Time to Watch Out

Watches seem to be making more of a fashion statement these days than they ever have before. Even though most of us rely on our cell phones for the time, you can't go wrong with that handy wrist accessory that's a reminder in both a helpful and stylish way! Both guys and gals are buying more wrist-wear, all while flaunting their personal style at the same time.

The possibilitiesare endless when it comes to watch personalities! Whether you prefer the classic, timeless look or love more glitz and glamour, there is a watch sure to match your one-of-a-kind style.

A trendy style that's been making it's way onto the scene and wrists of many these days is called the "boyfriend watch." For the girl with a more subtle, yet elegant sense of style, this watch was made for you!

For those of you who can't get enough sparkle and love the bedazzled watch look, styles such as these will be sure to attract some attention and add instant flare to your wardrobe.

Or are you a sucker for colors? From subtle pink tones to bright colors all-over, try some fun pieces like these to brighten up your look instantly.

Celebrities have certainly endorsed, designed and been seen showing off their wrist bling in the media, so why not see what all the hype is about? We can't all afford the Fossil or Rolex brand prices averaging at about $150, (although they are probably on most of our Christmas lists) but there are certainly alternatives at an affordable price that still suit our "champagne" taste.

Check out these price steals, beginning left at stores such as Forever 21, ($8.50) Wet Seal, ($11.80) and even Target. ($22.99)

Watches have really evolved into a fashion-forward piece of jewelry, so be sure to make a bold statement this season and strut your stuff in the hottest wrist-wear you can find!

Author: Sydnee

All She'll Want For Christmas Is . . . You!

I know we've given our gals the majority of the attention, but guys, don't think we forgot about you! Just as us ladies are getting ready for the holiday season by pulling out our wardrobe’s best, you men should too!  For many of you, this might mean shopping for some new rags.  Lucky for you men, you’ve come to the right place to get a breakdown of the most essential pieces you’ll need for this season.

Whether or not you like to admit it, men tend to get intimidated by the idea of actually putting thought into what they wear.  If you look to the most gawked-over celebrity heart throbs for inspiration, you’ll notice that they put together fall’s latest trends without looking like it took them longer to get ready than a girl.

Above, Justin Timberlake wears a scarf and hat with his blazer; Ryan Gosling accessories his outfit with a watch and a simple chain; Usher layers it up with a double-breasted jacket, denim jacket, sweater, and a cotton tee; and Zac Efron, well he's just doing everything right from combining textures to wearing the right shoes.

Back to the basics … you’ll need some sort of a blazer or jacket (tweed is hot!), fitted jeans or dockers, a striped sweater, a scarf, rugged boots, and of course, a watch. A variation of any of these garments with a few extra pieces will have you lookin’ good! For instance, mix a large-patterned plaid shirt, a solid tie, a dark blazer, and dark chinos for a dressed up look. Combine textures and patterns by wearing the same plaid shirt with a tweed jacket, straight-leg jeans, and lace-up distressed boots (might as well throw in a bold colored scarf while you’re at it) for more of a casual look.

Those of you who can satisfy your champagne taste with a champagne budget, these are the items that celebs are going for:

(Top left (chinos) $169; Top middle (sweater) $172; Top right (blazer) $1,677; Bottom left $398; Bottom right $595)

And those guilty of satisfying their champagne taste with Andre champagne (hey, I’m guilty too!), here’s some affordable options that will do the job just fine:

Above left and right - Gap $18.99; Above middle - Forever 21 $22.90

Below left - Gap $21.99; Below middle - Forever 21 $28.90; Below right - Urban $24.99

Above left - Urban $49.99; Above right - Overstock $40.49

Below left - Overstock $33.99; Below middle - Urban $29.99; Below right - Forever 21 $24.90

A tip or two:
1) Don’t be afraid to wear clothes fitted. No, ladies don’t want to see everything through your fitted jeans, but they also don't want you looking like you’re wearing clothes from 30 pounds ago.
2) Be bold by mixing textures and fabrics. Leather boots, jeans, cotton hoodie, tweed jacket … ta-dah, you’re set!
3) Be comfortable! The worst thing you could wear is an awkward uncertainty about your outfit.

 

Deck the halls, be merry, and look strikingly handsome while you wait under the mistletoe!

 

Author: Kaitie 

Chic Clutches

Purses and handbags have always been a necessity for us ladies, but more and more people are carrying around clutches these days. They are an easy, convenient way to lug around those essential items in a fashionable way! With our busy school, work and social schedules, who wouldn't love these little bags that come in virtually every color, shape and style?

Celebrities as well as designers have caught on to this trend, as they also make a fashionable addition to any wardrobe. Victoria Beckham and Kate Beckinsale are among many other trendy ladies who sport their clutches around town.

 

Celebs can afford these pricey, designer brands that may go up into the quadruple digits, (such as the Chanel, Marc Jacobs and Jason Wu bags above) yikes! However, our goal is to please that champagne taste of yours and offer some similar choices that won’t break your beer budget.

 

Urban Expressions ($18.99)

Mossimo ($12.95)

Luna Bazaar ($19.50)

Going out for a bit of a fancier occasion? Try an embellished clutch, such as these below, for a more sophisticated look that will be sure to compliment your wardrobe and make a fashion statement at the same time. These, and other similar clutches, can be found at Forever 21 starting at just $18.80.

Envelope clutches are also great for holding multiple items in an easy, fold-over fashion. With compartments and a deceivingly large amount of storage space, these bags are sure to add ease and style into your life instantly! With prices beginning at $26.50, (Target, Forever 21) you won't want to pass up these trendy catches. So for your next shopping day in the city or fancy night out, ditch the straps and grab a convenient clutch bag. Your shoulder (and your beer budget) will thank you!

Author: Sydnee

Surely Sheath

‘Tis the season to be merry … ‘Tis the season to start shopping for holiday party dresses! As many ladies are hitting the stores and looking for the latest and greatest dress that no one else will have, many forget the classic that can still be worn with ultra-feminine glamour ... The sheath dress. Once a classic, it is now available in various styles and with various details. Although hard to believe, the style of a contoured sheath with a contrasting waistband gives you an hourglass shape, even if you haven’t recovered from Thanksgiving’s feast and skipped your last workout. We all remember glamorous Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” wearing a black, Givenchy sheath dress.

Most people have this image in their mind when they think of a sheath dress.  But what many don’t realize is that a sheath can range from casual to fun, playful to flirty, and vibrant to sizzling, which makes it great for a wide range of occasions.  This versatile wardrobe piece is comfortable and easy to wear.  As long as the basic form is present, the sheath dress can be spiced up with ruffles, lace, tiers, embellishments, and the like.  Like below, the basic sheath dress is decked out in tiers of lace.  Also below, the peach pink dress is embellished with a zipper down the front.

Here is Kim Kardashian, Selena Gomez, and Kate Middleton in their own versions of the sheath dress:

I’m sure we’d all love to have the cut-out Givenchy sheath shown below, but it may not be at the top of our shopping budget at $1,300. 

And although the above sheath with a contrasting lace overlay from Asos, priced at $79.60, could account for this holiday’s splurge, I suggest practicing your best shopping skills as there are more affordable options elsewhere.

As all you fabulous ladies must be attending numerous parties this holiday season, go for a cheaper version so that you can afford a different dress for each party!

(Top left - Mod Cloth, $39.99; Top middle - Forever 21, $27.80; Top Right - Forever 21, $24.80; Bottom left - H&M, $17.95; Bottom middle - Forever 21, $24.80, Bottom right - Light in the Box, $27.99)

Remember this:  1) An unbelted sheath dress in a solid color helps to create a long, lean line that is not just vintage glamour but a figure-flattering piece that can be found on-trend, and 2) solid colors minimize figure flaws.  Don’t forget that the lighter the color, like white or a pale shade, the more your flaws will appear.  Go for darker shades, and those that mix best with your skin tone!

Author: Kaitie