Guest Blogger Feature - '5 under $50 for Spring' by Couture Carrie

Since early 2008, ultra-fabulous fashion blogger, Couture Carrie has been thrilling us with her daily trend reports and abundant selections of inspirational photos from the runways as well as online retail stores. Now, here to help us get ready for Spring, CC has listed below her top five fashion picks under $50 for the season.



Thanks to Danz for being a blogging inspiration and inviting CC as the first Guest Star in this series of posts!

For Spring, darlings, CC suggests whimsy, color, retro glamour, and an adventurous spirit. Here are CC's five picks for fab fashions under $50:

1.

American Apparel Unisex Oversized See Thru T Shirt
Price: US$32.00

CC loves this versatile piece as a belted tunic, a swingy dress (just layer it over an AA tube dress, and be sure to roll up the sleeves to show off those shoulders), or as a chic beach cover-up. Get it in basic black or experiment with some of the 80s-throwback brights that designers are championing for Spring!

2.

Victoria's Secret Shadow Dot Bikini
Price: US$37.00

CC absolutely adores VS bikinis, and the price is right on this one; not to mention that polka dots are the ultimate in retro chic for Spring. Just witness all the fab dotted swimsuits at Michael Kors!

3.

Alexander McQueen for Target Tiger Print Shift Dress
Price: US$44.99

The pieces in McQueen's collection for Target are sure to be collector's items, and CC loves this one for its unique design - remember that patterned dresses are hot for Spring - and its flirty length. Accessorize with last year's gladiators or #5 below!

4.

Delia's Morgan Low-Rise Skinny Jean
Price: US$49.50

CC loves the acidwash and shredded denim trends, but how about something a little cheerier for the warmer weather? Coral and lemon yellow are big this season, and these skinnies are just so fun!

5.

Forever 21 Fringe Open Toe Boots
Price: US$34.80

Leave it to Forever 21 to knock off the season's hottest trends - the open toed bootie and the fringed sandal. This hybrid is the perfect transitional pair to take you from late winter through Spring. Show off those mile long legs by donning these booties with a micro mini or some of Spring's fabulous Alexander Wang-inspired rolled shorts!



Be sure to tune in to Couture Carrie beginning on Monday for CC's ABCs of Spring.

xoxox,

CC


Thanks CC for those stylish and budget-friendly tips for Spring!

Also, I'd like to remind U.S residents that there are five days left to enter to win a Rachel Leigh Sex and the City-inspired Studded Belt from Chickdowntown. Click here or on the banner in the sidebar to submit your entry or for more details!

Grey's Desirability

As far as wardrobe staples go, I've covered both black and white. Now it's time to shine the fashion spotlight on the gorgeous shades of grey in between.

This moody neutral colour is far from dull this season as it's showing up in many shades on tons of trendy clothing styles.

Even though my love for grey may not be as extreme as this, I'm still craving a few grey items right now - specifically boots and bags - to add to my wardrobe.

Grey is powerful enough to stand on its own but I think it looks even better when it's paired with brighter colours like pink, purple or yellow.

Below are some chic grey clothing and accessories for your consideration.

Back Linen Dress
Price: US$34.00

Gray Drawstring Chain Tote
Price: US$36.99
(use code FFATTRACTION at checkout for 10% discount)

HAMAK Side Zip Jacket
Price: US$42.99

Breckelle Grace-26 Ankle Boot Gray
Price: US$19.99

Grey Lurex Tier Cami
Price: UK £20.00 (US$34.66)

Cropped Capelet
Price: US$38.00

Grey/White Tulle Pleat Skirt
Price: US$22.00

Pointelle Scarf
Price: US$10.80

ASOS Grey Stud Detail Skinny Jeans
Price: UK £28.00 (US$48.60)

Celebrity Style for less - Kate Beckinsale

Does anyone else think Kate Beckinsale's outfit (below) looks as though she may have had Alexander Wang's FW08 collection in mind when she put it together?

photo courtesy sekkushi.com

This is the second time I've done a Celebrity Style for less feature on Kate, and for good reason. The actress looks as fantastic while out shopping in L.A on October 2, 2008.

Her relaxed loose top, ripped skinny jeans and beanie combo is dressed up with the help of a pair of white hot pumps and large, glamorous sunglasses.

Below are some stylish and affordable pieces that will help you recreate Kate's fabulously cool look.

Kimchi Blue Alsace Tank
Price: US$42.00

Women: Women's Long Rib-Knit Tanks - Black
Price: US$8.50

Gattomatto Frayed Detail Jeans
Price: US$55.00

Monroe Sexy Pointed-Toe Pump
Price: US$39.50

Veloured Polar Fleece Beanie - Black
Price: US$9.99

Spitfire Vintage Oversized Sunglasses
Price: UK £9.00 (US$16.23)

Total: US$171.22

Fashion Inspiration - Vivid Colour

I've always loved wearing bright colours because of the way they instantly make me feel more alive and confident. My outfit post below was inspired by all the lovely, bold colours I've been seeing everywhere that will be even more prominent when summer arrives.


Some of my inspiration came from the Resort 2009 collections which were subdued for the most part but colour intensity was seen here and there such as on the runways of Christian Dior and Oscar de la Renta.

photos courtesy style.com

Colour was outstanding on the red carpets and at other events at the Cannes Film Festival. Eva Longoria, Natalie Portman, Salma Hayek and Dita von Teese looked positively stunning in their gorgeous, highly saturated dresses.

photos courtesy justjared.com

These fashionable ladies on various street style and personal fashion blogs show they're not afraid of wearing the boldest of colours, whether in the form of a dress or separates.

There was the lovely lady in pink from France (Garance Doré), the wonderfully stylish Silje from Norway looked divine in a red dress (Silje's Fashion), California girl Lulu worked a funky yellow top (Lulu's chic blog), New York fashion stylist Julie Ragolia was chic in a green skirt (The Sartorialist), Copenhagen girl looked cool in a purple skirt (Copenhagen Street Style) and in Austin, Texas, this lady was beautiful in a blue and purple dress on a night out (Austin Style Watch).




These guys also show their lack of intimidation when it comes to wearing bright colours.

The picture of confidence in a purple suit in Munich (Style Clicker), a stylish blue short trench in Paris (Street Peeper) and a pair of bold red jeans in New York (Street Peeper).




In this gorgeous editorial spread from the May/June issue of V Magazine, models Jessica Stam, Doutzen Krous and Lily Donaldson look extra radiant in brightly hued clothing and accessories.

photos courtesy fashionising.com

You can bring some colour into your life and style with these items below.

ASOS Full Skirt Cotton Dress
Price: UK £28.00 ($61.07)
http://www.asos.com/countryid/2/Chloe-Sevigny/Asos/Asos-Full-Skirt-Cotton-Dress/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=224621&cid=4168&clr=Orange&sh=0&Rf-200=7

Dipped Drop Earrings
Price: US$3.80
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=casual+tops&product%5Fid=1050277760&showBACK=OK

Nine West Nacre
Price: US$59.99

http://www.ninewest.com/n/browse/product.s?productId=2923000&origin_displayName=5W1291719&type=cross

Coil Rosette Dress
Price: US$29.80
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=dresses&product%5Fid=2049106311&Page=all

Stop Staring Vintage Reproduction 1940s Pleated Skirt
Price: US$79.95
http://babygirlboutique.com/stop-staring-1940s-pleated-pencil-skirt-cranberry.html

Ikat Top
Price: US$19.99
http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3083056&cp=&view=all&sr=1&origkw=green&kw=green&parentPage=search&searchId=

ONA Puffy Sleeved Collared Zip-Up Jacket
Price: US$28.99
http://stores.channeladvisor.com/cutesyshoes/Items/onaigj445-purple?sck=3043829&caSKU=onaigj445-purple&caTitle=ONA%20Puffy%20Sleeved%20Collared%20Zip-Up%20Jacket%20Purple

Yellow Envelope Clutch
Price: US$18.00
http://moxiebee.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_9&products_id=29

Sheath Dress with Contrast Banding
Price: US$49.99
http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=13087&Ne=1400001&Nr=AND%28CAT_SALE_FLAG%3aY%29&viewAll=true&Ns=SALE_SEQUENCE_NO&N=1200054+61+1400027&Nty=1&sizeTypeRefinement=Misses&categoryId=270&defaultColorNameFromCategory=Hot%20Pink&defaultSizeTypeFromCategory=Misses

Shop in Style Turquoise Flare Skirt

Price: US$58.00
http://www.yesstyle.com/en/Product.aspx?pid=1010912769&section=women&

I apologize for the exceptionally long post today but I had a lot of inspiration to share!

Would you rock this? - Fergie

Living in the Caribbean, I've grown up seeing tie dye all around and over time, I developed a serious aversion to it. This was to the point that nothing even resembling tie dye would've been seen on my body at any point in time. Now, I'm trying to be more open with a lot of looks I may not have been comfortable before. I was actually making some progress, I could look at it and not be repulsed by it.

photo courtesy justjared.buzznet.com

Unfortunately, Fergie has successfully re-established my dislike for all things tie dyed. The "Glamourous" singer was seen in a pair of bold tie-dyed jeans on April 10 and judging by the look on her face, she seems to be willingly wearing them. No signs of struggle anywhere.

What do you think? Am I wrong to despise this look, at least from the waist down?

Sale Alert - Nordstrom.com

Nordstrom is having a 50% off sale on selected women's brand shoes and a 33-50% online only sale on selected women's apparel; PLUS SIZES AND MATERNITY INCLUDED. There are many great options under $100 and trust me, what I feature here are only a few of many. So just go check it out and you may find something you like.

Bailey 44 Paillette Dress
Sale Price: US$59.90
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2955526/0~2376788~6002242~6007533~6008662?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6008662&P=4

Flounce TBD Ruffled Silk Top
Sale Price: US$71.90
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2947937/0~2376788~6002242~6007533~6008662?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6008662&P=5


'Kalani' Stretch Trouser Jeans
Sale Price: US$37.90
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2935834/0~2376788~6002242~6007533~6008662?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6008662&P=2

Sweet Pea by Stacy Frati Short Sleeve Kimono Top (Plus)
Sale Price:US$63.90
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2961656/0~2376788~6002242~6007533~6008662?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6008662&P=4


Fever Houndstooth Sweater Coat
Sale Price: US$48.90
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2953055/0~2376788~6002242~6007533~6008662?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6008662&P=3


GUESS? 'Pilsner' Satin Pump
Sale Price: US$59.90
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2946761/0~2376788~6002242~6007715~6008488?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6008488&P=2

VANEli 'Ninon' Boot
Sale Price: US$95.90
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2931428/0~2376788~6002242~6007599~6007612?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6007612&P=1



GUESS? 'Bridonna' Animal Print Wedge
Sale Price: US$54.90
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2980894/0~2376788~6002242~6007715~6008488?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6008488&P=2

Click here to go to the Women's Apparel Sale page.

Click here to go to the Women's Shoes Sale page.