http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/10/01/tried-and-true-tarta

To keep in the spirit of last week?s international travel fashion inspiration (thank you for existing, Oktoberfest!) why not take a look at some other European styles? While the vintage shopping elite may be able to date a vintage dress to it?s exactly year and make, why not test out their discerning eye on some geography as well?

Okay, I?m going easy on you. Tartan Fashion Show? Scotland anyone? Here are some fun, sophisticated ways to wear a difficult fabric and not feel like you?re going to get it all stuck up in yo? bagpipes:

                                                                      D&G Plaid Stretch Wool Dress

It may be a little bit Christmas-y, and made in Italy (How unauthentic!) but surprisingly, a lot of the best tartan dresses I found online were sold out! This is a popular trend, my friends. Get on it!

With the cold weather starting to work it?s way on to the weather channel, it?s time to consider what type of message you want to send with your winter coat. Why not try some fun pattern that works well with jeans or dressed up, like this?

                                                             Semantiks Square Plaid Jacket: $158

And don?t forget the rainboots, which will look great paired with some black tights and an oversized sweater:

                                                      Sperry Top-Sider Pelican Tall Rain Boot: $59.95

To top it off, let?s compare: Which country has a head covering more indicative of their cultural heritage?

1. Oktoberfest enlarged elf hat from last week, complete with beer n? bratwurst?

2. Or, Scottish tammy, strip of plastic orange hair included?

Image Source: BBC.co.uk

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more plaid rain boots.

                                        Shop for more plaid jackets.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/10/02/jewelry-hangers/

My mom has always had a mahogany jewelry chest since I was little. It seemed to be the best idea for storage. It looks nice, it?s large so it hold a lot, and it was it?s own piece of furniture so nothing got mixed up. It seemed to be that way, until recently I found something!

It?s basically a long strip of pockets on a hanger that you put in your closet! It?s so nice to be able to see each piece of jewelry through the clear pockets and choose what to wear without mixing everything up and having things tangle! The pockets are also different sizes, so you can put rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, bangles, etc, inside!

I have two (so far). One is my silver jewelry and the other my gold. I have one side for rings and earrings and the other for watches, bangles, etc. I love how easy it to hold it up and instantly pick what I want!

You can find them online by simply searching ?closet jewelry hangers.? Or local stores such as Bed, Bath, & Beyond, Target, etc. They run around $15-$24 depending on which sizes you buy.

What I really like about the hanger is that is out of the way? I can hide all my jewels in the closet and I don?t have fifty million individual jewelry boxes.

A good idea to go along with is that I also do , is buy some clear, mini bead bags (sold at AC Moore or Michaels) and put your earrings inside one individually. That way if you run out of hanger pockets you can double them up, but not have to worry about mixing or tangling or even tarnishing!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop through a variety of jewerlry organizers.

                                        Buy closet organizers.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/10/02/comfy-deal-basic-tee

I’ve always loved Old Navy for their comfy, great fitting and durable basic tees & tanks.  They always have a great “Bargain” and “Clearance” section with really good prices on a variety of clothing and acccessories, but here are basic tanks and tees that every gal should have in her closet, that can be used year round and that are…on sale!  Hurry, before all the pretty fall colors sell out!

                       Triple Band Tees: $12.50 Now: $6             Triple Band Tanks: $10.50 Now: $5

                         Racer Back Tanks: $10 Now: $5          Layering Camis: $8.50 Now: $5.99

Shop through all camis.

Shop for more women’s tees.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/10/03/always-have-a-buddy-

With the weather cooling down and the summer heat giving way to falling leaves and thunderstorms, your clothing has to make a transition, and a statement. Just as you were putting the finishing touches on your halter-top tan and bikini lines, October is here and that means no more excuses: it?s time to make some Fall fashion statements, and nothing combines your summer tan and carefree, flirty ways like the romantic fall dress. Fashion inspiration for this week comes from The Notebook?s Rachel McAdams.

Go for a vintage look with this button up dress by Free People:

                                                                 Double Collar Dress: $108 

Or find yourself looking for romantic sleeves and a subdued color to transition into fall:

                                                                Flapper Monhair Dress: $145

It may just be a blanket, but Rachel McAdams knows how to pull it off:

Cuddle up in your own wearable blanket with this waffle weave dress from Gap:

                                                  Waffle Knit Tunic Sweater: $49.99 on sale

Find at Smarter.com:  Buy tunic sweaters. 

                                        Shop through all dresses.

Image Source: RottenTomatoes.com

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/10/03/fashion-style-roundu

SeenON! wants you to follow Halle Berry’s lead and wear your vote on your tee with our election savvy gear!  

StyleBakery has the scoop on this season’s hottest independent boutiques and must-see designers on the rise.

SheFinds thinks Patricia Fields’ new collection for HSN ventures a bit too far into tranny territory.

Two european inspired boots save Girlawhirl transatlantic airfare. They’re part of Gap’s design editions and only available online.

This week on Smarter Fashion:

We featured tees from Queen of Suburbia that tell the world what you are thinking..so you don’t have to!

We showed you a great deal on a black twill trench coat.

Check out some tips on how to dress scottish style without over doing it with the plaid.

The Fashion Organizer gives us some great tips on how to organize your jewelry.

Old Navy has a great selection of basic tees and tanks for under $10!

Colleen shows us how to find Rachel McAdams look in The Notebook.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/10/06/online-coupons-expir

AE.com: 15% off all online orders - Use coupon code 68947528 (Exp: 10/06/08)

Find at AE.com - AE Shrunken Peacoat: $79.50

Arden B: Take $25 off $100 or more - Use coupon code 340825 (Exp: 10/06/08)

                 Save $10 off any order - Use coupon code 340810 (Exp: 10/06/08)

Find at Arden B - Trumpet Sleeve Sweater Tunic: $58 on sale

CostumeDiscounters.com:  Free shipping on orders of $65 or more - Use coupon code FREE65 (Exp: 10/31/08)

Delias.com:  Free Shipping or orders over $25 - Use coupon code DWPAFF (Exp: 10/16/08)

Find at Delias.com - Ainsley Coat: $79.50

Karmaloop.com:  Free shipping on orders over $45 - Use coupon code FREE45 (Exp: 10/31/08)

Find at Karmaloop - Cheap Monday The Tight Jean in 45 Minute Stone Wash Denim: $65

Shoes.com:  $20 off $100/$50 off $200 - Use coupon code FALLSALE08 (Exp: TODAY!)

Find at Shoes.com - Report Women’s Boston Ankle Boots: $115

Click here to find more coupons and deals from clothing and accessories stores. 

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/10/09/falling-head-over-he

As I talk so often about how to travel towards a certain location or space, I?d like to extend the concept of ?travel? to a psychological level: we all know that what you wear effects your first impressions, and now that coats are a necessity, it will often be the first article of clothing your interviewer/boss/date will see. Most make the mistake of wearing the same grungy tan-toned trench coat to protect your sparkly clothes underneath?but if that washed out sheet of fabric is the first thing they see, don?t bank on a good impression. And with so many fun jackets out there to enjoy, why not treat yourself to some color?

The Romantic: Deep purple with a feminine cut and light frill? Who could ask for a more charming, sweet impression?

                                                         Kimichi and Blue Ruffle Collar Coat: $140

The Loudmouth: Red is a loud color, but if you?re a city gal, this is one way to show your energy and passion.

                                                     WESC - Women’s Thora Duffel Coat: $202

The Lionness: Let your inner diva loose with this fashionable vest and fur-lined color. Pair with a while long sleeve shirt and jeans for a chill night on the town.

                                                     Anzevino & Florence - Women’s Cloak: $98.00

No matter which personality you prefer, all are able to make a splash. Experiment! And enjoy the weather and light jackets while it lasts.

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

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/10/09/boot-deal-vaneli-wea

These boots are hot.  Every gal needs a pair) if not a similar classic black, knee-high pair of boots) in her closet.  Where them with a skirt or a sweater dress and tights. Sexy and on sale.  Perfect.

Vaneli Weald Boot: $170. 75 (Was: $190)

Shop for more Vaneli boots.

Shop through all women’s boots.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/10/10/whats-the-story-mour

One of my favorite television shows has a cult family, and I still manage to hold off on the thick black eyeliner every morning. The Addams Family, with its chipper theme song and dark comedic characters, requires an abstract extraction in order to not seem like you?re mourning the death of a recent family member. Think sexy cuts and steely stares, not grandmother pinafore. The true connoisseur can develop a transitional fashion, borrowing from schoolgirl sweet Wednesday Addams and her mother, vampy sexpot Morticia Addams, to create a fusion of gothic sophistication. Check it out:

The Video:

YouTube - Watch Link

The vampy dress:

                                                     David Meister Stretch Satin Sheath Dress: $ $308

The schoolgirl jumper:

                                                                           Tailor Made Jumper: $138

The necessary fishnet stockings:

                                                                   Shirley of Hollywood Fishnets: $10

The sendoff:

                                                            Pearl Cluster Ring with Skull by Rachel Leigh

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more skull rings.

                                        Buy women’s jumpers.

                                        Shop for more fishnet stockings.

                                        Discounts on satin dresses.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/10/10/fashion-and-style-we

An open neck tunic keeps Girlawhirl from being overwhelmed by what she’s wearing.

StyleBakery wants you to make a great first impression with one of this season’s supremely stylish coats.

SheFinds tips our hats to Payless this season. Your fall shoes are quite stylish!

The Beauty Brains tell us what’s fishy about Seattle’s latest foot spa treatment.

This week on Smarter Fashion:  

We gave you some more coupon codes for top clothing and accessories stores that will expire soon.  Check them out!  

Check out some cozy fall/winter coats that will help make a great first impression while traveling.

We showed you a hot deal on some sexy tall black boots.

Check out this week’s Find That Look post for Addams Family inspired fashion that won’t creep out your grandparents. 

Have a great weekend!

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/10/13/shop-by-outfit-at-bu

For those who aren’t the best at putting an outfit together (**cough-most men-cough**), The Buckle’s website features already put together styles for easy shopping and easy fashion decisions.  Here is one of my favorite outfits they feature called “Mr. Clean” - they even give them cleaver little names.

So, if I want to purchase this entire outfit for my boyfriend, brother, cousin, etc…I would just need to select (check) all the items on the right of the page, add them to my shopping “bag” and VOUALA…I can check one more person off my holiday shopping list!

For those ladies who don’t like the hassels of shopping around for an outfit or putting a fashionable outfit together, here are two of the cute outfits put together for the ladies at Buckle.com:

                                            ”Check Mate”                                                      “Home Spun”

Click here to check out all the outfits put together at Buckle.com for women.

Check out all the outfits put together for men.

*One more awesome thing about Buckle.com - they offer $5 shipping on every order!

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/10/14/cute-deal-perlina-se

Here is another great handbag on sale for under $100.  I love the dark green color for fall, and the fact that this clutch can be worn with just about anything from casual jeans or dresses to business suits. You can also find it in black if you prefer.

Perlina Sevilla Flap Clutch: $90 (Was $100)

*Remember:  Zappos offers free shipping both ways!

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more flap clutches.

Buy Perlina handbags.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/10/15/san-francisco-fashio

“If you’re going, to San Francisco….” 

Good ol? Haight-Asbury, the hippie mecca from our parent?s youth, may have sold out to McDonalds and mortgages, but that doesn?t mean our style has to. Even if you?re not traveling to the San Francisco Bay, take a little trip back in time and hunt up some of your mom?s nostalgic printed dresses and beads. It will put a smile on her face, and your face, too?especially when you put those flowers in your hair.

Becoming a Modern Hippie:

1. The peasant blouse: $34.99

2. The well-worn vest: $58.00

3. The corduroy pant: $198.00

4. The floral beaded headwrap:  $16.00

Pack it all up with a Grateful Dead playlist on your IPod, and you?re good to go!

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more peasant blouses.

                                       Buy women’s vests.

                                       Discounts on corduroy pants.

                                       Save on headwraps.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/10/16/too-many-belts-and-t

Here?s a surprise you can organize!

As you get older you most likely come to points where you have so many types and colors of belts that it becomes hard to figure out the best way to organize them. If you put them in drawers, they unravel and become a mess. If you put them in a bucket or basket, it becomes full and hard to sort through when you are in a rush to ?buckle up? and get to work.

                                                                                        $16

Scramble no longer! Introducing belt hanger organizers for your closet! Like the next few pictures, they have hooks about an inch or two long extending outwards so belts (or ties too!) can be hung on them.

                                                                                       $3.99 

THIS IS SO COOL because not only can you put them in color and size order for your liking, but you can fit about 30 or so belts on these babies (depending on size) and only take up about 2-4 inches of space in your closet!

                                                                                       $7.99

Many of you can see from most of my posts that I like closet organizers. If you don?t like to see all of the items in your fashionista wardrobe strewn around your room, the closet is the best place to hide it all. And who wants to open their closet to find buckets and shelves cluttered to the top so you can?t find what you want?

                                                                                      $24.99 

No one wants to leave the house and think, ?Awe man! I forgot [insert clothing item here]!? Nope, now you can find your thin belts, thick belts, black belts, blue belts, glitter belts, ALL belts (or ties!!) conveniently!

Prices range anywhere from $3 to $25 from what I found. Of course it depends on how fancy of a hanger you choose to buy.

I spy with my little eye, something snazzy to?

Op! Out of time, ?til next posting…..

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more tie hangers.

                                       Buy clothing organizers.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/10/16/boot-deal-max-studio

Sadly, here in So. Cal I’ve only had a few opportunities to sport my cute fall boots.  In the valley it’s almost 90 degrees!  For those who can enjoy these boots immediately, you can get them on sale right now for under $200.  The rubber outsoles should make the a bit more comfortable to walk in will help prevent you from falling on your face due to slippery walkways or stairs.

Max Studio “Halo” Leather Ankle Boots: $154 (Was: $220)

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more ankle boots.

                                       Shop through all Max Studio shoes.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/10/17/edie-sedgwick-factor

Edie Sedgwick, the muse of one of the greatest cultural, artistic revolutionaries of our time: Andy Warhol. What does it take to be Edie Sedgwick? Taking up chain-smoking? Skeletal Figure? Dying your hair gray and cutting it like a boy (thank god everything was in black and white - her hair looks blond). But it?s not all bad. What?s it take to be an ?It? girl?

Big and beautiful, geometric earrings: $16.99

Silkscreen inspired dress: $136

Black tights: $8.00

High heeled lace ups: $128.00

Image Source: Orbit-Mag.com

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more geometric earrings.

                                        Buy women’s tights.

                                        Discounts on dresses.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/10/17/style-and-fashion-we

On the hunt for the perfect boot? StyleBakery found the best styles for skinny and wide calves. 

Girlawhirl shares her favorite looks from the spring 2009 runway collections.

SheFinds shows you how to dress like a moose huntin’ maverick for Halloween (a.k.a. Sarah Palin).

The Beauty Brains count off the top 10 weird hair stories of the year.

This week on Smarter Fashion: 

Check out The Buckle’s Shop by Outfit feature on their website Buckle.com 

We showed you a deal on a cute flap clutch.

Traveling to San Francisco soon? We showed you how to dress to fit in with the laid back San Francisco style.

The Fashion Organizer shows us some great options for easy belt and tie organization.

We showed you a great deal on some hot leather ankle boots.

Love Edie Sedgwick’s style?  Check out this week’s Find That Look post!

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/10/20/top-5-coats-and-jack

 A good quality fall/winter coat will last you many seasons. These are my top five favorte coats & jackets that are on sale right now for under $250 (most for under $200) at Bloomingdales.com:

Sutton Studio Exclusive Doubleface Wool/Cashmere Tie Jacket: $237.99 (Was: $298.00)

Lauren Ralph Lauren Nautical Faille Trickton Double Breasted Coat: $175 (Was: $250)

            Kooba Motorcycle Jacket: $197.99 on sale

DKNY Coats Patch Pocket Peacoat: $113.99 (Was: $139.99)

DKNYC Cropped A-Line Jacket: $138.99 (Was: $199.00)

*Use coupon code SHIPOCT at check out and get free shipping on orders of $200 or more at Bloomingdales.com.

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

                                                  Buy women’s pea coats.

                                                  Discounts on women’s jackets.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/10/21/luggage-deal-diane-v

Gosh, I can’t believe Halloween is next Friday!  You know what that means.  Soon it will be Thanksgiving, then before you know it you won’t have much time left to shop for all your holiday gifts!  This also means you will most likely do some traveling to celebrate with friends and family.  If you need new luggage, here is a great deal on a fashionable set of lugagge. This set will stand out because it has a touch of fuschia on the handles and lining.  If you really want to stand out, you should get the fuschia/orange set. 

Diane von Furstenberg Working Girll 3 Piece Luggage Set: $259.95 (Was: $760)

Use coupon code FALLDVF at check out for an additional 15% off!  That will take $38.99 off which makes the total come out to $220.96!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more luggage sets.

                                        Discounts on Diane von Furstenberg luggage.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/10/22/traveling-to-the-whi

I just went and saw the movie W. Though there are many things I would like to discuss about the film and it?s merits, this is not the place for most of them. Except the fashions of Elizabeth Banks, who played Laura Bush. There have been many questions in the upcoming election regarding the wealth and privilege of either candidate (and their wives), and some very reputable columnists have even made it their job to investigate and report on the designer, style and price of the potential first lady fashion. What does it take to be a politician?s wife? Is traditional and safe the way to go, and what risks does one play in making an outspoken fashion statement?

J.Crew is your new best friend.

Though I abhor it?s pastel palette, J. Crew nonetheless provides chic, modest and respectable silhouettes at a mid-level price with good quality. It?s all about the button-up cardigan and high waisted, to the knee pencil skirt.

But if your man is really aiming for the big one, it?s time to pull out some of the more impressive and heartwarming duds. We hear Cindy McCain is partial to Oscar de la Renta. But if that’s not your style, stick with J. Crew and you?ll be safe, like this dotted V-neck dress or the metallic rose shift.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more cardigans.

                                        Buy v-neck dresses.

                                        Deals on pencil skirts.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/10/22/pencil-perfection/

I have a confession. I do not own a plain black pencil skirt, a definite cardinal sin to all you fashion mavens out there. This is because a black pencil skirt is an essential must-have for any gal’s wardrobe. It’s easy, classic, and sexy.

What I’ve learned though is to not skimp on the skirt. Buying a quality pencil skirt will take you a lot further than buying a cheapie that falls apart within two months. I think pencil skirts look great with almost anything and are an ultimate layering piece.

If you’re wondering what to do with all your cute summery, sleeveless blouses, here’s a tip: tuck it into a plain black pencil skirt, slip on some medium heeled pumps, top off with a little cardigan and maybe a necklace, and you have one office-ready ensemble. Perfecto!

Classiques Entier Atelier Ponte Pencil Skirt: $158

Shop for more black pencil skirts at Smarter.com.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/10/23/deals-on-boots-save-

Steve Madden Zestie Platform Stretch Boot: $99.95 on sale

First off, these boots are on sale for under $100.  The real deal is the fact when you purchase two or more pairs of boots at Endless.com you will get 20% off each pair.  The savings will be reflected automatically at check out when you add a pair of “qualifying” boots to your shopping cart.

Here are some “qualifying” boots:

STEVEN by Steve Madden Ellisha Hi Heel Ankle Boot:

$229.95 Now: $193.90 $155.12 with 20% discount

Chinese Laundry Adore Boots:

$179.95 $177.90  $142.32 with 20% discount

So, that means that my first pair of boots will also be 20% off - $79.96!

If I wanted to stock up on fall/winter boots and purchase all three of these pairs, the total (before tax) would be $377.40.  Not bad for three pairs of quality boots!  That’s a total savings of $94.35.

Shop through all boots from Endless.com.

Shop for more Steve Madden boots.

Find more Chinese Laundry boots.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/10/24/you-may-want-to-be-a

You may dress like a star, but that doesn?t make you one. Even the best and brightest of our contemporary Hollywood starlets had to start somewhere, and rarely looked much better than you or me. Take Sarah Jessica Parker, for example, now freely associated with Manolo Blahnik?s and Dior. Back in our childhood, she was nothing more than the bimbo witch from Hocus Pocus. Save dressing up as a movie star for Halloween?dress like a movie star in progress every other day.

Besides the unruly hair, score SJP?s pre-stardom look with thick, oversized sweaters and high-waisted jeans. The awkwardness of our childhood is coming back in fashion, my friends, and there?s nothing that says Hollywood Project Type 1 like an undiscovered beauty.

Find oversized sweaters and high waisted jeans at Smarter.com. 

And if you really love the cloak, treat yourself to this affordable adaptation:

                                                                             $27.99 at Target 

If you really are a misguided star, you should pair the poncho with a floor length hippie sweater and hiking boots, but we don?t suggest being that dedicated.