Get The Look For Less – Lily Aldridge

Lily Aldridge has a lot on her plate these days. Along side of her Victoria Secret’s gig, being a mom and wife to Kings of Leon’s Caleb Followill, she recently added designer to her resume with her capsule collection – Lily Aldridge for Velvet.

With a schedule like that you must make every minute count, and that includes putting together uber chic looks in a New York minute.

Lily lends a pop of color to her AllSaints leather pants, J Crew vintage tee and Stella McCartney over sized wayfarer sunglasses with a pair of red Gianvito Rossi statement pumps. Add a brown croc-embossed leather tote by Joie and a touch of bling with an Ice Middleton Collar from Baublebar, and you’re out the door in no time flat. Looking simple, cool and chic I might add!!

Of course, we don’t all have Lily’s budget for clothes, and while not everything she’s wearing is pricey (J Crew tee and necklace from Baublebar), for everything else I’ve curated the same look for less!

Clockwise from top left: Black leather Look Olive Skinny Jeans $90.00 0n sale for $50.00 www.riverisland.com, J Crew Vintage Cotton T-Shirt $30.00 www.jcrew.com, Topshop Faux Leather Tote $72.00 www.nordstroms.com, Ice Middleton Collar $68.00 http://www.baublebar.com,  Le Specs Cat Eye Sunglasses $59.00 www.urbanoutfitters.com, Justine 4 by Boutique 9 Red Suede Pump $140.00 www.piperlime.com

Fantastic Finds Under $70

We all know the dollar doesn’t get what it used to, especially theses days with so much of it being spent at the gas pump. But that doesn’t have to mean you short change your wardrobe. Today we have fashion finds that are fun, warm weather approved and down right awesome — and the best part is they’re all under $70.00!! I’m loving the Top Shop curved pocket shorts paired with the Zara studded collar top with peplum.

So don’t fret too much if more of your $$$ is being spent at the pump (though it does make the Chevy Volt sound more attractive everyday) you can still look amazing and enjoy quality time spent shopping with the girls – even if it’s for cheap thrills!!

Clockwise from top left: Urban Renewal Tie-Dye Maxi Dress $69.00 www.urbanoutfitters.com, Meredith Hahn Ruby Lana Bracelet $65.00 www.maxandchole.com, Studded Canvas Wedges $59.00 www.pixiemarket.com, Top w/Studded Collar & Frill $59.90 www.zara.com, Alberta Ferretti For Impulse Dress $69.00 www.macys.com, Petite Curved Pocket Shorts $64.00 www.topshop.com.

Summer White Basics

In honor of Memorial Day I’ve put together a list of the quintessential white basics every devoted fashionphile needs this spring/summer. There is something about the warmer days that causes us to gravitate towards the clean, pure look of white. Now that you “can” wear white, such a silly rule and one I suggest ignoring (I’ve been wearing white for weeks now) you’ll want to make sure these basics are hanging in your closet.

Since summer should be about a time of ease, today’s list is full of no-brainers – purchases you won’t have to think twice about. I’ve even included not one but two white dresses, they live on opposite sides of the price spectrum but both are equally awesome! In today’s market there are a million different t-shirt vendors, all with their own white t-shirts. I chose Kain’s white silky tee because you can dress it up or down just as easy. For your more basic white tee needs try James Perse, Top Shop or even Hanes (I can’t live without their men’s ribbed tanks).

If you’re planning on throwing or attending a BBQ this Monday, either the Level 99 skinny jeans or Victoria’s Secrets Cheeky shorts will fit the bill perfectly. Have fun!!

Clockwise from top left: Tencil Jersey Panel Biker Jacket $90.00 www.topshop.com, ALC Jagger Lace Dress $690.00 on sale for $416.00 www.mythersa.com, Level 99 Lilly Jean $127.00 Chealsea Brentwood 310.471.4770, White Maxi Skirt $118.00 www.whitehouseblackmarket.com, Hanes Ribbed Tank $19.99 for 6 www.target.com, Cheeky Short $49.50 on sale for $39.90 www.victoriassecret.com, Lace Scalloped Dress $55.00 www.pixiemarket.com, Kain Classic T-shirt $90.00 www.netaporter.com.

This Week’s Wish List

For now, this week’s wish list will have to remain just that, wishes. But with a little work wishes can become reality. The first thing I am placing my energy on is the Smythe color block blazer. I love adding a pop of color via a blazer and the black lapel gives it an extra shot of versatility – I will dress it down with skinny jeans or ragged cut-off shorts, but it’s nice have to have the alternative to dress it up with wide leg trousers or a maxi skirt.

The Norma Kamali retro halterneck swimsuit is not only an awesome swimsuit that is super flattering (rouching is great for camouflaging tummy areas), it makes for a brillian halter top with a pair of high-waisted shorts or a-line skirt. Phillip Lim’s silk crepe de chine dress is another versatile piece – the blush nude color is not only amazing when paired with black but it makes for a spectacular back drop to springs vibrant hued accessories.

Happy shopping! If you have any wishes you would love to share PLEASE do!!

Clockwise from top left: Smythe Color Block Blazer $595.00 www.intermix.com, Moto Black Hotpants $40.00 www.topshop.com, Embroidered Tulle T-Shirt  $59.90 www.zara.com, Zinnia Ink Pillow $295.00 www.barneys.com, 3.1 Phillip Lim Crepe de Chine Silk Dress $595.00 www.netaporter.com, Norma Kamali Halterneck Swimsuit $350.00 www.netaporter.com.

Celebrate St. Patty’s Day in Style

Wearing green this St. Patty’s Day is easier than you think. I’ve put together a selection of eight pieces that will let you celebrate St. Patty’s day pinch free (if opting for the lace bra and thongs I’ll leave it to you on how to let people know), and with this vibrant hue trending so strong you’ll be letting loose this Saturday in style. Emerald green adds a fantastic pop to any outfit and no doubt you’ll want to wear this electric hue well past the holiday.

I’ll be sporting the Zara lace blazer, it’s a simple yet striking way to add a feminine touch to mens wear inspired pants or a touch of romance to your favorite pair of jeans. If you’re still not sure about donning such a bold color try opting for the high-rise mint shorts — this soothing color still keeps you pinch free while maintaining a less boisterous profile. Anyone of these stunning finds is sure to make your friends green with envy!!

Clockwise from top left: Tibi Printed Cotton Top $345 www.netaporter.com, Rag & Bone Skinny-Kelly Green Jeans $176.00 www.barneys.com, Mint High Waist Hotpants $56.00 www.topshop.com,  Zara Lace Blazer $99.90 www.zara.com, Rag & Bone Danby Sweater $325.00 on sale for $199.00 www.barneys.com, Balcony Lace Bra And Thong $50.00 www.topshop.com, Joie A LA Plage Sevilla Dress $188.00 www.revolveclothing.com, Cambridge Green 14″ Satchel $170.10 www.asos.com.

Trend Report — Ankle Strap Sandals

This Spring/Summer is all about the ankle strap sandal. It’s a sexy, fun way to zest up a pair of cropped jeans, skirts and your basic t-shirt dress. I’ve been obsessed with this design for a while now and in my search for the perfect pair I’ve come across some blow-your-mind amazing ankle strap shoes, and in every style imaginable. Wedges, platforms, stilettos, suedes, leathers, color blocking and every color imaginable, you name it, it’s out there!

I finally decided on the nude wedge ankle strap by Report (for a mere $65.00 they’re a steal), mainly for their heel height (less than 4 inches) but mostly cause I love them and they’ll go with everything. I’m also smitten with the brilliant red Miu Miu strappy suede sandals and equally crazy for the Zara I Basic multi color ankle strap, but since the heel on the Zara rings in under 5 inches I think I’ll make that my next pair.

Which ones do you love? Is there a pair your mad for I missed, let us know about them.

Clockwise from top left: Report ‘Kim’ Wedge Pump $98.95 on sale for $65.90 www.nordstroms.com, Mixx Kay Color Block Platform Heels $48.00 www.lulus.com, Giuseppe Zanotti Double Platform Pump $695.00 www.barneys.com,  Satellite Color Block Wedges $140.00 www.topshop.com, Miu Miu Multi Strap Suede Sandals $795.00 www.netaporter.com, I Basic Sandal $49.90 www.zara.com.

LBD = Holiday Dresses

What makes the perfect Holiday dress? It’s a dress that’s suitable for the many cocktail parties, dinners and office fetes that await you. What it shouldn’t be is a dress that gets tucked away in your closet, only to be pulled out at the same time every year for the holidays.

The Little Black Dress fits the bill to a tee. They can rock your holiday parties and dinners while being a go to dress in the future. And every designer has one in their collection, so finding the one that “speaks to you” should be a cinch. We’ve curated a selection of dresses with varying price points so they can easily fit into your holiday budget. We particularly fancy the knitted macrame dress from Top Shop and the hi-lo kimono sleeve dress from ASOS.

Looking chic this holiday is easy as the LBD.

Clockwise from top left: Strapless Layered Ostrich Feather Dress $328.00 www.anntaylor.com, Holy Tee Yves Stretch-Jersey & Silk-Chiffon Dress $345.00 www.netaporter.com, Aqua Cobra Rolled Kimono Sleeve Hi-Lo Dress $199.98 www.asos.com, L’agence Lace Bodice Dress $495.00 on sale for $299.00 www.barney.com, Knitted Macrame Dress $120.00 www.topshop.com, Shirt Dress With Sash Belt $159.00 www.zara.com,

Get The Look For Less – Candice Swanepoel Outside Dior

We recently received a request from a reader to highlight this photo of Candice Swanepoel outside of the Christian Dior Fall 2011 runway show for a Look For Less post. We are just as excited as you, our readers, to discover how to get our hands on these coveted styles at affordable prices. We absolutely love your comments and recommendations and encourage them often. Ask and you shall receive!

Candice Swanepoel definitely knows how to work a provocative ensemble, all the while looking chic and sophisticated at the same time. As a supermodel and face of Victoria’s Secret it should really come as no surprise that her beautiful undergarment-a black crocheted black bra, topped with sheer webbing up the decolletage would be a head-turner.

On par with one of Fall 2011′s most luxurious trends, Candice carries a lush fur coat, the perfect piece to wrap up her entire look. While commiserating with other superstars at the Fall 2011 Christian Dior runway show, we are almost certain Candice was the focus of the event.

We’ve curated a selection to get Candice’s Fall chic look for less:

Clockwise from top left:   Vince Camuto Faux Fur Vest $175.00 on sale for $86.90www.nordstroms, Ponte Shrunken Blazer $80.00 www.topshop.com,Robert Rodriguez Sheer Mesh Top $ 265.00 on sale for $92.70 www.outnet.com, Etienne Aigner Venice Flap Satchel $103.99 www.ebags.com, KiKi de Montparnasse lw Soleill Black Lace Crochet Bra Top $190.00 www.shopbop.com,  Four Seasons Pleated Skirt $38.99 www.shopruche.com,

Toasty, Cozy, Sumptuous Sweaters

It’s that time of year when Autumn winds are blowing and throwing logs on the fireplace can be a nightly occurrence, plans for Thanksgiving day dinner are under way and you’ve pulled out all the cozy, toasty sweaters you packed away for summer.

If “4 ply cashmere” is music to your ears and a sumptuous, soft cableknit pullover is your idea of a little slice of heaven, then you’re a bona-fide sweater lover like us. You’re in luck this season because we have found a sweater style to suit everyone. Sweaters have taken a shine to lurex and metallic finishes making them an easy option for day or night, ponchos (or has grandma would say Ruanas) are back in style and chunky knitted vests like the one designed by Improvd can dress and warm up your basic jeans and tee.

One of our favorites of the gems that we found was Enza Costa’s crew neck sweater with the attached fingerless gloves. And we are lovin the color block style – Barneys is carrying a sublime one by Carven – that takes us back to the ski sweaters of the sixties.

Whatever’s your cup of tea, cozy up to any of these sweaters and the brisk winds of Autumn days will always be at your back (or at least feel like it).

Clockwise from top left: Staring At Stars Pattern Drape Open Cardigan $69.00 www.urbanoutfitters.com, Knitted Lurex Jacket Cardigan $84.00 www.topshop.com, Improvd Belted Chunky Sweater Vest $320.00 www.intermix.com, Enza Costa Cashmere Blend Cuffed Crew Neck $149.00 www.revolveclothing, Union Jack Poncho Top $22.80 www.forever21.com, Carven Color Block Sweater $560.00  www.barneys.com.

From My Closet To Yours – Styling Tips By Kristin

Not very often will a trend be both fashionable and comfortable. So, when it comes along we can only hope it stays. It looks like the legging trend has been resurrected from the 80′s and will be with us for a while, certainly long enough to make it a staple in your wardrobe. I have a few pair in different colors and while I don’t wear they with platform heels (though if I was younger I might), I do love wearing them with flats and boots – platform and flat.

I have curated a variety of leggings, to cover the bases for different needs. For those of you who call home a place where the air can get nippy, I found a fab pair of heavy weight leggings at Top Shop for only $68.00 and I found a pair of faux leather leggings that rock by Paper Crown. (Lauren Conrad’s new clothing line that is getting rave reviews). But even if your temps don’t dip into the bitter cold levels, the winter months anywhere make these a great choice. These are definitely getting added to my wardrobe.

Splendid makes a great pair in a light weight fabric that looks smashing with boots or under dresses with flats. If a little detail is what you are looking for Chelsea Brentwood carries a pair by Tart that come with zipper detail at the ankle for a look that has an edge to it. Another great thing is the price, they ring in at $78.00.

What ever your fancy, make sure you had a legging to the wardrobe this fall and I promise you’ll be wearing them for more than a season.

Happy Shopping!!!

Clockwise from top left: Paper Crown Serena Faux Leather Leggings $150.00 www.singer22.com, Splendid Leggings $68.00 www.revolveclothing.com, Tart zippered leggings $78.00 Available @ Chelsea Brentwood  310- 471 4770, www.tartcollectioms.com, Black Heavy Weight Legging $36.00 www.topshop.com.