Dialogue: The Menswear Trend

What do you think about the "menswear trend"? Oversized blazers, oxford shirts, trousers...

Neiman Marcus, Urban Outfitters, Gap and many other retail stores have defined it as one of this season's hottest trends, but how moved are you to actually add it to your fall wardrobe?

Neiman Marcus, Urban Outfitters, Gap

Love it or hate it? Comment below.

Scarves Around Your Neck

If your workplace/studyplace is as freezing as mine, scarves will be a must even earlier this fall.

Below is a collage of some trendy and budget-friendly scarves. Gotta have them all!

Lorena Abstract Scarf, $7.80 at Forever21

H81 Antique Floral Scarf, $7.80 at Forever21

Scarf Thai C, $14.90 at Mango

Copia Printed Scarf, $20 at Urban Outfitters

Apt. 9 Leopard Scarf, $11.25 at Kohls

Americana Plaid Scarf, $19.50 at Guess

Blurred Ikat Scarf, $8.99 at Charlotte Russe

Animal Print Silk Scarf, $10.80 at Forever21

Happy Shopping :)

Boots Are Made For...

I love shoes. And of course my favorite are boots. However, growing up in an island it was hard to find an appropriate time to wear them!

Throughout my life, I moved around a bit and had the opportunity to finally live in places where boots were a must rather than a want. 

Fall is just around the corner and I can't wait to try on some of these affordable and gorgeous styes! Over the knee boots are a must-have this fall season, I've included some on this post but also showed some variety... not sure how comfortable those over the knee boots are!

A Pop of Color

Charle's Albert Amanda Women's Boot in Red, $30.90 at Endless

Sexy Plexy

Knee-High Leather Boot in Double Expresso, $44.99 at Newport-News

 

Feeling Navajo

Unionbay Women's Midwest Boot in Chestnut, $36.88 at Endless

Never Never Land 

Over-the-Knee Boots in Charcoal, $44.99 at Charlotte Russe

Once Upon a Time...

Ankle Boot with Bow Detail in Light Grey, $49 at Newport-News

Over the Knee Cowgirl

Knee High Cowboy Boots, $42.99 at Charlotte Russe

For a Rainy Day

Nomad Puddles Artistic Rain Boot, $39.95 at DSW

Happy Shopping :)

Ooh La La! Rue La La Goes Mobile

Among the "Exclusive Access to Designer Fashion for Less" links you see to the right of this post is one of my favorite invitation-only, online destinations for designer items at 50%-80% off - Rue La La. 

Rue La La members enjoy access to private "designer boutique" sales, each open for just two days.  Starting next week you will be able to shop Rue La La's boutiques from your mobile phone via m.ruelala.com. 

To say merci to all of you who make a purchase with your iPhone between August 24 - August 28, Rue La La will hand you a $25 iTunes gift card and iPhone cover. C'est très facile! 

Become an exclusive Rue La La member today with this invitation. 

Happy Shopping :)

¡Olé! Fall Nail Colors Inspired by España

OPI's Fall/Winter 2009 Collection

Just because the summer is almost over doesn't mean that treating yourself to a regular mani & pedi should come to an end. The best part is that you can get a full mani & pedi session for only $35 in most US cities or you can even do it yourself with some help from the nearest

 drugstore. 

Keep up with this hygiene and beauty routine no matter the season and stay on top of the latest nail polish hues to match your outfits.

I just came back from getting a well deserved mani & pedi myself and had a chance to try OPI's Fall/Winter 2009 España Collection. I am loving every one of OPI's 12 new shades which not only includes the expected dark tones but also features pinks, greens, orange and brown colors.

I had a hard time choosing a color from the collection, but their clever names made it so much fun! 

(left to right)

Barefoot in Barcelona

Can You Tapas This?

Give Me Moor!

Suzi Skis in the Pyrenees

Here Today... Aragon Tomorrow

Manicurist of Seville

Pink Flamenco

No Spain, No Gain

Ate Berries in the Canaries

Pamplona Purple

Conquistadorable Color

Bullish on OPI

Check them out yourself at your favorite nail salon or beauty supply shop. These usually go for $8.50.

Which one is your favorite?

Happy Shopping :)

Recession-Proof Stylish Jeans

Close the Gap Between Fashionable Jeans and Affordable Jeans.

Hit your nearest Gap store today to check out their new 1960 Premium Jeans Collection,  featuring comfortable, stylish pairs of jeans that go for under $60!  

Staying fashionable without sacrificing comfort, Gap's new jean collection includes an array of styles that fit every body shape and lifestyle. 

Shop for their "Perfect Boot, "Sexy Boot", "Real Straight", "Long and Lean", Curvy" and "Always Skinny" styles in regular, petite and tall sizes today and enjoy $20 off for a limited time only. Gap's new 1960 Premium Jeans Collection - available in different washes, colors and distressed jean styles -  are making designer jeans rethink their price tags.

Ashlee Simpson-Wentz at the West Hollywood launch party 

for Gap's 1960 Premium Jeans Collection. 

Happy Shopping :)

What to Wear: For Work

Business Casual 

I've had a couple of requests from readers who would like some suggestions on how to dress for a "business casual" work environment.  It's a lot easier than it sounds and there really is no excuse to look your best at work and stay on a budget.

I developed three basic looks that will take you through the week without spending a fortune. 

The Flirty, Chic and Professional Dress

This dress will fool your co-worker's eyes in many ways. First, it's a one piece dress and second, it is so affordable you'll have people lining up at your cube to ask where it's from!

When wearing a dress to work, please keep in mind the following:

• Make sure your cleavage and back are well covered. Leave the strapless dress outside your workplace, if you want to flirt with your boss you're going to have to wait until after 5 pm. 
• Keep your dress's length right above the knee. No one wants to see your privates when you bend over to pick up the documents you dropped on the floor. 
  
• Don't be afraid of bright colors! Use them wisely and moderately. Remember you're not  a circus clown, but you don't need to match the office carpet either.

Get this look:

Sequin Hearts 2-Fer Chiffon Dress, $32.88 at Dillard's 

Double Pearl Necklace,$6 at Charlotte Russe

Mirror Bangles Set, $24 at Topshop

Framed Patent Tote in Scarlet, $44 at Newport News

I Wear the Pants at Work

At work, you want to be both chic and comfortable, this easy and affordable business casual look is the trousers and top look.

When wearing pants and a top to work, keep in mind the following:

• No tight pants. Leggings and stretchy, body clinging bottoms will not lead to a  promotion.  You have plenty of time to show off your tush après work. Go for the wide leg, curvy styles.
• Buy neutral, easy to iron trousers that you can easily mix and match with cute tops.
• Make sure your twins are hiding under that nice flirty top. Youcan be sexy and feminine   without showing the world that pair of DD's.
• When wearing a tank top, like the one on the picture, wear a cardigan or jacket on top to go from casual to business casual. 

Get this look:

Breezy Idyll Tank, $39.95 at Anthropologie 

Pointelle Cardigan in Apple Green, $24.99 at Charlotte Russe

Wide Leg Trousers in Dark Green, $59.59 at Gap

Lauren Ralph Lauren "Alhambra" Multi Bead Cascade Earrings, $38 at Bloomingdale's 

Blu Bijoux Gold Circle Bangle Set, $17 at Max & Chloe

Deena & Ozzy Tweed Chain Bag in Brown, $42 at Urban Outfitters

Karmel Pleated Wedge, $22.99 at Payless 

The Classic Pencil Skirt

These are some classic, must-have pieces that are perfect for business casual attire. 

When wearing a pencil skirt and button down shirt to work, keep in mind:

• The skirt shouldn't be too tight, nor too short.
• Make sure you're not popping out of your shirt, you don't want to blind someone with a flying button. Use a small safety pin to close any gaps.

Get this look:

Essential Stretch Long Sleeve Shirt in Pitch Black, $39.50 at Express

High-Waist Pencil Skirt in Bold Bloom, $34.75 at Express

Black Patent and Croco Bag, $39 at Newport News

Sterling Silver Shell Pearl Stud Earrings, $7.99 at Kolh's

Peep Toe Pump in Natural/Black, $49.99 at Nine West 

Happy Shopping :)

The Fall Fashion Book

Leopard, Red, Grey Autumn 

Fall is probably one of my favorite seasons when it comes to fashion. The temperature usually allows you to wear some summer items while layering them with key fall pieces that you can wear right into winter.

This fall expect to see red, leopard and grays all over.

Below is a cute outfit I've put together looking forward to this fall.

Go for bold, red pieces that you can layer up with fun accessories.

Shirred Wait Tunic in Bloody Red, $28.00 at Topshop

Add leopard prints to your solid color outfits.

Leopard Mossimo Printed Cardigan, $10.48 at Target

Zippered accessories are a must this fall.

Zipper Trim Flower Headband, $5.80 at Forever 21

Add some vintage accesories to complete your look.

Hinged Owl Necklace, $22 at Fred Flare

For handbags, go with grey and plum tones.

Pleather Ring Tote in Grey, $26.80 at Forever 21

Don't forget a nice belt. Thin or wide.

Fab Slip & Snap Elastic Belt in Black/Purple, $4.50 at Forever 21

South of your ankles, wear comfortable yet chic shoes that you can easily wear with a pair of tights when needed.

Thyme Patent Pumps in Grey, $29.99 at Nine West

Lioness Flats, $39.99 at Nine West

Happy Shopping :)