Ringing in the New Year

If celebrating the new year means going out to a fancy dinner party, attending a big city bash or hanging out with friends or family, you can ring in the new year in a variety of chic styles. Fancy or more casual, these two options can be mixed and matched to fit what ever occasion may come your way December 31st! Happy New Year!

Fancy Look

Wool Ruffle Blazer, Twelve by Twelve, $39


Satin-trim Blouse, Banana Republic, $39.99


Royalty Jacquard Skirt, White House / Black Market $41.99

Casual Look

Traveljoy Jacket, Anthropologie, $69.95


Chiffon Tank w/ Tiered Ruffle Detail, Twelve by Twelve, $35


Slim demi boot cut tuxedo pants, Gap, $29.99

Shoes for both looks

AK Anne Klein Women's Quintelle Pump, Endless.com, $42.89

All I Want For Christmas...

Are these Jill Stuart booties. They are such a fantastic mix of rocker chick & sophisticated fashionista! Can't you imagine all the chic outfits these booties could compliment? Picture it.... black opaque tights and a cute, retro-styled shift dress... or a sexy pencil skirt & white, fitted button-down shirt?! WOW!


Giselle Bootie, Jill Stuart, $224 (on sale!!!)

Sweet Sweaters

It has been raining these last two weekends in Phoenix, if you can believe that, and with the stormy weather and cooler temperatures, my sweaters have finally gotten the chance to see the light of day. Rarely do I get to wear them and often wish I could add to my collection. Unfortunately, it would be silly to stock-up on too many as they would rarely get worn. Nevertheless, I still get a thrill perusing through the multitude of cozy, comfortable and oh so chic sweaters online! Here are a sampling of some at all different price ranges.


apt. 9 Buttoned Cable Turtleneck Sweater, Kohl's, $17.99


Lace-Print Sweater, Spiegel, $39


Sequined Sweater Hoodie, Spiegel, $49


Fire-Warmed Turtleneck, Anthropologie, $49.95


Sweater, MNG by Mango, $69


All Wrapped-up Cardigan, Anthropologie, $168

'Tis the Season for Soirees

It's that time of year again when holiday parties fill your calendar and the desire to look fabulous for less (and less predictable) is of utmost importance. Take heed my fellow bargain-seekers, there are a multitude of chic party dresses at reasonable prices. Here are a few less-than-typical holiday dresses that will catch people's eyes and make them wonder how you can afford such a fantastic wardrobe! Happy partying!!


Jeweled Silk Minidress, Twelve by Twelve, $59


Simply Vera Wang Charmeuse Jewel Dress, Kohls, $70.80


Winter Flame Dress, Anthropologie, $158

Thanks for the Accessories!

It's Thanksgiving and what better way to show my appreciation for the little things in life than to dedicate this post to the little things that make our wardrobes special -- our accessories. Here are a few that are quirky yet functional, and all at great prices.


Rampage Deco Patent Trimmed Frame Satchel, $57.89


Banana Republic Chunky Wool Scarf, $34.65


La Fiorentina Long Leopard Print Gloves, $49


Lord & Taylor Cashmere Bucket Cloche, $29.99

Booting Out Bad Weather

It is still pretty warm here in Phoenix. Actually, it's ridiculously warm for mid-November. (The high today was 86!!!). But, I am not giving up on cooler weather quite yet. I keep telling myself, "it's right around the corner." I hope I'm right but, in the meantime, I'll try to find solace in the multitude of grand boots that are permeating fashion right now. And, I'm crossing my fingers that by wearing these cooler-weather inspired gems, I can will Phoenix's temperature to drop by 10 degrees. Wish me luck! :-)

Designer Look

Chloe Prince Paddington Boot, $985

Bargain Look

St. John's Bay 'June' Riding Boot, $49.99


Designer Look

Cole Haan Air Samira Boot, $495

Bargain Look

Sofft Women's Tia Shoe, $174.99


Designer Look

Isabella Fiore Suede & Leather Twist Boot, $750

Bargain Look

Jessica Simpson Willa Tan Mid-Calf Boot, $89.99- $119.99

Cool Sophistication

It's challenging to find bargain pieces that exude sleek sophistication. Tailored outfits with haute couture flair often cost more than most can afford. However, finding the right silhouette with the right fabric, can turn any bargain into a polished, diva-fied look. For some inspiration, check out the two outfits below.


Chadwicks Belted Sheath, $59.99


Tribeca Women's Prime Suspect Patent Pump, $37.89


Talbot's Belted Cowl-Neck Dress, $148


Unlisted Women's Play List Pump, $45.95

Color Bloc

Bold colors and graphic prints are an ongoing trend that have transcended seasons. The designs for fall and winter have been saturated with warm and inviting colors like plum, forest green and pumpkin. Taking a cue from the minimalist styles of the sixties, the following pieces showcase a return to the dichotomy between simplicity and audacity.

Tops

Kensie Silk Pleated Top, $68


Alice Temperley Swiss Dot Blouse, $34.99

Dresses

Ballerina Dress, Shabby Apple, $62


Alice Temperley Long-Sleeve Belted Sweater Dress, $49.99

Coats

High-Collar Coat, Gap, $128


Juniper Green Vintage Wool Coat, Tulle Clothing, $102

Shoes

Batson, Naturalizer Shoes, $64.99


Buzz Mary Jane Pump, Grane, $58.95

The Roaring Twenties

Drop waists, sequins and fringe -- what do they all have in common? They are a part of this season's "essential trends." So, I say, give in to the retro glam of the twenties, when women chopped-off their hair, began showing their ankles and shoulders and started having as much fun as men!


Mirror Detail Flapper Dress, 70GBP (about $143), Topshop


Sliding Dress, $228, French Connection


Nine West Chardin, $49.99


And the over-the-top, designer look...

Fendi Sleeveless Fringe Dress, $3850


Nine West Metropop, $59.99

Jack-ets of All Trades

Jackets are an easy and simple wardrobe staple that can make any outfit look chic. This season's jackets come in many shapes and colors. Gone are the days of boring black blazers and stuffy three-buttoned suit jackets; now jackets are all about bold colors and patterns, funky shapes and fabulous tailoring.


Live a Little Plaid Jacket, $78


The Lila, $79.97, Penguin


Ambition Double Breasted Swing Coat, $78

A Coat of Many Hounds

A great coat can compliment any outfit, and this season's array of colorful and uniquely shaped ones are no exception. This whimsical houndstooth pattern is one such addition to the ever-growing collection of chic outerwear.

Designer Look

Houndstooth Coat, $2395, Michael Kors


Bargain Look

Wool Houndstooth Coat, $95, fredflare.com

The Fabric of Our Lives

Cotton knit ensembles are coming out of the shadows of casual-wear and appearing in the fashion spotlight for fall. You no longer need excuses for wearing knits -- now they can be worn for comfort & style.

Designer Look

Pleated Sweater, $530, Scalloped Skirt, $340, Tunic Dress, $410, See by Chloe


Bargain Look

Puffy-Sleeve Turtleneck, $27, Love Lola


Sweater Dress, $19.80, Forever 21


Tie Dye Skirt, $41.01, MICHAEL Michael Kors


Flow Slide, $56.95, Two Lips


Totals
Designer Look: $1280
Bargain Look: $137.75