You Better Believe It

Okay now I know it's official when the fashion industry coins the term "Recessionista". She's the fashion savvy turned budget conscious gal out to score high style at a low price. And yes, I count myself as one. Even though times are tough (and shopbop teases me everyday with emails about new shoe arrivals), I'm up to the challenge. Sometimes breaking that item out from the back of the closet and finding a fresh new way wear it can be just as fun as donning a newly purchased piece. Like last week- I wore an old Gap shirtdress from ages ago with gladiators and must have gotten three compliments that day! My roommate, another recessionista, has recently reivented some of her clothes by taking up hemlines-shortening old sundresses to a breezy mini length and cutting tired jeans into hip of-the-moment cutoffs. Personally I think our generation is due for bit of a wake up call. Someone in LA once said to me this city is full of $40,000 millionaires and really there's no better way to describe 20 somethings in this day and age. How did we justify having Tom Ford shades, a Louis Vuitton handbag, and driving this year's BMW on a $50,000 salary? So let's be thankful for what we do have, embrace these times as a opportunity to put things back in check, and get creative. Bring on the hand-me-downs!

Hat Trick

Fedoras in the summertime up the cool factor
(and I mean other than just the temperature)

My Boyfriend's Back...

....okay he's not really...but looking like you're wearing his jeans is.
The denim pendulum has certainly swung the other way. Though skinnies will continue their reign for a few more seasons and high waisted 70s bells were a step in the other direction this past spring and summer, the baggy boyfriend is now en vogue after making appearances on fall runways and celebrity trendsetters. This is one ex I welcome back with open arms...

From Gossip Girl to Glamour Girl

Leighton Meester's red carpet looks of lately are fab!
XOXO

Inspired by SATC

Not particularly the most stand out ensemble from the movie, but my favorite nonetheless. I love all the dimensions created with layers of differing textures. These pieces are also accessible and wearable (unlike that bird on her head). Get the look with a patterned silk vintage dress under a striped sweater (Vince, Alice + Olivia, and Juicy Couture offer a similar versions) and long grandpa cardigan (check out styles by Autumn Cashmere, MK2K, and Vince). Add over the knee socks, patent booties (like the Gucci Newton), cutoff gloves (Ines Gloves), and a healthy dose of attitude for two thumbs up

Everybody Wang Chung Tonight

Check out this dress from Alexander Wang.

He knows urban cool like nobody else. And this dress is a cut above, worthy of a walk down the red carpet or just a festive evening among friends. In any case, if you wear this dress guarantee that "everybody have fun tonight"

Gotta have enough lettuce to support my shoe fetish...

I'm lusting after both of these for fall. This sandal is right on par with the gladiator trend and can be worn now through the fall with downtown rock 'n' roll style or glammed up with a hot dress and the right jewelry. And the boots...just so beautiful and sophisticated. I imagine myself wearing these through the streets of Paris on a chilled autumn day (but I guess the streets of LA will do just as well). J'adore!

(sandal by L.A.M.B., bootie by Givenchy)

Paperbag Princess

Play up your girlish figure with a tight tee or tank tucked into paperbag waist skirts or shorts.

Blue Jean Baby

Absolutely l-o-v-e these "Skinny Pleats" jeans by The Unknown Factory that are featured in Lucky Magazine this month. Intermix here I come...

Bag Lady

After years of toting around oversized handbags, mix it up by wearing a smaller purse with a long strap to cross over the body. My pick would be this covertible Diana Clutch by Lauren Merkin. It's sure to be liberating and a stand out too!

Get Your Hair Did

I'm lovin these fresh new ways to wear braids right now.
Wear one in the part with the rest down ala LC and Sienna,

in a messy bun like Diane Kruger and Hillary Duff,

or with a headband as Erin Wasson does.

Set for Summer in Somerset

Take a cue from these ultra hip Glastonbury girls. It's all about denim cutoffs, cool shades, a kitchy scarf, and boots (of course!).

A few of my favorites