Best Bang For Your Buck

With November finally here and the holidays around the corner it is vital for us to look fashionable and sexy. Sometimes it can be hard managing money while in the process of buying gifts and going to the grocery store for baking items. Of course we spend more money during the holiday season than any other time. I usually get asked the same question around this time of year from my girlfriends in college "Where can I find a cute and affordable outfit while still having left over cash for basics, gifts and groceries." Simple. Check out my dress guide below, every dress under $50!

This Frenchi Boxy High/Low Dress ($44) is great with a leopard or sparkly belt. Add spunky jewelry or go simple with diamond stud earrings. Pair a neutral heel, wedge or boot with this and accompany it with a pair of tights if needed. 

Snatch this cozy Buttoned Sweater Dress ($23) that can be paired with simple jewels, booties (pictured above), heels or knee-high boots. Opt for long waves or sleek bun. 

This stylish Polka Dot Ponte Peplum Dress ($29) is fashion forward while also providing a sweet and sassy vibe. Pair with black heels and classic jewelry, something clean and effortless.

The Open Back Lace Skater Dress ($30) is flirty and fun and would look fab with some nude or sparkly heels. Red is a perfect holiday color and a hue you can take with you all year round. 

This bold City Triangles ($25) frock is great if you are looking for something eye catching and a little bit more dramatic. Add black, glimmering accessories and choose straightened hair or a sleek bun. 

FALaLa (Fall Preview 2012)

As I was browsing through some brilliant "September Issue" magazines today, I seriously had some "OMG!," "Die!," and "I want that soooo bad" kinda moments. Really. I have never been more ready for fall. Maybe because I am working retail and boots and cute pants are arriving or  possibly because I am dreaming of when the 100 degree temps will suffocate. Either way, I totes have to share with you what I found, for what to expect and flaunt this fall. 

Flared LBD's

Get this Sheer Accent Flared Dress at Armani Exchange ($128) as your signature fall statement frock. The sheer lace adds the perfect amount of sexy while still keeping it simple and classy. Add fun bangles and earrings to complete the A+ look. 

Pendant Necklaces

Snatch one of these desired Kate Spade New York 'Desert Stone' Long Pendant Necklaces ($98). These are perfect to wear with jeans and a t-shirt. Try keeping everything else simple in your ensemble while adding the perfect touch with this ornate piece.

Bright Coats

Touch up your fall look with a bright coat to liven the outfit. This gorgeous Juicy Couture Chelsea Coat  ($398) is great for those fall days and nights. While most coats are going to be pricey, remember you are investing in something that will last several years. Pick a color that will always be in style such as red or black.

Festive Pants

Totally in love with these Women's Tribal Print Leggings by Kardashian Kollection ($22). While they may market them as leggings, they are thick and comfortable just like a pant. Absolutely a must have! (Top Secret: If you can't get your size online, check your local Sears store. I saw tons this weekend!)

Sparkly Headbands

This spunky headband is great to wear with any outfit you choose for the afternoon. The flirty, Sparkling Beaded Headband ($7) can be found at Forever 21. Toss this on while your beachy locks are blowing in the wind or while sporting a sassy, high pony tail.

Collar Necklaces

Pair your collar necklace over dark separates or a lace blouse. You can also rock one of these with a plunging v-neck to hide a bit of skin, or spice your look up with two collar necklaces, making a simple top look high-end. This Enamel and Python Chain Back Collar Necklace can be purchased at Express ($40).

Purple, Please

One of my favorite colors is having a HUGE, MAJ, moment this fall. Get your purple on whether it be your tops, pants, accessories, sunnies or handbags. You cannot go wrong. These grape colored heels are perfection. Get your tush to Target now and get these Paisley Platform Pumps ($30) just in time for the crisp weather.

Chic In The City

I passionately respect Jessica Alba for so many reasons. One of them being her exquisite sense of style. As I mentioned last week in Les Chic, Les Chien (Week Five) post, "The girl can do no wrong. She looks hot in sweat pants for christ sake." I stay true to those exact words. Absolutely. For some reason, I am always attracted to her ensembles and secretly want to research every outfit so I can find out the designer and make my purchase. Thank goodness I don't have the time to do something like that or I would be in some serious trouble. I totally had to do a preview of this outfit she was photographed in this weekend, because I seriously adore her taste in fashion and hope I am as chic of a mom as her one day. 

Jess walks the streets of NYC (with a Starbucks in hand, of course) as she models a simple and trendy white dress while mingling blue sunnies, a peach colored cross body bag and bright bracelets together.

Get a similar look to Jessica's below.

Cute and flirty Embroidered Pintuck Dress can be found at Gap ($70).

Girly and vibrant Just Called to Say Hibiscus Bag can be purchased at ModCloth ($48).

Bold and sassy Wayfarer Sunglasses are at your local Forever 21 ($6).

Fun and vivid Silver Tone Bead Coil Bracelets are now on sale at Kohl's ($13).

Spitting Image

I recently came upon a photo of a celebrity that I admire and was gushing over a gorgeous necklace she was wearing. Sadly, after some research, I found out the necklace was a couple thousand dollars. I tried to comprehend the fact that while I am obsessed with fashion, it just wasn't a smart decision financially to try to invest in something so expensive. I got to looking around online and found some inexpensive look a-likes. I realized it wasn't that hard to find something very similar. Below are some of my favorite celeb looks for less. Enjoy!

Ashley Olsen taking a stroll in some gorge gold bangles, wears them with an oversized sweater (as shown). Dress it up with a LBD and grab the similar 'Hammered Mesh Bangle Set' for just $9. 

Jessica Alba flashes these fun two - toned sunnies while nearing her car in LA. Sport these with any ensemble and get the complementary pair for $6.

At Comic - Con in San Diego, CA, Ashley Greene rocks a caramel colored stone ring. Purchase the Tiger's Eye cocktail ring for $29, that truly resembles Miss Greene's.

The Perfect Stocking Stuffer

Start stocking up! Many celebs are amping up their style with wildly patterned hosiery. The key with these printed tights is to stick with basic prints in dark colors. With going past the proper guidelines, anything other than mentioned can add unwanted expansion to even very small legs.

Get these fun, flirty tights by BCBGeneration: Snake Tights for $28.

These tights by Kate Spade New York: Diamond Sheer Tights at Bloomingdales for $28, are perfect to pair with an adorable little black dress.

 Check out these adorable Leopard Knit Tights at Forever 21 for $7.



Chunky Knits

You can bundle up in these sweater-style pieces for a look that is soft, comfy and sweet. Just in time for those windy winter days, find your favorite chunky knit to keep you toasty and cozy. Try for the Roxy Cozy Down Sweater for $60 or my personal favorite, the Ralph Lauren Shawl Hand-Knit Cardigan for $598.

You can find chunky knits in scarves, neck warmers, gloves and hats too.

Look for an adorable and affordable Open Knit Neck Warmer at Forever 21 for $13.

The perfect knit hat for the holiday season is found at Nordstrom, the Collection XIIX Embellished Beret for $28.