Style
Urban Brands Get Chic
What: Forget baggy jeans and baseball caps. Traditionally urban fashion lines like Baby Phat now say they are getting chic by creating niche lines—featuring hot pants and gold bikinis, no less—that are meant to appeal to a younger, hipper consumer.
What They Say:
“My style is now chic fashion, just as much as it is hip-hop and rock-and-roll,” said Baby Phat founder Kimora Lee Simmons.
What We Say: Uhhhh.. Did we miss something here? Like most of Baby Phat’s fashiona appeal to the under 25 set? I mean has Kimmora, whom we do love, ever seen he own line? I wouldn’t exactly call a gold lame jumpsuit baggy.
Sorting with Style.com: Site Review
Being organized is always in style, and there’s no reason that workplace fashion needs to end at those hot python pumps you’re rockin’. But, like everything else, we’re not going to spend a fortune on staplers and clipboards and let’s face it, cute trendy pens are a luxury, not a need. Still, what you surround yourself with while you go through the daily grind can have a big impact on your attitude, so if you can get style without emptying out your 401K, we’re all about it. Enter Sortingwithstyle.com, a website devoted to keeping your desk neat, and chic.
The Site: We love the tagline—“Office style in a manila world”—and on first glance, we know that if we could have our perfect office (read: one that is not just a desk and laptop buried under sticky notes and empty mocha latte cups) it would be pimped out with these fab supplies—ranging from chic binders to art-deco-ish paperweights to zebra-striped file folders. The prices? For the style factor, overall very doable—$8.25 for this black and white divided desk tray won’t exactly break the bank. Still, some of the prices are a bit out of the budget bounds—$73 for the Signature Black Book? We’ll pass. And we like it, but do we really need a Flora Orange Cork Board for $35? Not so much.
Navigation is as easy as it should be, and clicking on “blog” at the top takes us to The Office Stylist—where the resident work style expert dishes on the latest trends, tips, and goods, as well as the latest deals. What we like best? It’s not revolutionary, but Sortingwithstyle features gift certificates, which just might be the perfect gift for that co-worker, friend or new grad—you know, the one who either a) already has everything or b) needs a little, ahem, help.
Our verdict: Honestly, we could go either way. Because there’s really nothing here so revolutionary—or inexpensive—that you couldn’t just head down to the local Target or Office Max and get something equally cute for the same price (or less), and skip the shipping charges. But as a time saver or fun gift—cause your so busy at work you don’t have time to hit the WalMart—this might be the site for you.
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)
Dressing Up, Signature Style, Shopping Sprees: Poll Wrap-Up
The summer sun is heating up, and so are the issues on TBF’s daily polls. Here’s the lowdown on this week’s hot topics:
~Getting ready for a party should be fun, but sometimes it’s stressful figuring out what to wear. So, would you rather be overdressed or underdressed? 49% said they’d rather be a bit too dolled up for the crowd, since it shows the host you care, while only 10% would prefer to look a little too casual. But 40% of our clever readers said they wouldn’t have to worry, since they always check with the host ahead of time.
~Celebrities like Kate Moss and Mary Kate Olsen are known for their trademark looks so we wondered if our fabulous readers had their own signature style elements they call all their own. Most of you (38%) said “no��?, but a few of our fashionistas friends had particular pieces that everyone associated with them including perfume (6%), jewelry (11%), lipstick or nail polish color (3%), hairstyle (10%), and uniform dressing (10%). Even if you don’t have a signature for your look, we know you ladies still look fab!
~We all love a deal, but apparently not enough to risk being trampled by a crowd of frenzied fashionistas! 48% said they wouldn’t risk injury or discomfort for a great deal at a sale like Filene’s Basement’s Running of the Brides. 22% said for a great deal, they’d do almost anything and 26% said they’d prefer to wait until after the madness to check out the remnants.
~The prospect of a free shopping spree might be a tad unrealistic, but a girl can dream, right? When asked where they would head first, 53% of readers said they would try their luck at a big department store, while 28% would go to a designer boutique, 10% would stretch their dollar at a discounter like Target, and 6% would look for unique looks at a vintage shop.
~It takes a brave personality and an independent spirit to set fashion trends, but we’re happy to say a few of us consider ourselves to be true trend setters! 9% of those polled said they’re way ahead of the fashion curve, while a more cautious 20% prefer to follow the crowd. Most (69%) of our readers, though, said they wouldn’t consider themselves trendsetters per se, but definitely think they have their own rockin’ sense of style.
Yearning to speak your mind? Voice your opinions all week long on the Budget Fashionista’s Daily Polls and come back this time next weekend for the results!
Image courtesy of Nordstrom.
Product Info: L.A.M.B. Sideways Blazer.
Budget Wedding Dresses: Five Cheap Dresses Under $100
Think you can’t have a dream wedding dress on a budget? Think again. There are plenty of pretty and modern dress options for the bride with a firm bottom line. Check out these selections, all for under $100 each.
This strapless sheath is sleek and sophisticated, for just $89.99 by Isaac Mizrahi for Target. A note: the sash shown is sold separately, for about 40 bucks. You could pick it up and still come in at a nice price, or if you know someone with a sewing machine, you could have them make one for less than $15.
This simple and elegant white strapless dress with shawl, is $99.99 at JC Penney. Don’t limit yourself to white, get it in cranberry to add a dash of flavor.
Looking for something other than white? This cream colored tulle princess dress by Isaac Mizrahi for Target is on Amazon.com, for just $79.99
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Halter style formal dress (who says it has to be an official “wedding” dress?) comes in a range of colors including white and ivory, for $69.99 at Amazon.com
For a beach/casual wedding, we think this Laura Clement linen dress is a simple and timeless choice, $39.99 at LaRedoute.
One more, for just a little over $100:
This shirred side satin gown from Chadwick’s is sexy without being revealing, for $109.99.
So You Want: Diane Von Furstenberg’s Plaid Wrapdress
So You Want This:
Diane Von Furstenberg Wrapdress ($439.00), last seen on Hilary Swank in the movie PS. I Love You
But You Can Afford This:
Isaac Mizrahi for Target Holiday Plaid Shirtdress, $34.99
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.
Daily Deal: Ann Taylor Seasonal Sale up to 60% off
The Deal: Take 60% off dresses, shirts, shoes, and pants on select style at AnnTaylor.com
The Lowdown: From party primping to dressing up for the office, Ann Taylor offers plenty of classic styles to last season-through-season. This sale lets you enjoy a few pieces from the latest collections at 60% off regular prices. This Silk Embroidered Camisole is now $59.99, reduced from $118, and could make a great addition to your party wardrobe. Enjoy an elegant touch at the office with this Cotton Sateen Cutaway Shirt, now just $39.99, reduced from $58. And with New Year’s just around the corner, this Spectator dress with Foldover Sash, $69.99, could help you ring in the New Year with plenty of style—-and a few extra bucks in your wallet.
Shop It: AnnTaylor.com
Dressing Up: The Wrap
Many of us are bemoaning the cold, blustery weather of late—yes, winter has arrived—and much style talk this time of year center’s around great winter coats, including ones for dressing up. For those in more temperate climes, however, shelling out for a dressy winter coat just doesn’t always make sense. If you’re going out for New Year’s, or to other holiday get-togethers, the evenings can still be cool, and that’s where the wrap comes in. When I lived in Florida (after years in the midwest) I picked up a couple, and loved them. They’re lighter than a coat, practical, elegant, and pretty. So, for those of you who need something on the lighter side, here are some budget wrap options:
~Angela
You can’t beat this one for budget—an Xhilaration lurex wrap, in silver or black, for $12.99. For a little color, check out this red jacquard wrap, also at Target.
For something with a little sparkle, try this ruched and beaded wrap, in black, at Lane Bryant, $39.50 (and right now, it’s half off)
Ruffled wraps are popular at the moment, and this lettice-edge wrap from Macy’s is light and feminine, in champagne or black, for $38.
If it’s color you want, these cashmere and silk pashmina options from JCPenney are it—on sale now for $29.99.
Daily Deal: New Holiday Sale at Ralph Lauren
The Deal: New Holiday Sale means up to 50% off select styles at RalphLauren.com
The Lowdown: If you’ve had your eye on the Ralph Lauren collection this season, this sale is ready to grant some wishes. The Holiday Rugby Sweater is now just $89, originally $125, but it’s not the only great bargain. If you’re still looking for that perfect cashmere sweater, this Wool Cashmere V-Neck is $139, reduced from $198. Think of it this way—this sale finally gives you an excuse to splurge on a designer label without too much guilt.
Shop: @ RalphLauren.com
Daily Deal: Sale at Maneater Threads 50-80% off PLUS special 20% Holiday coupon
The Deal: Select in-season items at Maneater Threads now reduced 50-80% off original prices
The Lowdown: Enjoy your foray into NYC boutique shopping from the comforts of home—Maneater Threads is the place to grab this Luxe Hippie Dress for just $50, originally $218, or this gorgeous Athena Dress for just $55, originally $260. And if you’re still hunting for the perfect New Year’s outfit, give this beautiful Degas Dress a whirl; it’s just $80, reduced from $435. Plus, take an additional 20% off with the Holiday coupon. From casual tops to wrap dresses, the goodies will be gone in a New York minute.
Shop It: ManeaterThreads.com, use HOLIDAYS coupon code for additional 20% off until December 31, 2007.
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