This Season- All about the Skirt!

Sorry for the slow posting this week- work is out of control with the holidays so quickly approaching! Speaking of work, the hottest trend for the work week this winter? Skirts, skirts, skirts. Pair with tights (as always during Chicago winters- one of my biggest fashion rules is dressing appropriately for the weather) and flats, heels or boots and you'll look fashionable and feel powerful. Find some fabulous options from the bargainista's fashion dream- Forever 21...

A Great Transition Piece from Work Day to Date Night!

Puffed Satin Skirt - $19.80 - forever21.com

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Hello Sophistication!

Fab Bow Front Skirt - $12.50 - forever21.com

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Every Office deserves a Little Holiday Glam

Pleated Metallic Brocade Skirt - $22.80 - forever21.com

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Fantastic and Fun for the Fashionable Office

Short Satin Skirt - $13.80 - forever21.com

Simply Vera, Simply Stunning

All over the globe high-end designers are translating their unique style into highly fashionable, but low-priced pieces. H&M and Target are the most well-known for providing these goods to mass consumers. Kohl's was lucky enough, however, to recruit one of the most elegant, charming, wholly celebrated American designers of our time. Here are some fantastic items from the oh-so-fabulous Vera Wang.

Simply Vera Vera Wang Ruffle Crop Jacket

$49.00 on Sale from $98.00

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Simply Vera Vera Wang Embellished Tee

$31.20 on Sale from $48.00

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Simply Vera Vera Wang Floral Shirred Top

$37.70 on Sale from $58.00

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Simply Vera Vera Wang Colorblock Scarf

$17.50 on Sale from $35.00

One of My Favorite Things...

I love, love, love coffee table books- especially those about style icons, cultural dress and fashion history. They offer great inspiration for your wardrobe and personal style philosophy. My personal collection includes That Extra Half an Inch by Victoria Beckham, Style: A to Zoe by Rachel Zoe, Confessions of a Window Dresser by Simon Doonan, The Fairchild Dictionary of Fashion, and the list goes on. Here are a few that caught my eye and landed on my ever-growing wish-list...

FRUiTS Japanese Street Fashion

$31.99

modcloth.com

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Vintage Shoes

$39.95

urbanoutfitters.com

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The Book of 70s Fashion

$13.99

modcloth.com

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Chanel: Collections & Creations
$27.95
amazon.com

An Accessory Discovery

Learning how to accessorize is key to being fashion-forward while cutting shopping costs. Being on trend doesn't always mean having the newest jackets, tops, dresses and pants. If you buy great classic pieces that can carry from trend to trend and season to season, you can then concentrate on purchasing trendy, less expensive accessories to fit in with the latest styles. Thanks to Perez Hilton, I just found this amazing site- ModCloth.com- that concentrates on the unique and vintage-inspired. Here are a few finds that I felt were incredibly special and especially affordable...

Anchored Finances Wallet - $31.99
Perfect for the Bargainista!
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The Blair Feather Headband - $13.99

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Mae West Gloves - $15.99

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Black Tie Affair Belt - $25.99

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Golden Boughs Pendant - 14.99

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Autumn Thistle Clutch $49.99

My New Obsession...

Okay, seriously- could you get much hotter than this? Look sassy, sophisticated and sexy in these backseam, high-style tights. For work or for play, these will have you looking hot and feeling powerful whether you're in the boardroom or in the bedroom...

UO Sheer Backseam Tights

$14.00

urbanoutfitters.com

Pretty, Pretty Party Dresses

Anytime is a good time to shop for party dresses! They are fun, they are beautiful, they make you feel fabulous. With New Year's Eve just around the corner, it is especially important to at least be keeping an eye on the possibilites. Check out the budget-friendly finds below for all your party-girl personalities...

For the "Life of the Party" Party-Girl
The most important part of your evening- having FUN. This fantastic frock will have you looking and feeling great with as little effort as possible. Who needs to worry about their wardrobe when the booze is flowing and the ball is dropping? Grab your party hat, throw down a shot, and enjoy ringing in the new year in style!

MinkPink Ra Ra Superstar Dress
$77.00
revolveclothing.com

For the "Classic" Party-Girl
There aren't many occasions when you can rock a dress like this one- the ultimate, classic, you'd-make-Audrey-Hepburn-proud, party dress. Pair with a massive black statement necklace, black tights and pumps to really dress this look up. For New Year's Eve anything goes- take advantage of it and have one of those priceless, scene-stealing, party girl moments.

Isaac Mizrahi for Target Party Dress
$31.49
target.com

For the "Kiss Me at Midnight" Party-Girl
Whether you're taking a date, or planning on finding one on location, this dress is all about the romance. Get your perfect, big-screen, New Year's Eve kiss with this gorgeous jacquard mini gown. Simple and elegant- just like you. Soon after you catch Prince Charming's eye you'll have your hands on his lapel. Pull him in tight and know you're the envy of all those around you- hot kiss, hot guy, hot dress- lucky girl.

Kimchi Blue Brocade Dress
$88.00
urbanoutfitters.com

For the "Fashionista" Party-Girl
Red is always, always a great color for New Year's Eve. Unfortunately, there are so many "eh" red dresses out there- Macy's and the "red is the new black" (never, in my book) trend we've been seeing for what feels like a decade, has left the color lacking the luster it so rightfully deserves. However, a true fashionista can rock a dress like this and really bring the show-stopping hue back to life. Turn heads or even break necks in this sweet but seductive little number. Just make sure to wear killer, 4.5 inch heels to pull the whole look off!

Pleated Satin Tube Dress
$24.80
forever21.com

SATC Stocking Stuffer!

I am big on ornaments, and this one is just too much! A little Sex and the City stiletto? Adorable! I'll take three for the Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha in my life. Absofu*kinglutely!

$14.99

hbo.com/store

Holiday Shopping Survival Guide

Shopping for gifts is difficult, especially when you are on a budget. It is so easy to go from chic to cheap when giving a rather inexpensive gift. Follow these tips to find the perfect, low-priced present:

1. If it looks cheap in the store, it will look cheap when pulled out of a gift-wrapped box. Find great pieces for great prices rather than settling for something less-than-special.


2. Avoid brand names. Most of the people on your gift list will not associate the label with the high price you paid for it. Instead, opt for shopping spots that sell more obscure, one-of-a-kind type items that are low in price but high in value. Exceptional does not always mean expensive.


3. Shop online! The steals are amazing right now and you'd be crazy to pay for shipping. Scour the web and save big- just don't forget to have it shipped in time!


4. If you have been given a wish list, don't be scared to stick to it. It may take a few extra stops to find the best price out there, but it will be well worth the steal- many thanks to our ever-awful economy.


5. Stear clear of the GWP (gift with purchase) and BOGO (buy one get one). These gifts are beyond obvious. If you are considering giving someone a gift like this, maybe you should reconsider giving them a gift at all.

Enjoy the Season- It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Warm in Winter White

Victoria Beckham has done it again. Have you ever seen winter white look so impeccable? Her style goes beyond chic, and this coat could keep you warm just by looking at it. I couldn't help myself but find something similar on my teeny budget. Last month's paychecks were spent on gifts- this month's I think I'll spend on myself...

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A Piece from My other Favorite Vicky-

Be Sure Watch the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show on CBS this Week-

So Sexy, So Stylish, So Excited!

VIA Wool Wrap Coat
$169 on Sale from $188
victoriassecret.com

Blogging on my Lunch Break...

Ok, it's official- I have become absolutely obsessed with this blog. It's all I think about lately- besides the steadily approaching Christmas season- yay! If only I could post as often as my ideas come to me...

A Cute find from Arden B.

The One-Shoulder is So in Again!

$148

ardenb.com