StarStyle

Do you yourself wearing those favorite pair of jeans, over and over again? What about that gorgeous, oh-so-comfy cardi? Or your go-to favorite handbag? Well, we’re all (even celebs)guilty of this crime, if you even want to call it that. I have a lot of favorites hanging in my closet, some of which are in constant rotation…#dontjudgeme. I am a girl on a budget, right?

And since we always turn to some of Hollywood’s A-List fashionistas to see how they’re wearing that coveted bag or dress, there’s nothing better than seeing how they, too, switch up and pair their favorites with little to no effort…some prefer shoes, others bags but regardless of what they like, they always make their go-to’s look super stylish and fresh!

We’re always looking out for the latest trend or new cute thing to buy, but this weekend, we challenge you to take a look at your favorites and have fun re-mixing them with what you already own…a simple change of shoes or pants could make it feel totally new again!

And trust us, it’s OK to be a repeat offender…as long as you’re styling it differently each time. This is one fashion crime that’s CheapChica approved!

So I was neither here nor there about the red carpet tonight…no one looked a hot mess and no one totally blew me away.  But here are my picks for best dressed–and this means overall best–I’m taking into account the hair, make-up, accessories, shoes, etc…

Emma Stone in Lanvin…

Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang (caliente!)…

Nicole Richie in Julien McDonald (but I would have kept the belt as seen on the runway)…

Julianna Margulies in Naeem Khan

(my FAVE–dying over the earring and gown color combo–stunning!)…

Angelina Joie in Atelier Versace…

and Jessica Biel in Elie Saab.

And in case you didn’t notice- I’m all over this long-sleeved gown thing happening…it’s so elegant and old Hollywood (and perfect when your arms aren’t in shape like mine!). So who were your favorites? And are you excited for this red carpet season or did this make you wary of red carpets to come?  Oh bring on the award season fun!

Karl Lagerfeld has described her as “beautiful..and clever… A modern girl”.  I have to say, knowing nothing about the girl except what she wears, I’d have to agree. Alexa Chung has created a signature style for those girls who want to look too cool to follow every trend but too hip not to give their clothes some thought.

Enter her second collaboration with Madewell. It launches today and I am so excited. To be perfectly honest, I didn’t really care much about this launch until I was on the hunt for a pair of silk non-pajama pajama pants, like these from Tommy Hilfiger (only less expensive).  I saw Alexa’s version for Madewell and thought, how cute!?

My other faves from this line are the square heeled leopard boots and the pumpkin colored chiffon dress. With this collection, she’s given all of us some of the tools to copy her uber cool vibe! So if you’re done with your celebrity/designer capsule collection detox post the Target Missoni experience (BAaa-nAAn-as!!), this is one release you will want to tune in for. The pieces are understated outfit-makers in a uniquely Alexa sort of way.

And, did I mention some are even affordable? How clever.

It seems that designer collaborations are all the rage as of late. I mean, who has not marked their calendar for the, Missoni release at Target next month? My wardrobe is full of “designer X for store Y”, as is yours, no?

So just in time for fall DKNY has teamed up with Gossip Girl costume designer, Eric Daman, to bring us the most TDF tights. I mean, you just have to see these!

And with the price range of $15-$24 this is something that every cheap chica just has to add to her wardrobe.

And the tights in the collection are not anything boring and basics.  We aren’t talking about the nude hosiery that Princess Di used to wear, we’re not even talking about the nude stockings that Kate and Pippa seem to love…for Fall, it’s all about Serena and Blair.

Now not all roads lead to ensemble excellence, when it comes to pulling off patterned tights, you have to tread with caution. S & B have incredible style and can pull off the most fashion forward of patterns with their plaid skirts and graphic tops, but they can’t do it alone…that’s where Eric comes in!

He knows his way around hoisery better than any other stylist out there and his collaboration has this tight collector very excited to put on her best UES outfit! The Eric Daman for DKNY collection is available this month at Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, DKNY and DKNY.com.  The collection consists of eight amazing hosiery styles, comprised of full length tights and over-the-knee,
so get ready!

Now if your a tight novice, here are some easy tips to get you started with this trend…

Stick to the basics. Think solids and neutrals and let the legs do the work. Tights will be the LBD’s new BFF this fall/winter season.

Simple shoes are a must.  A patterned or embellished shoe might be too much initially. A basic black pump or boot works best and it’s mistake-proof!

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

I have to confess I am a huge Real Housewives of New York City Fan. Now whether I am rooting for team blonde or team brunette during this season’s endless feuding is undecided. But one thing is for sure; Kelly Bensimon wins the prize for the most stylish NY housewife.

Say what you want about her sanity, the girl’s got style…she surfs between boho to preppy to rocker chic in the blink of an eye, and can carry them all off effortlessly.

The secret to her metamorphasizing (not a word but I like it) style is that she is true to her personal fashion sense. She recently said in a magazine interview, “style is defined by what you love” and I couldn’t agree more! You can tell she loves every piece she wears. How you might ask…well, because she can make even the most basic white button down shirt and jeans look like a unique work of art. Oh and that covet-worthy hair definitely helps too!

Give her something as simple as a navy camisole and white jeans and she makes it look fresh and new with unexpected bangles and statement accessories. It is all part of her cool, casual and authentic styling. Whether it’s a crazy mix of bracelets and layered necklaces or a pop of color and flawless tan, the girl certainly turns heads and is the poster child for being sexy in your 40’s!.

Her looks scream effortless and summer with the perfect balance of classic and trendy. Tell me what you think…about her style, not her sanity!

You don’t usually hear “gown” and “jean jacket” in the same sentence…one connotes luxury, glamour, and special-occasion while the other is casual, sweet, and everyday. When Chanel precedes gown, as in Chanel gown worn with a jean jacket, the pairing seems even more uncommon and, dare I say it, obscene. It’s like that Sex and the City line about putting ketchup on an expensive steak…stop you’re ruining it!

But January Jones wore this exact combo out to dinner in LA, and I’m actually digging it. The jacket makes this runway worthy dress much more wearable for a night out instead of just reserving it for red carpet events. The pairing has a casual, I’m not trying too hard feel about it yet she looks ab-FAB in it!

Unlike JJ, most of us don’t have Chanel gowns just lying around that need to be toned down for an event, but I do love the idea behind this…I can think of plenty of dresses in my closet that feel way to fancy for a casual date night.

Nicky Hilton also tried this look at a recent book signing. Her black velvet skirt, pointy black heels, and black and white top may have been too night-time for a day event, but she threw a cuffed denim jacket on top- SHAZAM! She looks chic and put-together, but still approachable and relaxed.

Is Jones’ style too much? Go for Hilton’s. Either way, you’ve greatly increased your wardrobe with just one piece. And if you’ve already got one and are looking for a great update to this classic…try a jean blazer like this one.  It still has that same casual vibe, but in a more tailored look!

I used my Gap coupon to get myself a new jean jacket and I’m in search of new ways to style it so I’ll be sure to keep sharing…how do you style your jean jacket??

More Sparkle & Fade…

Nicole Richie looks 60’s chic in her Winter Kate Nicole Sequin Mini, but the only problem for me is that this dress is $795! This is way more than I’m willing to spend on a party dress so for those of you out there who may be working with the same non-existent budget as me, no worries! I’ve found some options that sparkle just as bright for way less.

The key to wearing sequins is to play down the rest of your look. Nicole paired this “look at me” dress with black tights and black heels  and IMO it couldn’t be more perfect. There are some very good reasons for keeping the rest of the outfit simple: 1) Because you never want to overdo it; and 2) you want all the focus to be on that one showstopping piece!

Black tights are one of my favorite accessories during the winter. They can take that super mini and make it totally appropriate for cold weather (or I guess more appropriate if you add a parka!).  And to be perfectly honest, this sequin tunic might just be too short to wear with bare legs. The whole vibe of this outfit channels one of  my favorite style icons, Edie Sedgwick, but if this doesn’t fit your personality don’t fear there are plenty of sparkling looks out there!

So whatever your sequins fancy, make sure you are not over doing it, find a dress or top that fits your own personal style and shine on with these options below for less than $100!

More Rare…

When I saw this picture of Cameron Diaz at the Good Morning America show, I started rifling through my closet to put together the same outfit! She has great sense of style (or a great stylist!).

She is wearing Elizabeth & James silk shorts, a white tee, an adorable Rag & Bone light blue blazer, and Chloe wedges. She looks fresh and perfectly put together. For me, Cameron’s style is a reflection of her personality. She always looks fresh and FUN – the definition of casual chic.

I also found this picture of Cameron at the premiere of her new movie, Knight and Day. Here she’s wearing a Lavin black dress and Lavin heels with a gold chain around the ankles. A simple black dress, but the draping gives it just a hint of sass, as do the gold chains on the shoes.

To top off her amazing style, she just finished up a telethon for the Gulf of Mexico oil spill on Larry King Live. She gets BIG bonus points from this Florida girl!

Score Cameron’s casual style ala CheapChica with these items below!

More Betsey Johnson…

Sorry to be so late on this one, but better late than never!!

I love a good award show… but let’s be honest – what I really tune in for is the parade of glitzy dresses, flashy clutches and sparkly heels! The 2010 MTV Movie Awards did not disappoint! Young Hollywood was dressed to impress and my top pick of the evening was Ms. Whitney Port.

Looking fresh and perfectly styled, Whitney wore a beige and yellow dress by Yigal Azrouel (Spring/Summer 2010). She completes the look with her mile long legs and Sergio Rossi booties.

This snug dress compliments Whitney’s long and lean figure. And it was just the right touch of “statement” for the infamous MTV Movie Awards!  Now the bad thing is, all that “statement” will set you back about one month’s rent ($1240), but thanks to one of my favorite new sites, you can get this exact dress for $150!

IMO, Rent the Runway is totally genius and for a special occasion there’s really no better option- I mean you’re probably only going to wear the dress once anyway so why not “borrow” something totally fabulous and designer for a fraction of what it would cost to actually purchase the dress?!?

Click here to find out more about how their service works and and if you’re not yet a member, click here to join for FREE!