How to Look Like a Million Bucks for Less

Once upon a decade ago, single-gals and twenty-something girls watched Carrie Bradshaw unfold an embracing truth, “When I first moved to the city, I would buy Vogue instead of food, because I just felt it nourished me more.”  Bravo!

It was a justifying moment. A truth many of us would never admit. For the first time in forever, we all realized that in New York City, A.K.A. Fashion Central, it was almost instinctual to choose labels over lunch, shoes over bills, and magazines over unlimited-metro cards. The twenty-something girl’s guilty pleasure of misplaced boundaries was exposed—and it felt good to be bad. Who cared if you slept on a mattress, at least you looked good. Right? Over the years we saw Carrie place Monolo’s before rent, and as a guilty shopaholics ourselves,  (let’s face it, anybody reading this is pretty much obsessed) we wanted to help wean your expensive taste to a more moderate/sensible budget.

The great thing about New York City, no matter how tight the budget, there is always “something” that mimics “Wait is that Emilio Pucci?” the world will never know. There are plenty of stores out there that furnish great items for bargain prices. All it takes is a little research. Sample sales will forever be your friends; Forever 21 will keep you young, and H&M posh. To show you how, let’s see how far $200 can take you.

via How to Look Like a Million Bucks for Less | Runway Trends.

31 New Hair Ideas for 2011

Get inspired by these styles. There’s a fresh, sexy look for everyone.

A TIGHT BRAID

Apply gel to your roots and use a brush to pull hair into a high ponytail. Then braid the tail, securing the ends with an elastic. “It’s good for a party, because it looks great with a cocktail dress,” says hairstylist Ryan Trygstad of the Marie Robinson Salon in New York City.

A BLUNT CUT

Long layers are unfailingly pretty—don’t get us wrong—but updating your look with a more severe cut like this one is a quick way to add drama to straight hair. Here’s what to ask your stylist for: A cut that’s “blunt at the shoulders and has strong fringe,” says hairstylist Garren of the Garren New York Salon, who created this look. “The sides and back are slightly layered to create the thatchy, wispy look.” To style it, pull out pieces on the sides and mist all over with hair spray to hold the sharp, graphic shape.

A MINI POMPADOUR

Not all poufs are created equal—and this one is definitely more sophisticated, less Snooki. For this half-up style, Buckett says to grab the section of hair on the top of the head between the temples and tease it at the roots to create height. Smooth it out with your fingers and pin down the hair at the center of your crown; let the rest loose.

ACCESSORIZED UPDO

A seemingly simple chignon is suddenly dressed up when you add a jeweled comb or barrette. “Slide it in right above and behind the ear so you can’t see it from the front,” says Garren. “It’s a good place for an accessory, especially if you’re going to be wearing earrings.”

DEFINED CURLS

Some things in life are hard to define. Curls, though, are easy. Start by coating them with a moisturizing cream, like Redken Ringlet 07 Curl Perfector, then blow-dry with a diffuser while gently twisting them into coils. “I love the diffuser from Devachan that looks like a hand,” Trygstad says. “It dries the hair without blowing it around.” Apply a mist of shine spray (try Garnier Fructis Style Brilliantine Shine Glossing Spray) for that extra layer of gloss.

SHORT CURLS

Thin hot rollers will give shoulder-length hair massive volume and sexy, springy spirals. Twist a one-inch section, then place a half-inch roller at its roots; wrap the hair around it. Once it’s all been set this way, let it sit for 15 minutes, then gently brush it out.

VOLUMIZED BLOWOUT

To get loads of volume, run mousse through damp hair, then pick up your blow-dryer and round brush. “Start blow-drying hair to the side immediately,” says Buckett. “Then wrap sections of hair around the brush, holding each in place for a few seconds so that you’re using the brush as a Velcro roller, heating the hair on it instead of pulling it smooth.” When you’re finished drying, rub a dab of pomade, such as L’Oréal Professionnel Lumi Contrôle, over your fingers, then use them to tousle the ends.

A BOUNCY PONYTAIL

For an elegant take on the signature cheerleader high ponytail, Garren suggests center-parting the hair in the very front, then using hair spray to slick it over the head. Make your ponytail at the back of the crown. Flatiron the tail, then tease the hair underneath the base of the ponytail “to get that puff,” says Garren.

A BIG UPDO

This particular style is a little extreme, but a tamer version would be perfectly appropriate anytime. “Pull hair back in a high ponytail, then tease the tail,” Trygstad says. “Then make one big loop with it by wrapping it under itself, pinning down the ends at your scalp.” Slide on a thick knit headband at the hairline as a bold finish.

via 31 New Hair Ideas for 2011: Inside Allure: allure.com.

Is It Time For The Word “Fashionista” To Be Retired?

Here at STF, we tend to call a style-obsessed trendoid, clotheshorse kind of girl a “Slave to Fashion,” for obvious reasons. For the rest of the world, the term “fashionista” seems to get the job done, but now that we’re entering a new decade, is it finally time to retire the word for good?

The New York Times seems to think so. They’ve compiled a list of the most “Worn-Out Fashion Terms,” and among them is “fashionista,” which they deem to be as outdated as Victoria Beckham’s 2007 getup pictured above. “The word has gone from describing a class of urban style-conscientious sophisticates to becoming a lazy and cheap by word for anyone with a modicum of taste. (See ‘hipster.’),” Simone S. Oliver writes.

via Is It Time For The Word “Fashionista” To Be Retired?: Slaves to Fashion: Fashion: glamour.com.

3 Easy Tips For Pulling Of The Maxi Skirt In Style

The maxi skirt is huge news for 2011, but before you get all “I’m too short/curvy/timid to wear one!”, we’ve got a few great tips for rocking the soon-to-be staple with style.

1: Define that waist! There’s one surefire way to look like a shapeless sack in a maxi skirt–by hiding your gorgeous figure under too much fabric. Adding a belt, like Olivia Palermo did with her motorcycle jacket/printed skirt combo, or as seen on a model from J. Crew’s spring 2011 presentation, will give you a distinct silhouette and help emphasize the slimmest part of your body.

2: Show a little skin We’re not saying you need to get all T&A extravaganza on us, but a little flash of flesh will keep your maxi skirt far from grandma territory. Opt for a deep-plunging v-neck, like on this model at MaxMara, or wear a sleeveless turtleneck to remind people that you’ve got a hot young bod under that super-long skirt.

3: Mind your proportions This one is especially helpful if you’re not a supermodel–don’t go big on the top and big on the bottom, because too much volume can give the appearance that you’re bigger than you really are. If you’ve got some curves, flaunt ‘em in a tucked-in fitted top; if you’re keen on keeping your bum covered, go for a boyfriend blazer and cinch it around the middle.

Have you dolls been temped to try out the maxi skirt trend yet? How would you wear it? Do any of these tips make the trend seem less intimidating? Discuss!

via 3 Easy Tips For Pulling Of The Maxi Skirt In Style: Slaves to Fashion: Fashion: glamour.com.

Best Evening Bags

The 20 best clutches, minaudières, and minibags to put the finishing touch on any party outfit

via Best Evening Bags – Discover More Accessories on ELLE.com.