Newport News
Revisiting the Little Black Dress
“THESE PRODUCTS ARE NO LONGER BEING SOLD”
What: The classic Little Black Dress as your budget go-to piece for fall/winter 08.
Why: If you need your fashion dollars to stretch even further than usual right now, it’s time to revisit that old standby, the Little Black Dress (or LBD). If you don’t already have one (and instead give into temptation each season to purchase a new, trendy, here-now-gone-tomorrow dress) we have some advice for you—get one. It may not be the most exciting option, but it is the most versatile, and with the right accessories? It’ll take you from function to function through the holiday season, in great style and without breaking the bank. Fortunately, black is in this season, and you’ll find everything from a simple sheath to some edgier options, as well as pieces that can go from casual to dressy. And as every good budget fashionista knows, value and versatility are the keys to being truly well dressed.
We’ve picked a few options (for under $50 each) that should take you through the season; just add a big clutch, a pair of peep toe pumps, and a statement piece of jewelry (maybe a chunky necklace or a metallic cuff bracelet) and go.
Knee Length Basic Dress, $19.90, Forever21
Isaac Mizrahi for Target Embroidered Lace Dress, $39.99, Target.
Isaac Mizrahi for Target Envelope Back Dress, $49.99, Target.
Mock Neck Ponte Knit Dress, $39, Newport News
Plus size: Cachet Matte Jersey Dress, $49.90, Nordstrom
Women’s Plus Notch-Front Dress, $32.50, Old Navy
The Bootine: Hot Again for Fall 2008
What: Bootines, booties, ankle boots, everywhere
What We Say: Last year, the bootine was THE shoe for fall. Well, this year isn’t very original, but once again the bootine (or bootie, or ankle boot, or whatever you wish to call it) is super hot again. Still perplexed on how to wear it? Don’t be, because it’s more versatile than you think—pair them with a pencil skirt and button down blouse; a sweater dress; or just denim or dress trousers, like you would any other boot. There are plenty of budget versions to be had (and if you have a pair from last year, even better!), but we’ve selected a handful that we figure would do nicely to take us all the way through the winter (assuming we waterproof properly).
Get It:
Metallic Leather Ankle Boot, $49, Spiegel
Patent Ankle Boot, on sale $24.99, Newport News
Ruched Ankle Boot, $27.99, Newport News
Madison Button Ankle Boot, $34.99, Payless
What to Buy Fall 2008: Newport News
Newport News is one of our favorite budget fashion destinations because they have a great selection of workwear and dressing-up pieces that walk the line between trendy and classic (and sure, there are some not-so-up-to-date options as well, but we choose to ignore those). Here are our picks for fall:
Convertible Leather Coat, $159. Want a fall outerwear piece that’s both practical and makes a statement? This is it—leather is timeless, as is the trench styling—but you’ll get double wear as it converts to a hip-length coat as well. Comes in black or taupe.
Striped Sweater Dress, $39-$44. The sweater dress is both cool and practical, and we like this bold horizontal stripe (still a hot pattern for the season)—wear it with tights and boots as shown, or some cool spectator booties and a big clutch.
Drapeneck Tunic Top, $39. Bold color, shine and a flattering cut, this top will look great this season with slim-cut dark denim and boots or possibly some gray trousers for the workplace.
High-Waist Wide Leg Jean, $39. This season, wide-leg and high-waist denim is a fashionable option and while some just won’t go there, if you love it this is an easy to wear option that’s not too trendy (no sailor buttons or suspenders, natch).
Luxe Velvet Blazer, $89. Black for fall should be glam and a little sexy, and we love this velvet blazer for transitioning some of your regular day-wear pieces into an evening out look.
Ombre Pump, $39. As we’ve said before, we expect ombre to slip outside of the style radar before too long, but for now, some shiny ombre is a fun and trendy update, and these are inexpensive enough to be a worthy little style splurge.
Fashion Trend: Houndstooth Print
Though traditional plaid has been heralded as the pattern for fall, we’re seeing more and more houndstooth and quite frankly, we’re feeling more warm and fuzzy about that trend—there’s something both modern and classic about it, which is an ideal combination for those of us over, say, 21 who would like to participate. Our advice? Pick one piece and keep the rest of the outfit clean and neutral—houndstooth is bold enough to be the sole focal point. Also, if you’re petite, a houndstooth dress might be more than you can pull off—consider a pencil skirt, or a houndstooth accessory, like a handbag or scarf, to keep from being overwhelmed.
Love it? Our picks for getting on the houndstooth bandwagon, for less:
Digital Houndstooth Chiffon Top, $17.80, Forever 21 (we like this choice if you’re looking for a very unstuffy, modern take on houndstooth . . . pair it with a black pencil skirt and pumps)
Houndstooth Belted Dress, $25.50, Wet Seal (you don’t need to add much when wearing this much houndstooth—black flats and a black bag might just be enough—and maybe a fat colored bangle or two to mix it up)
Cropped Houndstooth Jacket, $49, Newport News (this is a great option if you want a versatile piece to pump up your basics—wear with a jewel-toned top and black trousers)
Capsleeve Houndstooth Top, $39, Banana Republic (super cute and super modern with trousers, a skirt, or even denim)
Houndstooth Cadet Hat and Wrap, $9.99, Payless (this is a great deal for two houndstooth pieces—but we’re thinking wearing them separately will give you the most bang for your buck).
Alice+Olivia for Payless Morton Mary Jane Wedge, $38, Payless (these probably won’t hold up style-wise through more than a season or two, but they’d be totally fun to wear in the meantime)
New York City Fashion Week Spring 2009: Max Azria
What: Max Azria Runway Show, Tent at Bryant Park, New York City Fashion Week Spring 2009
The Lowdown: After many many shows filled with bold colors and stark contrasts, Max Azria brings us soft and muted. The pieces are lovely, but quite frankly, not very exciting. But lovely nontheless. Max Azria has a way with fabric, for sure, relying heavily on draping and layering to give his very spare pieces their personality. Wide belts were a focus, but rather than the big black belts we’ve seen elsewhere, this collection kept its clean aesthetic with belts that were of the same or similar hue as the garment. The effect is elegant and sophisticated—but it didn’t set our world on fire.
Budget Solution: Just because we weren’t jumping up and down doesn’t mean there aren’t elements we want to take with us for Spring. The draping is beautiful and flattering, so look for drapey—and if you’re confident enough, clingy and body-conscious—dresses in muted hues like beige, cream, gray, taupe, and super pale blue or rose. We like this drapeneck jersey dress at Newport News for example - just $29 on sale now—and American Apparel and H&M might be great sources as the season nears.
image courtesy of Coutorture.com
Accessories: What to Buy Fall 2008
Fall fashion trends are great and all, but if your bank account is running a little thin these days (and seriously, whose isn’t?) picking up a few accessory updates and calling it good might just be the way to go. This season, of course, has it’s own accessory trends, but they’re ever so easy to get for less. Just keep reading:
The Cloche Hat
We’re totally thinking of making the cloche hat our signature piece—it gives that 20s vibe we’re loving right now without quite taking it to that fringed flapper dress level . . .
Felt Cloche with Bow, $12.80, Forever21
Cloche Hat in Jersey Knit, $20, Berkeley Hat.com
Bold Cuffs
Wrists will make a statement this fall with cuffs ranging from metallic to embellished black leather.
Wrapped Wire Cuff, $5.80, Forever21
Leather Cuff Bracelet, $20, Urban Outfitters
Textured/Colored Bags
Think mock-crock, python, quilting, and a roomy bag with a top handle. Black, metallic, or rich color. Sounds expensive, but it doesn’t have to be.
Botkier for Target Hobo Bag, Fuschia, $39.99
Botkier for Target Satchel, Gray Python, $39.99
Faux Croc Satchel, $29.80, Forever21
Ankle Boots
The ones you bought last year are totally fine (we love it when trends runneth over) but the new ones? They’re a little more daring . . . and quite frankly Newport News is all over this one.
Red Patent Ankle Boot, $39, Newport News
Platform Ankle Boot, $39, Newport News
The Standout Belt
This is our standard advice anyway—kick up the basics with a statement belt—and it’s completely on trend this fall to boot . . .
Katie Holmes: Look for Less
Katie Holmes’ new short ‘do has captured all the media attention lately (and it is pretty darn cute) but we’re still sort of increasingly enamoured with her style—she seems to always hit the right balance of ease and chic. This look caught our attention mostly for the high-waisted wide-leg pant, which takes the jeans-and-t-shirt combo to the next level. We’ve put some budget pieces together so you can look this good running around town, but one note: finding a navy short sleeve cardigan on the cheap turned out to be harder than getting Suri off the bottle, so we’ve substituted classic black. If anyone has a lead on the navy cardigan for less, we’re all ears . . .
High Waist Wide Leg Jeans, $34, Newport News
Women’s Triple Banded Tee, on sale $10, Old Navy
Mossimo Large Satchel, $26.99, Target
Merona Alycia Peep Toe Pumps, $16.09, Target
Pleated Sleeve Cardigan, $39, Ann Taylor LOFT
Katie Holmes image courtesy of People.com
Vanessa Williams: Look for Less
Vanessa Williams is one of those celebs we love for multiple reasons—from her ability to rise above what could have been the career kiss of death (that Miss America mess from waaaay back) to her ability to be absolutely, wickedly hilarious as Wilhelmina on Ugly Betty. She’s also regally gorgeous, a fact that is evident in this elegant yet still kinda fun ensemble. While we loved the batwing silk tunic she’s got going on here, we didn’t find an exact match, so we went instead for a slightly more casual but still head-turning outfit. Our pieces, for less:
Braided Trim V-Neck Top, clearance $34.99
http://www2.victoriassecret.com/commerce/application/prodDisplay/?namespace=productDisplay&origin=onlineProductDisplay.jsp&event=display&prnbr=9B-218555&page=1&cgname=OSCLOSXYZZZ&rfnbr=3367
If you’re more attached to the shape of Vanessa’s top that the color, try this: Batwing Sleeved Tunic (green), on sale $25, Newport News
Curvy Wide Leg Jeans, $69.50, Gap
Dimpled Teardrop Earrings, $4.80, Forever21
Xhilaration Bracelet with Multi-colored beads, $12.99, Target
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 4: What’s Hot and What’s Shot
We picked through the good, the bad and the just plain ugly. The lowdown on what’s hot and shot for summer 2006 swimwear.
What’s Hot
| Cutaways that look like a bikini from the back but cover the front |
|
| Skirtinis and skorts | Splurge! Halter Dress Slender Suit |
| Tunics, kaftans, pareos and dresses as cover-ups |
|
| Ruffles | <
Tara Jarmon Ruffle Swimwear |
| Batik and paisley (global-inspired) |
|
50s pin-up girl looks (twisted bandeaus and one-pieces, ruching |
|
| Gelato shades (from chocolate and pistachio to lemon and cherry) | |
Arts ‘n crafts: crochet, embroidery, appliqué, beading, | |
| Metallic fabrics |
|
| Sailor stripes and nautical theme |
|
What’s Shot
1. Animal print overkill. If you’ve got a zebra suit,
tone it down with a sheer black caftan; pair a leopard-print top with a chocolate
brown or black bottom. Never mix animal prints (e.g., combining cheetah, snake
and tiger).
2. T-shirts as cover-ups. It tells everyone you’ve got something
to hide.
3. Flimsy, sheer suit fabrics. Great… for wet-T-shirt contests.
4. Wearing your Burberry plaid from head to toe. Instead try a signature piece (e.g., a designer logo tank with solid, unmarked bottoms).
5. Thongs and g-strings. Out of the question if you have any cellulite -– as Star magazine has shown us, even skinny Paris Hilton’s got no business flaunting her rear assets on the beach.
6. Tiny triangle bikini tops. Support that bust.
7. The skimpy stuff. This season’s look offers more to the imagination.
8. Tube tops and bandeaus. If you’re well -endowed these tops will make it look like you have a uni-boob.
9. Stuffing yourself into a black suit. Try color-blocking
and tricot (slenderizing) fabrics.
10. Over bling. Choose shells, coral and wooden beads instead.
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 1: The Do’s and Don’t
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 2: What’s Hot and What’s Shot
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 3: The Best Swimsuit for Your Skin Color
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 4: What’s Hot and What’s Shot
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 5: Answers to Common Swimwear Questions
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 2: What’s Hot and What’s Shot
Stop! Before you begin earmarking your fashion rags, realize that the cover
model’s hot look of the season might not be right for you. When you buy yourself
swimwear, it is for your body. You will not morph into Heidi Klum just because
you are wearing the same itsy bitsy bikini. (Keep in mind, Heidi is pictured
in that suit after she’s tried on dozens of other pieces and the photo editor
tossed at least half a dozen unflattering poses.) But, with so many amazing
fabrics and cuts and tricks out there, you’ll have no reason not to look your
sexiest if you carefully adhere to the following tips.
Psst… All are under $35!
| Body Issue | Trick | Treat |
| If you’re boy-shaped (curveless)… | Create curves with padded and/or textured (e.g., ruffles, beading, embroidery, ruching) tops. Slip into a cutout or high-cut bottoms. If you’re modest, pull on belted boy shorts. | Newport News’ sporty halter tankini with an adjustable neck strap and contrasting diagonal white piping creates the illusion of curves in cotton/poly-blended jersey knit with figure-flattering spandex. Matching scoop bottoms offer just enough coverage but also just enough leg for a long, lean and feminine look ($19; Newport-news.com). |
| If you’re busty… | Give your chest support with cup-sized swimwear. If you prefer to not wear underwire, a halter top with wide straps, and fabric that covers the sides as well as the front, also does wonders. Stay away from strapless styles | Target Merona bra-sized Halter Swim Top features lined underwire halter top with light, removable padding, a tie back with adjustable neck closure for extra lift ($19; Target). |
| If you’re flat-chested… | Create curves with patterns, beading, ruffles or padding. Triangle tops and twisted bandeaus give the illusion of a larger chest. | From Tara Jarmon, the “Pink Chimes” ruffled triangle swim top offers light padded cups for added comfort, support and coverage with a cord that ties at the neck and back ($14.99; Target). |
| If you’re sagging… | If your problem is your backside, look for a flared skirt bathing suit bottom or swimdress. For the bustline, add instant lift with a cupped halter or balcony bra. | Newport News’ sexy halter swimdress slims all over with with power mesh, featuring a flirty A-line skirt to cover your derrière and a molded soft-cup bra with a tie behind the neck to lift saggy breasts ($29; Newport-news.com).
|
| If you’re packing some extra baggage in your thighs… | Surprisingly, bigger thighs benefit from a bottom cut higher on the thigh; it elongates the leg and creates a leaner look. | Ballet’s “Tobago” high-leg control brief features a flattering high cut and acts like a body-shaper, cinching any lower body bulge. The contrasting embroidery along the waistline draws attention up and away from hips ($28; figLeaves.com |
| If you’re a mommy to-be… | Accentuate and flatter the belly; wear convertible or low-cut bottom pieces that can expand and accommodate weigh gain, while offer lower back and belly support. | Show off a smooth, ballooning silhouette in an ebony keyhole-top, 2-piece tankini from Liz Lange for Target Maternity with a stretchy elastic waist to add support and lift (so your belly doesn’t droop and weight is more evenly distributed ($32.99; Target). |
| If you’re self-conscious… | Don’t just cover up; dress up: Pareos, caftans and the ubiquitous sarong are chic-er than ever this season | Wrap yourself in this sexy Voile sarong with accents of chocolate brown and cream to compliment the bold poppy print and trim from Lepel ($28; figLeaves.com |
| If you’re carrying junk in your trunk… | Don’t cover a large derriere with lots of fabric; try a high cut brief in a solid dark shade. Bring eyes up and away with a contrasting colored top. | This Shape FX Bandeau one piece suit features a built-in shelf bra with rhinestone accents that draw the eye upwards. It also features a high-cut black briefs ($29; Newport-news.com). |
| If you’re plus-sized with curves… | Cinch your waist with a belt. Ruching or diagonal stripes create an optical illusion and slim your torso into an hourglass. Wear a bottom that cuts high on the leg to elongate. | The wrapped style on this MB Plus one piece creates diagonal lines that direct eyes away from fleshy shoulders and arms and accentuate curves. The slimming belt sports a side buckle, which draws attention away from your belly. In sizes 16w-24w ($19; Target) |
| If you’re plus-sized without curves… | Slip into solid colors for a smoother silhouette. Define your bustline with an empire waist accented with piping, hardware or embellishment. Balance with a high-cut or skirted brief. | Mossimo Women’s Plus-Size empire belted swim tankini accents a sexy décolletage and adds the illusion of curves with a strategically placed rhinestone buckle and triangular belted top ($19.99; Target).
|
| If you’re triangle-shaped… | Look for swimsuits with a pattern or light color top with dark bottoms. | Color block out your less fab features and draw attention upward with a pretty ballerina top and a sheer “slice” strategically slashed diagonally for an overall trim, feminine look with Merona’s “Optic-Print” tank swimsuit ($22.49; Target). |
| If you’re an inverted-triangle shape… | Look for swimsuits that provide support and balance, drawing attention to your waist and/or legs | Go retro and leave some things to the imagination in this black-and-white-Swiss-dot-printed Shape FX maillot. Featuring double straps with a drawstring keyhole tie at the sweetheart neck, a shelf bra and side drawstrings you can tighten or loosen to accommodate weight gain or your own modesty ($19; Newport-news.com). |
| If you’re flabby in the belly… | Horizontal ruching or surface texture disguises rolls. | Newport News’ black or double espresso stretch crochet tankini is fully lined with nylon-spandex for shape retention with delicate merrow-stitched ruffles and soft supportive cups ($25; Newport-news.com). |
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 1: The Do’s and Don’t
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 2: What’s Hot and What’s Shot
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 3: The Best Swimsuit for Your Skin Color
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 4: What’s Hot and What’s Shot
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 5: Answers to Common Swimwear Questions
Guide to Online Discount Shopping
Thank God for online discount stores! Now you can bargain-shop online from the comfort of your home or office cubicle. Here are some of the my favorite stores for finding discounts online. Make sure to check out my Coupon & Deals Page for discounts to these stores and more.
Bluefly.com:Bluefly is the best online site for high end designer clothing. Unlike most budget sites, Bluefly.com
carries top designers, such as Prada, Fendi, Michael Kors and Calvin Klein, at 30% to 80% off retail prices. The off priced site also has a great selection of shoes from Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, Barbara Bui and more for up to 80% off retail price. Bluefly.com
dispels the notion that there are no good outlet stores for men. It offers an impressive array of men’s fashions from Hugo Boss, Diesel, DKNY, Calvin Klein, Versace and more. Don’t miss the $30-and-below bargains in the home section.
SmartBargains.com: Smart Bargains is a great site for end-of-season and overstock items from designers like Tod’s, Fendi, Prada, and Isaac Mizrahi. They also have a substantial plus-size and petite section. The bargain and last-chance sections are great for filling most of your male holiday gift-giving needs: you can find Zegna silk ties for $29.97 and Armani wool suits from $799.99. While there, pick up a little something for yourself, like a Versace nylon tote for $179. The site has teamed up with the brick & mortar off price retailer, Loehmann’s, to offer a wider selection of designer fashions.
Ashford.com: This site has the most amazing selection of designer watches in the world—at up to 70% off retail. This is the perfect site to shop for high-end male accessories like Rolex watches. Ashford.com
also sports an impressive selection of precious and semi-precious stone jewelry, including a fabulous pair of garnet chandelier earrings set in yellow gold.
The Snob: One of the first and largest online vintage retailers, The Snob is a Florida-based company with a large collection of vintage Chanel. This store has a comprehensive, searchable, online database of vintage fashions from designers like Versace, gently worn authentic Hermes handbags (including vintage), Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Prada, Valentino, Missoni, Malo, Fendi, Jil Sander, Manolo Blahnik, Gucci, Chanel and Prada shoes and bags. All merchandise is authentic and in excellent condition, and some items have never been worn. Check out their large selection of plus-size vintage and consignment items.
YOOX.COM: The site looks like it was designed by an Italian club kid, but it has amazing prices on very high end designers like Givenchy, Alexander McQueen, and Marni. I once found a red Givenchy coat, retail price $3000+, on the site for around $500. A word of caution: the site has a limited stock and items sell fast, so if you see something you like, purchase it ASAP.
eBay!: With the hiring of style guru Constance White, eBay!
has started to focus on budget-conscious Fashionistas. Good deals can be found here, especially in the area of vintage fashion. I’ve purchased several items from the online flea market, most recently a vintage hat covered with silk daisies circa 1962. Be very clear of your goals when shopping on eBay, to avoid buying a fake. If your goal is to get a Louis Vuitton monogrammed bag because J.Lo carries one in the ads, then you may not care whether the bag is real or not. However, if your goal is to get a Louis Vuitton bag because you have always wanted such a bag, then it is best to buy it at a reputable seller of the bags, like eluxury.com. Before spending any money on eBay!
, check the sellers’ ratings and look over buyers’ comments. In addition, always use a credit card that has buyer protection. That way, if the item is fake (which happens more often than not), you may be able to get your money back via the credit card you used to purchase the item.
Zappos.com: The ultimate online shoe store has some of the hottest fashions, like Uggs, Charles Jourdan, and Marc Jacob shoes up to 50% off the original in-store prices in it;s clearance section. Zappos.com
also offers free shipping, free returns, 110% price protection, on all items, saving you much more dough! What I like most about Zappos
is that they have styles and sizes to fit everyone, not just people who wear a “standard” size 8.
Overstock.com : Overstock
is like your favorite outlet store, but online. With products ranging from scooters to bras, this store is one of the best places to look for the latest styles at amazingly low prices. We recently found a Steve Madden cropped, fur-hooded jacket for $39.99.
La Redoute: La Redoute is a like the french version of H&M offering high end designs at budget friendly prices. Fashionistas outside France can also find great deals on mass market lines from well known french designers like Jean Paul Gaultier and Cacharel. I’m a big fan of the shoes.
Newport News: The quality is questionable, but the style is great. Find Anne Fontaine like wrap white shirts for less than $30 and slouchy suede boots for $49. The site also carries plus size, tall, and petite sizes.
Asos.com: Think Forever 21 meets H&M. This UK based outpost that ships to the US, has a large selection of tops, bottoms, and dresses directly inspired by your favorite celebrities. 90% of the items in the store cost less than $40. Not a bad price for a knock off top similar to one worn by Sienna Miller.
Visit our Online Coupons section for coupons and deals to your favorite online stores. Know a great online discount site that should be on this list? Post it below.
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