inconSEQUINtial: Sequins Standout as Fall’s Hottest Trend

Sequins: they’re not just for breakfast anymore. Breakfast after a long night of merriment, that is.

Let’s face it-these shiny little suckers are everywhere. And they can now be worn everywhere. for work (yes, only for the fashionati) or play; from a day of shopping to a night on the town. Styled ultra-fem or downtown-cool, sequins can be rocked by laides both young and ahem, mature.

Jay Godfrey’s Athenee tank is fresh, updated way to get this look. The assymetrical hem gives it more interest than a basic sequin tank and looks great back to skinny denim and sandals for a casual look and black jeans and heels if you’re looking a little more “oomph”.

Sequin shorts work well back to a simple tank and a long blazer. Keep the shoes simple-flats or plain pumps. These shorts are an especially fun way to bedazzle your wardrobe-they’re under $25! Shorts not your thing? Topshop does a nice version of a bandage skirt that you can do instead. Love the neutral-ish hue of this one-if you’re feeling funky, pop on a pair of red shoes for that extra “rawwwr!“.

Now if you’re not a feelin’ the sparkly/girly vibe that sequins tend to bring, try the Disco Tartan top by J. Crew paired back with some easy cargos in a neutral color (like J Brand’s Houlihan in olive green). Slap on some sassy shoes and you’re set! Another no-frills option is Markus Lupfer’s tee worn back to leggings, shorts, or destructed jeans.

The above blazer from ASOS reminds me of last year’s to. die. for. Gucci blazer. This sick jacket came and went, and only a handful of ladies were lucky enough to get their hands on one (ie, Jessica).

If you happen to have a nice little pile of cash laying around and you’re looking to invest in this trend, go get yourself the Stam by Marc Jacobs. This baby will complete any outfit…no matter what you’re wearing.

These options are a few of many-oh so many-sparkly little things out there in the wild world of fashion. So put on your shoes, grab your bag and get yourself something nice and shiny – you deserve it.

Fall Fashion: Fun, Fresh, and Affordable

One of my biggest goals for this site is to find ways to make stylish clothing and staying on-trend available to every woman – no matter what her budget looks like.  With that, check out the looks below.  Most of the pieces are below $50 and all of them are extremely on-trend.  I think you’ll like what you see.

I love the military coats, the skinny cargo pants, the lace pattern inspirations, the rocker chic bomber jacket, the jeggings and boyfriend jeans – every fall trend is present.  So, where can you find these pieces to update your fall wardrobe?  Kmart.  Yes, you read that correctly.  This fall, Kmart is stepping up to the plate and offering fashionable, on-trend solutions for every woman, even if she is on a budget.  As a matter of fact, Kmart has been quietly reinventing itself on the design side of things for a few years now, and this season’s fall collection is hard and fast proof.

I had the opportunity to see the line in person in New York City a few weeks ago and I was incredibly impressed.  The stitching was impeccable, jackets and coats were fully lined, and there was incredible attention to detail in each piece.   You will not be disappointed in the quality of this line – I’m willing to vouch for it.

So, for the fashionista’s out there – check out Kmart’s Fall line to help update your wardrobe with some affordable pieces.  You can also enter to win one of 8 shopping sprees at Kmart Design – which would be a cool way to check it out without spending a dime!

What do you think of Kmart’s Fall line?  See anything that you love?

Nothing but Love for Spring Fashion

It’s Jennifer from Red Sole Diary, and I am happy to be back here again. Since Valentine’s Day is approaching I thought it only appropriate to write about my current loves and obsessions…for spring. There are so many fun trends for spring that it was hard choosing but I somehow managed!

Brightly Colored Dresses
I am so excited that colors are here for spring. While I do love black and tend to wear a lot of it, I love color. When I saw this Carolina Herrera dress {$1990} it was love at first sight. This dress will get you noticed as soon as you step foot into your party but for all the right reasons. Check out T-bags asymmetrical dress {$275} in the same color. You’ll be sure to create the same buzz for a less bang to your wallet.

Military Inspired
When some of my favorite designers are screaming that military-inspired jackets are the next big thing, I do what any fashion lover does and say “Sir, yes sir…or Ma’am!” Which brings me to my next love…Balmain. I’m obsessed. I would be marching left, right, left to the nearest Balmain boutique to get my hands on their studded military jacket {$6225}. When I say I’m in love I mean, L-O-V-E! If only my wallet would agree. Thankfully the Gap has a military anorak jacket {$79.50} that will easily fit into your current wardrobe. With authentic military details, you will be effortlessly chic this spring.

Bold Prints
Multi-colored, bold prints were all over the S/S 10 runways. These are a must-buy for the spring. Besides being trendsetting, they are great transitional pieces to get one ready for the new spring season. This Miu Miu dress {$265} is two trends in one…bold print and florals. This is a trendsetter piece for sure and perfect for a weekend getaway. Channel Alexander McQueen’s S/S 10 runway look, in Armani Exchange’s graphic snake print {$120} for a lot less. Pair with some flat strappy sandals and you’re all set for brunch with the girls.

Embellished Bags
We’ve been seeing more embellished bags and once again my fashion true love delivered. This Balmain punk suede studded bag {$3925} is so fun and will give you that instant luxe edge to keep everyone on their toes. If you prefer to have more money inside of your handbag, check out Antik Batik’s Lola beaded bag {$190}.

Ruffles
Nothing screams romance more than ruffles, and they were seen everywhere on the S/S 10 runways. From tops, skirts, dresses even shoes, ruffles are big this season. One can easily create an instant feminine look with a bold ruffled top. Oscar de la Renta once again shows us his skills at making women look like ladies with his clothes, especially with this gorgeous ruffled top {$690}. It is the perfect day-to-night item when paired with simple, chic pants. Check out Ellavie Jabot’s ruffle blouse {$41} for the same elegance at a more affordable price.

Shorts
Shorts are the new pants for this spring. When I saw these gold harem lamé shorts from 3.1 Phillip Lim {$350} I was smitten. These are perfect for daytime with a white boyfriend top and strappy flat sandals. Pair with open-toe booties and a fitted black tank, your favorite clutch and you are cocktail party ready. Not ready to embrace harem-style shorts, check out Ann Taylor’s cotton twill walking shorts {$48} for a more classic look.

Camisole
Lingerie was on the minds of many designers when designing their collections for spring. A camisole is a perfect way to embrace this trend. Pair with a fitted blazer and a pair of jeans for a sexy, yet elegant date-night ensemble. I loved how elegant this Carine Gilson silk-satin and lace camisole {$770} looks and it’s the perfect color, as turquoise is a must-have color this season. Check out Vanity Fair’s elegance camisole {$27} for a price-conscious choice without losing the style.

Peep-Toe Booties
Not only are booties still going strong, but we saw a lot of open-toed versions on the runways. Nude is another big trend for spring and when I saw these booties from Maison Martin Margiela {$1045} I knew I needed to figure out how to get them in my closet for spring…still working on it! For an alternative version, check out Biviel’s booties {$139}.

Something Red…
Just because it’s Valentine’s Day I felt I should have something red…so I splurged with my pick, but I love anything Agent Provocateur.

Have a happy heart day!

Rocker Chick Chic

Fall looks are bringing back a bit of edgy glam with the Rocker Chic look.  Leather, motorcycle and bomber jackets, and metallic accents all hit the fall runways, and hopefully, your wardrobe.  If you haven’t already tried this look, I’ve put together a quick how-to with some pieces below!

Start with this adorable racerback Sphinx dress from ModCloth:

I took this dress and glammed it up with a black leather (or faux leather if you prefer) motorcycle jacket, some black tights, a pair of Nine West ankle boots, and some subtle silver jewelry for a look that is not only Rocker Chic, but just plain hot.  You will be stopping cars and motorcycles alike in this outfit, and I guarantee that you will have no trouble getting a cab!

Have you tried any rocker chic looks for fall?  If you have a picture, email it to me and I will post it here!