Many of us no longer need to wear suits or even blazers into the office. There are times when a more professional image is important. For instant when meeting a new client or pitching a big idea. Hopefully these meetings are planned and you have a chic go to outfit. What happens when a last minute meeting pops up? The CEO wants an update on your latest project, but your everyday business casual just doesn’t feel right. You want to command a presence in this meeting. If you had a go to blazer hanging in your office, you’d be all set! We’re not talking about keeping any old blazer around, but one that fits your body and will look chic with many different outfits. Here’s what we recommend:

While black may seem like an obvious choice, we would recommend selecting a style in stone or khaki. These shades can go with black, navy, brown, and many others making it much more versatile then black. The styles we selected above are ideal because they stop at the hip. A one button blazer is better for small and petite frames. While the second style has a higher stance and princess seams for curvier silhouettes.

Charcoal would be our second choice and is more universal this time of year. This can be a matte color like the 2 button version on the left, or a softer heather charcoal grey or melange wool. The three button style has a flattering shawl collar that will allow you to showcase your blouse underneath.

If you tend to wear a lot of black, then that is the shade you should buy. Otherwise stick to a tan, stone, or charcoal option to get the most use out of this item. Take advantage of the holiday sales and make sure you get your wardrobe ready for the unexpected. Pick up a go-to blazer today!

        

The easiest way I can think of to dress up a basic black dress or suit is with red lipstick! A great shade of red that flatters your skin tone can take a simple black outfit from day to night. If you don’t have that go to black dress, you’ll need one. This Black Posh Dress by Blaque Label is priced under $100 and would look great for a night out. I recommend pairing it under a jacket for a more formal event or with some fun leopard pumps for a night out with the girls.

I would also suggest having a few pairs of black tights: one opaque, one sparkly, and one bright vibrant color. A great clutch, like these by Moyna, which are also under $100, add a bit of pop to any ensemble. These accessories can also take just about every outfit from day to night. Another staple piece I love is my vintage sequin bolero. It always comes in handy when it comes to holiday dressing; I reach for it over and over again.

In summary, if I were to choose the top 5 items to have in your closet to make holiday dressing easy, I would suggest the following: a black dress (whichever kind looks best on you), black tights, a sequin or faux fur bolero, a super sparkly accessory (clutch, earrings, necklace – you really only need one to make an outfit pop), and my favorite “accessory” for the holidays are red lips and nails. Happy Holidays!!

        

With every New Year comes New Year’s resolutions. It’s about time that you stop making that same resolution to go to the gym everyday (which usually lasts about a month) and make it something that you actually enjoy doing and that will save you money, right? We’re in a recession, so it’s time to become a stylish, smart-shopping Recessionista!

Here are a list of the 5 Best Shopping Resolutions to satisfy your fashion cravings while saving money.

1. Don’t Buy Unless You Love It – Many of us see the sale rack and low prices and immediately HAVE to buy something. But, do you really have to buy something? Or are you just buying it because it’s on sale? Refrain from buying things just because. If it’s something you really love, then it’s a deal well spent!

2. Shop Online – Shopping online makes it easy to shop whenever and wherever you want. Not to mention, when your package arrives, it’s like Christmas! Online shopping is totally worth your while for the promo codes.  Most sites online offer coupon codes that get you some sort of discount. Sites like RetailMeNot.com list them, and for Shop It To Me members, the codes are listed right below the corresponding retailer header bars in your emails. Other sites give you free gifts with purchase!

3. Be More Fashion Classic Conscious – When you’re shopping, think to yourself, “will I be able to wear this next season?” Your finds will last much longer if you can wear them season after season. In other words, don’t buy things that are too trendy. Also, think about what you can pair with items you already have to create new outfits.

4. Always Check the Return Policy – Most of our shopping is done on impulse. You go to a store, see something you like, and you buy it. Then you never wear it. Sound familiar? Statistics show that we only wear 25% of our clothing in our closet – what a waste! If you check the return policy and make sure you can return it, then buy away! But nothing is worse than buying something then not being able to return it!

5. Give Yourself a Monthly Budget and STICK TO IT! – Resolutions are like diets – If they are too strict, we’re going to break it eventually. Which is why you should not deprive yourself completely. Make a realistic budget for fashion each month. If you limit yourself to how much you can spend, you’ll be thinking twice about those purchases. Also, if you really want something expensive, you can save for a few months and be able to splurge.

        

So, if you are like me, you probably have a nice collection of cloth bags right about now. It seems like everyone has jumped on the “this is not a plastic bag” wagon- super markets, clothing stores and even my gym! While I think it is great, I worry that all of these cloth bags are becoming a little bit excessive. So, I’ve decided to use my lovely assortment to wrap all my holiday gifts.

Have some bags and want to be on the front end of a new eco-wrapping trend? I thought so! Here’s how:

Set out all of your bags and gifts- matching up sizes and personal tastes for the people you will be gifting. Remember, your gift receivers are not only getting what is inside, but a great bag they can use for their grocery shopping or around town errands. You may even inspire them to turn their cloth bag collection into wrapping for future gift giving.

Next, make sure you have a adequate supply of ribbons. I also like to use fabric scraps to mix in, and when I popped into Purl Patchwork in SoHo they had an ample supply that they graciously gifted to me and my eco- wrapping cause.

You can either place the gift to be wrapped inside the actual bag or use the bag like paper itself. I have demonstrated both ways. The best part about this is that you can be inventive in how you think it should look and how you want to use all your resources.

The colors and patterns of your bags are liable to vary, so to align them with the holiday theme, I suggest using gold or silver ribbon. Also, as hollyhock and other wintery greens become available, I would try tying them in beneath your ribbon to add a little something special.

I hope this inspires you. It is a great way to save money on gift wrapping and make use of the abundance of cloth bags out there while putting your signature on the gifts you give. You can also check out the ‘how-to’ video here!

        

When it comes to fashion, you’ve got gifts covered. But what about presents of the non-clothing variety? LaToya Drake from AOL and blogger with ReginaLewis.com is here to tell us when and where to find this season’s hottest gifts — beyond the world of apparel.

We haven’t successfully passed Halloween, but walk into any store and you will likely see Christmas decorations on the shelves. Surprise! Tis the season for holiday shopping! Last minute shoppers take note: the National Retail Federation says 40% of consumers are expected to start their holiday shopping before Halloween.

So what’s the best time to start holiday shopping? One word: NOW. Some of the hottest gifts this season are already selling out, and with retailers carefully managing inventory this year, once it’s gone…it’s gone. After being stuck over with excess inventory in 2008, this year many retailers have scaled back their purchases. For consumers that means less merchandise on the shelves, and an emphasis on buy it now vs. later, otherwise you might find yourself out of luck on hot gifts.

You can always count on the Shop it to Me team to provide fashion guidance when it comes to gifts, but here are a few non fashion-related gifts to get now:

Zhu Zhu Pets

Zhu Zhu pets, the season’s hottest toy for kids are sold out at Toys R Us, but you may have luck finding these popular pet hamsters at e-tailers like Amazon.

Click here to view the embedded video.

e-Book Readers

If you’re dying to read or re-read fashionista favorites like The Devil Wears Prada, Twilight or New Moon, then e-readers like the Kindle and the new Sony Reader are for you. Another big release is the iRex e-reader, which will offer books from Barnes & Noble.

Image Source: Amazon

Image Source: Engadget

Image Source: CNET

Other hot gifts to watch out for include:

• Beatles Rock Band
• Faux Fur
• DVD Box Sets

        

I’m a busy gal. Between two kids and running three websites, I need to be prepared for last minute invites to parties and business events. The last thing I need to worry about is whether or not I have shoes to go with my outfit. The easiest solution is to have the following types of shoes in your armory ahead of time.

Jeweled Flats – What better way to spruce up a casual outfit than with a great pair of jeweled flats? This season, it’s all about adding a little something extra to your accessories. These shoes are a great way to boost a casual outfit. (Jeffrey Campbell ‘Jewel 2′ Flat $109)

Knee High Boots – Skinny jeans aren’t going anywhere. Neither are pencil skirts. Make sure you have a great pair of knee high boots (in both black and brown). (Dolce Vita Women’s Jake Knee High Boot $159)

Red Pumps – What an easy way to breathe new life into your LBD? Pair it with some really fabulous red high heels. It’s a great way to stand out without looking like you are trying too hard. (Yves Saint Laurent Eelskin Pumps $875)

Rain Boots – Running to grab a cup of coffee? Late grabbing the kids from school? Is it a gloomy kind of day? Throw on a pair of rain boots during the winter months and stop worrying about those puddles. (Hunter Original Rain Boot – Green $115)

Ankle boots – These are my favorite shoes of the season. You can work them into any outfit. Skinny jeans, skirts, dresses, leggings – you name it. Stay on top (or ahead) of the trend. (Brian Atwood Miri leather ankle boots $750)

The bootie – Peep toe ankle bootie are just so hot! This pair is metallic too. Is it possible to be so in love with an inanimate object? (Elizabeth and James Lola $750)

The casual boot – When you want to be rugged while remaining feminine, the casual pull on boot is the way to go. My absolute favorite line for these types of boots is Frye. I’ve been wearing them since I was a sophomore in High School. They last for YEARS and are well worth the price. (FRYE Women’s Campus $234)

        

If you are reading this blog chances are you love fashion and a good deal. These pieces can update your wardrobe or you can mix and match nearly all these pieces together for a fun, funky and eclectic look.

Florals

A sweet feminine floral is a great way to girlie up even the edgiest outfit. My favorites are from Victoriassecret.com. They have beautiful, lux, floral blouses with the most adorable details all around $50.

Throw this on with a pair of skinny trousers, a pencil skirt or boyfriend jeans and top if off with one of falls trend fall blazers, bombers or trenches.

Boyfriend Blazers

Find the right boyfriend blazer can be tricky; finally some great affordable options have become available.

The blazer above is from Zara and costs just under $80. It is slimmer fitting that most boyfriend blazers I have tried on this fall and looks a lot more polished.

Black Denim

You MUST try Gap’s Premium Denim. I cannot say enough for the fit and quality of these jeans.

I have been trying on skinny-black-ankle jeans for about a month now and these were far and away the best fit. They range in price from $60-70 and are well worth it.

Bib Necklace

Throw one of these on with a tee, jeans and heels and you are ready for date night. Below is my favorite from Anthropologie.

This necklace is on the pricier range at $80. Check out sites and store like lulus.com and Forever21 for more options.

Oxfords

I beg you to try these. Dress up a casual outfit or look simply precious pairing these with your favorite fall dress.

These oxfords by Steve Madden still have a feminine shape and the patent leather gives them an updated look.

        

‘Tis the season for Pumpkin Spice Lattes, gingerbread cookies, and other tasty treats to help us stay warm and cozy for the holidays. Holly Gofabulously is here just in time to share her oh-so-delicious Apple-Fabulous Dumplings recipe! Be sure to check our her blog dedicated to the search for intelligent life with fashion sense!

With the recent release of The American Fashion Cookbook (Assouline), it is officially chic to spend time in the kitchen (at least briefly)! Published with the Council of Fashion Designers of America, this blend of couture and cooking includes such intriguing recipes as Isaac Mizrahi’s Mushroom Truffle Spaghetti, Victor Costa’s Vidalia Onion Crustless Tarte and Tory Burch’s Andalusian Gazpacho, to name a few! Sadly, Holly Gofabulously’s Apple-Fabulous Dumplings were excluded (clearly an oversight)! Fortunately for fans of Shop it To Me, I’ve included my recipe here, for your Fall dining pleasure. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

4 Golden Delicious apples (Honey Crisp Apples are also great, for those who love a super-sweet dessert)

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1/2 cup honey

1 cup water

1 teaspoon vanilla (I recommend the highest quality pure vanilla extract. I prefer Nielsen-Massey!)

butter

cinnamon

Pre-made pie crusts (I prefer Pillsbury, which can be found in the refrigerated section of your grocery store! )

Peel apples with potato peeler. Remove the cores with a small knife, but try to keep the apples whole. Use butter to grease an 8×8” baking dish, and set aside. Unwrap the refrigerated pie crust and cut into 4 equal pieces. Cook both sugars, honey, water, vanilla and 1 tablespoon of butter in a small pan for about 10 minutes on medium, stirring occasionally. Set aside.

Put all 4 pieces of pie crust in the 8×8 baking dish and lay an apple on each. Fill the center of the apple with some white sugar and cinnamon. Then fold the crusts up around the apple. Gently pour the hot liquid over and around the apples. Set aside extra to be used as a sauce over the baked dumplings. Bake at 350 degrees for about 50 minutes (until crusts are turning brown and liquid is bubbling). Let cool, but remember that these are fantastic served warm, with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream!

        

Without a doubt, the Blazer is the most versatile and highly coveted item of the season. Adaptable for it’s wearability from day to night by dressing it up or down, and highly coveted because, well, we’re all after that chic and fabulous look. The Blazer isn’t some new invention; it’s a trend that has been in fashion forever, but this time around it’s more tailored and sleek and commands the attention of the “whole look.” I saved you guys some time by sifting through all the great styles, and shapes to narrow down the 5 must-have blazers of the season with two options in each category.

1. The Tuxedo Blazer: Usually very tailored and close to the body, cropped in a fabric with a sheen finish like leather or satin. Can be worn with accompanying tuxedo pants for a complete look, or dress it down with wide leg jeans.

Option 1: Forever 21 Dressy Tux Blazer- 22.80 @ Forever21.com

Option 2: Torn by Ronny Kobo Saba Leather Tuxedo Blazer @ Shopbop.com for $330.00

2. The Sequin Blazer: A flashback from the ’80s but worn with simple hair, few accessories, and toned down make-up creates an updated look. To avoid looking overly extravagant, the sequin blazer should be the dressiest part of the look. Go with bright gold, bronze, black or silver sequins.

Option 1: Antik Batik Classic Wallace Sequin Jacket in Gold @ Revolveclothing.com for $415.00

Option 2: Free People Black Sequin Blazer @ Freepeople.com for $168.00

3. The Boyfriend Blazer: Already a modern classic, wear this pretty much any way you want. Slim fit jeans or skinnies would do the trick.

Option 1: Boyfriend Woolie Jacket @ Freepeople.com for $168

Option 2: Silence & Noise Tweed Boyfriend Blazer @ Urbanoutfitters.com for $49.99

4. Knit Blazer: Unquestionably a casual and fun item to wear on the weekends. Looks great with light washed baggy, slashed boyfriend jeans.

Option 1: Trouve’ Double Knit Boyfriend Blazer @ Nordstom.com for $88.00

Option 2: The Battalion Equestrian Blazer in Slate @ Revolveclothing.com for $363.00

5. Strong Shoulder Blazer: Balmainesque indeed! Strong shoulders say you are powerful, sexy, and demand attention.

Option 1: Robert Rodriguez Ruffle Shoulder Jacket @ Nordstrom.com for $495.00

Option 2: Gryphon Collarless Sequin Sleeve Blazer in Black @ Singers22.com for $545.00

        

You know what I hate?

When people dismiss a trend before they even try it.

So before you dismiss some of these trends, lovies, take a look at their possibilities. Here are some of my takes on this season’s love/hate trends. To make them affordable, none of the pieces used were more than $100. (Recessionistas rejoice!)

1. THE SEQUIN LEGGING

Sure. A little gaudy. But ever since I saw Project-Runway-queen Heidi Klum sporting this look, I knew I had to try it for myself. Here are two tips: 1) Keep it classy. Since glitter can be juvenile, pair your sparkles with some elegance. Neutral colors, flowy fabrics, and a little of that je ne sais quoi will take you far. 2) No overboard on the bling. You have a leg full of sequins. Keep the bling to a minimal.

(Forever 21 Sequin leggings: $15)

2. MAD FOR PLAID

I’ll be honest, the word brings to mind two things: bad ’90s grunge and farmers tans. However, done right, this look can be very charming. If you’re plaid-shy, try a clutch, scarf, or even headband to spice up your jeans and tee look.

(Arden B Plaid dress: $58)

3. BROGUES WITH FEMININITY

I love this trend. However, I can imagine many feeling iffy about a man’s shoe. “Last season’s oxford booties are one thing,” the doubter may say. “But a flat, uninspired lace up shoe? No thank you.” Au contraire, this season’s brogues are anything but uninspired. Bonus: this shoe goes from day to night in a split.

(Joy and Alexandre Herchcovitch Jelly Oxford: $100)

4. THE STRUCTURED SHOULDER

The classicist might feel this style is too reminiscent of the ’80s and not versatile. But a structured shoulder can be subtle enough to last a lifetime. It’s all about angles with this trend, so when styling it, pay attention to the architecture of the outfit. A straight bottom goes well, so try a pencil skirt or some skinny jeans.

(Topshop Belted Shoulder Blazer: $72)

5. FAUX LEATHER

Now, I know there are haters out there. But, I think this can look adorable with the right pairings. You could edge it up: a black and white abstract printed shirt with a patterned tight and pretty studded heels. Even a pleather legging substituted for a cotton legging with a neutral tunic would look smashing on a lunch/shopping date. Below we have a little lolita, a little nice-girl, a lot of oh-la-la (p.s. – tights optional)….

(Forever 21 Pleather Skirt: $20)