Champagne Tastes, Beer Budget

If you're anything like me, you may find that your tastes occasionally exceed your budget. And by occasionally, I mean every single day of my entire life. The good news is that it is often pretty easy to find a similar, more budget-friendly version of the item you're lusting after. I'm not talking knock-offs, because that's just tacky. For me, going cheaper this doesn't work all the time. There's something to be said for the quality and durability (and sometimes, the luxury) of higher priced items (not to mention the very real issues created by the fast fashion industry). But designers across many brands are inspired by the same trends, so sometimes you can scratch that itch for less. Here are some of my favorite high/low options right now:

DAY

This style of sturdy black heel is a great addition to any closet. It's simple and timeless without being boring, and looks great with dresses or pants. DvF's version has a mini platform and a slightly almond-shaped toe, making them flattering and walkable. H&M's version is nearly identical (even more evident in person). If you'd wear these heels all the time, the higher quality version is a good investment and probably infinitely more comfortable.

A roomy duffel in a classic plaid print seems like a smart buy -- think of it sitting in your closet, just waiting for fall weekend adventures. This Abercrombie & Fitch tote seems like it would be great for long weekends or even just a busy Saturday. Old Navy's version is larger and might fit a week's worth of clothes (if you're a brilliant packer!).

A denim shirtdress ticks a lot of fall boxes: 70's vibe, cool denim, etc. The Alexa Chung x AG Jeans dress has an edgy downtown vibe. H&M's version is softer and more relaxed, perfect for work or play.

If you're looking for a smart plaid coat, this is your lucky year. This Tory Burch coat is so elegant and ladylike, and a great investment if you live in a part of the world where you'll be wearing a coat often. I was really tempted by this very similar H&M topper -- I particularly love it because it isn't lined, so it's light weight makes it perfect for my neck of the woods (Central Florida rarely sees temps lower than the mid-60s). 

NIGHT

Right now I don't have anyplace to wear a dramatic lace gown, and that's a damn shame. This Suno lace midi dress is modern and elegant but a bit pricey (and available in ridiculously limited sizes). I actually love this full-length version from H&M more, and for just $70 it might make sense to pick it up and wait for the right event to appear (this seems like a good time to link to one of my favorite posts about learning to shop your closet).

Statement earrings don't get quite as much love as statement necklaces, but sometimes they're just the way to finish a look. I love these Oscar de la Renta beauties -- they have so much energy and plenty of sparkle. For the same effect (but a little less dough), these Bollywood-esque drops are fun.

A long gold maxi skirt probably isn't on the top of your fall shopping list, but maybe it should be. This sparkly alice + olivia skirt would be so pretty for parties or maybe even a fall wedding (I've always wanted to attempt a Sharon Stone moment and wear a crisp button down with a full skirt). I also really love Anthropologie's version, which is much more toned down and appropriate for day or night.

Unbelievably, I found a near dupe for my beloved deco heel shoes. The Kate Spade heels still give me major heart-eyes -- I love that sparkly stacked heel. Zara's version has a very similar effect, though the mirrored heel is replaced by a clear heel with gold detail. I haven't seen it in person, but I trust the heel veers more high fashion and less stripper.

Fall Wishlist Part III

5. Retro Denim

If there's one trend that seems like a no-brainer, it's the cool, retro 70's vibe that seems to be infusing the racks this season. The disco era gave us plenty of hideous fashion, but if you extract just a few of the best shapes, the right color palette, and the boho spirit of the 70's, you end up with some great pieces that work with a modern closet.

Case in point, a great button front denim skirt -- if you just add one piece to your wardrobe this fall, consider this one. It seems like everyone made a version of it; it's versatile, flattering, fun. It will seem very on-trend right now, but it has a timelessness that means you'll be able to pull it out of your closet for many seasons to come.

Alexa Chung x AG Cool Denim Skirt -- I mean, the name says it all. It's cool. If you're a fan of Alexa Chung's modern manic pixie dream girl vibe, this is the one for you. A little on the long side, but still slim and chic.

A.P.C. Button Front Denim Skirt -- something about the way the buttons extend all the way to the hem makes this seem like the quintessentially French version of this skirt. A perfect little weekend staple.

River Island 70's A-line Button Skirt -- this mini version gives you plenty of room to play with fun tights (and you'll love it all over again once summer rolls around).

ASOS Denim True Midi Skirt with Pockets -- a longer, slinkier version in great pale wash.

I already looked at some options for styling this skirt, but since it's so versatile, let's try a few more...

I miss those New York lazy weekend days when you'd head out for coffee and then maybe do some window shopping, walk through the park, check out the new exhibit at The Met, and find a spot for a long, leisurely dinner. Throw on this skirt with a cute sweater and comfy sandals and you're ready for all of it. With a print blouse, little jacket, and chunky shoes you'll have a perfect work look -- just add tights for those super cold days.

6. Cool Moto

As a Libra, I usually have an aversion to asymmetrical looks. You won't find any handkerchief hems or one shoulder dresses in my closet. But I LOVE a moto style jacket, which usually features uneven draping and a very prominent off-center zipper. Go figure. And apparently everyone loves pretending to be a bit of a biker, because moto jackets are everywhere right now. Here are a few of my favorites:

H&M Biker Jacket -- it is kind of amazing how good faux leathers can be. Totally classic style, teeny price.

H&M Wool Blend Coat -- I just saw this coat in my local store was tempted to snap it up right away. The traditional moto is fitted and hits right at the waist, but this long, oversized version is so cool.

Banana Republic Leather Buckle Moto Jacket -- I was eyeing two different blush leather jackets last year and I totally regret not pulling the trigger. While not a classic fall color, this pale pink color is fun and flattering.

Theory Kinde Leather Sleeve Moto Jacket -- I love the mix of materials and sleek shape.

A great leather jacket goes with everything, you don't really need to style it. But let's do it anyway...

Throw on a leather jacket over your favorite floaty dress and flats to toughen up a sweet look. A cute little date look, no? And I love doing the all black thing sometimes -- skinny jeans, good boots, a few simple accessories. An easy look when you have zero time to think but still want to look chic and pulled together.

Wishlist Wednesday: The Perfect Silhouette

The wrap dress gets a lot of love. It's simple, it's versatile, it has a nice feminine shape, and everyone loves the woman most associated with the wrap dress, Diane von Furstenberg (can I get a "YASSS Queen"?). But here's what I think: the wrap dress is overrated.

Go on, clutch those pearls.

If you're looking for a flattering, feminine dress silhouette, I'd like to make a case for the shirt dress. A classic shirt dress is super flattering. It can be demure or sexy, subtle or incredibly bold. The belted version, my personal favorite, instantly creates that sleek, feminine silhouette, but without the fit issues that a wrap dress is prone to. How many of us spend time trying to figure out how to prevent the gaping and shifting that inevitably happens with our favorite wrap dresses? Maybe you wear a camisole, maybe you add a hook or snap, maybe you just safety pin that bad boy and call it a day. If you're standing still, a wrap dress looks great. But if you need to move and bend and generally behave like a normal human being, a wrap dress can be a real bitch.

The shirt dress is a fall staple, and one of the few fall fashions that can be enjoyed in just about any climate (like, for example, sweltering Florida!). Here are some of the versions that I'm loving this season:

1. Mango Cotton Shirt Dress ($43) -- a very streamlined version available in several traditional colors, and also this pretty pale pink. This isn't the color that comes to mind when you think fall, but how great and fresh would it look with all of those autumnal shades like plum, oxblood, forest green, and navy?

2. Boden Silk Shirt Dress ($198) -- I am in LOVE with the mod feel of this print. I want to layer it up with tights, a blazer, and chunky heels for cool days, but it works just as well with bare legs and sandals if you just need to wear it right away (no judgement!).

3. Alexa Chung for AG Jeans Denim Mini Shirt Dress ($325) -- this is how the downtown girl does a shirt dress: very slim, pretty short, all denim. One of my favorites, for sure. 

4. Samantha Sung Audrey Forest Stretch Cotton Dress ($585) -- I love this print, because it is almost identical to the wallpaper I had in my childhood bedroom. If that's not enough to sell you, think about how flattering a bright, pretty print is around your face. 

5. A.P.C Shirt Dress ($325) -- the very chic, very French way to do a shirtdress. Fit is so important in this style, and you know the tailoring on this one will be impeccable. 

6. River Island Gray Check Shirt Dress ($70) -- I'll be honest, I'm not a huge fan of Buffalo check, but this gray and white version is kind of intriguing. Add a long, chunky cable knit cardigan and ankle boots for a super cozy fall look. (*linking to Polyvore because River Island's site seems to be down)

7. River Island Beige Color Block Shirt Dress ($100) -- the color blocking is cool, and the black ribbon belt gives you a very teeny waist.

8. Dorothy Perkins Black D-Ring Shirt Dress ($59) -- my favorite of the bunch. A perfectly fitted black dress is heaven, and you can't beat the price.


A few fit tips...

*I think the belted version is most flattering (particularly if you are curvy), but the boxier/drapier cuts look great if you want help creating a shape
*Watch the length -- people should not wonder if you just, in fact, belted some old button-down shirt
*A fabric with a little weight is best -- a light fabric can get too floaty and reveal the lumps and bumps, but a fabric with some heft will make sure the dress lays perfectly