I keep noticing these amazing colorblock dresses by Theory, and I guess I'm not the only one: Forever 21 has a colorblock dress (above right) that looks a lot like Theory's "Whitika" dress (above left). Depending on the strength of your budget (or your willpower), either dress would make a great addition to your wardrobe. Create a simple yet sexy look for that holiday office party by pairing your colorblock frock with black tights, heels—like these spectator booties from Charlotte Russe ($26.99)—and a chic cover-up—like this knit shrug from Forever 21 ($17.80). Add your favorite accessories and you'll be the best-dressed girl in the room. What do you think?

Luxe on left: Theory "Whitika" Dress, Was $295 Now $88.50
Less on right: Forever 21 Colorblock Dress, $22.80

It seemed like we had been happily cruising through the fall accompanied by mostly mild weather, but yesterday it got COLD, and let me tell you, when the temperatures drop, you feel that freezing New England chill in every fiber of your being. But it doesn't have to be that way: With the right cold weather accessories, you can stay warm and look stylish during the long winter months. Grab a cup of hot tea and read on for some budget-wise ways to winterize your wardrobe.

[Above: Fingerless gloves keep my wrists and hands warm while I type. I practically live in mine all winter long, which is why I'm lusting after these cashmere gloves from Nordstrom ($48). They'd also make a great gift, hint hint!]

As I mentioned earlier, TJ Maxx invited a bunch of fashion bloggers from around the country to their headquarters in Framingham, MA, for a behind-the-scenes look at how their business really operates. It was an awesome experience. My brain is overflowing with facts and information right now, so I'll just dive right in and share some of the key things that I learned.

First, I should preface this report by saying that I've been a long-time fan and loyal customer of both TJ Maxx and Marshalls. I never quite knew how they managed to sell brand names at reduced prices, but my assumption was always that they bought overstock, irregular merchandise, and probably did some other wheeling 'n' dealing that would simply never become transparent to me, the customer. Some stores seemed better than others; some days you got lucky, other days you'd leave frustrated and empty handed. Sometimes you'd find a deal on something you loved or needed; other time you'd find sub-par styles at practically full price (or at least, stuff that just wasn't a good deal. For us budget babes, a $200 blouse that's marked down to $80 still isn't a bargain.)

So yeah, that's kinda where I stood with regards to TJ Maxx and Marshall's prior to the blogger event, and I gotta say, not much has changed. However, I did learn some new and interesting facts so read on (more photos from the event, too!)...

Regardless of who has been at the helm of Givenchy (pronounced zhee-VAHN-shee) over the years, this fashion house has always been near and dear to my heart. But this Fall, Riccardo Tisci blew me away with his collection that was both runwaylicious and laden with ideas we could extract and apply to our own real life wardrobes. It was dark (lots of black and leather), it was romantic (lots of lace and ruffles) and it was divine (lots of layered chains and crosses). Here are some pieces inspired by the Givenchy collection that will lift your sartorial spirits but won't break the bank.

Bebe isn't a place I normally shop at for everyday items, but over the years they've delivered some much-needed attitude into my wardrobe. I've scored everything from a blue fur shrug to a biker jacket to a perfect, knock-'em-dead red cocktail dress at Bebe, all at great prices courtesy of their clearance racks. Lately, I've complained about their high prices and overly skanky clothing styles but after seeing the stunningly fashionable blogger over at Fashion Toast rock things from Bebe in ways that look really high-fashion and fierce, it's made me reconsider. If you absolutely must have 5-inch multi-strap peep toe heels or a lynx faux-fur vest, or a collared zip thigh jumpsuit, where else can you turn but Bebe? Ok, so you may never need those items but right now, save 25% when you enter code FRIEND25 at checkout. Offer ends 11/16, so now's your chance to pick up something sexy for holiday parties. Quick, shop before we change our minds.

Featured above: Sexy Striped Banded Dress (available in three colors), $98