For an early Fall ensemble, try a deep colored ruffled top underneath a gray bomber jacket, with sequined skirt and the riding boots. No need for tights coz it’s not that cold yet.

The riding boots would also go nicely over skinny jeans paired with a floral top, accented with a fringe scarf and bold necklace.

How cute is this black and white floral dress underneath a boyfriend blazer with textured tights and the riding boots? Layered silvertone necklaces complements the ensemble.

Riding boots and Boho Style sounds interesting, no?. I have never really thought of it until now. The folksy top is used as a tunic dress over black tights with a cardigan and a belt cinching the waist which looks really fabulous if I say so myself. Not that I would ever consider tights as pants but if the tunic is long enough then why not, right? Finish it with gold-tone wrap around head band and layered necklaces to achieve the Boho-Chic look.

Belted bong cardigan with a wide belt over a plaid ruffled top paired with skinny jeans tucked into a pair of riding boots. Nicely done. It’s definitely a good way to accent a plaid top without having an overwhelmed look. It gives the plaid top a subtle yet sophisticated vibe.

I’m really not into this tattered jeans trend but if you are, since I can’t force you not to be into it, here’s a cute way to wear it with riding boots. A bright colored long sleeves shirt underneath a belted tribal print top. All the colors and prints coming from the top add colors to the black riding boots. Just don’t show up wearing this ensemble for a job interview or an internship. Just a friendly-fashion suggestion of course.

Take the long sleeves folksy top, wear it with a pair of skinny jeans then slip on the riding boots. This is another chic way to wear the tunic dress and the skinny jeans tucked inside the riding boots. Add a boho head accessory for a boho-folksy look.

You will find all the items from this Marshall’s Fall 2009 Lookbook at any Marshall’s stores this Fall season. Print this page and use it as a guide when you go shopping at Marshall’s. I’m sure as soon as you get yourself a pair of the riding boots the flow of creativity for gorgeous outfits to go with the boots will come smoothly and naturally. Especially once you see all the affordable prices inside Marshall’s.

(Images : Marshall’s Press)

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Today I’m going to show a few chic looks using the same classic button-down shirt. Our first look is the button-down shirt with trouser and pumps.

Classic Button-Down Shirt With Trouser & Pumps

Old Navy classic button-down shirt, $19.75

Old Navy Wide-leg trousers, $29.50

Black round-toe pumps, $15.99

Dropping Bead necklace, $8.80

Set-stone studs, $3.80 (part of a trio-set)

Black heart stamped bangle, $4.80

The shirt is meant to be worn tucked in. The whole look costs only $82.64. You don’t have to get the exact items. This is just an example of how a classic button-down shirt would look with a trouser and a pair of pumps. Those 2 latter items should be in your closet as well. If not, then it’s time to get them. With the classic white button-down shirt of course.

(Images : ON, F21, UrbanOG)

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Clear Shoe Boxes

The most important tip is taking care of your shoes. Uppers of patent pumps would benefit a lot from getting a wipe down with a soft cloth after each use. And of course brushing any dirt off found on the sole would be something to remember as well. Hanging them onto shoe racks help too. If you don’t have one, the boxes that the shoes came with are good for storage. I actually love the Clear drop shoe boxes from container store. It keeps the dust away, and easy access to boot. Shoe boxes will prevent shoes from being scrunched or scratched in any way.

Boots on the other hand could benefit from light brushing and boots shapers would help preserve the shape while it’s under summer hibernation.

Now that we’ve covered the shoe care, let delve into the shopping aspect.

Knowing where the deals are on designer shoes would be a good thing. The same way you want to be abreast of discounts on designer clothing, it wouldn’t hurt to peruse the shoes aisle/categories from high end store like Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks, etc.

When it comes to the not so high-end stores, keep an eye out on special deals that pop out at least every 2 weeks. Smart Bargains for example has 3 for $99 deals on shoes. You’ll find brands like Steve Madden, Jessica Simpson, Betsey Johnson, Via Spiga, Carlos Santana, etc.

Speaking from experience, Cutesy Girl & Urban OG are always offering discounts when buying a certain amount especially during their inventory sales. PLUS, there are also times when free shipping is offered when your total purchase is $50-$60 or more.

Perhaps the most famous words among bargain shoppers are Payless‘ BOGO sale. That’s Buy One Get One half off. I for one have taken advantage of countless BOGO sales in my lifetime. I found $7 floral green espadrille thanks to a BOGO sale. I’ve once spent a $20 gift card on a BOGO sale.

These are just a few examples of how to save money on shoes. If you have other tips, feel free to let us know.

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3 Ways To Wear A Floral Print Dress : Casual Look

CASUAL WEAR

Black Espadrille Wedge, $21.99

Satin woven chain bracelet, $4.80

Floral ball earrings, $4.80

3 Ways To Wear A Floral Print Dress : Work Wear

WORK WEAR

Connected Apparel Floral Chiffon Dress, $48.99

Merona Ponte 3/4 Sleeves Jacket, $42.99

Black chandelier earrings, $8.80

Floral toggle bracelet, $8.80

Pointed-Toe satin platform pumps, $39

3 Ways To Wear A Floral Print Dress : Speccial

Special Occasion

Connected Apparel Floral Chiffon Dress, $48.99

Black satin pumps, $16.19

Jeweled Elastic bracelet, $5.80

Tear Drop Earrings, $2.80

It’s really nothing earth shattering but the outcome is always lovely. Whether it’s casual day or special day, with a bit of accessories change, a floral print dress would look different.

(Images : Overstock, Forever21, UrbanOG, CutesyGirl, Newport, Target)

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Here are some 5 Thrift Store Shopping Tips you might be able to use to help you out just in case it’s your first time to venture inside a Goodwill, Thrift Stores, or Flea Markets.

Thrift Store Shopping

SMELL — Make sure an item smells like it has actually been washed. You don’t want to buy something that smells like a body odor perfumed was sprayed all over it. The same thing goes with shoes. The last thing you need is sliding your feet into a pair of shoes that smells like a dead rat has lived in it. Not that Thrifty Stores sell them but you never know.

DAMAGES — Be meticulous. Check out the stitching on each parts. The armpits, hems, collars, and crotches. If there are missing buttons on a blouse, dress, or skirt, it’s up to you if you want to take time replacing the buttons yourself. You could easily do that yourself if you like mending clothes to make them look new. Make sure the straps on a handbag are actually attached or locks on an accessory actually closes tight.

STAINS — Check every part of the fabric to make sure there are no stains. I don’t think you want to walk around with a wine, or food, or worse, Blood stains on your clothes.

FIT — Just because an item is $3, if it doesn’t fit then there’s no point in buying it. But you can’t try things on at some Thrift Stores? I’m assuming you’ve been shopping all your life. I think by now you know what size fits your body or feet. If you plan on taking a bigger size to a tailor to get it fixed then that’s fine but more often than not, that’s not the case. You’re not going to fit your size 8 feet onto a pair of size 7 shoes. I don’t care if that Nine West Black Pumps is $5. Step away from it.

PRICE — Think smart. Some thrift stores don’t actually have thrift prices. If you think a price is too high for a second-hand item then it probably is. If you think you can buy a brand name item in new condition at an even or lesser price from another store like TJMaxx, Ross, or Marshall’s, then by all means do the most practical thing to do. Thrift stores finds are great and all but there are certain items that are tagged higher than they should be.

There you go. I hope you find something unique and relevant at a very awesome price on your first or next trip to a Thrift Store. If any of you have any other tips and tricks on thrift store shopping, please feel free to share them with us through the comment box.

(Image : Newscom)

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Scarf : On The Neck

Around the neck. Tie it in a bow OR wear it long. Please ignore the top I’m wearing. I just wanted to illustrate the scarf in a bow. Although the long way worked with the top perfectly.

Scarf As A Belt

Use the scarf as a belt. It looks fun and flirty.

Scarf : Tie It In Your Bag

Tie the scarf in your bag. You don’t need to put your scarf away during the Summer. Use it to accessorize your handbag.

Another way to wear a scarf is turning it into a head band or bandana. My head is too big so I am never successful in pulling that off therefore I’ve given up a few years go. If you have other ways in wearing a scarf, please let us know .

(Images : DJW/StyleItLess)

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I fell in love with this London Times Tiered Dress as soon as I saw it from Dillard’s.  See, tiered dresses are very flattering to my body. I don’t have a six pack abs. I’ve discovered through the years that tiered/ruffled styles help out in hiding my little bumps here and there. While some people could get lost with the trends in fashion, it’s important to learn what works with your body.

I’m not saying you should have the body like the girls from "The Hills" or "Gossip Girls" to wear fashionable , stylish, or trendy clothes. Not at all. What I’m trying to say is, find the right fit for you. The major fashion crime around is following the trends without thinking about how it would fit the body. Bondage dresses worked for me when I didn’t have children. 2 kids later, empire waist dresses or the tiered dress above are now the cuts of dresses I clamor for.

Ok, enough with my "preaching". I’m sure you already know all that stuff. Now back to the London Times Tiered Dress. It’s on sale for $48 in sizes 4 to 14. Yay!. Wear it with black heels or wedges once the weather warms up a bit. Like around spring or summer .

(Image : Dillard’s)

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According to NY Mag’s The Cut After it’s 1 year contract, Anchor Blue says sayonara to Heidi Montag’s “Heidiwood” fashion line. I just heard Lauren Conrad giggling in the background…LOL . Just in case you missed it, LC’s clothing line was just recently dropped by Kitson.

Damn, just when I thought I’d try the whory clothes that Heidiwood offers, Anchor Blue drops it. Oh well, Sorry Heidi.                      NOT!

(Image : Newscom)

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From flipping through many fashion magazines these few months I’ve found many references on Oxford/Spectators Heels relating to Fall season. So I’m taking this opportunity in announcing that for Fall Fashion 2008, we must have at least 1 pair of oxford or spectators heels. It’s the Women’s way of incorporating once again the sexy Menswear in Women’s Fashion. I call it the Women’s innate need to take over the world. We’d be mortified if Men came out in dress and heels but it’s apparently OK for Women to create a Women version of Menswear. I’m telling you, Men are right, women are evil..bwahahaha.

Anyhoooooooo, it’s actually interesting that Oxfords Heels are back. The last time I wore a pair was in ‘95-96. Except during those years the 3 inches heels were chunky. Now they’re more in skycraper heel styles. But if you’re more comfortable with the chunky heels, go for it. The picture above are from Gianni Bini Studio and are $89 each. For affordable versions, click for “READ MORE” below..

Payless Black Oxford Heels

UrbanOG Beige Spectatos Heels

As indicated in the Spectators Heels, the sexiest and sophisticated way in wearing Oxford Heels is with tights, underneath a skirt or a dress. The Payless black pair would look really nice with the Purple Belted Shirt Dress I paired with boots yesterday. Ah, I just love Fall Fashion. Don’t you?

(Images : Dillard’s, UrbanOG, Payless)

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I was finally able to catch the new season of Project Runway this weekend and who knew I’ve missed it so . The designers challenge was to create a cocktail dress out of eco-friendly fabrics. Which by the way were bought by their respective models. The mystery guest judge was eco-friendly celeb fashionista Natalie Portman. So what does that have to do with Audrina and Heidi?

Well, Nina Garcia uttered the best line I’ve heard on TV last week : “shiny, tight and short is the quickest way to look cheap“.

As soon as she said those words, I instantly wished and hoped that Audrina and Heidi aka The Hills “Bad Girls” watched the episode. Wouldn’t that be awesome.

(Images : Newscom)

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