Budget Fashionista

We have had a satisfying life-long love affair with our jeans, but let’s face it — as far as current trends go, jeans are more cazh than fab (and yes, that’s how you …

Blue eyeliner usually elicits two reactions: “Oh the eighties!” or “LOVE it, bring it on!” If you fall into the first category and even remember using blue eyeliner like there …

Born in what is today Kosovo, the traffic-stopping beauty of Rita Ora paid her earlier dues by singing in bars around London. But who could ignore that face—or that style? …

The “Hipster“ moniker has taken on so many different stereotypes over the years, that it’s now relegated back to the most simple form: a purveyor of hip culture. Hipster no longer means …

Consider these pencil skirt perks: they are long enough to keep you warm in winter and to cover your bare legs from touching the subway (ew) but they can also …

Budget beauty is essential in this hard economy. Even if you’ve been buying generic beauty products for years, inflation has raised prices so much that cheap stuff isn’t cheap anymore. …

How much are those jeans in the window? Um…what? I’m sorry, I must have misheard you (gulp), $275? We all know denim sticker shock, we have all coveted the pair …

Love the idea of going organic in your beauty routine, but cringe at the steep price tags that so often accompany these brands? Well — worry no more!  There’s a …

On a recent weekend getaway, I enjoyed the best bits of summer: white linen flow-y pants, a rooftop barbecue with supreme views, and a stellar pair of cat-eye sunnies. It was …

Ever since I cut my long, long hair just after my wedding, I’ve wanted it back. So, for three years I’ve grown my hair back to its original long locks, …

Back in the day (like 10 years ago), the only places you could get your shopping on were a) the mall or b) a local boutique/stand-alone store.  However, around 2004, …

Taylor Swift has been through quite a lot in a short time. She is already an accomplished guitar player and singer-songwriter, she has won multitudes of awards and has many …

Beach hair: the wave, texture, and bounce you get from spending an entire day at the beach. Perhaps it’s the salt from the water, maybe it’s the dust from the …

In the 90s, the “it” beach cover-up was a Hawaiian print sarong. In the early 2000s, it was all about board shorts. But today? It’s less about any one silhouette that’s popular …

Your vegan lifestyle does not have to be at odds with your style sense. Sure, you have to get more creative about what you wear and where you buy it. …

What’s not to love about ASOS, the UK-based online-only,  global fashion and beauty retailer. Here are our 8 top “whys” but not in any particular ranking. 1. So Many Affordable …

Along with the warmer weather comes skin-baring styles like halter tops.  No, we’re not talking about tops that show virtually all of our, um, Kardashians, but ones that let us show …

One of my favorite quotes is from a movie, and it takes place in a restaurant: “I’ll have what she’s having.” Sound familiar? It also applies to style—whenever I see …

Only Alexander Wang would announce an epic collaboration of couture-meets-everyday with such panache. With an Instagram video to be precise.  Wang’s collection is coming 11/6 to 250 stores and will …

I asked wedding and finance experts to share their best money saving wedding tips, and some of their responses will surprise you. Read on for 19 ways to save money …

BYOB?  Keep your wine bottle as stylish as you are.  In other words, skip the brown paper bag wrapped around your fave Chardonnay and instead, choose pretty wine totes. Seriously, meeting your …

Yes, it’s true. Adam Levine of Maroon 5 once had his name on a women’s clothing line sold at Kmart. The collection of patterned leggings, crop tops, bralettes, summer dresses, …

Let’s face it — Monday mornings are a drag. The weekend is done. The work week has begun. And I rarely feel like getting dressed in my very best. This …

Color blocking sounds ( and looks a little bit ) like an 80’s pop band, but it is simply the fashion of wearing multiple blocks of color in an outfit.  …

This spring, there are a lot of reasons to say YES to tube skirts. All women should jump for joy – in today’s market, there is something for every bod …

Love to look great?  Of course (you’re a fashionista, after all). Love your pet?  Who doesn’t adore their furry friend? Why not get the best of both worlds by stepping out …

Commercials and magazine ads will tell us that it takes cutting-edge research and tech advances to slow down the aging process. And sure, it’s exciting to think that some scientist …

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the sensation of “chub rub,” believe me, you aren’t missing a thing. Chub rub, more commonly known as chafing, is when your …

Yep, parting is hard, but don’t fret. Here are five things you can do with your roses before you toss ’em! 1. Wrapping paper/cards. Once you master drying rose petals, …

The topic of facial hair doesn’t always make us feel warm and um, fuzzy (pun intended), but let’s be real:  it happens, I don’t care who you are.  Kate Upton, …

While lots of women love their flatiron, favor fancy updos or step out in headwraps, I wear pigtails. Yes, pigtails. And oh yeah, I’ll be 40 in six months. Now before …

I love my mags, but I love my boyfriend’s mags even more. It all started one lazy Sunday when we were both stretched out on his couch for ten, nursing …

Sometimes all the carb-cutting, low-fat, high-veggie and workout everyday prescriptions just don’t do the trick. These are the moments that the cleanse was made for—but what if you don’t want …

The Chinese New Year is upon us — celebrate the Year of the Horse in style!   Not to worry, what we’ve got in mind will keep us looking cute and stylin’, …

I swear, every year I see a few more fine lines on my face. Bah! Of course, nobody can buy time. So instead of wasting it wishing I were younger, I …

New sweater?  Great!  Olive oil smudges on it?  Not so great.  The fix to keeping stylish outfits stylish while whipping something up in the kitchen?  Awesome aprons, of course! Whether we’re hosting a …

Even the famous get cold. But it’s how they stay chic while cold is what we’re interested in. If you’ve ever left your house wrapped in five layers and feeling …

Long nails, a.k.a. “stiletto” nails, are wildly popular. From Adele and Rihanna to the waitress at the local diner, long and pointed tips are popping up everywhere. Me? Sorry, I’m not …

Just about thinking last year’s sweaters are taking up too much space in your closet? Before you donate or toss them, consider a little DIY craft magic to add color, …

Despite the cold, fashion prevails. This year, it’s in the statement of the pleated skirt and the cropped pant – not typical attire, but when done right the final call …

As the part invites start to stack up and you’re like me and you don’t like to break budget, the only number you really care about is the number of outfits …

Baby, it’s cold outside…but snap, sometimes I’m just not totally ready to admit it. Don’t get me wrong—I love winter fashion, especially boots. But sometimes it’s good to ease in …

A cold front may be on its way in, but now’s not the time to let uninvited weather thwart your style. You’ve noticed the surge of ’90s-inspired minis and slips, …

Clothes are not necessarily what make a woman, but it certainly doesn’t hurt. Finally, strong independent women unite in the obsession for Olivia Pope and her fierce, beautiful, and powerful …

There’s no doubt about it: Leather pants are a trend-turned classic. Everyone from PTA moms to celebrities can pull off a leather pants outfit by choosing the right coordinating pieces. Want …

UGG boots may be coveted by many, but to me, they’re a sexy footwear wannabe. This big boot is a glorified slipper backed by clever branding, desired by ladies who fall for the sheepskin …

I love Uggs boots and I’m not the only one. Here are 5 reasons to appreciate this sheepskin-lined boot, plus the popular celeb opinion on Uggs!

Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie…Who doesn’t love Thanksgiving? If you’re like me, for the past week you’ve had visions of gravy flowing through your head, but as we …

With this season’s color trends and bold patterns gracing everything from hats to flats, there’s one article of clothing likely feeling (as if clothes had feelings) left out: your classic …

Question of the day:  is long hair (past the shoulders) over 40 age-appropriate? In the past few weeks, long-haired 40+ celebs like Aniston and Kristin Chenoweth have stepped out in significantly …

This should be welcome news: You can save  a lot of  your follow-the-trends, shopping  dollars and reduce your overall clothing budget this season. How? By simply reaching into your closet …

For ladies who love to get their squats on but cringe at the thought of going to the gym completely makeup-less, I hear ya.   I lost tons of weight years ago and …

Minimalism is the rage of boutique hotels and architects, of interior designers and Swedish furniture, but you don’t hear much when it comes to minimalist wardrobe. But you should. Less …

I guess the closest thing I have to a family heirloom  is a gorgeous, ruby red punch bowl that  I use now as a fruit bowl.  I value the gem-like qualities …

There’s nothing like an LA girl in NY to get a fresh perspective on fall and winter trends. I love NY because like LA, anything goes – but simply, it’s …

The best fashion trends have staying power. They may drop away from the limelight for a time, but they always come back, better than ever — more wearable and more …

Just eight days after Macy’s announced they will be open for the first time ever on Thanksgiving Day, Kohl’s has followed in their footsteps.  However, while Macy’s will remain open for 24 …

This time of year means sipping cider, picking pumpkins and (eye roll) Halloween outfits that either bare more cleavage than Kim Kardashian wearing a push-up bra, OR are so gory they’ll give kids nightmares. I say …

To prep for this topic, I thought I’d best consult with someone I consider an expert in this field. Her name is Madeleine Mills and she just turned four. Madeleine …

It’s no big secret that most of our down-time (okay, we mean procrastination) is spent checking (or is it obsessing?) on our social networks. What you may not know is that …

Ah, spring! It’s the season of renewal — we refresh our wardrobe, get a new haircut and, reluctantly, clean and organize our closets. In the spectrum of cleanliness, most of …

Wondering what to eat for clear skin? Is it wine? Please say it’s wine! This is the million-dollar question — can we really eat our way to smooth, silky, pimple-free …

Chances are, ladies wearing high hemlines are more optimistic about the economy than their maxi dress wearing friends, and more likely to think the leg-baring style will be this fall’s trend.   …

Let’s face it: most of us let out a gym-worthy grunt when hoisting our heavy handbags, right?  Now we know why;  according to the 2013 style survey conducted jointly by BlogHer, Inc. and Taubman …

For the past four years, it seems like Alex and Ani “bangles” have made their way to the wrists of college girls everywhere. At first, I was confused as to why all the …

Since that fateful day when Missoni crashed Target’s humble servers and a pair of rubber rainboots was listed for $31,000 on eBay, we knew the designer stampede was coming.  Following …

Huge (and we mean HUGE) news for Phillip Lim fans: the 3.1 Phillip Lim collection for Target has just hit stores.  That means staying super stylish with Lim’s animal prints, …

In 2013, Sephora announced the launch of Sephora Flash — an upgraded shipping membership that’s similar to Amazon Prime. And by similar, I mean the same but much cheaper. Fast …

No, you didn’t misread the headline. A couple from Scotland actually spent $1.56 on their wedding, and yes, they had a real wedding. And there was food, music, and a …

Orange is the new black?  Not quite according to Pantone’s recent unveiling of its Spring 2014 colors. THE color for Spring 2014 is Dazzling Blue, and yes, if the color …

You heard it here first: There are worse fashion faux-pas than spending outside your budget. Keep these fall fashion rules in mind as you shop for your closet and pick …

When it comes to earrings, it seems the pierced kind are all we think about.   After all, we assume most ladies have pierced ears (I’m guilty of it myself).  But what …

Fall of 2013 hair trends are all about simple, clean, and chic. No matter what look, texture, or length, here are five ways to get the trendy looks of the …

Wondering how to dress down your clothes? You’re not the only one. The question is a common one, and not just because so many of us are now working from …

The essential Oxford shoe. It is fashion magic cluster of intellect, charm, chic, feminine and masculine rolled into one. The Oxford shoe originated in Ireland and Scotland and then made …

I still have, and use, those dinner plates from the ’70s. Those white ones with tiny olive daisies dotting the edge. Yep, they’ve got a place at my table. Bold and beautiful …

There’s always a whole lot of love at a wedding, but I’ve always found it difficult to love buying and wearing one-time wedding attire. So, in the midst of summer …

This post about how to wear Converse was originally written in 2013, and is updated regularly. Converse are ubiquitous, adorable, and can be found on ladies from birth to 99! …

This post about eyeglass cases was last updated in January, 2019. These days, I’m all about stylish eyeglass cases. Let’s just say I recently had enough of my contact lenses …

Being a die hard fan of eco-fashion, I’ve always wondered why the industry was so focused on “green” materials. Don’t get me wrong, I love me a hemp dress or  …

As a fan of everything summer, it’s not uncommon that I’ll overindulge. As we all know, the most difficult rebound is to come back from a day in the sun. …

Let’s face it, we’re busy ladies.  Wristlets to the rescue!  Especially in the summer, when we’re carrying lounge chairs to the beach, heading to our BFFs wedding and grocery shopping for picnics, we want …

It’s summer, and in this kind of heat we’re all trying to wear as little as possible to stave off the sweat. I can’t even begin to count the days …

This post was last updated in January, 2019. When summer’s in full force, that means stepping out in feminine, fun styles. When it comes to footwear, one trend we can’t get enough of …

I admit – I’ve always wanted to look like Miranda Kerr. She’s stunning, fresh-faced, and no matter what she wears – she looks comfortable, happy, and totally in-season. Want to …

Whoo-hoo . . .  Kate Middleton’s baby is almost here!  We’ve been waiting for this moment forever.  Well, OK, nine months.  Every step of the way, we’ve watched conservative Kate rock chic …

One of our readers from Portugal wrote to us about her dilemma regarding prom fashion for petite ladies. TBF staffer Sallie responds. I’m from Portugal and I love fashion, but …

As somewhat of a perfectionist, I’m always looking for the best – especially when it comes to gifts. Therefore, every year, about  a week before Fathers’ Day, I find several …

Ever found yourself staring at Angelina Jolie’s lips? Yeah, uh, me neither. Okay, that’s a lie. Angie has a great set of lips. There, I said it. They really are …

What’s cuter than a fashionable baby? Really not much. After I had my fashion forward baby boy, I quickly learned that, apparently, babies change sizes faster than I could say …

Great jewelry?  Check.  Perfect shoes?  Double check.  A wrinkled, old paper lunch bag “clutch” to accent those cute flats?  We think not.  When it comes to carrying our lunch to work or …

If you thought togas were only for frat parties, guess again! The infamous style of the Greeks and Romans never really went away.  From the one shoulder, to the -all-around …

Summer is around the corner and people everywhere are getting ready to pack their bags and go on vacation! So where will you go? And once you get there, what …

Much as I love my sky-high heels and faded jeans, I don’t wear them to church. It just doesn’t feel right. To be more clear, in the “what to wear …

This post about tummy control suits was rewritten in January, 2019. A little muffin top shouldn’t spoil your fun in the sun. After all, you should be able to have …

The wait is finally over! The Great Gatsby finally hit the theaters and the question is, what will you wear? The film will undeniably provide a heavy dose of flapper …

Confession time: Until recently, I considered a basic ponytail an updo. A fancy updo. To me, away from face meant all things glam. Bonus points if my ponytail managed a cute tip flip (think …

We all know that a great ‘do completes our look, but I’ll be the first to admit to falling flat when it comes to my hair. To the rescue? Hot rollers! That’s right …

This post is inspired by one of our TBF readers, Margaret, who says: My mom and I are planning a trip to New York this summer as my 18th birthday …

What do Tina Fey, Jennifer Aniston and Diane Keaton have in common?  They’re not just famous ladies, but famous ladies known for their stand-out eyeglasses. These celebs bust the “men don’t make passes at …