London Calling....

Surprise fashionistas! Another Posh + Pennywise favorite is headed across the pond....If you haven't already heard, Nordstrom announced that it will team with British powerhouse,Topshop, to up the ante on the trend scale. Starting in September, Nordstrom will bring the retailer into 14 of its department stores around the country. Each Nordstrom location will install 2,500-square-foot Topshop women’s and 1,500-square-foot Topman departments.

“We think our customers are going to love their take on trend-led fashion at great prices,” said Pete Nordstrom, Nordstrom’s President of Merchandising. And don't be surprised if you find some stylish exclusives only available at Nordstrom. Happy shopping!

image via FabSugar

Look For Less: 2012 CFDA Awards

Let’s be honest, the highlight of any good awards show isn't who wins or loses, it's watching celebs roll down that red carpet! Monday Night, the Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center played host to the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) Fashion Awards, which celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. The grandiose evening was packed full of fashion favorites, as designers and celebrities alike mixed and mingled.

Check out a few of my favorite looks from the night below and the posh + pennywise version to help you get the look for less!

Julianne Hough in Kaufman Franco: As a proud member of the big boobie club, I love a good halter! Halters are great for women who have a larger bust line because they give a little extra support but still ooze sex appeal like the deep set V of Julianne's dress...but be careful ladies, if your dress is cut too low you might want to invest in double-sided tape. Lets face it, nobody likes a nip slip. Just ask Tara Reid..



Image via omg.yahoo.com
Look for Less: $465, theoutnet.com

 Busy Phillips in Maison Martin: I love how Busy's Maison Martin romper hits her curves in all that right places, making it incredibly figure flattering. Because rompers often tend to be on the blousy side, make sure you look for tailored pieces with sleek lines If your body type is more bottom heavy (pear shaped) to avoid adding "weight."  Freaking out over her fringe? If you're not the DIY type then try a long necklace like the one from Forever 21 to recreate the look.

Image via omg.yahoo.com
Look for Less: $200, theoutnet.com (romper) / $12.80, Foreve 21 (necklace)



Heather Graham in Nicole Miller: Dresses with a raised hem are a huge hit for summer and a great way to show off all that hard work from the gym. I love how the hint of ruffles give off a playful yet etheral feel.

Image via omg.yahoo.com
Look for Less: $338, edressme.com

Who wears short shorts?

Can you imagine anything sexier and sweeter for summer than lace shorts?

One of the season’s “must haves,” the shorts are most commonly seen in  feminine shades of white, ivory, and soft pink – but more and more, designers are beginning to venture outside the box so keep an eye out for bolder colors and even neons…these definitely aren’t your grandma’s doilies.

Not sure how to wear a pair? Steer clear of Bo Peep’s style and try mixing your shorts with the pieces below:

·         Tops: Oversized silky blouses

·         Outerwear: Neutral blazers, think tailored and streamlined (nothing too bulky because the shorts have a flowy feel)

·         Jewelry: Bold statement pieces to add a splash of color, or something romantic like pearls

·         Shoes: Wedges, booties, or ballet flats

From top left to right:
Lulus.com, $35.00
houseoffraser.co.uk, $34
Style by Marina, $48
Go Jane, $35.00

Look for Less: 2012 Met Gala

Now that award's season has come and gone, we're left with a stylish void. At least nine "grueling" months of waiting until we're again glued to our screens oohing and aweeeing at the glamorous gowns worn by the rich and famous...but thanks to the annual Met Gala that wait is made all the more bearable.

Last week New York City was set aglow for the 2012 Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art!Styles reminiscent of the glamorous days of Old Hollywood, modern metallics, and vibrant shades of citrus, reigned supreme. Check out my favorite red carpet looks from the night and the posh + pennywise version to help you get the look for less!

Old School Glam
The Look: Camilla Belle in Ralph Lauren
For Less: Adrianna Papell, $238, Nordstrom



Modern Metallics
The Look: Cameron Diaz in Stella McCartney
For Less: Aidan Mattox, $324 (Sale) Neiman Marcus


   

Citrus
The Look: Ginnifer Goodwin in Monique Lhuillier
For Less: BCBG Max Azria Amber Strapless, $298, Lord & Taylor



When life gives you lemons...LOOK STYLISH!

Now that things are warming up (at least in Dallas), designers are experimenting with a wash of bright colors, most prominently all things yellow. The epitome of sunshine, citrus, and happiness; there’s nothing mellow about yellow for spring 2012. This season we’re not limited to just one hue, instead look for a variety of shades ranging from neon to juicy citrus tones.

Yellow can often times come across as a very in-your-face palette, but when paired with other soothing colors this trend has a lot of stylish potential. Try mixing a subdued shade of yellow like primrose or lemon with earthy tones.

Image via fashionising.com, Mulberry S/S ‘12

Top: Lemon Cap Sleeve T, $24, debenham’s

Skirt: Steffen Schraut Frappe Boga City, $200, stylebop.com

Handbag: $40, H&M

Wedges: N.Y.L.A. Colby Wedges, $40, DSW

Cuff: J. Crew Crystal & Resin Cabochon Cuff, $50, net-a-porter.com

Feeling the inspiration via Wiz Khalifa’s beats? Try something a little more edgy by pairing a fierce shade of yellow with black as seen at Barbara Bui, where the golden hue injected life into the collection.



Image via fashionising.com, Barbara Bui S/S ‘12

Top: Markus Lupfer, $206, glassworks-studios.com

Shorts: Rib Panel Knickers, $40, TopShop

Clutch: Joia Envelope Clutch, $46, tobi.com

Pumps: Vince Camuto Jasin Pump, $89 (sale), shoptheshoebox.com

Rings: Flutter by Jill Golden Felix Ring, $75 (Sale), gargyle.com

Fashion Ring, $58, maxandchloe.com  

 

Check out the tips below for a few yellow tips & tricks from the pros…

·               Wearing yellow runs the risk of making skin look patchy or overly-tanned, so choosing the right shade is vital. If you have a pinkish-whitish complexion go for warmer shades like mustard. Look for colors under the beige-gold category but are still visually yellow. For olive skin, bright yellow and neon are the most flattering. The more vibrant the color, the more it’ll compliment your warm skin.

·               Keep the silhouette clean and modern. Steer clear of obnoxious yellow print combos, geometrically equated lines are IT for spring 2012.

·               Citrus shades are HUGE! Wear them boldly or in soft pastels like lemon meringue and summer sorbets to channel the 1950s fashion revival seen at Louis Vuitton.

Happy Hunger Games Fashionistas!



Alright fashionistas, lets cut to the chase...as much as we loved the girl power booty kickings dished out by Hunger Games leading lady Catniss Everdeen, it was the outrageous style and makeup that really caught our eyes. If like me you live for fake eyelashes, you were mezmorized by the out-of-this-world creations from Paperself fluttering atop the lids of Effie Trinket (check out actress Elizabeth Banks as Effis Trinkett in the new campaign for China Glaze).

 

Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinkett, image via China Glaze
  

Launched in 2009, the UK based company Paperself  "is a platform for the innovative exploration of paper for contemporary product design."  Paperself aims to provide a stylish alternative for eco-conscious living. "This is the beginning of a paper revolution."

Visit their website http://www.paperself.com/ for styles, but save yourself the shipping ladies and visit your local Sephora to keep it Posh + Pennywise! Most styles are currently on sale, happy hunger games! And may the odds be ever in your favor!

The Dallas Socials: Featured Blogger

Hey fashionistas!

This week I'm the Featured Blogger on The Dallas Socials . Make sure you check out my interview all about Posh +Pennywise and my passion for helping women look fierce on a dime. Find out my favorite fashion finds and what I never leave home without! XOXO

Kiss Me I'm Stylish!

It isn’t being green…or stylish, and with St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner you definitely need to be able to pull off both! Chunk the tacky “Kiss Me I’m Irish” tee and check out the pieces below for a look that will have everyone green with envy. Erin Go Bragh fashionistas!

From left to right:

Essie Nail Polish, $8, Zappos.com

Green Peplum Dress, $29, Dorothy Perkins

Wedges, $70, Zara

Skinny Jeans, $49, Miss Selfridge

Drop Earrings, $15, yesstyle.com

Racerback Maxi, $30, Old Navy

Fiorella Roka Trifold, $44, johnlewis.com

Pencil Skirt, $35, Dorothy Perkins

Wendy sunglasses, $14, fredflare.com

Shirt, $46, monki.com

Oceans Twenty-Twelve

Be it serene seascape prints, mother-of-pearl inspired fabrics, or silhouettes that mimic jellyfish, this spring it’s all about under the sea chic. At Paris fashion week designers created a stylish water world complete with gowns stitched with shards of coral as seen at Alexander McQueen. 

Images via style.com
Alexander McQueen, Versace, Missoni, and Versace

Look for light and airy pieces that have a lot of movement (like the ocean’s waves), and bold sea colors like coral and aqua. Try the looks below to transform the runway to real life…and ladies, leave the seashell bra at home.

Chanel S/S '12 (Image via style.com)

Blouse: $33, shopruche.com

Jeans: $44, Dorothy Perkins

Ring: $101, maxandchloe.com

Belt: $28, Top Shop

Wedges: Sam Edelman, $120, heels.com



Salvatore Ferragamo S/S '12 (image via style.com)
Crop Vest: $48, Top Shop
Maxi Skirt: $25, Old Navy
Shell Necklace: $34, Macy's
Bracelets: $8, JC Penney
Sandals: Sam Edelman, $87, Nordstrom



Antonio Berardi S/S '12 (image via style.com)
Sequined Top: $40, shopruche.com
Wide Leg Trousers: $47 (Sale), Nordstrom
Sandals: $45, heels.com
clutch: $28, Miss Selfridge
Pearl Shell Ring: $51, talullahtu.co.uk



Throw Some Beads On It

Fat Tuesday has officially arrived, which means it's time to kick your inhibitions to the curb and party like a rock star... at least for one night (hey, even Cinderella got a night off). And nothing says Mardi Gras like BEADS! But before you end up on the evening news, try something a little less Girls Gone Wild and a little more Girls Gone Glam with the fab finds below.

The only thing you’ll need to flash this time is your credit card.

From Left to Right (Top):
MaxMara, $285, matchesfashion.com
Opaque Necklace, $7.80, forever 21
Moneis Resin Link Necklace, $290, farfetch.com

From Left to Right (Bottom):
Glass Bead Necklace, $32, Debenhams
KEnneth Jay Lne, $155, pret-a-beaute.com
Blu Bijoux, $23 (sale), maxandchloe.com
Opera Violet Pearl Necklace, $10 (sale), 1928.com

Eye Love Eyeliner!

Like most beauty junkies, I'm always on the search for the latest and greatest new product. I'm willing to try just about anything to achieve perfection, and after too many frustrating days of smudged liquid liner or pencil liner that loses color and smears halfway through the day, I've finally found the perfect accessory for my eyes....gel eyeliner! Specifically, Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner by Maybelline. I love how smooth the liner glides across my lash line without irritating my eyes or my eyeshadow - because lets face it, on Saturday night we invest way too much time perfecting our smokey eye just to let the liner screw it up!

Why It's a Fab New Addition to Your Makeup Bag:            

• The formula is oil-free and holds a highly concentrated pigments in a clear gel base
• It's smudge-proof and waterproof, so say bye bye to sloppy raccoon eyes!
• Use the included brush to easily control the intensity of the line for added drama.                                          
• Safe for sensitive eyes and ophthalmologist-tested

How To:

• For an everyday defined look, glide liner across lash line from the inner to the outer corner in small strokes.
• More of a drama queen? Extend and thicken the line from the outer corner up towards your brow. Or try channeling your inner pinup and wing it out.

For more tips, click on the link to check out this tutorial from Maybelline:  High Impact Green  . And if you have any tips or tricks, let me know!

Eye Candy

Forget Russel Stovers and Godiva, chocolate is so last season! Instead of gorging out on that heart-shaped box , save the calories and treat yourself to a little accessory eye candy for Valentine’s Day…at least it won’t go to your hips!

 

Birdcage Umbrella, $36, johnlewis.com



 It's almost time for spring, so why not get a leg up on those April showers with this umbrella by LuLu Guiness. It will keep you warm and dry with a thousand sweet kisses. XOXO

 

Necklace, $40, bonadrag.com



He loves me, he loves me not, he loves me...Save the daisies and show him that YOU care (kind of) with this Sweet Nothings necklace by In God We Trust.



Ring, $16, modcloth.com



Tired of being the tough girl? Show your softer side with this Portable Patisserie ring. Zero calories!





Heart Aviators, $16, American Eagle



The look of love isn't just in your eyes, it's covering them with these super cute aviators from American Eagle.

Heart Belt, $39, Asos

Show your favorite pair of Levis some love with this Pieces Fortune belt.





Tarina Tarantino Mod Ring, $50, Zappos



And finally, for the ex that just won't go away....maybe this time he'll get the message.

Can I dress you up in my love?

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and whether you’re flying solo or lookin’ so crazy in love, you should still rock a frock as fabulous as you! For daytime or date night, show your style a little love and try out one of these fierce finds for under $50.

A Vday staple, red is always a holiday must-have. Steer clear of a snoozefest and look for dresses with sexy accents that will make you stand out, like the lacey dress below from Jane Norman.

From Left to Right:
Go Get 'Em One Shoulder, $48, Modcloth.com
Tulip Shift Dress, $27, Dorothy Perkins
Red Lace V Front, $41, janenorman.co.uk

Pretty in pink is more than just a movie this year! Try a candy coated version to brighten up your wardrobe, or play up your softer side with a lighter hue.

From Left to Right:
Mod Revival Colorblock, $35, shopruche.com
Hippie Chic, $36 (sale), generalplants.com.au
Pink Dress, $24, H&M

If red just isn’t your thing, and pink is too girly go for a sultry shade of purple. Pick a dress with roushing around the tummy and hips like the lilac piece from Dorothy Perkins to slenderize problem areas.  

From Left to Right:
Lilac Dress, $44, Dorothy Perkins
Purple Dress, $30 (sale), Delia's
Dress, $45, Alloy

No matter which color you choose be confident and be you!

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream!

 

After months of blaring neons, it’s time to soften things up for spring. Seeking inspiration from hues reminiscent of ice-cream parlor treats, spring 2012 will focus on the light and feminine. Shades of lemon, baby blue, spearmint and lavender will add a delicate touch of flirty femininity to your spring wardrobe.  

Make sure you mix your pastels with neutrals or darks to add depth to your ensemble. Head to toe pastels is never a good idea. My Little Pony is for small children, not grown women! Take a hint from the designers below who combine chocolate brown and tinted neutrals like stone with a flash of color to make pieces pop.  

From Left to Right: Erdem S/S '12, Louis Vuitton S/S '12, Phillip Lim 3.1 S/S '12, DVF S/S '12
Images via style.com

Unsure how to recreate the look on your own? Try this look for less to transform the runway to real life. 

From Left to Right:
Blazer, $29, Dorothy Perkins / Pencil Skirt, $41, Miss Selfridge
Blouse, $47, Top Shop / Belt, $34, BCBG
Pumps, $47, Asos / Clutch, $40, Zara / Sunglasses, $7.50, Wet Seal

Color confused? Try warm tones like blush, cream, or peach if you have blonde, red, brown or black hair with reddish or golden tints, and skin with a warmer undertone.  If you have more of a pinkish skin tone with fairer hair try cool tones like lavender, and spearmint. If pastels feel a little too ‘lady-like’ for you, try easing your way into the trend by only incorporating the colors into your accessories.

  

From Left to Right:
Necklace, $11 (sale), JC Penney / Watch, $75, Nordstrom
Nail Polish, $14, Ulta / Wedges, $50, modcloth.com
Clutch, $32, Top Shop / Head wrap, $5.50, Wet Seal
Sunglasses, $35, Top Shop / Lipgloss, $26, Lancome



Trend Report: Headed for Style

From the red carpet to the runways, headbands are topping off the style of celebrities and models alike. At the 2012 Golden Globes, Charlize Theron dazzled in a vintage piece by Cartier, and Michelle Williams accentuated her ensemble with a vintage satin and jewelled Fred Leighton piece.  Louis Vuitton accented whimsical designs with petite headbands at the S/S ’12 show.


Images via Marie Claire and Huffington Post

 This is definitely one trend that can easily be transformed from day to night. Check out my favorites under $50 below and fwe of my tips to help you pick the right headband and how to style it.

·         For a faux but flattering poof,  push your headband a few inches back from your head and then pull it forward so it pushes the front section of your hair up slightly

·         If your hair is thin/fine don’t overwhelm it with wide headbands that cover your hair, stick to the more petite styles.  

·         If your hair is thick, wider headbands are the go. Steer clear of anything too petite unless it’s a headwrap.

·         A thick headband worn on your hairline will shorten an elongated face.

·         If you’re having trouble trying to get your headband to stay in place then mist your hair with a little bit of hairspray before putting in your headband to get it to stay put.

From Top to Bottom, Left to Right:
Hematite / Crystal Mesh Headband, $8.90, Windsor
Crystal Trio, $40, witchery.com.au
Feather Headband, $20 (Sale), Banana Republic
MEtallic Headband, $15, Sephora
Tasha "Goodness" Feather Headband, $38, Nordstrom
Deepa Gurnani Gold Headband, $46 (sale), matchesfashion.com
Flower Bow Metal Headband, $7.50, Wet Seal

Trend Report: 2012 Golden Globes

Color Trend of the night: nude / blush - Neutrals reigned supreme as seen on Charlize Theron in Dior Haute Couture and Giuliana Rancic in Basil Soda.

Style Trend: Mermaid - Apparently everybody wants to be a Disney princess because the Aerial inspired style was all over the red carpet.

(Elle MacPherson in Zac Posen, Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang)

Best Dressed: Zachary Levi / Heidi Klum in Calvin Klein / Salma Hayek in Gucci - Levi channeled old Hollywood cool in his navy suit and looked – dare I say it – very dapper, while Klum kept it simple and sleek in a nude Calvin Klein piece. My absolute fav of the night though is hands down Salma Hayek, from her hair to her dress to her dazzling personality Hayek was on point!

Best Version of Upscale David’s Bridal: Angelina Jolie in Altelier Versace - Maybe it was the white satin wrap she draped over her shoulders during the actual award’s ceremony or the solo pop of color on the neckline – either way, Angelina who still looked beautiful (as always), looked like she belonged more with the cast of Bridesmaids.

Most Useless Accessory: Madonna’s leather glove - The morning after and I still don’t get it…

Favorite Accessory: Emma Stone’s bedazzled shoulder pads, Lanvin - They’re bedazzled…if you know me, you’re not surprised. I’m a sucker for sparkle.

Best Backside: Lea Michele in Marchesa - Drama Drama Drama, you definitely won’t see Rachel Berry rocking something this fierce at the senior prom!

Played it too sage: Freida Pinto in Prada - Normally I think Freida Pinto can do no wrong, but I’m sad to say I’m so disappointed with this one – Pinto looked beautiful, but her boring Prada frock did nothing for her figure. Snoozefest.

Worst Hair: Zooey Deschanel - Another big disappointment, I’m normally a HUGE fan of absolutely everything Zooey Deschanel wears. I just can’t imagine a world where lady chops are cool. Sighhh.

Guilty Pleasure: Paula Patton in Monique Lhullier - How can you look at Mrs. Robin Thicke and not smile? Her gorgeous marigold gown gave the red carpet a much needed dose of cheer!

Best Va Va Voom: Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji - While I’m not a big fan of lavender (in general), you can’t deny that the cut of Octavia Spencer’sTadashi Shoji dress didn’t hit her curves in all the right places.

Girl Crush: Reese Witherspoon in Zac Posen -  Not only did she rock the arrivals in her Zac Posen gown, but she was one of the select few who successfully pulled off the messy hair trend.

Underdressed Mess: Connie Britton (LA Vintage Shop) - Don’t get me wrong I love a good vintage find – but a sundress? At the Golden Globes? Maybe she didn’t realize who was going to be there? I’m just saying is all.

*Images via omg.yahoo.com