Update Your Fall Style on a Budget

Now that the fall weather has finally arrived, there’s no need to splurge on an entire new wardrobe to get this year’s latest looks. Here are a few simple ways to spruce up your style without breaking the bank:
Add a Leather Jacket
Layering a leather jacket over your tees, blouses or dresses screams edgy girl chic –instantly creating a more vamped up look.

Black Rivet Washed Lamb Scuba Jacket available at www.wilsons.com for $179.99

Elle Faux Leather Crop Jacket available at www.kohls.com for $58.50

Michael Kors Black Knit Collar Bomber Jacket available at www.bluefly.com for $268.20

Statement Shoes

Whether you choose to go with the trend of “over-the-knee-boots” or a bold colored bootie, both will take a plain outfit from drab to fab.

Take a look at Amber Rose in these tan suede boots and Angela Simmons in her brightly colored blue-suede shoes:

Well-Tailored Blazer
Like a leather jacket, a blazer is a timeless piece that will never go out of style. Whether it’s vintage, classic or modern, a blazer can be used to add a funky flair to your style.

Check out Solange in her canary yellow blazer:

Instead of a basic black blazer, you may want to consider adding a pop of color to make your outfit stand out. If you want a similar look, check out this nutmeg blazer from Topshop:

Nutmeg Boyfriend Blazer available at www.topshop.com for $130

What are some of the ways you’re updating your fall looks?



Submitted by: Khadijah Cole



Fall for Color

Even though fall is in full swing, that doesn’t mean that you have to ditch those bold shades typically reserved for warmer seasons. A great way to incorporate color into your cool-weather wardrobe is to opt for saturated denim jeans for a fresh fall look. From deep purples to burnt oranges, these jeans provide the perfect dose of color that’s slightly subdued yet incredibly vibrant!

Check out a few choices here:

 Pacsun Colored Denim Leggings available at www.pacsun.com for $39.50.

Pacsun Colored Denim Leggings available at www.pacsun.com for $39.50.

Blue Essence Denim Skinny Jeans available at www.nordstrom.com for $98.

 Blue Essence Denim Skinny Jeans available at www.nordstrom.com for $98.

 Current/Elliott Ankle Length Skinny Jeans available at www.bloomingdales.com for $168.

Premium Denim Colored Jeans available at www.forever21.com for $22.80.

Would you wear colored jeans during the fall? 

Scarlet Fever

After attending the Emmys in LA (thanks again, Galderma!) on Sunday, I along with the rest of the world noticed that the color of the night was red. From Kerry Washington’s sheer, skintight scarlet number to Kate Winslet’s crimson curve-hugging frock, the Hollywood fashions were definitely red-hot.

Kerry Washington wearing Zuhair Murad at the 2011 Emmys. 

Clearly, I didn’t get the memo as I strutted down the red carpet in a satin, champagne-hued Tracy Reese dress. However, the night before at a pre-Emmy mixer, I rocked a red and pink dress that was a personal precursor for the scarlet fever the following evening.

On my way to a pre-Emmy mixer.

At the Emmys.

Check out these incredibly gorgeous red offerings perfect for fall!

Calvin Klein Gathered Long-Sleeve Jersey Dress available at www.nordstrom.com for $98

Embellished Sleeve Dress available at www.topshop.com for $175

Julie Dillon Ruffle Crepe De Chine Dress available at www.nordstrom.com for $178

Matthew Williamson Panel Mini Dress available at www.shopbop.com for $1,274

Black Halo “Jackie” Belted Gabardine Sheath Dress available at www.nordstrom.com for $345

Tahari by ASL Knit Charlie Charles Dress available www.zappos.com for $118

Trina Turk Ain’t Misbehavin’ 2 Fringe Lace Dress available at www.myrevolve.com for $298

Are you a fan of the cherry red shade?

Fashion Week Spotlight: Atelier AZZA

With all of the Fashion Week hubbub taking place in New York, I’d be remiss if I didn’t feature the show that brought me the most excitement – Atelier AZZA. OK, the designer, Azeeza Desai, does happen to be my BFF, but her luxurious designs speak for themselves.

The sophisticated, Indian-inspired “Monarch,” line included embellished cardigans, jewel-encrusted red-carpet worthy floor-length gowns, billowy blouses, and other sleek, eye-catching designs. Seeing her one-of-a-kind pieces grace the catwalk at the Say We’s (South Asian Young Women Entrepreneurs) Fashion for Compassion show at the Ritz-Carlton last night was by far my Fashion Week highlight.

Photos by: Errol Dunlap

Even if Azeeza wasn’t my closest friend I’d still be certain that Atelier AZZA is well on it’s way to becoming a coveted brand.


I am unable to rotate the video. Sorry, but at least it’s a glimpse. 

Who’s your favorite designer? Have you been following this Fashion Week’s trends? If so, what lines have caught your eye for spring?

Missoni To Hit a Bullseye Tomorrow

In case you missed the Fashion’s Night Out Missoni for Target pop-up store festivities last week, don’t fret – the coveted zig-zag, striped brand is officially launching at Tar-jay tomorrow.

From chic accessories, to children’s attire to home goods, the luxury label’s affordable debut is sure to cause a frenzy.

Are you a fan of the famed Missoni brand? If so, are you excited for its Target line?

Fashion’s Night Out: Say Goodbye to Boring Band-Aid Shades

Tonight is the night that fashionistas around the country, (especially in New York City) have been waiting for – Fashion’s Night Out (FNO). Back for its third year, countless stores and design houses will host special shopping soirees to serve as the unofficial kick-off to Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week.

To celebrate the night of style, esteemed designer, Cynthia Rowley, is teaming with Band-Aid for a second year in a row with their collaboration of practical, yet pretty adhesive bandages. Made for fashionistas who want to cover their scrapes in style, fix a broken heel or solve another fashion accident, these trendy patterns make boring nude shades take a backseat to these chic options. A must-have for any fashionista’s emergency kit or medicine cabinet, these bandages are a fashion statement on their own.

Also, if you’re in the NYC area, be on the lookout for the Glambulance, which will be fully equipped with a glam squad to take care of all of your beautiful boo-boos, style woes, fashion emergencies, and more!

September 8 – 5th Avenue between 56th & 57th
September 9 – 65th and Broadway 


Plus, the designer and company are hosting a contest where you could possibly win a $2,500 Cynthia Rowley shopping spree. Simply share your worst fashion emergency for a chance to win. Check out the details here: www.facebook.com/bandaid.  


Will you partake in any FNO festivities tonight? 

Cross Your Heart

For the past 8 years I’ve been basically carrying my life around in huge bags. Whether satchels, hobos, buckets, or totes, big bags have been my go-to purses to house everything from iPads to bobby pins to a countless collection of lip-glosses.

That is until I decided to downsize my daily essentials (that I carry) and ditched my bottomless pit purses. Now, when I grab my bag, it’s a small cross-body purse that is practical as it is pretty.  Plus, they’re effortless to carry – so you can wear them with ease.
Check out a few of these small wonders: 

Michael Kors Small Messenger Saddle Bag available at www.bloomingdales.com for $178

Gem Lock Flap Cross-Body Bag available at www.juicycouture.com for $148

Nine West Lady Likes Small Cross-Body Bag available at www.amazon.com for $31

Percy Cross-Body Bag available at www.bergdorfgoodman.com for $198

Rebecca Minkoff Zebra Hair Calf Mini available at www.rebeccaminkoff.com for $275

Pour La Victoire Leather Mini available at www.lordandtaylor.com for $225

Topshop Red Leather Zig-Zag Stitch Cross-Body Bag available at www.topshop.com for $60

See by Chloe Black Fluffy Cherry Party Fringe Bag available at www.my-wardrobe.com for $495

Turn-Lock Leather Cross-Body Bag available at www.bananarepublic.com for $79.50

Do you prefer large or small handbags?