait to buy something you know you want when you find it for a great price in only one place.

Beautiful Weather = Amazing Garage Sales

With all the beautiful summer weather that happens in Atlanta, it gets me out and about just like the rest of the city! 
So what do I do? I go driving around looking for the quintessential bargain hunter's paradise - the garage sale. Say what you want about buying used things, but my thinking is that there are a whole lot more pros than cons to garage-saling.

For one thing, garage sales promote sustainable fashion. You're buying someone else's old treasures that might otherwise have just gotten thrown away. Most times at garage sales it can be a hodgepodge of odds-and-ends that you may not be interested in rifling through. Follow my fool-proof tips for garage-saling and you'll get out of your next sale feeling triumphant!

One, skip over the things that don't interest you. Not in the market for accessories--skip right to the clothes. If the clothes aren't in your size range, move on. A good range to be in would be plus or minus your actual size. Things minus, can be let out to better fit you. Things plus can obviously be taken in, but there's only so large it can be before the garment looks a little funny post-alteration.

Two, it seems biased but I like to pick neighborhoods that are a little more affluent than my own. These types of neighborhoods are often those also infested with young (and fashionable!) professionals. In these neighborhoods, I've often found huge name brand labels like Diane von Furstenberg and Nanette Lepore. The only downside is that there are also big crowds associated with these sales. My tip for big crowds? Don't put anything down unless you're absolutely sure you don't want it, because another hungry lady will snatch it up in a heartbeat.

Three, not every price tag is set in cement. Garage sales are the perfect site for price haggling! You know the seller wants it gone, and you obviously know you want what they have. The key to haggling is not to insult the other person. If the price is say $25 for a big brand dress, don't offer anything less than $15, they'll be insulted because the dress is worth hundreds (still!) and they're basically giving it away. If you set the floor at $15 for the dress, you and the seller will end up at a happy medium around $18 - $20. The most important thing to remember about haggling is to be respectful, and you'll get to a number that you and your wallet can be happy about.

Buy. Trade. Repeat.

In fashion, there is nothing better than the concept of buying and trading. Especially now that many people are trying to think forward to sustainable fashion.  Now some of us may have to get over that "wearing someone else's clothes" feeling, because clothes that have had a previous owner are great!

I have found some of the best pieces I own at thrift or sell-and-trade shops

I used to frequent

Some will be very surprised by this, but I've gotten a lot of great formal pants from

In the city there are a couple of other options. I know some of you love the vintage clothing, but it will cost you a bit more even at secondhand shops. However, if you've got to go vintage, then you have to visit

And for those who've got to have their labels, even if it is secondhand, then you've got to visit

Shopping secondhand is definitely going to save you a lot of money and headaches from trying to sift through crowds at the malls. Just remember to shop smart, leave yourself enough time to actually look, and you'll be sure to find something great!

Labels Resale Boutique. I used to work down the street from this shop and they do carry some amazing pieces. Great shoes too! You just have to prepare yourself for what I call "designer sizing". Even if something says it's your size, it still might not fit because of the way it's cut. Just like two different pairs of the same size jean fit differently, so do designer clothes. The Lucky Exchange. There are two locations in the city and they both always have great selections. Same rule applies here as with other thrift stores, you must have the time to sift through it all, otherwise you may go home disappointed. Goodwill stores! It's really surprising to me too, but trust me when I tell you--these stores are like hidden gold mines. But you really do have to take the time to sift through everything, otherwise you won't get to those gems. I've found great pairs of Limited or Express pants (which retail for about $50 - $60 per pair) for $5, and most still have the tags on! Plato's Closet because it was convenient to my house and work. Plato's is one of those sell-and-trade shops which mainly carries junior's "everyday" clothes. Great stock of jeans (designer and otherwise) tees, tanks, and coats, but not so much on the more dressy items. It's always the luck of the draw with Plato's, but it's a good place to go for casual items..  What's the best part about shopping at these types of stores? Well for one thing, the clothes have already been relaxed and washed, probably many times, which makes them feel and fit better.

Let's Start with the Basics

I think everyone here knows that there are basic elements that should be present in your wardrobe. Here, I'd like to pay homage to the crisp, white button-down shirt.

Nothing can make you look more chic in less time than the white button-down shirt. You can pair it with jeans and a nice pair of flats for a casual look. By day, you can dress it up with a black pencil skirt, a fun belt, and some black heels.

Because you'll get so much wear out of a quality white shirt, this should be an investment item. I know you budget girls might be screaming at me right now, but just hear me out.

I purchased my first professional button-down about 4 years ago from Express. I have gotten so much wear out of that shirt, and it still looks great! In the winter, I roll the sleeves down and pair it with a cardigan for a layered look. In the summer, I roll those sleeves up for a casual work outfit. I've only had it dry-cleaned once, because food and I just didn't get along one day. So the $40 I paid for the shirt, plus the one time $10 dry-cleaning, that shirt costs me about $3 per wear. It's not bad considering how long it has lasted and how many compliments I get every time I wear it.
If you don't have this essential yet, or you're thinking about replacing the tired one you have--I recommend going to Express! You're dropping a few pennies on it, but it will last for years to come.