December 26, 2009

Tis the Season for Dresses!!!



Happy Holidays Everyone!  After weeks of buying gifts for our loved ones it is time to focus on ourselves and do the last minute shopping for the New Years dress! For those of you who have had your NYE outfit for weeks I'm impressed however if you are anything like me you need to quickly find something.  Here are a few of my favorite trends for this season:

1. Sequins
2. Single Shoulders
3. Details, details, details! 

Below are some of my favorites ranging anywhere from $20 to $200 and some tips on what to look for while your shopping these trends:

#1: SEQUIN WITH CAUTION:  Sequins can be tricky but fabulous when you know how to wear them.  Just because your dress is inexpensive doesn't mean you have to look like it.  Avoid this by doing the following:
1. Finding a piece that mixes sequins and non shiny fabric (i.e. cotton or jersey).
2. If the dress is all sequins choose a fit that isn't completely revealing (i.e. boxy mini w/ LS etc.)
3.NEVER over accessorize here.  Your dress will do the job!

Charlotte Russe Sequin Striped Dress $33 (shown above)
French Connection Raindrop Dress $179




















F21 Sequin Front Tank Dress $30





















Victoria Secret Split Neck Sequin Dress $160














#2: SHOW SOME SHOULDER:  Off the shoulders can be fun but fit is key.  Make sure that the top of the dress is fitted but not squeezing against the skin. 

MICHAEL Michael Kors Vanderbilt Leopard Print Dress $98


















Victoria's Secret Ruched Convertible Dress $79
(Wear this dress in more than 5 ways--- I love it!!!)



















F21 Grand Metallic Sequin Dress $23



















#3: SPICE UP YOUR LIFE WITH DETAILS!:  Stand out from the rest of the crowd by wearing a dress with some details.  Whether it be feathers, studs, or zippers keep the accessories light since your dress will do it all.

Top Shop Feather Shoulder Dress by Rare $78












Charlotte Russe Studded Satin Dress $37




















Silence and Noise Zipper Dress at Urban Outfitters $68














White House Black Market Beaded Flapper Dress $198



Nordstroms Teeze Me Pleated Origami Dress $68




















Charlotte Russe Ruched Feather Dress $37




















From one fashion enthusiast to another don't forget everyday is a new adventure--Dress like it!!!
DISCLAIMER: agirl2shop4u does not claim credit for any images featured on this site (unless otherwise noted).  All photos are used for comment only.  No photos are used for commercial use.

December 3, 2009

Fall Fashion Priorities Part 2: The Rise of the Peep Toe Bootie!


Fall Fashion Priorities: MUST HAVE investment items for your wardrobe.  Last time we talked about boots.  Another necessity is the pump however you may find an alternative this season in the PEEP TOE BOOTIE!

I absolutely love the peep toe bootie!  The "ankle boot" as some of you may call it is a refreshing alternative to our old friend: the closed toed pump.  Now don't get me wrong the closed toed heel is my go to in many occasions however I have found a new friend in my peep toe booties.  They are quite versatile and can be worn with a skinny jean, dress or skirt with and without tights.  They help to add a winter feel to a dress worn without leggings.  My favorite way to wear them is with a dress and some funky tights.  Above: Me in my black interior zip booties ($50 Forever 21) and tights ($10 Target).

Take a look at the ankle boots I HEART (the peep toe is key because it allows this shoe to be transitional):

Steve Madden Shande $110














Nine West Abi $99













Betsey Johnson Kareas $225











Aldo Haga $120












Steve Madden Millano $90













Vince Camuto Missie $139










Bebe Trista $149











Be adventurous and try the ankle boot!  If you are having separation anxiety from your closed toed pump please think about the following while purchasing:

1. Don't buy shoes that you can walk in however a TALLER heel is more flattering and slims the leg (I usually go with 5" but this has taken years of practice.  Start where you are comfortable.)
2. Stick with a ROUNDED toe.  A pointy toe will elongate your foot and make your size 7's look like 10's. Plus personally the round toe is much more comfortable for the toes.  BELIEVE ME...
3. The ankle bootie is a party on the foot all on its own so if you are going with the closed toed pump get exciting!  Find one with some extra detailing, patent, animal print...whatever your heart desires. 

From one fashion enthusiast to another don't forget everyday is a new adventure--Dress like it!

DISCLAIMER: agirl2shop4u does not claim credit for any images featured on this site (unless otherwise noted).  All photos are used for comment only.  No photos are used for commercial use.

November 26, 2009

I'm Thankful for...Costume Jewelry!!!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  Things I'm thankful for: family, friends, good health and oh yeah how about COSTUME JEWELRY?  Remember last year when almost everything was belted?  Well now a glam necklace alone can make an outfit. Leave your belts in the past and embrace the multitude of extremely chic fashion CJ offered right now. 

Costume Jewelry Tips
1. Costume jewelry is a great way to add excitement to any outfit.  EXCITEMENT is the key word.  Have fun with it!  My absolute favorite piece currently is my "grapevine" necklace from Forever 21 ($15 see below).

2. DO NOT OVERUSE IT.  If you choose a really fabulous necklace you should only wear a stud earring and add a ring.  If you go for the bling earrings pair it with bracelet but leave the necklace out. A great rule to remember is one show stopping piece above the chest and below the wrists.

3. Go for bling, mix of materials (i.e. leather and metal), necklaces (buy Bibs!--see Aldo Maiello below), bracelets (go for cuffs), earrings (I love tear shaped glam) and no rule cocktail rings!!!

I wanted to share some of my favorites out there right now and I'm happy to say it is all under $40!!!!! 

NECKLACES:

Aldo Maiello Necklace $35




















Guess Pearl Rhinestone Pearl Necklace $38




















Aldo Jadoo Necklace $20























































































































EARRINGS and RINGS

















































Until next time from one fashion enthusiast to another don't foget everyday is a new adventure--Dress like it!

DISCLAIMER: agirl2shop4u does not claim credit for any images featured on this site (unless otherwise noted). All phots are used for comment only. No phots are used for commercial use.

November 16, 2009

Get lost black... Dark jewel tones are taking over!



My new favorite thing to wear are my dark blue sapphire shoes (Forever 21 $25). Why? Because they instantly add pop and excitement to my rotating black, grey and white wardrobe. I'm telling you ladies it is ok this season to wear the little green dress and push the little black one far back into the closet for another day.

Go for dark jewel tones: PURPLE, BLUE, and GREEN. You can either use it as a pop of color or apply it as the base to your outfit through a skirt or dress. Not only is it something new and different but these colors look rich on both light and dark skin tones. Please remember you don't need to spend big bucks on this trend. Take a look at my favorite finds under $100:


Steve Madden Merriee $72 (0n Sale HURRY!) Wear these with a simple black dress or skirt. Depending on where you're at and how cold it is you may need to wear black sheer tights.  I love the print tights as much as anyone else but with this type of shoe leave the tight as simple as possible and let the shoe do all the work.


























Forever 21 Sequin Ruffle Dress $49 Holiday!!!  This is truly a holiday dress but can be worn to both the party and the office.  For the office put a black blazer over it with leggings and a peep toe silver or black pump.  NO ACCESSORIES with this dress (the sequins are quite enough don't you think?).  Want to wear it to the first party of the season?  Pair it with a leather jacket, tights and some fabulous pumps.





















Make a simple look appear much more glamorous with these beautiful earrings in this season's hottest color.  Please be sure to wear the hair up or half up in side twists to get the full effect. 










Mossimo Satin Trench $40 
You will not be able to stop smiling in this trench!  Not only will it make you look like a knock out but $40 is such a deal! 

















Forever 21 Chiffon Trim Skirt $24 Perfect piece to wear in place of the old black pencil skirt.  Formalize it with a black 3/4 sleeve knit and some large silver costume jewelry.  For $24 the back external zip is a great deal.  It adds detail at an unbeliveable price! 



DKNYC Hina $90 It's that time of year ladies!  These are on sale--take advantage!
Wear these with a funky patterned tight, black pants, or even dark jeans.



















Until next time...from one fashion enthusiast to another don't forget everyday is a new adventure--Dress like it!

DISCLAIMER: agirl2shop4u does not claim credit for any images featured on this site (unless otherwise noted).  All photos are used for comment only.  No photos are used for commercial use. 

November 5, 2009

Fall Fashion Priorities... How much are you paying for boots this season?

It's already November and it is more than likely that most of us do not have the MUST HAVES for Fall. I'm sorry that I was not here sooner to help but I promise it is not too late. Your MUST HAVES are what I like to refer to as investment pieces or items in your wardrobe that are meant to carry over until next year. The quality should be there but the price doesn't have to be.

YOUR FALL INVESTMENT PIECES:

1. Boots
2. Closed toed heel/bootie
3. Outerwear (Coat/Jacket... Depending on where you live)
4. Jeans
5. Handbags

Yes... I notice that #1 and #2 are both shoes. Face it we all love our $20 shoe find from Forever 21 but they're probably not going to live to see next Winter and if they do they are definitely not going to be as cute as they are now. You do have to invest in shoes but how much is too much?
Let's start with BOOTS. When shopping for boots remember the following: How much space is there between your boot and the leg? Why? The last thing you want is for your boot to squeeze your calf which will not only make you uncomfortable but it will look like your boots don't fit. If there is too much space it will add a lot of volume to the bottom half of your body and your boots will fall which is totally obnoxious.
TIP: Try on the boot and pull the inside away from your leg. Take a ruler and measure. You should have 1" to 1.25" space.

When shopping steer clear of the following and your boot purchase last for seasons to come:
1. Wedge Heels
2. Pointy Toes
3. Buckles that resemble ones leprechauns would wear
4. Bunched/slouchy leather (I know that these are a trend but they are not flattering--stay away)

Then we get to price how much is too much? Check out my favorite boots which range from $100-$300. Honestly if you want to pay for more go for it but I'm just looking out for you!

The Knee High boot. These boots should hit 1/2 between your knee and mid thigh. You can wear it over your skinny jeans or with a boxy shorter dress. My favorites are as follows:

























































The Casual Chic Flat Boot: Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I am so happy that a flat boot can be worn dressed up or down. When your feet need a break wear these comfy boots with leggings and a long tunic or in the office with a flowy dress. There isn't much you can't do with these...check out my favorites....
































































Happy Boot Shopping Ladies! Next time we'll discuss Booties and Coats when Fall Fashion priorities continues.

Until then...from one fashion enthusiast to another don't forget everyday is a new adventure--Dress like it!

DISCLAIMER: agirl2shop4u does not claim credit for any images featured on this site (unless otherwise noted). All photos are used for comment only. No photos are used for commercial use.