July 2009

I guess denim isn’t just for jeans and cowboys anymore…check out these super cute dresses from Forever 21 that feature the material in a totally new form!

These styles are perfect for those hot summer days when you want to look cute, but aren’t in the mood to really try.  My personal fave is the embroidered one with the bird/nature scape…it’s super kitchy, but super cool too! Or if you’re looking something more vintage inspired…this halter style is straight out of Marcia Brady’s closet, but in a really good way!

And all of these dresses are under $28 so there’s no reason not to go for a dressier denim and who really wants to wear jeans in the summer anyway?!?

It’s easy to find an amazing pair of jeans when you’re shopping for Paige, Rock & Republic and even the infamous Rag & Bone…but they’re completely OOOB (out of our budget) because these designer brands will cost you well over $150!

But you don’t have to spend whole lot to get that designer fit…for all the women out there who are jean obsessed (myself included) and are always looking for the perfect fit, I just found a pair that you’ll totally love!

I recently got to test drive a pair of jeans by Alias.  Like most of us, the Alias designers were sick of spending money on premium denim and decided to take matters into their own hands…and create a line that’s affordable for all of us!

The jeans were very comfortable, they had a nice medium weight and the rise wasn’t too low…but if your anything like me, you’ll have to make a trip to the tailor, because these jeans are just a bit too long for someone who’s only 5′2″.

Overall, these jeans fit well and I love the fact that they’re made from high quality denim, but that they only retail for $40! The only downside is that the jeans only come in one style, but I’m super anxious to see what else they have in store for all of us designer denim junkies on a budget!

In this new weekly feature, I’ve teamed up with  mystyle’s resident “star” reporter, Danielle Datu, who’s giving us the style scoop from her red carpet adventures with today’s hottest leading ladies!!

Seven Pounds star Rosario Dawson is a fashion heavyweight. The feminine and glam actress has been outfitted by some of the world’s most talented designers. Her personal favorite? Diane von Furstenberg.

“Diane is someone I’ve been a huge fan of for many, many years,” Rosario gushed. “Her prints are very loud. All you have to is put on great perfume and a really high heel and strut into a room. You can’t fall into the background with her stuff. Everyone takes notice.”

When something catches her eye, she stocks up. “I usually get more than one of whatever it is I really love,” said the exotic beauty, who’s big on accessories (“They give my look personality”). “If you find something that you like a lot, take that money and spend it. You’re going to end up using it over and over again.”

For more great StarStyle, be sure to visit mystyle.com!

OK girls, so I know you might love your Havaianas for the beach, but for the sidewalk why not try on something with a little more style?

While I usually opt for my go-to gladiators, sometimes I just want to slip into a shoe without having to buckle straps and that’s why having a dressier flip-flop is super important.

Look for luxe details like a great leather sole or a patent strap.  These updated thongs also come in a rainbow of bright colors, sparkly metallics and you’ll find some with great embellishments like this pair from Vera Wang for Kohl’s!!

An updated flip-flop is a great way to feel cool, casual and comfortable without feeling under dressed!  And here are a few styles that fit the bill on a budget…

This is the perfect Summer canvas…you can dress it down, dress it up and accessorize it to your heart’s content! It also comes in Cream and Magenta and for only $10.50 a pop why not get all three colors!?!

UPDATE: Yall must have really loved this item b/c I got several emails telling me that this is sold out in most colors and sizes…so here are some other options for solid colored tunics that are just as cute!

I’m not an iPhone owner yet…but I’m a total sucker for accessories and these AB Sutton covers plus the drop in iPhone prices, might just push me over the edge!

These covers come in a rainbow of colors and with options for a custom monogram or a cool cutout design, they are the latest and greatest in iPhone accessories!  They’re not exactly cheap with prices going up to $108 for a custom design, but since you saved so much on that new iPhone, it might just be a good buy!

And if you’re loyally devoted to your BlackBerry, don’t worry!  AB Sutton also makes cases for your Kindle, for your MacBook and for your regular old iPod so you can still get in on the action.  Cases for the Kindle start at $88, but I’ve got my heart set on a mongram cover for my laptop like this one!!

For the first time EVER, I had an “am I too old to wear this” moment this weekend…and the item in question was my favorite pair of cut-off jean shorts.

I wasn’t going anywhere special or trying to make a style statement, but I wanted to look cute and summer-y and in my mind, nothing looks cuter (and sexier) than a pair of cut-offs on a hot summer day.  In a way they signal that the summer is finally in full swing, but this year they also signaled that I’m getting older and beginning to walk that fine line between what’s acceptable and inappropriate for someone of my 29 years.

Now don’t get my wrong, I’m totally from the school of “if you got it flaut” it (in this case “it” being legs)…but within reason!  You can’t be the only person that thinks you got “it” and you need to have a high-level of self awareness of what truly looks good on your body.

I do not think that everyone can or should be allowed to wear short-shorts, but I wanted to put it out there…is approaching 30 too old to wear them?  Does it depend on the woman in question?  How short is too short?

In my case, I went for it and I actually felt really good about it!  I threw on a men’s V-neck, some gold gladiators and went on my merry way feeling very youthful and chic!

So if you do decide to take the short-short route, I suggest you balance them out with a loose tee or even a cute peasant top with a flat sandal.  And if you’re in your earlier twenties, I would even say it’s totally fine to pair them with heels…I love the pics above w/Nicole Ritchie in her heels/wedges!  She still looks ab-fab without looking the least bit trashy!

And check out these affordable and appropriate denim shorts below…

So all of you know I have a weakness for expensive shoes and these Jimmy Choo’s totally made me weak in the knees!  I tried these on at my local Nordstrom (just for fun of course) and dreamed of all the outfit possibilities and occasions that would be made more special by simply wearing these sunny gladiators on my feet…but all good things must come to an end and I quickly gave the $800 shoes back to the salesperson.

Well, know Bakers is offering up a very similar style called Tollie for $79.95 and while that’s not totally cheap, it’s a much better deal than the price of the originals!!

I’ve been super into the blazer/jacket thing lately, but I recently saw a way too expensive tuxedo jacket that I LOVED–just a bit dressier than a boyfriend or fitted blazer but still a bit of an edge.  Do you have any ideas on where to find a nice quality, super chic tuxedo jacket to add to my wardrobe? Thank!

Kaley

Hi Kaley,

I must say that I am super into the blazer look as well. Not only does it go with everything it also gives you the feeling of being powerful. No wonder why men wear it so often!

But, if you’re completely in love with a tuxedo jacket my advice to you is that it’s OK to splurge reasonably on items you can wear multiple times… especially if you find one that’s of superior quality.   I had the luxury of finding some amazing blazer/jackets for you that are completely on edge and that won’t break the bank…..

This AMAZING blazer from River Island is TDF.  I love how powerful and edgy the  jacket is, but because it comes in a gorge heather grey it allows the jacket to look modernly soft. Not only is it super cute but this is a jacket you can wear with practically anything!  This jacket will run you approximately $75, but it’s fashionably worth it and I might just have to purchase it for myself….

And eventhough I am head over heals for this jacket, here are few other suggestions I thought you would enjoy….

Hope this helps!!!