FASHION 101: DENIM DAYS ARE HERE TO STAY!

Raise your hand if you miss the excitement of going back to school after the long summer? I know I do! What’s not to miss- social activities a mile long, two study hall periods a day to hang out with your besties,a free workout class to keep you in shape, and day that ends at 2:30 versus 7:00 what’s not to love! Ok, so school itself was perhaps a slightly overrated pleasure, but the sacred ritual of going back to school shopping always marked a new beginning to an end. This end was not only a summer, but a time for new classes, friends, and more importantly new fashion styles. As a grown-up, fashion's fall season every year is still nostalgic of my first day. These days my first days start with denim. Are you ready for denim everyday? Denim days are definitely here to stay! Lucky for you, I have 5 chic denim pieces to have you looking first day ready everyday!

#1 CROPPED DENIM JACKET

Although summer is coming to an end it doesn’t mean you have to put away that denim jacket. Infact, rocking a denim jacket with any of your fall ensembles will provide a fresh twist. Expect to see more fitted and cropped versions to add to your look. Nikki Reed gets an A+ for keeping her look interesting from head to toe, not only changing textures of black, but creating a pop with the red heels, and of course to keep her cool factor adding in a cropped denim jacket.

#2 GO TO SKINNY JEANS

Up the stakes on your go-to skinny jean with fresh approaches by going for more distressed washes, high-waisted fits, or paneling. Take a cue from Rihanna who pairs the vintage style distressed skinny jeans with a stripped button down. Her look is a 9 because she does a great job keeping the interest on the jeans by choosing a striped button down and strappy black heels but she does fail when it comes to adding that pop factor!

# 3 FLARED JEANS

In a fashion market dominated by skinny jeans, don’t underestimate the magic of the flare. Flared Jeans may be denim’s best kept secret. Although they may be a bit trickier to wear than skinnies, pair them with the right platform or heel, and if tailoring is necessary then do hem where needed.  Rosie Huntington-Whiteley recently spotted wore them to the 10's!  I loved how she paired it with a pretty plaid shirt which color palette contrasted the denim quite nicely. When wearing flared jeans choose tops or accessories that are going to bring a bit more pop.

#4 CHAMBRAY SHIRT

No longer is it a fashion faux pas to wear a denim shirt, but sure enough it’s becoming a style staple to consider. Whether you opt for light or dark blue, or even the hues in between, keep on collecting a few in every wash to keep this fall as cool as you want it to be! Kim shows us all that you can add so many flavors with this top by paring it with bold color pieces and eye-catching shoes! 

#5 DENIM SKIRT

I’m just going to come right out and say it I have always had a skirt fetish throughout the years especially when it comes to denim.  From my earlier days in the 90’s to finding every style imaginable of the denim skirt- distressed, micro-mini, vintage inspired, polished, flared skirt, wrap skirt, high-waisted, long, you name it!  Could you imagine how ecstatic I was when I found out the good news that the denim skirt was “the skirt" to rock to the beat of 2014! One of my top favorite denim skirts for fall is The Pencil Denim Skirt! If anyone can wear a denim pencil skirt its Naya Rivera! In this picture she opted for a dark wash high waisted denim pencil skirt to compliment her white crop shirt. She balanced out the clean lines of the skirt and top with a light hued strappy heel. I would give this look a 9 and not a 10, because I feel she played it safe by opting with all neutral colors. She could have taken a bit more risk through the use of accessories to create that pop factor which I stress. If she didn’t want color, I would have styled her with unique gold earrings and a matching gold cuff.

HERE ARE LINKS TO HAVE YOU LOOKING FIRST DAY READY EVERYDAY!  *= top picks

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=bottom_jeans&ProductID=2000098984&VariantID=

High-Waisted Skinny Jeans at Forever 21 $27.90

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?Br=F21&Category=top&ProductID=2000059212&VariantID=

Chambray Button-up at Forever 21 $22.80

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?Br=F21&Category=bottom&ProductID=2000059430&VariantID=

Mineral Wash Pencil Skirt at Forever 21 $17.80 =*

http://www.lulus.com/products/dittos-emma-denim-midi-skirt/155074.html

Dittos Emma Denim Midi Skirt at LuLus  $69.00

http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/Clothes/Jeans/entity/pc/2114/c/0/sc/3200/272505.uts

Marble wash low rise skinny jeans at Charlotte Russe $34.99 =*

http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/Bottoms/Jeans/Refuge-Denim/Refuge-Hi-Waist-Super-Skinny-Medium-Wash-Jeans/

Refuge Hi-Waist Super Skinny Medium Wash Jeans at Charlotte Russe  $32.99 =*

http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/entity/267073.uts

Acid Wash Cropped Denim Jacket at Charlotte Russe $36.99=*

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?Br=F21&Category=bottom&ProductID=2000082797&VariantID=

Denim Pencil Skirt at  Forever 21 $17.90=*

http://www.nastygal.com/product/blank-nyc-flare-jean?

Blank NYC Flare Jean at Nasty Gal $61.60=*

http://www.express.com//clothing/low+rise+destroyed+slim+flare+jean/pro/7155718/

Low Rise Destroyed Slim Flare Jean at Express $47.94 =*

For more information go to www.frugalfashionite.com

A+ STYLE TO BE FIERCE THIS FALL IN THE BOARDROOM !

Even if you don’t have to suit up for work, the latest version of the boardroom ready trend has gotten a whole new makeover this season and is slowly shifting it’s way from runway to high street, and your office may be next! This fall get ready to tell Donald Trump to move on over, or better yet his starlet daughter Ivanka Trump to make room! Forget the standard corporate uniform, and get ready to welcome bold colors, plaid patterns, sparkles, and more! Most recently I found some style inspiration from the glittery suit that Solange Knowles wore at the 2014 VMA’s. If this is any indicator of what is to come, get ready to find out the best styles to master this fall when it comes to being fierce in the boardroom!

FELINE FEMINITY

What better way to make a roar in the boardroom this fall than with leopard print! Whatever dose you choose whether it’s a dress or scarf, remember to choose pieces that are easily worn outside of work too!

STYLE TIP: To recreate Kim Kardashian’s look and make it appropriate for the work place,  replace the top with a neutral solid color blouse in black, keep the color belt, and stick to black solid pointy heel.  Think of the leopard print as your center piece that way you will achieve a more sophisticated and balanced look to sport to the office.

JEWELS R US

Get ready to leave your co-workers speechless with some eye-catching  crystals and rhinestones fit to be worn for Queen! Queen of the office that is! Instead of trying to figure out what statement necklace or long beaded earrings to wear, designers this season have come out with an array of jewel-embellished garments.  This trend is perfect for those who don’t want to think twice about adding an accessory especially when it’s already on your clothes!

STYLE TIP: Make sure to designate this piece as the centerpiece, and build the rest of your look with pieces that will accent this piece. By applying my minute made fashion formula for the jewel embellished trend it will help you achieve a more balance look by picking pieces that will neutralize the centerpiece. (refer back to my minute-made fashion article if you don’t know what I’m talking about )

PINSTRIPES

Guess what print is the most masculine of prints, skinny, and is sign of  power when it comes to  making deals happen? Pinstripes, are the mover and shaker print for this fall in making things happen!  From basic menswear shapes like slacks and blazers to matching suits everything about this trend will create buzz to any boardroom.

STYLE TIP: Designers this season have put a more masculine sartorial spin on pinstripes, but always mix with a touch of feminine elements. If your wearing stripes in a suit, choose a feminine color or style camisole, on the other hand if your wearing it in a dress choose feminine accessories.

MONOCROMATIC TREND

The new way to sport bold color without being nicknamed the “class clown”, oops I meant to say “office clown” is through the monochromatic trend! While it may be complicated in name, monochromatic dressing doesn’t have to be. It’s really quite easy and only involves wearing one single color, or varying shades within the one color from head-to-toe. Take this office note: just because summer is coming to an end it doesn’t mean you have to stop wearing color. This is the perfect A+ style to be fierce this fall at the office!

STYLE TIP: To avoid looking too dull when wearing this trend, look for stylish cuts in the clothing, mix and match textures, and don’t be afraid to play up the accessories.

MAD FOR PLAID

Are you mad for plaid? I know I am! If my  past record of dressing up for Halloween in a plaid school girl themed costume two years in a row, and of course  how could I not mention my slight addiction to watching reruns of “Mean Girls” and “Clueless” which these iconic movies gave life to meaning of  plaid prints! If this is any indicator could you imagine my excitement when I found out designers were coming out with modern versions of plaid for 2014.  There are a slew of modern updates this season on this forever-classic pattern.  It’s fail-safe print to rock in style!  Here's how I did it!

MY LOOK: Plaids  are the ultimate office friendly print providing a polished look no matter what piece you choose to rock.  I ended my workweek with what I like to think is not just A+,  but since I’m working gal it’s bonus style! I decided to go with the most basic color palette for any print: black and white. Going with any print that is black and white creates infinite possibilities when it comes to picking out the accessories, and changing your look.  I created two different looks through different accent and pop pieces. I’m going to  break down my look with my minute made fashion formula( refer back to my article if you don’t know what I’m talking about)

FIRST LOOK: SWINGING 60’S

CENTER PIECE- WHITE AND BLACK PLAID DRESS

ACCENT PIECE:  RED HEELS

POP FACTOR- RED BOW BELT WITH GOLD DETAILING AND WHITE EARRINGS

The color red was the overall theme for the accessories to create a striking contrast, and the belt consisting of having a red bow as the buckle with gold detailing played up the lady like trend from 50’s and of course the 60’s. 

SECOND LOOK: CONTEMPORARY

CENTER PIECE : WHITE AND BLACK PLAID DRESS

ACCENT PIECES: BLACK HEELS

POP FACTOR: BLUE CRYSTAL STATEMENT NECKLACE

This look was more contemporary and stuck to a fresh color palette by opting for black heels to compliment the black in the pattern, and multi blue hued statement necklace to compliment the pattern, but infuse a touch of glam through the blue crystal bubble statement necklace. 

HERE ARE LINKS FOR A+ STYLE TO BE FIERCE THIS FALL IN THE BOARDROOM:

*= My top picks

http://www.necessaryclothing.com/plaid-cut-out-dress-black-white-l.html?___store=default

PLAID CUT OUT DRESS at Necessary Clothing  $29.99- My dress =*

http://www.lulus.com/products/lulus-exclusive-make-it-you-blue-dress/150698.html

LuLus Exclusive make it blue dress  $29.00 (Monochromatic Trend)

http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/entity/271771.uts

Leopard Print Bodycon Midi Skirt $18.99 at Charlotte Russe  (Feline Trend)

http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/Dresses/Night/entity/pc/3021/c/0/sc/2626/271992.uts

GATHERED DOLMAN SLEEVE WRAP DRESS at Charlotte Russe $24.99- (Monochromatic Trend Piece) *

http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/entity/267324.uts

Embellished Textured Skater Dress  at Charlotte Russe $20.99 (Embellished Jewel Trend)

http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/entity/266608.uts

Embellished Long Sleeve Wrap Top Charlotte Russe $15.00 (Embellished Jewel Trend) *

http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/entity/269090.uts?colorCode=301677739_636

Beaded Cap Sleeve Chiffon Top at Charlotte Russe $15.00 (Embellished Jewel Trend) *

http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/entity/273089.uts

Mandarin V-Neck Windowpane Plaid Top  at Charlotte Russe $22.99 (plaid trend)

 http://www.express.com/clothing/pinstriped+wide+waistband+flare+editor+pant/pro/9198166/cat320070

Pinstriped Wide Waistband  Flare Editor Pant  at Express $47.94

(Pinstripe Trend)

http://www.express.com/clothing/leopard+print+midi+sheath+dress/pro/7863055/cat320052

Leopard Print Midi Sheath Dress at Express $35.94 – (Feline Trend) *- wear with a blazer or cardigan to work

For more information go to www.frugalfashionite.com

MEN'S STYLE: 3 PIECES THAT DEFY FASHION'S GREY AREA

There is ongoing battle with the color grey. Grey is controversial by nature- the color without color, cousin to both black and white, and often associated with negative connotations like grey hair, somber moods, dark skies, boring, drab, and all the good things that come with old age! However, if your like myself where you prefer to see the glass full rather then half empty then you may find the color grey quite interesting! I know I do! From Grey’s Anatomy to charcoal grey eye shadow to the “little grey cells” in our brain that process our information and  of course how can  I forget to  mention one of my favorites Fifty Shades of Grey! With a pendulum swinging back and forth of positive versus negative associations of grey, I’m here to tip the scale in your favor with three key pieces that will defy fashion’s grey area this fall!  Read on to get the scales tipping…

1 # GREY FLANNEL SUIT

The good news is that the epic grey suit is still going strong, but this season designers have taken this style staple and put a new twist on it! A twist that may be getting some of you lovers of flannel super excited. Forget the matte suit, and even the shiny suit, the ultimate version of a suit this season is the grey flannel suit!  This piece is actually contemporary and looks great on all ages. For those colder months ahead it’s a practical option to keep you warm, so you won’t need to overdo the layering. Dress it up with classic shirt and tie combination or down with a roll neck which is trending for this fall.

STYLE TIP: Remember you can split it into separates and wear both the jacket and trousers individually. Experiment with color in the dress shirt and accessories like the tie or pocket square.  If you do wear a tie or pocket square, this is a time when you can go back to incoporating key colors that are hot for fall!

2 # GREY COAT

Grey has never looked so warm in outerwear this season! Designers have taken the grey concept in a whole new direction with every shade and design imaginable. Expect to see coats in shades of warm, charcoal, sliver, slate and light grey. With each season grey gets quite interesting to say the least from it’s different versions of fabrics and prints. Whether you choose long sloped shoulder oversize coats,  or the ubiquitous bomber jacket which style enthusiasts can’t seem to get enough of, and of course how can you forget the good old parka!

STYLE TIP: When it comes to buying the perfect grey coat and really making a style statement it boils down to the details. Remember to look at all the defining features of the coat these often are but not limited to  the stitching, print, fabric, texture, silhouette, buttons, belts, zippers, and if it’s tailored. Besides the fit, and if you dig it all those details do account for whether you will blend in or stand out this season!

3 # GREY CARDIGAN

Cardigans are no longer just reserved for the French, or tv characters like the famous Mister Rodgers(RIP), but over the past few years Hollywood stars really love this piece for all the right reasons! Just take a cue from some of Hollywood’s A-list – David Beckham, Justin Timberlake, and Drake who are stylishly showing off their athletic build in this piece. Like a favorite pair of denim that you can dress up or down, the grey cardigan is slowly taking on the same persona. Not only is the grey cardigan a great piece to dress up or down, but it will have the ladies fawning over you and your killer style!  

STYLE TIP: If you’re a newbie to the cardigan corner, I recommend going with a thinner material like cotton or linen because it’s make layering options more creative and versatile for both formal and casual wear.  Whether you choose to sport your grey cardigan underneath a blazer or on top of a plaid shirt, look for colors that are going to be used to accent the cardigan. Keep in mind if your going for more of a casual look, choose lighter colors like blue or green to layer, whereas if your going for dressier option choose bolder reds, pinks, purples, and even hue’s of orange which is a key color this year for fall fashion.

HERE ARE RECOMMENDED LINKS TO DEFY FASHION’S GREY AREA:

*= my top picks

http://www.hm.com/us/product/22925?article=22925-B&piaDept=Subdepartment_men&piaType=Large_picture

Canvas Parka at H&M $49.95

http://www.hm.com/us/product/19479?article=19479-G#article=19479-A

Grey Cardigan at H&M $24.95

http://us.asos.com/Selected/Selected-Flannel-Blazer/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3383721&sgid=7303&SearchQuery=gray%20%20flannel%20suit&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Charcoal

Selected Charcoal Flannel Blazer at ASOS for $104.47

http://us.asos.com/Selected/Selected-Flannel-Trouser/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3383898&sgid=7303&SearchQuery=gray%20%20flannel%20suit&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Charcoal

Selected Flannel Pant at ASOS  $67.71 At ASOS

http://us.asos.com/ASOS-Bomber-Jacket-In-Houndstooth/13yu5k/?iid=4210779&cid=3606&Rf-200=16&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Grey&mporgp=L0FTT1MvQVNPUy1Cb21iZXItSmFja2V0LUluLURvZ3Rvb3RoL1Byb2Qv

Bomber Jacket in Houndstooth at ASOS $106.41 *

http://www.zara.com/us/en/man/coats-and-trench-coats/plain-coat-c277002p2025569.html

Plain Coat in Grey at Zara $259- Although this is a bit expensive – this style can last for three seasons or more it’s worth the investment! I love silouhette and neckline  *

http://www.express.com/clothing/wool+blend+herringbone+topcoat/pro/4423435/cat1004

Wool Blend Herrinbone Top Coat at Express $166.80

http://www.express.com/clothing/heathered+stripe+shawl+collar+cardigan/pro/3874149/cat360016

Heathered Stripe Shawl Cardigan at Express $47.94

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=21men&Category=m_blazers-and-vests&ProductID=2000118849&VariantID=012

Heathered Knit Blazer at Forever 21 $39.80 *

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Category.aspx?br=21men&category=m_sweaters

Marled V-Neck Cardigan at Forever 21 $14.00

For more information go to www.frugalfashionite.com 

FASHION FEAST AT THE 2014 EMMYS: RED CARPET DELIGHTS!

This years Emmys’ fashion from the red carpet looked more like a full  on food buffet with every delectable treat imaginable than a red carpet event! Hypothetically speaking with so much food at a buffet you’re going to “get a little bit of this” and a  “little bit of that” with the possibility of something not tasting quite right. Perhaps the Tiramisu was out of this world, but the turkey burger tasted like rubber! Similarly, in the world of fashion, particularly last night I felt like I was at buffet, a fashion buffet! From bright corals and reds to pinks and oranges, to gleaming silvers, plunging necklines, high slits, crisp white ensembles, tulle styled gowns, to even unexpected color combinations, and the list goes on! A wide assortment of flavors to satisfy any fashionista’s appetite for style, so get ready to gorge your eyes on a few of my Red Carpet Delights!

JANUARY JONES  IN PRABAL GURUNG’S GOWN

If you’re looking for a mouth-watering piece of strawberry pie, then this look is for you. Sweet, and even sweeter as you delve into each piece  that creates this breathtaking look! The “Mad Men “ star showed off her A-Game in this fire red 1950’s style dress. This look was classic but had a punk rocker vibe to it through her choice in footwear. She added unexpected flavor to her look by opting for an edgy black strappy heel rather than a classic ladylike heel.

LENA HEADEY IN RUBIN SINGER 

If you’re looking for molten chocolate cake then look no further. Lena Headey, aka Queen Cersei of “Game of Thrones,” decided to go dark black damask gown featuring an asymmetrical neck and hemline. Lena neutralizes the drama of the silhouette by going with peep-toe pumps, low-key hairstyle and light makeup. Being a sucker for all kinds of chocolate especially dark, I do love this look! The flavor of this look is a bit off through her choice of accessories. I would of liked to see some more contrast and dimension within the accessories like adding  some gold hanging earrings.

SARAH HYLAND IN CHRISTIAN SIRIANO

So now that you sampled some of sweet deserts are you ready to eat clean? if your ready to sample something lighter like vanilla Greek yogurt topped with red berries then I have the one for you! The two-piece white and red ensemble that The ‘Modern Family’ star wore is the perfect solution to go clean! The two pieces create a striking contrast from the colors to the structured top paired with the dramatic ball gown skirt. Both the cropped top trend and the color block style are still going strong from now and all the way into fall. To top off her look she wore bow-shaped, diamond earrings by Lorraine Schwartz, which added a youthful, and fun twist to her look.

VIOLA DAVIS IN ESCADA

Now that I have taken you from sweets to something lighter in flavor, I bet you’re really thirsty for something tropical. How does a tropical blueberry juice to quench your thirst sound? If you’re ready to sample a tropical but brilliant concoction  then this one is for you! Viola Davis dazzled in this incredible shade of violet-blue, with a unique embellished portrait neckline. She kicked up her style even further by adding a different flavor through the accessories by opting for the color red to contrast the beautiful blue.

SOFIA VERGARA IN ROBERTO CAVALLI

What better way to end a buffet with then a nice crisp glass of opulent champagne! Like high quality champagne, you can always expect the best from this star stunner, Sofia Vergara who always brings  her A-Game to the red carpet. The ‘Modern Family’ star wore a white, structured Roberto Cavalli gown with silver accents. White was definitely a popular color for the night and is not leaving the fashion scene anytime soon. There is absolutely nothing that I would change about this look, and would toast to this as one of my favorites!

KERRY WASHINGTON IN PRADA

The last and most important thing to do on your way out is to freshen your breath and of course clean your palette.  Like the unique flavor of the Orange Tic-Tac that shakes up your taste buds , Kerry Washington caused some chaos on the red carpet, but for all the right reasons!  She dazzled in an eye-catching orange double silk cady strapless column Prada gown with blue, green and clear micro-bed enriched edges and an underlying navy mini skirt embroidered with crystal embellishments. The unique unexpected detail on the dress and the bold color make this one unforgettable piece! Expect to see the theme of small and unexpected details popping up on pieces as we enter the fall.  So is your appetite as satisfied as mine?

For more information go to www.frugalfashionite.com

CELEBRITY LOOKS: STYLE NOTES FROM THE 2014 MTV VMAs

It seems as if every year the fashion at the VMAs get more outrageous than before. Imagine having an awards show for the most outrageous and shocking ensembles over the music. Not only would it draw more attention, and be more like a 24 hour TV marathon than a few hours, but also it would be like the Super Bowl of Fashion! Thank god for these red carpet events I always learn a style lesson or two! Here are few style notes that I took down on a few of our favorites at this year’s VMAs.

RITA ORA

Don’t get me wrong I love the old Hollywood glamour look, and love the color red, however this dress falls short with the slit looking like someone just took a pair of scissors to cut it.

STYLE NOTE: Outside of the Red Carpet choose pieces that are slit appropriate, because it can ruin the beauty of a whole look.

TAYLOR SWIFT

Taylor Swift known for wearing ladylike and shimmering dresses opted for long-sleeved boy-short jumpsuit. Yes I will give her kudos for keeping it interesting, but she looks more like she is a cast member from Star Trek than a style icon.

STYLE NOTE: There is no theme or unity within her look. When creating any look focus on a style. Whether you opt for ladylike trends, or go more for contemporary designs pick one and focus on it.

AMBER ROSE

Speechless to say the least is how I sum up what Amber Rose wore to the VMAs. Visually this  looks like someone threw chains on her and called this a dress. If she was looking for attention she definitely got it with this number, but not for the right reasons.

STYLE NOTE: Study this hard and remember wearing chains as clothes is not fashion!

BEYONCE

The best dressed of the night goes without a doubt to Beyonce. I love everything about this look. Her lace dress by Nicolas Jebran was breathtaking. From head to toe she scored a perfect ten in my book.

STYLE NOTE: It is possible to wear all black from head to toe without looking like your going to funeral. Just keep it interesting through the design, texture, and fabric like Beyonce did.

ARIANA GRANDE

This girl is drop dead gorgeous, but her outfit on the other hand is just awful for a red carpet event. This is her "go to" stage look, and she seems to not change it up even for red carpet events. She looks more like a dominatrix than the amazing pop star she is. She needs to leave her singing wardrobe for concerts and opt for star-studded gowns.

STYLE NOTE: Tailor your dress style for the event, and be open to different styles which prevents you from getting stuck in a style rut.

SARAH HYLAND

This Kaufmanfranco gown was one of my favorites for the night. This asymmetric style gown is  so simple, yet so sultry with a slit at the midriff, and open back too, do I need to say more!

STYLE NOTE: Some times less is more especially when it comes to really standing out. Focus more on rich colors, texture and silhouettes when searching for solid color gowns.

For more information go to www.frugalfashionite.com