Hasta La Ideas

With the arrival of the Obamas in the White House, all eyes are on Washington, and it’s not just our new president who’s capturing our attention. Michelle Obama is demonstrating a true flair for fashion, and her individual style is garnering more than a few fans. With simple lines and beautiful tailoring, she brings to mind another first lady and fashion icon. Already we can identify some aspects of her signature style: her penchant for flats, Erickson Beamon floral brooches, belted dresses, and complexion-flattering jewel tones and pastels. For anyone who was left in doubt of her stylistic prowess, her Michelle Obama’s inaugural gown cemented her place among the other formidable fashion mavens who have graced the White House. Check out the slideshow to see some pieces that exemplify the new Mrs. O’s wardrobe.

No matter what sign you are or what the stars have in store for you this week, being stylish doesn’t have to leave you bankrupt! Times may be tough, but just because money might be tight doesn’t mean your clothing options have to be! This week, whether you have a big project at work with a promotion on the line, a night out with friends but little room for splurging, or need a debt-free way to look stunning on a date, Stylehive’s Stylescopes are here to let you know what you may be faced with this week, along with the affordable must-have item to match! Geminis will get to shop for that one multipurpose item they can’t live without, Cancers will see how a professional-chic look will help get them the recognition they deserve at work, and Virgos are destined to have a cozy night in with the gal pals! Check the slideshow for your sign and see how you can dress for less this week!

If you take after Carrie Bradshaw and a part of you dies every time you slip off your stilettos, force yourself to give those 4-inch heels a rest! It’s time to embrace a more comfy, funky, fresh kind of footwear that you may have previously kept banished to your closet, except for those rare occasions when you’d actually muster up the motivation to hit the gym. With upscale urban trendsetters like Creative Recreation, high-quality imports like Superga, and updated embellished versions of old favorites like Converse, today’s hippest sneakers make a strong case against any stigma against them! And with the right accessories, like a cool coordinating scarf, you can easily turn your casual look from frumpy to fly – and still stay comfortable! Check out more sweet sneaker finds in the slideshow – from wild stand-out colors to subtle pastel patterns, there’s a hue, height, and shape to satisfy anyone’s athletic shoe appetite! You’ll think twice about subjecting these sneaks to scuffs by only wearing them for a work-out. Click the slideshow and see these sneaks for yourself!

When it comes to jewelry, especially chains and anything with a rocker edge, I have a tendency to think more is more. Well, apparently I’m not the only one! Layered necklaces have been taken to a whole new level. Givenchy showed about a million little chain necklaces layered over a sleek pantsuit, but these necklaces don’t have to be only for your goth moments– they’re perfect for spicing up a regular white t-shirt and jeans or even a prim and proper dress. Throw out the old thinking that you have to take off a piece of jewelry before you leave the house– instead, add more! Layer on some of your own chains for a heavy metal look, or remix an old chain belt into a necklace. My absolute favorite jewelry designer, Justin Giunta for Subversive Jewelry, does chain necklaces like no one else. These messy, pre-layered necklaces are an amazing mix of chains and found objects that won’t weigh you down! Check out the slideshow for options with prices ranging from budget to bank-breaking!

One of my style challenges is incorporating belts into my everyday outfits because I never know when and where to do it. That’s why browsing through StyleDiary is always a good source of inspiration! So coming across Canadian stylediarist anatomyofanartist was the perfect answer to my belting dilemma. She takes loose silhouettes like trapeze dresses and cardigans, adds a belt, and voila! Instant chic. Whether going to the dentist or hanging out with friends, she always looks her best and says “dressing up is not solely a special occasion thing.” I completely agree! To see some of anatomyofanartist’s chic belted looks, click on the slideshow!