Sass N Style: Save V.S. Spurge

Date Night: Salvation Army "Vintage" Never Looked So Good!

I can think of any reason to put together a fabulous ensemble, but this time there really was a reason, my big 6 month anniversary! We are talking long term here folks:) My dinner date was upon me and I certainly did not feel like getting a whole new get-up (the economic state is killing me), so it was time to dig. I wanted to look pretty and sweet, not usually my M.O. Funky sexy was for another time because that night I was playing the role of the sweet and doting girlfriend. My outfit had to match my "classy" act, I had to make it believable:)

I went straight for a dress that I bought at Salvation Army in Chicago around 4 years ago. 4 years is already considered an older piece, now add in how many years it must have been loved by someone else prior to me. I was going vintage here. It was pretty, it was sweet, it was perfect. Plus my boyfriend seemed to like it!

I didn't stop there. I went for one of my favorite 50's style clutches which quite possibly is from the 50's. I bought it at Salvation Army as well. I am crazy. I think it cost me $4. It is not in perfect condition, but it has literally seen the light of day (and night) so many times while I have owned it. Talk about cost per wear!



Now you ask, "Where did you get that amazing necklace!?!". Yup, that's right, Salvation Army. I have gone full-on inexpensive second hand thrift store FAB for almost this entire date night look. Who says you can't find anything at Salvation Army? What's that saying? One man's trash is another man's treasure? I think I have proved this theory without a doubt. Search at your local Salvation Army, your next great treasure is waiting there for you for the bargain basement price of $5!

Trendy Fun: Top Shop hits the Mark

Top Shop is quickly becoming one of my favorites. I just went there last week (I wanted to avoid the craziness when it first opened) and it was definitely a fun experience. Positives: Fun and trendy items that were not TOO expensive. The quality is better than H & M. Negatives: Slightly TOO expensive for what you actually expected. The overly trendy pieces scarred me and are apparently their best sellers! Oy.

What I did find though are some cute and sassy pieces to brighten up your wardrobe immediately. This isn't exactly the place you go for foundation pieces, but if you are looking a pick-me-up piece, this is your spot. It really was a pretty good experience even if I did get yelled at for being a stylist. Apparently this very fancy store has their own in-house "style advisers" who don't want you stepping on their toes. Truth be told, sales people always welcome my presence because I bring them lots and lots of money. Hello 20 year old salesgirl, I am here to make you money so stop your whining. Alright, I feel better.

This cute sailor dress is just an example of the fun and cheeky garments Top Shop is now offering NYC. A one piece skirt and top combo, it is a mindless pick for those days that getting dressed seems overly daunting. The fit was actually fantastic and the material was quite comfortable. It is a complete knock-off of a Theory dress, but isn't that why you are shopping at Top Shop anyway? If short skirts aren't your thing then this store is not for you. I could not find a skirt past my client's lower thigh in the entire store. Seriously.

So, if you want trendy and cute clothing that is mid-range quality with mid-range prices, this is your store. Have fun dressing like Kate Moss.

Stripe Block Poplin Dress
$90.00

Straw Fedoras: Slick and Safe from the Sun

Now you can look P. I. M. P. without even a feather in your hat. This breathable material makes a great protector for your face from the sun AND adds that kick of Summer style you need. It is a realistic hat that you can feel good about wearing even outside of a city. Pull it out at a backyard barbecue, but keep the ensemble to a simple tank top and shorts. You don't want to scare the neighbors.

At only $50, this hat is a great accessory choice for the warmer months because you are certainly going to get your money's worth. Isn't that what it is all about? Cost per wear? You can wear this with most daytime and nighttime looks so purchasing one should not pinch too much.

For an extra sassy look, add big hoops and a delicate single charm necklace. The length of the chain is optional. A flowy floral top with make a great combination for the edgier look of your straw fedora. Roughed up jean short or straight white pants and you are sizzlin' for Summer.

Billy by Baily
$50.00

Owning the Right Foundation Pieces: Read my Guest Post at Wedding Bee!

I have been asked to be a guest blogger on my friend's amazing blog, The Wedding Bee. My first post is about owning the right foundation pieces to build an amazing (and affordable) wardrobe. Especially in this lovely economic climate, it is important to buy things that will last over time and allow you to truly wear the piece more than once. Learn what you need at The Wedding Bee!!!

Eco-Friendly Fashion: Canvas Totes

Al Gore changed my life. Really. After I watched his movie, "An Inconvenient Truth", I was literally crying. I felt scared and mostly bad about how I was contributing living in this big, bad city of New York dumping most of my life away. I promptly began separating my trash for recycling and prepared for my new and more earth friendly life!

Now, lest you be concerned that this "new" life would be anything short of fabulously fashionable, think again. I am a huge shopper over at Whole Foods and am willing to spend a few extra dollars for better quality grub. Toting my fresh veggies and salmon is a tougher task living in a non-car friendly city so I had to evolve as a fashionable human being.

The canvas tote is our Eco-friendly answer to looking cute coming from the grocery store (or other locations where you will be carting stuff home). It is actually now recognized as stylish to be rocking a re-usable bag as opposed to answering the question, "plastic or paper?" No thanks, I've got my own! Fold this bag up to the size of an envelope and stuff it in your purse for later use. I assure you, your grandkids will be thanking you (and so will mother earth)!

Dogeared Canvas Tote
$27.00

Thank God Top Shop is Coming!!!!

I know you have all waited for it... Well, it is finally here. Top Shop is arriving in New York City. What is Top Shop you ask? It is God's answer to affordable, funky, trendy clothing. I know you say there is H & M, Zara and Forever 21, but seriously, nothing compares to the styles from this wonderful import. The UK has provided us with several fantastic things over the years... The Beatles, beans for breakfast, Jude Law.... These all suck compared to Top Shop:)

You may have already heard of this joint because of one of their very famous designers, Kate Moss. She is known for her exquisitely interesting vintage look and she brings that fashion sense to this British chain. Even the celebrities have jumped on the band wagon of sporting inexpensive clothing on the red carpet (hell, we are ALL in a recession:) by mixing Top Shop designs with established high-end designers. My mantra goes red carpet! If you don't live in NYC or plan on coming (to see me) anytime soon, don't fret! Top Shop is on-line and you can purchase any of their fabulous frocks to amazingly architectural heels by the click of a button! Look like Kate Moss for less.

Kate Moss The Christmas Collection
Photo courtesy of Redcarpet-fashionawards.com

Make Yourself Skinny: The Perfect Tank Top

Every girl loves a good skinny trick and those ridiculous infomercials about losing 10 pounds in 10 minutes are not what I am talking about! Step away from the television and get ready to shop because wearing the proper clothing is TRULY the way to drop pounds instantly! As I have noted before, I wear many hats and now apparently "dietitian" is one of them.

Woman truly underestimate the power of a proper silhouette. Wearing your clothing correctly, meaning that the fit and shape are complimentary to your body type, is the best makeover you will ever give yourself. Looking frumpy is not always your bodies fault, it might truly just be your bad shopping habits!

This tank top is a perfect example of how a garment can make you look smaller. Oh ladies, start the drumroll please and let me explain! Draping, as this shirt does so perfectly on each side, can be the best blessing! If you notice, each side has very thin draping that points not only inward, but upward. Is this literally not where we want all of our parts to be? Stomachs in, boobies up! The other fabulous and deceiving part of this shirt is the large band straight down the middle. This, along with the inward and upward draping, are focusing the eye to the middle. NOT TO YOUR SIDES, which would only widen you. Add a V-neck to open up your chest and a thicker strap which not only covers your arms, but also creates more of a visual toward your middle and boom, skinny. Or at least much more flattering! The truly great part is that this style of shirt will not stick to your middle so it is form-fitting, but not showing off TOO MUCH of your "curves". The longer length is perfect because it adds to the illusion that you have a more slender torso. It literally lengthens your body.

Have I sold this damn silhouette yet?????

Nine West Poison Ivy Rouched Front Tank
$59.00

Sassy Spring Scarf

I know it is freezing outside, I live in New York City, but let's at least think warm. Let me set the tone... It is a crisp, sunny day. The birds are chirping, mother's skip with their children down the street and I twirl round and round through the park enjoying the fabulous day a la Mary Tyler Moore. I am also 5'9, 125 and resemble Stephanie Seymour.... Hell, it is my sunny fantasy!

Dreaming of warmer times only makes me brace myself for Spring shopping. I adore the Spring scarf, it is a representation of the hot months to come. It is a transitional piece that has many lives because it can be worn both indoors and outdoors. It instantly creates a messy bohemian look that would easily make Mary-Kate Olsen jealous. Plus, it is a simple way to put your own stamp of style on your outfit. Be creative and be you.

This easy and fun scarf reminds me of Missoni without the hefty price tag. At $85 it isn't cheap, but it rocks neutral tones that can really be worn with most basic looks and different styles of jackets. You can be a sophisticated bohemian, when mixing it with long gold chains and simple studs or be an earthy bohemian with mixed gold, wooden and beaded bracelets. Throw on a huge pair of hoops to top of the outfit. Scarves, like jewelry, are a quick fix to the age old problem of, "I have nothing to wear!". Yes you do.

Tolani Brown Weeds Scarf
$85.00

Sass N Style: Shop Your Closet: Part 3

Headband Hotties

Bad hair days are a bitch. I hate them, you hate them, even Shinead O'Connor hates them. But lucky for you there is a solution for every problem (well, almost), and all this little issue requires is a hat or a headband, so quit your crying.

What a great way to style up an outfit by adding that extra punch to really hit your look home. So much for covering up a Medusa moment, embrace this accessory and use it on a GOOD hair day! What better way to say you are a "good girl" while acting completely inappropriately. It is the best throw back to your younger years while downing a vodka tonic. Oooohhhh, good times.

This particular band is great for the messier look. Literally throw your hair in a loose pony tail or a chignon and look fabulous. The only hair this doesn't work with is short hair. It tends to poof out the bottom. Choose a regular headband either thick or thin. Patent leather, tortoise shell, gold, black, colored, love them all! I love to rock a bold pair of earring with a headband because then the world can check out not one, but two awesome accessories.

J Crew Double Strand Yoga Headband
$12.50

Shop Your Closet: Part Two

Shop this Designer at Retail Prices: Victor Alfaro

I love finding a new designer that rocks my fashion world. I am out here in Chicago, shopping in the burbs no less, but that is where my favorite insider fashion finds always appear!

You already know Target is a leader in recruiting great designers to create brilliant pieces at economical prices. Obviously their marketing team does a great job of letting us all know of that. Yet, what about all of the other "middle America" department stores trying to follow in their footsteps?

It is true that I have luke warm feelings at best for the shopping experience at Carson Pirie Scott.... That is until today! What the hell is going on there? And who is Victor Alfaro!?! He is my new favorite affordable (when shopping at Carson's) designer, that's who!

Check out this amazing outfit and other pieces just like it at the department store you forgot about....or never even heard of in the first place. Cashmere sweaters for $70? Hell yah! I love his basic designs with the opportunity for funk when styled correctly.

Please love your local department store for the hidden gems it may hold. Eyes open, wallets ready, your next great purchase is just a swipe of a credit card away!

Victor by Victor Alfaro at Carson Pirie Scott

The Ruffle Blouse

Remember the pirate shirt from Seinfeld? Well this isn't it. Adding a little bit of a costume effect to your outfit does not have to imply that you are putting an eye patch on and shipping off to sea. The rouched blouse can add that something extra to your outfit. From day wear, to office wear to evening wear, this is the fashion punch you are looking for.

This particular style is basic and fun. A garment that cinches at the waist is always your friend because it exemplifies your smallest area, your waist. In addition, the cinched wrist draws attention to another delicate feature. Are we seeing a thinning pattern here? The detail down the middle draws the eye to the center, also a slenderizing concept. Add the high collar which makes this shirt easy to pair with a vest or a blazer and all in all, you just got your perfect pirate shirt. Eat your heart out Seinfeld.

Chadwick's Pintucked Shirt
$7.99

Longer Tank Tops are your Friend

Every one of my clients owns many tank tops in neutral colors. If they didn't own them when I got there, they certainly owned them once I left. They are one of the greatest foundation pieces any girl will ever own. You will hardly ever wear one alone, but you will layer one into your outfit almost every time!

For shorter shirts, they add length on the bottom to elongate your torso or cover up that pesky pant button. They eliminate the need for a belt to be through the loops which only adds to the probability of muffin top. Bad look. With a lace embellished tank, such as this one, you add a certain femininity to your look by having it slightly peep through. Not to mention it covers up any unnecessary cleavage!

Tank tops are the most simple way to add depth to your outfit by layering without really trying. So don't try now ladies and go out and buy yourself a few:)

Banana Republic Lace Seamless Camisole
$34.00

High-waisted belts

Love them or hate them, people just can't seem to figure out when or how to wear them! Ah, the dreaded high-waisted belt. So here are a few tips: Thin to medium width belts work on most body types. If you are short waisted this is not necessarily the best look for you, but if you must, the thinner the belt the better. If you have a large chest, also stick to a thinner belt. Wearing a large belt with only exemplify your ample bust and not in a good way ladies! Color and texture can be your best friend with a belt. Purple, red, crocodile, patent leather, gold... The list goes on and on! I always suggest owning at least one metallic belt to give your outfit a pop without overwhelming the rest of the look.

Trick: Wear a blouse that is slightly longer than your hips and is a bit loose. By cinching it with a belt, you will truly be accentuating the smallest part of your body, your waist. Blouse the shirt slightly so the belt is the most fitted piece in your look. Inevitably your waist is now specifically the smallest part showing off that curvy body of yours!

Jack Rabbit Collection (courtesy of Bluefly.com)
Gold metallic leather Aspen hip belt
$95.00

How to wear textured tights

These tights are not just for the ultra sexy! Textured tights are a great and fun detail to funk up your outfit. It is also a very inexpensive way to change your look. Don't be scared by crazy patterns, tone them down by wearing boots to cover up more of your leg and the tight. Another way to lessen the pattern and add warmth is to wear an opaque tight underneath the patterned tights. Layer up ladies!

My favorite brand is Hue because of their selection and price point, inexpensive! You can find them anywhere from Macy's to Filene's Basement. Be scared no more.

Hue Zigzag Openwork Tights
$18.00

Wear this piece

Statement necklaces are in and here is an inexpensive way to own one. Vintage is pricey for a trendy piece such as this so go for one from a major chain. There are so many options because this is such a hot piece for the season that it won't be that recognizable. Wear this piece!

Buy at banana republic for just $59!