Wal-Mart Wonders

Not only is Wal-Mart one of the only places right now that is not losing money, but they actually have some new brands that are worth checking out.  I recently found some really great riding trousers that are perfect for only $5.  

The two new designers to check out at Wal-Mart:

Normal Kamali 

I love this bag...such a classic shape...you could use this for a very long time.
This is terrible...but, I am already planning my attack...I am going to wait till this goes on sale and buy two...why, might you ask???  Well, one to wear as is and add some new buttons and a fab lining and the next, to make into a dress like Joe Zee recommends to do in this months ELLE:)  Genius! 
I need this belt right now!  For $12 and looking so perfect, this is a must-have for me!

To the Max by Max Azria

Fun neckline...makes a basic cardigan updated and keeps your neck warm while doing it:)This is AMAZING!  I think I will just need everything in this blog actually:)I love the neckline on this and the color is perfect.This is a great way to update your tee drawers...keep it from being to basic and still be oh so comfy!

A trendier version of the trench....

Buy any of these pieces and wear them with BCBG or BCBG girls shoes and you are good to go!

Check out the Budget Fashionista's thoughts on Walmart and the new term depressionista.

Victoria's secret fashion show 2008 2009 part5

Victoria's secret fashion show 2008 2009 part 3

Victoria's secret fashion show 2008 2009 part 2

Victoria's secret fashion show 2008 2009 part 1

Since I missed the show like last year...I always seem to forget...I really LOVE how youtube has everything if you miss it...so for those who missed it, here you go:)

Accessories That Make the Look POP

I know that people feel that they can't shop for luxury right now with the economy and such, but if you get the itch...just do it with items you know you will get a lot of use out of and you know won't hurt the bank as much...here are a couple of great options.

I adore the chain shoulder strap on any handbag regardless of if it is Chanel or not...Versace actually does a fab one that looks timeless, but still has a trendy edge to it that would be fun for day or night (depending on what you are wearing.)

Sunglasses have become a HOT commodity for shopping with designers brands...one that has stayed strong is the Tom Ford brand.  You can't go wrong with a good pair of glasses...where them all year and most of the time they won't go out of style if they reflect your personal look.I have never been a person to wear watches, but I am all about checking out what type of watch everyone else is wearing.  Nixon makes a watch that doesn't even look like a watch and that I LOVE!  I always mistake a fashionista friend of mines leather band watch for a bracelet and she always has to remind me that it is in fact a watch:)

48-hour Sale @ Sears

I have never shopped for clothes at Sears...but, after reading that a team of stylists love going to Sears for sweaters and at a focus group I heard that Sears has a virtual dressing room where you can literally see a body shape like yours and try on the piece...how genius!  With the sale, I believe everything is under $50!

A Warm Option to Use Instead of a Jacket: Ruana

Why cover up with what everyone else is using?  Ruana's have caught my attention recently and I thought I would share a couple of looks I found online...if you don't want the Ruana to lay open, just add a great medium to large leather belt to add some edge. Plus, there are so many things that you can do to change the look of the Ruana that you wear...it's endless:)Hold the broach, and yes ladies she isn't necessarily the most fashionista of them, but this is the concept I was wanting to achieve...
Ok, there is a lot going on with this pic that I don't agree with, but I like the Ruana a lot....I would even do the necklace with a basic tank and a pair of jeans...basic, basic...nothing like this pic:)

Part I: Holiday Dresses for Post Preggers Fashionista's

I have a lot of friends that have just had a baby and want to plan on a look for their holiday parties that isn't the basic go-to empire waist dress...I have a lot of options that I have found that give the empire waist a whole new look that is complimentary to the post baby---highlighting all of the right areas.

From Nordstrom

Maggy London

$138

Beautiful color!  

Maggy London

$138

I love how elegant this basic sheath dress is with kimono tie that sets the look off!

From Revolve Clothing

Tibi

On Sale $165

The ethnic print was strong this past summer and will go strong through this season.

T Bags

$215

I love the color---something different from black, and metallics and red for that matter...and I love the grecian styling with an update to the look by taking the skirt legnth shorter.

From Net-a-porter

Moschino Cheap & Chic

$555

The bow keeps it fun and flirty and once again keeps the eye on top to show of your post baby chest that so many ladies will envy!:)

T-Bags $335

This isn't too tight to the frame and the update on the neckline and arm detail make this an attention catcher.  Pair this with some fun platforms or ankle boots and don't be afraid of wearing black opaque tights.

To cover up opt for a silky jacket over a normal heavy weight jacket to complete the look.  I usually hate jackets because I feel like they cover up all the hard work, well this way you cover up and still look chic.  Check out tons of options at Shop Bop.  For edgier fashionista's opt for a leather cropped jacket.

The Smartest Gift Idea Yet

I hadn't heard about this since today and I have already read about it twice-once on Who What Wear Daily and second on Budget Fashionista's on Myspace...so, the thing to get, a year-long Startbucks Gold Card for only $25!!!!!!!!  People are always buying people gift cards, but this is even grander! Instead of a person only getting 1-5 cups from what you give them, they can get 10% off on most purchases, the person who purchases a membership get a free drink that day, then, on your b-day you get a free drink and get exclusive offers and discounts through the year.  I think I will just have to get this for myself:)hahahaha!  My hubby may have the Gold AMEX, but I am going to have the real gold card:)

The New "It" Shoe This Winter

Cozy, Comfy, and Cheap:)  For only $16.99 (that comes in 3 colors) at Target you can get this Scuff slipper to pair with your comfy jeans or sweats.  I have been seeing a lot of younger girls sporting these shoes that are not UGGs, so I had to scope it out and share!  

Inspiration From A Local-Tucson Boutique Fashion Show: Cry Baby Couture

I LOVE the back of this jacket, made by owner, Moni Miller of Cry Baby Couture!
Does this look familiar?  Top is similar to the one that Carrie Bradshaw wore in SATC.

Tell me this sweater isn't amazing!  The even cooler thing is that it is cut out in the back!  Wrap it like a scarf:)
Gray is the word!
Shimmertastic---sheen w/ tights-head to toe glitz and glam!
Broach detail added to back of dress to make it look even more chic!
Big, bold pearls give this look even more classy edge.
Check out some images from a fashion show I went to last week in Tucson.  I love this boutique, one of the owners reminds me of a mix of Betsey Johnson and Patricia Fields...it's magic!

Online Sale Craze

After the haunt of Black Friday in Malls and local boutiques, online has taken over with every type of sale you can think of...it's interesting that now Friends and Family sales that used to be pretty exclusive are now sent out to EVERYONE...if you are on a mailing list then you are included...plus, every site seems to have a sale every week that is supposed to end at the end of the week, but don't be fooled, the next week there will be something new...there is really a fall in the economy, things are being given away for free...or maybe, the prices were always so hiked and now they are coming back down to reality.  I love all of the enticing prices, but it's just very interesting to watch.  So, to stay in the loop, create an email you don't care about being inundated with emails with and sign up for all of your fave stores and watch for the right sale and voila, you get a great steal!

A couple of really great sales to check out:

Lauren Conrad: The prices were crazy high in the first place and now a lot of the pieces are at least 50% off!

Net-a-porter: They are always looking out for their customers...even though everything is very luxury on the site, they still allow sales which I appreciate...so, take advantage of the Sale Extravaganza while new items are added.

Kate Spade: Is having fun sharing the discount bug...but, there is no lacking in the cute designs that they have....

Plus every department store like Saks, Neimans, and Macy's are having HUGE sales!  The inside story in LA is that Saks was on a red-mark down style sale so early that Neimans was like what are we going to do...so, everyone is competing for business...interesting idea.

Make Trade Online

I am going to Portland, Oregon for the holidays and I was excited to read on Daily Candy that Powell's bookstore (one of my must-have places to visit when I get there) is offering the opportunity for everyone to sell books online for online credit at the store, genius idea!  Here is what the Daily Candy email had:

"SELL
Your Old Books
What: Popular Portland bookstore Powell’s will buy back your old reads. Just enter ISBN numbers on the site, mail ’em in, and they’ll send you virtual store credit. 
Why: This reading rainbow yields gold. 
Where: Online at powells.com."

Jay Godfrey: Another New Favorite Designer

Ok, I was looking at the wrong designer when I looked up with the host of Who What Wear Daily was wearing on the last segment.  I am soo excited, my new find is Jay Godfrey and his pieces are divine!  How can anyone say no?  And, you can't really say no to pieces on sale from $400 to $100 on Revolve Clothing!  

CUTE...Skirts are still a must for me

I know that magazines usually decide that it is either trendy to wear a skirt or a dress and one or the other dominates during a season...well, I just love both!  I wear it all, but skirts and dresses seem to catch my eye more.  Recently I was watching a segment from Who What Wear Daily and fell in love with a Tutu skirt by YaYa one of the hosts was wearing, so I had to share of course...I can't afford the skirt right now, but, for those who can, check it out:)

New Favorite Designer: Richard Ruiz

Richard Ruiz might have been the second choice on last nights Stylista, but I went crazy searching for the Egyptian style blouse last night...I contacted the PR rep and the NYC & LA showroom...and, of course, I found the blouse!  It is at a better price than Revolve Clothing had and I am soo excited!  Who says you can't get a designer deal if you don't live in NYC or LA???  Also, I found out from their press rep that the LA Gen Art is having a grand sale tonight which will include Richard Ruiz items.  The event will take place from 5-10 p.m. at the California Market Center.

Marshall's Fun

I went to Marshall's recently and found that there are so many fab new shoe options in the Shoe Mega Shop that there is no excuse for not jumping into the great selection for holidays gifts, or shhhh, for something special for yourself.  With brands like Kate Spade, Coach, Delman, Ted Baker, Cole Haan and Juicy Couture you are going to seriously be rushing through the aisles gasping!  My heart was rushing when I started realizing all of the new brands that Marshall's carries now!  

Don't stop with the shoes though, check out the CUBE---a new section for fashionistas carrying current trends at crazy prices.

Go to the site and have fun playing with games like lib-it-up which everyone can see my results posted on my facebook page:)

Also, check out the gallery pictures on the site, the styling is AMAZING!