Although some looks felt risky, Diaz has managed to pull off every look to a T, hair and makeup included. Ladies, she’s a prime example of how important the entire look is…not just the clothes.

She stuck to a clean palette of black and white (one of my favorites) and proved that sometimes less is definitely more. In a sea of brights she really does stand out and its refreshing to see how two very basic colors can instantly feel so fresh and modern when styled correctly. With style like this, who needs A.Rod?

Here are some of our favorite B/W pieces that will work together effortlessly!

More Forever 21…

Seeing the dress in full length on Kate Winslet, I realized it’s not one that you could easily wear off the red carpet, I mean, for us normal folk…this is the kind of dress where you might need a slightly more subtle and affordable option.

Sheer is a big trend we’re seeing for Spring, but taking it from runway to reality can be a bit tricky. When done right, it projects a very feminine style that leaves just enough to the imagination.

This option at ASOS is perfect for getting J Lo’s look, and for only $63, it’s a total style steal. Sheer in all the right places plus, no tricky styling or undergarments needed! The sweetheart bodice and polka dots add a playful twist to the black body con shape.

Now just because we don’t have JLo’s American Idol style squad (Rob Zangardi and Mariel Haenn) doesn’t mean we can’t get the whole look at home. Pair the dress with black heels and some simple studs (nothing too over the top) and let the dress grab all the attention!

When it comes to hair, why not try a topknot- it’s easy to do, it looks fabulous and it will help show off the sheer detail on the dress. Finish it off with a smokey eye and you’re ready to take on the night diva style!

For more from Jammie, be sure to visit her blog, faithfullyfabulous.tumblr.com!

This has to be one of the most flattering Holiday looks out there.  Check out Ms. Alicia Keys sporting a Stella McCartney blazer, running around $1,800, along with a gorgeous gold sequin top and black tuxedo pants! Bam! Instant, easy glam and effortless cool.

I found pieces almost identical to Alicia’s and, yes, they have already been worn and re-worn to several Holiday get-togethers!

H&M has an amazing white and black tuxedo blazer for around $60…but I also found this one from Urban Outfitters which is a little more of an investment but trust me, it will pay off!!

And take a look at this gold top from ASOS. It’s only $40 and almost indistinguishable from the high-end version.

I also found some great black tuxedo pants from H&M that were only $35 or you can try this pair blue pair from New York & Co. for a fun color twist on the classic style for only $59.95!

These pieces are so interchangeable, that the options really are endless. You can add jeans with the gold top for a more casual look–or pair the blazer with a graphic tee, cobalt blue jeans and some ankle boots for a more downtown-vibe.

And the tuxedo jacket is a no-brainer New Year’s Eve option–throw it over any dress or wear it with a lacy bra or cami for a va-va-voom look!

So take a clue form Ms. Keys and knock the Tux right off your man…

But buyer beware…there’s a fine line between sexy and well… you know what. Too tight and too short is never a good combo and less is definitely more when it comes to the bust line here.  The goal here is just enough lace peeking out to to push the envelope, but not push it over the edge. It’s all about fine lines when it comes to  putting together an ensemble like this one!

Start by choosing a dress that’s body conscious but not too body barring, like this option from ASOS.  It shows off your body in just the right spots without feeling overexposed.  Whatever dress you choose, just make sure it doesn’t come off looking cheap, in the negative sense of the word. Bad construction and cheesy color combos can contribute to the mis-execution of this body hugging style.

If you’re going to spend substantially more on one piece, use it towards the dress. A lace bra can be found for almost nothing and still do the job just as well as anything expensive out there. And while Jessica has on loads of fabulous jewelry, in reality you would never wear quite that much. Tone it down with one or two rings, an arm party (not two) and one statement necklace.

Have fun playing dress up with this look and remember your goal is HOT yet understated and who knows… maybe your own JT will come running after you…

For more from Jammie, be sure to visit her blog, faithfullyfabulous.tumblr.com!

More Aldo…

While I was there I got to do one of my favorite things…window shop for designer goods! The US gets plenty of great items, but Europe and Asia typically get a different buy so it’s fun to see what they have that we don’t. And with the exchange rate and tax back incentives, sometimes you can save a few hundred dollars which this CheapChica loves!

One brand that I’ve recently been gravitating to more and more is MIU MIU.  I’ve been obsessing over their shoes and the boutique in Barcelona did not disappoint!  I made two trips here during my short stay and while I’m happy to report that it’s definitely cheaper there than it is here, I’m sad to say that I didn’t come home with any shoes (no 36’s!).

But I did come back inspired by their classic, yet cool styles so I was thrilled when I found a budget friendly version of one of the pairs I had to pass up.

This MIU MIU two-tone cap toe style (above) was one of my favorites and something I was totally willing to invest in.  They’re classic enough to last forever but interesting enough to spice up a basic outfit!

After a little bargain hunting online, I came across an almost identical pair from Zara that will totally fill my MIU MIU void! They have the same color combo and the only real difference (besides the price) is that they’re not patent. But now that I’ve had some time away from the MIU MIU’s…I may like the non-patent version even better than the originals!

Oh and did I mention that the Zara pair is only $89.90?! Get these fast ladies…they have high sell-out potential!

And just for fun, here are some pictures from my photoshoot for MNG by Mango…it was so much fun and I’m already planning my next trip back to Barcelona! More pics to come soon!

If you don’t already own a black and white striped sweater, finding one for a great price has got to be one of the easiest fashion tasks ever. Stripes are EVERYWHERE and I’m obsessed (and you kind of should be too).  This Tommy Hilfiger option from Macy’s is not only fabulous, but also versatile. Tuck it into an A line skirt and twirl around in it for a fun dressed up look like KK, pair it with jeans for running errands, or with black cigarette pants for a sophisticated option.

And hello: LEOPARD. Mixing stripes with the now neutral animal print is TDF for fall and you’re sure to have something spotted in your closet already.

I digress.  The A-line skirt is such a fun and flirty selection. It allows ones feminine side to shine. The style also frees us from all things SPANX and I don’t know about you but I’m more than ok with that from time to time.

Moving on to anything but basic, the colored bangles. An unexpected twist that just works. And if you want to up the ante with bright nails and a fun cocktail ring, all the better!

For more from Jammie, be sure to visit her blog, faithfullyfabulous.tumblr.com!

More Forever 21…

The entire ensemble is polished and glam yet effortlessly chic.  I especially love the fact that the oversized studded clutch stands alone as her accessory of choice.

As a minimalist myself in terms of accessorizing, Jessica, stole my heart with this one!

And can we talk about the ombre’ hair in brown, please? THIS is a look that I will be trying… its MAYjor. The perfect trend for fall without having to over commit by going for a whole new color.

Hair is what frames our entire look; when it looks good, we look good! It’s definitely an area that CPW (cost per wear) comes into play and pays off!  Will you be trying the ombre’ hair trend this fall?

I put together some pieces to help you make this look your own for less but it can also be done with darker and even more vibrant colors. The key to success with this ensemble is the simplicity of each individual item…but together, they’re anything but boring!

For more from Jammie, be sure to visit her blog, faithfullyfabulous.tumblr.com!

More Dezario…

I said no way and she totally agreed…we knew there would be a more affordable version along the way and it looks like our fashion prayers were answered!

I just saw an almost identical pair at F21 last week (they are not online for some reason) and fell in love. They have that same weathered/faded look like the Current Elliot ones do and IMHO that’s the key to making these very bold jeans look totally chic and not Jerseylicious at all! Or look for a pair in a super dark wash like this Gap pair so that you barely see the spots!

A few stores totally get our fascination with everything leopard this fall and now you can find these jeans at the Gap, Macy’s and even Charlotte Russe for under $50!

But remember ladies, simple is key here.  The hair, make up, top and accessories all need to be way toned down to pull off this wild look!

More Charlotte Russe…

While her outfits are more often costumes (who can forget the “meat dress”) than couture, Gaga gets it right with this mustard Viktor & Rolf suit with dramatic sunglasses and a black headband. This look is cool, wearable and definitely different.

Get this popstar’s look for less with this ASOS mustard tuxedo blazer for around $100. This tux blazer is such a style statement!

And, wearing the mustard blazer gives you a Gaga inspired look without totally committing to a completely avant-garde look (i.e. leave the black strapless bra peeking out of the mustard suit to Gaga).

Pair the mustard blazer with a black top and black pants- it’ll be figure flattering, and completely cool.

Try this striped knit blazer in charcoal/mustard for under $25 if you think the mustard color might not work with your skin tone.  Style this blazer with a white t-shirt underneath and jeans for a quirky causal look.

Not ready to try a mustard blazer? Then spend only 10 bucks on this Forever 21 scarf and wear it on top of a black blazer and jeans, over a boring black coat, or an all-black suit for a pop of this wonderfully offbeat color.

Regardless of which outfit you pick, wear your hair up with a headband and bold sunnies as your accessories. Take a lesson from Gaga, and don’t be afraid to be unique in your style choices!

You can get more of Rebecca’s style tips on her blog young-sophisticates.com and don’t forget to look out for her monthly Look for Less column here on CheapChicas!

I always have so much fun playing this game with Nate on the show and this time the lovely Barbara Corcoran got in on the action as well! Many of you have asked for details on all the fabulous bargain items I presented on the show, so here they are (a few are substitutes since the original item has sold out):

Look 1 $166.09: Cape/ Jeans/ Boots

Look 2 $82.79: Blouse/Midi Skirt/ Loafer Pumps

Look 3 $133.50: Sequin Top/ Tan Trousers

So…were you able to tell the “bank” from the “bargain”??