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!)

Mad About Blue

Electric blue is nothing new to the fashion scene. We've seen it floating around in different fashion lines for a couple of seasons now, and I'll tell you why you need to pick some up today.

Color-blocking became really trendy for fall, and is expected to stick around for spring 2012. Cobalt can serve as a bold part of a color-blocked ensemble, or a great way to brighten up those neutrals hanging in your closet.

And the best thing about this electric shade of blue is that it's flattering for every skin tone!

Here are a few of my favorite cobalt pieces (all under $65!) you could easily wear now!

Cobalt Blue by fashionistaerin featuring a button skirt

Which of these cobalt styles would you wear?

How-To: The Sneaky Way to Whittle Your Waistline

Whether you're a curvy woman or a woman who wishes she had more curves, you will love me for this small trick that will make a big difference in your shape.

Take a look at this picture of Kate Winslet on the red carpet at the Venice Film Festival...

When I first saw this picture of Kate in that Stella McCartney number, I thought, "No way! Her waist is TEENY tiny! That has to be Photoshopped..." Alas, it is not! Take another look. Kate has a bod men drool over and women envy anyway, but her secret's in the fabric. Thanks to strategic placement of colorblock panels, every curve is highlighted in the best way. It's one of the oldest tricks for stylists - using dark panels on the sides creates the illusion of the perfect hourglass figure. It's along the same lines as using a belt to cinch your waist, but it's not quite as obvious and can work in a more formal setting. And this girl is all for getting a bod like Kate's without stressing myself at the gym!

Check out some of these colorblock options to get the same effect for less, including one that's just like Kate's for only $78!

Cinch your waist with side panels by fashionistaerin featuring a reversible dress

Will you be using this sneaky waist-cinching trick? What are your favorite ways to cinch your waist?

Fall Fashion Guide: Colorful Tights

The cooler weather in Georgia today has my mind reeling about fall accessories. One frosty weather accessory that isn't always used to its full potential is a pair of tights.

Tights. Sounds pretty simple, right? These days with all the wacky legwear some designers make, it's easy to get overwhelmed and not want to branch out from basic black. Well, with just a few simple tips you could rock colorful or printed tights just like a runway professional!

1. DO go for primary colors: blue, red, green, black, even yellow! Make sure they're opaque--if they're translucent it may make your look messy. Don't do bright legwear with mini hemlines, neutrals are the better solution.Try mixing red tights with an all black and white look, or color block them with a bright dress.




Burgundy tights, $7.80, Forever21



2. DON'T go for two-hued tights. Leave those for the Halloween constumes, ladies.

3. DO go for tights with a light print on them. Just make sure the print is subtle so they don't fall into the "clown tights" category. Try an argyle, diamond, or plaid print!

Diamond Grid Tights, $5.80, Forever21

4. For some, it begs to be said...DON'T wear tights with holes. Even if they're intentional, it's messy.

Will you be wearing bright tights this season? What do you think of printed legwear?

The Normal Girl's Guide to Color Blocking

Color blocking with hot hues is all over the runways these days, and it looks like it's here to stay until spring 2012. Not to mention it's the hottest fall trend you can participate in right now.

I know what you may be thinking, "But how can a normal girl wear that trend?" Let me tell you, it's easier than you think!

Color blocking is really about mixing up your brights. You can mix two different brights, like red and fuchsia. You can mix bright in with dark, maybe with an electric blue maxi skirt. Or you mix your brights with white for an unexpected fall pairing. Whichever remix you want to try, all you have to do is follow these easy tips.

1. If you're going to mix two different brilliant hues,  try colors in the same family or unusual compliments. Think red and fuchsia, orange and purple, or head-to-toe blues. If you're pairing complimentary colors, don't go overboard. We all know red and green go together, but you don't want to look like an out-of-season watermelon or an early Christmas tree. Try this color block inspiration from Sarah Jessica Parker.


Color Block Look from Express



 

 2. If you're a little afraid to jump right into color blocking, try one hot-hued piece with a neutral you already own.



ASOS Midi Skirt with Pleats, $73.18

3. Make a clean, chic statement with your flashy pigments by adding white. I love white during the cold months, it feels so winter-wonderland! White is graceful no matter what season we're in, and it makes your brilliant shades shine even brighter.

ASOS Jet Pocket Slim Cropped Trousers, $36.59

What do you think of the fall color blocking trend? Will you be color blocking this season?