Happy New Year!

I hope everyone has a blessed and wonderful New Year! Sunday, I am leaving for a trip to Israel for ten days, so I will be taking a little break from blogging. I can't wait to come back with many beautiful pictures to share on here. I am sure I will shop one day (at least) and seek out some great clothing or accessories from abroad! For now, here is a little background on some of the street styles in Israel! The fashions seem to incorporate staples that are somewhat similar to popular trends here, with a slightly eclectic twist.

A New Year

With New Year's Eve being only a few days away, there is no better excuse to go shopping for a celebratory dress. The after Christmas sales are here and are the perfect way to prepare for the occasion in an affordable manner. New Year's Eve is one night in which chic and dressy fashion is almost a necessity, but no one wants to splurge too much after purchasing holiday gifts. Sparkles, black, red, silver, and gold are New Year's Eve color and design staples. If you're a last minute shopper and don't yet have an outfit for New Year's Eve, here are some great affordable options.

Forever 21, $22.80

Forever 21, $22.80

Charlotte Russe, $20

Charlotte Russe, $34.50

Gilt-Free Shopping

In the past, (here) I wrote about a website called RueLaLa. A similar site exists called "Gilt Groupe." Each day, they offer luxury men's, women's, and children's accessories, clothing, and life style items for discounted prices. It is an easy way to get the designer products that you desire inexpensively.  However, the site is invitation only. I want to help all of my readers by getting you an invitation! To do so, leave a comment with your email address, and I will add you to the list!


Here are some current sale items on the site...

These wedges were originally $109 and are being sold for just $29!

These earrings were originally $65 and are now $32.

This dress has a retail value of $231 but is being sold for $109.

A Dream Come True

Outlet stores are an invaluable resource for fashion lovers on a budget. Not much compares to designer clothing and accessories purchased at half the price. There are outlet stores close by to me; however, the stores available are hardly preferable. Even if you have a great selection of outlet stores near you, their one downfall is that they do not allow for the lazy convenience of online purchasing. Since I am often too busy at school to go to a mall, I have become (much like the rest of America) quite accustomed to the accessibility of online shopping.

Recently, I discovered a website called "asos." They have a normal online store, BUT, they also sell their own line of clothing, as well as others, through an online outlet. They have an amazing selection of both men and women clothing at outlet prices...and it is like a dream come true.

Here are just some of the fashionable AFFORDABLE options from their outlet store...

This dress is only 17.24

This shirt is only 10.34

This bag is 49.13

This sweater is 27.58

Flatter Yourself

No matter how brave, trendy, or unique your sense of style is, it will be unimpressive and possibly even cringe-worthy if it does not flatter you. As a short, hour-glass shaped girl, I know how frustrating it can be to really love a pair of skinny jeans and try them on only to find you look like an over sized pear. So, as tough as it may be, sometimes it really is necessary to ignore a new trend and simply wear what looks best on you. This does not just go for style of the clothing either. Color is also important. Each season, a new pallet of colors hits the stores, and if the choices of the year do not go well with your complexion and hair, stick to the basics or wear them minimally through accessories.

So what if you're shopping online? How do you know if something will look good on you? Though this tip does not always apply, a good rule of thumb is that if it does not flatter the model, chances are it won't flatter you  (unfortunately)
I discovered this great website that outlines do's and don'ts for each body shape. Check it out!

Click here to see what "season" you are and what colors work best for you!

'Tis the Season to be Stylish

One of the best parts about the end of the year is the holidays and the consequential parties and opportunities for dressing up. As a college student, I rarely get the opportunity to wear classy dresses and sweaters. Regardless of what you celebrate, the holidays are the perfect time to adorn yourself in dressy and festive ensembles. Wearing sparkles is a great way to represent the merriment and joy of the season through clothing, and tights and silky black or gold dresses are always appropriate attire.

The one downside to the festivities of December and early January is the cost of purchasing clothes that channel the spirit of the season. Here are some great, affordable options...And remember, you can always wear a basic, neutral colored dress and spice it up with red tights, glittered shoes, or other festive accessories (as always, the links are embedded in the captions.)

This American Eagle dress is 39.95 and comes in more colors.

I am in love with this ASOS dress. It also comes in red and black and is 37 dollars.

This Forever 21 dress is 27 dollars.

This lace insert top is 48 dollars.



These pumps are slightly more expensive than I would normally recommend at 77 dollars, but they are
simply too perfect for the holidays to not share.



This Forever 21 skirt is 19.80.

The Look for Less

 Bags can be extremely expensive, (especially the popular, irresistible designer ones) but are often worth the splurge because a good quality purse can remain by your side for years. On the other hand, if you're the type of person who tends to stain, lose, or overuse your belongings, spending your hard earned paycheck on one bag may not be the most sensible decision. This can bring forth a pretty serious dilemma, since bags are one of the few items thats price is actually reflected in its appearance. If a bag was cheap, it often looks cheap. This is not always the case, though, and luckily, a lot of trendy bag styles are replicated and sold at inexpensive stores.

Here are some great designer bags and similar, more affordable options...



Marc Jacobs, 625 dollars



Forever 21, 20.80 dollars

Coach, 198 dollars

Charlotte Russe, 20 dollars.

Michael Kors, 248 dollars

Charlotte Russe, 22.50.

On the Furfront

I cannot think of a single instance in my life in which I've worn fur. However, the style has surged back into the forfront of fashion, and I've discovered a few items that may help introduce me to the fur world. I think fur can be a bold and flattering accent, but certaintly shouldn't be too prominent in any ensemble. When paired with a classy, simple outfit, fur truly makes a statement ala THESE celebs. I do not consider myself an animal person, but I do think it's important to wear faux fur. It is simply the best way to keep up with the trend without doing any harm (and it's much more affordable.)

Here are some affordable faux fur items worthy of serious consideration...

This American Eagle coat is 109.95.

This Forever 21 hat is 12.80.

This Charlotte Russe bag is 26 dollars.

This Urban Outfitters backpack is 68 dollars.

These Urban Outfitters mittens are 19.99.

Blue Skies Ahead

Yesterday, the weather in Connecticut was wet, windy, and overall, miserable...the kind of day  characterized by crazy sideways rain and flooded sidewalks. I came back to my apartment after classes soaked and cold. With a hopeful attitude, I checked the upcoming forecast and discovered that today was scheduled for a weather makeover, complete with sunshine and blue skies. Mother nature didn't disappoint, as today truly is a beautiful day (especially for December.) The gloomy atmosphere yesterday inspired me to search for some brightly colored winter clothing and accessories in attempt to compensate for all the gray outside. Throughout the winter, pairing bursts of color with otherwise neutral or dark ensembles balances out the dreary season. The affordable options I found perfectly compliment today's sunshine.

This Old Navy scarf is 12.50.

This Victoria's Secret sweater is on sale for 39 dollars and comes in other bright colors!

These Forever 21 tights are great for the holiday season and only cost 6.80.

This Forever 21 hat is 6.80 and comes in other bright colors.