Recession Chic – Kickin’ It In Nude (!) For $100 Or Less

imageThe best thing to happen to foot wear since the stiletto, was the return of the nude shoe trend. Whether in the form of a classic peep-toe, a comfy flat or as a sky-high strappy platform pump, the nude shoe is a definite must!


The definition of neutral, nude is an extremely versatile tone that pairs well with anything from classic black to this Spring’s electric colors. A nude flat is an elegant understatement that matches your fave jeans or sundress, while a nude pump looks amazing with any cocktail dress!


They’ll go with almost anything in your wardrobe, elongate the leg and, best of all, you don’t have to break the bank to get this look! Click on the slideshow to see our fave nude shoes for $100 or less and invest in a few pairs!

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Recession Chic – Romantically Sheer and Gauzy Tops Under $100

imageBlouses and tops have been getting a romantic make-over with the addition of sheer, gauzy materials. Whether it’s the whole garment, or as a style detail, sheer tops have sex-appeal while still being elegant and demure. The hazy translucency is feminine and soft while the peek-a-boo factor will definitely make heads turn for a second look!


A basic tee with lace insets or gauzy panels is immediately more stylish and sexy, looking just as good with your fave pair of jeans or tucked into a floaty skirt. A sheer tunic top or blouse is a striking look to wear over leggings and a cami, or if you’re looking for the right outfit for a wild night out, simple don a lacy bra in black or contrast color for a truly show-stopping look!


A look that works for day or night and doesn’t have to break the bank! We’re loving this versatile trend! Click on the slideshow to see some of our fave picks for sheer tops under $100!

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Recession Chic – Luxe Draped Pieces For $100 Or Less!

imageDraping, whether it’s on a dress or top, is flattering and luxe. A simple piece looks that much more expensive when draping details are added, giving even the most basic ensemble a look of sophistication.


Runway designers like Yigal Azrouel and Rick Owens are known for their lust-inducing, extremely desirable pieces but the price-tags on these amazing garments? Not so much. So does this mean that to get unique and flattering draping, we must take out a second mortgage just to get the wardrobe we want? Far from it.


With a little searching, it’s easy to find affordable pieces with expert draping that will make us look and feel like we just stepped out of the pages of Vogue! Click on the slideshow to see some of our favorite draped picks that are $100 or less!

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Recession Chic – Denim Jackets For $75 Or Less

imageLet’s bring it back to the classics with a versatile denim jacket! The thicker material, fitted cut and collar of a denim jacket makes it easy to throw on and add a little structure to any ensemble, while the jean fabric gives it a casual vibe.


It’s an All-American look that transcends generations and trends and every girl needs a comfy style in her closet! You can get as crazy as you please with color and style details, but there’s nothing better than the classic blue denim, cropped and buttoned jean jacket. Plus, the longer you own one, the more worn they get, adding a great vintage vibe and making them more and more comfortable and you don’t have to spend a fortune!


Click the slideshow to see some of our favorite denim jackets, some classic some unique, but all for $75 or less!

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Recession Chic – Must-Have Fashion Books Under $50

imageThe holidays are over but it’s not too late to give the gift of fashion! Whether it’s for yourself or your (not so) fashion savvy friend, fashion books are a great way to get a boost up on styling skills.


With celebrities stylist like Nina Garcia and David Zyla dispensing their wisdom, anyone can be their own stylist! Or if your (and that friends’) fashion sense is already one to be envied, get a fashion book that offers an inside glimpse to your favorite labels and designers like Chanel and Alexander McQueen.


Fashion books make for fun, informative reading and also make amazingly visual coffee table books (we love Exhibition: Lipstick Issue). Click on the slideshow to see our fave picks for fashion books under $50!

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DIY Trend – Cut-Out Shoulder Tops

imageCut-out shoulders are so popular right now, because they add a touch of flare to any plain shirt. This Stylehive DIY project was a real collaboration, putting our teams effort into sewing, styling, and of course modeling. We all agree that shoulders have definitely become the new cleavage, so spice things up this winter season, by switching out your short sleeves with a shoulderless button down!



Check out this tasteful trick that comes in a variety of different styles and is so easy to do!


Step 1 – Trace and cut your desired size holes around the ball of your shoulders.


Step 2 – Fold edges inward at approximately a quarter inch. Sew this edge down with loose stitches to keep the fabric from fraying. (Giving the quarter inch edge a quick press of the iron helps keep the edge down and makes it easier to sew!)



Next time you’re cleaning out your closet or thrifting at your favorite second hand shop, consider giving your threads a facelift from the Stylehive doctors that guarantee a quick recovery!

Head-to-Toe Winter Accessories for Under $75!

imageAlong with hot chocolate and warm nights by the fire, winter is all about looking cute and wearing cozy but chic accessories! It’s time to pull out those legwarmers, earmuffs, and snuggly boots because … well, ’tis the season!


You don’t need to spend a lot to look super cute this year! If you’re looking to add a little warmth in the colder months, then grab for a pair of fuzzy mittens, or a chunky scarf. Knitwear is totally in right now so go for the cozy yarned goods and keep your hands, feet, ears, and toes warm!


Whatever your favorites are this season, it’s time to stock up! From knit caps to cozy slippers, we’ve got you covered this holiday season and for $75 or less! Check out the slideshow for some great ideas!

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Recession Chic – Go For The Gold! $100 Or Less

imageMetallics are in and while silver and bronze are just as beautiful, it’s really about going for the gold this season. Eye-catching without being gaudy, gold is a surprising neutral. Like the popular nude tone trend, gold is a color that matches virtually everything. Bold and edgy when paired with black, incredibly luxe with white, and a head-turning color all on it’s own, gold is the way to go this season.


Plus, with the holidays upon us, gold is a festive color that can be as glittering or understated as you please. Gold jewelry is gorgeous, but obvious, so try out this gold trend in garments and other accessories. Look for a sequined dress to really make a statement, or add just a pop with small embellishments.


And while gold itself can get pretty pricey, gold pieces can be affordable and worn before, during and after all the holiday soirees. Afterall, what fun are the holidays if they’re gild-free? Click on the slideshow to see some fave gold picks for $100 or less!

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Giuliana Rancic of E! News Shows Us How To Dress For Success

imageYou’ve got to guess that any girl who can hold her own on camera next to Ryan Seacrest is … well, she’s not just any girl. And E! News anchor, Giuliana Rancic, is far more of a powerhouse than anyone might have initially realized. The Italian bombshell is touring to promote her second book, ‘I Do, Now What’, tackling serious personal issues in the third season of her Style Network reality show Giuliana & Bill, and still makes time to appear for as the Trop50 spokeswoman for women-in-the-workplace non-profit Dress for Success.


Special contributor Lena Katz, editor of travel pop site Zingi caught up with Giuliana after a recent fundraiser, and got some excellent tips on how to stay stylish and keep your confidence levels up even when you’re strapped for time and cash.



What are three inexpensive (under $20) accessories that can take a black pants suit from ‘blah’ to sophisticated?


1. Skinny Belts: Metallics are very in right now in terms of trends, so I would suggest picking up a silver skinny belt. Silver is classy and absolutely appropriate for an interview. One tip: When you sit down for your interview, unbutton your suit jacket to show off your belt. It will add the perfect flare to your outfit while keeping it classy.


2. Double strand Necklaces: While it is important to make sure your personality shines through in an interview, you don’t want to come across as too loud. You can get a double strand of faux pearls or a simple metal double strand fairly inexpensively that will add a little pizazz to your suit, without being too over-the-top. Simple sophistication is the way to go at an interview.


3. Satchel Brief: One of the most important parts of any job interview is preparation! To really look polished, yet prepared, everything you need for your interview – resume, portfolio, cards, pens and paper – should be neatly stashed in a satchel brief. There are so many different cute styles and varieties, too! You can really have fun with this and select a bag that suits you and your personality. I guarantee you will get a ton of compliments on this accessory!



What’s a trend this season that can be incorporated into professional dress and look good?


Kitten heels, a la ‘Mad Men’, are one of the biggest trends for Spring/Summer 2011. Luckily for us ladies, they look fantastic with slacks or skirts! Plus, the lower heel is definitely appropriate for any professional environment, not to mention they are much more comfortable than the platforms heels I€™m usually wearing! I can get away with sky-high shoes on the red carpet, but in many professions, wearing too high of a heel might not go over so well.



For girls without money to spend on all the latest trends, what’s a wardrobe essential that wouldn’t necessarily be obvious, but that has worked magic for you over the years?


I absolutely love big, chunky bracelets. I have a large collection of bangles that are all very inexpensive. When I€™m in a hurry in the morning, but need to add a little punch to my look, I throw on a stack of bangles and instantly my outfit goes from an 8 to a 10!



Please give us a trick you use to boost confidence for an important job interview.


Confidence is every woman’s most important accessory. Yes, wardrobe is important, but no article of clothing is as important as exuding confidence. Applying for jobs is one of the most stressful things a person goes through and it’s easy to get in a rut and lose confidence. When I’m feeling stressed out or like I’m losing some confidence, I always find that staying active helps. Walking is an easy and affordable way to exercise, and I know from experience that it helps! It’s also important to be mindful about what you eat. I’m a big advocate of healthful eating and I am always reading nutrition labels to make sure that what I’m putting into my body is good.



Please tell us what Dress for Success is, and how you are involved, and why this charity is important.


Dress for Success is a fantastic organization that focuses on helping disadvantaged women become economically independent by providing them with professional attire, a network of support and career development tools. I’m so excited to be working with them through a partnership with Tropicana Trop50. We’re really empowering women to help each other look and feel good. In fact, right now, if you visit Tropicana’s Facebook page, share a free online gift with your girlfriends using a Facebook app and Trop50 will make a $5 donation to Dress for Success (up to $25K).
I also just spoke on panel in NYC with Joi Gordon, CEO of Dress for Success Worldwide, on tips for achieving career success. This is a topic that is hugely important to me, and, as women, I think it’s important that we support and empower each other in the workplace. You can check out some of the tips shared during the seminar – including ways you can get involved to help Dress for Success – right here!



For those of us who aren’t quite broke enough to qualify for Dress for Success, how would you suggest using the resources we have to re-invent our wardrobes (i.e. clothing swap with friends, renting dresses for special occasions, etc.)?


Yes, yes and yes! I recommend investing in a few key pieces and then adding inexpensive accessories to change things up each season. I love clothing swaps – although sometimes it’s hard for me to find things to part with – and definitely agree with borrowing dresses on special occasions, whether it’s from a friend or dress rental. Chances are your girlfriends are dying to swap for something of yours too!



For more style-on-the-go tips from Giuliana, plus info on her upcoming book tour stops, check out the Zingi interview here!

Recession Chic – Casually Cute for $100 or Less!

imageAll you fashionistas out there are trying to keep your style looking fresh, we’re sure, but what’s even better is looking great and spending less! With all the running around us gals do, we want to look cute, but sometimes comfy too is essential! If you’re looking for some key pieces this season that will keep you looking stylish, but are also practical, go for simple, yet chic basics with flare.


A great look is a loose-fitting tunic paired with detailed leggings. There’s some great leggings out there right now that are inspired by the equestrian chic look and they’re such a flattering look on any girl! Grab a pair of brogues or flat boots to compliment any ensemble and give it a trendy flair. Opt for soft knits and casual day dresses, or slip on a large and roomy poncho, a real fashion statement piece this season!


Check out the slideshow for some great casually cute pieces for $100 or less!

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