Budget Fashion

Colorful sugar skulls liven up these Nick & Nora for Target Pajamas, which are perfect for lounging, snoozing or celebrating The Day of the Dead (that's today!). But seriously, don't wear these out of the house (have you noticed how many people these days wear actual pajama pants in public?)--DO wear them when you want something warm, snuggly and just plain fun.

Left: Nick & Nora Sugar Skulls Sleep Tee at Target.com, $17.99
Right: Nick & Nora® Sugar Skulls Jersey Pajama Coat Set at Target.com, $24.99
Not shown: Nick & Nora Sugar Skulls Robe, $24.99; Nick & Nora Sugar Skulls Slippers, $12.99.

Lauren Conrad is sheath-dress chic at "The Hope Honors" hosted by the Avon Foundation in New York City. Conrad shows off her curves in this classic, feminine style (hers is by Diane von Fürstenberg), but any gal with good taste can get the same look on a budget. We found a fabulous sheath dress by BGBGeneration (the least expensive diffusion line from BCBG) at Dillard's. Pair yours with studded black pumps by rsvp--a STEAL at just $9.95 at 6pm.com, one of the best discount shoe shops on the web. Wear your hair up to show off the neckline, and to draw attention to a simple, disc pendant necklace by Helen Ficalora...perhaps something with a not-so-subliminal message like "vote." This look certainly has ours.

[1] Helen Ficalora Vote Charm at Shopbop.com, $55
[2] BGBGeneration Sheath Dress at Dillards.com, $98
[3] rsvp "Flash" Pumps at 6pm.com, Was $61 Now $9.95

Old Navy has something for everyone when it comes to affordable, stylish outwear. Classic trenches, puffers and peacoats will please your sensible side in neutrals like black, beige and white. Or, go for bold, bright colors to boost your mood when the weather takes a turn for the worse. (At these prices, you don't have to worry about growing tired of, say, a flashy fuschia or attention-getting green.) And, you'll have money left over for coordinating scarves, hats, and gloves. Keep reading for more of our favorite picks. Thanks to reader Alexandra for the tip!

[Above: Old Navy Pique Wool-Blend Coat in Beet Sugar, also available in Siberian Blue, Black, Green Envy. $89.50]

Continue reading "Awesome Outerwear from Old Navy" »

[Read our update here.]

Have you ever wondered what it's like to shop at ASOS.com, the UK's so-called "Online Fashion Store"? I know I have! So I finally decided to place my first order and review the goods. Here's how it went:

Continue reading "Adventures in Online ... »

Halloween is that one day of the year when you can dress as crazy or kooky or spooky or skanky as you want, and it's totally OK. In fact, it's strongly encouraged, and Mandee.com has a whole collection of costumes that fit the bill. Most of them are racy cliches like the sexy maid, the sexy police officer, or the sexy superhero. They're not wildly inventive, but they're still fun and festive attention-grabbers. Best of all, they're on sale for super cheap. Keep reading to see a few of our favorites.

[Above: 4 Piece Supergirl Costume, Was $54.00 Now $40.50]


3 Piece Sexy Bumble Bee, Was $34.00 Now $25.50


3 Piece Geisha Girl, $54.00 Now $40.50


5 Piece Bat Girl Costume, $54.00 Now $40.50


2 Piece Maid, $18.00


4 Piece Sexy Ladybug, Was $42.00 Now $31.50


If you've never worn a wig, you haven't lived. Fun hair pieces let you take on a whole new persona: Cecilia Blond Long Wig, Was $24.00 Now $18.00

While many people aim to look as scary and ghoulish as possible on Halloween, I've always used this holiday as an opportunity to play out my wildest style and fashion fantasies. Over the years, I've been everything from Sleeping Beauty to an exotic belly dancer to Madonna circa 1984, and this year I might just live out my latest fashion fantasy as the reigning style icon of 2008: Miss Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and The City: The Movie.

Unleashing your inner Carrie is simple because fashions inspired by that movie are everywhere, especially fast-fashion chains like Forever 21. The entire look above can be purchased online for a little more than $60, and when the trick-or-treating is over you can incorporate all the pieces into your regular wardrobe. The only thing that's missing is the Barney's bag, which you could easily craft by taping some white lettering onto a black shopping bag. Now, you just have to convince your girlfriends to dress like Charlotte, Samantha, and Miranda...

Dress, $22.80
Shoes, $26.80
Wallet, $3.80
Bangle, $8.80

If her diminutive frame didn't give it away, the 5-inch stiletto heels probably did. Yes, that's fashion rock star Victoria Beckham hiding under that dapper little fedora. Her handsome hubby was holding her hand, but unfortunately I had to crop him out in order to feature her celebrity look-for-less (my sincere apologies).

So this obviously isn't a look for everyone, but I know many of you are (still) rocking those leggings. Oh yes. I've seen you at the mall. At the grocery store. Heck, I've even seen you at IKEA! Plenty of ladies love their leggings. But lest you forget, they are not pants, nor should they stand in as such. Please wear yours with a dress or, following Victoria's lead, with a bum-covering drapey tunic.

We found a spectacular, off-shoulder maroon top at Urban Outfitters that mimics the look marvelously. Add some Studio 54 leggings from Lindsay Lohan's line, and amazing square-toe pumps from Aldo (sure to be the next big thing for footwear). Complete the look with a cheap-chic fedora from Forever 21 and a patent tote from the Gap.

Like I said, it's not a look for everyone but if you love turning heads, this is the look for you.

[1] Suede Fedora at Forever21.com, $10.80
[2] Covet Bamboo Jersey Dress at UrbanOutfitters.com, $78
[3] 6126 by Lindsay Lohan Glimmer Leggings in Black/Gold at ShopIntuition.com, $99 OR Lame Leggings at AmericanApparel.net, $44
[4] "Flojuni" Square-toe Heels at AldoShoes.com, $60
[5] Honey Brown Patent Leather Tote at Gap.com, $49.50