Marc Jacobs quilted satchel - $1,350
No one does quilted leather bags like Chanel, but this season Marc Jacobs comes close with his ‘Stam’ quilted frame satchel. It’s a great everyday fall bag that will give your wools and cashmere a “rich” look. If you check it out in stores, you’ll see that it’s made to last for many seasons and worth the $1,350, but if you want this look on a lower budget here are some worthy look-a-likes:
Amy Bag by Pauls Boutique - $98 Topshop
BEYONCE GOES AVANT-GARDE IN ST. TROPEZ
Beyonce in St. Tropez rocking multi print Dries van Noten embellished shirt ($1,225) with Boxing Kitten shorts (around $79)
The Carters are vacationing in St. Tropez and their publicists I mean the paparazzi have been capturing their every move and every outfit worn by the Mrs.
Here she is in a multi print Dries Van Noten shirt and Boxing Kitten shorts. Mixing prints is very “in” right now but it’s hard to pull off and can leave you looking like a bad circus act. I think Beyonce worked this look very well and like the fact that she went to the extreme with this—mixing more than 2 prints with no solids to balance it out. The chunky gold necklace is also gives it a nice edge. The shirt retails for $1,225 and the shorts will run about $79.
If you’re up for the challenge to mix and match prints, try these less expensive ideas with an added dose of confidence to carry it off.
Floral marble print tee ($90/Topshop.com), Blu Moon floral short shorts ($68/Planetblue.com)
TINY GETS AN A FOR EFFORT!
Tameka “Tiny” Cottle is hardly the fashionista with her suffocating spandex, gaudy denim and bad hair color. Well every now and again, with the help of a good stylist, celebrities like Tiny manage to pull it off. Here she is at the premiere of hubby T.I.’s new film Takers in an Alice + Olivia peplum sequined bustier dress. I like this look on her and would have loved it if she wore less jewelry and covered up some of those tats.
Tiny in Alice+Olivia peplum bustier dress - Orig $495
The dress is originally priced at $495, but if you shop around you can probably get it for $350 on sale. You can get an even better deal, since peplum dresses are very hot this season, on a lower end designer. Here’s my favorite look-a-like pick:
HALLE GRACES THE COVER OF VOGUE
Classic fashion for a classic beauty. That’s the first thing that came to mind when I saw Halle wearing this black velvet Giorgio Armani one-shoulder cocktail dress in the September issue of Vogue. The designer’s fall 2010 collection pairs this season’s one-shoulder trend with classic fabrics and silhouettes. To get Halle’s look you’ll have to fork out a couple thousands, but luckily other designers are showcasing this style in their collections (a much lower prices).
Check out my favorite one-shoulder pieces and oh yeah, Halle also talks candidly about her break up with baby daddy Aubry (for those of you who care).
Asos one shoulder velvet dress -$60.66
Zoe Saldana at the 2010 Kids Choice Awards
Whether it’s dressing up or dressing down, Zoe Saldana is always on point. Her orange carpet ensemble at the Kids’ Choice Awards: Isabel Marant Jacket ($400-$500), Nobody Jeans ($275.55), Christian Louboutin heels ($800 -$1500) and Ferragamo python clutch ($1500 +).
With the success of her hit film Avatar, this 31 year old actress has most likely upgraded her wardrobe budget, but if you’re working with less zeros, here are some good options for you…
Spiegel cropped tweed jacket -$89
Dark washed skinny jeans, Banana Republic - $89.50
DIOR, MARC JACOBS AND MORE..
Summer is outta here (at least in retail land) and now is the best time to take advantage of the great deals on designer wear. Saks and Bloomies have the best online sale, as usual, and I found four must-have pieces. Now, just because it’s online doesn’t mean you won’t need those quick reflexes you use at the in-store sales rack. As with any sale, sizes and colors are limited so hurry hurry!
Dior open toe sandal boot - Orig. $680/ Now $271.99 at Saks
Rebecca Taylor ruffled chiffon dress - Orig. $395/ Now $165.90 at Bloomies
The Cat’s Meow… Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger was spotted leaving her London hotel in this pretty Tibi draped dress from the fall 2010 collection. It may be a bit too early to sport a fall frock, but the vibrant yellow pattern along with the YSL peep toe platforms makes this ensemble a perfect 10!
Nicole Scherzinger in Tibi Fall 2010
This dress will run you about $325; not to mention another $700 or so for the Yves Saint Laurent platforms. Don’t think this look is worth a G? Check out this Tbags floral print dress, Rampage platforms and faux croc wide belt from Forever21 — all for under $150!
Tbags draped front dress - $75 outnet.com
Forever21 faux croc belt - $7.80
Ciara wore this hot Levi’s X House of Holland denim dress to Lala Vasquez’s bachelorette party back in June! The cut-out and buckle details give a unique finish to the fitted knee length dress.
Ciara and Lala leave the bachelorette party at Prime 112
For around $300, you can steal the show like Ciara (sorry Lala) or opt for these lower priced substitutes…
French Connection denim dress - $53.99
Charlotte Ronson cut-out back denim dress - $75
BLOOMIES UNDER $100 SALE!!
It’s not everday you come across quality brands that are in-season and at low prices! A few weeks ago, I got a pair of Chanel sandals and Ferragamo wedges for more than half off at Bloomingdale’s in-store sale. Come to find out, the deals are even sweeter online —I found these must-have items all under $100 each…
BCBGMAXAZRIA “Tribal Scales” Cowlneck Shift Dress
Orig $158.00/ Now $88.87
Kate Spade new york “Metro” T-Strap Wedges
Orig $225.00/ Now $94.50
Tory Burch Hailey Studded Leather Wristlet
Reg $155.00/ Sale $93.00
In some cases, there is no substitute for the real thing. I’ll never be satisfied with monkfish instead of lobster, white sapphires can’t replace a diamond and Christian Louboutin will always be synonymous with fly ass shoes! But, sometimes a thousand dollars seems like a lot and you just have tell yourself it’s designer inspired instead of a substitute.
Christian Louboutin Peep Toe Platform Sandals - $1,395
Michael Antonio Gladitor Booties - $49.90 on FlyJane.Net
