The Budget Fashionista

Checkers and gingham have been updated with bright colors and modern cuts—meaning they’re no longer relegated to the farm. The trends been spotted on Reese Witherspoon, Ashlee Simpson and Lauren Conrad, and we have to say, they all look pretty cute and comfortable in their loose, button-down shirts and jeans. The bright color trend of the summer, of course, is translated to the checker trend, but you can go with the classic black and… Continue reading "Fashion Trend Alert: Checkers"

What: Drapey, open front cardigans as an alternative to the jacket or traditional cardigan

What We Say: Because it’s feminine and interesting, we like it—however, we have some reservations. 1. Too much draping could add a whole lot of bulk where you don’t want it. 2. All that extra fabric in front could get in the way if you are, say, doing anything other than posing for a catalogue photo shoot. We wouldn’t… Continue reading "Fashion Trend: Open Front Cardigans"

What: The latest thing in fashion embellishment—fringes.

What We Say: We thought maybe it was just us, but we’ve definitely noticed a significant increase in fringing lately, on everything from shoes to handbags to dresses . . . and as long as they’re not on the sleeves of a cropped purple suede jacket with giant shoulder pads, we figure they might be okay to try out. With the Roaring 20s being touted as the next… Continue reading "Fashion Trend: On the Fringe"

What: According to The Telegraph’s Style Page (and thanks to designers like Jean Paul Gaultier and Dolce & Gabbana) the head scarf may be poised for a return this fall.

What We Say: To return, the headscarf would have had to have been popular sometime in the last 20 years or so, which, in mainstream circles, it has not. Does that mean it should be avoided? Not necessarily, but it’s not an easy look to pull off. Even… Continue reading "Fashion Trend: The Head Scarf—Start Practicing Now"

What: Not ready to get back to black? Navy is another great neutral that’s not too heavy for the hottest part of summer . . .

The Lowdown: Black will be hot this fall, but it’s still, well, hot, so summer is by no means over. An alternative neutral? We’re all about the navy—it’s summery (think nautical), classic, and easy to match. No, really—pair it with other neutrals (white, khaki, gray) or muted… Continue reading "Fashion Advice: Navy as a Summer Neutral"

What: Colored denim is cycling back to the top of the trend heap.

What We Say: More than a year ago colored denim (a la 1985) started to make the fashion rounds. It’s popularity had been marginal on the whole (meaning it didn’t quite make any waves between the coasts) and we were pretty much ready to write it off completely, but a recent resurgence has us taking a second look. We’re seeing lots of teal blue, red, and yellow… Continue reading "Summer Fashion: Colored Denim"

Who’d have thought that your old paint-splattered t-shirt reserved only for DIY could become the trendiest item in your wardrobe? This season, designers have delved into their paint boxes and splattered blouses, dresses, skirts and pants with Pollock-like prints.

Ad hoc expressionist designs were kept chic on simple shift dresses at Chloé, and Marios Schwab featured vivid prints on floaty chiffon dresses with edgy cut-out detailing,… Continue reading "Paint Splatters: British Style on a Budget"