The Hottest Homecoming Dresses For $100 Or Less!

imageNow that school has started and you’ve worn all your new outfits and caught up with old friends, rehashed summer memories, and compared schedules with classmates, the excitement of starting a new academic year has probably worn off. It seems like papers, quizzes, and reading assignments are the only things to look forward to now. Wait? Isn’t homecoming right around the corner? I remember the fun chaos that went into planning the perfect night of the biggest school dance of the year (well, except for prom) and plus, it was a school function that let’s you stay out past curfew! Sweet! So first things first, you need to find yourself a charming young man to take you, figure out a ride (is it going to be his mom’s Oldsmobile, or is there a limo in the mix?), then there’s the hair and make-up, and last, but by far not the least … you need to find the perfect dress! The thing is though, this is a high-school dance after all and not your wedding your planning so you may not be looking to blow your entire budget or have your parents take out a second mortgage to find the ideal gown. Let us help you find the best dress for you on your budget! And as long as it’s cute, anything goes these days from traditional floor sweeping gowns to higher hemlines so click on the slide-show to see some great ideas!

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Get The Sexy Nerd Look Inspired By Jenni Kayne Fall ’09

imageJenni Kayne is best known for her classically chic pieces that are a perfect fusion of wearability and edge. For Fall ’09, she added some nerdy touches to her designs, including large rimmed glasses, menswear inspired pants, and boyfriend blazers that look oh-so-cool and perfect for fall. A loose fitting leather mini skirt paired with opaque tights is sexy enough for night, yet the roomy fit and the covered legs make it totally day appropriate as well! Pair the skirt with a bone colored draped tee and a black boyfriend blazer when the winter chill starts to roll in for the perfect sexy nerd look. The final touches? A large wooden bead necklace and some totally sexy nerd round-framed spectacles. Check out the slideshow to see how to get the look yourself!

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Style Flashback: Rayanne From “My So-Called Life”

imageAdmit it, you secretly loved Rayanne Graff’s quirky, nouveau-hippie threads on “My So-Called Life.” She was the fun, free-spirited Laverne to misery chick Angela Chase’s Shirley, and her offbeat layers (plaid shirts over tank tops) and wild, streaked hair are the epitome of grunge-era style. But how do you make Rayanne’s look modern and chic? To the rescue comes our style expert Brian with some tips on updating Rayanne’s quirky look. Brian says: It’s true, from distressed jeans to slouchy, oversize blazers, designers are partying like it’s 1994. The key to pulling of the look in 2009 is picking pieces that are vaguely reminiscent of the era without being too costume-y. You’ll also want to mix them in with items that feel “now” to keep the look current. This paisley blouse by Candie’s has modern feminine touches (ruffles, a smocked hem) that totally update the retro print. Plus, the rich brown color feels current. Today’s version of Rayanne’s tight acid-wash denim is a pair of dark rinse skinny jeans. I love this pair by McQ. Completely unadorned, they’ll mix perfectly with anything in your closet. Keep your Docs for posterity’s sake, but slip into a pair of slouchy ankle boots like these by Deena & Ozzy. Studded detailing on the harness strap give them a rock and roll feel. The ’90s were all about mixing the formal with the casual (prom dresses with sneakers, anyone?), so top off this look with a pair of elegant drop earrings like these by Pade Vavra. Click on over to our friends at Lemondrop for more!

Tie One On: Vintage Fashionistas Find Multiple Uses for Scarves

imageI tweeted the other day about an Apartment Therapy post that highlighted how beautiful shopping bags can look when framed and hung on the wall. Then today, I spied a lovely shot of a framed Vera scarf that also does double-duty when framed and hung as art. Now if you’re anything like me, you have more beautiful scarves in your drawers than any one fashionista could ever wear and thinking about them as art just may inspire you to bring them a few of them into the light of day. Or perhaps this idea is just the excuse you need to wrap your manicured hands around just one more silk beauty for your collection. Click the slideshow and you’ll find some vintage scarves that can adorn both your jacket and your mantle!

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Makeup 101: Is Mineral Makeup For You?

imageIt’s no secret that I love Bare Escentuals Mineral Makeup. I ban myself from going in the store because I simply can’t control my credit card when in the presence of such amazing makeup. When friends need to go in I blab on and on about what they should get, to the point where sales associates consider offering me a job. Don’t worry though, I don’t actually work for a mineral makeup company so everything I’m telling you is legit; no one is paying me under-the-table (but if you are from B.E and are lookin to throw some dough my way… hit me up). Okay, so before you dismiss this as just another article advertising mineral makeup, listen up: I’m going to tell you exactly what the benefits are so you can decide if mineral makeup is right for you. There are so many things you need to know (beyond what those ladies tell you in the 3am infomercial) and you may realize that mineral makeup is the best thing for you and your punim (that’s face).

Stay Comfortably Chic This Fall In Classic Corduroy!

imageWith Halloween and Thanksgiving lurking right around the corner, there’s no denying that the fall season and its considerably cooler weather has descended upon us. There are the basic fall fabrics that immediately come to mind – worsted wool, cashmere, denim blends and finished canvas materials – that automatically make us think warmth and coverage. However, there is one material out there that is perfect for fall and has not received the kind of recognition is deserves- corduroy! This material is thicker, making it perfect for the autumn chill. It’s pliable and can be blended with other materials, much like denim, but it’s even softer. It can come in a variety of colors or a versatile range of garments that are appropriate for casual weekends or to help make a fashion statement for the first weeks of school. Corduroy, unlike denim, can also be used to for pieces that can be considered work appropriate. That brushed wool blazer may seem a little too stern sometimes, but try one in corduroy and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the youthful business look it lends to the wearer. Look for a corduroy with a higher spandex percentage (no less than 2%, but no more than 4%) for a comfy must-have pant that matches everything your favorite jeans do, and more! Just click on the slideshow to see out some corduroy creations to add to your cooler weather closet!

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Buzzworthy Deals From Ralph Lauren, AE, J.Crew, And More!

imageShop a special RL deal below, and you’ll give back to something other than your closet. Read on for today’s Buzzworthy Deals!

Ralph Lauren has announced their Give In Style Shopping Event, where in addition to giving you 25% off your online purchase, they’ll donate 10% of all proceeds to the organization of your choice. Participating charities include The Pink Pony Fund (enter code PINK at checkout), The Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention (code RLCPP), and The Match Rugby Fund (code MATCH). Offer valid now through October 12.

All AE tops (tees, shirts, sweaters, and cardigans too!) are buy one get one half off, so feel free to mix and match!

Take 25% off select denim at J.Crew, through tomorrow only!

It’s the Kate Spade Friends & Family Sale! Take 30% off your entire purchase (sale items too!) now through October 4th with code FALLFF09. Plus, get free shipping on all orders!

Check back next week for more Buzzworthy Deals!

Show Your Support For Breast Cancer Awareness With A Tee!

imageOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness month, but this is an issue that should be brought to light at all times. In an effort to spread the word, designers have been coming out with some simple and flattering t-shirt designs that can be worn way past the month of October to remind all of us of this worthy cause. Many of the t-shirt designs still show the recognizable pink ribbon and use the bubble-gum pink color that we’ve all come to associate with Breast Cancer Awareness, but in an effort to reach a larger audience, designers are also introducing looks that include more versatile colors, trendy details and cute graphics that still sound as a voice for the Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation, allowing you to wear these tees for numerous occasions. Not only would the message for awareness be seen more often, but a large percentage (50% to 100%) of the proceeds are donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, helping spread the word for prevention and funding the search for a cure. Even celebrities like Nicky Hilton, Sophia Bush and others are jumping on the Breast Cancer awareness bandwagon and have designed shirts to help spread the word. Check out the slideshow to shop our favorite tees and help raise awareness in the process.

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Style Watch: Iman Global Chic Collection For Fall

imageToday’s woman needs high fashion at affordable prices and thankfully Iman Global Chic has everything you need to step up your style game this fall. “The Global Chic girl is a nomad, cool, eclectic, urban and fabulous,” says supermodel Iman about her Home Shopping Network exclusive collection. This season make a statement that’s sporty, versatile and caters to your on-the-go lifestyle. Check out the fierce fall looks on the Iman Global Chic shopping site to help inspire you to update your work-to-weekend wardrobe, then check out our friends over at Essence for other news in fall fashion!

Hot In The Hive: Bounkit’s Amethyst Cuff, As Seen On Leighton Meester

imageAlthough it’s only in its third season, it’s hard to remember a time when there was no “Gossip Girl” in our lives. There were no full-fledged fashionista high-schoolers with wardrobes that would turn Victoria Beckham green with envy, or crazy and twisted love stories that make you wonder … when are these people actually in class? Who did we turn to for juicy, over-indulgent guilty pleasures and lust-worthy fashion items that we knew weren’t affordable but put it on the shopping list anyway, along with numerous other unattainables? I cannot, for the life of me, remember what we used to do on Monday nights at 9pm. Well, their costume department has done it again, and this time it’s with a gorgeous, sparkling bracelet that is elegant, sophisticated, youthful and not exactly cheap. However, the Amethyst Cuff by Bounkit Jewelry is the kind of jewelry that, although flashy and eye-catching, is still feminine and demure enough to wear with a whole variety of outfits. A flowing tops and skinny jeans for daytime would look amazing topped off with this brilliant piece, while a black dress and sky-high heels would stand out even more. Either way, there is no denying the beauty and appeal of this Bounkit cuff, and how much we wish we could just snatch it off Leighton Meester’s dainty little wrist and make a run for it!

Price: $560
Who Found It: idabone was first to add the Bounkit Jewelry’s Amethyst Cuff to the Hive.