Leather Jacket?--Don't be Ashamed to Go Faux!!!

I love to watch the shocked looks on friends and strangers faces when they say, "Your jacket is so nice!  How much did you pay for it?" and I reply with, "$30.  I bought it at Forever 21."

Forever 21 Zippered Snap Moto Jacket $33

The leather jacket whether it be authentic or faux is a great way to freshen up any outfit.  It is also one of the few pieces that you can wear year round.  Layer underneath during the winter or wear over a strapless dress on a cool summer night. 

The reality is that not all of us have the $400 plus to invest in this fashion piece so...don't be ashamed ladies of going faux.  Here's what to watch for to make sure you look chic and not cheap:

1. Try one of two shapes:  Look for either a biker shape as shown above or for those of you who are bustier go for the bomber shape.  The bomber will provide more room in the body and allow you to zip easily.
2. Once you figure out what style is best for you, fit is key: 
       -Make sure the bottom hem of the jacket touches the top of your hip bone (should be no shorter)
       -Sleeves need to be long enough so that when you reach out your arms the sleeve does not go more    than one inch above your wrist bone.  Long sleeves will help with proportion since the jacket is shorter in the body
       -Most importantly...make sure you can zip the jacket.  Whether the jacket is $15 or $500 you should not buy it unless you can zip comfortably.

There are great options out there!  In addition to my personal choice above here are some of my favorites ranging from $20 to $130!!!

The Biker

    Top Shop Biker Jacket $95

Bebe Pocket Detailed Jacket $69

Urban Outfitter Silence and Noise Biker Jacket $128

Arden B. Scuba Jacket $58

Express (Minus the) Leather Motorcycle Jacket $118

Guess Jade Moto Jacket $128

The Bomber

American Apparel Faux Leather Hoody $60

Wet Seal Rib Collar Jacket $40

Top Shop Wide Funnel Bomber Jacket $100

F21 Textured Leatherette Jacket $23

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.

Start the Year Off Right!

Happy New Year Everyone!  I have to admit that due to the full time job, family, and social life I have been a bad blogger.  Well it's time to embrace the New Year and I promise to be better!  In addition to kicking off the year by setting my top resolutions I also read an absolutely fabulous book recently released that EVERYONE must own:

You Know You Want It by Eric Daman

Eric Daman is the Costume Designer behind the hit series Gossip Girl and Creative Consultant for Charlotte Russe.  This book symbolizes everything that agirl2shop4u is about.  Fashion is about fit, inspiration, and how you feel and Eric demonstrates that you can be fashionable without spending the big bucks!!!

Here are my Top 10 reasons that you need to run to your local book store and get this book right away:

#1: The book is a master piece!  Colorful, beautiful, and full of INSPIRATION!
2. Leighton Meester's Foreword was so genuine it gave me goose bumps (no joke)
3. Shopping for jeans?  IGNORE THE SIZE--"More important than the number on the tag is how your potential denim soul mate actually fits"--Eric Daman (Smart Man)
4. Read about Investment Pieces v. "Trendy Fillers"--see if you can guess who paid more...
5.  Anyone who recommends Fruit of the Loom t-shirts for a basic tee buy is a genius in my eyes!
6. I heart the helpful "411's".  Read them.  They are great!
7. Find out what your fashion color palette is: "Think of yourself as the canvas and paint with your clothes, covering yourself in beautifully arranged colors that frame your face."--Eric Daman.
8. Chapter 8: Rule Breakers.  See how to wear the same piece regardless of what season it is.
9. This book will EXCEED your expectations with tips on tailoring, how to reorganize your closet, what belongs in your own personal styling kit, and much, much more.
10. "If you wish, create a different character every day. Your style should be fluid"--Eric Daman.  I LOVE IT!!!

Start your year off right!  Get EXCITED about fashion! 

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.

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.

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.