Fashion Under $100: 6/1/11

30 June 2011

The Savvy Stylist: Friend's Engagement Party

Reader Request

My cousin and her fiance are having an outdoor engagement party in August. I was thinking of wearing a maxi dress, but I'm only 5'3 so they always seem too long for me. I am the maid of honor so I don't know if I should be dressed a little bit fancier even though it is an outdoor party. Also, we live in NYC and it gets very hot and humid in August. I want to be comfortable, but still look put together. I generally don't like to wear very bright colors. Her wedding colors are black, white and yellow. Should I try to incorporate those colors into my outfit? Please HELP!

I think that you can rock a maxi dress as long as you wear heels or a high wedge. I wouldn't worry about being dressed fancier than anyone else, or about matching the wedding colors. Just stay in your comfort zone and have fun! This maxi dress is actually a petite size, so it won't overwhelm you, and it's a summery color, but not too bright. This outfit costs $96.61.

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Rachel Bilson's Style for $98.73

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29 June 2011

The Savvy Stylist: LOVE in Vegas

Reader Request

For the first time in my life I'm taking a weekend trip to Vegas and I'm looking for something to wear to Cirque du Soleil's Beatles' Love show. I would love to find something with a psychedelic pop or maybe 60's retro feel. It's still an evening theatrical performance so I'd like to dress the part of a regular theater-goer as well as being appropriately dressed for the "Revolution" cocktail lounge. In a perfect world I would find something at least knee-length and maybe cover up my upper arms (it might be chilly in the theater). I'm more pear-shaped, small up top, so I avoid empire waists. I'm 30 so I can't pull off anything too young. Any ideas?

This look should flatter your body very nicely! The dress has a 60's-ish print but in a modern, subtle color palette, and the simple accessories are just timeless. The outfit costs $97.58.

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Online Sample Sales: Save on Designer Items

Source

Online sample sales are the best way to get your hands on designer items without spending a fortune. Here are some of my favorite sample sale sites, and links to how you can sign up to get the skinny on the best deals. Check them every day, because they're always updating their sales.

Kate Bosworth's Style for $95.21

Reader Request

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28 June 2011

The Savvy Stylist: Floral Bridesmaid Dress

Reader Request

I was hoping you could help me find the perfect dress for my sister's summer wedding in August. I'm the maid of honor and my sister wants her bridesmaids to wear floral dresses with bright yellow being the most prominent color So that means we can get any type of dress and any pattern really, just as long as its got mostly bright yellow in it. Most of the floral dresses we've seen look very plain and typical sundress-like (like something I'd wear to class). My sister wants me to wear something more special! Can you please help me out?

I don't think you'd wear this dress to class - it's bold, bright and festive! I think the jewelry makes the look even more special. This whole ensemble costs $96.56.

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Nicole Richie's Style for $99.94

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Dress $49.99

Belt $16.00

Shoes $33.95

27 June 2011

The Savvy Stylist: July 4th BBQ

Reader Request

I've been seeing this guy for a couple of weeks, and he's bringing me with him to his friend's barbecue on the Fourth of July. This is going to be the first time that I've met all of his friends, and I want to look good, but not overdressed, since it's just a backyard barbecue. It's going to be at night, but we're in southern Florida, so it will most likely be very hot. Any ideas?

This look is adorable and feminine, but the denim dress keeps it casual. It costs $99.85.

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Selena Gomez's Style for $98.61

Reader Request

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24 June 2011

The Savvy Stylist: Rainbow Bridesmaid

Reader Request

I'm a bridesmaid in my cousin's wedding, which has a rainbow theme. Each of her bridesmaids has been assigned a color, and mine is yellow, so I need to wear a yellow dress and nude-colored shoes with silver and/or pearl jewelry. She said that we can wear whatever style dress we like, as long as it's approximately knee-length. It's a daytime wedding. I prefer sleek, tailored looks, but every yellow dress I've found is either too ruffly and frothy, or too "clubby" looking. I need help!

This dress is tailored but bright - I love it so much I may buy it myself. It comes from eShakti and is paired with accessories from Urban OG, Forever 21 and Kohl's. The whole outfit costs $96.65.

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Kirsten Dunst's Style for $94.89

Reader Request

I'm jealous - I want to walk around on a gorgeous summer day in an adorable outfit just like Kiki is. I can do it for under $100 with pieces from Forever 21, Lulu's, Fred Flare and Urban Outfitters.

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23 June 2011

The Savvy Stylist: Secret Wedding Ceremony

Reader Request

My wedding is coming up in September, but we need to get legally married ASAP because my fiance is from Spain and his visa is running out. In a few weeks, we are going to have a quickie secret ceremony at City Hall, with just my parents present, and I'd like to wear a cute little outfit, including a white or ivory dress, but I don't want to spend too much money, since we're spending so much on the wedding. Can you help put something together for me? I'd prefer something with sleeves and low-ish heels.

This outfit is just perfect for a secret, romantic wedding ceremony, and even a celebratory dinner afterwards. It costs $96.77 and comes from Ruche, Forever 21, Target and Wet Seal.

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Christina Ricci's Style for $95.58

Reader Request

I think this look is just perfect for a day at the office or for a business dinner, and Christina pulls it off with aplomb. Get the look for less from ASOS, Macy's, Forever 21 and Target.

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22 June 2011

The Savvy Stylist: College Orientation Mixer

Reader Request

I just graduated high school, and next month, I have to go to an overnight orientation for college. There is a mixer at night and I have no clue what I should wear. I don't want to be overdressed, but I don't want to be too casual either. What should I do?

When in doubt, go with dressed-up shorts. This look is chic but still easygoing, and costs just $98.46 with pieces from Arden B, Old Navy, Wet Seal, Urban Outfitters and Alloy.

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Cameron Diaz's Style for $92.92

Cameron always manages to put together such chic casual looks. Get her look for less with items from YesStyle, Alloy, Make Me Chic and Wet Seal.

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21 June 2011

The Savvy Stylist: Website Interview

Reader Request

My husband and I recently opened a cafe, and a local website is coming to interview us and take photos of us and the restaurant. I am really excited but I have no idea what to wear. It's a casual cafe, so I don't think that I should be too dressed up. But I spend most of my time back in the kitchen wearing old clothing and an apron so I'm pretty clueless. Any suggestions?

I think you can get away with jeans, as long as your outfit is put together and sleek. This look will photograph well and be very flattering. It comes from Aldo, ASOS, Wet Seal and Nordstrom, and it costs $96.46.

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Beyonce's Style for $94.68

My favorite Beyonce looks are her more casual ones, so I'm really digging her summery dress. Get a similar look for less with items from Modcloth, Urban OG, Forever 21 and Target.

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20 June 2011

The Savvy Stylist: Rehearsal Dinner Clambake

Reader Request

I'm looking for an idea for an outfit. In 2 weeks, my sister-in-law is getting married (I'm the maid of honor) and I'd like to find something I can wear to the dress rehearsal and dinner. It's in Maine and it's a clambake. Can you help me? Thank you!

A clambake sounds like a nice, relaxed way to celebrate an impending marriage! This outfit is festive but still casual and comfy with a light cotton dress and wedges. I threw in a cardigan in case it gets chilly at night.This outfit can be found at Old Navy, Alloy, DSW, Lands End, and Topshop. It costs $99.87.

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Katie Holmes' Style for $93.01

I'm such a fan of chambray shirts, and Katie looks chic and fabulous in hers, paired with sleek, dark jeans. Get her look for less from 6pm, $15 Store, Urban OG, Forever 21 and Old Navy.

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17 June 2011

Liv Tyler's Style for $91.71

Reader Request

I love a touch of nautical-chic in an outfit, and Liv has nailed it without going overboard (no pun intended). Get a similar look with items from Kohl's, Zappos, Aldo and Tilly's.

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16 June 2011

Whitney Port's Style for $94.24

This is such a simple, easy and stylish look. Get a similar look for a steal with items from Kohl's, Old Navy, Forever 21 and Nordstrom.

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15 June 2011

Taylor Swift's Style for $95.99

Sure, Taylor's outfit is fairly basic, but I'm swooning over her oxfords and fabulous saddle bag. Sometimes all you need is some good accessories! Get Taylor's look for less from Old Navy, Kohl's, Lulu's and Urban Outfitters.

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Top $15.00

Shorts $17.99

Shoes $24.00

Bag $39.00

14 June 2011

The Savvy Stylist: Afternoon Farm Wedding

Reader Request

In July, I'm going to a close friend's wedding in upstate New York. It's an outdoor afternoon wedding, on a farm, and I'm clueless as to what to wear. Most of the weddings I've been to have been dressy evening occasions, where I've worn a cocktail dress and strappy sandals, but I don't think that's appropriate here, is it? I don't want to stick out like a sore thumb. What do you suggest?

You're right, a cocktail dress/strappy sandal combo won't work for this. You'll need a daytime dress and shoes that won't sink into the grass. This outfit should fit right in at a summer wedding. It comes from Kohl's, Alloy, Old Navy and Dillard's and costs $99.49.

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Reese Witherspoon's Style for $96.77

Reese always looks amazing, even when she's running errands in super-casual clothing. Get her look for less with pieces from Forever 21, $15 Store, Macy's and Urban Outfitters.

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13 June 2011

The Savvy Stylist: Blind Date

Reader Request

After months and months of her begging, I've agreed to go on a blind date with my co-worker's cousin. I'm pretty nervous about it since I got divorced last year and I haven't been on a real first date in seven years or so. We're meeting at a nice but pretty casual bar and we might get dinner afterwards, and I have no idea what to wear. I want to look nice but not like I tried too hard. Also, it's been HOT here, so I'd like to stay cool. I prefer earth tones and neutrals, and I tend to dress a bit on the boho side. Can you help?

This outfit is easy but pretty, very comfy and flirty. I hope it works for you! You can get it from Forever 21, Tilly's, Alloy and Arden B. It costs just $99.38

(And good luck on your date!)

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Kate Middleton's Style for $97.61

Reader Request

I got so many requests for this fabulous outfit that the Duchess wore last week. It's so classic yet modern at the same time - I love it! Get her look for less with items from Dillard's, Target, Wet Seal, and a vintage hat from eBay.

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10 June 2011

Pippa Middleton's Style for $92.78

I love, love, love this fresh, summery look. Pippa's doing very well as the sister of a duchess! Get her look for less from Kohl's, Target, Brooks Brothers and Forever 21.

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09 June 2011

Katie Holmes' Style for $93.99

Reader Request

Katie's looks are inconsistent at best, but I really like this one. It's fresh and flirty, but effortless. Get a more frugal version of her look with pieces from Eddie Bauer, Delia's, and Forever 21.

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08 June 2011

Kirsten Dunst's Style for $97.39

Reader Request

Kirsten Dunst really brought it for Cannes last month. This is the best I've seen her look in a long, long time. Get a similar look for a steal with items from Modcloth and Nine West.

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Dress $49.99

Shoes $47.40

07 June 2011

Blake Lively's Style for $96.14

Reader Request

Blake looks amazing and sexy in her shoot for Glamour Magazine. Get a similar look with items from Free People, Forever 21 and Target.

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06 June 2011

Vanessa Minillo's Style for $94.75

And I'm back! After a two-month hiatus, it's so good to be blogging again. I'm going to start slowly, but pretty soon, I'll be back at full speed.

I'm so excited to put together this reader request, because Vanessa looks so fresh and summery. Get her look for a steal from Kohl's, Target, Old Navy and J. Crew.

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