The Budget Fashionista

 

You can feel the buzz, even if you’re nowhere near Bryant Park, or New York City for that matter—the NYC Fashion Week Spring 09 has begun. Fortunately, we’re in the trenches, covering it as only The Budget Fashionista can.

What: Rubin Singer Runway Show, The Promenade at Bryant Park

The Lowdown: Power to the modern woman – Rubin Singer showed a fiery collection that reminded us we can be fierce without giving up that delicate feminine side. A mostly subtle color palate (blacks, beiges, navy, turquoise) made sure the designs and tailoring took the spotlight (and who could take their eyes off the turquoise body-hugging snakeskin dress?).  Singer was all about embellishment – body conscious power suits with oversized collars, wide stripes, and flashy buttons. The beauty was in the transition to night – abstract blues (looks like last spring’s art trend is sticking around) painted over silky dresses from thigh high to floor skimming. This one is for those with a statement to make – and we know every fashionista does.

Our Take: We all know you don’t need to have money to look like you do, and this kind of look for Spring is made in the details – add huge costume jewelry (we’re talking serious size here) to your classic black or white suit, or cinch that old trapeze dress with a wide belt at the waist. Singer’s suits were tailored to the female shape – meaning we real-figured women don’t have to miss out. The bolder the better – accent your curves and don’t shy from polka dots and diagonal stripes. We love the opportunity to go over the top – just make sure you’ve got the strut to match it.

image courtesy of Coutorture.com

 

You know we love us some Target, and this fall is no exception. From Richard Chai, GO International line, to some new Isaac Mizrahi, to hot shoes and handbags, we’re feeling a shopping spree coming on. Within our budget, of course. Some Target picks for the season:

GO International School Boy Blazer, Red Plaid, $39.99

Mossimo Black Satin Trench, Berry, $39.99

Isaac Mizrahi for Target Mock Turtleneck Dress, $34.99

MB Drapery Cardigan, $24.99

Isaac Mizrahi for Target Amelia Patent T-Strap Pumps, $29.99

Angie & Lola Bucket Tote, Brown, $39.99

Image courtesy of Newsday.

Continue reading "How Would You Participate in Fashion Week: Daily Poll"...

 

The Deal: Shop the Nordstrom shoe clearance sale and save 40% or more.

The Lowdown: Designer and namebrand shoes for 40% off—or more—at Nordstrom is the only excuse we need to pick up a fab pair of shoes for fall. We’re sure we need something more practical, but we just can’t help ourselves with this Chinese Laundry Patent Pump, regularly $69.95 and on sale now for $39.90.

Shop: Nordstrom.

Continue reading "Fall Shoe Sale at Nordstrom: Daily Deal"...

 

Fashion is one thing, but budget fashion is another, which of course is the premise TBF is based on. Kathryn knows whereof she speaks, and has long (five years to be exact) doled out practical advice for shopping without breaking the bank. Her top five budget shopping tips:

1. Know what looks good on you. Just because it looks great in a magazine doesn’t mean it will look great on you. Be honest with yourself about your body. It will save

Continue reading "Top Five Budget Shopping Tips: The Budget Fashionista’s 5th Anniversary"...

 

Image courtesy of Style.com.

Continue reading "Graphic Sheath Dress: Daily Poll"...

 

What: Jonathan Saunders for Target, due to hit stores Oct. 5.

What We Say: Afraid fall/winter means dreary fashion? Not so, if you’re cruising the Jonathan Saunders offerings at Target, which include splashy prints and bold color—put together in an edgy, fashion forward, er, Jonathan Saunders kind of way. Prices will range from $14.99 to $59.99, and are inspired by artists from Jackson Pollock to Rothko to Klimt. These pieces may not be for

Continue reading "First Look: Jonathan Saunders for Target"...

 

The Deal: Free shipping on dELiA*s orders over $25: Use code DWLAFF.

The Lowdown: dELiA*s is a great source for both junior-oriented clothing and trendy shoes and accessories for the rest of us. Where to start? Well, with so many hot footwear trends this fall, we love the oxford heel, like this Bridget style, for $39.50.

Shop: dELiA*s and used this code: DWLAFF.

Continue reading "Free Shipping at dELiA*s With Code: Daily Deal"...

 

As we count down to TBF’s 5th anniversary, we’re also counting down some of our favorite posts and features from TBF past. Here, a chance to listen in as Kathryn talks with some fashion-forward celebs:

5.  Kathryn goes country with country western superstar Laura Bryna

4.  Kathryn stays country with Nashville music producer Anastasia Brown

3.  Kathryn gets the goods on Kathy Hilton’s HSN beauty line.

2. Kathryn checks in with plus size

Continue reading "Top Five Shoptalk Interviews: The Budget Fashionista’s 5th Anniversary"...

 

In the past, only certain types of women have been able to truly pull off menswear , Katharine Hepburn among them. Right now though, aspects of menswear are appearing all over, giving everyone the opportunity to be a little androgynous. But don’t think of the 1980’s working woman blouse with the limp, sad-looking bow at the neck when you picture this trend. This year’s tie-neck blouse has sharper lines, comes in a variety of fabrics, and it

Continue reading "Fashion Trend Alert: Tie-Neck Blouses"...