Fashion Under $100: 1/1/10

31 January 2010

Introducing Frances and Kristin!

Wow. It's been three years. Three years since I started posting celebrity looks for less on this blog. Since then, this site has gone from my little part-time hobby that only my mom read to a full-time job with over 150,000 readers a month!

Yeah, it's like a full-time job. Unfortunately, I already have a full-time job. And I want to make sure that Fashion Under $100 is as helpful a resource as it's been. So it's time to get some help!

I'm thrilled to introduce two new members to the Fashion Under $100 team. They are Frances and Kristin, and they are as infatuated with affordable fashion as I am!

I hope you will join me in welcoming Frances and Kristin as you see them more and more around the site!

30 January 2010

Ashley Olsen's Style for $96.94

Reader Request

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Heather Grey Slouchy Top $12.90
Liquid Leggings $18.70
Brown T-Strap Sandals $9.99
Black Croc Clutch $34.95
Hair Scarf $8.80
Sunglasses $5.80
Oversized Ring $5.80

Katie Cassidy's Style for $98.00

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Tie-Dye Tank $19.50
Grey Vest $14.90
Black Leggings $4.50
Black Button Boots $36.50
Fringe Necklace $12.80
Bracelet $9.80

29 January 2010

Ashlee Simpson's Style for $95.59

Reader Request

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Black Leather Jacket $32.80
Striped Tank Top $5.80
Black Leggings $7.90
Black Patent Boots $18.99
Canvas Tote $17.60
Black Sunglasses $7.50

5 Under $50: Ancient Influences

Maybe it's because I've been reading a lot of ancient mythology lately, but I just can't get enough of fashion that's inspired by the ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians.

Shop Now:
Roman Coin Necklace $43.75
Gladiator Sandals $20.40
One Shoulder Dress $44.00
One Shoulder Top $49.00
Snake Belt $40.00

Olivia Palermo's Style for $93.97

Reader Request

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Marled Sweater Dress $19.99
Gold Belt $4.50
Tan Ankle Boots $29.99
Tan Satchel $19.99
Necklace $19.50

28 January 2010

Mary-Louise Parker's Style for $95.73

Shop Now:
Blue Plaid Coat $20.98
Black Dress $9.80
Black Tights $2.50
Black Knee Socks $12.50
Black Motorcycle Boots $49.95

The Savvy Stylist: Dressing for Weight Gain

An anonymous reader writes:

Over the past few years, I've gone from a size 6 to a size 12. This is due to several factors (thyroid problems, a bad back, and a love of junk food). I'm working on losing the weight, but I'm also working on learning how to feel comfortable with what I look like now. In the meantime, I don't know how to dress for my new, larger body. I'm not quite plus-sized, but I feel too big for most misses-sized clothing lines. I've been wearing baggy clothing since I put on all the weight but I think that they just make me look bigger than I am. I'm attending my 10 year high school reunion in a few weeks and I want to look great. I know it's possibly to be sexy and a size 12, I just have no idea how! Can you help?

It's true that hiding your new curves under baggy clothing won't flatter your figure. I think that this outfit is perfectly figure-flattering; I hope you do as well. It costs $96.75.

Shop Now:
Wrap Dress $38.90
Pumps $9.90
Clutch $22.95
Earrings $16.50
Necklace $8.50

5 Under $50: Love 21 from Forever 21

I'm loving Forever 21's newish line, Love 21. It promises a more "sophisticated, modest fit" for those of us who aren't 21 anymore, but it's still young, modern and fun.

Here are a few of my favorite items from the Love 21 line.

Shop Now:
Striped Sweater $27.80
Black Skirt $19.80
Printed Dress $24.80
Black Jacket $24.80
Blue Top $17.80

Miranda Kerr's Style for $95.23

Reader Request

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Red Print Blouse $35.00
Black Skinny Pants $24.50
Black Flats $9.95
Black Shoulder Bag $19.99
Black Sunglasses $5.80

27 January 2010

Lauren Conrad's Style for $95.89

Reader Request

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Red Tube Dress $26.90
Black Peep Toe Pumps $42.49
Gold Necklace $26.50

The Savvy Stylist: Leather and Lace Party

Doreen writes:

My sorority is having a "Leather and Lace" party where everyone attending has to wear - you guessed it - leather and lace. My tastes veer more towards the classic, Banana Republic/J. Crew styles, so I have no idea what to wear. I'd like to be funky enough for the party without looking skanky. I have a lace clutch from Macy's that I can carry, but beyond that, I'm stuck. Any ideas?

That sounds like a cool party idea! I think this look should work for you. It fits the theme but it's still relatively classic. The whole shebang, not including the clutch, costs only $94.59.

Shop Now:
Black Faux Leather Tube Dress $32.80
Grey Boyfriend Blazer $15.00
Black Lace Tights $14.00
Black Booties $24.80
Silver Necklace $7.80

5 Under $50: Martin + Osa

Martin + Osa is a great place to shop for good-quality casual basics (I also recommend their jeans - most are not under $50, but they are still reasonably priced and fit everyone amazingly!)

Here are some of my favorites from M+O.

Shop Now:
Bronze Clutch $49.95
Blue Cardigan $39.50
Dark Jeans $39.95
Red Scarf $44.50
Grey Dress $44.95

Ashley Greene's Style for $98.15

Reader Request

Shop Now:
Black Top $22.90
Skinny Grey Jeans $19.50
Black Flats $10.00
Leopard Tote $20.00
Black Bracelet $5.80
Sunglasses $19.95

26 January 2010

America Ferrera's Style for $92.96

Reader Request

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Burgundy Dress $15.98
Black Tights $12.00
Black Boots $34.99
Necklace $29.95

The Savvy Stylist: Valentine's Day Date

Sara writes:

I am hoping you can help me out! Valentine's Day is coming up in a few weeks and this will be my first with a boyfriend! We have plans to go out to dinner and since we're both in law school and extremely busy, it'll be a nice change of pace for us to go out somewhere without our books. The restaurant will be a little more upscale, but not excessively fancy. I'm 23, so I want to keep the look young, but also classy and a bit more sophisticated than what I normally wear (jeans, leggings, anything comfy for a day of studying). We live in Michigan, so I need to keep cold weather (ice, snow, and temperatures below freezing) in mind and in addition, I'm comfortable showing off my legs and chest, but not as comfortable with anything too tight around my belly. I'm really hoping you can help me out!

This look is festive and romantic but still comfortable and fairly casual. It costs $98.99.

Shop Now:
Black Top $14.90
Grey Skirt $13.99
Patterned Tights $5.80
Booties $26.50
Red Clutch $20.00
Bib Necklace $17.80

5 Under $50: Spring Preview

I love winter clothes. Jackets, boots, scarves, sweaters... they're so cozy and fun to wear. But come late January, I'm usually ready to start checking out fun, bright, lightweight spring clothing. Here are some pieces that I can't wait to wear once the temperature starts to rise!

Shop Now:
White Blouse $29.80
Yellow Flats $39.95
Floral Dress $49.99
Straw Handbag $50.00
Blue Skirt $24.50

Keira Knightley's Style for $89.73

Reader Request

Shop Now:
Black Turtleneck Dress $39.90
Black Belt $13.96
Black Pumps $21.97
Necklace $4.80
Bracelets $9.50

25 January 2010

Kate Walsh's Style for $98.00

Shop Now:
Black Strapless Dress $49.50
Black Pumps $24.50
Green Earrings $24.00

The Savvy Stylist: Baby's Baptism

Shani writes:

My baby is 8 months old and we are going to baptize her next month. I would like to ask you to help me to find something suitable to wear to church on the occasion. Thank you.

Congrats, Shani! This outfit is perfectly appropriate for church and is festive enough to celebrate your daughter's baptism. It costs $97.53

Shop Now:
Blue Wrap Dress $37.05
Black Pumps $18.80
Black Clutch $14.98
Sterling Heart Necklace $10.20
Stud Earrings $16.50

5 Under $50: Message Jewelry

I love the look of jewelry pieces with messages or words on them. They can be cheeky, sweet or inspirational, and add a quirky charm to any outfit. Here are some of my favorite affordable pieces.

Shop Now:
"Cockney" Necklace $20.00
"Wish" Stud Bracelet $32.00
"Sexy" Double Ring $3.80
"Together We Can Make A Difference" Earrings $18.00
"Change, Hope, Believe" Ring Set $48.00

Katy Perry's Style for $99.89

Shop Now:
Dress $35.40
Grey Ribbed Tights $6.80
Lace Up Booties $26.90
Gold Handbag $24.99
Sunglasses $5.80

23 January 2010

Jessica Alba's Style for $96.79

Reader Request

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Red Strapless Dress $68.99
Black Peep Toe Slingbacks $20.00
Silver Necklace $7.80

22 January 2010

Whitney Port's Style for $98.25

Reader Request

Shop Now:
Green Army Jacket $29.50
Black Tee $5.80
Silver Leggings $19.00
Studded Pumps $24.99
Pink Crossbody Bag $19.95

The Savvy Stylist: Winter Formal

Rebecca writes:

I'm in college and we have our winter formal coming up in late February. The theme is "Moonlight Masquerade." I live in California so I'm not too worried about the warmth of the dress, but I need a semi-formal outfit that works with the theme but won't break a poor college student's budget. Can you help me?

I hope that this outfit meets your expectations. It costs $94.79.

Shop Now
Dress $49.00
Shoes $15.00
Clutch $12.99
Necklace $14.80
Bracelets $4.00

5 Under $50: I Heart Ronson

I Heart Ronson is the affordable line by designer Charlotte Ronson (yes, sister of Samantha and Mark). Here are some of my favorite items from this affordable, chic line.

Shop Now:
Top $19.99
Blazer $34.99
Skirt $14.99
Dress $21.99
Cardigan $34.99

Taylor Momsen's Style for $99.37

Reader Request

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Black Jacket $28.90
Black Skinny Jeans $19.50
Taupe Boots $34.99
Grey Scarf $12.99
Grey Gloves $2.99

21 January 2010

Victoria Beckham's Style for $99.54

Reader Request

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Black Dress $23.00
Black Cardigan $18.99
Stud Belt $15.30
Black Tights $2.50
Black Patent Shoes $15.00
Black Tote $19.95
Black Shield Sunglasses $5.80

The Savvy Stylist: Birthday Party in NYC

Candace writes:

Some friends and I are celebrating my husband's 35th birthday in March at a cool lounge in NYC. I have no idea what to wear since I'm a stay-at-home mom and I usually just wear my dark wash denim to 'dress up'. I am petite, 5'2", apple-shaped and not comfortable with the extra baggage in the belly area. I would like to show off either my legs, shoulders or cleavage. I was hoping to find a dress that is sexy and fashion forward.

Here's a look that will impress everyone, including your husband. It comes in at just $93.70.

Shop Now:
Dress $48.00
Shoes $21.90
Clutch $18.00
Earrings $5.80

5 Under $50: Tulle

No, this isn't about the fabric tulle. It's the online retailer, Tulle, which carries adorable, vintage-inspired, bright and cheery pieces. Here are some of my favorites:

Shop Now:
Blue Dress $42.00
Yellow Sweater $31.50
Green Skirt $25.20
Purple Blouse $20.00
White Scarf $14.00

Lauren Conrad's Style for $88.38

Reader Request

Shop Now:
Blue Print Top $42.49
Skinny Dark Jeans $14.99
Brown Sandals $23.10
Necklace $3.80
Bracelets $4.00

20 January 2010

Jessica Alba's Style for $97.92

Reader Request

Shop Now:
Black Plaid Shirtdress $34.65
Black Tights $2.50
Black Boots $24.97
Black Satchel $24.00
Black Sunglasses $5.80
Hoop Earrings $6.00

The Savvy Stylist: Rehearsal Dinner in the Bahamas

Sharee writes:

I'm getting married in the Bahamas at the end of February. I have my entire wedding ensemble ready to go, but I'm not sure what to wear the night before, for the rehearsal and family dinner. I'd like to wear a short white or ivory dress, and I'd like to incorporate yellow, since it's our main wedding color, but other than that, I'm up for anything. Can you help?

I think that this outfit will be perfect for your rehearsal dinner, and it costs only $96.10.

Shop Now:
Dress $44.50
Shoes $23.60
Clutch $24.00
Earrings $4.00

5 Under $50: Denim Leggings

I may be a fashion blogger, but I'll choose function over fashion, comfort over couture any day. That's why I've become obsessed with denim leggings lately. They're just as chic as skinny jeans, but they're so stretchy and comfortable!

Here are some of my favorites.

Shop Now:
Faded Ripped Leggings $33.99
Black Leggings $34.99
Stretch Leggings $40.00
Faded Dark Leggings $34.00
Cropped Snap Leggings $28.00

Vanessa Hudgens' Style for $94.29

Reader Request

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Tan Biker Jacket $23.40
Black Strapless Maxi Dress $29.80
Stud Platform Sandals $14.99
Sunglasses $10.00
Necklace $17.00

19 January 2010

Gabourey Sidibe's Style for $88.70

Reader Request

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Red Dress $21.99
Black Suede Boots $15.99
Necklace $40.00
Stud Earrings $10.72

Chloe Sevigny's Style for $98.60

Reader Request

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Chiffon Ruffled Dress $68.00
Black Strappy Sandals $25.80
Flower Earrings $4.80

Keri Russell's Style for $93.26

Reader Request

Shop Now:
Black Blazer $19.97
White Slouchy Tank Top $9.80
Cropped Khaki Pants $38.99
Yellow Shoes $20.70
Hoop Earrings $3.80

18 January 2010

Kristen Bell's Style for $49.68

Reader Request

Shop Now:
Black and White Graphic Dress $14.70
Black Patent Pumps $34.98

The Savvy Stylist: Spring Break Party Outfit

Megan writes:

I'm going on spring break and I'm looking for a fun "party" outfit/dress that can go from dinner at the hotel to the dance clubs. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

I think that this look will be perfect for the transition! It costs $98.79.

Shop Now:
Silver Sequin Top $23.99
Black Miniskirt $6.90
Black Sandals $29.50
Red Clutch $20.00
Earrings $13.60
Bracelets $4.80

5 Under $50: Warm Winter Boots

The stores may be promoting their spring collections already, but we're still in the dead of winter. Where I live, we've already gotten more snow this winter than we usually do all winter, and we've still got two months left!

To help get us through it, here are some affordable warm winter boots. Which do you like best?

Shop Now:
Blue Quilted Boots $19.94
Plaid Boots $34.12
Purple Shearling Boots $39.99
Grey Sweater Boots $31.96
Tan Fur Boots $36.99