Budget Fashion

It's time to announce the fabulous winners of our T. J. Maxx Maxxinista Giveaway! Readers were asked to upload a photo of themselves showing off their Maxxinista style, and to leave a comment on this post. There were so many amazing entries that it made picking just 3 winners unbelievably difficult, but the following three ladies truly shined—and they'll each be receiving one $100 T.J. Maxx giftcard!

#1 Marley Pugh
#6.1 Rebeca
#10 Laura

Congratulations, ladies! Special thanks to T.J. Maxx for supplying the prizes and a HUGE thanks to everyone who participated! Keep reading for more details about each winning look…

Continue reading "Maxxinista Contest Winners" »

I was wondering if you could suggest an outfit for me? I'm going to Atlantic City, New Jersey, to celebrate my 25th birthday with some friends and my boyfriend. We're gonna be dancing and gambling all night. I am going crazy trying to find the perfect outfit and shoes to wear. —Courtney

Great question, Happy Birthday in advance! You are going to have a fun night

So when I need a party outfit, I usually head to Forever 21. Do you like their stuff?

If you like to be comfy, you could pair this amazing top:



...with your fave dark-wash jeans and some black boots. Carry a black open-front drapy cardigan that you can toss on when you're cold, then bunch up in a ball and toss in your purse when you don't need it.

If you want something more girly, try this dress:




or this dress:



...wear with dark opaque tights, comfy black boots (like these) and top with a black blazer that you can keep on or take off depending on the situation.


Clutches are fun but you might forget it someplace, so I'd opt for a fun evening bag with a strap so it stays close by. You could always wrap your cardi or blazer kinda over the bag to keep hands free.

Dear readers: What did you wear to celebrate your last birthday?

Never before has a single article of outerwear garnered so much attention as the leather jacket for Fall 2009. I can't back that up with any hard data, but it certainly seems that way. Earlier in the season, I outlined some of the best places to shop for leather jackets on a budget.

Now the fashionable folks at Stylehive.com have taken it to another level with a round-up of some of the most stylish leather jackets under $250. And if that still seems to high, consider that all these jackets are sold at stores with frequent sales and the occasional online coupon. Plus, a real leather jacket is one of those things you can wear forever.

Are you wearing a leather jacket this season? Did you go faux or real?

Kate Walsh wore a crushed velvet blazer with leggings and lia sophia earrings at the Jimmy Choo for H&M Launch Party in West Hollywood.

From the office to a cocktail party, paired with jeans or an evening gown, the velvet blazer is a versatile piece that will add a luxe look to your holiday wardrobe. Here are some of your best bets on a budget, for every age and figure.

Shown above: she said blazer at jcpenney.com; classic velvet blazer at bodenusa.com; velveteen blazer at chadwicks.com; Love 21 blazer at forever21.com

We've been working our way through youlookfab.com's 10 casual Autumn formulas, interpretting each of Angie's simple style recipes using budget-friendly items from around the web. We've covered Formula #1 and Formula #2, now it's on to Formula #3:

Casual dress + tights or hose + tall boots







Be sure to check out Angie's interpretations of style formulas #1, #2 and #3 for more inspiration!