Last week, Farnoosh Torabi, Money Coach extraordinaire, was on The View sharing a bit about a new show she’s starring in called “Bank of Mom and Dad”.   And this week, we had the chance to chat with her personally!  She lent some great wisdom around saving (and splurging), and gave us a behind-the-scenes peek at the episodes that lie ahead.

Photo Courtesy: ABC

The show:

First, a bit about “Bank of Mom and Dad”.  The premise?  The ten-episode show takes money-struggling young women in their 20s and 30s, and provides them with a financial coach to help them on the road to becoming debt-free.  The girls must face their parents moving in for a week to help control their overspending, who along with Money Coach Farnoosh Torabi, help to curb the  gals’ bad habits.  Each week, the girls must face a harsh reality check as their parents move in and each penny they spend is scrutinized.  It’s airing at 10-11pm Wednesday nights on SOAPnet — we’re off to set our Tivos now to ensure we capture every single episode…hopefully we’ll learn a thing or two!!

Tonight’s episode:

As an added plus, tonight’s episode (10/7), even has a fun style/fashion component to it!  It highlights Danielle, a 27-year-old wife, mother and aspiring fashion designer in Hartford, CT. Her $40,000 debt is taking its toll on her dream of having her own design business, while still hoping to provide a stable future for her family. She spends money she doesn’t have on wigs, beauty products and fast food while student loans, car loans, parking tickets, medical bills and bills pile up. With the help of money coach Farnoosh Torabi, Danielle’s mom Natalie and stepdad Fred move in to help get Danielle’s priorities straight. (SOAPnet/MARK BRENDEL)

Inside Scoop – Up Close & Personal with Farnoosh Torabi:

Farnoosh Torabi, Author of “You’re So Money – Live Rich Even When You’re Not” is known for her captivating words of wisdom about spending.  And lucky us, as we mentioned, had the chance to chat with her up close and personal– check out the words of wisdom she shared with Shop It To Me!

Shop It To Me: You look so great on camera!  Give us some behind the scenes scoop on the taping of the show itself — how much is your wardrobe influenced by a stylist vs. your own picks?

Farnoosh: I have more than 30 outfit changes for this show – but a limited budget for clothing – so it was important to get expert help.   I have the fortune of working with two very talented stylistas. Jamie Rosenthal and her assistant Amber Stolec. To establish my look for the show – which we wanted to be chic and professional but not stuffy — Jamie examined my existing closet and asked me where I like to shop, the brands I prefer and my sizes. From there she hit the stores of New York where she could find affordable and versatile pieces. Much of my wardrobe stems from Banana Republic, Zara, Macy’s, J.Crew and my own closet. The idea was to blend some of my own clothing with Jamie’s purchases so that I was really portraying myself. If she brought me something that I would never wear in real life – it most likely wouldn’t make the show.

Shop It To Me: Anything incredibly exciting or unexpected from this season of “Bank of Mom and Dad” that you can tease us with?

Farnoosh: Let’s just say it’s not just the daughters who have breakthroughs. Sometimes Mom and Dad also learn a thing or two about money management proving it’s never too late to enhance your money management skills.

Shop It To Me: To be 20-something and in debt is a common situation.  If you could only pass along one, and only one, tip to 20-something women regarding their finances, what would it be?

Farnoosh: Keep busy and find opportunities to make more money if cash is tight. On average, women earn less than men, all while living costs have gone up. So if you find yourself at the end of the month with empty pockets do what it takes to land a side job to supplement your income in a way that allows you to pay down debt aggressively and save for a rainy day. Not to mention – the busier you keep yourself the fewer chances you’ll also have to get bored and shop.

Shop It To Me: We’re dying to know about you personally.  Farnoosh, did your parents teach you money management, or was it something you learned on your own?

Farnoosh: My parents taught me almost everything about money. And it wasn’t like they sat me down and had weekly money sessions at the kitchen table. Much of what I learned was from just observing them. I was an only child until I was 11-yearss-old so I spent a lot of time with my parents – going to open houses with them when they were house hunting, sitting forever with them at the mortgage signing, watching my mom haggle at flea markets, seeing her pay off her Macy’s card with cash in the mall and seeing my dad manage the family’s finances on Quicken. My dad also took me to the local credit union when I was 12 to open my first savings account. I vividly remember a phone call in college, too, between my mother and I where she basically told me that if I ever got into serious debt she and my father would not bail me out…all while secretly I carried a $4,000 balance on my Visa. Gulp. That sure had me get my act together. My finance degree and eight years writing about personal finance has contributed a great deal, too. My parents, though, take the cake.

Shop It To Me: Our members love to shop.  Any thoughts on responsible ways of shopping where you can still get your fashion fix?

Farnoosh: I actually use shopittome to deliver all the great sales out there from my favorite designers and stores. I also think it’s important to budget for clothes and not to see it as, say, $100 a month (if that’s what you decide) but rather $1200 a year. This way your budget doesn’t seem impossible. You can suddenly see a whole wardrobe with $1200. The trick is – if you spend all of it at once you have to spend the other 11 months not buying a single item. So best to spread out your purchases and not feel deprived the rest of the year. I also find more women swapping clothes these days. It’s completely free and offers the chance to clear out some of the unwanted items in your closet in exchange for something you’ve had your eye on in your friend’s closet.

Shop It To Me: When it comes to clothing, when (if ever) is it appropriate to splurge?!

Farnoosh: Splurging on a piece that you consider an investment with a valuable return  – like time or confidence – can be worth it sometimes. For example, a black cashmere cardigan is classic so it’ll never go out of style and you won’t be back in the store buying another one next winter. Pieces that also win you confidence can sometimes be worth the splurge. For example a power suit that’s going to win you an interview and serve you in your job as you climb the ladder (and earn more money) can be a great investment. (But hey, still shop around).

        

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We’re excited to share breaking news!  Personalized designer brand suggestions are now available to our female subscribers, based on picks from others with a similar sense of fashion.

We know that many of you set your brand preferences when you first register for Shop It To Me, by choosing from a list of 80 “featured brands”.  But did you know there more than 600 choices available?  We know your taste is spot on, but even serious style mavens sometimes miss a brand or two.

Now with personalized recommendations, it’s even easier for you to update your selections and add more of the brands you know and love.

From that point on, we’ll do the legwork.  We’ll keep an eye out for these favorite brands to go on sale, and best of all in your size.  Shopping should be easy and fun — so please just sit back and relax, and wait for them to pop up in your personal Salemail!

To see your own customized list of labels you’re missing out on, just log in here.  Be sure to leave us a rating of how excited you are about these picks too!

If you’re not yet a Shop It To Me member, get in on the fashion frenzy by visiting www.shopittome.com and clicking Start Now. Once you’re enrolled, just log in to your account to view your personalized picks.

Happy shopping!

        

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Think red pumps can’t be paired with red pants, a red shirt, and an accompanying red blazer? Think again! It’s not always easy to pull off, but when done correctly, a monochromatic ensemble can scream chic. Naima’s Closet – all about style, shopping, and fashionable events – is here to help you rock this look, with a few tips and things to consider before taking the plunge.

The visual illusion that a monochromatic outfit can create is a slimmer, longer body line by moving the eye down the body, from head to toe, featuring one color. Don’t think of an outfit all in one color as bland and boring, consider it a fashion challenge with the best benefits of making you look great and making you feel great in your clothes. Check out these five tips for a slimmer look (without exercise) to style the perfect monochromatic outfit for you.

Four sizzling celebrity looks in this Fall’s must-have color

Texture

Clothing pieces with texture add visual interest and tactile appeal when you style an outfit in one color. Don’t be afraid to mix cashmere and leather or cotton and wool. Texture adds interest to your finished look.

Layers

Generally, layered outfits look more put together. All of the layers in an outfit enhance your style while matching the pieces stays simple in just one color.

Don’t be afraid to tweak

Fashion is fun and style is personal, so don’t be afraid to tweak the rules a bit. Monochromatic can mean one color, but consider being daring and mixing up an outfit by using different hues of the same color. A mix of shades can be appealing and figure flattering as well.

Use visual tricks

With a monochromatic palette, it becomes easier to use visual fashion tricks because you don’t have to worry about matching patterns. Playing with an outfit’s proportions can create a slimmer, camouflaged body line. Fashionable visual trickery is all about the cut, tailoring, or style of an item and using one color makes the outfit look pulled together effortlessly.

Accessories

Accessories are always the final touch. Use jewelry, belts, scarves, leggings, or whatever personal accessory you desire to compliment your monochromatic look. Use the same color or add a splash of a different color. Remember: when adding a belt to a monochromatic look, a slimmer sized belt visually looks better. A slim belt keeps the eye moving with the color and not focused on the belt.

Update your personal look with these modern monochromatic style tips.

        

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You’ve bought so many beautiful summer dresses…and you only have about a month left to wear them?! The end of summer doesn’t mean the end of your warm-weather wardrobe. By adding just a few basics you can keep wearing your summer frocks into the fall. Here are some fantastic (and affordable!) tips from our Trendsetter Alice of Flat Broke & Fabulous.

One of the hardest things to swallow when the temperature takes that inevitable downturn is giving up the little summer dress. As far as I’m concerned, there is nothing better than slipping into a breezy frock on a balmy day. Thankfully, the arrival of fall doesn’t mean having to bid adieu to your favorite flimsy dresses anymore. Layers are very much in this season and that means getting more wear out of those shifts and slips. By strategically piling on various other elements, mostly from your own existing wardrobe, you can end up with a look that is not only cozy but cost-effective and best of all, chic.

The key elements:

Tights

Channel It-girl Zooey Deschanel and her favorite red carpet looks by adding a pair of black tights to a colorful and festive dress (try Hue’s Super Opaque Tights, $12.50, available at hue.com). To add a little interest to a simple shift, while keeping your legs warm in the process, opt for J. Crew’s Herringbone Tights ($22.50).

Long Cardigan

Throwing on a cardigan before heading out the door to stave away the chills is a no-brainer. Try to shake things up a little this fall by choosing interesting shapes like Forever 21’s modern, draped Alesha Open Front Cardigan ($22.80) or by pairing unexpected patterns, like stripes and florals (go for their Bold Striped Cardigan, $24.90, with a lovely floral frock).

Long Sleeved Tee/Turtleneck

Worn with or without a cardigan on top, a long sleeved shirt or turtleneck can provide an extra layer of protection from the cold (or over-air-conditioned office) – and lend a very Rumi Neely meets Empire Records feel to your ensemble. American Apparel’s Sheer Rib Long Sleeve Turtleneck ($28) or Unisex Baby Thermal Long Sleeve T-Shirt ($22) will do the trick.

Over-the-Knee Boots

The most daring of all options is the very on-trend over-the-knee boot. These give you those extra few inches of cover from the cold and are oh-so-edgy and cool right now. I prefer the flat styles out there like Nine West’s Husky ($149) or the SM Luxe Lizzy Suede Over-The-Knee Boot ($129.95), that are more Chloé, less Pretty Woman.

        

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We all know the feeling — staring at a closet full of clothes but having nothing to wear. How do you take pieces you own and create pulled-together looks? Our Trendsetter Chanel Fashionista lends some advice on ways to plan complete outfits. If the ensembles in this post entice you, there’s more where that came from. Just head over to Chanel Fashionista…

Every time I make plans to go somewhere, whether it’s to a wedding or just out for drinks, the first thing that comes to my mind is: WHAT AM I GOING TO WEAR?! It is the inevitable question that probably goes through every female’s mind when events come up. Finding the perfect outfit can take hours. Here is the process I go through when trying to pick out my outfit:

• First, I consider the event and the dress code. If it’s a wedding or another formal event, there is definitely a dress code, either an implied one or a stated one. Because wedding invitations come way in advance, I have plenty of time to first shop my closet and see if anything I have will work. If not, again I have plenty of time to shop around for that perfect dress or that perfect bag. Weddings are pretty easy to plan for because of the advance notice.
• For all dressier events, I start by selecting the main item, usually a dress, and then work on the accessories and shoes. For less formal events, such as bridal showers and BBQs, I still start with a main piece, such as a pair of shorts or a casual summer dress, and then plan from there. How to pick that key piece? I take inventory of my closet many times through the year, so that when an event comes up, I can mentally picture my wardrobe and think of pieces that will be perfect for the event.
• Sometimes when I am bored, I try outfits on and see how pieces look together. This helps me put outfits together, and I am prepared if I ever need to throw something together quickly.
• Also, when I shop I try to buy versatile pieces, pieces that can be mixed and matched to make many outfits.

Here are some examples of outfits I could put together inspired by my actual wardrobe:

Black Halo Jackie O Dress, $343
LuciferVir Honestus web earrings with diamonds, $5,160
Lulu Guinness Pollyana clutch, $288.75
Nine West bonfire, $89
Miss Selfridge 2 row pearl necklace, approx $5.40
J. Crew Jackie cardigan, $59.50
Wet Seal button front tube dress, $23.50
Christian Louboutin large leather bowling bag, $1,385
Forever 21 heart wedge sandal, $29.80
J. Crew wallpaper jacquard short (similar to image), $98
Louis Vuitton monogram speedy 30 (Bag, Borrow, or Steal), $150/month
Beach bronze glatiator sandals, $41

If you shop appropriately and inventory your wardrobe enough to be familiar with your pieces, planning an outfit shouldn’t take up too much time at all. I make a point of trying on all my clothes when I’m not in a hurry and when I have time to see how they look together. In fact, many times I put on a fashion show for my husband and get his opinion. Then, when an event comes up, I can start planning my outfit right away in my head. Once I have my outfit planned, all I have to do is accessorize and I am ready to go!

        

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Owning the “perfect handbag” is every girls dream, but choosing one from the thousands of different styles/sizes/textiles can be daunting. Get the breakdown of current handbag trends directly from an insider in the fashion business, The Stylista Diaries. Her blog has a delightful assortment of current trends, fashion news, and editorial perspectives that will most definitely pique your interest!

Handbags are a staple to every girl’s wardrobe and they house essential things that are useful for our daily lives such as cell phones, money, and keys. Frankly, I don’t know what I would do without handbags; if anything I would feel rather naked! Since we rely on them every day, we might as well spice things up and invest in some great pieces. But what’s so fun about a plain black bag? Toss that aside for now and get the hottest looks of the season. Below are my top 5 picks of current handbag trends!

1. Bold Colors: Who says color is reserved for the spring/summer? Why not invest in some bold bags all year round? The best thing about bold-colored bags is that they allow you to take that all black ensemble and instantly kick it up a notch! Choose from colors such as mustard yellow, pink, turquoise, cobalt blue, deep purple, or grass green, and more importantly, don’t be afraid to make a statement!

Tory Burch’Thalie Shoulder Bag’: Reg: $495.00

Tory Burch ‘Utility North South Tote’: $450.00

Aldo ‘Barumuni’: Reg: $45.00, Now: $27.98

Topshop ‘Qulited Piped Cross Body Bag’: Reg: 25 Pounds

Bottega Veneta Mustard Yellow Bag

Valentino Braided Tote, Reg: $2,110, Now: $1,295

2. Studded: Studs have been gracing handbags from the likes of Tory Burch to Marc Jacobs. Adding these gold and silver touches to basic handbag designs gives it a new ’80s vibe, making them more edgy and rocker glam. Studded handbags come in various styles — whether they’re small subtle embellishments down the middle of the bag or huge pyramid studs that adorn the entire bag, there is definitely a style that fits everyone. Wear your studded handbag with a pair of destroyed skinny jeans, gladiators, and a loose tee to create that edgy vibe! Rock on!

Novela Royal ‘Mister Stud Bowler Bag’: Reg: $584.00

Marc Jacobs ‘Stardust Shoulder Bag’: Reg: $550.00

Rebecca Minkoff ‘Supernova Stud Devote Handbag’: $694.00

Tory Burch ‘Studded Messenger Bag’: $575.00

Valentino ‘Maison Studded Tote’: $2,495.00

3. Fringe: With celebs such as Mary-Kate Olsen and Nicole Ritchie popularizing the bohemian style, it was only natural that this style would translate into handbags as well. Although there are several styles out there, I prefer slouchy hobos or long strapped shoulder bags that make your outfit feel relaxed and efforless . Wear this fringe bag with a maxi dress and you’re ready to shop at the vintage flea markets!

J.J Winters ‘Suede Fringe Bag’: Reg: $490.00

Shop Intuition ‘Fringe Bag’: Reg: $315.00

Forever 21 ‘Valiah Studded Fringe Tote’: Reg: $34.00, Now: $16.99

Furla ‘Halley Bag’: Reg: $780.00, Now: $468.00

4. Crossbody Bags (Slings)/ Long Shoulder bags: Lately, I’ve spotted several purses with straps that are definitely longer than usual. The long shoulder bags have been revived from the ’80s and early ’90s. These shoulder bags are functional in that they can also be worn as a crossbody bag, or sling as well (depending how long it is). If worn as a sling, the best thing about them is not having to constantly worry about them slipping off your shoulders. It’s definitely a “no fuss” bag, yet it still retains its fashionable aspect. If worn as a regular long shoulder bag, you can pull off the “vintage” look by pairing it with flats and skinny jeans. However you wear it, you’ll definitely look chic with this bag!

Marc by Marc Jacobs ‘Percy Turnlock Crossbody Bag’: Reg: $198.00

Jack Rabbit ‘The Concord Crossbody’: Reg: $595.00

Elliot Luca ‘Valencia Crossbody’: Reg: $98.00, Now: $49.00

Cole Haan Women’s Village Leather Cross-Body: Reg: $195.00

5. Clutches: Give your shoulders a break from those heavy bags and pick up a clutch! They come in so many different patterns, shapes, and sizes that it’s impossible to not find the perfect one for you. Go for sleek, structured bags or if you’re feeling a little gutsy, opt for fun patterns such as ikat. Clutches are so versatile; you can pair them with jeans for a more casual look or wear a bold faux python patterned one with a classic LBD!

Halston ’70’s Envelope Clutch’: Reg: $548.49

Raquel Faux Python Clutch: Reg: $23.96

Imon ‘Global Chic Classic Couture Envelope Clutch’: Reg: $49.95 (sold out)

        

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Us gals at Shop It To Me can’t get enough of the lovely and talented (and clearly fashionable) Katrina Szish. She’s an in-the-know TV personality and pop culture journalist with tons of great advice on fashion and beauty. She was kind enough to answer a few questions, and provide us eager listeners with some excellent fashion tips.

Here’s what Katrina had to say:

Your favorite restaurant:

The Corner Bistro, the best burgers and fries at the best price, not to mention the best bartender in NYC

If women splurge on one item in their life, what would you recommend?

A new pair of to-die-for vertiginous heels every season OR a two-week vacation once a year no matter what

Your personal favorite brands:

YSL platforms, Lanvin flats, Linea Pelle bags, Alexis Bittar earrings and rings, Martin + Osa paper-thin cashmere cardigans, Ray Ban Jackie Oh sunglasses, Tracy Feith dresses

Advice to gals on a shopping budget:

Don’t buy loads of cheap, low-quality stuff at the uber-inexpensive chains.  Fill in just a few trendy blanks with of-the-moment pieces at places like Zara (the jumpsuit or a pair of harem pants, for example).  Then focus on accessories.  Buy one high-end pair of shoes each season (things go on sale so quickly, so it’s easy to score a deal), one quality bag per season or year (I like something classic and chic like Ferragamo or Chanel, and I find great options at the outlets for a fraction of the department store prices; “it”-bags are tragically un-hip and tragically over-priced), and splurge on ONE item that you are crazy about and can promise yourself you’ll wear oodles of times, such as an amazing dress or a fab winter coat.  Finally, do your homework — you literally can’t afford to be lazy…stay on top of sales, look for discounts, hit up discount shops like Century 21, and look for deals at luxury outlets such as Woodbury Commons or Premium Desert Outlets in Palm Springs.

Our advice? Listen to Katrina! Prop yourself up in some fancy heels, take that vacay you’ve been dreaming of, and remember that certain items are simply worth the splurge.

Be sure to check out her site for photos, news, videos, and more. Thanks, Katrina!

        

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Don’t let the seasons get in the way of your wardrobe anymore. Our Trendsetter Clueless Fashionista is here to help you extend the wear of your favorite maxi dresses for a few more months, while still remaining ultra chic. Her blog features some great fashion and beauty tips, plus some easy-to-follow makeup tutorials that you must not miss!

I have two words for you — maxi dresses!  This year I discovered the maxi dress.  Well let me clarify, I discovered that the maxi dress could work for me.  I’ve known about them ever since they became popular again about a year or so ago.  However, I thought that the wonderfully flowy dresses were reserved for women who were leggy or tiny, neither of which I am.  So I admired them from afar.

This year, as I searched for dresses to add to my wardrobe, I decided to try one on.  It was wonderful!  The flowy material that I thought would over-emphasize my curves, managed to hug the places I wanted it to and hang loosely over the places I didn’t.  Plus they are fabulously comfortable!  I fell in love and proceeded to get several of them.  My maxi dresses are so comfortable that I had to figure out a way to take them into the fall season.

I figured out a few cool ways to move the maxi dress seamlessly from the hot summer months to the cooler fall months.

1. Pair it with a short, cropped jacket
2. Throw on a great scarf
3. Wear it with a nice cardigan or sweater
4. Throw a short or long sleeved t-shirt underneath it

Now I must caution you here.  If you want to experiment with any of these transitions, make sure you do a test run first.  Put on the outfit, pull out your full length mirror (that EVERY woman should have) and take a look.  Maxi dresses come in so many different styles that one transitional piece may work better than another.  Be realistic.  Transitional pieces should be just as fabulous as the pieces they’re transitioning.

        

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A few weeks ago, we had a raffle where users received an entry for each friend they got to sign up for Shop It To Me. The prize? A $750 Marc Jacobs bag!

Congrats to Cathy from New York – the lucky winner of this classic MJ bag! “I love the bag”, she says, “and I have already had 2 compliments from when I wore it for 4 hours last Saturday”. So, spread the word about Shop It To Me, and you could be next!

Be sure to check Salemails, newsletters, blog posts, and tweets for upcoming giveaways! I assure you, we have plenty of exciting opportunities in store.

For a personalized referral link that you can send to friends or post on your website, just email support@shopittome.com. Write “referral  link” in the subject, and include the email address you used to sign up! You’ll be telling friends with ease, and earning gift cards in no time!

        

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Hoping  for a day at the beach with the kids? Let Resourceful Mommy make your dream a reality with her great product suggestions that will entertain the kiddies and allow for some “you” time as well. Her blog offers an eclectic mix of experiences, events, and suggestions that will help to remind you how truly wonderful parenting can be!

With the Fourth of July over and back to school items beginning to rear their ugly heads in stores everywhere, many feel that the end of summer is upon us.  But now is the best time to pack up the kids and head to the beach with the best deals and smaller crowds.  Before you go, remember to pack the beach fun essentials such as a shovel and pail, sandcastle molds, and a Frisbee.  But why not grab a few fun items that you haven’t tried?

Swimways ‘Sun Canopy Baby Float’ Every little beach baby needs a safe way to have fun in the water while still enjoying UV protection.  This fun float with a Disney Princess Theme is my favorite.

Sizzlin’ Cool Spider Paddle For kids five and older, a fun paddle and ball game passes the time on the beach so that you can relax, enjoy the sun, and surf!

No-Spill Bubble Bucket The beach is a fantastic place to enjoy some bubble fun.  When you’re done, just splash in the water to clean up!

The Chic & Cozy Travel Blanket Bag by Chic Tots The Ultimate Must Have Beach Item for Moms, available at many Target stores and online. This bag is the ultimate beach and park bag for moms with babies and toddlers.  It is not only chic and stylish, but it also opens out to a blanket, perfect to lay out on the sand.  When it’s time to go, there’s no need to load toys from a blanket into a bag.  Instead, the blanket just becomes the bag in a matter of seconds and you’re on your way.  If you are only planning on purchasing one new travel item this summer, this is the way to get the most bang for your buck.

        

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