Luxe For Less

Spring 2014 Trend Report

2014-03-10T12:48:00.000-04:00

Spring is almost here and we couldn't be more excited. Not only are we excited for warmer weather, but also fun and flirty Spring fashion! The forecast for Spring 2014 fashion is sexy, fun and feminine. Get your Spring wardrobe in order with these fab fashion finds.

1. Crop Tops

Clarabella Crop Top, $40, Tobi

2. Sheer

Short Sleeve Baroque Lace Tee, $50, Express

3. White Wide-Leg Pants

Effortless Wide-Leg Pants, $30, Forever 21

4. Graphic

Knit Jumpsuit, $25, Target

5. Fringe

Twill Tunic, $50, H&M

6. Embellished Details

Sequin Embellished Mini Skirt, $60, Express

7. Floral

Uptown Romper, $70, Tobi

Chanel Chic on the Cheap

2014-01-17T10:21:00.000-05:00

Chanel Classic Flap Bag in Quilted Lambskin, $4,900

Rebecca Minkoff Diamond Quilt Mini Affair in Leather, $195

Few handbags are as chic and iconic as the Chanel Classic Flap Bag pictured above. Unfortunately, few handbags are also as expensive! Rebecca Minkoff makes a stunning affordable option with a very close resemblance to the coveted Chanel masterpiece. For just a fraction of the price, you get a chic, luxurious and super versatile bag without the $4,900 set back! Your wardrobe and bank account will thank you for purchasing the Diamond Quilt Mini Affair. I own this bag and can attest to how wonderful it is. Buy it, you won't regret it!

Style File: TOBI

2014-01-16T15:36:00.002-05:00

I found out about this amazing online retailer from none other than Facebook-and I've been hooked ever since! TOBI offers clothing, shoes, accessories, and beauty products at very reasonable prices. Each day, they add new items and offer 30% off those items for 7 days! If that's not a great enough deal, periodically, they offer 50% and sometimes even 60% off everything sitewide! They have some really unique designs that I haven't seen elsewhere, especially not at their reasonable prices. Last, but not least, TOBI offers free worldwide shipping, too! So, don't waste time... go get your shop on, girls!

All Nighter Top, $29

Gather 'Round Shift Dress, $36

Solidly High Waisted Jeans, $51

In The Frills Jacket, $54

Mad for Plaid

2014-01-13T13:08:00.002-05:00

Versace, Winter 2014

Tartan is all the rage this winter. From Versace to Givenchy, plaid rocked the winter 2014 runway. Working this pattern into your wardrobe is easy, fun and affordable! Check out these fab finds below for some inspiration.

Plaid Check Skater Skirt, ASOS, $30

Good Life Cardigan, TOBI, $58

Classic Plaid Check Skirt, ASOS, $46

Dripping in Emeralds... For Less!

2013-12-31T11:45:00.001-05:00

Angelina Jolie in 115-carat Colombian Emerald drop earrings by Lorraine Schwartz

Hampton Bay drop earrings by Amrita Singh, $40

Ever since the 2009 Oscars, I have not been able to get Angelina's fabulous emerald earrings off my radar. Her 115-carat Lorraine Schwartz stunners are worth an estimated $2.5 million, but don't worry... I have a super affordable alternative for you! Introducing the Hampton Bay drop earrings from one of my favorite costume jewelery designers, Amrita Singh. For just $40, you will be turning heads in these elegant, yet super versatile resin and gold-tone brass earrings. Dress them up for a night out on the town in your best LBD, or dress them down in your favorite leggings and an over-sized cardigan for a casual dinner date. Enjoy!

Fabuless Floppy Beach Hats

2012-05-15T18:22:00.002-04:00

The always stylish Audrey Hepburn

"Thin Striped Floppy Hat" - Forever 21

Floppy hats aren't just for the Kentucky Derby, girls! They are super chic and stylish and perfect for the beach. Not only do they look great, but help to block out those harmful UV rays while soaking up the summer sun. They can turn a boring beach ensemble to totally fab and are guaranteed to turn some heads! Every season, I stock up on a few to go with different swimsuits. You can grab an adorable hat like Audrey's for next to nothing. The pictured hat from Forever 21 is only $13.80! Go and get one now, memorial day weekend is just around the corner!

We Love Wedges

2012-03-18T12:23:00.000-04:00

Stuart Weitzman "Alex" Espadrille wedge

Steve Madden "Finley" Espadrille wedge

Let me count the reasons why I love wedges: cute, comfy, stylish, versatile, and did I say comfy? Espadrille wedges are always in style for spring and summer. When I find a pair I love, I buy them in every color. It was love at first site when I saw Jennifer Aniston wearing Stuart Weitzman's "Alex" Espadrille wedge in a tabloid a couple summers ago: I was determined to find myself a pair. I found the Steve Madden "Finley" Espadrille wedge unexpectedly in Journey's and was ecstatic at its likeness to the "Alex." I was even more ecstatic when I saw the price tag-$40! A whole $325 less than the "Alex," which sells for $365. I bought them first in the beige color (pictured) and quickly went back to purchase them in black and brown. These wedges are the best-I lived in them all last spring and summer and can't wait to take them out again this year! You can buy these wedges only at Journey's stores, as for some reason they aren't available online. Go and get them while you still can in every single color! Trust me, you'll be so glad you did!

Style File: ASOS

2012-03-15T20:38:00.003-04:00

I checked ASOS out for the first time a few months ago, after seeing it in magazines countless times. All I can say is that I'm mad that I didn't check it out sooner-it is AH-MA-ZING! This international retailer sells clothing, shoes, and accessories for both men and women at ridiculously reasonable prices. I particularly love their dresses-so many different styles, colors, and materials to choose from! Many of their designs have a very high end look, but come without the premium price tag. Another perk? Free shipping both ways, no matter how much you spend! Need I say more? Go to ASOS.com now, but be careful... you may get hooked!

Rock & Republic for Kohl's

2012-03-13T14:52:00.001-04:00

Rock & Republic remains one of the trendiest denim companies to date, despite their recent bankruptcy (tear, tear). Their jeans are known for their fit, design, style and quality craftmanship-as well as their price...$200 and up! I'm all for splurging on jeans, as they are such a necessary staple to any wardrobe, but why splurge if you don't have to? Thanks to this fab collab between Rock & Republic and Kohl's, you can get a pair of jeans for just $80! If that wasn't good enough, the entire line is currently on sale in stores and online at Kohls.com, so you can get your hands on a pair of jeans for even less! Get them before they're gone!

Fabuless Ballet Flats

2012-03-12T14:03:00.001-04:00

Tory Burch "Eddie" Ballet Flat

Lucky Brand "Emmie" Ballet Flat

Every girl needs a few pairs of ballet flats in her shoe collection. They are cute, comfy, and versatile. Tory Burch is known for her classic styles of ballet flats, the "Eddie" flat being one of the most popular. Her styles range in price from $178-$250, the "Eddie" priced at $178. This is a little pricy in my opinion for a basic leather ballet flat, so I present you with the "Emmie" from Lucky Brand. This adorable flat is a dead ringer for the "Eddie," but is nearly $120 less... priced at just $59! I bought a few pairs over the weekend and am loving them! They are super cute and great quality, made of leather and elastic for extra comfort, just like the "Eddie." You can purchase these at Macy's or direct from LuckyBrand.com.

YSL for Less

2012-03-09T00:26:00.001-05:00

YSL "Tribtoo Cap-Toe" pump

Steve Madden "Beautey"

The YSL Tribtoo pump is the perfect combination of sexy and classy. With a heel height of 4" with a 1" hidden platform (equivalent to 3") this pump is guaranteed to make your legs and butt look great! But, this pump comes with a price-$795 to be exact. Looking for a substitute? Check out Steve Madden's "Beautey" pump-only $99.95! These pumps share a similar shape as well as style; suede with a patent cap-toe. You can purchase this pump direct from SteveMadden.com at at a Steve Madden store nearest you.

Marni for H&M

2012-03-08T20:56:00.002-05:00

Following the overwhelming success of H&M's Versace cruise collection, another fab collab has dropped today... Marni for H&M! This Italian label is known for its quirky, feminine, offbeat, and funky nature. In a nutshell, I'd refer to it as bohemian. The collection includes accessories as well as men's and women's clothing, ranging from $10 to $200; very, very reasonable considering the prices of the main line. This line is available at six select Manhattan locations, but I'm sure it will sell out ASAP... sigh. Here's to the next fab collab with H&M fashionistas!

ELF cosmetics

2012-03-08T17:00:00.004-05:00

Eyes Lips Face cosmetics

Okay, so I am a MAC lover at heart, but such shopping sprees can certainly add up! Recently, I heard about ELF (Eyes Lips Face) cosmetics due to their super low price point (the lowest I've ever seen) as well as the fact that they do not test on animals (awesome!). After researching a little bit, I went to Target and picked out a bunch of different items: highlighter, eye shadow, makeup removing wipes, eyebrow powder, eyebrow clear gel, and a few brushes. To my surprise, these products are fab! Oh, and did I mention super cheap?! Items start at just $1, most selling for around $3. Please, please, please do yourself a favor and check out ELF cosmetics! You can purchase on ELF.com or just stop into Target.

Neverfull MM-esque for Next to Nothing

2012-03-08T09:43:00.002-05:00

Neverfull MM

Jet Set Travel Logo tote

Believe me when I tell you that there is nothing like a Louis Vuitton handbag. They are timeless, classy, and of the best quality. I can truly tell you that they are worth the splurge, but for those of you who aren't ready to make the $850 leap, check out this similar style from Michael Kors. (I know, MK again! As one of my favorite more affordable designers, you will see me reference him quite a lot on here!) These bags share nearly the same color scheme as well as structure. The bag is called the "Jet Set Travel Logo" tote and can be yours for a mere $248! Purchase this fab find at Macy's or direct from Michael Kors.

Hermes Birkin on a Budget

2012-03-08T09:32:00.003-05:00

Birkin

Hamilton Large tote

The Hermes Birkin bag is one of the most iconic handbags known to man (or woman) kind. But, if a $9,000 (to $34,000 depending on the material) handbag isn't in your budget, why not treat yourself to the chic Hamilton Large Tote by Michael Kors? This bag is available in a wide range of color options, for both leather and hardware. Starting at just $348, this trendy bag is a steal! You can get your hands on one at Nordstrom or direct from Michael Kors.

Jason Wu for Target

2012-03-08T09:03:00.001-05:00

Let's cut to the chase-the Jason Wu for Target collection is to die for! Following the wildly successful collab with Missoni, this line hit stores on February 5 and is still available. Some style highlights from this collection include pleats, plaids and stripes, jewel tones and pastels, and structured handbags; PERFECT for Spring 2012! Prices? They range from only $20 to $60! So, what are you waiting for? Before it's too late, get clicking to Target.com or high tail it to a Target store nearest you!

Versace for H&M

2012-03-08T08:52:00.001-05:00

After much hype, the Versace for H&M collection launched in select stores in November of this year. As you can see, the pieces are gorgeous and ornate, designed by Donatella herself. The line contains a plethora of items, ranging from sexy minidresses to unique accessories. The best part? The line ranges from just $20 to $300! As to be expected, the line sold out in the blink of an eye. But don't fret fashionistas, the Marni for H&M collection launched today!

Herve Leger for Less

2012-03-08T08:36:00.001-05:00

Bailey Tube Knit dress

Spotlight Knits dress

There is no denying how beautiful Herve Leger dresses are, nor how pricy they are. Luckily, French Connection has a great option for you! The Herve Leger "Bailey Tube Knits" dress costs $1,450, while French Connection's "Spotlight Knits" dress is only $168! You can purchase this gorgeous piece at Bloomingdale's or French Connection directly.

Cartier "Love" Bracelet Look Alike

2012-03-08T03:14:00.001-05:00

Okay, so there is no denying that the coveted Cartier "Love" bracelet is totally gorge, not to mention timeless, classy, chic, and extremely versatile. But for most, the $5,575 price tag can be a bit hard to swallow. So, for those of you who can't fathom spending so much on a bracelet, or are having trouble biting the bullet and making the investment, Michael Kors has an awesome alternative: the "Buckle" bangle. Sure this bracelet is not a shoe-in for the Love bracelet, but it still is very fab. It is gold-tone plated and comes in gold, silver, or rose gold coloring. Oh, and it is ONLY $85! For that price, how can you pass it up? Why not buy a few and stack them or mix and match colors? You can purchase this item at Nordstrom or directly from Michael Kors.