Dresses
Fun Line from HSN & Lucky Mag
What: Lucky Magazine and HSN have put their heads together for an exciting Designer Capsule Collection, featuring pieces from seven designers, including Rebecca Taylor. The collection is made up of adorable dresses and accessories that are perfect for a night out on the town or a cozy house party; however, it’s all casual enough to be worn just about anywhere. You can shop for the line on HSN either online, or on TV October 16th and 17th. The line is also available at featured Lucky events from November 5th-7th .
What They Say:
Some items from this premiere collection include:
• Shoshanna: Two sexy cocktail dresses, offered in two-three colors each.
• Rebecca Taylor: A chic, drapey cardigan, available in five colors.
• Tracy Reese: One body skimming party dress and one dolman-sleeved jersey cardigan, in four colors each.
• Kooba: A stylishly oversized patent leather satchel, available in three colors.
• Gerard Yosca: Two colorful necklaces with handmade glass drops and two pairs of matching earrings.
• Rebecca Minkoff: Four classic, go-anywhere handbags in two-four colors each.
• Helen Ficalora: Two delicate sterling silver charm sets.
What We Say: While we’re not jumping for joy at the price points of the Lucky/HSN line (there’s a $350 handbag and $129 necklace), we like that most of the line costs under $100, like this $69.90 cardigan. Plus, shoppers can split their payments up over time if they need to.
Any takers?
Top 5 Under $50: Maxi Dresses
Trend: Maxi Dress
Why: They are easy to wear and serve double duty (as a beach cover up/causal summer dinner
Here’s our maxi dresses picks for under $50:
Daydream Floral Maxi Dress, $29.80, from Forever 21
Roxy Best Match Colorbock Maxi Dress, $49.50, from Nordstrom
Chiffon Maxi Dress, $49, from Rampage
Sleeveless Tiered Mix Print Maxi Dress, $19.99. from Ann Taylor LOFT
City Style Spaghetti Strap Maxi Dress, $29.99, from New York & Company
Asymmetrical Dresses: Trend for Less
One of the most popular trends this summer has been the asymmetrical dress. While this often translates to a one-shouldered dress or top, there are more creative styles than that - like varying lengths and patterns. We don’t like the dresses that are asymmetrical just for the sake of being asymmetrical. Everything’s gotta work together to create the perfect fashion statement.
We’ve got several asymmetrical dresses that you can nab for $100 and way under (not too shabby for quality trend-setting cocktail attire).
How to get the trend for less:
Interlock Asymmetrical Address from American Apparel, $42
Asymmetrical Silk Chifon Dress from Neiman Marcus, $88
Elle Asymmetrical Rosett Dress from Kohl’s, $29.99
Ikat Print: Trend for Less
Ikat print continues to be a major trend with pieces featuring the print popping up at every store from Forever21 to Macys to Saks. Ikat print isn’t to be confused with “African Print” - Ikat print involves the weaving of thread into a patterns, while African print usually involves the stamping/painting of a pattern on a piece of fabric. When wearing an Ikat printed item, keep the rest of your outfit simple, as the print IS your signature piece.
Here’s Our Picks for Getting the Ikat Print Trend for Less
Accessories
1. Global Ikat Scarf, $3.99 at UrbanOutfitters.com
2. Ikat Head Wrap, $2.99 at Charlotte Russe.
3. Astar Ikat Print Pareo, $8.80 at Forever21.com
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Dresses
1. Ikat Print Dress, $98.00 at Banana Republic
2. Imagination Smocked Ikat Strapless Dress, on sale for $19.00 at Kohls
3. AGB Ikat Print Sleeveless Voile Maxi Dress, $69.00 at Macys.com
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Tops
Braided Ikat Top, $49.50 at Gap
French Connection Ikat Belted Batwing Jumper, $62.52 at Asos.com
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Skirts
1. Faith21 Plus Size Ikat Print Skirt, $15.80 at Forever21.com
2. Charter Club Ikat-Print Cotton Voile Skirt, on sale for $51.75 at Macys.com
3. Ikat Print Mini-Skirt, $99 at DKNY.com
Save An Extra 15% on Dresses at Bluefly
“THIS DEAL HAS ENDED”
The Deal: Today Only: Save an extra 15% off dresses at bluefly.com
The Lowdown:Bluefly.com is NOT the cheapest site out there, but for those fashionistas looking to score a true designer piece for a somewhat reasonable price, there is no better site.
For today only, receive an extra 15% off already reduced prices on dresses from the likes of Nicole Miller, Badgley Mischka, and Diane Von Furstenberg. We especially like this dress from Rebecca Taylor, on sale for $189.55, down from $372.00 and this sexy, deep v neck number from Curtsey, now $66.30 from $130.00. If you have a little extra money left over from your tax returns and you put at least 50% away and/or pay off some bills, treat yourself to something like this Badgley Mischka cappucino pleated organza strapless dress
, originally $650, now $331.50 or this amazing silk beaded halter dress from Nicole Miller, for $270.30.
Shop: Bluefly.com
Get 30% Off Maternity Dresses at Gap.com
“THIS SALE HAS ENDED”
The Deal: Get 30% off the season’s latest Maternity Dresses at GapMaternity
The Lowdown: Fortunately, these days, just because you’re expecting (okay, even if you aren’t, you may know someone who is, so pass it along) doesn’t mean you have to abandon your fashionista nature. But maternity clothes can be ridiculously pricey, which is why we’re giving you the heads up . . .
Anyone who’s been with child knows that dresses are the most comfortable and forgiving option out there, and Gap has some truly fab maternity dresses on sale now. We wish there were some more colorful options, but this shirred yoke dress
in seaglass, for just $41.65, should be sufficiently mood-boosting, and you might actually want to live in this jersey tie-belt dress
for $39.99.
Shop: GapMaternity
JCPenney Spring Designer Launch
What: JCPenney is highlighting its affordable spring fashions during commercial breaks at the Academy Awards on February 22nd. Designers Nicole Miller, Michel Bohbot, Kimmora Lee Simmons, and Allen B Schwartz will be spotlighted in the new ad campaign.
What We Say We’re loving the department store/designer collabs,and hope Allen B (of ABS fame) will put together some great evening wear looks for under $50. The maxi dresses were awesome, especially the one shown above by Allen B. and a crimson version by Bisou Bisou. However, based on the styling we saw at the fashion show, some of the pieces were not as fashion forward as we would like them to be and looked a bit too basic, almost like stuff you can get at Old Navy. Kathryn was also confused by the hear gear on the models, which looked more like someone hastily wrapped a scarf around the model’s head and she would have liked to seen more options for those over 22 years of age. However, we applaud JC Penney for trying and we’re excited to see how it turns out.
Kathryn at the JCPenney Spring Designer Launch (that is NOT her Bentley)
Sonia Rykiel at Asos: Really Cute and Really Expensive
What: Favorite french designer Sonia Rykiel recently partnered with the international celebrity look for less site, Asos.com, on a “budget” friendly line, featuring tons of very cute dresses with the signature Rykiel stripes.
From the blog Share My Fashion Addictions:
As soon as I saw Asos home page stating “Sonia Rykiels chic parisian style” I knew I had to take a peek. Images of Carrie Bradshaw in Paris somehow sprung to mind. And I’m glad they did. I’m never one to fall in love with an entire line of clothing so this was an exception.
More Dresses:
What We Say: The line is adorable.. but.. $500 bucks for a dress is not budget. In fact, you can find Sonia Rykiel main label pieces at outlets like Last Call Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue
outlet for much less than $500, so why pay $500 for the bridge line. My advice? Wait until TopShop opens in New York this spring.
Designer Dresses 50-80% Off at eDressme.com: Daily Deal
The Deal: Shop the eDressMe sale for designer dresses 50% to 80% off
The Lowdown: eDress me is a great source of trendy dresses for special ocassions (even prom) or for just going out (we especially enjoy their “Dresses Under $99” section). Right now, get 50-80% off something like this Yacht Club dress by Kiyonna, originally $142 but on sale for $114—and there’s lots more to choose from.
Shop: eDressme.com
Pointed Toes, Small Purses, and Pleated Dresses: Web Round Up
Check out what’s going on in the wide world of online fashion blogs:
—If you have an apple-shaped figure, check out this guide from Styledash. Find the most flattering tops and dresses that complement your body. They’re fans of pleats and bright, solid colors.
—Fashionista tries to steer clear of big, heavy bags and instead takes a look at daintier purses with bows. We don’t see many long strapped purses anymore, but we miss them.
—Manolo’s Shoe Blog examines the return of the pointed toe. If you miss wearing spikes at the end of your toes, then you’ll want to read up. They look fierce (we’re using the original definition of that word here) and edgy.
Image from topshop.com
Eco-Friendly Dresses at eDressme.com
What: Our blog, The Budget Ecoist, teaches us how to live a green life on a budget. eDressme.com helps fashionistas like that stretch our desire to be eco-friendly with fashionable, pretty and bio-degradable dresses.
What We Say: Expand your wardrobe and infuse a social conscience into your wardrobe. You might’ve thought “organic” just referred to food—we admit we’re still learning, too. We like the idea that our clothes could potentially help the environment. Wearing these dresses is practically the same as recycling your glass, plastics and metals. Just stylishly.
This white cotton mini dress by Trinity is only $69.00. We like the keyhole in the back, pleats at the hem, and of course, it’s 100% cotton.
The Catalina strapless dress by Zen-Knits features an interwoven waist, a bow in the back, and best of all, a bright and cheery orangey red. Now $85.00.
Do you like to shop eco-friendly? Did you know there was such a thing as a biodegradable dress?
Best Dresses on a Budget: Reader Advice
Since spring, dresses have been back with a white hot vengeance, which we’re still totally happy about. But here’s the hitch—dresses are the kind of item that, since you can’t mix and match to change it up too much, are somewhat limited in terms of cost-effectiveness. This doesn’t mean don’t buy ‘em—it just means shop with care (always good advice anyway). We have our favorite sources—eDressme.com, for example, always has a nice selection of $99 and under dresses for party situations, and believe it or not, Chadwick’s seems to be stepping up its dress game, with more-stylish-than-expected dresses for prices we can live with (like this divine shawl-collar wrap dress, on sale for $49.99). But, TBF readers, where do you pick up fab dresses for less? Do you have favorite sources for specialty size dresses (petite, plus size)? Give us the scoop . . .
New Online Shopping Boutique: Shopmamie.com
What: A new online shopping boutique called Shopmamie.com has just launched. All their apparel and accessories are less than $100!
What We Say: You’re probably asking the question we first did when we found out about this site: “Really? Everything’s only $100 or less?” Yes, it’s true. The dresses, sweaters, tops, skirts, and the (two) jackets they carry right now are less than $100. In fact, many are less than $70. The pieces are mostly solid colors, and what prints they do have are simple—stripes, circles, and florals. They’re very pretty and feminine. Above, a dress from Shopmamie. Looks simple enough from the front, but the crisscross straps in the back bump it up a notch. Price? $68.00.
What do you think of this new site? Did you just bookmark it? Because you know we did.
High vs. Low: Summer Party Dress
We absolutely love summer style, and one of our favorite pieces is the summer party dress. For many, summer is the ideal party season with reasons to celebrate constantly around the corner. As your invitations to clam bakes, barbecues and dances pile up, one thing you won’t have to worry about is what to wear. The fun and flirty summer party dress works for almost any occasion. Wear it to a beach party with flip flops, or to a summer dance party just by adding your favorite pair of heels. Accessorize with chunky jewelry or a quirky bag, and you’ll be the belle of the beach. Thankfully, this look doesn’t have to cost you your savings because we found seriously adorable high and low options. So, which is which?
Up top is Betsey Johnson’s Embroidered Daisy Dot dress, $345, available at betseyjohnson.com. On the bottom is the Laser-Cut Eyelet Strapless dress, $89, available at bebe.com.
Dresses on Sale at Bluefly
What: Dresses by Vera Wang, Tart, C+C California and many other designers are up to 50% off right now on Bluefly.
What We Say: We think it’s time for us to invest in a classic, gorgeous dress that we can wear for years without getting bored. Or maybe that’s just the influence of looking through pages of pretty dresses and imagining ourselves wearing them. In any case, 40% is a good chunk of the price, and some of these dresses are knocked down to below 100 bucks. Wear these dresses to dinners, graduations, outdoor weddings…this summer, and the next.
Check out our choices:
This strapless Vera Wang dress transcends fads—it’s simple and classy. Pair with a white floppy hat and people will think you’re going to a ritzy country club. Now $209.99, was $430.00
This little black dress by C+C California is cinched at the waist and the rouching over the bodice creates texture. Now only $83.00, down from $138.00.
Pictured: This Cynthia Steffe dress is very cheerful and made with silk satin—you can’t help but smile at the colorful waves. Now $198.00, was $330.00.
One-Shoulder Dresses: British Style on a Budget
Remember the eighties resurgence of last Spring? It seems like things have gone a bit asymmetrical again, with one-shouldered dresses and blouses being back on the fashion agenda for this season.
This time around, the look is less eighties-glam and more Grecian goddess, as at Lanvin, where a toga-like cocktail dress complete with drapey sleeve, was belted at the waist and accessorised with vampy lips and scraped-back hair. Over at Rodarte, the queens of ethereal elegance – sisters and creators of the label, Kate and Laura Mulleavy - did what they did best and magicked up a delicate wisp of a dress in a creamy chiffon fabric, fit for a fairy. Other designers took a more rock n’ roll approach: Proenza Schouler’s LBD was bodycon, constructed of a sheeny, leather-look chiffon, and paired with punky accessories, and at Gucci, Frida Giannini presented an asymmetrical dress splashed with black and white paint flicks.
Every girl needs a trusty LBD, and Topshop’s one-shouldered version is on-trend and on budget, at £38 ($75). Bring out the Grecian goddess within and reference the dip-die trend by donning ASOS’s fabulously feminine chiffon number, £38 ($75). Peacock’s asymmetrical cocktail dresses come in emerald green and black, but at only £14 ($28) each, you might be tempted to get both! If you’re more of a pants and blouse kinda gal, Miss Selfridge’s one-shouldered top in a rich indigo (£25/$49) might be more your style.
eDressme.com: Daily Deal
The Deal: Up to 80% off summer dresses by well-known designers.
The Lowdown: When we saw the prices of these dresses, our jaws dropped. Dresses by the likes of Nanette Lepore, Nicole Miller, BCBG and Shoshanna are so well-priced that we want to pick up more than one. It’s not just casual dresses that they’re offering either—it’s full fledged cocktail dresses and gowns, too. The latest trends are present in this sale too—mod, florals, fluid silhouettes, and more. These dresses range from sex kitten-seductive to girlishly cute, but they all have one thing in common—they’re affordable.
After much deliberation, here are some of our favorites:
This green and purple floral shift dress by Nicole Miller, now $125.
The daring cut outs and metallics on this gown require a bold woman to pull off the style. Now only $75.
This Nicole Miller dress is curve-hugging in a good way. $199.00
Pictured: The modern lines and unique neckline make the dress. Signette, $245.
Spring 2008 Fashion Trend: Floral Print Dresses
After a winter of menswear tailoring and basic gray, we’re happy to report that spring will allow us all to lighten up a little. Floral print dresses are hot for the season, and there are plenty of options you can pick up now. Our choices:
Pink print wrap dress, $98, at Victoria’s Secret
Floral print wrap-around dress, $39.00, Newport News
Floral print sheath dress, $69, Ann Taylor LOFT
Ruffled v-neck dress, $72, eDressMe.com
Floral spaghetti strap dress, $24.50, Wet Seal
Prom Dresses on a Budget
Dear Budget Fashionista,
My Prom is right around the corner and I need help finding a prom dress on a budget. I have about $100 spend. Help!
Answer: You’re in luck, the best time to purchase your prom dress is right now. Most stores are having huge sales on their holiday formal wear and you can find a great, perhaps even designer, prom dress for less than $100. If you’re into vintage and know you’re way around a sewing machine thrift stores is a great budget friendly option. However, word of caution: make sure you do the smell test—if the garment smells musty, then leave it on the rack. You might also want to try online stores like SmartBargains.com, Overstock.com
and Bluefly.com
, all of whom often have formal dresses for well under $100.
Trend Alert: Asymmetrical Dresses
What: Style-watchers are all abuzz over the one-shoulder dresses cropping up on the red carpet as of late, on everyone from Drew Barrymore to Kate Bosworth to Penelope Cruz.
What the fashion heads say: This from InStyle.com: “Stylist Philip Bloch considers the asymmetrical look an elegant, sophisticated one that flatters all body types: ‘By baring a shoulder, you can be sexy without being tawdry or cheap.’”
What I say: An asymmetrical dress is great way to showcase beautiful shoulders, especially now as we’re looking for fresh ways to dress for the still-warm weather. To get celebrity style without a celebrity bank account, start with this simple, feminine version from Banana Republic.
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