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Think about that title for a second.  At first, it might be a bit confusing, but don’t worry; I’m here to help.  A big part of looking your best is dressing appropriately for the situation you’re in.

1.      Coffee or lunch with friends – The goal here is low-maintenance, but cute.  Really cute.  There’s no “boom, boom, and boom” outfit I can give you, because there are so many options, but here are a few guidelines: Keep one aspect simple, while playing up another, e.g., ripped jeans and an airy, light tank or tee, with LOTS of long, layered necklaces.  And remember, you’re not doing brunch in the club, so keep the spiky heels and sparkly stuff at home.

2.      Shopping – Shoes that slip on and off like flip flops or any kind of flats without buckles or laces are best.  They should be durable enough to stand on once your feet are out of them, so you don’t have to put your feet on the dressing room floor.  Ick.  For the rest of the outfit, go with leggings or comfy jeans, and a bra you wear often under a tight-fitting camisole, under a boyfriend cardigan.  That way, you can just wear the cami under what you’re trying on and throw the cardigan on and off.   Keep the accessories minimal and the hair simple: down and natural is best, and ease up on the foundation to prevent makeup stains on the clothes that aren’t yours…yet. Read the rest of this entry »

Live by these items.  Invest in them.  You will not regret it.

1.  Dark-wash jeans – at least two pair: one for when you wear flats, and one long enough for some heels

2.  White collared shirt - fitted with stretch in the fabric, long enough in the torso and sleeves to cover your waistband and touch the heel of your hand, and simple enough to be belted or tucked into a high-waisted skirt

3.  Black dress – knee-length, solid black, and structured

4.  Well-tailored slacks – long enough for heels, detail-free, fitted, but not too snug

5.  Pumps – pair of black, pair of brown; make sure they’re comfortable, classic, and fabulous

6.  Trench coat – fitted through bust or waist (including through the sleeves, which should reach just past your wrists), double-breasted, neutral color, functional pockets, knee-length

7.  Boots – pair of black, pair of brown; if you have little legs, go for knee-highs, if you’re like me and have Hercules calves, stick with ankle boots, but don’t tuck your pants into them, obviously

8.  Carry-all bag – chic bag with lots of space for anything and everything, not a basic canvas tote, but one with style and a longer strap option to keep you functional

9.  Ribbed tanks – as many as possible, in as many colors as you can find…seriously

10.  Cardigan – cotton or cashmere, depending on your budget; a v-neck where the buttons start around the bottom of your sternum, as opposed to a crew neck where they start at your collar bone, is most flattering; keep the sleeves long, because you can always scrunch them up

Want designer duds but don’t have the cash to splurge? Well, there is hope for those of us who are still ballin’ on a budget.  Over the past few years, designers have been bringing their designs to the masses through collaborations with less expensive retailers.  In fact, this trend has caught on like wild fire and it’s hard to think of a designer anymore who hasn’t hopped on this train.

Target! Target’s Go International collection features clothing from up-and-coming designers at great, affordable prices.  Target currently has a collection of summer-ready dresses and tops with flowers and ruffles from California based designer Tracy Feith.  Other designers for Target’s Go International line include Thakoon, Jovovich Hawk, Erin Fetherston, and, coming this fall, Anna Sui.

H & M! H & M is another retailer to add to this list from their collaborations with the likes of Roberto Cavalli, and most recently Matthew Williamson.  The peacock dress (pictured) from his line has been worn by Nicky Hilton and Katy Perry.  The store just announced an upcoming collaboration with Jimmy Choo, who will be creating shoes, handbags, and clothes (a first for the luxury brand) for H & M.  But if you want to snag a piece from one of these collections, you better act quickly.  The day the Cavalli line debuted in stores, the racks were stripped of his clothes in minutes.

Gap! Hitting stores today is Gap’s Design Editions for the summer, featuring khaki collections from Alexander Wang and Vena Cava.  The Vena Cava collection adds a twist to their khaki designs with tribal inspirations, while Alexander Wang has shorts with chic pleating for under $50.  And for those of you with young kids, Stella McCartney is bringing style to your tots.  The designer has teamed up with Gap Kids to produce a line of affordable clothes for your children.

Payless! To complete your designer look for less, Payless has teamed up with a number of designers to bring you designer collection shoes at affordable prices.  Alice & Olivia currently has sweet open toed ballet flats for under 40 bucks.  And coming this fall, Project Runway winner Christian Siriano has a collection of edgy Egyptian-inspired shoes ranging in price from $25-$45.  Now that’s fierce!