On the Runway: Karl Lagerfeld

NY Fashion Week just wrapped up recently, with the hottest models strutting the Fall 2010 collections down the runway.  So in honor of that, I backtracked a little to take a peek at some of the hottest trends for Spring.  One of my faves - Karl Lagerfeld's collection.  It's fairly simple with a lot of black and white, plus a pop of orange-red thrown in there. 

Okay, so I wouldn't exactly try to pull off those giant off-the-shoulder sleeves or what I believe is a basically a romper in the center - because, well, I'd look ridiculous.  So how do you to translate those styles to a real closet and a real budget?  Here's a few suggestions: 

 Top Left:  Short-Sleeve Tee with Cut-Out Sleeves in Black, $34.00

Bottom Left: Wide-Elastic Belt w/Metallic Buckle, $4.99

Right: (Deal of the Day) V-Neck Silk Tank Dress in Red, $22.10**

And a few more: 

 Left:  (Splurge) Button-Front Dress w/Elasticized Waistband and Keyhole Back, $79

Center:  Pleated-Stud Zipper Belt, $4.99

Right:  Button-Front Woven Collared-Dress in Gray, $37

Some cute looks and good deals!  But oh, the shoe addict in me couldn't ignore the heals that accompanied Mr. Lagerfeld's styles.  Have a closer look: 

The look for less:

 

 Left:  Peep-Toe, High-Heeled Gladiator Sandal in Black (also available in Taupe & White), $22.20**

Center:  Open-Toe, High-Heeled Studded Sandal in Black (also in Gray or Cream), $29.90**

Right:  Buckle-Trip Peep-Toe Bootie in White, $28.40

Hot!  I'm not the biggest fan of flat-sandals in general, but I can't walk around in platform heels all the time, either.  So here's your flats: 

  Black Vegan Leather Sandal, $15

I've also got a few Bonus Savers for you: 

**Get 20% off your order at UrbanOg.com with coupon code SPRING, or get free shipping with code FREESHIP

Free Shipping off any Go Jane Purchase over $50 -- GJSHIP50

Get $5 coupon code from Lulus.com when you sign up for their e-mail list.

What do you think of these Karl Lagerfeld-inspired looks?  Have you found any other runway-inspired looks for less?

<3 BF

Spy Games

(Note: Today features several splurges -- but the deal of the day is worth it!)
The trench coat - it's a classy silhouette with a twist of mystery and sex appeal.  And that's why it's a staple for any female spy.  Just ask Amy Adams:

And lucky for you, there's a great deal on an amazing GUESS trench at TJ Maxx.  This is a splurge, but it's a staple piece, and it's quality.

 

Splurge:  GUESS Belted Black Trenchcoat with White Stitching, Retail apprx. $140, TJ Maxx $69.95 (also available in red!)

And did you notice the handbag?  Of course you did.  It's the perfect size for storing all your spy-gear:  lipstick cameras, pen mics, thermal binoculars, etc. 

Splurge: GUESS black handbag, Retail over $100, TJ Maxx $49.95

Warning:  This purse is hot, but it is not made to repel buildings (ala Angelina Jolie in Mr. & Mrs. Smith).  At least, I haven't found that function yet.

No lady-spy can be without a kick-a** pair of stilettos.  These BCBGeneration ones are killer (and I think that could be literal with such a sharp heel).  I'm normally not a fan of the elastic look, but once on, these shoes are nearly impossible to pass up.  And they're surprisingly comfortable!  Try them on for yourself and see if I'm wrong.

BCBGeneration Candela Stilettos in Black, Retail $75, TJ Maxx $39.95

And finally, you need a great pair of shades to hide your intentions from prying eyes.  With all that black, let's throw a little color in the wardrobe.  How about these from Oscar de la Renta?  And by the way, check out that pricetag!  I didn't even have to buy them from some sketchy sunglasses dealer on the streets of NYC.

Deal of the Day: O by Oscar de la Renta Sunglasses, TJ Maxx $10

Now the only thing you need to complete the look is one of these (and no, I'm not talking about the gun):

Summer Lovin'

I don't know about you, but all this winter weather has made me long for some sandals and summer dress temperatures.   And luckily, TJ Maxx has some deals to start stocking up.

This is my favorite buy of the day.  It's a Calvin Klein dress for half price!  This is really one of those you have to try it on to love it dresses, but the bright strokes of blues and yellow instantly bring sunny summer days to mind.

Calvin Klein Strapless "Watercolor" Dress, Reg. at least $100/ TJ Maxx $49.95

Note to "Mad Men" lovers - TJ Maxx has several CK 60's-styled dresses that seem to have been pulled straight from the small screen - and all under $50!

Need a sexy LBD for those summer parties?  Here's a great deal I discovered in the clearance racks.  Check out the on-trend pearl/jeweled neckline!

Ribbon-tie, halter dress with pearl/jewel/sequin "necklace" neckline, TJ Maxx Clearance $15

You can't be beach ready without an amazing bathing suit coverup.  And this turquoise knit dress by Vertigo is the perfect choice.  It even has two little square pockets on the front that are perfect size to keep your i.d.s and cash in so you don't have to lug the beach bag everywhere. (Except of course for your sunscreen.  Sadly, there's no place for that in this dress).  Or put it over a simple short white cotton dress and be bohemian-chic for a cafe lunch.    Plus, the clearance price on this makes this the Deal of the Day.

Deal of the Day:  Vertigo Knit Dress in Turqoise. Suggested Retail Price $185/ TJ Maxx Clearance $23! 

And while you're preparing for those hot temperatures to come, you need some equally hot sandals.  Hello Nine West!

Splurge of the Day:  Nine West Bejeweled Sandals, Retail $75/ TJ Maxx $39.95

Summer, here I come!

(Note:  All of these deals were found in store at the TJ Maxx in Murfreesboro, TN.)

Dazzle your Feet and Your Wallet

I have a new obsession.  It's called ShoeDazzle -- the genius brainchild of, get this, Kim Kardashian.  When it comes to fashion marketing, this girl really does get it. 

Here's how it works.  Remember those "jam-of-the-month" clubs -- this is like that -- except SO much better!  You answer a questionnaire (and by answer, I mean you click on pictures.  See, even that part's easy).  That determines your general fashion tastes.  Then, ShoeDazzle's personal stylists suggest 5 pair of shoes for you every month. You then pick which ones you love and have them sent to you (included in the membership cost:  $39.95/month).  So for those fashionistas who don't have time to hit the stores for great deals, this is perfect.  The bonus is that you don't have to do this every month.  You can choose to "skip this month" between the 1st and the 5th.  If you don't, but don't want to buy, your ShoeDazzle account gets credited so you can use that fee towards another shoe purchase over the next year.

Also note, if you don't love the 5 pairs picked out for you, let them know.  They'll keep trying until they get it right.

If you want to try it out, you will have to give them your credit card info, but you won't be charged until you decide to actually buy a pair of shoes.

Want to see an example of the shoe selection?   Here's my first month, and I love them:

Want to give your favorite fashionistas the hook-up for Christmas?  ShoeDazzle does giftcards, too!  Just purchase however many months you want to give.

Still not sure?  You can also check them out on Facebook to see what people are saying.

Do you use ShoeDazzle?  If so, what do you think of it?  Or if you're just now signing up, what kind of selection did they give you?

Steal Her Style: Kristin Cavallari

The Bargain Fashionista is back -- and this time with a cooly-casual look from Kristin Cavallari.  She looked  perfect for fall when she hit the streets wearing a red-plaid Elizabeth & James button down and black skinny jeans.  An Alexander Wang Duffle with grommet detailing on the bottom and the Ray-Ban sunglasses are relaxed, while black Louboutin pumps add a little sex appeal.  

Steal her Style:

Avoid looking lumber-jack with a soft, sheer plaid shirt like the Derek Heart Plaid Voile Shirt, $13.99 - bad news, it's only available in x-small now.

If that doesn't work, you can pick up this Chaps Plaid Shirt for $28.99

Black Skinny Jeans by ELLE, $19.99

Get that Classic Wayfarer-Inspired look with these Joel Goodson Sunglasses, $5.99

Black-Patent Peep Toe Pumps kick up the sex appeal, $21.99

Finish your look off with Hollywood Intition's Black Satchel with Brass Tone Studs, $18.88

Splurge of the Day:

Pick up a little extra edge with the chain detail on the zipper of this Extra Large Hobo from Christian Siriano for Payless, $34.99.

What do you think of Kristin's look: love the plaid, or is it only a passing fad?

Mad Men

This time,I hit the store to find some great buys instead of digging online. And right now is a great time to do so. Kohl's has several racks full of clearance clothes, including a lot of dresses for Under10. But first --

Favorite Find:  This mock-layered dress is too cute. It's belted with a short turtleneck. The a-line cut is flattering to pretty much anyone, and the whole thing reminds me a little of the fashion in "Mad Men." I paired it with this layered necklace by Candie's.  This dress, normally $58, is on sale for $37.70.  The necklace was about $12.00.  (Note:  I can't find either of these online.  If you can, please link me.)

If you're willing to spend a little more, pick up these black, oxford-style heels by UnionBay.  They're only $24.99 right now, and they go great with a lot of fall/winter styles.

 

Keep warm this fall/winter with this cable-knit sweater dress.  It comes in six colors, but my eye was on the teal.  I layered it over a long-sleeve gray shirt (check the Back to the Basics sale for a good deal on those).  I also added a white belt Simply Vera by Vera Wang.  It was less than $10 on clearance.  The dress is $27.99, but if you order it online right now, enter the code HOMECOMING at checkout and you'll save an extra %20!  Works well over a pair of tights or leggings, too. 

Want to accessorize?  This white, beaded cuff bracelet and matching necklace contrast great against the teal, and match the belt.  Best of all, they're less than $5.00 each!  That's your dress, belt and jewelry for less than $50 (cheaper if you order the dress online).

Best buy of the day:  This empire-waist dress was $8.90!  Hold onto it for your New Year's parties.  Like the other clearance items, you'll have to hit the stores for this one.  The layered-necklace is also available for less than $10.00 I believe.

Three great deals today.  I'll keep an eye out on the "Mad Men" dress for any more price reductions.  If you like the last one, I recommend going to your nearest Kohl's as soon as possible.  Note: all of these styles were found in the Murfreesboro, TN, Kohl's.

And now I leave you with this (I think I'm in love)--

Splurge of the Day: 

Gray faux-suede, calf-high boots with a bow accent.  $49.99 online (down from $79.99) Also available in black or brown.