Trend Alert

Want to show a little skin now and into the fall? Try a piece with shoulder cut outs!

An essential piece to pick up when transitioning your wardrobe in the coming seasons is a top or dress that shows a little skin in the shoulders. 

The shoulders tend to get over looked but they are SEXY, plus its a conservative way to show some skin that has a big impact.

Emma Roberts looks gorgeous in this bohemian chic dress. She grabs the essence of this trend, which is effortless and subtly sexy.

While, Emma’s gorgeously embellished dress is probably way out of all our price ranges it doesn’t mean that you can’t try this trend on too!

The easiest way to incorporate this into your everyday is with tops. Look for tops like this one from Aqua (a bit pricey) or one of ASOS many versions.

If you have been eying the cut out trend but found it a little too risque for you try this now!

Then, take this look into fall nights by pairing these tops and tunics with skinny jeans/leggings and some sexy heels.

More Asos…

One of my favorite things about clothing is that each piece of clothing we wear creates a feeling. That feeling comes mainly from our previous experiences, so whether it feels like a good or bad piece of clothing is a reaction from the inside.

Romance is the feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love. And as far as clothing is concerned, there is nothing as romantic as a feminine blouse. Just like the peasant blouse Olivia Palmero is wearing.

The whole outfit just shouts Fall. Peasant blouses are romantic instead of sexy. They have that barley sheer allure to them that shares just enough without giving away anything. There is a sophistication that is coming back to clothing this Fall. And one of the number one items on the forefront of the movement is the Romantic Blouse.

Match a blouse with a pair of trousers or a pencil skirt for work. For a more casual approach match a blouse with a pair of cut off jean shorts. There are many variations of blouses depending on the collars and the sleeves. Pick which style best suites you!

More Asos…

Can we talk about how major the prints are for Fall? I mean, I am never one to shy away from a loud ensemble but I love it when a trend gives me an excuse to totally go nuts. How awesome is it when one article of clothing, like these dresses above, does all the talking and all you need is like, maybe a bangle or two to literally make magic happen?

Printed dresses are also totally versatile. you can wear them alone now with some summery pumps and a sleek clutch…then easily transition into fall with a blazer, black tights and some rockin ankle boots. I also love how this dress could go from work to a night out and still be appropriate and fun at both. There are so many cute prints out there right now that do a modern take on the ‘80’s stenciled/spray painted/ florals there is no excuse not to make your mark with this trend.

Of course Forever 21 reigns supreme in their selection of these hip prints… blouses, skirts and dresses but there are tons out there so keep an eye out ladies, it’s time to make a splash!

L to R: Fossil Dress, $27.80; Ebony & Ivory Dress, $24.80 Abstract Print Lace Dress, $17.80

UPDATE: Save an additional 30% off at JCrew.com with code SHOPNOW! Thanks Hannah!

Shorts might be the last thing you would think to buy as a transition piece but I’m telling you, they are Perfect! You still have at least a month on the east coast and months/forever on the west until shorts start getting retired.

When the leaves start to change it will be the perfect time to pull out your blazer but the temperature will be just a little too high to be completely covered up, that where the legs come in. Longer shorts provide the coverage you need to keep it appropriate and the air you need to keep it cooler.

Right now J. Crew has their Broken-In Chino Boyfriend Short for only $34.50!!! The most exciting part is that the shorts come in this falls must have colors! These shorts are fabulous for transition because they are not short, shorts. No tushy hanging out here. The will become a staple in your closet for years, as most J. Crew clothing goes it just doesn’t go out of style.

The perfect Fall Transition Look consists of longer shorts, a blouse, a blazer, bobby socks and chunky platforms. For now while it’s still HOTT, match these shorts with a pretty tank and your favorite summer sandals.

More Asos…

With summer in full swing, I’m constantly looking for ways to remain stylish and cool. I pretty much live in dresses during the months of July and August – seeing that they are the coolest (and easiest) options!

What I love about the one shoulder dress is that the asymmetrical neckline is almost an accessory in itself! So not only can you throw on a dress, but with the added attention at the neckline, you don’t even need a necklace! So simple – so summer!

This long-sleeved ASOS cut out dress $43.80, would be perfect for a night out when the temp drops a few degrees. Wear it very simple with layered bracelets on your “free” wrist and a pair of leopard chunky wedges… so chic! This could easily be a whole outfit for less than $100!

There are soooo many variations of this style dress out there right now! Use this flirty and inexpensive trend to your advantage– the easier the outfit, the more time you have to soak up the summer fun!

More Asos…

I know, I know..it goes against everything we’ve ever been taught! NO ONE wears sandals and socks except the occasional tourist at Disneyland. But lately I’ve seen this look popping up on girls everywhere – including on one of my favorite bloggers, Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere- and it can actually be really cute! So I’m ready to give this trend my stamp of approval.

The best part about this trend is that it’s a really inexpensive way to jazz up a pair of wedges or sandals that you’ve been wearing all spring. It creates an entirely new look –and all you need is a pair of $8 socks from Urban Outfitters!

This trend is pretty simple and sooo versatile! Keep it pretty with a pair of nude or tan wedges and a pair of dainty white socks folded over at the ankle for a feminine flirty look. I also like a ruffle sock with a strappy heel or these sparkly socks from American Apparel $9, which would look adorable with a pair of tan wedges or even some black open toe booties.

And if you still think I’m crazy, check out this shot of models taking a break from walking the runway at Burberry…

“The New Look” has a new age. In 1947 after the war, Dior made its name by giving women what they wanted, clothes that made them feel like women again! Because fabric no longer had to be rationed for the war the skirts got bigger and the waists got tinnier. This style of dress was dubbed “The New Look” by Harper’s Bazaar.

From the looks of the runways and the red carpets I’d say that good times are ahead! Full skirts and small waists are the way to show off your figure without striping down.

Jessica Alba has been spotted wearing this ultra-femme trend from Paris to Berlin. She looks gorgeous in this Hugo Boss sleeveless checkered dress. By belting this full skirt dress with a gold belt she has taken this dress a notch higher for night.

I found a similar dress from Forever 21 for $24.80. Instead of a checkered pattern this dress has an owl print. It’s not as full as the Hugo Boss version but it will do the trick.

While many of us can not afford Hugo Boss we need other options to keep up with this trend. Check out you local vintage boutiques and try something on with this shape, you might be surprised with what you find. For those who would like something a little fresher, Mod Cloth constantly has this classic look popping up.

Have fun accessorizing these dresses by adding belts and funky shoes to keep it young. In your new throw back outfit you will feel sexy without having to bare it all.

More Kimchi & Blue…

You know how there are those certain high-end labels you look at… and just salivate over?

Chloé by Hannah MacGibbon is at the top of my list. In fact, I can say that she is probably favorite designer of the moment. It seems like every time I catch a glimpse of her handiwork whisking down the runway, I am so inspired… and overcome with the desire to sell everything I own, just so I can purchase one of her ensembles in its entirety.

Well, this Fall/Winter 2010 collection was no exception. I was awestruck by the effect of MacGibbon’s all-over camel look… it’s so soft and lux-looking, I really love it.

And is it any wonder that camel is going to be THE color of the season this fall. Which means it’s about time, as a CheapChica, you start looking for budget-friendly camel-colored pieces now… and when I say “pieces,” I really mean just about… anything!

Take your pick, I’ve spotted camel coats, dresses, skirts, tops (long-sleeved and short-sleeved), bags… shoes… everything!

You can do a head-to-toe Chloé-inspired look or, my favorite, you can sport a camel piece with an all-black ensemble or even with a splash of red (also huge for fall!).

Camel really is timelessly chic. I’ve picked out a few items below, all under $100.00 (a bit cheaper than Chloé, I’d say!) to inspire you and/or get you started… !

I don’t know about you but I always get the shopping itch this time of year, anxiously awaiting the first peek at Fall collections!! But, usually I regret the Fall stuff I buy in the summer, always wishing I would have waited until I saw the full extent of the trends before I hoped on every band-wagon right off the bat…that’s why my itch was instantly fixed when I found this leather vest.

The words summer and leather have rarely been uttered together, until this season. Designers such as Stella McCartney (my fav!), Elizabeth and James and Helmut Lang have all come out with leather summer pieces. When picturing myself in leather shorts on a hot summer day, a whole lot of hot and sticky comes to mind. But a leather vest seems like a trendy piece that is actually doable.

It looks so cute over a flowy floral dress, giving it a little bit of a hard edge…or put over a solid white or black outfit to kick a minimalist look up a notch. The whole concept reminda me of Kate Moss, a little boho-a little rock and roll effortlessly combined with cut-offs to hit one of those notorious British music festivals.

But I digress…I know I will never look as perfectly un-pulled together as Miss Kate but with pieces such as this vest, my summer wardrobe might just get that little cool factor I have been looking for.

The best part about this purchase is, like I mentioned before, a leather vest will easily take you into the fall, looking ever so cute layered or on its’ own with a scarf and jeans. Hopefully this will tide me over until it is really time to shop for Fall!!

More Just Female…

I absolutely love the feminine, 1940’s feel of this sheer blouse! This look is much more versatile than you might think, depending on what you wear underneath.

You can pair it with the proper nude undergarments for work…use it as a sophisticated swim suit cover-up… or my fave,  jazz it up with daring dark lingerie a la Carrie Bradshaw for a sexy night or weekend look!

Regardless of how you decide to wear it, if you go for the sheer, keep the rest of your outfit modest, understated and tailored (kind of like the simple shorts shown here).

This blouse from Urban Outfitters is a little pricey ($58), but I love how it illustrates the look…and it’s just plain lovely!!  And it also comes in NINE color options so you can choose from varying degrees of sheerness!

There are tons of sheer options out there for less with different prints or even plain, solids that give the same feel. And keep in mind this is something that can easily be layered under a cardigan, a vest or even your favorite blazer when it’s time to beat the chill once again!

More Urban Outfitters…

I have been on a serious mission for a perfect pair of boyfriend jeans for a while now. I love the trend but I didn’t think it could work on my body type. Sure they work on Rachel Bilson and Reese Witherspoon…but let’s get real we don’t all look like them.

I had tried on dozens of pairs and came to the conclusion that they weren’t for me. I am bigger on my bottom half so when trying on pants, if they fit my legs they are usually too big on the waist…I wear a lot of belts. But with good faith I gave the trend another try…

With boyfriend jeans you can’t be  “sizest” like I was. They key to boyfriend jeans is throwing away your typical size, which fits tight and snug, and go for a few sizes up. You want them to be baggy!! You can then accessorize with a skinny belt like Rachel Bilson.

Go for a straight leg fit rather than the wide…the straight leg boyfriend cut will still have that extra room but it won’t make you look “wide.”

The cuff on this style really does elongate the leg and shows off your shoes. If your on the petite size pair the jean with some hot summer wedges and if you have sky high legs top them off with adorable flats or strappy sandals…and the best way to style these jeans is with feminine tops and chunky accessories to counterbalance the masculine feeling.

I was definitely frustrated with finding my perfect jean but you need to remember that you can go a size up and then some. Don’t count this style out no matter your size! These jeans are so comfy and won’t make you look bigger than you are…they definetley need to become one of your summer staples fast!

Check out some great options below to try on for your size!

More Levi’s…

The Black & Blue color combination in theory sounds so wrong…but in actuality it’s so right! The black/blue trend is one many people shy away from, I’m not sure why, but I’m guessing it’s because it evokes images of bruises (not so pretty) therefore giving the color pairing a bad name.

Well here are some of Hollywood’s hottest ladies sporting the color combo. They look super chic and modern in their navy and black outfits and this pairing is quickly becoming one of my favorites!

If you want try this look out for yourself, this pretty Navy and Black lace dress from ASOS is only $33.82– here the navy helps adds a little more visual interest then would your basic LBD and it also provides a softer contrast than all over black would to the lace.

You can do a few things with this look… wear a color blocked dress with both black & blue or my pick…wear a navy dress paired with a black blazer. The second option gives you more versatility because you can easily wear those two items separately with other items in your closet to maximize the value of your purchases!

When it comes to shoes, if you’re feeling a little feisty go with a leopard pump–it’s the perfect “neutral” and it’s a fun way to spice up the color combo!  But if you’re trying this look for work and you need a more classic look, go with a nude heel instead of a black one (way too matchy matchy)!

More Asos…

I have to admit when clogs first started to make their come back on the Chanel runway I was one of those non-believers, but I have to say I have been dying for a pair of clogs recently…I’d say I’ve gone clog crazy!

Sometimes for me, seeing is believing and as soon as I saw some stylish ladies on the street wearing theirs, I was ready to take this fashion risk myself–and let’s be clear, it’s a risk!

On my personal wish list are these Jeffrey Campbell Clogs for $150 in the natural or tan color (they are sold out at a lot of places but check out Lori’s Shoes, Singer22, or Nordstrom to see if they have your size/color in stock).

And while I don’t love Miley Cyrus, she’s the one that made me fall in love with this Jeffery Campbell style and the overall versatility of clogs. She’s worn them with everything from cutoffs to dresses!

Now just because I like clogs, doesn’t meal I like all clogs.  I prefer a peep- toe clog (sorry Karl, but the ones you made are a little too chunky for me)  not a closed-toe one.

This pair from Steve Madden are just my style and they’re on sale for $59.99!

Something about a closed toe clog reads way too Holland for me!  I also prefer a graduated heel instead of a stacked heel…and when it comes to color, anything in a shade of tan/brown/cognac is perfect!

And if you’re wondering what in the world to wear these shoes with, the answer is everything!  You can wear them with a flirty printed skirt, cutoffs, or a summer dress for a casual look.

Now if you want to dress them up, try wearing them with with a drapey silk tank, and skinny jeans or leggings.

But as always, one of the best and worst things about “of the moment” trends like this one is that they’re everywhere–meaning there’s tons of styles to chose from! Check out my picks for the best in clogs, for under $100!

More Steve Madden…

I literally shrieked out loud when I found these flats online at Urban!

I’ve been shopping for shoes with my husband and I’m totally in love with all the retro wing-tipped styles they have out for men, but I kept thinking to myself, what about us girls? I want to get in on that wing tip action!

These adorable flats are the perfect blend of a feminine shoe with some very masculine (in a sexy way) wingtip detailing. And if you’re not loving the lace up oxford trend that happening, this is a great in-between style that’s super easy to wear!

They come in tan and black and either color is perfect to wear now and later into the Fall…think how cute they will look with a mini-dress and tights!?

Click here to buy them for only $34!