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.

Forever 21 … at 26

One of my favorite stores to shop at is Forever 21 (or XXI) because of their uber-reasonable prices and cute, trendy clothing.  In all honesty, I have to be very careful with the way I take care of my clothing from this store, and I have brought home items on more than one occasion that had a hole in them or that didn’t last – so we’re not talking the highest-end clothing here.  However, for a fashionista on a budget, like me, it’s a great place to shop, because when my white cami bites the dust, I can easily afford to buy a new one at $2.50 a pop!  Anyway, I spent a good 2 hours in the store today, sifting through the racks as usual to find gold.  Yes, it’s a total treasure hunt, but worth it in the end.  Check out some my purchases!

A total Francophile and former French teacher, I couldn’t pass up this adorable but simple Paris tee.

I’m always on the lookout for new cocktail dresses or summer dresses, and when I put this Satin Swept Pleat dress on, well, I just couldn’t bear to pass it up.  It looked so sophisticated and dressy on, plus, at $19.50, it was a downright steal!  And yes, I bought it in pink.

I couldn’t resist grabbing one of these classic white button-up shirts with a skinny belt to cinch the waist.  A modern spin on a classic look, perfect to pair with my black skirt and heels for a meeting.

I also grabbed one of these gathered knit tunics – it will go great with a pair of jeans but I can also slip it on with a pair of dress pants for a meeting!

I also