Budget Fashion

I honestly don't know why Kim Kardashian is famous, but I do think the girl's gorgeous. She has stunning features, spectacular tresses and covetable curves. When she sticks to simple yet chic ensembles, her good looks speak for themselves and her true beauty shines through. In this look, I love how Kim's paired an on-trend menswear-inspired knit vest (hers looks like this vest by Alexander Wang) with skinny black pants, black ankle boots and an artsy scarf. If you live in a cooler climate, just layer your vest over a tight, long sleeve tee instead of a tank. Stylish and totally wearable for work or play! Get her look for less with budget-friendly finds from Nordstrom, Forever 21, Macy's, Nine West and Baghaus.

[1] Sweater Vest, $78 at Nordstrom.com
[2] Scarf, $18 at Macys.com
[3] Skinny Pants, $12.80 at Forever21.com
[4] Bag, $50 at Baghaus.com
[5] Leather Ankle Boots, Now $69.99 at Piperlime.com

What's the first thought that comes to mind when you think of a jumpsuit? I think, going to the ladies room is going to be a real struggle. But my second thought is this: In a sea of jeans, skirts and dresses, who do you suppose will stand out the most at, say, a New Year's party? That's right, the girl in the super-fly jumpsuit. It's got a retro vixen vibe, it's different, and it's hugging your curves in all the right places. Hmmm, suddenly this jumpsuit number seems worth the trouble you'll face when you have to go tinkle. Celebs like Kim Kardashian have adopted the look, and it can be yours, too, for way less. Keep reading for my budget-friendly jumpsuit fashion finds.

Shop it:
[1] One Shoulder Wide Leg Jumpsuit, $29.80 at Forever21.com
[2] Modern Jumpsuit, $79.50 at Express.com
[3] What Comes Around Goes Around Starlight Jumpsuit, Was $495.00 Now $148.50 at Shopbop.com
[4] Skinny Leg Jumpsuit, $26.99 at CharlotteRusse.com
[5] Strapless Satin Jumper, Was $27.80 Now $13.99 at Forever21.com
[6] Strapless Trouser Jumpsuit, $29.80 at Forever21.com

Yesterday, the new Thakoon for Target collection hit stores, and yours truly was there to check it out. I wasn't too excited about this collection when I first saw the preview pics, but I gotta say, after trying these pieces on, I am totally sold! Thakoon makes me want, nay, yearn to wear bright colors and bold prints. Somehow, he keeps them fresh and classy and sorta understated even though there's a lot going on. I guess this is accomplished in part by simple silhouettes and colors that harmonize more than clash.

Anyways, the quality was comparable to earlier GO lines (decent for the money), and I was pleased to see plenty of 100% cotton. Pieces seemed to fit true to size, however, I should mention that some of the styles that suited my square boyish figure didn't sit well on my younger sister's curves (and we're the exact same size, she's just shaped differently if that makes any sense.) The lone little black dress in this collection (not shown) looked like a hot mess on both of us, and didn't seem to belong in the collection at all.

The 3/4 sleeve shirtdresses, on the other hand, looked fab on both of us, as did a brilliant frog green windbreaker, contrast trim cardigan and those lovely full skirts. My sister and I both agreed that the trench coat was beautiful but would have looked better if it was more fitted and tailored like a classic trench. Still, it was cool and had a nice lining. I'd consider getting it on sale.

There were many other items we wanted to see that weren't in (including those cute cyberfloral shorts), so I'll probably check out another Target or two for a wider selection. Overall, Thakoon for Target exceeded my expectations and put a big smile on my face. Have you seen it? What did you think?

Shop the entire Thakoon for Target collection here >>

If you're looking for something to wear on New Year's Eve that's both festive and a little bit more fashion forward than your standard cocktail dress (which, don't get me wrong, is certainly a fabulous way to ring in 2009), consider glamming up a retro romper. Who can forget MK's sophisticated satin romper, which she accessorized with a bright belt, killer heels and an oversized clutch? Budget-friendly renditions abound at stores like Arden B., Forever 21, and Charlotte Russe to name a few, which will leave you looking stylish and with enough cash for that champagne toast and a cab ride home.

Would you party in this look?

Shop it:
[1] Wishful Wool Jumpsuit, Was $188 Now $69.99 at FrenchConnection.com
[2] Dressy Jumpsuit, $28.99 at CharlotteRusse.com
[3] Harem Short Jumpsuit, $24.80 at Forever21.com
[4] Short Charm Romper, $78.00 at ArdenB.com
[5] Zimmermann Playsuit, Was $322 Now $161 at Shopbop.com

What's more fun than getting glammed up for the holidays? Getting a great deal on your outfit! Forever 21 makes it sooo easy to pull together an entire look for super cheap (think under $100 for a dress, clutch, shrug, jewelry, tights—even shoes!). They have dozens of festive frocks to choose from in stores and online, but here are a few of my favorites sorted by some of this season's hottest trends. Cheers to that!

Ooh la LACE
[1] Lace Overlay Dress, $24.80
[2] Emmie Lace Overlay Dress, $24.80
[3] Zanna Lace Dress, $27.80


Sexy SEQUINS
[4] Silver Sequin Minidress, $39.80
[5] Blue Sequin Soiree Dress, $27.80
[6] Cocoa Sequin Dress, $24.80


Romantic RUFFLES
[7] Lia Tiered Dress, $24.80
[8] Flutter Chiffon Dress, $22.80
[9] Tiered Ruffle Dress, $24.80

It's not too late to get something from the Jonathan Saunders for Target collection on clearance! I picked up this red dress for just $9.98, marked down from $39.99. Paired with a striped turtleneck ($8.50 at Forever 21), this fun little frock will be perfect for casual Christmas festivities with the fam. I fear that I may look like one of Santa's elves but I just can't resist those Target clearance racks. Check your local store or Target.com for more styles.

Images of the Thakoon for Target collection, which launches December 28 in stores and online, are now available for your viewing pleasure. Is it amazing? No, but I do love the printed cardigans and full skirts, so let's hope the fabric passes muster in person. The bikinis are kind of a waste of time for me. Personally I would have preferred to have seen breezy printed scarves or beach towels or totes—just something I could get more use out of as I will not be "resorting" when this collection hits. And once again, I want the shoes! Sadly, the shoes that Target uses for these press photos never seem to materialize in stores. Remember those ankle boots in the Jonathan Saunders for Target campaign? Where were they when we needed them?

From the Target pressroom: "Ranging in price from $16.99 - $44.99, the line includes a variety of seasonal staples including flutter sleeve tees, ruffled tanks and belted shirtdresses. Stand-out pieces include a floral print canvas coat, a shibori print ¾-sleeve dress, floral print shorts and a striped pleated dress, with prints that give a nod to Panichgul's Eastern heritage."

Jump to see the complete collection.

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