Showing posts with label Half-Off Hottie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Half-Off Hottie. Show all posts

Friday, February 11, 2011

HALF-OFF HOTTIE: Red for a Cause

Red is all over these days! In everything related to Valentine's Day, and on the runway at Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week's The Heart Truth Red Dress Collection

I absolutely loved Camila Alves in Kaufman Franco's one-shoulder dress. (in red, of course.)























Gorgeous!

This made me loove the idea of a similar dress for Valentine's day. Perhaps shorter (considering the reality and fact that most of us aren't going to a ball, or walking a runway) and found this gem:
























It's versatile enough that you can wear it again and again, so even if it's too late to buy it for VDAY, it's perfect for any other date!

Miss Sixty One-Shoulder Dress, ASOS.com, $116.55

BUY NOW!

Friday, February 4, 2011

HALF-OFF HOTTIE: 60's in Spring

A fabulous trend for this spring is the 60's coat. Michael Kors' Spring 2011 Fashion Show featured this retro beauty:




















Isn't it gorgeous?

I love it. But I'd love even more to not have to shell out serious cash for it, so I did a search and found this 60's inspired piece that will work just as well!























At $55.99, the price can't be beat!

Yellow-so-cute Coat, ModCloth, $55.99

BUY NOW!

Friday, January 28, 2011

HALF-OFF HOTTIE: Flared Trend





















I remember when I was in 6th and 7th grade, I tried the hippie trend. Flower in my hair, a piece of string across my head (I don't understand how this seemed normal to me) and of course, the famous wide leg pants from the 60's and 70's. No one caught on to my retro-style back in the 6th grade, but apparently wide leg jeans are back now!

I love wide leg jeans. They are comfortable and so chic. You can wear them with pumps, flats, or booties.





















Both pairs above are from 7 for all mankind. The Georgia Jean, available at Neiman Marcus, is a great choice, but a pricey one at $189.00.

For an affordable alternative, I recommend this one:























Belle Flare Jean, Victoria's Secret Online, $69.50

BUY NOW!

Friday, January 21, 2011

HALF-OFF HOTTIE: Structured Satchels

Standing in line at Starbucks last week, getting my usual morning pick-me-up, I noticed one of the girls in front of me in line carrying this beauty:























It took a bit of google searching to figure out which brand it was and where it was sold, but I finally found it after only 24 hours of searching!

I found it, alright! It's a Fendi. For the small price of two thousand, six hundred and ninety dollars you can make it yours! (yep, that's $2,690.00. Plus tax.) Click here to see it.

I was so disappointed, but that didn't last very long. I started my search for the next best thing- in an affordable price range, of course.


















Pretty similar, huh?

ALDO, Betak, $50.00

BUY NOW!

Friday, January 14, 2011

HALF OFF HOTTIE: Weather for Leather

There's something about leather and winter that makes these two go together. (disclaimer: I'm referring to the faux kind. Faux is woah!)

Leather dresses are so in.
















The one on the right is Chloe's Whipstitch Leather Dress. Valued at $3.135, you have to wonder how many animals they used. (tear!)





















For a considerably less pricey (and friendlier?) alternative, turn to ASOS.
This River Island Faux Leather Zip Back Dress, priced at $68.94, combines
a few in-the-moment trends (leather+nude+zip back+minidress) into a
fantastic and affordable piece!

Friday, January 7, 2011

HALF OFF HOTTIE: Fit for less!

Celebrities (in general, and excluding the obvious train wrecks) are known for looking their best and buying the best. It doesn't matter where they go, and the gym is no exception. I'm a huge proponent of investing in a high quality gym wardrobe, but not for the reasons you may think. Yes, it's most cost effective to buy better quality, even if more expensive, because things last longer and don't fall apart. We all know that. However, my favorite reason for having quality gym-wear is because if you FEEL good, you'll work out more.
















Maybe I'm just incredibly vain, but who doesn't want to look their best everywhere? You wouldn't wear PJ's to the mall, right? Same with those workout rags that we try to call gym clothes. Maybe they were cute the first time we wore them, but after three times the fabric stretched, the color faded and they now belong in your PJ or cleaning supply drawer. (old gym tees make great dusting cloths- just a tip!)

Enter Lululemon. A Canadian company that also sells the best pants for your butt. Maybe not for you buck, as they cost as much as a pair of nice jeans, but they are definitely worth the investment.























Lululemon Power Y Tank, $52.00 (Katie Holmes has been seen in this one!)












Lululemon, Reverse Groove Pant, $86.00 (worn by Minka Kelly, photo above)
for lululemon pricing and more information, click HERE.

For those that don't want to splurge on gym wear, all is not lost. Lucy, another athletic gear company is also popular among celebrities, but their prices tend to be more affordable, and they usually hold sales and specials.

























Lucy Power Cardio Pant, regularly $78.00, ON SALE for $19.98!

























Lucy Criss Cross Tank, originally $54.00, ON SALE for $16.98

Also, visit the Lucy Sale Page for more incredibly deals!

Friday, December 10, 2010

HALF-OFF HOTTIE: Puffed

Now that the weather has cooled down (or frozen, if you live near me) and winter is officially here, it's time to think of coats. I realized this last week, when I spent 10 minutes in front of my coat closet, sorting through the coats I have accumulated through the years, only to realize that, um, I don't own an actual "winter" coat.

It's true.

I'll be honest, I have shied away from winter coats because my image of them was that they aren't stylish. But upon the realization that I just COULD NOT get away with trenches (even if I have one in every color) or cute thin little wool jackets (Let's face it. A jacket is not a coat), I started looking for one of these "puffer jackets". Or "puff jackets". Or whatever name people call these.




















I think I'm warming up to them now!

Here's an alternative that won't leave you and your wallet out in the cold (no pun intended)























Calvin Klein Belted Puffer Jacket, calvinklein.com, original price $295, on SALE for $99.00!!

BUY IT!

Friday, December 3, 2010

HALF OFF HOTTIE: Fit for a Princess























One word: OBSESSED!

I'm obsessed with Kate Middleton. She is incredibly stylish and fashionable in a very understated kind of way, which nowadays is quite refreshing. She doesn't overdo it because she's marrying a prince. Instead, she expresses her style through her fashion choices which are timeless and classy.

I love the white coat above because it's classic, but with a twist. The black buttons and cowl(ish) neck update the classy, traditional winter coat.

Some affordable alternatives for the "princess" in all of us ;) ...
























Military Inspired Topper, White House Black Market, $228.00

BUY NOW!


















Preston & York Belted Walk Coat, Dillards, $169.00

BUY NOW!


















Miss Sixty Belted Coat, Dillards, $129.00

BUY NOW!


Now go snatch a white coat of your own!

Royally yours,
Half Off Hottie

Friday, November 19, 2010

HALF-OFF HOTTIE: In Case.

Last week I caved and bought a new iPad. I have never thought of myself as a huge tech-y person, but after the first time I held an iPhone in my hands things changed and well, it all went downhill from there. (by downhill I mean iPhone --> MacBook Pro --> iPad. I seriously hope they don't come out with something else, for my bank account's sake.)

Half of the fun of having a new tech gadget is figuring out how to use it. The other half of the fun is DRESSING IT.

Yep, you read that right. I dress my gadgets. (but at least I'm not one of those weird people that names them. That's weird.)

Long gone are the days when phone holders and computer cases were for storing purposes. The greatest designers have started making stylish, chic cases for your favorite phone or computer!

Take for example his red (and fabulous) Oscar de la Renta iPad Clutch. It's functional and so stylish, that you'll probably never want to remove your iPad from it.






















Oscar de la Renta iPad Clutch, oscardelarenta.com, $290.00

Some of us would like to purchase a case that doesn't cost almost as much as the actual iPad, (seriously, it's almost that much), so I began the hunt for the fabulous & affordable iPad case. My favorite? Red of course.



















But WAIT! There's more! It has POCKETS!



















So... not only gorgeous and affordable, but also incredibly functional! Perfect for the office or school. (did I mention it also holds your iPhone? It's like an Apple happy place!)

The Clutch, Happy Owl Studio, $79.99

BUY NOW!

Friday, November 12, 2010

HALF-OFF HOTTIE: Untrenched!

The trench coat has been around for many, many years and it's one of the few pieces that never seem to be out of style. It can be worn year-round (weather-permitting), dressed up, dressed down, and accessorized in so many different ways. Even if it's a timeless item, however, this classic staple has been redone into a shorter version: The cropped trench coat!


















As pictured above, the short version of the classic trench can go well with pretty much anything, so if you're looking for a timeless piece to invest on, take a look at our affordable alternatives of this current revamped must-have!























Cropped Trench Coat, Charlotte Russe, $35.50

BUY NOW!






















Selected Femme Cropped Trench, ASOS.com, $94.82 (50% OFF!)

BUY NOW!























Cropped Trench Coat, Forever21, $29.80

BUY NOW!

Friday, November 5, 2010

HALF OFF HOTTIE: Denim on the Top!

Now that the weather is getting colder (for those of us in the north, anyway) it's time to start thinking about pieces that will keep us warm. Of course, there is not need to sacrifice style & fashion sense, even with the cold.

A great trend that I've seen especially lately, is that of Denim Button Down Shirts.

Like so many of the recent trends, the past seems to keep wanting to come back! Which is perfectly fine by me, denim button down shirts are super cute, functional, and paired with a cute pair of jeans, knee high boots or suede pumps, topped with a colorful scarf and a glorious handbag, you have the perfect casual autumn outfit!!

D&G showed their interpretation on the runway....
















Gorgeous? Of course.

Expensive? Absolutely.

So here's an affordable alternative that is still worthy of a runway walk!























Tuck it in & pair with a ruffled skirt & pumps for a night out on the town or dress it down with some dark wash jeans!

BCBG, BCBGENERATION Denim Buttown Down Shirt, $39.00 (ON SALE!)

BUY NOW!

Friday, October 29, 2010

HALF OFF HOTTIE: Vroom Vroom Vroooooom

I strongly dislike motorcycles, so it comes as a surprise that I have actually started liking the motorcycle trend. It's edgy- unlike me (maybe that's why I like it? It's out of my comfort zone?) and different.

But surprisingly, once on, the motorcycle jacket works. And it can be mixed with classier bits- a pair of sophisticated cognac knee high boots, leggings, and a cross-shoulder bag. Outfit MADE!



















Vanessa Hudgens looks gorgeous in this Catherine Malandrino motorcycle jacket. For a (much more) affordable alternative, try Steve Madden's Faux Leather Motorcycle Jacket.






















Steve Madden Jacket, Macy's, $83.99 (on sale!)

BUY NOW!

Friday, October 22, 2010

HALF OFF HOTTIE: Not quite Hermès, but close enough!

It was a sad day when I was informed that Hermès would not accept my soul as form of payment. (My soul is worth less than the hefty $5,300 to $50,000 price tag for a Birkin? Apparently so.)

But the sadness didn’t last long. Even though I’m not a fan of fakes because, well, it’s just not cool to steal (or lie for that matter), I am a fan of the designer-inspired. If you can’t afford the real thing, but you really like the style of it, maybe you can find a more affordable alternative that resembles it, but doesn’t try to be it, right? Right.

Although I have to say, there is something about nonchalantly carrying a Hermès bag on your arm that screams awesome. And classy rich.




















But for the rest of us...

Don't despair! I found the PERFECT alternative. It's gorgeous, and so close to the above, that I literally saw it through the store window, ran in, grabbed it, held it in my arms for a few moments, and immediately walked towards the cash register to ask if they had more in the back.
And they did. IN TWO COLORS! Clearly, I died for a moment.



















Did I mention it was $45.00? Forty five dollars!!!!!

Aldo handbag, $45.00, aldoshoes.com for stores
(Available also in Orange.)

Friday, October 15, 2010

HALF OFF HOTTIE: Ride into fall with fabulous BOOTS!

I love horses and I love boots, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that I adore the Riding Boot trend. I find equestrianism to be quite a chic sport, which must be why this style of boot belonging to this particular sport can now be seen on every street, every shoe store window, and on so many people, some of which probably don't even know why it's called a Riding boot.

But I digress.

As stylish as Riding Boots can look from outside in, I must admit that upon first trying them on, they posed a problem to my sight. I didn't think they looked feminine enough to me. They look a bit...hard. Edgy, even. (Like a riding boot is supposed to look, maybe?)

However, once I figured out what they pair them with, my problem had a solution. So I came up with a few rules for myself, when wearing my riding boots:

1) Complement your riding boots with something tailored (jean or regular leggings, for example) because a flimsy pair of jeans tucked into your riding boot might make you look like you belong on a horse farm.

2) Skirts & Tights go GREAT with riding boots because they add girlishness and playfulness, two things that complement the bolder, harder look of this boot.

3) Accessorize to add femininity to your look. Ruffles & Flowery details on sweaters help with this too.

Now, with as many different options out there as there are, you might be wondering where to find a good, solid pair. Perhaps one that resembles the Michael Kors pair that Blake Lively wore here:














MICHAEL Michael Kors Greenwich Riding Boot, $350.00

BUY NOW!

For those of us that would like to abstain from trading in our cars for horses to afford this boot, an attractive and affordable alternative:




















PacSun.com, Black Poppy High Buckle Back Boot, $39.50 (plus free shipping AND returns!)

BUY NOW!

Friday, October 1, 2010

HALF OFF HOTTIE: Half off and Right Off The Runway!

This week, I attended the Zang Toi fashion show at Pittsburgh’s first ever Fashion Week. I volunteered for the event and got to help out at the model call, and later in the fashion show, where I got to hang out back stage with the designer and Fashion Week staff and volunteers.

Zang Toi is a New York based Malaysian designer. He’s extremely talented and his clothes were absolutely stunning. He was also incredibly warm and grounded, as were his people.

For this week’s “Half Off” post, I wanted to spotlight one of Zang Toi’s Spring 2011 looks that I totally loved, a flower-detail pink cardigan with a full pleated white skirt.




















It's a simple, colorful, spring look that can be easily put together with these affordable alternatives:




















Old Navy, Women's Beaded Rosette Cardigan, $20.00 (On Sale!)

BUY NOW!
















Tara Jarmon, White Pleated Skirt, $128.00

BUY NOW!

Friday, September 24, 2010

HALF OFF HOTTIE: Hell Bent for Leather

Having just returned from my vacation in Chile this week, I'm super excited to share a find for a piece that I purchased on vacation, and that I can't wait to wear once the weather gets cooler here in the Northeast!




















Leather Jackets have been around for ages, but I love the new ones that are coming out. Form-fitting and very versatile, they can be worn with almost anything! I love how Rachel Bilson paired it with a cute scarf, light top and jeans. Leather jackets pair well with anything, though, so don't be afraid to throw it on over a dress, or pencil skirt with a white blouse underneath!

Real Leather and be expensive and not particularly animal-friendly, so let's take a look at a (synthetic) leather alternative for less!



















(Minus the) Leather MOTO Jacket, Express, $98.00

BUY NOW!

Friday, September 17, 2010

HALF-OFF HOTTIE: Airport styles (don't let your style lag!)

Since I’m going out of the country this week and I’ve already started thinking about what to wear on and off the plane, I figured this would be a perfect opportunity to discuss airport fashions.

It appears that some time ago, someone decided that airports and airplanes are a style-free zone. I’m here to tell you that whoever said that was probably jet-lagged after a 20 hour flight, possibly intoxicated and/or not thinking straight. Obviously. Because while comfort is important, especially on a red-eye flight, this can be attained without compromising your fashion sense.

Airports are fun! People everywhere, awesome duty-free stores, free peanuts, and best of all? a reason to kick back and get a few drinks (albeit tiny. Hello 2 oz. wine glasses!) with no need for a designated driver. Sounds like the perfect party to me!



















I love Carrie Underwood in this airplane-friendly outfit. She's casually dressed, but looks put-together.

Now, let's take a look at this fabulous outfit for less, so that you can save your pennies for your destination.


















Pleated Chiffon Sleeve Tee
Topshop USA, $30.00

BUY NOW!




















LINQ Sleeveless Double Knot Jacket in Oatmeal
Revolve Clothing, $64.00 (an sale!)

BUY NOW!






















Truck Jeans Essential Skinny Jean
Alloy, $19.99 (on sale!)

BUY NOW!





















Yosi Samra Samara Flat
shoptheshoebox.com, $59.00

BUY NOW!

Ready for take-off? Go make the jetway your runway!

Friday, September 10, 2010

HALF-OFF HOTTIE: Vested Interest

I frequently look through the pages of different fashion and celebrity magazines to see what people are wearing, and from that I decide what I like, don't like, and become my very own "fashion police" of sorts as I realize what works and what doesn't. (Let's be honest. Some things just do NOT look good. On anyone. Skin-tight leopard, anyone?)

Looking through an article on celebrity airport styles, this look caught my eye:






















Doesn't she look gorgeous? I *love* the entire outfit, head to toe. I had everything in my closet to recreate it, except for the vest, so I started shopping around.

Although I do not know where this particular sweater vest comes from, I found a few ranging from frugal to very expensive.

Let's start with the super expensive.






















Donna Karan Knitted Cashmere Vest $1,295.00

Buy It!

A few affordable alternatives....





















Gap, Draped Sweater Vest, $44.50

Buy It!

And an even better bargain:





















Old Navy, Women's Linen Blend Open-Front Vest, $22.50

Buy It!