I read recently, that a stylish gal opted to wear the same dress for ONE full year but switched things up a bit by layering jackets, sweaters, turtlenecks, belts, and other accessories to change the look up COMPLETELY!  I must say, after viewing her “diary” of looks it was hard to recognize her LBD as the same in most of the pics!  While I am certainly not insinuating to wear the same exact dress every single day, I do want to share some different ways of styling up a basic so that you can get extra mileage out of it during the work week when that dreaded “I have nothing to wear” hits you square in the face.

I have selected a very plain but full of style black tunic dress that would work on just about every body type but can be changed up easily with the swapping of a flat to a heel and a slouchy sweater to a fuzzy faux fur vest.  All items featured can be found at www.revolveclothing.com

Going on a date?  Chillin’ with some friends and hitting up a movie and a cup of joe, or maybe heading to an end of the season summer picnic?  Perhaps this weekend is a good time to don the white pants for the last go ’round or maybe you want to pull out a brand new “fall” piece and debut it for all to admire.  Whatever the case the following are some ideas in case you need some!  Enjoy the holiday weekend!

So how, to wear the gems above?  And more importantly, where can you buy these pieces?  Look #1 is a sweet pink romper($35) paired with a wide strappy belt ($13) and finished with some fabulous metallic gold pumps with girly ruffs ($128).  You can find all these pieces on lulus.com.  Log on now and ask for over night delivery!

Look #2 features the season’s hottest denim trend – ripped and torn.  I found these skinnies on forever21.com ($29) and finished the look with this sexy-sweet black ruffled halter from Bebe ($79).  Be sure to go mile high and don some sweet stillettos to seal the deal.  I love the dose of leopard on the platform that adds a little extra interest and spice.  Find the shoe on bebe.com for $149.

The final look is all about sequins – again a fall must-have.  Be not afraid to sparkle this season and don shorts, tops, or jackets in the shiny stuff.  I totally dig this Chanel-inspired jacket ($385) found on intermixonline.com and would do it up right with the chiffon bow waistband shorts ($245).  Keep the top beneath simple simon and don a simple white tee or tank – OR try something with a funky graphic.  Skip ruffles or any other embellishment.  The focus is on the jacket here.  Punctuate the look with a colorful bootie that changes up the black and white palette.  Who can resist these aubergine cuties with fuschia trim ($38)?! Get ‘em now on asos.com.

OH – and the floating bow bag?!  Why that’s to go with everything!  I love the boxy shape and the neutral toned bow – Absolutely gorge and will go with anything anytime of year – asos.com – $282.

The Phillip Lim 3.1 spring summer 2009 collection certainly didn’t disappoint.  One of the stand-out and signature features of the collection was Lim’s use of the zipper as an artsy embellishment.  Zippers were formed into cascading waterfalls against classic silhouettes and the shoes that stomped the runway mimicked the pretty and girly vibe from start to finish.  Mimic the Lim look for less with a few of the key items shown below…

The metallic t-straps shown left are a fabulous Lim look alike and would not only be fabulous with a Lim-like frock but also as an eye catching punctuation with everyday denim, professional pencil skirt, or fun easy-going jumpsuit.  Log onto www.asos.com to purchase.

The purple ruffled T-straps featured right are not only a fun hue, but the added height provided by the platform will provide uberlong legs and a sleek overall effect.  Try a pair of colorful kicks with an all-white ensemble or all-black.  Buy these on www.topshop.com for $190.00.

 To replicate the zippy frock, log back on to asos.com where this  pretty black number that gets a boost of style with the mesh top and ruffled peplum skirt.  Pair this dress with  the gold ruffled pumps above and finish your 80’s-inspired look with some gold shoulder dusting earrings.

I know that all of my dear Ohio.com readers have wondered where I have wondered off to for the past week.  While I am not into excuses, I have a good one…I have launched yet another style post on the Cleveland Examiner that went live for the first time last week.  I am fastidiously attempting to boost my page views, so I ask all of you loyal SJS’ers to please check it out.  As with See Jane, you’ll get lots of advice, shopping ideas, plus slideshows of fun fashion! http://www.examiner.com/x-13166-Cleveland-Style-and-Fashion-Examiner is the link – please subscribe!!!! And don’t worry once I get all of this down pat, I will continue to update SJS!

Megan Fox looked smokin’ hot at the MTV music awards in her thigh skimming frock and towering platforms and she nailed her accessories right on too – not shying away from gold even though her dress was adorned with silver.  So how can you replicate this fabulous look for less?  Quite easily actually.  I found this full skirted shortie on asos.com for a mere $53.00 and came across these uber high heels at Bebe again at an easy to swallow price of only $128.00.  Why does this look work?  Typically one should shy away from a short dress and chunky simply because the proportion is a bit too sex-pot and not chic.  This however is ok, because the dress has a definitely feminine vibe as it is adorned with beautiful (girly) flowers and has a dainty full circle skirt.  The prettiness of the dress perfectly offsets the trannie-like vibe of the platform and creates an eye-catching balance.  Yes, Megan looks sexy, however she still looks pretty and current.  STYLE NOTE: NEVER WEAR sexy stripper-like shoes with a tight bandage style dress – WAY TOO OVER THE TOP!

Who else gets a style star after waltzing the MTV red carpet?  I was quite partial to the easy breezy appeal of Vanessa Hudgens (Photo courtesy of MTV.com) melon-hued satin frock and totally dig the boho vibe that her uber long gold necklaces lend to the entire look.  What else is a style surprise here?  The subtle peek we get of her black sturdy sandals and deeper hued clutch – both dark colors contrast nicely with her sorbet colored frock and give her a nice MTV style edge.  While this charmeuse gown is harder to come by, Hudgen’s fab shoes were not.  I found a similar pair on stevemadden.com for about $189.00 and scoured the web for some cool long necklaces too and found these gems at asos.com.  The long pendant style necklace is a cheap thrill at only $15.00 while the shorter disk style necklace comes in at $30.00.  Just think about how much use you’ll get out of all this stuff!

What’s the best part of summer dressing for me?!  Getting to pull out all of my bright whites, of course!  Who doesn’t love a crisp brand new white tank, tee, sweater, blouse, or pair of pants – and oh, how good they look when they are pulled straight off the rack!  While white is great to mix with whatever colors you choose, it’s also a fabulous monochromatic look as well.  There is nothing more fresh than a slouchy pair of linen drawstring pants, paired with a gauzy white tunic style top, OR, I love the simplicity of white perfectly fitted jeans with a simple ribbed tank.   For a dressier look, it’s hard to beat a pretty white dress with delicate eyelet details.  TO accessorize your favorite blank canvas you can stick with the white and pile on enamel-like or Lucite bangles, swing white hoops from your ears, and find a bauble-icious over-sized beaded necklace to swathe around your neck. 

Metallics are also fabulous with white.  You really can’t go wrong with gold or silver, just make sure that they are noticeable and not dinky.  Skip, button style earrings and instead try ornate chandeliers or something else that will sway in the breeze.

As we e anter the month of May, the air becomes a bit more friendly, the sun shows its lovely rays, and dum dum da dum… We begin wedding season.  Brides-to-be choose springy summer months for obvious reasons in Ohio – nicer weather and for some a freed up schedule.  So, what do you do when you get the invite and it says, “Black Tie Optional” or doesn’t state a dress requirement at all?  Well time of day dictates a lot.  Perhaps the happy couple elects a daytime luncheon/brunch on Sunday.  For an occasion such as this a pretty summer floral dress would be appropriate and even a hat. Choose bright or pastel colors that reflect the festiveness of the event and carry a girly clutch to close the deal.

Should your lovely invite states “Black Tie Optional”, “Black Tie Preferred”, or “Black Tie” women need to wear their finest attire.  A full-length gown is acceptable or a lovely satin dress with beautiful details like crystal embellishments or ornate ruffles would be the way to go.  It should go without saying, but hair, make-up, and accessories must be spot-on as well.  Your man should don his tuxedo, however if the invitation states “optional” it’s not a requirement to rent a tux if they don’t have one.  HOWEVER, they must wear their best suit.  Sport coats for an event like this are unacceptable.

Ok, so your invite mentions nothing about dress code and the blessed event takes place after 5p on either Friday or Saturday night.  What to wear?  The general rule of thumb is dress up more than you think you should.  Ladies: Cocktail dresses are a great way to go.  Should you despise frolicking in a frock though you may choose a beautiful pair of silky trousers paired with a chiffon top again with special details.  A tank top and black pants is a no-no.  Men, since it is after 5p a sport coat and nice pants is the most respectable way to be dressed.  Khakis and a polo-style shirt are entirely too casual for an event such as a wedding and bottom line insult the hosts of the party.

So, unless the nuptials you are attending state “Hoedown” or “VERY casual backyard picnic” skip shorts, jeans, cut-offs, wife beaters, tee-shirts with inappropriate slogans or beer bottle graphics, and tennis shoes.  Remember, a wedding is a very important day to the bride and the groom and when guests arrive in jeans or something else worn on a lazy Sunday afternoon they are showing the ultimate disrespect to those who planned this day so carefully.  Choose your attire wisely and you’ll not only feel better about yourself, but the merry couple with appreciate your efforts.

Dreary wet days like today beg for a jolt of happy color!  Stash away your head to toe gray and black when the weather turns dismal and try the season’s hottest new neon shades that will definitely get you a second glance or two.  I love mixing spring/summer’s popular colors with basics like white, khaki, and charcoal to tone down the overall effect and create an eye appealing look.

Look #1: Pink and black is always a good combo and made even better when it’s bright, bright, bright!  I love the look of a sweetly tiered pencil skirt with a flowy whisper thin cotton tank tucked in and subtly bloused.  Finish off your look with an ultra-fem stilletto pump.  I like these from Bebe (on sale ladies!) since they are sky high and have added prettiness with an oversized bow!

Look #2: Orange is a great in-your-face color too and not worn very much.  Juxtapose the second-skin dress with a bubble jacket (worn open with the collar popped) in a neutral shade to create a pseudo sporty look (also very IN right now!)  Stick to a flesh-toned neutral shoe so as not to introduce any other colors, and show off mile long legs in a platform-slingback style like shown.

Look #3: Neon green is a fresh way to introduce bright into your reportoire!  This more casual look is is subtly neon while remaining current.  I would pair this positively perfectly polka-dotted sweater with black cigarrette pants, and a flat sandal – OR – with your favorite torn up denim rolled up, and a statement black gladiator sturdy sandal.

I hate when people tell me that they can’t wear pink!  There are thousands of shades out there and definitely one that will work with your complexion – Mix it with black, brown, carmel, silver, gold or WHATEVER – it’s the perfect girly color that will make you standout!

It sure was sweet to take a look at some of the collections featured at Milan Fashion Week.  There was lots of dazzling bling and pretty fabrics and colors.  Out of the long list of designers who presented in Milan I was particularly taken by both the Blumarine and Dolce Gabbana collections that were ultra luxe, not to mention lots of fun!

Beginning with Blumarine – the pop art Andy Warhol backdrop with lots of bright pinks, orange, and yellows sure was eye-catching and the sassy leopard print mini dresses, coats, and shoes were entertaining.  What I love most about this particular designer is her use of vibrant hues, perked up neutrals, feminine trims, and extra-special details.  In the instance featured to the right, an everyday camel colored jacket helps to downplay the razzle dazzle of the thigh-skimming dress and the neutral animal print glads tie everything up just right.  

Want more bling?  Take a look at the sweet shoes paired with this dynamic midnight and black  hued plunging neckline feathery frock.  If there is anything that we can learn about the fabulous styling of this look it is: Be not afraid of mixing black and blue.  So many times I hear women and men alike gasp in horror when they even THINK about pairing black with blue or even brown with black… There are no RULES.  Try mixing and matching things that “go against the grain” and you may come up with a new favorite ensemble.  Need an idea?  Try a beautiful navy blue sheath paired with a shiny black patent Mary Jane Platform – super sophisticated!

Perhaps the exaggerated above the knee hemlines are the fashion industry’sway of saving money on fabrics – or maybe they just love the sexy look?!  I love this winter white skin-tight little one featured right.  We saw a couple of these pretty sculpted looks on the red carpet at the various awards shows recently!  Again, take a look at those gorgeous shoes – which I would stalk her for – which are just funky enough to un-pretty her sweet cocktail number just a tinge.

So onto Dolce… I love the 1940’s nod with the structured shoulder and fur… Not to mention the sleeked back, deep sided parted hair and red lips.  The color palette was again a bit noir but still fabulous to look at but as D&G is known for, they always have to inject some sort of effulgent or metallic color.  Out of the whole collection this was the sole golden piece.  I love the abbreviated hemline, thick tights, pouffed shoulders and awesome fringy/ruffled neckline. 

I did say that good ole Dolce likes to do the bright hue… Take a look at this electric magenta dress with loads of pleating, exaggerated shoulders, cinched waist and perfect pencil skirt.  I could die for this piece that would suck in all the bad parts and leave a gorgeous silhouette on just about anyone.  With a dress like this style with caution.  Hair and make-up shouldn’t be too dramatic. A simple chignon would do the trick and a dab of deep dark rouge on the pout! 

And finally, this was another Italiano who loved the black and blue combo.  I just had to show off this pretty woven circle skirt dress and out to there fuzzy accoutrement.  This is THE way to style up a look.  As you see here this pretty frock is made even more amazing with a full-on foxy shrug on the shoulders, nipped in waist, thicker than thick tights, demure black leather gloves to the wrist, and of course, let’s not forget the shoes… Showstopping suede towering platforms that show-off gem buttons. 

This time of year, when we are still coveting our layers look to D&G for inspiration.  Pile on the fur, don’t forget the gloves, and paint on a pretty mouth – you’ll be ahead of the gang!

Friday always gets me in the mood to shop (not that, that is hard to do) but I thought why not share some of the current items that I am lusting over with you TGIF’ers this very day that definitely won’t break the bank, but are highon the style meter.   Terrific threads sure are important, but accessories also make my heart go pitter-pat… So, enjoy dear readers I have been www’ing all morning looking for the perfect pants, most handsome handbags, beautiful bracelets, knock ‘em out necklaces, sassed-up sunglasses, jiving jumpsuits, fabulous frocks, and killer kicks.  WHEW… Oh, and ENJOY!

SEXY SHOES:

What’s better than a towering platform heel?  Not much for a shorty-pants like me.  This fab threesome above knocked my socks off (no I probably won’t do the sock trend this spring) and could be used all year round… From denim to damask these stilettos will be fabulous. 

Couldn’t you die over the “big” shoe trend?  I love gladiator styles and shoes that have multiple colors and oodles of ‘tude.  A prettied up fem floral frock would be made WAY more interesting with a pair of these gorge glads!

 DEAD-ON DRESSES:

I like this trio because I can wear them all now.  I love the architectural shape of dress #1 – very current and malleable – wear with bright tights, booties, and a shrunken leather number now and bare legs and sky-high heels later in the year.  Dress #2 would be cool with a long chunky sweater top  now and with flat fringed sandals later. Dress #3 makes florals functional all year round and would look super sassy with the first brown shoe shown above.

Jet-set Jumpsuits and Perfect Pantalones:

I have posted my love for jumpsuits already, but in case you are hungry for more, the two pictured above are simply easy to salivate over… Just think how comfortable you’ll be in your new onesie.  All you need to do is add an eye-catching belt and lots of jewels – try a wide cuff bracelet (get inspired below) and pretty long pendant necklace… Don’t forget your gladiators.

I love the high-waist pant… And you dear readers definitely know that already.  Just look at how much longer the leg looks in both of the styles shown and just think how well you can show off your new shoes with these abbreviated lengths. 

Sassy Satchels and Can’t Live Without Clutches:

Two are pretty, and one is more rock ‘n roll… Have to love them all though, right?!  The oversized black suede tote also has a convertible strap so you can wear it across the bod if you need to go hands-free.

Awesome Accessories:

Don’t have a PERFECT necklace, belt, ring, or cuff?  Try one of these on for size.  Always remeber, when piling on the sweet stuff make sure it shows up.. Skip dinky studs and mini-bracelets for something that speaks louder than words.

Cute Coats and Cover Ups:

Gotta love the ruffs on these pretty pink jackets and the petal toned bolero.  Try the sleeveless trench with over the elbow sheer gloves for a fun look or just layer over your favorite light sweater with kitchy pattern.

Shade your Peepers:

I have an abundant sunglasses collection and wouldn’t give any of them up… The bigger, the better is always my mantra.  Who doesn’t look better when their shades are on?  I totally dig the retro styles above that are totally hot right now.  Buy ‘em up and throw them on, I promise you’ll feel like a star!

Want the inside scoop on where to shop for these must-haves? Shoot me an email and I’ll help you shop til you drop!