Celebrity Chic But Cheap: Evangeline Lilly

I am a big fan of Lost (although I am a bit "lost" this season)and so I thought I would show Evangeline Lilly's appearance on the Late Show. I think she is so gorgeous! She has a natural beauty and a classic style.

Who doesn't need a great trench coat and a killer pair of black heels? Yeah, there is really no fuss to her outfit (underneath was a classic simple white sleeveless tank, if I'm not mistaken), but how nice is it to be able to rely on classic must haves in your wardrobe? Sometimes if I am "lost" for what to wear, I turn to these kinds of staples that I know fit well and look good! And because they will be your go-to pieces for years, consider investing in better quality, which may mean higher prices!Photo credit:evangelinefan.com

Here is my re-creation, below:

-black trench, $129.99, Michael Kors at Overstock

-black pumps, $44.99, Mia, at Overstock

-add your favorite killer jeans and you're good to go (jeans below from Forever 21)

Celebrity Chic But Cheap: Evangeline Lilly - by real style real people on Polyvore.com

Jacqueline Kennedy: Your Style Still Rules in My Book!

People magazine recently had a spread of all of the first ladies in recent history. Jackie O. (Or rather Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis) really jumped out at me. No one in those pictures came close to her iconic style.

The recent inauguration certainly brought back memories of the Kennedy's and their"Camelot". It got me wondering whether any first lady could possibly match Jackie's essence. She was very classic, yet modern, avante-garde and elegant. She wore lots of silks and satins, primarily made by Oleg Cassini, who himself was influenced by Givenchy. But even when she wasn't wearing one of her amazing gowns (below), she just excuded a sense of style and loveliness that cannot be replicated.

I think Michelle Obama comes close, but in a different way. She is more of an everyday women. She makes you feel like you can reach for the stars too. She is very classy and stylish in her own right and exudes taste and self-confidence that you cannot get just by putting on clothes. Plus she seems more "in reach" than Jackie was and I love that about her.

But I still think Jackie reigns in the style department. The only other potential first lady that I think would come close, in recent memory, would be Cindy McCain. And yes, you can argue with me that both Cindy and Jackie had access to expensive designer clothes and that Michelle chooses more budget friendly brands. But I still think it's something more. Cindy also knew how to put ultra modern and elegant touches to her look, despite looking a little stiff at times, but so did Jackie, in my opinion.

Anyway it was fun finding all of these photos that represented who Jackie was in the 60's and beyond! photot credits belong to: NGCS History,medaloffreedom.com,metmuseum.org, jfklibrary.org, gallerym.com, and cache.gettyimages.com.

So readers, what do you think? Do any first ladies or potential first ladies hold a candle to Jackie O? Or should we open it up to international first ladies and mention Carla Bruni or Diana?(And please, refrain from any nasty comments or political speeches. We're talking style here, not politics!)

What I learned About Style (And life) From My Four Year Old!

Today I am the guest blogger over at My Chihuahua Bites!!!

What I learned About Style (And life) From My Four Year Old:

Those who follow my blog know I have a four year old son who I can’t seem to stop buying cute shoes and cool vintage tees for. My little guy is the sweetest- and I know that I'm not objective but he just is- I get it from others too all the time- he is a hugger and is very sweet and loving. I wouldn’t trade that for the world. I know I will miss it when he turns into a teenager and keeps me at arm’s length. So I want to cherish him and his gentle disposition right now.

My son has varied interests as all kids do. He definitely likes shiny, shimmery stuff, like mommy’s jewelry, and always has to touch and sample the jewelry I own and make out of my home business. He also likes making his own jewelry from string and beads,

Click here to continue reading this story............

Also if you have time click on over and enter this contest to win a $3,000 vacation at sunglasswarehousegiveaway.com!

The Top 10 Colors For Spring 2009

Each fashion season, the company Pantone completes a survey with designers at New York Fashion Week to compile results on what the top colors will be for the upcoming season.They put their results in the Pantone Fashion Color Report. It looks like Spring 2009 will continue will vibrant pops of color against rich neutral tones.

Here are the top 10 colors they selected for the upcoming season:

palace blue

lavendar

super lemon

salmon rose

fuscia red

rose dust

slate grey

vibrant green

dark citron

lucite green


So, are these colors already being represented in the spring merchandise available in stores? I would say so! The tank tops,below, are available at Old Navy!

Spring 2009 Colors - by real style real people on Polyvore.com


So Readers, tell me: Are you swayed by the hot colors of the season? Do you tend to go out and buy them?

Stylish Person of the Week: Katie

My choice for Stylish Person this week is Katie! Katie works at Hyland Software and has a background in Fashion Merchandising. Katie's "vintage" Rolling Stones tee is hers from a concert in 1988! Her jeans are Gap and her vest is Marshall's.

Katie, YOU ROCK!

Here is my re-creation below all from FOREVER 21!:

-graphic tee, $17.80

-vest,$12.80

-jeans, $24.80

-belt, $8.80

Stylish Person Katie - by real style real people on Polyvore.com

Celebrity Chic But Cheap: Taylor Swift

Taylor I heart your yellow Kate Spade Molly Coat for $596 from the Kate Spade store (below). But I just can't afford it! I also like your textured tights! Tres' Chic!

Here are some budget-friendly options to get her look:

The yellow coat below is from wholesale-dress.net for $19.95!

The Croft and Barrow coat is now $75 from Kohls!

The yellow peacoat below is $165 from Ann Taylor Loft.

The sunny yellow color makes me long for Spring!

photo credit: people.com

Remember When? Duck Shoes

Do you remember DUCK SHOES? Do you remember them because you still have them in your closet or you still wear them?

All of the memories that I blocked out of my head came rushing back when my sister met me for lunch wearing them. She had on classic blue ones, pictured below (from LL Bean), that she pulled out of her closet, after lying dormant for years, because she remembered how warm they were, and how they kept her feet dry. Fashion be damned she thought, in this slushy, snowy weather, I am going to keep my feet dry and warm!

I heard that Tory Burch had them in her fall line-up, but to be honest, I ignored the news and didn't give them one look, because, let's be honest, they are ugly, they are from my past, and I wanted them to stay there. But something happened to my brain when I saw my sister wearing them with her jeans that day. Call it nostalgia, or insanity,I actually thought they looked "cute" (and warm)! I wanted pull my favorite Izod shirt out from my memory closet and wear it with them!

So I took a look at Tory's line (which had retailed for $195), and found some discounted and final sale prices. I like the colors she used (picture below from parenting.com). I think the snow and cold might be going to my head!!!!

The Tory Burch red ones are on sale for $136.50 at Footnotes Online.

Her green ones are on final sale for $58.50 at Shopbop.

But the black patent still retail for $195 at Shirise.

And thanks Barking Dog Shoes for alerting me to these cute Tommy Hilfigers for $39.99 on Smart Bargains!

So Readers, what do you remember about them? Do you love 'em or hate 'em?

Three Looks In One: Flat Riding Boots

***Please bear with me while I continue to make some changes to my blog!

With all of the winter sales going on, now would be the time to invest in some basic essentials, like flat riding boots, for example. You'll have them for years, they'll help in inclement weather,and they will go with many things.

All the boots below are on sale right now for under $100 at Piperlime.

riding boots by real style real people


So now I'll use one of these boot styles to creat three looks in one!

Here look #1: Wear your flat boots with a dress or skirt.



flat boots look #1 by real style real people

flat boots look #1 by real style real people

Look #2: Wear your flat boots with skinny jeans or legging.

flat boots look #2 by real style real people

flat boots look #2 by real style real people

Look #3: Wear your flat boots with boot cut pants and jeans, until your ready to expose your toes again! They don't have to be on display. They'll keep you warm under your pants!


flat boots look #3 by real style real people

The Inauguration: A look at Style and Grace

Politics aside, you have to admit that the new first family being sworn in today exudes modern STYLE and GRACE.

the new first family by real style real people

And of course, we cannot discount Michelle Obama's personal STYLE. She mixes budget friendly pieces with great accessories and wears them well.

Michelle Obama: Style by real style real people

photo credits: google.com,bet.com,abcnews.com,blackcelebritywife.com, politicalkudzu.com,graphics.boston.com, and blog.filife.com



UPDATE: The First Lady's Inauguration outfit by Isabel Toledo (and green gloves from J Crew). So lovely!

phto credit: huffingtonpost.com

And her ball gown by 26 year old Jason Wu-stunning!

photo credit:hiphop.popcrunch.com

Stylish Person of the Week:Krisztina

My pick for stylish person this week is Krisztina Lazar simply because she oozes cool and I want to be as confident and creative as she is! Krisztina showed her clothing line at Fashion Week Cleveland last year-the grand finale of the wearable art show was the killer wedding dress she designed!This year she is the director of one of the shows. She also shares her amazing artwork and story on her site http://www.transcendentbird.com/. Check it out!

Krisztina is wearing a knit hat she made herself (or course!), a skirt from American Apparel, Ugg boots and a smurfette graphic tee from Delias. Her Express jeans were an after-thought under her skirt, she says, because she was cold! I love all the layers, and the mix of the graphic tee and rugged boots with a feminine skirt.

Here's my re-creation below:

-graphic tee, $26.50, Delias

-knit beret, $10.50, Delias

-jersey skirt, $34, American Apparel

-Ugg Adirondak boots, $254, Zappos

-if you get cold, add your own jeans :)

Stlish Person Krisztina by real style real people

Celebrity Chic But Cheap: Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz is wearing what I plan to wear today, given my -1 degree temp. here. BRRRRR...... I will be wearing my thickest sweater, heavy coat and most definitely, a hat!

It is so true what they say about wearing hats and keeping the heat inside your body. Now I rarely go without one, flyaways and hat head be damned! And see, I can look stylish doing it! Give me that great croc bag and I'm all set!

Here is my re-creation below:

-Pea coat, $79.99 at Eddie Bauer.

-Cowl neck sweater, $78 at Nordstrom.

-Urban Expressions faux croc bag, $57 at Baghaus.

-Beret, $14.99, Urban Outfitters.

Celebrity Chic But Cheap: Cameron Diaz by real style real people

Real vs. Deal: Valentino 2009 Spring handbags

I became smitten with these Valentino handbags available for pre-order for Spring 2009 at Nordstroms. The first bag is around $2,000. The second, a $1,000.Will I ever own one? Well, never say never, but, no.




Will the similar looking bags I found below help me get my fix? Maybe!



This Brecken Patent Flower bag is $49.95 from Handbag Heaven.

The side bow hobo is $49.95 from Purse Boutique.

Fashion At The Golden Globes, Part Two

There were plenty of well-dressed men to look at at the Golden Globes. Yeah, you can say they all kinda look the same because they're all wearing black tuxes, but the way they fill them out matters! A man can look very shabby in a tux too! Pictures below courtsey of http://www.dailymail.co.uk/ and http://www.people.com/.

So here's who I thought looked good. For some, the women on their arm helped too!

The ever dapper Jonas Brothers: Nick in Burberry, Kevin in Armini. Not sure who Joe is wearing but he looks lovely.

Tom Cruise in Armani sans Kate:

Brad Pitt-never got who he was wearing,but they didn't give many interviews:

Zac in Burberry with the ever lovely Vanessa:

Leo in Armani. He and Kate could be a couple! They look great together!

Marc (although Jen kinda outshines him):

And Gerard Butler in Dolce and Gabbana:

Fashion at the Golden Globes

There are two shows I HAVE to watch every year. They are the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards (OK, and the Emmies and Grammies). I love watching the coverage beforehand on E and on NBC. I like that Ryan and Julianna were the hosts on E this year because that network has had its share of terrible and obnoxious hosts (Joan Rivers was not a good match) and some years it was unbearable to watch.

I love the interviews (although I have to say I can't stand that stars are asked the same questions time and again-is there a master list of questions passed around? I swear I could do a better job-and that's not saying much). And of course, I loved looking at the dresses. I have a secret desire to go to an event that requires a ball gown. It WILL come true at some point in my life-hopefully just not when I am 90!

Here were my favorites. I realize everyone's taste is different, but if I had these dresses to choose from at my future event, I would be a happy camper! All of the pictures below are coutesy of http://www.dailymail.co.uk/ and http://www.justjared.buzznet.com/.

#1 without a doubt is House' Olivia Wilde in Reem Acra. IN LOVE with this dress!

America Ferrera in Oscar de La Renta:

Eva Mendez in Dior:

Cameron Diaz in Chanel:

My #2 favorite-Kyra Sedgwick in Oscar De La Renta: