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Let's Go Green: 5 Awesome Organic Pieces

Have you seen an incredible amount of environmentally-inspired pieces on all your favorite sites? It's not only exciting, but it definitely gives us an easier way to help the earth. If you are going shop, you might as well do it with an organic flair, right? With these featured styles, it's a no-brainer!

(Murphy Organic Scoop Neck Dress)
Fine knit enchants in hot weather because it's delicately clingy, and that makes it super sexy. You won't need to try too hard with this onw, as everything about it spells au naturale, including that "Organic" label that serves as the icing on the cake. A thick band at the bottom of this skirt helps the dress's weight to keep it flowing downwards and making you look so slim and tall.

(Mewv Three-Quarter Length Black Dress)
Perfect for the woman who needs something classic and extra responsible, this dress will be at home in European cafes, in L.A., or whilst on the streets of London. So if you're an excess traveler and you need that piece that you can wear all the time, this could be the right selection for you.

(Organic Cardigan with Braided Belt) This piece might be a cardigan, but it really has year-round appeal. Do you know those days when you're hanging out on the beach and you realize that the temperature has dropped dramatically? You then begin to dig through your bags (unsuccessfully) and never really find something substantial. Those days are through with this organic find on Shopbop.com.

(Hemp Thong Sandals)
These sandals are suposeldy like "walking on air." If you're as curious as I am now, you should know that they're easily found online and are pretty affordable. According to the website, these thing sandals feature foam footbeds and a terry inner area.

(Stop Deforestation Knickers) Green undies don't have to be the cotton granny type, and these ones I found over at Greenknickers.org prove it. I'm sold on these panties, which are 100% organic silk and are handmade locally. Those flirty little leg ruffles are just perfect.

Have fun, and go green. It won't hurt a bit.

Where I Shop: A Look in My Closet

Charlotte Russe

Teen Dreams: I just love Charlotte Russe, but it's a faraway longing and not an actual purchase thing. I love the printed tees, and I buy a load of them for my niece. They have incredible shoe sales that leave me salivating, like 50% off sales for "Last Pair" Shoes and plenty of DSW-style colored markers in blue, red, and green with deals that correspond. While shopping in the stores themselves can be absolutely nuts with the teen crowd around, it's worth it for the extra deals. You can save almost as much as you can in-store as online, too, and it's useful to hunt down shoes and things you like in stores but can't locate the right size.

Evans London

Guilty Pleasures: Evans London is fantastic! The quality is so great and they even carry extended sizes. I adore their Spring/Summer collections of blousy pieces like the ones shown above, which you should definitely consider belting with a slim leather belt. It's the perfect way to get a little shape going on your looser pieces, and that's exciting in itself.

GoJane

Inexpensive Footwear Meets Style and Quality: Yes. It's not too hard to find shoes that flatter you and cost under $20, and even last the whole season without falling apart. My true confession is that I used to be completely addicted to Payless. I loved it, and I loved what they were doing with their new designs, but the last time I was in there (ahem-- yesterday!) I found that everything wasn't how I imagined it, from the quality right down to the colors. :(

But Go Jane dispenses with the "cheap shoe" stigma and delivers pieces that you'll be complemented on most regularly. That's certainly something to be happy about! I loved their winter boots, and this is my second season being totally devoted to what they have to offer.

Gap

Going Back to My Roots: Didn't everyone have "Gap Days"? I was strolling by Gap recently, and I noticed that they've got some really great new wrap-style dresses on display. A good wrap dress is indispensable and very chic, and that's why I love them! Chambray is fantastically soft, too.

Lord and Taylor

Department Store Goodness-- Online, Too: I bought the two above dresses at Lord and Taylor recently, which means two thing. The first is that I have officially recharged my obsession with L & T, and the other is that I am totally into the brand Design History. I love figure-flattering pieces; they're just wonderful when they're that soft knit fabric that hugs your curves. If you haven't been to Lord and Taylor in a while, I definitely recommend dropping by sometime soon.

How to Wear All Black In Spring

I was inspired by a recent post in the blogging world about all-black outfits-- and now I can't find it! That being said, I'm dedicated to a more refined spring style this year. And black clothing can really, truly be done-- and done well. All you need to think about is texture and accent. These two essential ingredients make an all-black ensemble a thousand times more spring-y.

Let's take a look at how!

Choose Black "Ditsy" Prints to Lighten Things Up

Florals on a black background are guaranteed to work wonders for a spring wardrobe! Choose light fabrics like chiffon, lace, or silk with a dark ground, and then go crazy, florally speaking. Aim for splashes of tiny periwinkles, colored embroidery, and lots of interesting design details like bow necklines and deep v's. Be creative when you're wearing black. There's no need to be boring.

Brighten Things Up with a Belt
Elegantly Waisted Wide Belt

Belts are another way to add both shape and color to an otherwise all-black ensemble. Start with the basic black dress to really simplify things, and then stock up on accessories to dress up your favorite pieces. It's easy to find one or two all-black skirt-and-dress sets that you really like and then shop for fun pieces that are cheap, colorful, and show off your personality.

Tip: It's always best to spend more on one item than to spend the same on two. Despite what they say, quality really is everything.

Shapely Black Items with Style
Versace Runway One Shoulder Dress

Evening dresses are easier to pull off if you are starting your all-black spring look. Cocktail pieces are a beautiful way to flatter your body, since black is of course slimming, but keep in mind that it's definitely not foolproof, either. Look for black dresses with trains, with attached shawls, and with draped asymmetrical shoulder details, if you like. If you're someone who likes to wear their favorite items more than once, black is a safe choice. By choosing pieces with added interest, you'll look far more fashionable than a plain black piece.

Textured Tights Do the Trick
Tights Striped Lengthwise

Have you gotten a basic look down for both day and night? This is my favorite part! Look for all the textured tights you can grab, from herringbone to vertical stripes to heart patterns to polka dots. When you're in a pinch and you just have a black skirt to wear from spring, look for footless lights to wear with platforms or let some breeze through with a pair of light-colored fishnets and tights.

Amazing Bright Lingerie
Kitty Bra
Ah, yes, lingerie! I feel like no outfit is completely without the right bra and panty set underneath, and all your spring black outfits are no exception. Put on a satin bra like this luxury one from Agent Provocateur for style that endures beyond all outfits-- black, grey, or anything else for that matter.

Top Teen Shopping Picks for the Week

I have a passion for teen clothes. Even though I'm past the point of bright short-shorts and spaghetti-strapped tank tops, I do love to buy them for others. And point everyone in the direction of great pieces! If you need a few ideas when shopping with a teen or if you are heading out for spring break vacation, you should take a look at some basic tops I hunted out at Wet Seal, with both "Dressing Up" and "Dressing Up" options for each!

My favorite tops this season are bright and fun. I love the extra patterns like checks, plaids, and even a little extra embroidery. With a simple skirt, your designs pop, and with something more refined, these bargain-rate pieces look a lot more costly. Take a look at what I've found for you.

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Surplus Plaid Babydoll Top, $15.50

The Plaid Babydoll Top from Wetseal is as stylish as it is affordable. It has a cool country flair but somehow manages to be at home with both denim and linen. Simple lines best complement this busy piece, so dig up some short shorts or a mini.

Dress It Up

Linen High Waist Shorts

These high-waisted shorts give your top a very blousy effect, which looks very cute with strappy sandals and an anklet! If you're the bikini type, this top works well with string types as well as your basic halters in plain coordinating colors.

Dress It Down

Perry Solid Short

Simple, fun shorts get you an "A+" every single time! Don't be afraid to push the envelope with some awesomely cool (and tiny) shorts that beg to be slipped on for pool lounging and couch lounging, too.

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Striped Bra Cup Cami, $15.50 How I adore this striped piece! If you're looking for something to maximize that bust or something to show off a little pre- spring break bronzing, I recommend this find from Wet Seal. It even has lightly padded bra cups for that extra boost!


Dress It Up

Satin Trim Trousers

There's no reason why something colorful shouldn't be paired with something very chic. You'll highlight the rainbow of colors in your top, while making it look like a little more refined. Perfect for hot nights out on spring break or layered underneath a wrap cardigan for work, with just the hem showing for a splash of color.

Dress It Down

Julie Skinny Jean

These jeans are basic and easy. Pull them on with flip flops on a day after the fun when you need to wing down. They're shapely but with a touch of stretch for ease.

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Embroidered Two-Pocket Tank Top, $22.50

Why not choose a top that's a little on the crunchy side this spring? This blue tank top comes encrusted with decorative designs and spells "F.U.N." It's definitely layering-worthy as well.


Dress It Up

High Waist Mini Thought that this top had a hippie vibe? Not anymore! You've joined the international jet-set crowd when you combine a bright white, trendy skirt with this soft pastel piece. Consider wearing it with a silk scarf, too.


Dress It Down

Brooklyn Bright Mini Rainbow bright, indeed! This skirt provides a welcome juxtaposition to your usual softer pastel wardrobe for springs. Take this top in another direction and see how things go.

Meieli Sawyer Detoni

Dereon Dresses Things Up

I went over to Dereon on one of my usual clothes shopping sprees, and I was surprised at what I found- new pieces with an extra bit of style, and in plus sizes, too! If you wear a larger size jeans or tops, you won't need to go to another location just to find a full-figured option--it's all right there. I like larger tops that a roomy, swingier shape, and those can be found at Dereon along with skinny jeans and low-cut trousers.

But you know what really helped me out over there? Their featured Style Mixer. If you're looking for a way to mix and match cool pieces that you've run into over at Dereon, you can slide the Collection button to find full looks and reduce your personal coordination time.

Dereon Jeans: My Top Pick
My favorite jeans surprised me over at Dereon: I ended up adoring the Heavy Metal pair despite my usually classic style. With stitching and charm details, they're certainly not for the faint-of-heart, but they're just what you need when you're having one of those I-need-a-makeover-and-fast kind of days. It has silver stitching along the rear and above the pockets, as well as some heavy metal accessories that are interesting and tastefully added.

Tip: Imagine this with a black smock top complete with sash as well as killer heels.

Amazing Blouse Alert!
Are you on the search for your best feature-- or your skinniest? This Gold Rope Top hows off a peek of skin on the side, under your bust, for an unusual little view that's both sexy and unexpected. It's available in both white and pink--I'm partial to the white myself for matching purposes.

Featured Design: Band Fresh Hoody
I was surprised at the design elements going on with this Dereon sweat top. It's certainly unlike any of my other gym pieces, and it could make for a great present for teens, too.

Metallic elements jazz up an already cool sweatshirt that has logo engraved buttons and a peplum flounce. If pink isn't your style, you can try black instead. I can even imagine this top with a comfy woolen skirt.

Plus Piece: Jumpsuits!
I can't say that I've seen many jumpsuits designed for full-figured women, but I like that we have that option, thanks to Dereon's Ds Zipper Chain Jumpsuit. A hood and a square neckline frame your face-- and you can't beat a kangaroo pocket with Lurex details.

Let me know what you find over at Dereon. These may be my top picks, but I'd love to know what catches your eye.

Great Dress Shapes for Spring

1. Try Them Swingy:
Easy shapes are a cool and simple way to add comfort and style to a spring look. Embrace bodice tops that hug your midsection and flare out against your hips, like a sweet shift from bygone days.

Tip: You can modernize a look like this easily with the right current colors. This season, try unexpected pinks and a cool blue like the featured Stretch Bow Dress above by Jean Paul Galtier.

2. Get Feminine Slim Shapes: Do you feel uncomfortable when you wear slim-fitting dresses? One way to make you feel more at ease is to choose a dress with creative strap lines. Thicker straps allow for layering of shapewear or a comfy bra, so you’ll feel supported and confident when you’re out and about.

3. Slip on Creative New Lines:
Look for pieces that push the boundaries. Are you the type who must wear a cardigan over her dress, or needs to for work? Consider a shaped jacket this spring, possibly in a cropped style to show off that waist! You can also go for slouchier shrugs with kimono or dolman sleeves if you like that look better.

Another option is simple layering for early spring. You can slip on a long-sleeved top under your dress, or buy it already layered for ease, like this Darimeya Layered Sleeve Circle Print Dress, above, from ASOS.com.

4. Find Cool Featured Elements:
Raw silk, painted-on flowers, and drawstring halter necklines are just new ways for you to explore fresh style this spring. From softer silhouettes to the ultra-modern, you’ll see that spring is here and very fashionable indeed.

5. Pocket It:
Dresses with pockets may be unusual, but they’re oh-so-handy. When you slip your hands into roomy pockets that are easily filled with goodies, you’ll be giving yourself a treat—one more way to lighten the load on your purse!

The Vince Painte Brush Shift Dress, features deep, wide pockets that looks right at home. You can stuff your hands into your pockets as you sashay across the parking lot-- how novel--and perhaps even avoid carrying your usual clutch purse.

Jazz Up Your Work Gear with Ease

Do you have a new job? Are you looking for a way to dress up your current wardrobe and make it just right for spring? Thankfully, even in the most understated and professional work environments, you’ll find that there are ways to jazz up your look with simple accessories and smart styling elements.

1. Choose unusually colored pearls. Pearls may be a common accessory at your place of work, but you can get pearls that are natural and irregularly-shaped, or tiny, clustered seed pearls instead. I personally like this unusual Louis Vuitton Two-Pearl Monogram Charm in Yellow Gold, which you'll have for years and years to come.


2. Splurge on statement heels. If there’s one place where you can find an opportunity for expression, it’s your heels. Even if you wear suits, be sure to find pumps and stilettos with interesting design details, even if they must be all black.



3. Toss on a tote. Do you have to carry a lot on our way into the office? Take this opportunity to grab a tote with some style, or at least decorate a basic black one with a tied-on scarf and a few brooches. The Prada Signature Tote has a soft shape, but in basic black, it blends in with anything you have in that closet.

4. Get good post-work shoes. If you must wear heels during the day, your arches can hurt terribly. If you like to slip on comfortable shoes when you left work, get a pair that looks great so you won’t need to change back when you do errands.

5. Find white blouses with delicate details. There’s no reason why you can’t wear a blouse with fun, feminine details, especially if you cover it up with a blazer or a suit jacket all day. Find ruffled or lacy blouses that you actually enjoy wearing, and relish the opportunity to try something a little sexy under your work clothes. Mint Jodi Tanks from Shopbop are just one example of what you can wear underneath a blazer for work: they're simple, but add interest to an otherwise "blah" look.


6. Bank on the best lingerie. If you’re a lawyer or have a similarly restrictive job, wardrobe-wide, shop for lacey camisoles and garters to give you more confidence and add some bounce to your step. Stockings are the same—don’t wear pantyhose when you can wear something that’s three times as sexy and more comfortable.



7. Hair tricks and tips. If your hair is longer, you probably tie it back into a bun or a French twist for work. Instead of using the same old tired hair combs, get ones that are slightly more ornate but still offered in “safe” work colors. This Jeweled hair Clip from Forever 21, shown, is a great compromise that's well within any budget.

5 Gorgeous Tailored Dresses

Do you work in an office where you wear smart dresses and skirts? Thankfully, there are plenty of sales to take advantage of and grab a few additional, highly stylish dresses to boost your performance this year at the office. After all, everyone knows that the better you look, the better you feel, and that means you'll be striding into the boardroom brimming with confidence.

Dresses aren't just a substitution for uncomfortable suit sets, but an opportunity to slip on a more creative piece for any office.

Generra Button Black Dress: This devastatingly feminine piece has perfect drape and is very figure-conscious. Pleating adds to your comfort level when you need to sit at your desk or run from place to place doing errands. The cost-per-wear on this Generra Dress will be outstanding no matter what!

Abaete Navy Gabardine Marnie Dress: This navy blue dress has a fabulous shape that's so vintage. If you're the kind of woman that loves to wear work clothes with an edge, this could be a way to get more conservative looks to work for you.

Generra Pleated Dress: Another great piece from Generra has stolen my heart. This time, this dress has a pleated shape that's considered similar to Audrey Hepburn's effortless style on the silver screen. The belted waist balances out its full skirt and shape.

Contrast Waistband Dress: This soft and comfy dress has feminine appeal. Tiny buttons accent your waist if you like to show it off, and when paired with a cardigan, it's just perfect for presentations and casual meetings.

BCBG Maxazria Cross Front Dress: This fun dress is similar to the Generra dress in approach, but it has a slight touch of spring for those of us who live in warmer climates. Elasticized cuffs on fun puff sleeves will maximize your upper body and bust if that's where you would like a boost.

Fashion Etiquette 101

In the world of fashion advice, there seems to be just about as much time, energy, and ink dedicated to telling the world what not to wear as there is to giving them usable fashion tips. With so many off limit fashion moves swimming around our heads, it’s a surprise we’re able to get dressed in the morning at all!

To try and help clear the fog, the following are a few common fashion warnings and a brief discussion if (in my opinion) they’re worth heeding:

-Don’t wear white or red to a wedding
Wearing either white or red to a wedding, no matter your innocent intentions, is an attention-grabbing move. In a day that’s supposed to be all about the bride, this rule is put in place to ensure that none of the bridesmaids or wedding attendants outshine the new Mrs.
Could you get away with it? Probably. And you probably wouldn’t even get that many sideways glances. Should you? Probably not. It’s just a common courtesy.

-Don’t match brown and black
Once many years ago, as I tried to leave my house, I was stopped mid-stride by my older sister and marched right back to my room to change. My fashion crime? I was wearing a brown belt and black shoes.
The offense had never even crossed my mind, but ever since, I’ve been more tuned into the way my outfits fit together as a whole. While wearing brown and black doesn’t necessarily qualify as the biggest fashion blunder ever executed (just look at Bjork’s swan outfit) clashing colors, patterns, and fabrics is something to watch out for.
This is definitely not to say you shouldn’t experiment before you leave the house. Some of the most innovative fashion happens by bringing together two seemingly disparate elements into something that somehow…magically…just works.

-Cover up at work and your family’s Thanksgiving dinner
While you’re not condemned to shirts buttoned to your throat and starched white collars at these more conservative affairs, forget about fashion sense, and just use good sense. If your work has a decidedly professional feel, perhaps the office isn’t the best place to model your new low cut top. If things feel a little more relaxed, and you’re not making anyone uncomfortable, go ahead and button down a bit.
The important thing to remember is that in these communal, cooperative situations, you must dress “appropriately” to the most conservative person’s standards, whether that be your boss or your grandma.

-No white after Labor Day
I find this little fashion truism to be utterly outdated. While many people have heard this platitude, very few people know its origins (myself included), and even fewer people follow the rule.
In our current fashion scene, I would classify this rule as an out and out “fashion myth.” If you want to wear white, go nuts.

Good luck, and happy shopping!

Liz Herrin

Coming Up Short?

Do you consistently find yourself coming up short in the fashion world?

No. I'm not referring to your bank account, and I'm not talking about your general fashion sense. Rather, I'm talking about your personally. Are your short legs selling you short?

Measuring in at a whopping 5'3", I don't exactly tower over a lot of people. Although I've learned to embrace my shortness, I am still an avid fashion fan. And that can cause some problems seeing as I'm more than a few inches shy of those rail-thin Amazonian runway models.

It's just a fact of life that clothes don't fit me like they fit them. But that doesn't mean I can't play a few fashion tricks of my own in order to artificially create some height for myself. Check out the following tips for a few ways you too can lengthen your silhouette.

-Monochromatic Tones
Monochromatic tones are the easiest way to appear taller. In plain English—dress in one color. Matching from top to pants to shoes makes your body one, unbroken line to the eye. It's very flattering, very thinning, and most of all, very lengthening. Make sure the color you choose to display from head to toe is a neutral. Black, tan, or some variation of brown all work particularly well for this look.

-Pant Length
Pants that are too short for you, not surprisingly, make you look short. Especially if you're into heels, make sure the pant cuff falls below your ankle. Just as a strategic color scheme creates a nice, thin, unbroken line, so too does a pant that partially covers the shoe. (And don't worry about masking those cute shoes. The pant leg will rise with every step, showing off your glorious footwear.)
Also make sure to choose a strategic waistline. Hip-huggers, for example, are a mistake for the short torso-ed individual. Choose instead a waist that falls just an inch or so below the navel. Make sure the pant skims your hips without fitting too tightly.
Also consider the bootleg cut. The slight flare at the end makes a nice balance with your hips.

-Just Say No to Horizontal Stripes
Horizontal stripes are a short gals worst enemy. They create the illusion of a broad body, while your whole goal is to elongate the figure. Stick to classic, thin, vertical pinstripes. Not only is the look professional and clean, but it truly does create the illusion of height.

-The Shoes
What's the easiest way to add some quick height? Just add four-inch stiletto heels, of course! If you're comfortable wearing very tall shoes, the payoffs can be great. Not only are you literally taller, but heels also make your legs look fantastic.
If you're strictly into the flats, make sure to match them with a skinny pant or a short skirt.
And pay attention to the toe. Pointed toes give a streamlined and lengthening effect, while rounded or square toes only cut you off.

Good luck, and happy shopping!

by Liz Herrin

All-Season Fashion: Buy Pieces that Will Go All Year Round

Are you searching for pieces that will stretch from summer to winter? Budget wardrobes are best when they can last through the year without much change from season to season, and I've been trying my best to get mine up to speed.

Find pieces that transcend trends and work their way into your look today.

Get dressy tanks in earth tones.
If you choose tanks in interesting quality fabrics, you'll be able to wear yours alone, under work shirts, and in casual environments, too. To find shirts that look right with just anything, choose fabrics like chiffon and silk. I've had a lot of success with crinkled tank tops in subtle patterns in a slightly longer tunic length. They'll go with blazers, cardigans, shrugs, and layered under t-shirts. Choose an all-season color like green or tan to blend both summer and winter tones with them.

Wear cardigan-style long-sleeve tops.
Simple tops will be cheaper than cardigans, so show off your selection in winter by wearing button-down cardigans open.

Choose a skirt instead of dresses.
Skirts will give you plenty of mix-and-match opportunities. Work in subtle tones like brown and pale gray to wear yours with just about anything. In summer, you can wear a tulip skirt with wedges, and then come summer, you can wear a pair of thick opaque tights and sexy pumps for an entirely different look. Dresses are tempting, but you won't have as many options. Invest in a few simple black dresses for evening and spend the rest on skirts.

Invest in shrugs.
Shrugs will give you more mileage for tank tops and tube tops. Wear one on a night out on any day of the year, and you'll look perfect. Lightweight shrugs can be stored in a purse once you reach the club, and a faux fur one will add a wintry effect to a black strappy tank.

Get jeans in an even wash and a quality brand.
Don't forget about “cost per wear.” Your quality denim will feel like a serious investment at $150, but if you buy a pair with a medium wash, you could wear them four times a week and no one will ever notice. Find ones with traditional five-pocket features in a classic cut, and wash them by hand to avoid excess wear.

Choose sling-backed shoes.
Slingbacks have year-round appeal in any color. They have the appearance of a traditional pump when worn with slacks any time of the year, but they have a lightweight effect in summer, too. Stick to browns to match with both summer and winter wardrobes.

by Meieli Sawyer Detoni

Inspired Fashion

Everyone has their own unique fashion sense, but sometimes it can be daunting staring at your pile of clothes and accessories asking yourself, “what am I going to wear today?” If you’ve ever found yourself at a total fashion loss, don’t worry. You’re not alone.

But it’s important to remember even the best fashion divas out there get a lot of help. After all, it’s certainly not easy looking that good day in and day out. So it only seems fair that you’d get a bit of help too from time to time.

If you’re feeling like you need a little fashion inspiration, you’re in luck, because you have a fantastic resource at your disposal all the time. And you should make use of it as often as you can. What’s this magnificent style guide? Why, the rich and famous, of course!

That’s right. When the world of fashion’s getting you down, and you feel like you just can’t keep up, turn your eyes to the fashion gods (and by that I mean stylish actresses and the fashion elite). Their immaculate hair, makeup, clothes, shoes, and handbags (you can’t forget the handbags) might just reveal to you a new way to wear that baby doll dress, which you’d simply never thought of before. Or perhaps it will show you jeans in a whole new light. Whatever the inspiration, celebrities are like a walking fashion show every time they leave the house, and you should take advantage of that fact in order to glean fashion tips.

Where can you get your fashion fix? Magazines are relentless about getting the latest pics of fashion starlets. Open any fashion rag to get the up-to-date info. If magazines aren’t your thing, pictures are just as readily available on the internet. www.handbag.com is just one great resource for galleries upon galleries of fashion photos.

After cruising these photos long enough, you’ll eventually find celebrities whose fashion sense you really admire. Once you identify those celebrities that you particularly find stylish, keep an eye on what they’re wearing. Chances are, if you think they look good, it’s because they’re wearing items that you find personably desirable, trendy, and hip.

Keep in mind, though, you don’t have to become a carbon copy clone of your favorite fashionistas. In fact, most clothing items that celebrities don can look a little silly on us common folk. But the idea is to identify trends and styles that you like and incorporate them into your everyday wardrobe as your sensibility (and budget) can allow.

A few celebrities that consistently chart the best dressed lists?

-Jessica Alba: Always cute, always fresh, and always young, if you’re under 30 keep an eye on Alba’s wardrobe…it’s bound to be the latest.
-Gwyneth Paltrow: You don’t see her on the silver screen quite as much as you used to, and she’s certainly become more private since her marriage to Chris Martin, but when she does make her outings, she still looks immaculate. For the uber-classic woman in her late 20s or 30s.
-Donatella Versace: Hate her or love her, Versace is the official queen of the fashion industry. Her designs are stunning, and her wardrobe is no exception. She consistently shows busy women in their 40s and beyond how to be in the height of fashion.

Good luck, and happy shopping!

Liz Herrin

Are You Smitten with Bitten?

When I heard Sarah Jessica Parker was coming out with a new line of clothing, I was excited. When I heard the line’s manifesto included an “it must be affordable” clause, I got really excited. I mean really, really excited.

Having watched (and adored) Carrie Bradshaw’s fashion sense for six long, devoted years on Sex and the City, I was ecstatic to think the woman behind the character would be coming out with a fashion line.

Officially revealed on Oprah’s show, the line is called Bitten. My first thought—strange but edgy. I can live with that.

I poked around a bit on the line’s website, www.bittensjp.com, to catch exclusive photos, videos, and all the pertinent information.

Here are the hard facts:

Line’s creator: none other than actress and all-around fashion icon Sarah Jessica Parker

Line’s name: Bitten Sarah Jessica Parker (often referred to simply as Bitten)

Where’s it sold: The line is sold exclusively at Steve & Barry’s, meaning it is currently available only within the United States. Although it may change in the future, Bitten is not available by catalogue, mail order, or online order. To find the closest Steve & Barry’s to your home, simply use this Steve & Barry’s store locator: http://www.steveandbarrys.com/Stores/state/none/1.aspx

What makes it different: Besides the fact SJP is the brainpower behind the line, every item is priced $20 or less. From bags to shoes to dresses to jewelry, not one item costs a penny over $19.99. And the sizes are meant to accommodate and flatter real women, meaning no size zeroes on her racks—only size 2 through 22.

So, everything sounds good, right? But after the unveiling on Oprah and some prematurely leaked photos on the web, the public’s reception of the line was less than ecstatic. Where’s her characteristic quirk? Her funky but workable layering of fabrics? Where were the fashion risks…at all?

In general, reception to the line (despite a huge buzz and subsequent mania) was overwhelmingly blasé. Not to say people are touting the line as bad. The word of the day is just “simple,” which translates for many hardcore SJP fans to “boring.”

Parker’s wardrobe isn’t about the simple, basics we all wear day to day. It’s about fashion as escape. Fashion as surrealism that somehow works in reality. So when her line proves reminiscent of current Gap styles or Old Navy basics, there was bound to be a little disappointed backlash.

For my money, I like basics in my wardrobe—just so long as those basics are spiced up with a little bit of flare. For example, I’d take the cuff sleeve shirt dress in basic black ($19.98) and pair it with bold red patent leather pumps.

But the jury’s still out. The question remains—are you smitten with bitten?

by Liz Herrin

Summer Stuff I'm Loving

There are some things that I'm positively obsessed with this summer. Among them are items I never thought I'd wear (shorts!) and things that I knew I'd grow to appreciate (awesomely juicy-colored clutches). Take a look at my favorite styles and accessories of the season to find out what I'm loving.

Knee-Length Shorts
I'm obsessed with my denim shorts that I found while shopping at my local TJ Maxx. There's nothing more delicious than wearing a pair of bottoms (from jeans to lounge pants) that you'd never thought that you could pull off. Branch out a little this summer and explore the options, because you might surprise yourself. I certainly did.

*Try Fashion Bug and all-around excellent site Shop NBC for your Bermuda-styled shorts today. I've had a lot of luck at Fashion Bug for longer shorts to wear to the office.

Electric Colored Clutches
I was inspired by the Fendi Neon Clutches that have been tempting to mingle with the rest of my wardrobe, but pack a $395 punch. Available in cherry red, gold-orange, and bright blue, they're going to look just right with a floral dress and summer shades.

*If you can't spring for the real thing, look for a clutch in similar colors. You can search eBags and Bluefly for similar ones.

A High-Waisted Silhouette
This one's certainly hard to pull off for those of us with a bigger bust, but it's easy enough to fake. Find a slightly wider belt, tuck in a ladylike top into your skirt, and then place the belt just a little higher than wherever you'd usually wear it. Ta-da! You'll have an instantly trendy silhouette that's comfortable and flattering at the same time.

*I like the belt selection at Overstock.com. You'll save a lot and be able to choose just the right shape and size belt for your body.

Fresh Sandals
I may be a known