Bad Ass Prints for Fall

I am such a bad ass. No seriously, I am. At least I can style myself that way... Everything print and color on the bottom half is VERY in this season, so how could I resist these silk leopard drawstring pants? I couldn't.

 I picked these up while I was in Chicago at Nordstrom Rack. They are Vince Camuto and they are comfy as hell. How could they not be, they look like stylish pajamas. Anyone can wear these if they have the confidence.

They key to styling them is that they have to be the ONLY focal point of your look. Meaning, everything else you have on has to be basic in pattern and neutral in color. You can play with textures and materials like I did with the leather bomber form Loehmann's. Add crazy accessories if you need a little more pop like I always do. This is actually one necklace with 5 strands from an antique shop. You too can be a bad ass if you follow these rules.

Meet My New Stylish Intern

It has come time to bring on a young fashionista who is determined to build Sass N Style into the empire it deserves to be. Meet Jaclyn Taylor Fleurant, otherwise known as @jac_taylor (for those of you that want to follow her directly on Instagram). Here are her "style stats": 19 years old, sophomore at Drexel University, majoring in fashion design and merchandising. I think she fits the bill to show you even more fabulous looks then I have time to keep up with. Communicate with her directly at Jaclyn@sassnstyle.com. Get ready for her to blow it up.....

I bought this dress at the Patricia Field store on the Bowery in NYC. I am obsessed with the "mullet" style dress (short in the front, long in back), but I had trouble finding one that I absolutely LOVED. When I found this, I knew it was "the one" (and it was only $70). Just a little double stick tape in the front to make sure it doesn't swing open and it was perfect. I styled Jaclyn up with a ton of bracelets including Alex and Ani and a few vintage mixed with an Urban Outfitter's watch. The ending note was Jaclyn's shades from 5 below (apparently everything is under 5 bucks) and her Sam Edleman boots. LOVE.

My Day at the Vintage Market: Fab Finds!

I am obsessed with a treasure hunt. There is nothing wrong with a merchandised store, but it is finding a diamond in the ruff that really gets me going. Lucky for me, New York City is FULL of vintage markets. Once a year, there is a massive affair at the Metropolitan Pavillion in Chelsea, and it is A-mazing.

I headed over with my girlfriends Allison and Jackie to find something fabulous. There was a $20 entrance fee (I got a discounted pass) which is totally nuts. I actually paid to go shop, you know the sale must be good.

Styled by yours truly, Allison looked amazing in her rabbit vest. It was the maiden voyage for this great piece. Very in this season. I threw on my new Sandro hat and leather jacket, both purchased at a consignment store. Notice the black cat suit underneath. This was quite strategic. I planned on trying on a lot of stuff with no dressing room and instead of being naked in the middle of the pavilion, I put everything on OVER this look. How genius!
How nuts is this? I look like an over-sized blue sheep. This is great for a "fat" day because no body can see a damn thing. Prada designed this for 2011 and they must have been on some sort of hallucinogen when they did it. Thank you for drugs because this is awesome. It called to me from the other side of the pavilion. There was no way you could miss this from a million miles away.....

And then there were gold chains. Lots of them. The truth is that although I loved all of them, they were WAY overpriced. Since I have been doing this for so long, I am pretty aware of what things are worth. Even though I may love something, I always question the price tag. I am not made of money here! And even if I was, I would still ask, "Is this worth the price?". These chains are something that you can find any suburban Salvation Army for $5 to $10. They were selling them for between $80 and $125! I couldn't do it. Talk about a mark up.

After hours of picking through tons of vintage wares, I only walked away with two pieces. Needless to say, I was not pleased. I went there to spend my hard earned cash! If I am going to pay a cover charge to shop, I am going to shop damn it. I do LOVE my gold belt with tassel. It is adjustable so I can wear it around my waist or on my hips. At $55, I will say I think it was a bit overpriced, but I loved it. I also think my mind was a bit frazzled because everything seemed to be so expensive so 55 bucks seemed cheap. Even stylists who question price tags get confused:) I also got this leopard scarf which was definitely vintage because it smelled old. I am half kidding. I think it will look fabulous with a large, crystal vintage broach. Now I just need to buy one. It is a great indoor/outdoor accessory.

It may have been a less successful shopping trip then I had hoped, but all in all, it was definitely worth the time. I love treasure hunting!!

The Best Accessory: Gold Watch Bonanza

I know I have already done a post long, long ago on gold watches, but this trend isn't going anywhere. Additionally, I literally just bought myself a new gold watch that I am totally obsessed with so I have "gold watch" on the brain. I have worn it everyday since I bought it as my recent posts show.

The truth is, in true bargain shopping fashion, I found what I considered to be the best deal of the century. I have been searching for quite some time for a watch that was not Michael Kors. I LOVE his line of watches, but everyone has them. I wanted to be not only different, but to somehow spend less then $250 (what his watches go for). It is a totally fair price for a piece that is going to be rocked 7 days a week, but there seemed to be nothing out there that had the same pop for the same price.

And then I came across a brand that has done me well. A few years back I went to the Armitron show room in NYC and they so kindly gave me a watch so I would keep coming back. Ah, perks of the job! I receive compliments on it every time I wear it and it keeps on ticking with no problems. I knew this baby had long term possibilities! A quick trip to Amazon and $70 bucks later, I was in gold watch heaven. Compliments keep pouring in and when I tell them the price they are shocked. Good job Salinger.

I was very close to purchasing a much more expensive style before I stumbled upon my Armitron.While traveling through Ireland this past summer, I found my dream watch. It is by a company that just came to the states, Folli Follie. Aside from the fabulous watch, they had an array of fun jewelry. Only problem was, it was $400. As noted, this was past my $250 limit. It is not that I didn't think it was worth it, I just couldn't see spending that much when I knew Michael Kors had a very similar, sturdy style for much less. So, my mission continued as I returned home.....

Let's still stand true to the most popular designer, Mr. Michael Kors. It really is a great watch. As you can see though, through this very scientific demonstration, these 3 watches are all super similar with 3 very different price points. I don't like to buy cheap, but I like to buy "reasonable". I think I found my perfect watch at my perfect pricepoint. Find what fits you.

The Royal Wedding Craze: My Haute Homemade Hat

Just like everyone else in this world, I was glued to the television watching the fashion show that was the royal wedding. And just like everyone else in this world, I jumped fully on the hat bandwagon. Us American folk don't ever get a reason to wear a hat, except to church and my Jewish heritage doesn't encourage Sunday Mass:) So, when 2 friends married, respectively, a Brit and an Irishman this summer, I was overjoyed.

In true Amy Salinger fashion, I was not going to be typical in my hat choice. I have never had a real reason to wear a fabulous hat before (except for dancing competitions), so I was ready to go big or go home. I decided I wanted something that could be worn all night, not just during the ceremony. And, it had to travel well since one of the wedding's was actually in Ireland. A fascinator was in my future.

A fascinator, quite simple, is a cross between a hat and a head piece. It is not meant to overtake your entire head, but merely act as an ornament. I went ahead and decided that designing and making my own was way more interesting then spending beau coup bucks on an overpriced, less original piece. Of course, in my world, I have the time to do this.

Styling a look for these two weddings (yes, I wore the same thing to both), was a bit like, "Which came first? The chicken or the egg?". I started with the hat, buying tons of huge flowers. But, when I went dress shopping and couldn't find anything suitable to match the idea in my mind, I chose the best dress I could find and went from there.

Love, love, love my bright and cheery 40's esque look. I also super love my friend Courtney's Tracy Reese (bought at designer discount!) orange look. Courtney is my best friend and a fashion designer. She is also the most crafty person I know which is why I enlisted her to actually create my hat. If I had made it myself, it would have looked like a 5th grade project.

Peacock feathers? Check. Crystals? Check? Glue gun? Definitely check. After several shopping trips (no one said home made meant easy), I had all of the items I needed to create my head piece. An afternoon later, my fascinator was ready for the world to see. I added in vintage clip on earrings (which I lost because I danced them off), a Swarovski crystal ring and a pair of $15 DSW shoes, and my look was runway ready.

Challenge yourself to really create your own look, enlist a fashionable and crafty friend, and you never know what you will come up with!

Out on the Town: Looking Chic and Affordable

Although I have become somewhat lazy about going out in my old age (I am a ripe old 32), I do still love the act of dressing up. Creating a look from head to toe will somewhat consume my mind the day of the event, if not weeks leading up to it. It really depends on where I am going and who I am going to see. I call it, "the curse of the fashion stylist".

This past Saturday, my girlfriends got together for a night on the town. This included me staying out for a whole 2 hours (if you don't include the pre-party at my friend's apartment). I warned you I have become somewhat "un-cool". Either way, I put on a cute, affordable and comfortable look for the evening.

I am all about finding the best deal and with this look, everything on me runs from free to designer discount to consignment. LOVE. Let's start with free. These black jeans (designer unknown), were given to me by a friend. She found them at a sample sale for a dollar (so not quite free), and figured they would fit someone for that price! With just a slight alteration at the waist, they were mine. With jeans costing up to $200 these days, this is quite the bargain!

Next up are my fabulous red suede booties. Totally stylish, totally comfortable. They are from Off 5th in Cleveland, Saks outlet store. I travel for good deals. They are a good color to make your look pop, not too overpowering. Muted reds are any girls friend.

As for the zebra top, I purchased it that day at Loehmann's, designer discount heaven. It was $30 from Romeo and Juliet. I spent the weekend eating and drinking my way through the universe so I needed something that would allow me to breath. Choosing a sheer top, paired with a black tank top, still showed off my silhouette without showing off my stomach. Perfection.

And finally, the accessories. Layer, layer, layer. My new Armitron watch for $70 is my favorite best friend these days. I wear it with everything. I searched high and low for an affordable gold watch. With everyone wear Michael Kors for $250, I refused to buy one and certainly not for that price. Add in tons of bangles with different widths and my giant blue stone ring from my mother's salon in Connecticut of all places, and my wrists are good as gold.

The final topper was my new Saks Fifth Avenue brand clutch bought at an East Village consignment store. This little gem found me (you don't search for specific things at crazy consignment stores) and I knew it would be a useful item in my repertoire. It is a neutral color even though it is not black or brown. For $65, the cost per wear will be well worth it.

So ladies, shop smart and think about your every purchase. Love what you buy and brand yourself is chic, stylish and affordable items!

Missoni for Target: On the Scene

It has arrived.... Missoni for Target. The only problem is that it is already gone. I wish I was kidding. As the picture shows, by 10:30am this morning, Missoni had left the building. I thought I was so good showing up just 2.5 hours after Target in Queens opened, but apparently it wasn't good enough. I was told that just a half hour after the doors opened, everything was basically gone.

The best part of all of this is that I convinced my friend Jackie to come out to my place and then we would drive to Queens. Well, the car didn't start. So we hopped on the train and off we went to a store full of nothing. Thank God I am friends with people that have a sense of humor because a fashion show I promised and a fashion show you shall get.






When I say there was nothing left, I really mean it. We had to go to the kid's section just to play. My friend Jackie is teeny tiny so this plan was not all that bad. Unfortunately, the clothing was a bit of a let down.....

There were some pieces that were classically Missoni and other's that well, just looked cheap. Obviously the quality is going to be of lesser value since we are at Target and not Barney's, but you never want to be the girl wearing cheap, imitation Missoni.

In her best pout face, Jackie shows us what CAN work from the line. Some cute, throw on pieces that can put some funk in any look. Exactly what Missoni is all about. When buying a less expensive version of the original, go with non-fitted items. Accessories and loose silhouettes don't show off that the fit might not be perfect.






Try out a hat and gloves for example. It is the perfect Missoni pop to any ensemble. You know I look good in this hat made for a 2 year old. In fact, this line at Target is perfect for a youngster. You don't need to be spending crazy prices for the "real" thing. Have the best dressed toddler in town.

I do love this adorable dress. Easy, comfortable, stylish. Obviously it is a bit short, but if Jackie shrank to the size of an 8 year old it would be perfect. If it was her size, throwing on a dark pair of tights and high brown riding boots with be the best additions. Add a structured jean jacket and you are on your way!





Being a good sport, Jackie went the full mile. Without me even asking, she decided it was good for the post to model ALL of the items, including lingerie. Right over her pants, Jackie shows off Missoni's effort at patterned panties. Honestly, I think they are great!

In my professional opinion, it was definitely worth the trip to Target. If and when another shipment comes in, I will certainly be first (or 100th) in line. It is always good to mix and match high and low end pieces. Just use your discerning eye carefully and recognize the difference between inexpensive and cheap. It is a very fine line and never needs to be crossed!

Fall Trends 2011

Fall 2011 is just around the corner and that can only mean one thing: It is time to reinvent yourself yet another time and make way for the best trends of the season! We all know that all trends are not made for all people. It is important to pick and choose what works best with your lifestyle and personality. Price points are just numbers and there are always less expensive options to fit any budget. You can be on-point this fall, stay within your financial range and look great re-branding yourself with successful style.

The female tuxedo is a trend that loves to come round and round and round….. It is sexy and sophisticated and makes any women, no matter what age or background, an instant power player with a vixen flare. Fit is key in any tailored piece such as a fabulous tuxedo. This Alexander McQueen piece at $2,240 is super pricey, but will live on forever. Purchase a cheaply made jacket or pair of pants and you will look exactly that, cheap. This does not mean you need to spend your entire piggy bank on a tuxedo. It just means that you either A) Need to pick either the jacket or pants to save a few dollars OR B) Opt for a middle of the road price point on the full deal and realize this is an investment. A great, tailored tuxedo will never go out of style and you can wear each piece over and over, styled many different ways. This is high on the "cost per wear" meter. Meaning, you are going to wear it for years to come so if you break down how much you spent on it vs. how much you will wear it, it is worth the price.

Designer's always tell me that they never look backwards, only forwards, but this next trend proves them very, very wrong. 60's Mod is back (yet again), so pull out all of those great items that have been hanging out for years. it is time to get the psychedelic party started and the first step is looking groovy. Alberta Ferretti's Fall 2011 certainly understands this. Mod essentially means lots of color, lots of graphic, bold prints and boxy silhouettes. You don't need to overwhelm yourself in this fall trend, just opting for one piece shows you are "in the know". The younger you are, the more you can brand yourself funky with this fun trend. If you are a more mature lady, choose a top or jewelry, nothing that will completely overwhelm you.

Kooky, mixed up prints are an easy way to get someone's attention when making a first impression, but make sure you manage this trend correctly. It is a fine line between crazy and stylish!Custo Barcelona, the designer of this dress, knows how to bring crazy and realistic together. If your personality is bold and vocal, then this is the perfect trend to represent your own personal brand through your wardrobe. Always remember your destination though, wearing an overwhelming print from head to toe at the office might be a bad idea. Leave the complete look for the weekend. But, choose a top or a belt to punch up your "work wardrobe" and be the talk of the office… in a stylish and positive way!

I love fur. I know this is a faux pas in many circles and I accept that I am not always PC (ask my friends!). Obviously there are many designers that side with me because the use of fur on beautiful clothing really isn't going anywhere. Burberry clearly loves fur and knows what to do with it, as this amazing sweater suggests. The newest trend for fall 2011 is fur on clothing. Not just as a jacket, vest or earmuffs, but actually worn as an "indoor" piece. It truly is a bit over the top, but heck, isn't that what great fashion is sometimes about? Now obviously this is a pretty expensive trend if you are not wearing faux fur. Don't "go for broke" if you can't afford it, just choose a very good faux fur as an alternative. It really can make your entire ensemble look incredibly cheap so please, I beg of you, be careful in your choice. If you question yourself at all, don't buy it. You always want to look expensive and put together no matter what. Successful style may be "faux" sometimes, but never cheap.

A trendy style that almost any gal can latch onto is the longer skirt which is very big for fall. The shorter you are the more difficult it is to wear, but as long as you keep any garment on your upper half ending at your waist, you should be fine. Proportions can be your worst enemy and your best friend. Keep any purchase flowing and fun, do not opt for stiff materials. This style is great for the girl who is a bohemian at heart. You can rock it at the office when styled appropriately and still feel like yourself. The best part is that it is universally awesome in that it can be worn any day of the week, work or weekend.

A trendy fall, a trendy (re-branded) you. Style represents who you are and who you want to be. What does your wardrobe say about you? When choosing your trendy fall 2011 pieces, always keep in mind what you want to project to the world. Clean out your closet and find current trends lurking in the depths of your wardrobe. Re-work them for this season. Purchase those great pieces that will advance your current wardrobe and style. Buy what you need. Use what you have.

Top 5 Trends for Spring

It may still be freezing outside, but it is time to start thinking warm! Well, at least warmer. Spring trends are starting to make their way to stops around town and it is time to choose your favorites. Every season there are a few pieces that always stand out, trends are what make the fashion world go ‘round. Knowing these trends and understanding what works best on you will constantly keep you ahead of the fashion curve. Here are the top five fabulous styles making their way down the runway for spring:

They say orange juice is good for you, well apparently so is the color. Bright, citrus shades are all the rage this spring. Out with the bland neutrals and in with fun, deliciously loud color! Aside from being vibrant and brightening anyone’s day that you may encounter, the look also allows you to never get lost in a crowd! High fashion, fabulous color, useful in large groups, the choice of orange really seems like a no-brainer. If you are overwhelmed by the shade or feel that it washes you out, choose accent pieces like a purse or jewelry to stay on trend.

This style of jeans loves to make a comeback. Much like John Travolta, just when you think they are officially over, here we go again…. High waisted and extremely tight through the thighs before flaring out to widths unknown, bell bottoms are not for everyone. It certainly explains why the trend lasts a few years and then mysteriously disappears, only to re-appear once designers have forgotten this fact again. There is a love for bell bottoms, but it is from ladies with slender, long legs. If you are lucky enough to be in this category, rock the look like it is 1975. They are fun and flirty and can instantly add a youthful feel to your look.

And yet another style that has made its way from the ‘70s into 2011, clogs. Apparently the time travel machine was large enough for a few pieces. Often looked at as an orthopedic option or service industry footwear, the clog has never fully gone away, it just wasn’t exactly “a trend”. Spring 2011 has changed all of that, clogs are in. High, low, bedazzled, studded, these shoes are out in a big way. One of the best parts of this particular trend is that they are quite simply one of the most comfortable options you can buy. Seeing as they are designed for people with bad feet or individuals that stand all day, you can bet that strutting your stuff in these babies will be pretty cozy. Looking hot and comfortable never felt so good.

Sexy and sophisticated are two words that deserve to go together and with the explosion of sheers this spring, they can. It is just the hint of skin that classy ladies all over the globe are looking to show off. No need to put it all out there, just the idea is enough to get hearts racing. Whether it is draped, flowing or taught, sheer materials give an element of sexy danger with a feminine touch to any look. Be wary of cheaper versions as they can lessen the value of your outfit. Tailoring is very important in any piece with sheer materials because it is so easy for them to fall incorrectly. So choose wisely and add sexy sophistication to any ensemble!

Jackie O made the trench coat uber-famous years ago with her easy, breezy style. Now in 2011, the coat has been revamped from its original glory. Don’t worry, the trench coat is not ever going to completely make an exit, it just has a new face. The trench dress is ready for spring! The classic ease of the coat makes altering this piece a simple and smart idea. The trench coat has always been a great option for any body type because of the body skimming style with cinched waist. Not too tight, not to loose and it accents your waist allowing your curves to shine. The trench dress will show off your shape in the same positive way making you spring ready for any day to evening event. Accessorize your look with big, bold bangles and you are officially on point this coming season.

Top Ten Fall Shoe Styles

Fall is by far my favorite season. 100 degree weather has finally subsided, the air feels crisp and something about life just seems calmer. Although all of these things really do put a smile on my face, let's just be honest, fall fashion is one of my reason's for living. It may sound a bit extreme, but the excitement of being able to layer on fabulous new trends is sometimes almost too much for me to take! And then there are the shoes......

So, as discussed this morning on Martha Stewart's Sirius radio channel, here are my top ten picks for the best shoe trends for fall:

Back again, for an encore presentation, the over-the-knee boot. Love them. They are incredibly sexy without the "I am trying really hard" connotation. Surprisingly, they are pretty acceptable for most age groups. Of course, you have to be in fairly good shape to pull these off if you are over 45. In addition, as you become "more mature", you should delete the heel. It just becomes a bit too over the top.

This particular pair by Dolce Vita is a great option. The cut out behind the knee is a superb design allowing for the boot not to get crunched and caught. Also, remember that neutrals can be more then just black or brown. Taupe is a fabulously fantastic choice!




Apparently over-the-knee just wasn't enough for designers, so along came the thigh high. This really takes a special kind of lady to pull this shoe off. People always want to know if it is "age appropriate", well this boot really should be put back on the shelf after 35..... Sorry! It is the ultimate in sexy, men are going to love you, footwear. Realistic no, fabulous yes. Christian Louboutin knew what he was doing when he pushed the envelope with this $2,375 pair. Meow!







Up next, brogues. I nearly fell over myself at fashion week chasing down a girl wearing these YSL shoes. For $1000, you better love them, but does it get any better then studded, patent leather lace-up brogues? I don't think so:) This menswear inspired look began last spring, but has really blown up for fall. Look modern, fun and trendy buy adding these to any outfit.



Just this past Friday I was working with a client and got stopped in my tracks by these Libby Edelman shoes. Granny chic is so in right now! It is rare that I purchase something when working with a client, but she knows me well enough and my fashion conscious would not have allowed me to leave the store without them. They were priced at $49 (holy cow!) and I got an additional 30% off leaving them at $34. I am really good. Without the leopard print and studded toe, these shoes could be just as doubty as you remember on granny. Libby Edelman (of Sam and Libby ballet flat designers of the 80's) added this punchy material making them uber modern and super fun.

I LOVE LOVE these Kelsi Dagger boots for $200. Ankle booties will not be going anywhere for a while, so invest now. They can be a tricky shoe if you have bigger calves, so choose a lighter color if this is an issue for you. You are always looking to elongate your legs and wearing a darker color will do the opposite by cutting you off at the ankle. This pair is fabulous because it is classic and simple, but adds in a fantastic architectural toe. This is a big look for fall and instantly ups the glamor quotient of any ensemble.



Military is back! I have fond memories of my Doc Marten's from high school and apparently I am so old that they are back again. Sad for my psyche, happy for my feet! This studded pair by Free People is pricey at $388, but really fun and interesting. The studding is not too over-powering to the boot meaning that they can be worn with multiple looks. Sometimes, when a shoe is too overwhelming, it loses it's ability to be worn regularly. Be ready to rock these boots with everything from dresses to skinny jeans. This is a fairly young shoe and should be limited to a "Forever 21" type of crowd. The great thing about them though is that even if you are not an alternative rocker, you too can pull this boot off. Have fun and go out of your comfort zone!


Don't worry if you can't wear the studded military boot anymore, you have another high heeled option! By toning down the sharp utilitarian feel and adding a heel, these boots become instantly more sophisticated. They are so much more accessible to every age and style. Try pairing them with a simple ensemble such as jeans and a blazer to add some trend and edge to your look. If you are really feeling fun, a simple, straight style dress is a great combination as well. Push yourself to try something new! You won't break the bank in these Guess boots for $150.


Ahhhh, riding boots. I loved them 3 years ago, I love them today and I will love them 3 years from now. These babies aren't going anywhere and I am thankful for that! They are so chic, so fantastic, so rugged. I instantly feel like I should head out to the Hampton's for a polo match when I put them on. I don't know a thing about polo (other then hot men seem to play it), but I sure do know how to dress for a match. The great thing about riding boots though, is that you don't have to be going to a polo game to wear them! Rock them in the city, rock them in the suburbs, rock them in the country! Throw on leggings and a longer sweater and you are ready for a casual stroll in the park. You really just can't go wrong with these boots no matter your age, social status or style.

One of my personal favorites for fall shoe trends is the funky sneaker. Realistic for function, realistic for style. These PF Flyers are just above what I would pay at $130, but will really kick your outfit up a notch! I walk around NYC for a living, so comfort and style must go hand in hand. These two concepts do not have to live separately. I refuse to wear sneakers unless one of two things is going on: 1. My back is killing me. 2. I am going to the gym. This allows me to be happy and comfortable at the same time. Yea for dressy sneakers.


Rounding out my top ten for fall is the platform pump. Just when you thought they couldn't get heels any higher, they did. The great thing about this trend though, is that the higher you make the platform, the flatter your foot actually is. Your foot is not technically painfully arched because you have balanced out the heel with a toe platform. Finally, designers have caught onto the fact that pain should not equal fashion!!!! These Brian Atwood Maniac pumps for $575 have been all the rage for a while now and have spread what some would consider an epidemic of platform heels across the nation. I am just happy it is an epidemic I can handle:)

So ladies, even if you purchase just one new pair of shoes this fall season make sure you will love them, cherish them and most of all, wear them. Enjoy!

College to the Boardroom: Dressing Appropriately

So, the party is over. College is ending and it is time for the "real world". Stop crying! It can be fun, I swear.

First challenge, transitioning seamlessly into the work world by looking the part. This is often times not an easy task for those who have never set foot in an office. You own the staple uniform of jeans, t-shirts and sweatshirts for daytime and black pants with sexy, little tops for nighttime... Now what?? Basically you have a closet full of "weekend wear". Get out your parents credit card (you don't have any money yet, you haven't started working) and get ready to shop.























I LOVE this look from J Crew and I think it is a great middle ground for someone just entering the work force. Let's be honest, you can't really afford to buy an entirely new wardrobe at this moment, so it is time to be creative. Owning pieces that are great for multiple occasions is the key to this great leap you are about to take.

Let's focus in on the details of why I think this is a great look for almost any working situation: First, you are put together, but you are not stuffy. Remember that you are 22 years old, look it. Be sophisticated, but don't try to age yourself by 20 years. The gig is up, everyone knows you just got out of college!

The top half of this outfit is so accessible that it could even be worn with jeans! Look, it really is just a fancy t-shirt and a colored cardigan. The print ups the ante of the tee (don't think Ed Hardy here!) and the color of the cardigan makes it a bit more youthful. The piece making the entire look so "office appropriate" is the pencil skirt. A necessity in any woman's closet of any age and almost any shape, this garment will kick it up a notch at the workplace. Plus, it is a great foundation piece and can be worn multiple times without your co-workers calling you out. Topped off with a complimentary red colored flat to offset the yellow cardigan and paired with funky bracelets, this outfit has full on green light approval! Mix and match any of the items shown here for looks ranging from casual to work. You can do it!

Another great item is the wrap dress. It is basic, simple, straight forward and can be accessorized how ever you like! This means that you have the power to exercise your styling muscle.... Within means! This is another garment that will stand the test of time, just like the pencil skirt. It has the flexibility to be worn in a sophisticated way or a playful way. You are in control. Adding a fun shoe, as this Banana Republic ensemble is showing, gives it that younger edge that you are going for. No need to be stuffy just because you are out of college. Fun and appropriate are the key words class.

Check out a Sass N Style video I did about being "Office Chic". My friend and I are just a few years out of college (OK, maybe 8), but you should get some fun and easy tips for looking great as you enter the workforce. Remember ladies, your look is going to get you immediate approval from your boss, but your confidence and attitude is going to get you a promotion!



College Photo courtesy of Getty Images
J Crew Outfit
Banana Republic Wrap Dress: $120

Flea Market Finds: How to be a Master!

I take great pride in the fact that I am a self-taught genius of flea markets. This essentially means that I am capable of finding fabulous treasures among what looks like piles of trash. People are easily overwhelmed by situations like this, but I thrive on it. It is a talent that has been honed over many years, but I want to give you, my fashion audience, some quick tips about how to "find the fab".

Take this dress to the left. It was on a sad little hanger in the back of a parking lot flea market looking tired and bored. That is until I found her and breathed new life back into her body! I was just strolling past this particular flea market, as it usually goes in NYC, and I decided to do a walk through. Nothing too crazy, I just wanted to take a glimpse. I usually only go toward jewelry and bags in these situations because they are the easiest to search through, but for some reason, I decided to look at a rack of vintage dresses. The word vintage can be deceiving. People think of celebrities wearing vintage gowns on the red carpet, but mostly it just means that things are old! And so was the story with this long, wine colored polyester gown from the 70's. Right there in the parking lot I tried this baby on over my clothing to see if it even remotely fit. And lo and behold, my eye was right on. It was a little long and a little loose, but for $25, it was sold. Of course the fun part of this story is that I then had to have it tailored for $96. The key to this type of shopping is knowing that often times, tailoring is a part of the price. I still got a floor length gown that I have worn numerous time for $130. Not too bad.

Another one of my great finds is this snake skin bag. Sure she's a little beat up, but she just keeps on ticking! Whenever I pair this bag with an outfit, I receive a compliment. It is over-sized and relaxed, creating a laid back vintage look every time I rock it. For $12 in Chicago, this snakeskin bag has been put to good use. At any retail store a new bag just like this one would be upwards of $200 to $250.

Just this weekend I found this amazing art deco bracelet at my favorite flea market in Hell's Kitchen. I am in way too many weddings this summer and I am trying to save money by styling two dresses different ways. This way I feel like I am wearing different outfits, but not buying completely new ensembles. This is totally for my own benefit since I will literally not be seeing the same people at any of the seven weddings I am attending. Yes, I said seven.

This little bauble only cost me $28 and was worth every penny. The detail and quality of it are amazing. To me, it also adds a bit of character to my look knowing that every piece of jewelry I am wearing I searched for and found a fabulous deal on! I will, of course, let everyone at every wedding know this and how much I paid for each piece. I can't help myself.

So here are a few quick tips to navigating a crazy flea market:

PATIENCE IS KEY: You are never going to find anything if you are rushing through the market. You have to accept the fact that this is an activity and enjoy the search. Sifting might take time, but it will totally be worth it if you find your next favorite piece.

DON'T GO WITH ONE THING IN MIND: You are never going to find exactly what you are looking for. Certain pieces are more plentiful then others, i.e. vintage jewelry, but this place is NOT merchandised for your pleasure. Go with the idea that you might find something fabulous.... Whatever it may be!

GO FOR QUALITY: There is a lot of junk at flea markets. Piles and piles of it. At some flea markets, that is all there is. Be discerning. If it is clothing, look at the stitching and stain possibility. Check for missing buttons. If it is jewelry, look for tarnishing and broken clasps. It may look cute, but if it is inexpensive crap, then you will look like inexpensive crap when you wear it:)

ACCESSORIES ARE A GIRL'S BEST FRIEND: This is going to be the easiest thing to pick up. There is always a ton of bags and jewelry at any flea market. If you are looking for a trinket to get you through your shopping lull, then this is the place for you. Again, patience is key and only buy it if you love it.

CIRCLE AROUND ONCE BEFORE PURCHASING: Look at everything and make a short list of what you love. Go with a certain amount of cash and when you run out, it is time to leave. Most vendors only take cash so this is an easy way to stay on budget! Make wise choices and you will always love what you buy.