http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/07/01/style-on-a-college-b

With a budget that only affords outrageous deals, my first “Style on a College Budget” look hails under $50 and is so summer savvy.  

The Pleated Cotton/Silk Skirt comes in orange from Forever21.online (it is not the yucky neon shade either). It’s knee length for a fun, flirty look and at an affordable rate of $22.80.

Pair it with a $4.80 Rib Knit Racerback Tank in white and the outfit is comfort and style packed into one. The tank’s long enough to tuck inside the skirt, which is a bold but smart move ladies.   

To finish off this week’s “low cash flow” look for college girls, I found a versatile flat thong sandal from Bakers.com called the Adelaide. It comes in multiple colors but for this combination, you can’t go wrong with white. The sandal’s on sale for $19.99.                  

If you’d rather score a dress, Forever.21.com also has the Teresa Tunic for $22.80.          

It’s linen-like 100% woven cotton with an A-line bodice and best of all, pockets! I’d pair it with black tights for girls who prefer not to show too much leg. But the hint of femininity (flowers!) is enough for not-to-so-girly-girls and flower-lovers alike. This tunic shines with the same sandal in silver, black or even gold. Should you find more deals on their site, Forever21.com offers free shipping for all orders over $75.

*Find at Smarter.com:     Shop for more women’s flat sandals. 

                                             Shop for more skirts.    

                                             Shop for more women’s tank tops.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/07/01/wallet-deal-cole-haa

This color is so vibrant, you won’t want to keep it hiding in your purse!  It’s the perfect size for those who don’t like carrying a million things at once.  It will hold up to 16 of your important cards:  Insurance card, AAA membership card, ID, credit cards, gift cards, etc.

Cole Haan Village Travel Zip Wallet: $138.60 (Was: $154.00)

Find at Smarter: Shop for more women’s wallets.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/07/02/personal-pick-of-the

Since summer is in full swing, I thought it was about time to feature some swimsuits already. One of my choices had to be a one-piece because it has made such a wonderful comeback recently; my second choice is on the skimpier side. As a former resident of the Aloha state…I admit, I did turn into a bit of a swimsuit freak while I was there, it was impossible not to though when I quickly realized that what you were wearing at the beach definitely took higher priority over your regular street clothes.

Thus, I chose two of my favorite suits for the summer; a Vix suit never failed me. The fit is pretty impressive considering the fact that swimsuit sizing can be tricky, plus my Vix suits always made me feel sexy…maybe it was in the name.

Vix Maria One Piece Halter: $145 vixswimwear.com 

My second choice, from one of the swimsuit masters-Victoria’s Secret, is what I like to call a perfect poolside bikini…now all you need are some big sunglasses, a bottle of tanning oil, and a hunky beach boy serving you a Mai Tai. Aloha!

Victoria’s Secret Beach Sexy triangle top and low-rise bottom: $29 on sale! Victoriassecret.com 

Recommended tanning oil:            

Monoi Tiare Tahiti oil, $9.95 monoi.com

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more suntan oil & lotion.

                                       Shop for more binikis.

                                       Shop for more one piece swimsuits.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/07/03/love-it-lover-the-la

Most women find that their boyfriend’s interest in swimwear begins and ends with the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. Not the case with Susien Chong, whose partner in life is Nic Briand, the other half of Australian label Lover. The couple have been together since 1996, launching Lover in 2001. This label has smart and feminine looks that quickly became a favorite of celebrities such as Kirsten Dunst. Lover’s summer collection is entitled Electric Ladyland, and the looks fall somewhere between 70’s rocker and eccentric artists.

String bikinis and one-piece halters are rendered in lace patterned neutrals and tie with wooden beads; striped bikinis and tanks are made in corals and ocean blues. These aren’t suits for going in the water.  They are suits you want to accessorize with an oversized floppy hat, some shades, a a glass of white wine….and they’re just right!

For more information, log onto loverthelabel.com.

Find at Smarter: Shop for more women’s swimwear.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/07/03/beach-tote-deal-mich

MICHAEL Michael Kors Astor Plastic Large Tote: $165.90 (Was: $278.00)

Since a couple of our lovely guest bloggers featured swimsuits this week, I thought I’d show you beauties a great tote you can sport at the beach or pool.  This tote comes in a variety of colors.  I personally love the gold color as it is the most versatile.  Smart Bargains has black, white, orange & lime for $129.99.

Shop for more totes. 

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/07/07/last-week-in-style-b

We were all out celebrating during the wonderfully long holiday weekend, so I thought I’d wait until today to go over what went on in the fashion & style world last week:

The ugg australia fall 2008 trunk show is running through july 13th and Girlawhirl’s got the inside look at all the new styles.

The Beauty Brains are arrested for telling the truth about the Cosmetics Cop.

Top Button has the secret to heat-proof summer makeup, so that the only thing melting is your ice cream!

Last week on Smarter Fashion we covered:

We showed you how to get this Phillip Lim look for less!

New guest blogger Urmi shows us a great summer look in her first “Style on a College Budget” post.

We showed you a bright green clutch deal…

…and a beach tote deal.

Desiree showed us a couple of her favorite swimsuit picks for the summer.

More swimwear!  Check out Lover the Label.        

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/07/07/designer-inspired-lo

Aside from the bony, angry-looking model…I love this Nina Ricci Resort 2009 look.

This look is achievable in every which way, the floral chemise will probably be the easiest to find, and I love the matching shoes and skinny belt in burnt orange. My work and I will soon be migrating to a swanky new office in a bourgeois part of town, and I’ve been struggling with the question: what’s appropriate to wear?

My wardrobe has undergone so many drastic changes in the past few years, but “office wear” was never of importance to me; this is because it can be challenging (for me at least) finding professional work clothes that aren’t drab and predictable.

This look my friends is exactly what I’ve been imagining, something simple yet feminine, stylish but not overdone.

Layfayette 148 New York Essential Bootcut Wool Trousers: $198 - Nordstrom.com

H81 Woven Floral Cami: $14.90 - Forever21.com

Juicy Couture ‘Vintage Estate’ Chain Bracelet: $128 - Nordstrom.com

Seychelles ‘Jive Turkey Nutmeg’ shoes in Nut: $90 - Seychellesfootwear.com

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more women’s trousers.

                                       Shop for more women’s camis.

                                       Shop for more bracelets.

                                       Shop for more women’s sandals.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/07/08/cheap-monday-on-tues

In 2004, four friends opened a store called Weekend in their hometown that carried high fashion and second hand clothing. There was a demand for cheaper, yet still fashionable denim so they decided to design a brand called Cheap Monday. Since then, there has been a high demand for the brand in stores across the world.

“Our idea is still to offer the customer fashion at an extremely good price. We want to put Cheap Monday alongside more expensive brands, in stores where we would want to shop ourselves.”

Today, Cheap Monday can be found in twenty eight countries and in over a thousand stores all over the world! These jeans are made to be very fitted, colorful, and skinny and can be found anywhere from Urban Outfitters to a Bloomingdales near you. It’s going to be really hot this summer with Cheap Monday’s around. Go get yourself a pair and make a statement.  I already did!

For more information, go to CheapMonday.com.

 Find Cheap Monday at Smarter.com:  Women’s Jeans

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/07/08/dress-deal-bcbgmaxaz

I love dresses like this because although I have long legs, I don’t have a long torso like some of you lucky gals.  Empire waist dresses are always cool with me!  This sleeveless dress is great for summer occasions where you would like to be a tad bit conservative, but still stay cool (let’s say at church for example).  The old couple next to you won’t give you dirty looks and call you “Jezebel.”

BCBGMAXAZRIA Eyelet Embroidered Dress: $144.66 (Was: $288.00)

Shop for more women’s dresses at Smarter.com.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/07/08/style-on-a-college-b

What many students will come to realize is that shopping online can actually be a lot cheaper than heading to a local mall…that is if it is done right. This method also saves gas and time, if anyone is interested in doing school work.

This week, I’ve found a pair of dark brown shorts (Sharkskin Shorts) from CharlotteRusse.com that are originally $22.99 but on sale for $14.99 online. This offer is not available at the store. The cost of shipping is $5.99 plus tax.

So you may be thinking the total seems to duplicate the original price, right? Well, if you buy more from these online stores, you can usually get a lower or even free shipping rate.

Moving on. To finish off the Sharkskin Shorts, I checked out Metroparkusa.com. I usually hesitate to go into the store since they’re a bit pricey but I love the clothes. They’re edgy with a sort of hip hop feel.

But I actually found one of their more feminine tops to compliment the shorts. It’s a bronze beaded v-neck in black for $29.99. It’s loose and airy, perfect for those summer nights.

Pair these items with your favorite sandals or flats. The night is still young ladies!

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for women’s sandals.

                                       Shop for more women’s shorts.

                                       Shop for more women’s shirts & tops.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/07/09/personal-pick-of-the

So, this is lovely and summery…something nice for a Sunday brunch. The nice thing about rompers is that you can pair them with flats, sandals, or heels and it always looks good.

I would top this with a vest of some sort or a little cropped jacket. If it were to cool off later in the evening while wearing this, it would also look really great with a long, “grandpa” sweater.

Diane Von Furstenburg ‘Lynnia’ Romper: $255 Nordstrom.com

Shop for more rompers at Smarter.com.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/07/10/leather-bag-deal-bet

Once again, Betsey Johnson is awesome.  Check out this wonderfully unique studded leather bag.   I love the pleating on the front & back.  The lip charm that comes with it on the side gives it that Betsey personality.  It also comes in white with gold studding & a gold lip chain.   Super cute.

Betsey Johnson On The Nail Shopper: $300 (Was: $375)

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/07/14/last-week-in-style-b

Flip Flops are bad for feet? StyleBakery offers some foot-friendly alternatives. 

Patricia Field comes through with an affordable version of the Sex And The City studded belt. And Girlawhirl.com readers can take an extra 15% off at patriciafield.com.

SheFinds isn’t so sure about at-home laser hair removal. Would you do it yourself or leave it to the pros?

I’m Not Obsessed debunks Acne myths!

The Beauty Brains tell a dirty secret about how to clean makeup brushes.

Top Button has found the perfect summer cocktail dress. Dress up like the goddess you are!

We showed you how to get a Nina Ricci Resort 2009 inspired look for less!

If you like skinny jeans you have to out Cheap Monday.

We showed you an empire waist dress deal…

…and a Betsey Johnson handbag deal. 

We showed you how to save money by purchasing your favorite finds online in this week’s edition of Style on a College Budget.

Check out Desiree’s Personal Pick of the Week: The Romper Room

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/07/14/online-coupons-deals

OnlineShoes.com: $15 off orders over $100 (Ends 07/31/08)

Find at OnlineShoes.com - Enzo Angiolini Tells: $89.95

eBags: $20 off when you spend over $100

Find at eBags-  Built NY Market Tote : $39.99

Delias.com: FREE SHIPPING when you use coupon code DWHAFF (Exp: 07/30/08)

                         15% off entire purchase - Use coupon code SHOP150 (Exp: 07/16/08)

Find at Delias.com Long Torso Solid Cinched Bandau One-Piece: $32.50

Karmaloop LLC: $10 off $120 - Use coupon code TASHA (Exp: 07/31/08)

Find at Karama Loop - Obey Women’s The Rose Shackle T-Shirt: $26.95 (On Sale)

Shoes.com:  15% off entire order - Use coupon code JULYSAVE (Exp: 07/31/08)

                          $25 off orders of $150 or more - Use coupon code CC25OFF (Exp: 07/31/08)

Find at Shoes.com - GUESS DELICACY: $109.95

Find more coupons for clothing & accessories stores here.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/07/15/dress-deal-aqua-slee

I love the little bit of red in the back of this jeresy tank dress.  You can dress this up with accessories & hot red heels or keep it casual & wear flats.

Aqua Women’s Sleeveless Colorblock Jersey Dress: $58.50 (Was: $78.00)

Don’t forget!  Get FREE SHIPPING at Bloomingdales when you spend over $150.

Shop for more jersey dresses.

Shop for red shoes.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/07/15/style-on-a-college-b

This week’s look is inspired by young ladies who appreciate the after-college look of professional, hard working women. Even if you’re working to find the right job, having the right pair of pants is always a key step.

The Editor pant from Express.com, marked at $69.50, is a great investment for future work style. The look inhabits chic with an “I know what I’m doing” mentality.

Pair mocha color Editor pants with this feminine top from Forever21.com for $22.80 and all you need is a skinny belt in dark brown and matching heels. Now you can make an impression both on the clock and after hours.   

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s pants.

                                        Shop for more chiffon tops.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/07/16/personal-pick-of-the

If I could just be clothed in Marc Jacobs for the rest of my life, I’d be a pretty happy girl. This is not to say I don’t love other designers, but MJ is truly my fave. His ready to wear line, Marc by Marc Jacobs is pretty adorable every season, and I have yet to see something I don’t like. If your lucky, you have a Marc by Marc store in your ‘hood. If you don’t and come across one in the future, be sure to stop in and dig through the bins full of trinkets and tchochky’s that range anywhere between $1-$50. You’ll walk out feeling like you found gold. In the meantime, I like to drool over the cute dresses, which are ridiculously affordable on shopbop.com I just couldn’t bring myself to choose one, so below are my two favorites.

                         Lily Plaid Dress: $229 (Was: $458)            Wave Print Halter Dress $198

After the summer heat becomes more bearable, I would pair both of these lovelies with some tall brown Frye boots and wear them through the early fall season.

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more women’s dresses.

                                       Shop for more Marc Jacobs clothing & accessories.

                                       Shop for Marc Jacobs shoes.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/07/16/travel-fashion-five-

Traveling by air is already a hassle—but do you have to dress like an overweight luggage bag too? Whether you’re heading to hike in the Appalachians or sun in Malibu, flying in style is all about comfort and convenience. Follow these five simple tips and tricks to feel great before, during, and after the flight:

1. Comfort. Even if you aren’t sleeping during your flight, the compact air inside an airplane often makes people sweat and it’s wise to plan your outfit with that in mind. Jeans are particularly uncomfortable. Linen or velour travels well, and if you’re that kind of diva, a velour jumpsuit with all the essential jewelry is a complete outfit in itself. Just don’t forget to take the jewels off before going through a metal detector.

TIP: keep any jewelry you plan to wear when arriving or on the plane in a small zip-up bag and send it through the metal detector; you’ll have plenty of time to doll up while you wait for your plane to arrive.

2. Footwear. Unless you’re flying is by private jet to Florence like Blair Waldorf, you will have to take off your shoes at security. High heels are a no-no. Wear tights or socks so when you’re standing on the sticky vinyl floor, your little toesies aren’t suffering in the grime.     

TIP: skin-colored low socks from American Apparel are great to wear in flats, which are easy to slip on and off at security.

3. Weather Change. Layers, Layers, Layers. It’s always a bit chilly in ‘craft carriers, pack a light zip-up in your carry-on if traveling to a warmer location. Moving from hot to cold? Make sure you wear enough warm clothes for when you arrive, which are sometimes difficult to fit in a small carry-on.

TIP: if traveling warm to cold, wear some of your heaviest clothing on the plane. It saves space in your suitcase!

4. Head Covering. Airplanes are sticky and gross. They are like sitting in a public restroom for the amount of time of your flight, except there’s 200+ others in the bathroom, you’re thousands of feet in the air, and there’s no circulation. While the friendly stewardesses do a fine job of keeping the air seemingly cool and temperature-controlled, that doesn’t prevent your face from getting oily and hair frizzing up. Wear a hat or loosely tied headband to pull your hair away from your face during the flight.

TIP: use your small allowance of carry-on liquids wisely: bring travel-size mouthwash, face wipes, lip balm, toothpaste, toothbrush, and any little make-up touch-ups you will have to use before you land. You will feel so much better!

5. Go Glam. Why not put a little glam-face on and travel like the celebrity you know you are? Ditch the sweatpants. Pull out the sunglasses and scarves.

TIP: Don’t forget that anything extra you wear is going to cost 1-2 extra minutes of hassle at security. But with a little planning ahead, sometimes it’s worth it.

Image Source: television.gearlive.com, fash-eccentric.com

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/07/17/shoe-deal-pour-la-vi

I love these shoes in black & red.  They kind of remind me of the shoes that Heidi Klum is wearing with that hot pink dress in the ads for the new season of Project Runway (couldn’t find a picture of just her). Sexy!

Pour La Victoire Women’s Brie Pump in Black: $104.47 (Was: $189.95)

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop through all women’s shoes.

                                        Shop for more Pour La Victoire shoes.

Image Source: eOnline.com

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/07/17/green-giant-rogan-gr

Before being environmentally sensitive was as hip as Blue Ribbon drink specials, Designer Rogan Gregory was working with classic & comfortable clothes with an eco-friendly bend. This spring, he partners with Target’s Go International to release a collection. you’ll find many bright colors here. Gregory sticks to his signature neutral palette, touched here and there with animal prints, like a zebra patterned mini skirt, a turquoise leopard swimsuit and a shirtdress with giraffe spots. The overall look for the collection is safari-like meets Charlotte.

All the pieces are made from organic cotton, linen, bamboo and hemp. Combine all this with low price tags, and this could be one shopping trip that is made guilt free!

For more information, log onto target.com/go

Find at Smarter: Shop for more women’s clothing.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/07/18/corporate-101-the-ba

There’s nothing like Dress-Down Fridays on a sticky July afternoon…the photocopy machine humming like a microwave…not knowing if the steam rising from the bathroom is coming from your sweat or the coffee mug in your hand…fearing your Mac’s whirling internal fan, like a faint hummingbird’s heartbeat, will spin it’s final breath and kill your 5 hours of mind-numbing data entry. Ah, call it summering in Corporate. Kind of sounds like a New England town…

Dress-Down Fridays, for me, have never been the horror stories Hollywood makes them out to be. Themes like “Wear Your Favorite Hula Shirt” to “Bring a Bimbo in a Skirt” are buried in a paper trail of memos that date back to **gasp** when the in-house notifications were not sent by e-mail. Therefore, we are safe. Dress-Down Fridays are about calm, cool, and collection, and the secret tip: always be prepared to impress. The old saying is true, that the days when you wear a sweatshirt, is the same day you run in to (unexpectedly!) exactly the person you want to impress.

Where to Start:

Considering the sweater set is for the other four days in the cube, jazz it up a little on Fridays. Need help? Pick little themes for yourself. Go Girly. Go Glam. Go Beachy. TIP: If you can’t think of any reason to get out of bed, throw on a favorite sundress or some electric-colored high heels. It will give you a boost to go out the door and show off the fabulous you!

 Pleated Mini w/Belt: $19.80

Writer’s Picks: High-waist, colorful skirts are fashionable this summer. Pick a solid, modest color and pair it with a short sleeve tee tucked underneath (add a little jacket or wrap if you think the boss might mind the short sleeves). High-waist skirts are great because, when they pull the shirt tight underneath, it looks more like a dress—mixing and matching shirts and skirts can give it a whole different feel!                                   

Where to Stop:

 

No belly shirts, cut offs, short shorts, Daisy Dukes, fluorescent bras, tattoo or piercing reveals, track pants, or hooker heels. Of course, look out for sheer/transparent tops, skirts, low backs, etc. You’re a tasteful gal. You know what to do. Be super careful of skirt/ dress length, and if you’re in a city, take in to account wind from traffic, or if you’re anywhere, watch out for breezes. You want to expose your personality, not expose yourself.

Find at Smarter.com: Shop through all women’s clothing.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/07/18/this-week-in-style-b

SheFinds dispels the archaic fashion myth that you can’t wear black to a daytime wedding. 

Is there a difference between a garment that’s “inspired by” another and one that’s just a copy? The Design Piracy Prohibition Act aims to define just that .

I’m Not Obsessed shows you how to replicate Marc Jacobs’ Ruffle Pump for less.

Get the perfect faux tan with StyleBakery.com’s top 5 tested tanners for 2008.

The Beauty Brains explain what to do when you find a 2 year old bottle of nail polish under your couch.

This week on Smarter Fashion:  

We showed you some more great online coupons and deals for top online clothing & accessories stores that will end/expire soon! 

        We showed you a jersey dress deal…. 

…and a Pour La Victoire shoe deal.

           We gave you five simple tips & tricks on how to travel this summer in fashion!

This week’s Style on a College Budget features an “after-college” look.        

Personal Pick of the Week: Desiree expresses her deep feeling for Marc Jacobs & shows us two of her fave dresses. 

Dress-Down Fridays are great, but make sure you’re doing it right!  Check out the basics of corporate Dress-Down Fridays.                   

Have a wonderful weekend!

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/07/21/designer-inspired-lo

This week’s look comes to us from the Akris Resort 2009 collection. If you have a moment, definitely check out the entire line, it is stunning.

There are some really sleek and classy cocktail dresses that have sheer organza neck and hemlines, but this dress was one of my favorites. I loved the pleated skirt, and the drapey, sheer colored fabric that was used. This look could be imitated with a vintage slip and low-slung belt, but it is very reminiscent of an Ella Moss dress as well.

Moss is known for her super-soft jersey designs that hang comfortably and delicately on the body, a perfect throw-on when everything else is feeling too tight or sticky.

                   

   Ella Moss Layla Tiered Dress in Ink, $155 revolveclothing.com

             

              Plaid Gauze Square Scarf, $20 urbanoutfitters.com

             

Jeffrey Cambell ‘Maya’ Sandal, $96.95 nordstrom.com

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more cocktail dresses.

                                       Shop through all women’s sandals.

                                       Shop for more women’s scarves.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/07/22/handbag-deal-the-sak

I think this would make for a pretty darn cute & stylish substitute for a typical school backpack this coming school season.  Especially for college students who only go to a few classes a day and don’t carry around a lot of books.  This dark amber color is my favorite, but it also comes in black patent & white patent.