New York And Company
Tops $8 and Up at New York & Company
The Deal: Get tops (and other great pieces) from $8 up at New York & Company
The Lowdown: Need some extreme budget deals to fortify your fall wardrobe? Check out the big sales (up to 70% off) at New York & Company, including stylish tops, like this super versatile City Stretch Shirt (in 8 colors) for just $19.99; this City Stretch Faux Belted Wrap Shirt, $14.99; and this City Style Satin Blouse, $9.99. And that’s just to mention a few . . .
Shop: New York & Company
Budget Handbags
“SOME PRODUCTS ARE NO LONGER BEING SOLD”
What: Handbags updates for fall that won’t require a federal bailout for your bank account.
What We Say: Right now, the word “budget” has new meaning for many of us, in light of the current state of the economy. That doesn’t stop the fashion world, however, from dangling the season’s new handbag trends (among others) tantilizingly in front of us. A handbag, of course, is something we might normally suggest you could invest a little more in, but if your cash is limited and your wardrobe could use a quick and inexpensive boost, we’re thinking that a very budget version (under 20 bucks) of one of the season’s hot styles is just the thing to a) boost your mood, b) boost your style quotient, and c) keep you solvent for another week or two.
The Clutch
For at least a couple of seasons now, the clutch has been the handbag to have. This fall is no different, and texture and color are key. We like:
City Style Snake Clutch, in 6 colors, $16.95, New York & Company
Alexis Reptile Clutch, $18.80, Forever 21
Filond Croc Print Clutch, on sale $9.98, Aldo
Mossimo Embossed Clutch, purple, $16.99, Target
The Satchel
Satchels are kind of a happy medium between a traditional structured shoulder bag and the big roomy hobos we see everywhere. Color and shine keep the look modern, and chain detail is big for fall as well. We like:
Xhilaration Ombre Satchel, $16.99, Target
Limited Edition Satchel, on sale $19.99, Target
Belted Satchel, $19.99, Charlotte Russe
The Postal/Messenger/Crossbody Bag
Need a bag that’s both form and function? You’ll find the postal/messenger/crossbody bag (yes, it’s a broad category) to be stylish and useful, and modern, as long as you keep the color-texture-shine mantra in mind. We like:
City Style Crinkle Messenger, on sale $14.97, New York & Company
Xhilaration Crossbody Bag, $12.99, Target
City Style Crossover Logo, on sale $13.97, New York & Company
Free Shipping on Outerwear at New York & Company
The Deal: Free shipping on outerwear from New York & Company
The Lowdown: Even if your temperatures are still somewhat summer like, now’s the time to pick up your next great piece of outerwear so you’re ready when fall weather really kicks in. New York & Company is making that task even easier, offering free shipping on any outerwear purchase, like this City Style trench, only $79.95 in sizes XS to XL.
Shop: New York & Company
Katie Holmes Trench from New York & Co.: Look for Less
You know we love New York & Company —one of our favorite affordable stops for super cute and current workwear separates—and apparently Katie Holmes does too. The Tom Cruise-wife, Suri-mom (isn’t she an actress too?) is increasingly viewed as a chic fashion trendsetter, but apparently she’s not all designer, all the time—she was recently spotted rocking this fab plaid trench from NY&Co., which is currently available in stores for only $74.95 (it will be available online in December). Plaid, of course, is super hot for Fall . . .
Go to New York & Co. to find a store near you.
20% Off Purchase of $80 or More at New York & Company
The Deal: Take 20% off your total purchase of $80 or more at New York & Company
The Lowdown: Fall styles have arrived, and now’s the time to shop for versatile work and casual wear at New York & Company—get 20% off a purchase of $80 or more. Satiny shine is big for fall, so we love this City Style Ruffle Neck Blouse, $34.95, and in the jacket department? We’d pick this City Style Boucle Blazer, $69.95.
Shop: New York & Company
New York City Fashion Week Spring 2009: Nanette Lepore
What: Nanette Lepore Runway Show, Promenade, New York City Fashion Week Spring 09
The Lowdown: Take note—this collection is how you do neutrals and subdued colors without a hint of boredom. Nanette Lepore has skipped the whole black-for-Spring trend, and gone with khakis, creams, and browns, punctuated by some gorgeous turquoise, pale green, and clear sharp red. It’s the cut and detail that makes this collection special—with lots of sheen, some cascading ruffles, sophisticated floral prints, thin stripes, and interesting shapes. We suspect after a long dreary winter, these are the kind of things we’ll want to slip into at the first sign of Spring . . .
Budget Solution: Something you could find right now? Neutral pieces with that satiny sheen we love—like this City Style Satin Tie Front Blouse on sale now at New York & Company. And there was an accessory or two in this collection that you might want to consider—big chucky necklaces, like this Double Strand Necklace at JCPenney, which echoes the Lepore’s chosen hues . . .
image courtesy of Style.com
Fashion Trend Alert: Tie-Neck Blouses
“THESE PRODUCTS ARE NO LONGER BEING SOLD”
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 doesn’t have to be worn with a business suit.
The button down, pseudo men’s tie: Fitted tie neck shirt, GAP, $32.99
The Technicolor checkered billowy tie: Printed tie-neck shirt, Old Navy, $15.00
The satin, knotted tie: City Style Wide Tie Satin blouse, NY and Company, $24.46.
The sheer, sparkly long tie: Black tie striped chiffon tie-neck blouse, Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent, Bluefly.com, $55.00.
The boldly printed tie: JM Collection Tie-Neck Printed Charmeuse Blouse, Macys.com, $44.00.
The fuchsia bow tie: Nicole by Nicole Miller tie-neck top, JCPenney.com, $33.60.
Transition Dressing: Fashion Advice
As August starts to wind down, thoughts turn to fall . . . and fall fashion. While we’re always anxious to jump into the season’s latest look, there’s the pesky matter of weather to contend with—and while the calendar may say it’s fall, there’s that in between time—when the mornings are brisk but by noon the mercury’s hit a sticky 80 degrees—that is soooooo very challenging to dress for. Of course, any fashionista worth her salt knows that layering is the way to go, but what to layer? We’ve got some ideas for what layering pieces will work to keep you both comfortable and in style as we bridge summer to fall 08:
Sleeveless or Short-Sleeved Tops
Think cotton, soft jersey, sheer, and keep the colors soft or neutral—no neon but not quite holiday-ready jewel tones either. This Women’s Twisted Neck Top at Old Navy is a perfect choice to layer under a jacket or cardigan, being sleeveless and a light breathable fabric, in a color like bordeaux, which could be appropriate almost year round. Another good choice—a short-sleeve turtleneck in a light, 100% cotton knit, like this Cinched Turtle Neck Top at Wet Seal, which will be stylish and comfortable both under a jacket and on it’s own, depending on whether you’re heading to work in the a.m. or on your way home . . .
Jackets
Consider a three-quarter length sleeve in either a curve-conscious fitted style or the 60s inspired cropped jackets that are still popular (like this City Style 1-Snap Jacket, $59.50 at New York & Co.)—and think a mid-weight cotton or even a linen in a fall-ready pattern like this Textured Linen Tie Blazer in plaid, on sale $24.99 at La Redoute
Short Sleeve or Elbow Sleeve Cardigans
Three-quarter length and shorter sleeved cardies are all over right now, and are the perfect layering piece to slip on over that cami or sleeveless blouse (and later, under a tailored jacket, assuming the sweater is short enough). This Elbow-Sleeved Cardigan at Gap is a versatile wardrobe staple for $44, while an Xhilaration Cap Sleeved Open Cardigan is a slightly trendier option, for $17.99.
Vests
Not quite ready for a jacket? Transition with a vest—they’re popular this year (though it seems people either love ‘em or hate ‘em), especially with the sort of vintage/glam/menswear/tweed trends we’re seeing—meaning they’ll be super versatile. Right now wear one alone over a short-sleeved blouse and make it work later (when the chill really sets in) by putting it over a long-sleeved top and/or under a cardie or jacket. A fall-friendly option? This Herringbone Vest, $22, at Forever21.
Scarves
Lightweight scarves are super hot this summer and fall, and are a no brainer for adding a little extra style and warmth (and easy enough to shed later when you don’t need it). At the moment, you’ll find scarves to suit just about everyone—from this funky Flight Pattern Silk Scarf for $28 at Urban Outfitters to this sort of ethereal Ombre Scarf for $10.99 at Charlotte Russe.
A note: Make sure that whatever layers you use, the base piece or pieces are appropriate enough to stand alone should you need to peel away as the temps cruise up to the afternoon high . . .
Fashion Advice: Tips for Dressing for a High School Reunion
Dear Budget Fashionista,
My 10-year high school reunion is coming up and I need help dressing for two events—a happy hour and an evening event.
Help!
Ready for Reunion
Dearest Ready for Reunion,
For your ten-year reunion you want to make a statement that says: yes, high school was fun, but my life is now even better.
So this is what you do: For the Happy Hour, you want to be casual, but stylish. Wear a nice pair of fitted jeans with a slight boot-cut if your bigger on the bottom or straight legged if you’ve got a slim bottom. Head to Filene’s Basement and score a pair of designer jeans from Seven, James or Citizens for Humanity at a heavy discount (usually between $29.99-$59.99). On the less expensive side try Express, Z. Cavarruchi or Levis. If you can, and only if you can, wear a pair of the new skinny jeans. Buy a nicely fitted blazer that hits you right at the smallest part of your torso (for most women that’s slightly above the waist or right below your butt). Some places to look for great jackets: H&M, Ann Taylor, Bloomingdale’s, and Nordstrom. Accessorize your outfit with high quality fake diamond earrings that look at least one carat in size. All night long, constantly place your hair behind your ears so everyone can get a good look at the earrings. Wear a pair of sexy black pumps and bring a nice little black clutch. Trust me, you will be the most fashionable person at the reunion.
Reunion Evening Event: For evening events, you want to look dressy—but not too dressy. Look for an empire waist, halter or strapless dress if you feel confident in your arms in any color but black—forest green, violet, and rose are all great colors for an evening event. However, if you feel uncomfortable with your arms or wish you could have lose a few more pounds before the party, wear the classic little black dress from a store like Macy’s, or Bluefly.com. The dress needs to fit perfectly to carry off this look, so head to your nearest tailor, if necessary. Accessories: wear your diamonds (again,1-carat fakes from Sears and New York and Co. look as good as the real thing). For shoes wear pumps, because pumps elongate your body making you thinner and more statue-esque. Zappos.com and Steve Madden both have a great selection of sexy pumps.
Now the most important thing to wear is a smile. At least you do not have to take gym class again.
Happy Shopping,
The Budget Fashionista
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