register  login
Pinterest Twitter Facebook
05July   {Fashion} 13 Weekend Getaway essentials to splurge and save on.


Whether you’re on a jetsetter or staycationer’s budget, our FOFashion experts have the essentials to make packing for summer weekends--a breeze! Here, they share their picks for FOFigure-flattering swimsuits, chic sunglasses, and stylish totes they'd splurge on. Then, we found the looks for less!

—————————————————————————————————





1TitleSlide


2BathingSuit

Splurge: Bill Mio Swim Jersey, by Norma Kamali, $350

"A suit is something I would never skimp on because the fit and fabric quality are so important.  We ask a lot of our bathing suits—to look amazing and fit well while we drag them through chlorine, sand and salt water so I'm willing to splurge on them!" -- Terry Gibralter







Save: Classic One Piece Red Swimsuit, Dillinger Pinup, $72

“Listen to Terry, don’t skimp on a suit, but if you have to, the suit shouldn’t be skimpy. This Norma Kamali knock-off offers maximum coverage at a minimum price (plus it’s totally retro chic!) --FOF Editors




3SportSunglasses

Splurge: Wood Accented Plastic Rectangular Sunglasses, Alexander McQueen, $480

"Sunglasses continue to hold the value after vacation as you can continue to wear them.  There is nothing like a chic pair of sunglasses to complete your look both poolside or sightseeing." --Susan Hersh







Save: Classic 301 Sunglasses, Toms, $139, or  Rectangular Sunglasses, Marc Jacobs, $98

"We couldn’t find anything quite like these these rectangle Alexander McQueen sunglasses with frames in a dreamy duo of wood and blue. However, for our thriftier sisters, we found two stellar shades that could be cousins of the dream McQueens. If you’re vying the spectacular blue and wood color coupling Toms Classic 301 sunglasses fit the bill. These rectangular blue shades from Marc Jacobs have a similar shape and are a steal at $98." --FOF Editors




4FoldableBag

Splurge: Just In Case Tote, Anna Sui, $145.

"This tote folds up into itself, to throw in your luggage ‘just in case’ you shop too much on that weekend trip!" -- Glenyse Thompson







Save: Violet Tote, Baggu, $9

“So what If you actually did blow all your cash shopping on that weekend trip, yet still need the extra room? This Baggu bag is the ultimate problem solver. It’s under $10 and like the Anna Sui tote, it folds up into a neat-little square.” --FOF Editors




5messenger

Splurge: Simple Clipper Bag, Mulberry, $780

"This Mulberry bag is stylish and classic, [I've loved] the brand since the 70s. The investment is for the long haul." -- Sherrie Mathieson







Save: Edge Carry-All Duffel, Boyt, $104.99

“If you haven’t been saving since the 70s, when Brit-bag company, Mulberry, was founded--or if you don’t have the budget of British royalty, this Boyt bag is the next best thing.” --FOF Editors




6chicsunglasses

Splurge: Kula Sunglasses, Maui Jim, $289

"Maui Jim produces the best sun protection on the market. If you can get a trial pair, you will never revert back to regular sunglasses." -- Glenyse Thompson







Save: Guess Sunglasses, Guess, $55

"If Maui Jims give you sticker shock, these shield-style, brown-tinted sunglasses from Guess mimic the look while protecting your peepers." --FOF Editors




7Coverups

Splurge: Short Caftan, Calypso, $375

"This is a bit of a splurge, but as far as i am concerned, if it looks good and makes me look thin -- I'm in! Regardless of cost. [This is] well worth it." -- Lovey Dash







Save: Zig Zag Caftan Dress, Vince Camuto, $128

"If you still want to look slim on the sand but don't have the dough to blow, this caftan from Vince Camuto is the way to go--its colorful zig zag pattern is slimming and stylish--great for a day on the beach or lounging poolside." -- FOF Editors





—————————————————————————————————

About the experts:

Terry Gibralter is the Sr. Vice President and Creative Director at Grey advertising as well as a fashion stylist and the creator of these clever work accessories.

Susan Hersh is a Ford model and the host and executive producer of Meet The Experts.

Glenyse Thompson is a personal home and wardrobe stylist and the creator of Styleosophy.

Sherrie Mathieson is a leading style expert and Random House author of Steal this Style and Forever Cool.

Lovey Dash is a Beverly Hills-based stylist. She was formerly in VIP sales for Louis Vuitton on Rodeo Drive.
4 comments   
21March   {Fashion} Spring’s Sunset Shades: Bright Pink and Red


Hurrah, it’s spring! Now slowly back away from those pastels. The colors of the season are BRIGHT. Specifically, bright pink and red. We saw these hot hues peeking out from under coats and jackets throughout Fashion Week.

The key to wearing them: don’t be over the top, but don’t be too tentative. Head-to-toe pink and red will leave you looking like FOFBarbie. But one pink bangle is a snooze. Instead, invest in a few fab pieces and use them two-or-three at a time to pull a basic look together.

—————————————————————————————————

Picture these beauties with a bright pink sweater, blue jeans and neutral flats.
Splurge: Watercolor silk scarf from Ann Taylor, $98.
Save: Made of me double dot scarf from Nordstrom, $29.

—————————————————————————————————

Summer staple jewelry that you can wear with linen pants and a t-shirt, a simple shift, a dress suit...you get the idea. Don't forget to pair them with that gorgeous scarf (above) or any of the other pieces (below).
Splurge: Adreena Bangle Set by Amrita Singh from PinkMascara, $115
Save: Cara Mixed Media Bangles from Nordstrom, $58


—————————————————————————————————

Meet your new neutral summer bag. Believe it or not, you can pair these with just about anything in your closet. Bonus points for mixing in another bold hue such as neon yellow or electric blue.
Splurge: Flicker-Tenley Patent Crossbody Bag by Kate Spade $178
Save: Small Patent Crossbody Bag from Steve By Steve Madden, $78


—————————————————————————————————

Swap these for your regular jeans or khakis and suddenly you've got "a look." Especially great with nautical striped tops, khaki blazers and latte-colored accessories.
Splurge: Alisha Skinny Stretch Jeans by Not Your Daughter's Jeans from Nordstrom, $104
Save: Signature Colored Denim Flared Crop Jeans from Talbots, $79.50


—————————————————————————————————

Like the bags, these beauties are a surprising neutral. Wear them instead of a basic black flat with all your summer faves.
Splurge: Erin Patent Leather Ballet Flat by Michael Kors from Neiman Marcus, $150
Save: Patent Ballerina from Zara, $39.50


—————————————————————————————————

Swap this for the neutral spring cover-up you normally wear (we're all guilty of wearing a navy or grey cardigan just a few days too many--it's ok). Even better, pair the pink top with your red pants and visa versa. Add gold accessories and you'll glow like the sun...or, better yet, the sunset.

Splurge: Cashmere V-Neck Cardigan from J.Crew, $178
Save: MOD.lusive Roll Sleeve Cardigan from Nordstrom, $42
22February   {The Look for Less} Steal This FOFashion Week Style


—————————————————————————————————

Maybe they should rename it FOFashion week...

New York City’s Fashion Week is dominated not by FUF models, but by the FOFashion forward, from Franca Sozzani, editor in chief of Vogue Italia, to jewelry designer, Efva Attling, Sweden’s queen of bling. It’s also our FOFavorite place to scope out style worth stealing. Check out these 3 street styles from Fashion Week and then, get them for less.

—————————————————————————————————



Patterned Tights
Once reserved for leggy waifs, patterned tights have made a comeback on more shapely sisters...namely, shapely FOF sisters. Trust us, ladies, the fashion future is hosey. “We may have varicose veins, sun spots or cellulite,” says Hallie Peterson, owner of Leg Luxury tights. “so, when we cover our legs with patterns, it looks a lot better than going bare or even wearing regular nude hose.” Glenyse G. Thompson of styleosophy.com agrees. “They add unexpected texture and/or color to your outfit.”

Get the look: Leg Luxury tights, $22 from the FabOverFifty shop

—————————————————————————————————



Itty Bitty Bags
We’re all grown up, but our bags are shrinking?! We’re talking about itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny,  honey-I-shrunk-the handbags. “Fashion is having an Alice in Wonderland moment, with exaggerated proportions flinging outfits into thrilling disarray,” according to the fashion website and store, Asos.com. If your own body proportions give you agita, there’s nothing like a dinky dollhouse-sized bag to throw them for a loop!

Get the look: Mini Metallic Quilted Cross Body Bag, $21.49 from Asos.com

—————————————————————————————————



A Fur Collar
When the weather outside is frightful, there’s nothing more delightful than a fur collar--preferably detachable--to give it more va-voom! As the weather warms, you can remove it and keep your statement coat working a bit longer. “[A fur collar is] a cool addition to a fitted sweater, a sheath dress or a narrow coat.” says FOF Style Guru Terry Gibralter. “ Well said, Terry... and well worn, Fashion Week FOFs.

Get the look: Helene Berman Faux Fur Collar $46 from TheOutnet
19May   {Style Expert} Find it for le$$
Our FOF Style Gurus share their favorite, wear-everywhere summer pieces. Then, for the truly frugal, our FOF Bargain Gurus recommend look-alike items at a fraction of the price.





1_Earrings

Style guru pick: Colorful teardrop earrings in sterling silver and citrine by Coralia Leets, $180


FOF style guru Sally Hillkene: “Color is key this season and knowing when to use it and when to spare it is what Coralia Leets does so well. These earrings are gold vermeil set with multi-colored natural gems. They wear well with just about anything.”


Bargain guru pick: Teardrop earrings by Glitzy Rocks, $16.49


FOFrugalista Deborah Martin: “I found these at Overstock.com, where you can take your pick of teardrop earrings...and also how much you spend for them! These were only $16.49. They’re gorgeous!”




TShirt

Style guru pick: Cotton linen raglan top by James Perse, $85


FOF style guru Sandra Soich: “I wear this tee untucked with a vintage, neutral, woven belt from the '70s.”


Bargain guru pick: Whisper linen v-neck tee by J.Crew, $36.50
FOFrugalista Deborah Martin: “J.Crew comes through with a very similar tee to the James Perse one, but for only $36.50.”




blouses

Style guru pick: Thai Silk Button Down Shirts by Imperio jp, $200


FOF style guru Sally Hilkene: “Jessica Packer, emerging queen of fresh silks, creates wonderful ‘go-to’ garments. These blouses are especially fantastic for busy ladies who want a great classic look. They’re available in 52 different shades and counting.”


Bargain guru pick: Silk Blythe blouse by J.Crew, $98


FOFrugalista Deborah Martin: “This J.Crew blouse comes in your choice of six colors including white! The collar doesn’t button down but with the savings, who cares?”




Tunics

Style guru pick: Pure linen Kate top by Chicos, $79


FOF style guru Linda Cohen: “I like a tunic like this with some length to it. I make sure it’s no shorter than the tops of my thighs. Chicos has a great assortment of sizes and colors.”


Bargain guru pick: Shirred collar tunic top by Mossimo from Target, $21.99
FOFrugalista Deborah Martin: “I found this at Target. Can you believe it?”




ShirtDress

Style guru pick: Signature belted shirtdress by Jones New York, $129


FOF style guru Linda Cohen: “The classic khaki shirt dress never goes out of style and can be worn at any age. This one hides our upper arms and isn’t too short. I’d wear it with ballet flats or comfy wedges and big sunglasses to channel my inner Jackie O.”


Bargain guru pick: Short-sleeved military belted shirtdress by AGB, $34.99


FOFrugalista Deborah Martin: “This AGB shirt dress from Macy’s is only $34.99. With the savings, go buy some new shoes!”




StrappySandals

Style guru pick: Aurum Sandals from Anthropologie, $198


FOF style guru Sandra Soich: “These strappy, metallic sandals are sure to be the shoe of the summer. I’d wear them with an ankle length gauze skirt in cream and a James Perse v-neck tee. The look could be my hot-weather uniform.”


Bargain guru pick: Metallic Beaded Button Sandal from Gojane.com, $16.90
FOFrugalista Deborah Martin: “When I'm shoe hunting online, gojane.com is one of the first places I look. Although I can't wear some of the super-high shoes they feature, I can always find a lot of options and you can’t beat their prices!”




TasselEarrings

Style guru pick: Tassel Earrings by IRIT Design, $4,740


FOF style guru Sally Hilkene: “IRIT jewels are the dernier cri for this season and beyond. They’re timeless creations with recycled metals, rose-cut diamonds and edgy style to culminate in all out glamour. Wear them liberally, pardon the pun, as Michelle Obama did at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, or wear them one piece at a time."


Bargain guru pick: ANOUK rhinestone tassel earrings by Etsy user portobello, $29
FOFrugalista Deborah Martin: “These are so like the more expensive ones! Plus, by buying them on Etsy you’re supporting a craftsperson. There are hundreds of other styles of tassel earrings like these on Etsy too!”




Shawls

Style guru pick: Silk Pintuck Pleated Shawl by IMPERIO jp, $325
FOF style guru Sally Hilkene: “Jessica Packer, founder of Imperio, has emerged as the queen of fresh silks. Her somewhat-slubby natural silks wear beautifully and comfortably because there’s a natural ‘give’ built into the weave.”


Bargain guru pick: Entwinements Giant Star Shawl, $260
FOFrugalista Deborah Martin: “At only $260, I think these pure silk shawls are a great find.”




Jeans

Style guru pick: The Boyfriend Jean in the “Loved” finish by Current/Elliott, $206
FOF style guru Wendy Foster: They are 99 percent cotton and 1 percent polyester with no stretch. They’re super soft like your boyfriend's vintage jeans. Roll the bottoms and wear them low.”


Bargain guru pick: Cuffed boyfriend jeans from Gap, $69.50


FOFrugalista Deborah Martin: “I love Gap jeans. They fit well, wash well and won't break the budget. Bingo! These are a super match to the more expensive pair.”




Necklaces

Style guru pick: Multi-strand diamond necklace by IRIT design, $4,500


FOF style guru Sally Hilkene: “Irit Erlich designs for many stars including Penelope Cruz, Rhianna and Selma Hayek. Pair this with jeans or dress it up for high brow events. The muted silver tones play well with all other metals, too, allowing a daring fashionista to make her own rules.”


Bargain guru pick: Delicate Multi Strand Silver Necklace by Etsy user SilverLotusDesigns, $32


FOFrugalista Deborah Martin: “Once again, Etsy strikes a home-run! If you can’t find lower-priced versions of your favorite jewelry on Etsy, then you’re just not trying very hard!”




gladiator

Style guru pick: Tictactoe lead nappa by Stuart Weitzman, $212


FOF style guru Susan Hersh: “I wear these with jeans, leggings, or shorts. They’re an updated gladiator with straps around the ankle and look really pretty on the feet.”


Bargain guru pick: Divas 2 Gladiator Sandals by Kickers, $80


FOFrugalista Jacqueline Gikow: “The thin rubber sole gives you just enough support without feeling obtrusive."




Bangles

Style guru pick: Yellow and white gold bangles by Jennifer Miller, $175


FOF style guru Lovey Dash: Bangles, bangles, bangles! The best I’ve seen for summer are by Jennifer Miller. You get about 30 in a bunch. You can wear them with a gown or with a sarong.”


Bargain guru pick: White enamel and crystal bracelets by Chamak by Priya Kakkar, $58


FOFrugalista Deborah Martin : “Okay, you’re only getting six bangles here but wowza, they’re gorgeous and only $58.”




WidePants_Final

Style guru pick: Linen Wide Leg Pants by Krisa, $138.


FOF style guru Lovey Dash: “I love these pants. The linen is not too sheer, the wide stretch waist band holds in the hip area and the price is right.”


Bargain guru pick: Wide leg linen drawstring pants by Tommy Hilfiger, $47.99


FOFrugalista Jacqueline Gikow: “Tommy Hilfiger's linen drawstring pants are a must-have for the summer, the lightweight fabric and neutral colors makes getting dressed a breeze.”




Skirt

Style guru pick: Long embroidered skirt by Zara, $79.


FOF style guru Sandra Soich: “My must-have for summer is an ankle-length, gauze skirt in cream with a feminine lace trim at the ankle. It’s gathered and has a yoke at the tummy for a very flattering silhouette.”


FOFrugalista Deborah Martin: “I honestly couldn’t find anything this pretty for this price. This is a gorgeous skirt. I want it!"




ReversibleTunic

Style guru pick: Reversible tunic by A’Nue Ligne, $74.


FOF style guru Patty Buccellato: “These come in a rainbow of colors so they work with every skin tone. Plus, they’re wrinkle-resistant, pack easily for summer beach trips and are machine washable. You can wear it two ways -- in tank mode for a breezy look or the high-neck way if you want to be more sophisticated."



2 comments   
02March   {The Look for Less} Gail Garramone’s Suit-Free Spring Officewear

"Since returning to office work, I'm looking for suit alternatives such as cardigans in flowy silhouettes and luxe fabrics or tailored clothing with a feminine touch," says FOF style expert Gail Garramone.  "I love color and always wear a bright touch somewhere. I also really believe in the perfect accessory to compliment a monochromatic outfit, and I have just invested in a handbag that looks like a giant piece of jewelry." Check out Gail's glam spring office wear, below. Then, discover some easy-on-the-wallet alternatives.



Tory Burch 'Simone' cardigan/Jamin Puech 'Anatoli' handbag/Alexis Bittar 'Zanzibar' bangle/Akris 'Karla' Pants



Gap v-neck cardigan/Rafe 'Carolina' clutch/Alexis Bittar bangle/Soft Surroundings 'Tencel' pull-on pant


9 comments   
02March   {The Look for Less} Sandra Soich’s Fabulously Feminine Spring Picks
-
"I am loving creams and light pinks for the spring...so feminine!" says FOF style expert Sandra Soich "The racer-back silhouette is definitely in this season, and even though our backs may not be perfect, FOFs can wear this silhouette with a soft cami underneath." Sandra's fabulously feminine spring picks are below, followed by thriftier versions of the pieces.


Cosabella 'Talco' long camisole/Rag and Bone racer tank/Eileen Fisher organic linen trouser/Eileen Fisher scoop neck dress/Via Spiga 'Dolmen' pump



Soft Surroundings long scoop cami / Madewell perfect racerback tank/Soft Surroundings 'Palagiano' pant/Calvin Klein pleated jersey dress/Anne Klein 'Pipa' heels

4 comments   
01March   {The Look for Less} Sherrie Mathieson’s Sporty-Chic Spring Picks
FOF style expert, Sherrie Mathieson, is eying Prada's collection this spring. "I love nylon windbreakers and anoraks like this one in tan from Prada," says Sherrie. "They are my sporty alternative to sweaters." A Bakelite-inspired necklace in caramel is "a complexion-enhancing neutral," and a pair of patent slides are "a sleek, comfortable basic that will work with most slacks." Check out Sherrie's picks and FOF's bargain version:


Prada contrast-trim jacket/Prada link necklace in light tortoise/Prada patent leather wedge slides/Prada cropped Pants



Chico's Zenergy jacket/Adia Kibur links necklace/Soft Surroundings peep-toe espadrille/Coldwater Creek capri pants

2 comments   
01March   {The Look for Less} Terry Gibralter’s Practically Perfect Spring Picks
Practical perfection is FOF style expert Terry Gibralter's mantra this spring. Topping her wish-list: A lightweight tote ("for everything I carry, like my iPad"), super-stylish, comfortable flats ("I'll wear them like crazy through the summer") and wide-leg jeans ("a welcome change from the super-skinny jeans I’ve been rocking all winter!") And to jazz it all up? A necklace in an eye-popping shade. ("To add pizazz to my neutrals.") See her picks below, then find out how to get this look for less.


J Brand Hawkeye Wide Leg Jeans / Proenza Schouler shopping tote / Marni rope and chain necklace / Candela oxfords



Not Your Daughter's Jeans flare jeans/Halogen vertical tote/Old Navy Mixed-media necklace/Miz Mooz two-tone oxfords

1 comments   

Most Popular this week



Sponsored stories from around the web
 

About | Site Map | Contact Us | Register | Press | Code of Conduct | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service

© 2013 Forever Fab, LLC. All rights reserved.